| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08577035B2 |
Electronic circuit for securing data interchanges between a computer station and a network
The present invention relates to an electronic circuit for securing data interchanges between a computer station and a network, said circuit comprising a first network interface connected to said network, said circuit comprising at least a second network interface connected to a network interface of said computer station, a unit for processing data passing between the first network interface and the second network interface, an interface for connection to an internal bus of the computer station suitable for electrically connecting the power supply, said electronic circuit not comprising any means of transferring processed data with the bus of said station. The invention applies in particular to the protection of personal computers handling confidential data. |
| US08577032B2 |
Common key block encryption device, common key block encryption method, and program
A common key block encryption device includes a first hash unit applying locked key permutation to a variable-length s-bit plaintext, and outputting a fixed-length n-bit first block and a second (s-n)-bit block; a first encryption processing unit outputting a third block encrypted by element of n-bit block tweakable block cipher using tweak, inputting the first block; a second encryption processing unit generating a random number (s-n)-bit block with a result of group computation of the third block and the first block as input by using an arbitrary cipher having theoretical security at least against a known-plaintext attack; and a second hash unit applying the locked key permutation to the result of the group computation of the random number block and the second block, and to the third block to output a fifth n-bit block and a sixth (s-n)-bit block. The fifth and sixth blocks are concatenated into an s-bit encryption. |
| US08577031B2 |
Arrangement comprising an integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (1) is provided with function modules (2) which comprise a central processing unit (4) for treating data and executing a program and a cache memory (5). Until now, it was complicated and costly to ensure the manipulation security of the modules. The function modules (2) comprise an encoding unit (6) for data encoding and decoding. |
| US08577028B2 |
System and method for performing exponentiation in a cryptographic system
There are disclosed systems and methods for computing an exponentiatied message. In one embodiment blinding is maintained during the application of a Chinese Remainder Theorem (CRT) algorithm and then removed subsequent to the completion of the CRT algorithm. In another embodiment, fault injection attacks, such as the gcd attack, can be inhibited by applying and retaining blinding during the application of the CRT algorithm to yield a blinded exponentiation value, and then subsequently removing the blinding in a manner that causes an error injected into the CRT computation to cascade into the exponent of the value used to unblind the blinded exponentiated value. |
| US08577023B2 |
Encryption processing method, apparatus, and computer program utilizing different types of S-boxes
A common-key blockcipher processing configuration with enhanced immunity against attacks such as saturation attacks and algebraic attacks (XSL attacks) is realized. In an encryption processing apparatus that performs common-key blockcipher processing, S-boxes serving as non-linear transformation processing parts set in round-function executing parts are configured using at least two different types of S-boxes. With this configuration, the immunity against saturation attacks can be enhanced. Also, types of S-boxes present a mixture of different types. With this configuration, the immunity against algebraic attacks (XSL attacks) can be enhanced, thereby realizing a highly secure encryption processing apparatus. |
| US08577022B2 |
Data processing apparatus
To improve encryption technology for a data processing apparatus in order to reduce a possibility of having communication broken by a third party. The data processing apparatus encrypts subject data and renders it as encrypted data to record it on a predetermined recording medium, and decrypts the encrypted data recorded on the recording medium to change it back to the subject data. The encryption is performed in units of plain text cut data generated by cutting the subject data by a predetermined number of bits, where the number of bits of the plain text cut data is varied and dummy data of a size having the number of bits matching with a piece of the plain text cut data of the largest number of bits is mixed with pieces of the plain text cut data other than that of the largest number of bits out of the plain text cut data. |
| US08577021B1 |
5 ringer equivalent number (REN) ringer circuit using a high voltage level translator and a source follower buffer and method therefor
A 5 Ringer Equivalent Number (REN) ringer circuit has a wave generator. A flip-flop is coupled to the wave generator and has a non-inverting and an inverting output. A high voltage level translator is coupled to each of the non-inverting and the inverting outputs of the flip-flop. A source follower buffer is coupled to an output of each of the high voltage level translators. |
| US08577013B1 |
Automatic communications forwarding to displaced employees
A system comprises a connection accessible to one or more incoming nodes, a call transfer interface for connecting the connection with the incoming nodes to a call transfer module capable of communicating with the incoming nodes, a distributed network of two or more provider nodes interfacing with the call transfer module through a router, the router connected to the call transfer module and provider nodes connected to the distributed network, said provider nodes connected to the incoming nodes through the router connected to the call transfer module connected to the call transfer interface and routed by the router in accordance with a provider node priority. |
| US08577009B2 |
Automatic complaint registration for violations of telephonic communication regulations
In an embodiment, a method comprises receiving call information to record a complaint from a called party against a calling party relating to receipt of a call and adding the call information to a complaint database. The call information may be retrieved from the complaint database and a check made for a match between called party information in a regulatory database and the call information. The call information may be updated in the complaint database based on results of the match checking. Reverse lookup information in a third party database may be requested with the call information updated in the complaint database based on results of the request. An entity may request complaint information from the complaint database. In response to the request, an application server may retrieve the requested complaint information from the complaint database and deliver the retrieved complaint information to the entity. |
| US08577006B2 |
User-defined system-enforced session termination in a unified telephony environment
Enforcing user-defined real-time communication session terminations can begin with a termination enforcement handler identifying termination conditions applicable to a real-time communication session hosted by a unified telephony system. The termination conditions can define a limit for an operational variable for the unified telephony system or the real-time communication session. The identified termination conditions can be evaluated. If a termination condition is satisfied, it can be determined which participants are to be disconnected from the real-time communication session based upon handling rules for the termination conditions and/or termination preferences associated with the real-time communication session. The termination preferences can be defined by an initiating entity of the real-time communication session. The participants can be notified that their connection to the real-time communication session will be terminated in a predefined time limit. If the predefined time limit is reached, the participants' connection to the real-time communication session can be automatically terminated. |
| US08577002B2 |
Call screening system and method
A system and method for screening telephone calls to a subscriber telephone number comprises a screening list of telephone numbers assigned to suspect callers and rules defining when a telephone number will be added to or removed from the screening list or ‘greylist,’ and/or modifying a screening value to be assigned to a telephone number in the greylist. Data relating to calls is received from subscribers and processed, and the telephone number is screened in accordance with the rules, based on the screening value assigned to the telephone number and optionally a selected subscriber tolerance level. Subscribers may add any telephone number to a personal list of telephone numbers to be blocked (blacklist) or telephone numbers to be accepted (whitelist). |
| US08577001B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling the blocking of telephone calls
Computer-implemented systems and methods for controlling the blocking of telephone calls are disclosed. A person, for example, bothered by calls from a prison inmate may desire to block future call attempts from that inmate or even desire to block all calls from the confinement/correctional institution at which the inmate is housed. To reduce accidental and fraudulent call blocking, various techniques are used to verify that the party requesting the block is, in fact, the party in control of the telephone number requested to be blocked. Embodiments herein enable call blocking using systems that require little or no human interaction to process a block request, reduce or eliminate accidental blocks via a callback confirmation process, create a documentation trail via the use of a profile and PIN system used for the processing of a block, and/or reduce fraudulent blocks by parties other than those authorized to do so via CNAM (Caller ID) verification. |
| US08576999B2 |
Communication terminal apparatus and transmission history control method
In a communication terminal apparatus having a telephone function, an information communication mode function and a transmission history display function, when transmission based on a telephone number described in an electronic information content such as an electronic mail, a website or the like is performed, the electronic information content is stored in a memory. Then, when a transmission history is displayed, the electronic information content is displayed in addition to transmission information by user handling. Thus, even if the transmission is performed while the electronic information content is being browsed, a user can know how situation the displayed transmission history is transmitted from. |
| US08576997B2 |
Methods of using biometric data in a phone system and apparatuses to perform the methods
A system includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including, in response to an activation event, sending information to a biometric input device to activate the biometric input device. The operations further include receiving biometric data corresponding to a particular user from the biometric input device. The operations include determining whether an identification of the particular user matches the biometric data. In response to determining that the identification of the particular user matches the biometric data, a service is provided to a device associated with the particular user. |
| US08576993B2 |
Method and system for combining text and voice messages in a communications dialogue
A method for delivering messages in a telecommunications network includes delivery of a first text-form message of a session N to the user of the service, in such a way that the sender address is convened to correspond to the session number N and the session stage J, in stages 2-n of the session N. Thus, a text-form message is received, from the user of the message service, at the sender address defined in the message in the previous stage, and the session proceeds according to the contents of the message, in such a way that the sender address is converted to correspond to the session number N and the new session stage J, and the next text-form message of session N is sent to the user of the message service. |
| US08576986B2 |
X-ray system and method for sampling image data
An X-ray imaging method includes in a digital X-ray detector including an array of discrete picture elements each including a photodiode and a transistor, applying a first voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements. The method also includes preparing for acquisition of X-ray image data by sampling data from the discrete picture elements while applying a second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled, the second voltage being more negative than the first voltage. The method further includes receiving X-ray radiation on the detector from a source. The method yet further includes sampling X-ray image data from the discrete picture elements while applying the second voltage to the transistors of the discrete picture elements not then being sampled. |
| US08576985B2 |
Methods for indexing solid forms of compounds
The methods of the invention determine the unit cell parameters of a crystalline solid form using diffraction data and applying an algorithm. Using the algorithm, the unit cell parameters may be determined, which may allow one to distinguish between different crystalline solid forms of a substance. |
| US08576984B2 |
Solid-state image pickup apparatus and X-ray inspection system
A solid-state image pickup apparatus 1A includes a photodetecting section 10A and a signal readout section 20 etc. In the photodetecting section 10A, M×N pixel units P1,1 to PM,N are arrayed in M rows and N columns. When in a first imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in a photodiode of each of the M×N pixel units in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in a second imaging mode, a voltage value according to an amount of charges generated in the photodiode of each pixel unit included in consecutive M1 rows in the photodetecting section 10A is output from the signal readout section 20. When in the second imaging mode than when in the first imaging mode, the readout pixel pitch in frame data is smaller, the frame rate is higher, and the gain being a ratio of an output voltage value to an input charge amount in the signal readout section 20 is greater. |
| US08576983B2 |
X-ray detector for phase contrast imaging
The invention relates to an X-ray detector (30) that comprises an array of sensitive elements (Pi−1,b, Pia, Pib, Pi+1,a, Pi+1,b) and at least two analyzer gratings (G2a, G2b) disposed with different phase and/or periodicity in front of two different sensitive elements. Preferably, the sensitive elements are organized in macro-pixels (IIi) of e.g. four adjacent sensitive elements, where analyzer gratings with mutually different phases are disposed in front said sensitive elements. The detector (30) can particularly be applied in an X-ray device (100) for generating phase contrast images because it allows to sample an intensity pattern (I) generated by such a device simultaneously at different positions. |
| US08576982B2 |
Personnel screening system
The present specification discloses an inspection system for detecting objects being carried by a person. The inspection system is highly modular and capable of being assembled by a two person team using conventional tooling equipment. In one embodiment, the inspection system has three primary modules—two detection modules and one radiation source module—that can be readily attached and detached from each other or to a frame and connected to a signal processing system to provide for a quick set up and tear down process. |
| US08576980B2 |
Apparatus and method for acquiring sectional images
Disclosed is a computer implemented method of interrogating volumetric data, the method including the steps of: defining a reference surface relative to the volumetric data; providing an interrogation window lying in a movable interrogation plane intersecting the reference surface and the interrogation window intersecting the volumetric data, said interrogation plane having a pole lying in it about which pole said interrogation plane is rotatable, wherein movement of the interrogation plane provides a corresponding movement of the interrogation window; for each movement of the interrogation plane, determining the point of intersection of said pole and said reference surface, determining the relative angle of rotation of said interrogation plane about said pole and determining the angle of inclination of said pole to said reference surface; and on the basis of said determinations, providing a sectional image through the volumetric data corresponding to the position of the interrogation window within the volumetric data. Also disclosed is a computer system for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, the system includes a processor for performing the steps of the method and a visual display for displaying said sectional image. |
| US08576977B2 |
Method for designing a fuel assembly optimized as a function of the stresses in use in light-water nuclear reactors, and resulting fuel assembly
A method for design of a fuel assembly for nuclear reactors, including structural components made from zirconium alloy: the mean uniaxial tensile or compressive stress to which the components are subjected during the assembly life is calculated, the zirconium alloy of which the components are made is selected according to the following criteria: those components subjected to an axial or transverse compressive stress of between −10 et −20 MPa are made from an alloy with a content of Sn between Sn=(=0.025σ−0.25)% and Sn=−0.05σ%: those components subjected to such a stress of between 0 et −10 MPa are made from an alloy the Sn content of which is between Sn=traces and Sn=(0.05σ+1)%: those components subjected to such a stress of between 0 and +10 MPa are made from an alloy the Sn content of which is between Sn=0.05% and Sn=(0.07σ+1)%: and those components subjected to such a stress of between +10 and +20 MPa are made from an alloy the content of SN of which is between 0.05% and 1.70%. A fuel assembly made according to the method. |
| US08576966B2 |
Systems and methods for detecting tampering with video transmission systems
Systems and methods for controlling transmission of signals are described. A camera-side modem is configured to receive two signals from a video camera and to extract a received passband signal from a transmission line. A detector in the camera-side modem generates an alarm signal when disruption or loss of the received passband signal is identified. An enable signal is used to control transmission of at least one of the baseband video signal and the passband video signal. The passband signal may be identified by an estimate of mean square error in a quadrature amplitude demodulator, a measurement of reliability provided by a constellation detector, a measurement of reliability based on a sequence of frame synchronizations and/or an estimate of mean square error in an equalizer. The detector may monitor a gain factor in an automatic gain control module of the camera-side modern and/or a magnitude of the received passband signal. |
| US08576964B2 |
Radio receiver
There is provided a radio receiver including: a first matched filter, a second matched filter, a first frame synchronization determining unit and a first phase determining unit. The first matched filter performs matching processing on the basis of N first tap coefficients and sign information of a received digital signal to obtain first output data. The second matched filter performs matching processing on the basis of M (M is a natural number smaller than the N) second tap coefficients, the sign information and amplitude information of the received digital to obtain second output data. The first frame synchronization determining unit determines a first frame synchronization timing of the received digital signal on the basis of the first output data. The first phase determining unit determines a first phase amount of the received digital signal on the basis of the second output data and the first frame synchronization timing. |
| US08576963B2 |
Non-coherent detection apparatus and method for IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN BPSK receiver
A non-coherent detection apparatus includes, inter alia, a correlation unit, a frequency offset estimator, and a signal detector. The correlation unit obtains a differential phase signal by multiplying a complex conjugate value of a delay signal obtained by delaying a received signal by (N+1) chips by the received signal, sums-up resultant values obtained by multiplying each component of the differential phase signal by each component of a correlation sequence and outputs a correlation signal. The frequency offset estimator estimates a frequency offset based on a value obtained by accumulatively summing-up the correlation signals corresponding to preamble portions of the received signal. The signal detector detects an original signal from the received signal based on a size of a real-number part of a resultant value obtained by multiplying the frequency offset estimated by the frequency offset estimator by the correlation signal corresponding to a PHY payload portion of the received signal. |
| US08576961B1 |
System and method for adaptive overlap and add length estimation
A method for determining an overlap and add length estimate comprises determining a plurality of correlation values of a plurality of ordered frequency domain samples obtained from a data frame; comparing the correlation values of a first subset of the samples to a first predetermined threshold to determine a first edge sample; comparing the correlation values of a second subset of the samples to a second predetermined threshold to determine a second edge sample; using the first and second edge samples to determine an overlap and add length estimate; and providing the overlap and add length estimate to an overlap and add circuit. |
| US08576958B2 |
Method for soft modulation in a wireless telecommunication network
A method for soft remodulation in a receiver of transmissions over a wireless telecommunication system, the method including obtaining from a FEC decoder a-posteriori LLR values, converting the a-posteriori LLR values into bit probabilities and computing improved soft symbols estimates as expected values using the bit probabilities in a recursive algorithm. Preferably, the step of converting is implemented using a pre-computed Look Up Table (LUT). Preferably, the step of computing is implemented in a Multiplier-Accumulator having a SIMD structure. |
| US08576957B2 |
Processing digital samples in a wireless receiver
A system and method for processing digital samples from a signal received via a wireless transmission channel in a wireless communications system. The method comprises: comparing a target signal quality value with an estimated received signal quality value; detecting if the estimated received signal quality value exceeds the target signal quality value for a period; and selecting one of a plurality of processing routines of differing sensitivities for processing the digital samples. |
| US08576956B2 |
Method for detecting random access signal
Provided is a method for detecting random access signal, and the method includes detecting a peak position of a random access signal in a first preamble section and ignoring the random access signal apart from the peak position for less than a certain distance in a second preamble section adjacent to the first preamble section. |
| US08576953B2 |
Identification of target signals in radio frequency pulsed environments
A system and method for processing signals are disclosed. The method may be performed, at least partially, by the system. In one embodiment, the method comprises sending a first plurality of data including transmission parameters to a transmission system for transmitting of a first plurality of signals, receiving a second plurality of signals including signals based on the power level of the first plurality of signals, detecting in the second plurality of signals the signals corresponding to the first plurality of signals, outputting a second plurality of data based on the power levels of the second plurality of signals corresponding to the first plurality of signals, and receiving the second plurality of data and associating the first plurality of data and the second plurality of data based on the time when the first plurality of signals was transmitted and the second plurality of signals was received |
| US08576946B2 |
Method and system for cooperative communications with minimal coordination
A method and system are provided in a wireless communications system comprising a plurality of nodes (users) working cooperatively. The system provides cooperative diversity by allowing nodes to actively share their antennas and other resources to obtain spatial diversity. The nodes receive the same message (information data) from a common source. Each node enhances the reliability of the message with a modern forward error correction (FEC) code, converts the FEC encoded message into an ensemble of symbols, divides the ensemble of symbols into packets, modulates, dithers and transmits the packets to a receiving node. The dithering process is performed by varying the signal amplitude, phase, frequency and/or symbol timing of the modulated packets. A unique dither pattern is assigned to each node. The receiving node captures a composite signal comprising the transmitted packets of all or most of the transmitting nodes in the cooperative communications system. Because the transmitted packets are dithered independently in phase and/or amplitude, spatial diversity is transformed into temporal diversity. |
| US08576945B1 |
Method of and apparatus for signal amplification
A system for and method of amplifying a modulated input signal can include separating the input signal into a first amplitude component signal and a first amplitude composite signal (e.g., an amplitude only component signal). The method further includes subtracting the first amplitude composite signal from the input signal to provide a difference signal. The method also includes amplifying the difference signal asymmetrically with respect to the first amplitude composite signal. The method can also include adding the difference signal and the first amplitude composite signal after asymmetric amplification. The power amplifier supply voltage can be powered as a function of the first amplitude component signal. The mathematical operations can be performed in the digital domain. |
| US08576939B2 |
Method and system for slicing a communication signal
A slicer can receive a communication signal having a level or amplitude that is between two discrete levels of a multilevel digital communication scheme. The slicer can compare the communication signal to a plurality of references such that multiple comparisons proceed essentially in parallel. A summation node can add the results of the comparisons to provide an output signal set to one of the discrete levels. The slicer can process the communication signal and provide the output signal on a symbol-by-symbol basis. A decision feedback equalizer (“DFE”) can comprise the slicer. A feedback circuit of the DFE can delay and scale the output signal and apply the delayed and scaled signal to the communication signal to reduce intersymbol interference (“ISI”). |
| US08576932B2 |
Methods and arrangements in a wireless communication system for producing signal structure with cyclic prefix
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a wireless communication system supporting cyclic-prefix insertion, using a symbol sequence comprising a number of samples for transmission over a radio channel that enables the handling of very large signal delay spreads. The symbol sequence is built up by a first symbol with CP and a second symbol with CP. The second symbol is a copy of the first symbol with the samples shifted in a way that makes the two adjacent symbols with CP match in regards to the sample order. The symbol sequence may also comprise a third symbol with CP or more, where the third symbol is a copy of the second symbol and with the samples shifted in analogy with the symbol shift described above. The resulting symbol sequence will thus appear as an extended continuous symbol thanks to the precise cyclic shift that matches adjacent symbols. This allows the receiver to place its FFT window anywhere during the extended symbol, e.g. at the end of the symbol sequence thus making it possible to handle a delay spread longer than the CP duration. It also allows to place e.g. two FFT windows and to combine the extracted signal into one SNR improved signal, while still handling a longer delay spread. |
| US08576927B2 |
Encoding method, encoding device, decoding method, decoding device, program, and recording medium
A frame formed of a plurality of code words encoded with an encoding mode in which two different types of code words are assigned one-to-one to two smallest quantization intervals is checked to determine whether it contains just the two types of code words assigned to the two smallest quantization intervals, and lossless encoding is applied to the frame containing just the two types of code words. A code obtained by this lossless encoding is decoded with a decoding method corresponding to the lossless encoding. |
| US08576926B2 |
Single frame artifact filtration and motion estimation
A video processing method comprising receiving a video stream comprising a plurality of frames, removing via one or more non-binary artifact functions a plurality of artifact pixels from the video stream, and outputting the video stream with the artifact pixels removed. |
| US08576925B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus which converts a frame rate by dividing an input frame into subframes and outputting the subframes, comprises, a preprocessing unit adapted to perform preprocessing of replacing a pixel value of a pixel of interest with a minimum pixel value of peripheral pixels of the pixel of interest in an input frame, a low-pass filter processing unit adapted to generate a first subframe by performing a low-pass filtering process on the input frame having undergone the preprocessing, a generating unit adapted to generate a second subframe from the first subframe and the input frame, and a switching unit adapted to output the first subframe and the second subframe by switching the first subframe and the second subframe at a predetermined timing. |
| US08576919B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for use in switching between streaming video bitstreams
Improved methods and apparatuses are provided for switching of streaming data bitstreams, such as streaming data bitstreams typically used in video streaming and other related applications. Some desired functionalities provided herein include random access, fast forward and fast backward, error-resilience and bandwidth adaptation. The improved methods and apparatuses can be configured to increase coding efficiency of and/or reduce the amount of data needed to encode a switching bitstream. |
| US08576905B2 |
Central decoding controller and controlling method thereof
A central decoding controller and a central decoder controlling method are disclosed. A video stream is processed and transmitted via at least two parallel channels. The method comprises steps of: receiving a video key frame obtained by decoding an original video frame via a first channel, and a plurality of intra-description frames neighboring the video key frame; receiving a predictive video frame obtained by processing a prediction analysis and an error correction to the original video frame via a second channel parallel to the first channel; receiving a plurality of inter-description frames via the second channel, the inter-description frames neighboring the video key frame; calculating correlation of the video key frame, the intra-description frames, and the inter-description frames; and selecting the video key frame or the predictive video frame as an output frame according to the correlation result. The method can improve video quality under wireless transmission or unstable internet transmission. |
| US08576901B2 |
Modem and method of operating a wireless device
A modem is provided for a wireless device that is capable of providing service for at least two SIMs. The modem has at least a first set of modem components and a second set of modem components. The modem selectively reconfigures the arrangement of the plural sets of modem components. In a first configuration, the first set of modem components provides wireless connection service for a first SIM of the wireless device and the second set of modem components provides wireless connection service for a second SIM of the wireless device. This allows active wireless connections to be made on behalf of both SIMs simultaneously by the sets of modem components. In a second configuration, the first set of modem components and the second set of modem components provide wireless connection service for the first SIM. |
| US08576900B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving signal from relay station in radio communication system
A method for a transmitting and receiving a signal from a relay station in a radio communication system is provided. The method comprises the steps of: receiving offset time information from a base station; configuring a time difference between an access downlink transmission subframe that transmits an access downlink signal to a relay station terminal according to the offset time information and a backhaul downlink reception subframe that receives a backhaul downlink signal from the base station; transmitting a control signal from the access downlink transmission subframe to the relay station terminal; and receiving the backhaul downlink signal from the base station in the backhaul downlink reception subframe. |
| US08576897B2 |
Receiver
A method, apparatus and computer program product for a method of operating an analog-to-digital converter of a transceiver which includes a transmitter and a receiver, the receiver including the analog-to-digital converter. The method includes determining a maximum conversion rate of the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the determining step includes determining a temperature of the analog-to-digital converter, and selecting a conversion rate of the analog-to-digital converter, based on the determined maximum conversion rate and a frequency of an unwanted signal component of the receiver, such that the selected conversion rate places an alias response of the unwanted signal component to a frequency range which is substantially non-overlapping with a wanted signal component of the receiver. |
| US08576895B2 |
Rapid acquisition methods and apparatus for GPS signals
A method and apparatus for receiving a signal from transmitters such as GPS satellites, for fixing the location of the receiver. Each of the transmitted signals includes a unique periodically-repeating sequence. A received signal is stored by the receiver for at least two repetitions of the periodically-repeating sequence. FFT operations are performed, and the resulting data frequency samples are pruned responsive to a hypothesized residual frequency, a procedure which significantly reduces the total number of subsequent calculations and therefore significantly reduces processing time. A correlation series is determined from the pruned samples and reference frequency samples corresponding to a hypothesized transmitter. If a match is found in the examination of this series, a code phase offset is determined; if not the process is repeated with another hypothesized residual frequency. Multiple correlation series similarly obtained may also be incoherently combined prior to this examination. |
| US08576892B2 |
Communication apparatus and method
A communication apparatus and method for operating a communication apparatus are provided. The communication apparatus is configured to determine whether a sub-frequency band causing interference is present among sub-frequency bands included in a reception frequency band group, and to send to another communication apparatus an interference avoidance request signal which requests the other communication apparatus to transmit signals by use of remaining sub-frequency bands except the sub-frequency band causing interference, leading to simpler and more efficient interference avoidance. |
| US08576891B2 |
Gas laser oscillator and gas exchange method for gas laser oscillator
The sealed gas laser oscillator that includes the airtight vessel, the laser gas supply source that supplies a laser gas to the airtight vessel, and the vacuum pump that performs evacuation until a pressure of an inside of the airtight vessel reaches a target reached pressure every predetermined interval between laser gas exchanges and is connected to the airtight vessel, and that performs laser oscillation in a state where the airtight vessel is filled with the laser gas. The gas laser oscillator includes a unit that determines the target reached pressure on the basis of the interval between laser gas exchanges, a leakage rate of an impurity gas from the outside to the airtight vessel after evacuation, and an allowable impurity gas pressure at which the gas laser oscillator is capable of being operated. |
| US08576886B2 |
Laser diode drive circuit and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A laser diode drive includes a first photo diode connection terminal to connect a first photo diode that detects light emission amounts of multiple laser diodes, multiple second photo diode connection terminals to connect multiple second photo diodes that detect light emission amounts of the respective multiple laser diodes, multiple APC controllers to control the light emission amounts of the multiple laser diodes based on monitor currents from the first photo diode or the second photo diodes, multiple switches to connect and disconnect the respective APC controllers with a monitor current path formed between the first photo diode connection terminal and the multiple APC controllers, and a detector to detect whether or not the first photo diode is connected to the first photo diode connection terminal and cause all of the switches to disconnect when the first photo diode is not connected to the first photo diode connection terminal. |
| US08576883B2 |
Measurement and adjustment of real-time values according to residence time in networking equipment without access to real time
A system and method of synchronizing clocks in a distributed network is disclosed. A simple 1-pulse-per-second timing pulse is routed to time-stamping units in each network device and utilized to measure traffic-dependent synchronization packet residence delays within network elements. Synchronization messages are updated to reflect the measured residence times, thus creating transparent clocks that can readily be synchronized across the network. The simple timing pulse architecture allows the method to be applied readily both to new designs and to retrofit existing hardware. |
| US08576882B2 |
Media access control protocol for multi-hop network systems and method therefore
A method and system for wireless communication in which a plurality of media access control (“MAC”) packet data units (“PDUs”) corresponding to a plurality of wireless communication connections are received. The plurality of MAC PDUs is grouped into a relay packet and the relay packet is transmitted. Such grouping and transmission of the relay packet is performed by one or more relay nodes. The traffic control for the transmission can also be based on centralized or decentralized routing control and/or centralized or decentralized QoS control. |
| US08576880B1 |
Congestion-based wireless paging channels
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless access system. The method includes exchanging wireless communications with a plurality of user devices, and transferring a first bit sequence over an overhead portion of a wireless link to the user devices to indicate pages pending on a paging channel of the wireless link. The method also includes monitoring a utilization level of the first bit sequence. If the utilization level of the first bit sequence exceeds a first utilization threshold, then the method includes increasing a number of bits in the first bit sequence to indicate the pages pending on the paging channel of the wireless link, and if the utilization level of the increased first bit sequence exceeds a second utilization threshold, then the method includes transferring the increased first bit sequence and a second bit sequence over the overhead portion of the wireless link to the user devices to indicate the pages pending on the paging channel of the wireless link. |
| US08576873B2 |
System and method for controlling power delivered to a powered device based on channel impediments
A system and method for discovering channel impediments for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. Cabling power loss in PoE applications is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, discontinuities, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance can be used in powering decisions and in adjusting power budgets allocated to power source equipment ports. |
| US08576869B2 |
Simultaneous cell group and cyclic prefix detection method, apparatus and system
A method, and associated apparatus and system, for simultaneous cell group and cyclic prefix (CP) detection, having the steps of determining primary synchronization signal (P-SyS) timing τ using the P-SyS; based on τ, determine a secondary synchronization signal (S-SyS) timing; placing a single Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) window; FFT processing the signal to obtain the frequency domain S-SyS symbols; equalizing the frequency domain S-SyS signal; phase correcting the S-SyS signal; and detecting the cell group and CP length by the correlation giving maximum energy. |
| US08576861B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing packets
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for processing packets for transmission. A set of interface specific network buffers is identified from a plurality of buffers containing data for a packet received for transmission. A data structure describing the set of interface specific network buffers within the plurality of buffers is created, wherein a section in the data structure for an interface specific network buffer in the set of interface specific network buffers includes information about a piece of data in interface specific network buffer, wherein the data structure is used to process the packet for transmission. |
| US08576855B2 |
System and method of interface association for interface operational status event monitoring
A system and method for interface association between an ATM interface and a GigE/IP interface of a routing switch platform (RSP) to enable network management of a redundant pair of RSPs which serve as an interface between GigE/IP and ATM are provided. |
| US08576853B2 |
Two-layer switch apparatus avoiding first layer inter-switch traffic in steering packets through the apparatus
Link-level data communications implemented in switching apparatus comprising modular switches disposed within a modular computer cabinet that includes modular computer systems; the switching apparatus configured as two layers of switches, the first layer switches coupled to one another for communications by inter-switch links, each second layer switch coupled for communications to the modular computer systems; all the switches stacked by a stacking protocol that shares administrative configuration information among the switches through the inter-switch links and presents all the switches as a single logical switch; the switching apparatus including ports coupling the apparatus to networks and to service applications and terminating applications on the modular computer systems; and sending the packet from network to modular computer system to which the packet is directed, or from modular computer system to network to which the packet is directed, the packet traversing none of the inter-switch links among the first layer switches. |
| US08576852B2 |
Inter-office communication methods and devices
The system provides a low cost way of providing high speed point to point communications between two offices, as well as Internet access, which exploits the use of low cost access technologies, such as ADSL, in such a way that (a) no CO component is required to deploy the solution, (b) the two offices could have different types of communication technologies available, and (c) more than two offices can form an overlay network, whereby each pair of offices has a virtual single high throughput pipe available which is achieved through aggregation of Internet access services at each office. The proposed system allows intranet communication links or Internet connections to be aggregated, thereby enabling faster and more reliable communications. |
| US08576849B2 |
Method and system for realizing transmission of message between an extended processor and switch chip
The invention discloses a method and system for realizing transmission of message between an extended processor and a switch chip. The switch chip amends the destination MAC of the received first message to be transmitted to the extended processor as the first destination MAC, and then transmit the first message to the extended processor, wherein the first destination MAC corresponds to the service physical port of the switch chip for receiving the first message; the extended processor can resolve the first destination MAC to learn that the first message comes from the service physical port. The method and system of the invention can realize transmission of message between the extended processor and the switch chip. |
| US08576847B2 |
Mechanisms for discovering path maximum transmission unit
Mechanisms are provided for determining a path maximum transmission unit of a path between a source node and a destination node of the path. These mechanisms transmit an echo request packet from the source node to the destination node along the path. The mechanisms further determine, by at least one intermediate node along the path, whether a size of the echo request packet is greater than a maximum transmission unit (MTU) of a next link of the path from the intermediate node to a next node along the path. Moreover, the mechanisms record, by the at least one intermediate node, the MTU of the next link in the echo request packet in response to the determination that the size of the echo request packet is greater than the MTU of the next link. |
| US08576845B2 |
Method and apparatus for avoiding unwanted data packets
Method and apparatus for controlling transmission of data packets in a packet-switched network. When a first end-host (A) sends an address query to a DNS system (300) for a second end-host, the DNS system responds by providing a sender key created from a destination key registered for the second end-host, if the first end-host is authorized to send packets to the second end-host. Thereby, the first end-host, if authorized, is able to get across data packets to the second end-host by attaching a sender tag (TAG) generated from the sender key, as ingress tag to each transmitted data packet. A router (302) in the network matches an ingress tag in a received packet with entries in a forwarding table and sends out the packet on an output port (X) according to a matching entry. Otherwise, the router discards the packet if no matching entry is found in the table. |
| US08576844B1 |
Forwarding multicast packets in a VPLS router on the basis of MAC addresses
Layer two (L2) forwarding of multicast traffic between routers of a Virtual Private local area network (LAN) Service (VPLS) domain is described. For example, the techniques allow multicast traffic to generally be forwarded between VPLS routers based on L2 information only, without requiring the routers to examine any layer three (L3) information carried by the multicast traffic for forwarding the multicast traffic. A router dynamically learns a mapping between a multicast source device and an L2 address of a router that introduces multicast traffic into the VPLS domain from the multicast source device. The router installs forwarding information based on the mapping that specifies the L2 address of the router that introduces the multicast traffic, and an L2 multicast group address of the multicast group, and forwards multicast traffic for the multicast group based on the forwarding information without reference to any L3 information of the multicast traffic. |
| US08576838B2 |
Method of setting up a call-back
The invention concerns a method of setting up a call-back to a caller in a packet-based telecommunications network, and a terminal and a media server to execute this method. The call-back is initiated by a user receiving a media stream. The user sets up a packet-based connection to a media server and receives the media stream from the media server. After choosing by the user to call back the caller, the media server generates a cookie with data defining a state of the media stream and sends the cookie to the user. The user initiates the call-back to the caller independently of the media server. After termination of the call-back, the data defining the state of the media stream are sent to the media server and are used to resume the transmission of the media stream to the user from a state following the state defined by the data. |
| US08576834B2 |
Communication system
This invention relates to a communication system using an internet protocol (IP) address. Subscriber terminals have the same subscriber identification and different IP addresses. A server establishes a connection between the terminals via the network. A service system has a table including the subscriber identification information and the IP addresses of the subscriber terminals.When a connection request is made by a subscriber terminal to the group of subscriber terminals while a connection between one subscriber terminals of the group and another subscriber terminal is established, the service system detects an unused IP address associated with the common subscriber identification information of the group of subscriber terminals in the table and notifies the unused IP address to the sever, and the sever makes a call to a subscriber terminal in accordance with the unused IP address. |
| US08576833B2 |
Fault tolerant voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) systems and methods to operate the same
Fault tolerant VoIP systems and methods to operate the same are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a registration request at an edge device of a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) system from a user device, selecting at the edge device a communication service providing device from a list of devices configured to provide communication services, sending the registration request to the selected communication service providing device, and receiving a registration response from the selected communication service providing device. |
| US08576832B2 |
Method and apparatus for enabling global telephony capabilities in communication networks
A method and apparatus for enabling a network service provider, e.g., a VoIP network provider, to create configuration files containing network based parameters that support global telephony capabilities (e.g., in country services) such as in country ring tones, dialing patterns, network announcements, and signaling tones that can be offered to users who want in country telephony capabilities independent of their location is disclosed. These global telephony capability configurations can be downloaded to intelligent IP phones or based in the VoIP network for access by subscribers' telephony devices. |
| US08576831B2 |
Wireless network system carrying out multihop wireless communication between source and destination
A radio device, which is the source, transmits a route request packet (RREQ) to a radio device. In response to the route request packet (RREQ), the radio device transmits to the radio device a route setup packet (RSET) including a route Radio Device Radio Device Radio Device Radio Device by looking-up topology information (TPIF). In response to the route setup packet (RSET), the radio device produces a route notification packet (RNTF) and transmits the produced route notification packet (RNTF) to radio devices, and. In response to the route notification packet (RNTF), the radio device, which is the destination, produces a route reply packet (RREP) and transmits the produced route reply packet (RREP) to the radio device, which is the source. |
| US08576830B2 |
Method and system for tracking timing drift in multiple frequency hypothesis testing
A mobile device receives a signal comprising a PSS and performs multiple frequency hypothesis testing (MFHT) on the received signal. The mobile device starts MFHT by applying different initial frequency offsets in corresponding MFH branches. Timing drift in MFHT is compensated based on corresponding initial frequency offsets. In this regard, a PSS correlation process is performed on the received signal in each MFH branch. Resulting PSS correlation data is buffered and processed in corresponding PSS timing hypothesis buffers. The timing position of samples is updated in the PSS timing hypothesis buffers based on corresponding initial frequency offsets. Energy associated with the PSS transmissions may be accumulated utilizing corresponding PSS correlation data at updated sampling positions. The received PSS is detected based on a maximum accumulated energy associated with the PSS transmissions. Information that comes from the detected PSS is utilized by the mobile device to camp on a corresponding cell. |
| US08576829B2 |
Multi-channel TDOA system
A wireless network has at least one wireless unit which transmits messages in multiple channels. The messages are synchronously transmitted using a transmit clock signal. The at least one wireless unit starting transmission of the messages at intervals consisting of at least one of one or multiple periods of the transmit clock signal. A plurality of location receivers are used for receiving the messages at different channels transmitted by the wireless units within the wireless network and determining a time of arrival for the received messages. At least one master unit is used for receiving the time of arrival from each of the location units. The location of the wireless unit is to be determined on the Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) of the transmitted messages at the location units. |
| US08576827B2 |
Voice data integrated multiaccess by self-reservation and contention algorithm
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method for providing multiple access to a communication channel, the method comprising: sending a reservation request of a first type into a first selected minislot of a selected frame of an uplink channel when information of a first type is to be sent, the uplink channel having a plurality of frames, each frame having a first selectable number of minislots and a second selectable number of slots, the reservation request of the first type requesting an assignment of at least one slot for transmitting information of the first type in at least one frame that is subsequent to the selected frame. |
| US08576817B2 |
System and method for managing radio access to spectrum and to a spectrum management system
A communication system where radios without a normally available communication pathway to a spectrum management system (referred to as spoke radio devices) communicate with the spectrum management system by joining a network established by a hub radio device that has a prior registration with the spectrum management system. Once joined, the spoke may seek registration with the spectrum management system and, if appropriate, obtain a spectrum allocation from the spectrum management system. Also, once registered, spoke radio devices may form a network of their own. |
| US08576816B2 |
Method and device for the reliable transmission of compressed network headers
Method for transmitting data in a transmission system, the data being transmitted in the form of packets including a compressed header field and a data field and according to a format suited to the transmission system comprising the following steps: recovering the data packet to be transmitted including a compressed header and useful data, identifying the header part from the useful-data part, applying a corrector coding which is selected at the level of the header, and providing the resulting new packet to the link layer, while also communicating the protection mode used, generating the link header according to the transmission format of the relevant transmission system integrating the mode of protection used, and the adaptation of the CRC checksum of the link layer, on reception, performing the error corrector decoding in two steps. |
| US08576815B2 |
Long term evolution (LTE) mobile anchoring
A device receives roaming information associated with a user equipment (UE), a current eNodeB conducting a current Internet protocol (IP) session with the UE, and a plurality of eNodeBs that are neighboring the current eNodeB. The device also selects, based on the roaming information and from the plurality of eNodeBs, an optimal eNodeB to which to handover the UE, and establishes a preemptive IP session with the optimal eNodeB. The device further initiates a handover of the current IP session and the UE from the current eNodeB to the optimal eNodeB, where the current eNodeB acts as an anchoring point for a bearer path associated with the UE during the handover. |
| US08576814B2 |
Access point used in wireless LAN system
The access point used in the wireless LAN system acquires, from a network, an IP address of a management device that holds a list of wireless LAN control devices to each of which the access point can be subordinate, in response to an event start input, acquires the list from the management device via the network by using the IP address of the management device, and accesses at least one of the wireless LAN control devices registered in the list via the network and determines a wireless LAN control device to which the access point should be subordinate, based on a response sent from the at least one of the wireless LAN control devices. |
| US08576813B2 |
Communication system, communication apparatus, and communication method
In an ad hoc mode based on IEEE802.11 standard, when a wireless terminal performs a power save operation to create a network, and a network identifier identical to that of the network to be created is present, the wireless terminal does not join the network. When the wireless terminal is to join the network, and the network identifier identical to that of the network which the wireless terminal is to join is not present, the wireless terminal does not join any network. In this method, reliable connectivity can be obtained in the ad hoc mode which is not defined in the IEEE802.11 standard in detail. |
| US08576812B2 |
Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating management of airspace in wireless computer network environments
Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating the management of wireless computer network environments and the detection of rogue and other devices that may affect the performance and/or security of the wireless computer network. The present invention enables accurate and cost effective WLAN airspace mapping. In one embodiment, the present invention allows any conforming access point the ability to routinely scan its airspace, collect data on all operating frequencies and report this information back to a management platform. In one embodiment, the management and reporting functionality described herein uses a standards-based vehicle, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). In one embodiment, the present invention facilitates isolation of rogue wireless devices affecting the computer network environment and effective decision-making as to management of the detected device. The present invention also allows network administrators to optimize the configuration of the wireless network environment for performance and security. |
| US08576804B2 |
Beamforming feedback frame formats within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications
Beamforming feedback frame formats within multiple user, multiple access, and/or MIMO wireless communications. A transmitting wireless communication device (TX) transmits a sounding frame to one or more receiving wireless communication devices (RXs) using one or more antennae and one or more clusters. Any antenna/cluster combination may be employed in communications between TXs and RXs. The one or more RXs receive/process the sounding frame to determine a type of beamforming feedback frame to be provided to the TX. Any one of a variety of beamforming feedback frame types and a types of information may be contained within a respective beamforming feedback frame including various characteristics of the respective communication channel between the TX and each of the various RXs. A common beamforming feedback frame format may be supported and employed by all such wireless communication devices (e.g., TX and RXs) when performing MU-MIMO operation such as in accordance with IEEE 802.11ac/VHT. |
| US08576801B2 |
Radio measurements in cellular telecommunication systems
A method of assessing for a mobile terminal 1 the suitability of a cell of a cellular telecommunications network includes measuring the radio signal at the mobile terminal 1—step A; and calculating at least one of a first mean value of a plurality of the radio signal measurements over a first time period—step B—and a second mean value of a plurality of the radio signal measurements over a second time period, longer than the first time period—step D. Two different thresholds are provided. The or each mean value is compared to one or respective ones of the thresholds—steps C and E. If the or either of the mean values are below the or the respective threshold, then this indicates that the cell might not be suitable for the mobile terminal. In that instance, a cell reselection process—step F—or a cell handover process can be triggered. By providing two mean values and two different thresholds, it is possible to provide improved sensitivity to variations in the radio signal as a result of the mobile terminal moving quickly within a cell and less sensitivity to fluctuations of the radio signal at a mobile terminal that is substantially stationary and which are due to “fading”. |
| US08576799B2 |
Mobile communication method and mobile station
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes the steps of: transmitting, from an LTE-AS function to an EMM function, a reconnection request, when the LTE-AS function detects that an RRC connection is chanted to an idle state; and transmitting, at the EMM function, a service request, when the EMM function receives the reconnection request and detects that the LTE-AS function is in a coverage area. |
| US08576795B2 |
Method and apparatus for handoff between source and target access systems
Systems and methods for switching among heterogeneous networks and inter-working between a source access system and a target access system. An inter-system handoff control component can facilitate setting an IP tunneling by the mobile unit, wherein IP addresses for inter-working security gateway and Radio Access Network of the target access system can be identified. The inter-system handoff control component can then implement tunneling between the source system and the target system, wherein signaling/packeting associated with the target system can be transferred over the source system. |
| US08576788B2 |
Method for performing carrier management procedure in a multi-carrier supported wideband wireless communication system and apparatus for the same
A method and apparatus for performing carrier management in a broadband wireless communication system supporting multiple carriers are disclosed. The method for a mobile station to perform carrier management procedure with a base station supporting multiple carriers includes receiving a carrier management command message from the base station, the carrier management command message including an action code for carrier management and a polling bit in a MAC Control Extended Header (MCEH) indicating whether an acknowledgement message is required, transmitting the acknowledgement message in response to the carrier management command message to the base station when the carrier management command message is successfully received and the polling bit is set to 1, and transmitting a carrier management indication message corresponding to the action code included in the carrier management command message to the base station. |
| US08576787B2 |
Scheduling request transmission supporting high doppler
Block spreading generating partial orthogonality is applied for the uplink control channel for E-UTRA. For instance, a problem of maximizing the multiplexing capacity leads to numerology causing odd-length sequences which do not have the favorable property of even-length sequences (partial orthogonality). The consequence of this is poor performance in cases of high Doppler effects. Maximal multiplexing capacity is taught without loss of performance at high Doppler by modifying an earlier scheduling request scheme. The earlier SR multiplexing scheme has a number of parallel SR resources per slot equal to 12*7=84. In one example, the spreading factor of block spreading is changed to an even number, e.g., from 7 to 6. This enables usage of the partial orthogonality properties of CAZAC sequences and as a result inter-code interference in the case of high Doppler is reduced. Other ways to generate partial orthogonality are shown with similar results. |
| US08576786B2 |
Synchronization channel for advanced wireless OFDM/OFDMA systems
A hierarchical downlink (DL) synchronization channel (SCH) is provided for wireless OFDM/OFDMA systems. The SCH includes a Primary SCH (P-SCH) for carrying PA-Preambles used for coarse timing and frequency synchronization, and a Secondary SCH (S-SCH) for carrying SA-Preambles used for cell ID detection. The total time length occupied by P-SCH and S-SCH is equal to one OFDM symbol time length of a data channel, and S-SCH is located in front of P-SCH in each DL frame. A perfect multi-period time-domain structure is created and maintained in P-SCH to increase preciseness of frame boundary estimation. With overlapping deployment of macrocells and femtocells, a predefined SCH configuration scheme is provided to separate frequency subbands used for macrocells and femtocells such that interferences in S-SCH can be mitigated. In addition, a self-organized SCH configuration scheme is provided to allow more flexibility for femtocells to avoid or introduce interference in S-SCH. |
| US08576770B2 |
Wireless communication base station device, wireless communication terminal, and control information creation method
Disclosed is a wireless communication base station device capable of reducing the power consumption of a terminal when broadband transmission is performed with only an uplink. With this device, a setting unit (101) sets mutually different terminal IDs per a plurality of uplink unit bands for a terminal (200) that communicates using a plurality of uplink unit bands and prescribed downlink unit bands which are fewer in number than the uplink unit bands; a control unit (102) that respectively allocates resource allocation information per a plurality of uplink unit bands to a PDCCH arranged in a prescribed downlink unit band; and a PDCCH creation unit (103) that creates a PDCCH signal by respectively masking the resource allocation information per a plurality of uplink unit bands with the terminal ID that has been set per a plurality of uplink unit bands. |
| US08576764B2 |
Communication apparatus and communication control method
A communication apparatus includes an input unit that inputs names of repeater stations to which the local communication apparatus and a communication counterpart belong respectively, a memory storing identification information of each repeater station, and information needed to set a communication path from the repeater station to another repeater station as communication path setting information associated with the name of the repeater station, an information retrieving section that retrieves identification information of the repeater station, and information needed to set a communication path to another repeater station from the associated information stored in the memory based on the input name of the repeater station, and a communication frame generating section that generates a communication frame including the identification information of the repeater station, and the information needed to set the communication path from the repeater station to which the local communication apparatus belongs to the repeater station of the communication counterpart from a result of the information retrieval. |
| US08576763B2 |
Inter-domain group-communications
The invention relates to group communication services, i.e. communication services involving two or more users (or service participants). The invention provides a method for distributing multicast data of a multicast service to different domains and a method for distributing multicast data to service participants in a domain. Further, the invention relates to a control node and system implementing the respective methods. To improve resource utilization when providing a multicast service, including inter alia PoC services, to service participants the invention provides mechanisms to avoid unnecessary multiplication of multicast data in the distribution tree for multicast services with service participants of different domains. For this purpose the controlling node that is initiating the multicast service upon request determined to which domains the multicast data is to be provided and only forwards the multicast data on a per-domain basis. Another aspect of the invention is the avoidance of unnecessary duplications of multicast data within individual domains. |
| US08576761B1 |
Power save delivery mechanism for wireless communication traffic
In accordance with unscheduled automatic power save delivery (U-APSD) mechanisms, an access point typically creates an unscheduled service period irrespective of availability of downlink data packets for a WLAN device. This can result in a large overhead that can limit the performance and throughput of the WLAN device. Functionality can be implemented on the access point and/or on the WLAN device so that the access point suppresses creating the service period (and transmitting an indication of an end of the service period) when there are no downlink data packets for the WLAN device. In some implementations, configuring the access point to defer creating the service period until it is determined that the WLAN device has transmitted all scheduled uplink data packets, or until the access point has available downlink data, can facilitate conservation of radio resources, and reduce power consumption. |
| US08576757B2 |
Dynamic adjustment of setup time based on paging performance
Techniques for dynamically determining a target setup time based on paging performance are described. A UE in an idle mode may be assigned paging occasions, which are specific time intervals in which the UE might receive paging messages. The UE may wake up a setup time prior to each paging occasion, perform setup tasks, detect for a paging indicator, and possibly receive a paging message. The UE may dynamically determine a target setup time for each awake interval based on paging performance. The target setup time may be (i) decreased by a down step if the paging performance is better than a first threshold or (ii) increased by an up step if the paging performance is worse than a second threshold. The target setup time may be updated in each fixed update period or whenever the paging performance is outside the first and second thresholds. |
| US08576756B2 |
Continuous cache service in cellular networks
A technique for transmitting an object to a mobile device is provided. In response to the mobile device moving from a first area serviced by a first cache to a second area serviced by a second cache, the first cache transmits the object stored in the first cache to the second cache. The first cache transmits instructions to the second cache that cause the second cache to forward the object to the mobile device in the second area. |
| US08576755B2 |
Apparatus and method for relay transition time
An apparatus and method for establishing a relay transition time in a network node in a wireless communication system comprising comparing a network node transmit/receive (TX/RX) switch time to a switch threshold; and using a fraction of the cyclic prefix (CP) as a guard period if the network node TX/RX switch time is less than or equal to the switch threshold, or using a sounding reference signal (SRS) configured channel to blank out a last symbol if the network node TX/RX switch time is greater than the switch threshold. |
| US08576748B2 |
Wireless communication terminal and connection setup method of wireless network
A wireless communication terminal comprises a trigger receiving unit, a participation request receiving unit, and a connection setup unit. The trigger receiving unit receives a predetermined trigger. The participation request receiving unit receives requests to participate in a wireless network from an external terminal which does not participate in the wireless network in which the wireless communication terminal has participated, using wireless communication. The connection setup unit makes each of participation requests received by the participation request receiving unit from a plurality of external terminals correspond to one trigger received by the trigger receiving unit. The connection setup unit performs a connection setup which makes each of the plurality of external terminals participate in the wireless network in response to each of the participation requests, in the order in which the participation requests are received. |
| US08576743B2 |
Apparatus and methods for estimating an unknown frequency error of a tone signal
Estimating an unknown frequency error of a tone signal may comprise sampling, within an error bandwidth, wireless signals including the tone signal that occupy the error bandwidth to generate signal samples, and repeatedly, for different frequency offsets: applying a frequency offset to the signal samples to produce offset values that represent the signals occupying an offset bandwidth equal to the error bandwidth offset by an offset frequency; estimating, within a frequency estimation range less than the error bandwidth, a tone frequency error using the offset values; and measuring a signal-to-noise ratio of the tone signal using the signal samples and the estimated tone frequency error. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also claimed and discussed. |
| US08576738B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for sharing a subchannel
A method, an apparatus and a system for sharing a subchannel are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining downlink state information and uplink state information of a subchannel; and scheduling the subchannel according to the downlink state information and uplink state information of the subchannel, and allocating the subchannel to an uplink Mobile Station (MS) and/or a downlink MS. The method improves efficiency and flexibility of sharing subchannels, and therefore improves overall traffic significantly. |
| US08576734B2 |
Information processing apparatus, control method thereof and program
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus that, during data communication with a plurality of external apparatus, maintains the accuracy of the data communication and reduces the power consumed in the data communication, and a control method thereof. To accomplish this, the information processing apparatus sets a communication rate of data communication with a plurality of communicatively connected external apparatus, and measures a receiving interval between data packets received in the data communication with the external apparatus. Furthermore, the information processing apparatus determines whether or not the measured receiving interval exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the interval exceeds the predetermined threshold, the information processing apparatus maintains the currently set communication rate. If the interval does not exceed the predetermined threshold, the information processing apparatus changes the currently set communication rate to a faster communication rate. |
| US08576731B2 |
Random data compression scheme in a network diagnostic component
A network diagnostic component or device that is placed in-line between a first and second node. The diagnostic component or device is used to compress a random data signal. For example, the first node may communicate with the second node using a random data signal that includes random data units that represent a first data unit. In some embodiments, the random data signal may be of the Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (“SAS”)/Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (“SATA”) protocol. The network diagnostic component may receive the random data signal and associate at least one random data unit with identifier that is indicative of the first data unit. This random data unit may be recorded in a memory. A representation of the random data units that are different from the random data unit associated with the identifier is also recorded in the memory. |
| US08576729B2 |
Communication method for point-to-multipoint communication system and subsidiary transmission apparatus for the same system
The communication method and the subsidiary transmission apparatus for a point-to-multipoint communication system in which the subsidiary transmission apparatus autonomously establishes point-to-multipoint communication between one main transmission apparatus and multiple subsidiary transmission apparatuses, without manually operating switches of the subsidiary transmission apparatuses. The subsidiary transmission apparatus generates, during the absence of a transmission request to the main transmission apparatus, an alarm signal to be transmitted to the main transmission apparatus through an upstream line, and the main transmission apparatus sends, while receiving the alarm signal through the upstream line, a specified notification signal, which is to be sent out in response to the reception of the alarm signal, to a downstream line, and the subsidiary transmission apparatus evaluates the state of use of the upstream line depending on the presence or absence of reception of the notification signal from the downstream line. |
| US08576727B2 |
System and method for unique identifier exchange during auto-negotiation
A system and method for unique identifier exchange during auto-negotiation. Wired networks can include non-conformant bridges and/or repeaters that can erroneously forward link protocol frames such as LLDP. These present a problem for higher layer protocols that attempt to manage properties of the link. The unique identifiers exchanged during auto-negotiation can be passed up to higher layers for an integrity check of unique identifiers exchanged using higher layer protocols. |
| US08576726B2 |
Communication and method
A communication method according to the present invention includes receiving MAP in formation, acquiring an initial scheduled frame number and a current frame number from the MAP information, calculating the difference between the initial scheduled frame number and the current frame number, comparing the difference between the initial scheduled frame number and the current frame number with a reference value and setting a scheduled frame number, and performing transmission or reception in the scheduled frame. Therefore, even though a MAP loss occurs, the mobile station can receive only downlink data effective in downlink, thereby reducing power consumption for unnecessary reception, and can exactly perform transmission in a frame in which it should transmit in uplink. |
| US08576721B1 |
Local forwarding bias in a multi-chassis router
Techniques are described for reducing the amount of data traffic carried on inter-chassis links within a multi-chassis router. A multi-chassis router is described in which the packet forwarding engines (PFEs) of each chassis receive and modify forwarding structures, generated in accordance with various load-balancing protocols, to exhibit a chassis-local link preference. Each of the PFEs may implement a selection bias for forwarding paths that egress from the multi-chassis router at the member chassis that includes the ingress PFE. |
| US08576720B2 |
Global provisioning of zero-bandwidth traffic engineering label switched paths
A method of load balancing zero-bandwidth Traffic Engineering Label Switching Paths (0-bw TE LSPs) in a communication network having a plurality of network nodes and a plurality of network links connecting the nodes. The method may be implemented in a centralized Path Computation Element (PCE) or in an ingress router. Each equal cost path from a source node to a destination node is identified from network topology information. A probability of selecting each equal cost shortest path is determined using an iterative Global Load balancing Algorithm (GLA) and each 0-bw TE LSP is provisioned with a specific probability such that the 0-bw TE LSPs are uniformly distributed over all network links. |
| US08576711B1 |
System and method for reducing latency via client side dynamic acknowledgements
Systems and methods are provided whereby latency between a sending device and a receiving device during network communications is reduced by adaptively and dynamically acknowledging the reception of each of a determined number of packets that are transmitted by the sending device to the receiving device over the network. In one aspect, the receiving device adaptively and dynamically acknowledges the reception of each data packet as it is received from the sending device. In another aspect, the receiving device adaptively and dynamically acknowledges the reception of a group of at least two packets as the remaining data packets are received from the sending device. |
| US08576709B2 |
System and method for monitoring dropped packets
A system and method for monitoring dropped packets are provided. A method for communications device operations includes receiving a sequence of packets from a transmitting station, where each packet in the sequence of packets includes a protocol layer packet for each protocol layer of multi-layered network. The method also includes determining if a packet in the sequence of packets has been dropped by the transmitting station, where the determining is based on at least two sets of sequence numbers associated with different protocol layers of packets in the sequence of packets. The method further includes updating a packet discard counter based on the determining. |
| US08576708B2 |
System and method for link protection using shared SRLG association
In one embodiment, certain SRLGs associated with members of a bundle are deemed to be “risk-free SRLGs”, i.e., SRLGs whose failure may not substantially impact the capacity of the bundle to carry traffic in a computer network. In a bandwidth unaware embodiment a number of active members of the bundle is identified for each SRLG, and a bandwidth aware embodiment further specifies an available bandwidth capacity for each SRLG to determine risk-free SRLGs. A backup path or tunnel may be established and utilized to protect a communication link as long as the SRLGs shared are deemed to be risk-free SRLGs. |
| US08576703B2 |
Synchronization of multicast information using bicasting
Techniques that enable a network device such as a router to provide multicast routing services without interruption. Techniques are provided for using bicasting to synchronize multicast information maintained by a first processor and multicast information maintained by a second processor. A multicast protocol related event of packet is sent to both a first processor operating in active mode and a second processor operating in standby mode. Each processor then updates its multicast information based upon the bicasted event or packet. |
| US08576699B2 |
Method for operating a network having a ring topology
A method for operating a network having a ring topology, in which a faulty connection between two stations of the network is detected by monitoring carrier signals. This method enables a faulty connection to be quickly detected in a network. Data may be advantageously rerouted in response to the detection. |
| US08576694B2 |
Apparatus and method for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes in a radio communication system
An apparatus, method, and system for dynamically assigning orthogonal codes to different information signals communicated between a Node B and user equipment in a cellular radio communication system in which a fixed number of codes are allocated between dedicated transport channels (DCHs) and high speed downlink shared channels (HS-DSCHs). A radio controller (RNC) allocates a minimum number of codes for HS-DSCH physical channels (HS-PDSCH codes) to the Node B. The Node B determines HS-PDSCH codes that are not currently being utilized and allocates HS-PDSCH codes from the unused codes without having to communicate with the RNC. When the additional HS-PDSCH codes are needed for DCH codes, the Node B reallocates the codes for DCH purposes without reducing the number of HS-PDSCH codes below the allocated minimum. |
| US08576689B2 |
Method and arrangement for failure handling in a network
A method and arrangement for failure handling in a tree-structured communications network having interconnected edge nodes and switching nodes. VLANs may be established by using spanning trees to provide connectivity in case of a failure in the network. Emitters in the edge nodes periodically broadcast alive messages on the VLANs, and notifiers note the alive messages. A missing alive message indicates a failure on one of the VLANs, and the notifier broadcasts corresponding failure messages on the VLANs. When the alive messages are restored, the notifier broadcasts corresponding repair messages. If a notifier fails to note a failure, one of the edge nodes performs a similar function although somewhat slower. |
| US08576685B2 |
Objective lens element
A high-NA and thin objective lens which prevents occurrence of a crack during lens molding and can stably be molded is provided. The present invention is directed to an objective lens having an optical surface having power which is not negative. The objective lens is a single lens and is formed such that a flat portion which is provided at an outer peripheral portion and perpendicular to the optical axis is closer to a disc surface than the position of the top of an exit-side surface of the objective lens and such that the rate of change in sag of the exit-side surface is continuous across the entire region. |
| US08576683B2 |
Disk decision method and optical disk drive using the disk decision method
A method of determining the type of disk loaded on an optical disk drive, and an optical disk drive using the method are provided. The disk decision method includes operations of detecting a change in the magnitude of a focus error signal generated during a focus search for a recording layer of a disk closest to an outermost layer of the disk, wherein the change in the magnitude of the focus error signal depends on a change in a recording layer of the disk for which aberration correction is performed, and determining a recording layer architecture of the disk according to the detected change in the magnitude of the focus error signal. |
| US08576682B2 |
Method and apparatus for preventing data reproducibility
Provided are a method and an apparatus to prevent reproducibility of data with respect to an optical information storage medium. The method includes recording patterns with respect to the optical information storage medium using irradiated light so as prevent reproduction of the data. The patterns may cause an error or a malfunction when attempting to access the data of the optical information storage medium so as to prevent the reproduction of the data. |
| US08576675B2 |
Data library apparatus, data archive system and server
In a data library apparatus for managing plural pieces of record media, and performing record/reproduction of data into/from the record media, there are provided an information-memorizing memory unit and a device-controlling control unit. Having received a data record/reproduction processing request from a server, the control unit collects load information imposed on data record/reproduction devices, load information imposed on a record-media transportation device, and load information imposed on the record media. Moreover, the control unit memorizes the collected load information into the memory unit. |
| US08576674B2 |
Plasmon generator including two portions made of different metals
A plasmon generator configured to excite a surface plasmon based on light includes a first portion formed of a first metal material and a second portion formed of a second metal material different from the first metal material. The plasmon generator has a front end face. The front end face includes a near-field light generating part that generates near-field light based on the surface plasmon. The second portion includes an end face located in the front end face. The second metal material satisfies at least one of the following requirements: a lower ionization tendency than that of the first metal material; a lower electrical conductivity than that of the first metal material; and a higher Vickers hardness than that of the first metal material. |
| US08576672B1 |
Heat sink layer
A layer configured for use in a magnetic stack has electrical resistivity greater than about 5×10−8 Ωm and thermal conductivity greater than about 1 W/mK. In some arrangements, the magnetic stack includes a substrate with the layer disposed over the substrate, a magnetic recording layer disposed over the layer, and a thermal resist layer disposed between the layer and the magnetic recording layer. In some arrangements, the layer is configured to function as a heat sink and a soft under layer. A system that incorporates the layer can include a magnetic write pole, a near field transducer (NFT) positioned proximate the write pole that radiates energy. |
| US08576668B2 |
Underwater communications
An environmental monitoring system including at least one underwater measurement device and a transmitter for transmitting data from the measurement device to an above water station using a magnetically coupled antenna. |
| US08576666B1 |
Graphical user interface for flow noise modeling, analysis, and array design
A system is provided that employs a programmable computer on which a graphical user interface provides parametric design and analysis of pressure sensor arrays used in aero- or hydroacoustic investigations. Use of the system allows for scientific and parametric investigations of turbulent boundary layer physics, as well as iterative array design optimization. Additionally, the system including the graphical user interface facilitates comparison of the results of current models for wall pressure with past theoretical or experimental wall pressure. |
| US08576663B2 |
Multicomponent seismic inversion of VSP data
A method for seismic inversion of vertical seismic profile (VSP) data in an oilfield. The method includes obtaining an initial velocity model of a subterranean formation including acoustic velocities of wave propagation in proximity to the wellbore, determining an acquisition geometry for obtaining the VSP data including receiver locations within the wellbore and a source location, performing a seismic survey to obtain the VSP data based on the acquisition geometry, analyzing arrival signals of the VSP data to generate transit time data for wave propagation from the source location to the receiver locations, modifying the initial velocity model to generate an updated velocity model by performing a tomographic inversion of the transit time data, generating an elastic model of the subterranean formation by performing the seismic inversion of the VSP data using the updated velocity model, and adjusting the operations of the oilfield based on the elastic model. |
| US08576662B2 |
Interpolation and/or extrapolation of seismic data
A method of processing seismic data is provided in the seismic data is acquired at a plurality of locations and the method comprises interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data, thereby to estimate seismic data at a target location different from the plurality of locations. The interpolating and/or extrapolating the seismic data is performed in a polar co-ordinate system. The method may provide for, among other things, accuracy of estimation; particularly at short offsets from the seismic source. The polar co-ordinate system used may be chosen to approximate the seismic wavefront in an earth model, for example in an earth model in which properties vary only with depth. |
| US08576648B2 |
Method of testing data retention of a non-volatile memory cell having a floating gate
A method of decreasing the test time to determine data retention (e.g. leakage current) of a memory cell having a floating gate for the storage of charges thereon. The memory cell is characterized by the leakage current having a rate of leakage which is dependent upon the absolute value of the voltage of the floating gate. The memory cell is further characterized by a first erase voltage and a first programming voltage, applied during normal operation, and a first read current detected during normal operation. The method applies a voltage greater than the first erase voltage or greater than the first programming voltage, to over erase the floating gate. The memory cell including the floating gate is subject to a single high temperature bake. The memory cell is then tested for data retention of the floating gate based on the single high temperature bake. |
| US08576646B2 |
Control voltage tracking circuits, methods for recording a control voltage for a clock synchronization circuit and methods for setting a voltage controlled delay
Memories, clock synchronization circuits, clock synchronization controller circuits, and methods for setting a voltage controlled delay of a clock synchronization circuit and tracking and recording the control voltage are disclosed. For example, a clock synchronization controller provides an initial control voltage to the voltage controlled delay during initialization of the synchronization circuit until a phase dependent control voltage stabilizes. The stable phase dependent control voltage is substituted for the initial control voltage. Following stabilization of the phase dependent control voltage, a phase detector of the clock synchronization circuit is activated. A recovery control voltage is provided by the clock synchronization controller to the voltage controlled delay during recovery of the clock synchronization from a power-saving mode until the phase dependent control voltage stabilizes. |
| US08576645B2 |
Semiconductor memory device capable of minimizing current consumption during high speed operation
A semiconductor memory device includes a signal processing unit configured to generate a control signal corresponding to burst length information and an output controlling unit configured to control an output of a data strobe signal in response to the control signal. |
| US08576642B2 |
Method of using multiplexing circuit for high speed, low leakage, column-multiplexing memory devices
In at least one embodiment, a multiplexer has a plurality of sub-circuits, and each of the plurality of sub-circuits has a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. Drains of the first transistors are coupled with a first terminal of a fourth transistor, and drains of the second transistors are coupled with a second terminal of the fourth transistor. In at least one embodiment, a method of outputting data using the multiplexer includes turning on the second transistor of a selected one of the plurality of sub-circuits responsive to a clock signal and address information. The second transistor of a non-selected one of the plurality of sub-circuits is turned off. The fourth transistor is turned on responsive to the clock signal. |
| US08576636B2 |
Semiconductor device
A plurality of memory cells included in a memory cell array are divided into a plurality of blocks every plural rows. A common bit line is electrically connected to the divided bit lines through selection transistors in the blocks. One of the memory cells includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a capacitor. The first transistor includes a first channel formation region. The second transistor includes a second channel formation region. The first channel formation region includes a semiconductor material different from the semiconductor material of the second channel formation region. |
| US08576635B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes memory cell blocks each configured to comprise memory cells erased by an erase voltage, supplied to a word line, and a bulk voltage supplied to a bulk, a bias voltage generator configured to generate a first erase voltage, having a first pulse width and a first amplitude, in order to perform the erase operation of the memory cells and a second erase voltage, having a second pulse width narrower than the first pulse width and a second amplitude lower than the first amplitude, in order to perform an additional erase operation if an unerased memory cell is detected after the erase operation is performed, and a bulk voltage generator configured to generate the bulk voltage. |
| US08576629B2 |
Operating method of nonvolatile memory device
Disclosed is an operating method of a nonvolatile memory device, which includes programming the first selection transistors of the plurality of cell strings and programming the plurality of memory cells of the plurality of cell strings. The programming the first selection transistors comprises supplying a first voltage to a first bit line connected with a first selection transistor to be programmed and a different second voltage to a second bit line connected to a first selection transistor to be program inhibited; turning on the second selection transistors of the plurality of cell strings, and supplying a first program voltage to a selected first selection line among a plurality of first selection lines connected with the first selection transistors and a third voltage to an unselected first selection line among the plurality of first selection lines. |
| US08576628B2 |
Nonvolatile random access memory
A nonvolatile random access memory that can be mounted on a substrate during a standard CMOS process. A memory cell comprises: a first MIS transistor including a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type in an electrically floating state, first drain and source regions of a second conductivity type formed on the first semiconductor layer, and a first gate electrode formed over the first semiconductor layer via a first gate insulating film; and a second MIS transistor including a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type isolated from the first semiconductor layer, second drain and source regions of the second conductivity type formed on the second semiconductor layer, a second gate electrode formed over the second semiconductor layer via a second gate insulating film. The first and second gate electrodes are electrically connected to each other so as to form a floating gate in an electrically floating state. |
| US08576626B2 |
Flash memory system capable of operating in a random access mode
A memory system includes a memory and a memory controller operating to control the memory. The memory includes a random accessible memory including a memory cell array operable in a random access mode, a NAND flash memory, and a selection circuit making the memory controller operate either one of the random accessible memory or the NAND flash memory. |
| US08576623B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor storage device
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device according to one embodiment includes a memory cell array that has NAND cell units in which a plurality of memory cells are connected in series, the control gate of each of the plurality of memory cells being connected to a word line, and a control circuit configured to execute a write operation by applying a write voltage to the word line. The control circuit is configured to execute a correction write operation accompanied by the write operation and executed on a selected memory cell, when a threshold voltage of data written in a reference memory cell is an erase level, the reference memory cell being the memory cell adjacent to the selected memory cell and in which the data is written after the write operation on the selected memory cell. |
| US08576621B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a control unit configured to measure a threshold voltage distribution of each of selected pages between a start voltage and an end voltage by performing a read operation on each page in response to a command set for analyzing the threshold voltage distribution, to compare the measured threshold voltage distribution with a reference threshold voltage distribution, and to determine a read voltage having a least amount of errors upon the read operation being performed. |
| US08576608B2 |
Memory apparatus
A memory apparatus includes: a plurality of memory cells which includes a first resistance change element; and a read-out circuit which determines the size of a resistance value of the first resistance change element by comparing the resistance state of a memory cell selected among the plurality of memory cells to the resistance state of a reference memory cell, wherein the reference memory cell includes a second resistance change element, a resistance value of the second resistance change element with respect to an applied voltage is smaller than that in a high resistance state of the first resistance change element, and the second resistance change element shows the same resistance change characteristic as the first resistance change element. |
| US08576607B1 |
Hybrid memory cell array and operations thereof
An integrated circuit and methods of operating same are described. In an embodiment of the integrated circuit included is an array of memory cells, where each of the memory cells includes a resistance-change storage element and a thyristor-based storage element coupled in series. In embodiments of the methods included are methods for data transfer, data tracking, and operating a memory array. |
| US08576599B2 |
Multi-wafer 3D CAM cell
A multi-wafer CAM cell in which the negative effects of increased travel distance have been substantially reduced is provided. The multi-wafer CAM cell is achieved in the present invention by utilizing three-dimensional integration in which multiple active circuit layers are vertically stack and vertically aligned interconnects are employed to connect a device from one of the stacked layers to another device in another stack layer. By vertically stacking multiple active circuit layers with vertically aligned interconnects, each compare port of the inventive CAM cell can be implemented on a separate layer above or below the primary data storage cell. This allows the multi-wafer CAM structure to be implemented within the same area footprint as a standard Random Access Memory (RAM) cell, minimizing data access and match compare delays. |
| US08576598B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatus for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power
Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for converting direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power. According to one embodiment, a system for converting DC power to AC power can be provided. The system can include a DC power source that provides a first DC power signal to a converter. Coupled to the converter can be a controller for transforming the first DC power signal into a plurality of AC power signals. The controller can also phase shift at least one of the plurality of AC power signals and combine the phase shifted AC power signal with at least one of the other of the plurality of AC power signals to provide a second DC power signal. The controller can also convert the second DC power signal to an AC power signal. |
| US08576597B2 |
Commutator for bridgeless PFC circuit
The commutator for a bridgeless PFC circuit is characterized in that a synchronous half-wave rectifier is connected between a bridgeless PFC boost circuit and an AC power source and is coupled to the two terminals of the AC power source. The synchronous half-wave rectifier contains a first synchronous transistor, a second synchronous transistor, and a control circuit. |
| US08576596B2 |
Systems and methods for off-time control in a voltage converter
Various embodiments of the present invention provide voltage converters and methods for using such. As one example, a voltage converter is disclosed that includes a transformer with a first winding and a second winding. A voltage is applied to the first winding for a period that is followed by an OFF time. The voltage converter further includes an OFF time controller that is operable to adjust the OFF time based at least in part on a load current traversing the second winding. |
| US08576594B2 |
Soft starter for phase-shifting autotransformer AC-DC power converter
An AC-DC power converter has a phase-shifting autotransformer based rectifiers and DC capacitors. Soft start of the AC-DC power converter is achieved by designing the autotransformer to operate at a low peak flux density at a point of AC voltage step application (initial turn on). The addition of a controlled impedance segregates capacitor charging from the initial magnetizing process of the autotransformer. |
| US08576590B2 |
Power supply and image forming apparatus
A power supply includes a transformer, a switching unit configured to drive the transformer at a primary side of the transformer, a voltage adjustment unit configured to adjust voltage of a capacitive element at a secondary side of the transformer, at the primary side thereof, and a plurality of constant voltage members connected across the terminals of the capacitive element at the secondary side of the transformer, wherein the power supply generates voltage having a predetermined polarity during the period before the voltage of the capacitive element at the secondary side of the transformer becomes a predetermined voltage by the voltage adjustment unit, and generates voltage having a polarity opposite to the predetermined polarity after the voltage of the capacitive element at the secondary side becomes the predetermined voltage. |
| US08576588B2 |
Switching mode power supply with primary side control
The present technology are directed to switching mode power supplies with primary side control. In one embodiment, the switching mode power supply provides an equivalent current signal which represents a load current. The equivalent current signal is then used to control a switching circuit in the switching mode power supply. |
| US08576585B2 |
Power device
A power device includes a power supply module, a first electrical isolation unit, a second electrical isolation unit, a feedback control unit, and a comparing unit. The power supply module includes a feedback compensating terminal and an output terminal, the feedback compensating terminal provides a related voltage of output power, and the output terminal provides an output voltage. When the related voltage of output power is smaller than the predetermined voltage, the comparing unit controls the first electrical isolation unit to change operation of the feedback control unit and the second electrical isolation unit, to allow the power supply module to adjust the output voltage. |
| US08576578B2 |
Robust power plane configuration in printed circuit boards
A robust printed circuit board (PCB) that includes at least two power layers that are used in providing power to components connected to the PCB. The power layers may be a power plane layer and a ground plane layer. The power plane layer is situated such that its edge is pulled back a second distance from the planar edge of the PCB. The ground plane layer is situated such that its edge is pulled back a first distance from the planar edge of the PCB. The second distance and the first distance are different, and as a result, the planar edges of the power plane layer and the ground plane layer respectively do not coincide. |
| US08576573B2 |
Controller, electric power steering provided with the same, method of manufacturing bus bar, and method of manufacturing controller
A controller includes: a circuit board; a retaining member; a bus bar that has an embedded portion embedded in and retained by the retaining member and an exposed portion that is exposed from the retaining member and that is electrically connected to the circuit board; and an electrical element that has a terminal connected to the exposed portion. The bus bar is formed in such a manner that a metal plate of which an outer surface is plated with a plating layer is cut along a predetermined cutting plane. The cutting plane at the exposed portion has a parallel portion that is arranged substantially parallel to a principal surface of the circuit board. The parallel portion and the terminal are joined to each other. |
| US08576570B2 |
Adaptive computing system with modular control, switching, and power supply architecture
The adaptive computing system described herein may generally include a modular control, switching, and power supply architecture. In particular, the adaptive computing system may provide a platform supporting multiple independent desktop computer modules that occupy less physical space than a standalone commercial computer, provide performance density comparable to current server solutions, and address concerns relating to stability, safety, productivity, performance, assembly, service, and other factors important to diverse desktop computer user communities. Moreover, mechanical, electrical, and functional components associated with the adaptive computing system may have various certifications or otherwise be relied upon to demonstrate compliance with criteria in regulatory, environmental, consumer safety, and other contexts. |
| US08576569B2 |
Electronic devices having multi-purpose cowlings and co-axial cable grounding and fixture brackets
Retention structures are provided to guide and secure a co-axial cable from an upper portion to a lower portion of a logic board having a bend region. In one embodiment, a retention structure can guide, retain, and electrically ground the co-axial cable at multiple locations. In another embodiment, a retention structure can provide route a co-axial cable around the bend region of the logic board, while providing strain relief and the ability to accommodate co-axial cables of different lengths, due to manufacturing tolerances. Multi-purpose cowling structures are also provided to minimize spacing impact within an electronic device, while maximizing functional utility. In another embodiment, a cowling can electrically connect the ground plane of a logic board to the ground plane of a housing member and provide a pre-load force to a conductor connection existing on logic board. |
| US08576568B2 |
Electronic device with sliding apparatus
A sliding apparatus includes a sliding member fixed to a first end of a server module, an elongated sleeve shaped first slide rail, and an elongated pole shaped second slide rail. The sliding member includes a first holding portion and a second holding portion each defining a mounting hole. The second slide rail is slidably retained in the mounting holes of the first and second holding portions. A first end of the first slide rail is fixed to a rack. A latch member is fixed to the sliding member for latch the rack. A first end of the second slide rail is slidably received in a second end of the first slide rail. A second end of the second slide rail is fixed to a second end of the server module. |
| US08576564B2 |
Electronic apparatus
Operability of an electronic apparatus while grasping it in the hand is improved, and display panel visibility is improved. The electronic apparatus includes a main body part, a display device, and a handle portion. The handle portion includes first and second leg portions having first ends connected to the main body part, and a grip portion to which second ends of the leg portions are connected. The handle portion has a shape such that the grip portion is positioned on the back surface side relative to the main body part thickness direction centerline that is at an equal distance from the front surface and the back surface. |
| US08576561B2 |
Handheld device enclosure
This is directed to an electronic device enclosure. The enclosure includes an outer periphery member forming an outer surface of a device, and to which an internal platform is connected. Electronic device components can be assembled to one or both surfaces of the internal platform. The enclosure can include front and back cover assemblies assembled to the opposite surfaces of the outer periphery member to retain electronic device components. One or both of the cover assemblies can include a window through which display circuitry can provide content to a user of the device. |
| US08576558B2 |
Mounting apparatus with rotating member for retaining and buffering data storage device
A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device includes a sliding member, a drive bracket, and a rotating member. The drive bracket includes a first side plate. A sliding groove is defined in the first side plate. The sliding member is received in the sliding groove. The rotating member is pivotally mounted to the first side plate. A curled piece and an arm are located on opposite ends of the rotating member. The arm defines a restricting room. The rotating member is adapted to rotate on the first side plate between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the curled piece abuts the first side plate and is elastically deformed by the first side plate, and the sliding member is disengaged from the restricting room. In the second position, the curled piece is released, and the restricting room receives and restricts the sliding member therein. |
| US08576555B2 |
Display element, portable equipment and imaging device
An electronic device includes a display unit that includes a flexible display element which displays an image on a front surface thereof, and a member which is placed facing a rear surface opposite to the front surface of the flexible display element, in which the member applies tension to the flexible display element when the flexible display element is unfurled. |
| US08576552B2 |
Display assembly for a computing device
A display assembly is provided for a computing device. The display assembly includes an exterior shell that includes an outward radius of curvature about two axes (X and Y axis), and is formed from hardened material such as glass. |
| US08576549B2 |
Two-axis hinge and mobile device
A two-axis hinge unit is provided with a first rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the vertical direction from a folded state with a first casing and a second casing overlapping and a second rotating shaft that rotates so as to open in the horizontal direction from a folded state with the first casing and the second casing overlapping, and is provided with a restriction member positioned between the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft that, when one of the rotating shafts is in a predetermined rotational position, is pressed by this one rotating shaft and engages with the other rotating shaft, thereby restricting rotation of that other rotating shaft. |
| US08576548B2 |
Communications vehicle
A vehicle is provided that includes a shelter thereon that includes electronics therein. The shelter includes ports on the exterior thereof that permit data and power exchange between the vehicle and another similarly configured vehicle. The vehicle further includes dedicated wiring raceways that separate wiring having different uses. |
| US08576545B2 |
Switchgear
A switchgear includes a chassis which is partitioned by metal earthed plates and includes a bus bar section located at a central portion, a switch section located below the bus bar section, a cable section located at a rear surface side, and a control section located at a front surface side; an air-insulated earthed disconnecting switch provided in the switch section; and a manipulating device. The switch section is separable from the chassis, and is configured as a case having a semi-closed structure which allows air to pass therethrough but prevents particles of oil and water from passing therethrough. |
| US08576537B2 |
Capacitor comprising flex crack mitigation voids
A ceramic multilayer surface-mount capacitor with inherent crack mitigation void patterning to channel flex cracks into a safe zone, thereby negating any electrical failures. |
| US08576534B2 |
Electronic magnetic contactor
Disclosed is an electronic magnetic contactor, the contactor including: an operation power supply unit inputting an operation power; an electronic switch driving unit receiving a power from the operation power supply unit to drive a power supply of a load; a switching unit switched by a pulse signal to drive the electronic switch driving unit; an operation state determination unit determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is in an opened state or in a closed state; an input voltage sensing unit sensing an amplitude of an input voltage supplied from the operation power supply unit; and an input signal generation unit generating an input signal for determining whether the electronic magnetic contactor is inputted based on determined state by the operation state determination unit and the sensed amplitude by the input voltage sensing unit. |
| US08576533B2 |
Discharge gap device and power supply device
A discharge gap device includes a first discharge pattern connected to a first wiring pattern and a second discharge pattern connected to a second wiring pattern which is electrically insulated from the first wiring pattern and the first discharge pattern, the second discharge pattern projecting from the second wiring pattern. The first and second discharge patterns are opposed to each other, and a gap between the first discharge pattern and the second discharge pattern is set to a predetermined interval, so that the discharge gap device discharges a lightning surge or static electricity from the gap. The first discharge pattern includes a first side face which confronts the second discharge pattern, the second discharge pattern includes a second side face which confronts the first side face, and the first side face and the second side face are arranged in parallel. |
| US08576530B2 |
Adaptive power management system for aircraft galleys
The adaptive power management system for aircraft galleys includes one or more programmable circuit breakers for corresponding interchangeable aircraft galley inserts. Current rating settings of the programmable circuit breakers can be changed by direct interrogation by a galley network controller, which can also automatically switch selected circuit breakers to open to shut down the power supply to an entire galley complex or individual galley inserts, as needed, or by a passive signal. |
| US08576524B1 |
Diode based ESD triggers
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) detector is coupled to the input voltage, and includes a voltage modulated input capacitance Cj configured to decrease as the input voltage increases. An output pulse generator is coupled to an output of the detector, and configured to amplify the output of the detector. An ESD protection switch is coupled to turn on upon application of an output pulse from the output pulse generator. |
| US08576520B2 |
Method for detecting arcs in photovoltaic systems and such a photovoltaic system
The invention relates to a method for detecting arcs in a direct-current path of a photovoltaic system, wherein values of a current (IDC) of the direct-current path are detected during a repeating time frame (7) and a mean value (8) is generated, and such a photovoltaic system. In order to reliably detect arcs by means of a component of the photovoltaic system, values of a voltage (UDC), of the direct-current path are detected during the time frame (7) and a mean value (8, 8′) is generated, and at least one detection signal (9) and at least one detection threshold (10) are continuously calculated based on the mean values (8, 8′) for the current (IDC) and the voltage (UDC) by means of a calculation method. |
| US08576508B2 |
Tape library system and method of diagnosing tape cartridges
A tape library system includes a plurality of cartridge cells for accommodating a plurality of tape cartridges respectively, a tape drive for writing and reading data to and from the tape cartridge inserted therein, a diagnosis drive for diagnosing the tape cartridge inserted therein, an cartridge carriage mechanism for inserting and ejecting the tape cartridge into and from the tape drive and the diagnosis drive, and a diagnosis controller for controlling the cartridge carriage mechanism to load the tape cartridge into the diagnosis drive and for controlling the diagnosis drive to diagnose the tape cartridge inserted therein. |
| US08576506B1 |
Disk drive estimating reader/writer gap across servo zones
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk comprising a plurality of servo sectors defining a plurality of servo tracks. The servo tracks form a plurality of servo zones. A disk locked clock is synchronized relative to a servo data rate of the servo zone the head is over. A first reader/writer gap is measured in cycles of the disk locked clock at a first servo track in the first servo zone. A second reader/writer gap is measured in cycles of the disk locked clock at a second servo track in the second servo zone. The first and second reader/writer gaps are normalized to generate a normalized first and second reader/writer gaps. A third reader/writer gap is estimated in cycles of the disk locked clock at a third servo track in the second servo zone based on the normalized first and second reader/writer gaps. |
| US08576505B2 |
Tape drive apparatus and method
Disclosed is a method of storing data on a tape medium in at least one data recording session employing a tape drive apparatus operable to record the data in accordance with a format specifying an unused area of the tape medium. The method comprises formatting the tape medium according to the format, and recording a tape medium identifier in the specified unused area of the tape medium. |
| US08576501B2 |
Wide-angle optical system, image pickup lens device, monitor camera, and digital apparatus
A wide-angle optical system comprises a front lens group (11), and a rear lens group (12), with an aperture stop (13) interposed between. The front lens group (11) includes at least two negative lenses (111, 112) and at least one positive lens (113). At least one of the positive lenses included in the front lens group (11) has at least one aspherical surface. The front lens group (11) satisfies the conditional expression vdp<29 where vdp is the minimum value of the Abbe number of the positive lens(es) included in the front lens group (11). |
| US08576497B2 |
Image capturing lens assembly
This invention provides an image capturing lens assembly in order from an object side to an image side comprising five lens elements with refractive power: a first lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, a second lens element with positive refractive power having a convex image-side surface, a third lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, a fourth lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface; and a fifth lens element with positive refractive power. By such arrangement, sufficient field of view is provided, and the aberration of the lens assembly is corrected for obtaining higher image resolution. |
| US08576492B2 |
Zoom lens system, imaging device and camera
A zoom lens system comprising: a positive first lens unit; a negative second lens unit; a positive third lens unit; and one or more subsequent lens units, wherein in zooming, the first to third lens units are moved along an optical axis to perform magnification change, a lens unit α which is one of the subsequent lens units does not move during zooming, but moves during transition from an imaging state to an accommodated state, and the conditions: 0.8 |
| US08576490B2 |
Changeable liquid lens array and method of manufacturing the same
A changeable liquid lens array and a method of manufacturing the same. The changeable liquid lens array includes a substrate, a plurality of partition walls arrayed on the substrate and having a fluid travel path, cells defined by the plurality of partition walls, a first fluid comprised in the cells, a second fluid arranged on the first fluid, a first electrode arranged on at least one side surface of each of the partition walls, and a second electrode disposed to be separate from the partition walls. A shape of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid changes based on a voltage that is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08576487B2 |
Spoke light recapture for the spoke between a color of a wheel and its neutral density complement
Disclosed is a video display system comprising a spatial light modulator, such as a DMD modulator. The system uses a light source and color-wheel filter that is interposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator, the color-wheel filter being divided into primary color segments and at least one neutral density (“ND”) segment that is complementary to at least one of the primary color segments and having a transmissivity that is lower than that of its corresponding primary color segment. At the border between the ND segment and its complementary primary color segment is an area that can be referred to as an ND spoke. The video display system modulates light from this ND spoke area along with light from the other segments. |
| US08576478B2 |
Tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens and system
A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present. |
| US08576472B2 |
Optoelectronic device with controlled temperature dependence of the emission wavelength and method of making same
A device representing a reflector, for example an evanescent reflector or a multilayer interference reflector, with at least one reflectivity stopband is disclosed. A medium with means of generating optical gain is introduced into the layer or several layers of the reflector. The optical gain spectrum preferably overlaps with the spectral range of the reflectivity stopband. This reflector is attached to multilayer passive cavity structure made of semiconducting, and/or dielectric, and/or metallic materials with the inserted tools of achieving wavelength selection of the optical modes. For example, volume Bragg gratings, distributed feedback gratings or patterns, using of vertical optical cavities surrounded by multilayer Bragg reflectors can be applied. The optical modes of the passive optical cavity partially penetrate into the gain region of the reflector. As a result of the interaction of the gain medium in the reflector region and the passive cavity modes, photons are generated or amplified in the passive cavity at wavelengths defined by the passive cavity modes. The materials selected for the passive cavity layers are chosen to provide the necessary temperature dependence of the effective index of refraction of the related optical modes of the passive cavity and serve as a tool to achieve the controlled temperature dependence of the wavelength of the emitted photons. In particular a complete suppression of the wavelength to temperature variations can be achieved. In another case a strong shift of the resonant wavelength or wavelengths with temperature may be realized. Thus the structure represents an optoelectronic device with controlled temperature dependence of the emission wavelength. |
| US08576464B2 |
Image capturing device having improved bridge structure
A detecting device having image capturing capability in a bridge structure is provided, which includes a housing, a bridge structure, a scanning module, and a slider. The housing has a plurality of inner walls. The bridge structure includes at least one roller, an ADF transparent layer, and a flatbed transparent layer. The roller is arranged on one of the inner walls between the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The scanning module is movably arranged below the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The scanning module and the roller are spaced apart from each other. The slider is arranged on the scanning module, where the slider has a glide plane arranged proximate to the ADF transparent layer, and the flatbed transparent layer. The roller rolls on the glide plane. Thus, the lifespan of the device may be extended through reduction of friction during scanning operation. |
| US08576455B2 |
Determining if a received fax is an auto-reply for a transmitted fax
A method implemented in a fax machine for analyzing a received fax to determine whether it is an auto-reply fax. Auto-reply faxes are handled differently from other faxes to avoid unnecessary printing. The analysis method includes: determining whether the sender of the received fax is the same as the receiver of a fax sent by the fax machine within a predefined time period in the past; determining whether the received fax contains only one or two pages; extracting text from the image of the received fax using OCR; and detecting the presents of certain keywords in the extracted text which indicate an auto-reply or received status. These determination and detection results are combined to determine whether the received fax is an auto-reply. Auto-reply faxes may be saved but not automatically printed, or forwarded to an email box of the sender of the original fax, etc. |
| US08576450B2 |
Replacing a defective colorant
A system and methods for modifying the values of halftoned image pixels to replace a defective colorant with at least one non-defective colorant. |
| US08576449B2 |
Parametrically controlled halftone spot function for an irregular halftone grid
As set forth herein, computer-implemented methods and systems facilitate halftoning using a parametrically controlled spot function based on triangle tessellation, which in turn facilitates dot growth control of periodic halftone using an irregular seed structure. The spot function determines the shape of the halftone dot used to reproduce a given pixel. The spot function is well suited for growing halftone dots arrayed on a non-regular grid and can also be used for grids with regular order. The spot function includes adjustable parameters for controlling its sharpness and slope. |
| US08576446B2 |
Deblurring and supervised adaptive thresholding for print-and-scan document image evaluation
A method is described to obtain a binary image from the print-and-scan process to best match the known original. A point-spread function (PSF) of the PAS process is first obtained from its knife-edge responses, and deblurring is carried out on the scanned images using deconvolution. After image deskewing and preliminary registration, a supervised adaptive thresholding procedure is utilized to binarize the scanned image such that a measure of difference (e.g. the Euclidean distance) between the original and binarized images is minimized. The supervised adaptive thresholding procedure divides the scanned images into many rectangular sub-images. Otsu's method is used to find a starting threshold for each scanned sub-image. An optimal threshold is found around the Otsu's threshold via iterative search to minimize the measure of difference between the original sub-image and scanned sub-image. The sub-images are binarized using the optimal threshold. This method may be used in document authentication. |
| US08576443B2 |
Device, image forming apparatus, and non-transistory computer readable medium for displaying and executing a periodic process
A screen control device includes: a history storage unit that stores history information associating information on a process executed in an image forming apparatus with user information that identifies a user who executed the process; a periodic process determination unit that determines whether a process executed by the user is a periodic process executed periodically based on the history information; an execution schedule calculation unit that calculates, in a case where the process executed by the user is a periodic process, an execution scheduled date when the periodic process is executed next time; a periodic process management unit that manages the periodic process in association with the user and the calculated execution scheduled date; and a display controller that displays a screen that allows an execution of the periodic process on a display when the user uses the image forming apparatus during a given term including the execution scheduled date. |
| US08576441B2 |
Profile correcting method
A profile correcting method includes: acquiring a device profile indicating correspondence relationships between a plurality of input values and a plurality of sets of first output values, each first output value set corresponding to one of the plurality of input values, each input value representing an achromatic color having a density level, each first output value set including a plurality of chromatic values each representing a chromatic color, the achromatic color being reproduced by mixing the chromatic color; and, performing a process for each input value. |
| US08576440B2 |
Image processing system, apparatus, method, and computer readable recording medium recorded with image processing program for forming an image of a structured document without losing a moving image included in the structured document
In order to form an image without losing a moving image included in a structured document, an MFP, when forming an image, receives print data and a moving image from a PC, stores the moving image in association with second moving image identification information, embeds, in a still image included in the print data, the second moving image identification information for the stored moving image and positional information included in the print data, and forms the still image on a sheet of paper. When reading an image, the MFP 100 reads a still image formed on a sheet of paper (S71), extracts second moving image identification information and positional information from the read still image (S73, S75), acquires a moving image identified by the extracted second moving image identification information (S74), and generates a structured document in which the moving image is associated with the still image in such a manner that the moving image is displayed at a position specified by the positional information in the still image (S89). |
| US08576439B2 |
Method for calculating color transform in WCS pipeline
A modified WCS (Windows Color System) pipeline is provided, which calculates the color transform off-line. More specifically, the color transform is calculated once after any profile is changed, and the calculated color transform data is stored for later use. During the printing process (i.e. when the user prints a document), the stored color transform data is retrieved and used by the pipeline to perform subsequent steps such as content color translation, without re-performing the color transform calculation. |
| US08576438B2 |
Digital computer and system for recording information on operations
A main controller stores levels and information to be stored in accordance with the levels. An operation screen is used to enter operation information for operating a complex machine 1. A scanner engine and a plotter engine execute operations based on the operation information. A memory records only information on operations in a level corresponding to the entered level information among the operations performed by the complex machine. |
| US08576437B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for printing variable contents and attributes associated therewith
Disclosed is printing a character forming image in an end part of each sheet of a plurality of sheets of paper which are to be sorted by an attribute, in an order of slicing a character which expresses the attribute of each sheet, based on what number sheet of paper is each sheet among a paper group which is sorted by the same attribute, the character forming image being obtained by sequentially slicing the character in a previously determined direction at a previously determined interval. |
| US08576436B2 |
Two-sided print data splitting
Methods of, and apparatus for, splitting data for two-sided printing are provided. In one embodiment, a method of splitting data for printing by a first and a second print head of a two-sided printer is provided, the method comprising: identifying a portion of the data transverse to a print direction comprising no information for printing, designating a portion of the data prior to the identified portion for printing by the first print head, and designating a portion of the data following the identified portion for printing by the second print head. |
| US08576434B2 |
Printer
A printer may judge whether a first type of communication with the print mediation server. The printer may execute the first type of communication and receive a predetermined notification in a case where it is judged that the first type of communication is executable. The printer may, (A) execute, when the predetermined notification is received a second type of communication so as to acquire specific address information, in the case where being judged that the first type of communication is executable and (B) execute, even if the predetermined notification is not received, the second type of communication at a predetermined timing so as to acquire the specific address information in a case where it is judged that the first type of communication is not executable. The printer may acquire the specific print data and print an image represented by the specific print data. |
| US08576432B2 |
Print service system and print processing method
A PODSS acquires from a job ordered from the client PC, limited access information for accessing an APSS. If a user selects the received job from an MFP, and if it is necessary to access the APSS, the PODSS notifies the MFP of the access information. The MFP then uses the notified access information to request the APSS for a corresponding application service. The PODSS receives processed service data and generates print data to be transmitted to the MFP. |
| US08576427B2 |
Image forming apparatus implemented by a distributed control system
There are provided an image forming apparatus which implements divisional control using a plurality of control units without an increase in cost and a control method for the apparatus. To accomplish this, this image forming apparatus includes a master control unit that controls the overall image forming apparatus, a plurality of sub-master control units that control a plurality of functions for performing image formation, and a plurality of salve control units that control loads for implementing a plurality of functions. The master control unit is connected to the plurality of sub-master control units via first signal lines. The plurality of sub-master control units are connected to the plurality of slave control units via second signal lines higher in data transfer timing accuracy than the first signal lines. |
| US08576423B2 |
Image processing device capable of reading a user-identifying image
An image processing device is provided. The image processing device includes a scanner to scan an image formed on a sheet, a first image obtainer to read and obtain a first image being a processible image formed in a first area, the first area being allocated on the sheet, a second image obtainer to read and obtain a second image formed in a second area, the second area being allocated on the sheet separately from the first area, a judging unit to judge as to whether the second image obtained by the second image obtainer is qualifies a predetermined authentication criteria and is identical to a predetermined identifying image, and a function controller to activate a predetermined function of the image processing device, which processes the processible image obtained by the first image obtainer, when the judging unit judges that the second image is identical to the predetermined identifying image. |
| US08576420B2 |
Image processing apparatus that can maintain security
When an image of a read out document is acquired, an MFP obtains information of a read out state of the image (document orientation or the like) or a copy setting information (magnification and the like), qualified as the copy permissive condition embedded in the image. Copying is permitted only when the read out state of the image or the copy setting of the image matches the permissive condition embedded in the image. |
| US08576418B2 |
Method for dynamic optimization of refinement patches for color printer characterization
A method generates a set of color patches that can be used to characterize a color printer. An accurate reference printer model is selected. A base set of calibration patches is printed and measured. The measurements are used to generate a model that can be used to predict the color produced by the reference printer for any combination of its colorants. The base set of patches is supplemented by a set of patches chosen to reduce the maximum color error produced by using the model compared to the predictions of a reference printer model. The supplemented set of patches is used to generate a more accurate model of the printer. The supplemented set of patches is used to recalibrate other instances of the printer. |
| US08576415B2 |
Image processing system, image processing apparatus, and method of controlling image processing apparatus
Attachment of a USB memory is sensed and whether the USB memory can be recognized or not is determined based on data information output from the USB memory. When the USB memory cannot be recognized, an emulation transition screen is displayed. Thereafter, when an instruction to start transition to an emulation mode is given, an emulation mode transition instruction signal and an IP address of an MFP on a network are output. Receiving the input of the emulation mode transition instruction signal, an emulation mode start-up/end unit starts up the emulation mode. |
| US08576411B2 |
Component position measurement method
In the component position measurement method, the position B of the component 1 when the laser beam is blocked (the laser beam blocking position) is measured with respect to the chuck position A of the component 1. Since the component 1 generates a large vibration (inclination) during the chuck is used, the position of the leading end (front end) C of the component 1 is computed using the inclination angle θ with respect to the measurement value of the deviation amount H of the laser beam blocking position B of the component 1 based on a similarity relationship of a triangle. |
| US08576410B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining a height of a number of spatial positions on a sample
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining a height of a number of spatial positions on a sample, defining a height map of a surface of said sample. The method can involve irradiating the surface of the sample with light including a spatial periodic pattern in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis and moving parallel to the pattern, scanning the surface in the direction of the optical axis for each position of the surface and detecting the light reflected by the sample by a detector during the scanning. In any scanning position, only a single image is taken, and the scanning speed has a predetermined relation to the phase of the periodic pattern. Analyzing an output signal of the detector can involve, for each spatial position of the detector, determining of an amplitude of the signal detected during the scanning and determining a scanning location where the amplitude is maximal. |
| US08576405B2 |
Heterodyne polarimeter with a background subtraction system
A polarimeter based on coherent detection and a method for measuring the optical rotation of a polarized light beam by an optically active substance, while enabling the subtraction of background signals, are provided. |
| US08576403B2 |
Laser gyro having a solid-state amplifying medium and an optical ring cavity
A laser gyro having a solid-state amplifying medium and an optical ring cavity includes an assembly encompassing the optical cavity and able to experience an oscillating rotational motion, as well as at least one external optical device for longitudinal injection of energy into the solid-state amplifying medium. The laser gyro also includes a fixing assembly adapted for translationally and rotationally binding said assembly encompassing the optical cavity and said external optical device for longitudinal injection of energy. |
| US08576388B2 |
Optical differential delay tester
The present invention relates to a device and method for measuring the differential delay in a computer system having a disaster recovery secondary site. The device includes a transmitter for use at a primary site, the transmitter having a first laser and a second laser. The first laser is optically connected to an end of the transmission path and the second laser is optically connected to an end of the receive path. A receiver is located at the secondary site. The receiver has a first optical receiver optically connected to an end of the transmission path and a second optical receiver optically connected to an end of the receive path. The receiver includes a microprocessor to count the number of cycles between the receipt of light pulses simultaneously emitted from the first and second lasers. From this cycle count, the differential delay between the transmission and receive path is calculated. |
| US08576387B2 |
Fiber identification using optical frequency-domain reflectometer
Described herein are systems and methods for uniquely identifying, or “fingerprinting,” optical fibers based upon hi-resolution measurements of the backscattered light. One embodiment of the disclosure of this application is related to a computer readable storage medium including a set of instructions that are executable by a processor. The set of instructions being operable to retrieve a profile for an intended fiber, the profile including unique measurement data of the intended fiber, receive from an optical frequency-domain reflectometer further measurement data from a connected fiber within a network, compare the unique measurement data of the intended fiber to the further measurement data of the connected fiber, and confirm an identity of the connected fiber as being the intended fiber when the unique measurement data matches the further measurement data, and trigger an alert when the unique measurement data does not match the further measurement data. |
| US08576385B2 |
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor (10) comprising fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors (12) provided within an optical fiber (14), an optical fiber strain sensor carrier rod 16 and a pressure intensifying sleeve (18). The carrier rod (16) is formed from a first glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite material having a first stiffness/elastic modulus the direction of strain sensing. The sleeve (18) is formed from a second composite material, having a lower axial stiffness in the direction of strain sensing than that of the carrier rod (16). Under an applied hydrostatic load, the sleeve (18) exerts an axial compressive load onto the section of rod (16) within the sleeve (18). The axial compressive strain experienced by the rod (16) is thereby increased in the region within the sleeve (18) compared to the axial compressive strain that would be produced in the rod (16) if the sleeve (18) was not present. |
| US08576383B2 |
Automatic laser rangefinder and method of automatically activating the laser rangefinder to measure distance
The present invention provides a laser rangefinder and a method of activating the laser rangefinder to measure distance. The laser rangefinder has a first sensing to sense whether the user is aiming the laser rangefinder at a target and a second sensing device to sense an acceleration of the laser rangefinder and the acceleration has to be smaller than a preset value. The laser rangefinder will be automatically activated to measure distance when both of the first sensing device and the second device are checked. |
| US08576377B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A method for configuring an illumination source of a lithographic apparatus is presented. The method includes dividing the illumination source into pixel groups, each pixel group including one or more illumination source points; selecting an illumination shape to expose a pattern, the illumination shape formed with at least one pixel group; iteratively calculating a lithographic metric as a result of a change of state of a pixel group in the illumination source, the change of the state of the pixel group creating a modified illumination shape; and adjusting the illumination shape based on the iterative results of calculations. |
| US08576376B2 |
Imaging optical system and projection exposure system for microlithography
An imaging optical system includes a plurality of mirrors that image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. At least one of the mirrors is obscured, and thus has a opening for imaging light to pass through. The fourth-last mirror in the light path before the image field is not obscured and provides, with an outer edge of the optically effective reflection surface thereof, a central shadowing in a pupil plane of the imaging optical system. The distance between the fourth-last mirror and the last mirror along the optical axis is at least 10% of the distance between the object field and the image field. An intermediate image, which is closest to the image plane, is arranged between the last mirror and the image plane. The imaging optical system can have a numerical aperture of 0.9. These measures, not all of which must be effected simultaneously, lead to an imaging optical system with improved imaging properties and/or reduced production costs. |
| US08576374B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lithographic method of providing an alignment mark on a layer provided on a substrate, the method including providing the alignment mark on an area of the layer which is oriented within a certain range of angles with respect to a surface of the substrate on which the layer is provided. |
| US08576372B2 |
Casing structure for electronic devices
An aspect provides a method, including: fixing a laminated panel, which has been cut into a predetermined shape, to a mold, said laminated panel having an expanded layer disposed between layers made of a conductive resin; injection of molding non-conducting resin into the mold in which the laminated panel has been fixed; wherein a non-conductive region and a conductive region are joined to form a bottom surface of a display casing, said display casing having an inner and outer surface; and wherein an antenna mounting space is formed in the non-conductive region. Other aspects are described and claimed. |
| US08576369B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method of liquid crystal display device
Disclosed herein is a liquid crystal display device including a plurality of pixels each having a reflecting section and a transmitting section, the pixels each including a plurality of sub-pixels resulting from alignment division, the liquid crystal display device including: an element layer formed on a substrate; an insulating film formed on the substrate so as to cover the element layer; a pixel electrode formed on the insulating film so as to be connected to the element layer; a gap adjusting layer formed on the insulating film on the element layer including a region of connection between the element layer and the pixel electrode; and a dielectric formed on a connecting part for making an electric connection between the sub-pixels. |
| US08576364B2 |
Method for forming multiple alignment films on a substrate and pixel structure of a liquid crystal display
A method for forming the alignment films on the substrate and a pixel structure of a liquid crystal display are disclosed. The pixel structure comprises a plurality of pixel units arranged in arrays. Each of the pixel units comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, two first alignment films and two second alignment films. The first alignment film is different from the second alignment film. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The two first alignment films and the two second alignment films are individually disposed on the first substrate and the second substrate, while each of the first alignment films is disposed substantially opposite to one of the second alignment films. The method for forming the alignment films comprises the following steps: (1) forming a trench on the substrate to divide each of the pixel units into a first sub-pixel area and a second sub-pixel area, (2) forming the first alignment film on the first sub-pixel area of the substrate and then, (3) forming a second alignment film on the second sub-pixel area of the substrate at last. |
| US08576363B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal layer disposed between a first substrate and a second substrate, a pixel electrode in a reflection region and a transmission region over the first substrate, a film for adjusting a cell gap in the reflection region over the first substrate, and an opposite electrode in the reflection region and the transmission region over the second substrate. The pixel electrode in the reflection region is provided over the film and reflects light. The pixel electrode in the transmission region transmits light. The pixel electrode in the reflection region and the transmission region includes a slit. The slit is overlapped with at least a part of a step portion which is provided by the film between the reflection region and the transmission region. |
| US08576362B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and polymer for alignment film materials
A liquid crystal display device suppresses generation of image sticking in AC mode. A liquid crystal display device comprises an alignment film arranged on at least one of a pair of substrates. The alignment film comprises a polymer containing a first constitutional unit and a second constitutional unit. The first constitutional unit controls alignment of the liquid crystal molecules by photoirradiation. The second constitutional unit controls alignment of the liquid crystal molecules regardless of photoirradiation. |
| US08576354B2 |
Channelized plate
Preferred embodiments utilize a plurality of optical channels to effectively aim the light emitted by a liquid crystal display (LCD). Embodiments may also change the nominal and range of viewing angles of light in two or three dimensions in order to confine the emitted light towards the intended observer. |
| US08576353B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a light guide plate that guides incident light, a first point light source assembly including first point light source elements that provide the light to the light guide plate and a first support substrate having the first point light source elements, the first point light source assembly being disposed at one side of the light guide plate, a second point light source assembly including second point light source elements that provide the light to the light guide plate and a second support substrate having the second point light source elements, the second point light source assembly being disposed at the other side of the light guide plate, a liquid crystal panel assembly disposed on the light guide plate that displays image information, and a lower container that accommodates the light guide plate, first and second point light source assemblies, and liquid crystal panel assembly. |
| US08576352B2 |
Backlight module comprising an integrally joined light guide plate structure having at least one groove dividing the light guide plate into a plurality of sub-light guide plates wherein the at least one groove is filled with a reflective material
A backlight module includes a light guide plate and at least two groups of light sources. The light guide plate includes at least two independent light guide modules optically isolated from each other. Each group of light sources is located corresponding to an independent light guide module and controlled independently. A liquid crystal display using the backlight module is also related. |
| US08576349B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display array substrate
A liquid crystal display panel and liquid crystal display array substrate are disclosed. The liquid crystal display array substrate includes first scan lines, second scan lines, data lines, first columns of pixel units and second columns of the pixel units. Each of the first columns of the pixel units has a plurality of first pixel structures electrically connected to the first scan lines and the data lines respectively. Each of the second columns of the pixel units has a plurality of second pixel structures electrically connected to the second scan lines and the data lines respectively. Each of the first pixel structures has a first storage capacitor, and the first storage capacitor has a first capacitance value. Each of the second pixel structures has a second storage capacitor, and the second storage capacitor has a second capacitance value, wherein the second capacitance value is less than the first capacitance value. |
| US08576348B2 |
Reflective liquid crystal display panel and device using same
There is disclosed an active matrix reflective liquid crystal display panel on which an active matrix circuit is integrated with peripheral driver circuits. Metal lines in the peripheral driver circuits are formed simultaneously with pixel electrodes. Thus, neither the process sequence nor the structure is complicated. |
| US08576347B2 |
Display device and manufacturing method thereof
It is an object of the present invention to form a pixel electrode and a metal film using one resist mask in manufacturing a stacked structure by forming the metal film over the pixel electrode. A conductive film to be a pixel electrode and a metal film are stacked. A resist pattern having a thick region and a region thinner than the thick region is formed over the metal film using an exposure mask having a semi light-transmitting portion. The pixel electrode, and the metal film formed over part of the pixel electrode to be in contact therewith are formed using the resist pattern. Accordingly, a pixel electrode and a metal film can be formed using one resist mask. |
| US08576345B2 |
Choloesteric liquid crystal display and fabrication thereof
A cholesteric liquid crystal display is provided, including a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed on the first electrode layer, wherein the liquid crystal layer comprises at least two liquid crystals having different sensitivities to driving frequencies, mixed with each other, and liquid crystals having a greater initial state-transition temperature are more sensitive to driving frequency. |
| US08576343B2 |
Digital signal processor (DSP) architecture for a hybrid television tuner
According to one aspect, a mixed-signal tuner for analog and digital TV reception incorporates a demodulator for analog TV, employing various features for resolving limitations of the analog circuitry and for achieving compatibility with various global TV standards. Such features, which may be present in one or more embodiments, include the use of a variable sample rate in all digital clocks for frequency planning, and use of a microcontroller (MCU) to control various circuitry of the tuner. |
| US08576342B2 |
System and method for detecting scene changes in a digital video stream
A system and method that processes video to extract a keyframe-based adequate visual representation is disclosed. Certain embodiments utilize a hierarchical processing technique. A first stage in the hierarchy extracts a chromatic difference metric from a pair of video frames. An initial set of frames is chosen based on the chromatic metric and a threshold. A structural difference measurement is extracted from this initial set of frames. A second threshold is used to select key frames from the initial set. The first and second thresholds can be user selectable. The output of this process is the visual representation. The method is extensible to any number of metrics and any number of levels. |
| US08576339B2 |
Image processing apparatus and control method therefor
An image processing apparatus having multi-window display mode for displaying a plurality of images and single-window display mode for displaying one image on the display screen, including receiving units which receive broadcast signal and acquiring image signals relating to programs, and acquisition unit which acquires program information of the programs, and memory unit which stores program information of a selected program, and control unit which selects display mode for an image, and the control unit exerts control such that if the multi-window display mode is selected, a comparison is made at predetermined timing between the program information about the selected program and program information about newly selected program, and the display mode is switched from multi-window mode to single-window mode according to the comparison result. |
| US08576335B2 |
Image display apparatus having flicker control and method of controlling the same
An image display apparatus includes a filter which obtains low-frequency image data from input image data, a multiplier which multiplies the low-frequency image data obtained by the filter by a predetermined ratio, and a subtracter which subtracts, from the input image data, the low-frequency image data multiplied by the predetermined ratio to obtain high-frequency image data. In addition, a display control unit displays, in alternate order, the low-frequency image data and the high-frequency image data, and an adjustment unit adjusts the predetermined ratio so as to set a flicker of an image displayed by the display control unit to a predetermined level. |
| US08576329B2 |
Focus detection apparatus and control method therefor
A focus detection apparatus includes an image sensor including pixels for focus detection for receiving a pair of respective light beams transmitted through different pupil areas of a photographing lens to output a pair of signals; an acquisition unit for acquiring exit window information on the photographing lens; an arithmetic circuit for calculating a tilt for detection area in the detecting position, depending on an image height for a detecting position in which a focus state is detected and on the exit window information; and a calculation unit for calculating the shape of the detection area depending on the calculated tilt, in which the defocus amount is detected on the basis of a phase difference between the pair of signals obtained from pixels for focus detection included in the calculated detection area. |
| US08576328B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and display control method
An image pickup apparatus uses an image pickup device. A manual focus adjusting unit is configured to control a focus lens in response to a user's input operation. An edge detecting unit is configured to detect edge components from an image signal obtained by the image pickup device and to output detection levels of the detected edge components. A color signal replacement unit is configured to replace a signal of a pixel corresponding to the detection level with a predetermined color signal when the detection level satisfies a predetermined condition. A display unit is configured to display an image based on an output image signal from the color signal replacement unit. |
| US08576319B2 |
Image sensor, semiconductor device and image sensing method
An image sensor and an image sensing method can obtain image signals with a high S/N ratio in a high-speed image pickup operation. Signal charges are input to input transfer stage 31 of CCD memory 30. Final transfer stage 32 is formed so as to be connected to the input transfer stage 31 and able to transfer signal charges to the input transfer stage 31. In an accumulation mode, read gate 42 and drain gate 40 are not turned on and the next transfer operation of the CCD memory 30 is conducted. The accumulated signal charges are transferred on a stage by stage basis and the signal charges obtained at the first image pickup timing are transferred again straightly to the input transfer stage 31. In this state, the signal charges obtained newly at photoelectric conversion section 20 at the next image pickup timing are injected into the input transfer stage 31 by way of input gate 21. As a result of this operation, the signal charges obtained at the last image pickup timing are added to the signal charges accumulated in the input transfer stage 31 so that integrated signal charges obtained by adding the two sets of signal charges are accumulated in the input transfer stage 31. |
| US08576318B2 |
Image sensors and methods of fabricating the same
An image sensor and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The image sensor includes a substrate having a pixel region including a plurality of unit pixels and a non-pixel region, at least one first well in the non-pixel region, an interconnect structure on a first side of the substrate, and a base well in the non-pixel region and between the first well and a second side of the substrate. |
| US08576317B2 |
Solid-state image pickup apparatus signal processing method for a solid-state image pickup apparatus, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup apparatus, including a pixel array section in which a unit pixel including a photoelectric conversion section and a charge detection section for detecting charge generated by photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion section is disposed; a driving section adapted to carry out driving of reading out a signal of the unit pixel divisionally by twice as a first signal and a second signal; and a signal processing section adapted to set the first signal read out first from the unit pixel as a reference voltage for a processable input voltage range of the signal processing section, adjust the reference voltage so that the first and second signals may be included in the input voltage range and carry out signal processing for the first and second signals using the adjusted reference voltage. |
| US08576315B2 |
Imaging device and imaging apparatus for performing focus alignment
An imaging device including: image generation pixels generating signals for image generation; and phase difference detection pixels generating signals for focus alignment determination by phase difference detection is disclosed. The first lines where the image generation pixels are arranged in a specific direction and second lines where the phase difference detection pixels are arranged in the specific direction are alternately arranged in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction. The image generation pixels and the phase difference detection pixels are alternately arranged so that the image generation pixels constituting the first line and the phase difference detection pixels constituting the second line adjacent to the first line overlap by portions thereof in the perpendicular direction. |
| US08576308B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
An image processing method and an image processing apparatus are provided. In the image processing method, each of a plurality of original images is divided into K bands, where K is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1. A plurality of local motions of each band in any two adjacent of the original images are calculated, and a global motion of each band is calculated according to the local motions of the band. A horizontal component velocity and a vertical component velocity of each band are generated according to the global motion and a capturing time difference. A plurality of transformation matrixes corresponding to the bands are generated according to the horizontal component velocities, the vertical component velocities, a row readout time, and the width of a valid area. One of the two adjacent original images is transformed according to the transformation matrixes to generate a compensated image. |
| US08576305B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and method of correcting captured image data
An image pickup apparatus includes a solid-state image pickup device including a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array, a circuit necessary for the pixel structure being shared between the pixels of a predetermined number having the same arrangement pattern; correction value generating means for generating a correction value for the pixel data read out from the pixel position of each pixel having the same arrangement pattern, the correction value being used for correcting the nonuniformity in pixel characteristics caused by a difference in position between the pixels in the arrangement pattern; and correcting means for correcting each pixel data read out from the solid-state image pickup device on the basis of the correction value for the corresponding pixel data, generated by the correction value generating means. |
| US08576304B2 |
Imaging apparatus and control method thereof
The present invention provides an imaging apparatus capable of performing a live view display showing a multiple image combination result image generated by combining a through-the-lens image with an already captured image at a more suitable combination ratio according to a user's intended operation during multiple exposure shooting. The imaging apparatus switches a multiple image combination result image displayed as a live view from a multiple image combination result image combined at a first combination ratio to a multiple image combination result image combined at a second combination ratio allowing a user to preliminarily check a combination ratio for generating a multiple image combination result image to be recorded into a recording medium, according to a user's operation. |
| US08576302B2 |
Imaging apparatus comprising color image pickup device and monochrome image pickup device
There is provided an imaging apparatus including an optical elements that disperses an incoming light from a subject into a first light composed of wavelength components in a visible light region only, and a second light which does not contain the first light and which is composed of wavelength components in other than visible light region only, a color image pickup device that receives the first light irradiated from the optical element, and a monochrome image pickup device that receives the second light irradiated from the optical element. |
| US08576301B2 |
Digital camera having plurality of image recording media and control method for the same
A digital camera is disclosed which has a first recording medium for recording captured images and a second recording medium, different from the first recording medium, for recording images obtained after editing the captured images. Since the edited images are recorded on the second recording medium, it is easy to sort out a desired image. |
| US08576298B2 |
Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus is provided which includes an image pickup device; a display unit configured to perform a control operation to display a signal output from the image pickup device on a monitor; a first photometry section configured to measure luminance of an image of an object based on the signal output from the image pickup device; a second photometry section configured to measure luminance of the image of the object using a photometric sensor mounted at a position different from the image pickup device; and a controller configured to control exposure based on photometric information obtained from the second photometry section in a case where, before photometric information is obtained from the first photometry section, a request is made by a user to capture an image for recording an output of the image pickup device. |
| US08576295B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
A plurality of images captured in different exposure times are aligned in order of exposure time, and pairs each of two images adjacent on the line are set. Common regions in long- and short-time images contained in a pair of interest are specified based on the pixel value distributions of the respective images. A location error correction amount for the long-time image is calculated to make the common regions match each other when the long- and short-time images are composited with each other. The long-time image undergoes image processing based on the location error correction amount. A composite image is generated by compositing a plurality of images obtained by performing image processing for each pair. The generated composite image is output. |
| US08576290B2 |
Actuator, driving device and imaging device
The actuator disclosed herein comprises a coil, a magnet and a magnetism detection element. The magnet is configured to move a predetermined distance relative to the coil via a magnetic force generated when current is passed through the coil. The magnet includes a first polarization line perpendicular to the direction in which the magnet moves relative to the coil, and a second polarization line parallel to the first polarization line. The magnetism detection element is configured to detect the position of the magnet. The coil faces the first polarization line and the magnetism detection element faces the second polarization line. The length from the second polarization line to a first end of the magnet is equal to or more than 1.25 times the predetermined distance. The first end of the magnet is closer to the magnetism detection element than to the coil. |
| US08576287B2 |
Methods and apparatus for jiggling correction in images
Disclosed herein is an image capturing apparatus including, an optical zoom lens, an actuator for driving said optical zoom lens, an imaging device, a jiggling detection section, an optical jiggling correction section, an electronic jiggling correction section, and an optical zoom magnification change rate modulation section. |
| US08576286B1 |
Display system
A system and method for video navigation is disclosed. The system and method may include one or more video cameras configured to capture views external to the vehicle, a control mechanism for adjusting the sight-line of the one or more video cameras, and a display panel positioned within the vehicle for displaying the views captured within the sight-line of the one or more video cameras. |
| US08576284B2 |
Monitoring system, monitoring apparatus and monitoring method
In a monitoring system for monitoring parking of a vehicle in a specific area by a monitoring image pick-up device, and a monitoring apparatus, the monitoring image pick-up device includes an image pick-up portion. And the monitoring apparatus includes: a parking area enter/exit determining portion for determining whether or not a vehicle enters or exits from the specific area; an imaging setting change instructing portion for instructing the image pick-up portion to change an imaging setting to another one suitable for capturing a vehicle image containing specific information on the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle enters or exits from the area; and a parking determining portion for calculating a time for which the vehicle is parked in the area from image capturing time when the vehicle enters the area, and image capturing time when the vehicle exits from the area. |
| US08576283B1 |
Hash-based chain of custody preservation
In one embodiment, a chain of custody management application is configured to receive electronic recordings and physical evidence data, associate them with a security event, and automatically create and embed a hash value that aids in the authentication of both the electronic recordings and the physical evidence. A case management system may create a case record for an incident, present a form to the user, and prompt the user to electronically associate an electronic recording and physical evidence to the case record. The case management system optionally issues a call to a verification system which, in this example, automatically creates a first hash value from the electronic recording data and a second hash value from the physical evidence data. The hash values may then be embedded in an electronic case record form that may be printed on demand for use by government authorities. |
| US08576278B2 |
System for monitoring dynamic stability of micro machine process and method thereof
The present invention discloses a system for monitoring dynamic stability of micro machine is provided in this invention, wherein an image-capturing device and an analytic device are included. The image-capturing device captures an image on a surface of a work piece milled by the micro machine. The analytic device comprises an image input interface, means for gray-scaling an image, means for analyzing abnormal gray-scaled value of the gray-scaled image, and means for analyzing numbers of veins of the gray-scaled image. This invention also provides a method for monitoring dynamic stability of micro machine. |
| US08576274B2 |
Wireless video conference system and multi-conference switching method thereof
The disclosure discloses a wireless video conference system, which comprises: a conference control module and a wireless conference switching module which are located at a system side, and a wireless video conference terminal module located in a wireless terminal, wherein the conference control module is configured, when a new conference is started, to send data information of the new conference and data information of an original conference to the wireless conference switching module; the wireless conference switching module is configured, when the new conference is started, to send a conference start instruction to the wireless terminal in a member list of the new conference, and to switch the wireless terminal to the new conference or maintain the wireless terminal in the original conference according to a conference switching instruction from the wireless terminal; and the wireless video conference terminal module is configured to receive the conference start instruction from the wireless conference switching module, and to send the conference switching instruction to the wireless conference switching module according to a choice of a user. The disclosure further discloses a multi-conference switching method in a wireless video conference system. By the disclosure, the multi-conference switching of the wireless terminal in the wireless video conference system is implemented. |
| US08576268B2 |
Optical device, optical member and image forming apparatus with the same
An optical device includes a laser light source for outputting a laser beam; an optical member including an aspherical lens with an incident surface on which the laser beam is incident and an output surface from which the laser beam is output, and adapted to scan the laser beam output from the output surface across a predetermined target; and a housing for housing the optical member. The optical member further includes a first positioning portion at a side of the incident surface and a second positioning portion at a side of the output surface. The housing includes a first engaging portion to be engaged with the first positioning portion and a second engaging portion to be engaged with the second positioning portion. The first and second positioning portions have mutually different shapes. |
| US08576267B2 |
Optical writing device, image forming apparatus, optical writing method, and computer-readable recording medium
An optical writing device stores pieces of dithering information indicating dithering patterns whose densities are different, each piece of dithering information including pieces of identification information associated with pixels of the corresponding dithering pattern, and stores pieces of pixel setting information in which pieces of colored/colorless information indicating each of the pixels is colored or colorless are associated with the pieces of identification information, the pieces of colored/colorless information being set based on a resolution of a light source for forming an electrostatic latent image. The optical writing device also includes a control unit configured to arrange the same dithering patterns in a way that the dithering patterns form a pattern with a given size, and cause the light source to emit light based on information generated by setting the pixels of each of the same dithering patterns to be colored or colorless in accordance with the pixel setting information. |
| US08576265B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a printhead guide and locking mechanism
An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor which is rotatable with respect to a body frame, an exposing member which is movable relative to the body frame, a spacing member which is provided between the exposing member and the photoreceptor to maintain a distance between the photoreceptor and the exposing member, a positioning member which makes a contact with the exposing member to position the exposing member in a direction of rotation of the photoreceptor, and a pressing member which is provided to the body frame to press the exposing member toward the photoreceptor and the positioning member. Accordingly, it is possible to position the exposing member accurately with respect to the photoreceptor, in any of the light-axis direction and the rotational direction of the photoreceptor. |
| US08576262B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal device (100A) according to the present invention has first and second pixels (P1 and P2). Each of the first and second pixels (P1 and P2) includes first, second and third subpixels (R, G, and B). When the input signal indicates that each pixel should represent the first color, the luminances of the respective third subpixels (B1 and B2) of the first and second pixels (P1 and P2) are different from each other. But when the input signal indicates that each pixel should represent the second color, the average luminance of the respective third subpixels (B1 and B2) is substantially the same as when the first color is specified, and the luminances of the respective third subpixels (B1 and B2) are substantially equal to each other. |
| US08576259B2 |
Partial update driving methods for electrophoretic displays
This application is directed to driving methods for electrophoretic displays. More specifically, the methods are suitable where there is a requirement for a partial update of the images in the display, where a partial update means that less than 10% of the pixels require updating. An essential element of the method is a floating common electrode. This method for partial updating may be used with the prior art driving techniques in order to provide the optimum updating method for different applications. |
| US08576251B2 |
Scaling-up control method and scaling-up control apparatus for use in display device
A scaling-up control method and a scaling-up control apparatus are used in a display device. The display device includes a scaler for converting an original image signal into an output image signal by performing a linear interpolation. Moreover, by utilizing a global locking mechanism and a local locking mechanism to perform the linear interpolation to determine the actual position of the interpolated pixel, the position error of the pixel position is largely reduced. Since the difference between the calculated pixel value and the ideal pixel value is reduced, the imaging quality of the output image signal is enhanced. |
| US08576248B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
A polygon selection unit selects, on the basis of a given condition, a base unit to be used in a collision determination process from base units included in a three-dimensional virtual object. A collision determination unit executes the collision determination process between three-dimensional virtual objects by using the base unit selected by the polygon selection unit for each virtual object. |
| US08576237B2 |
Screen transfer apparatus and method thereof and program storage medium
An apparatus that communicates with a screen display apparatus: a generation unit configured to generate image data to be displayed on a screen; an identification unit configured to identify an overlapping area that overlaps with the image data for each of a plurality of divided areas into which the screen is divided, respectively; a division unit configured to divide respective partial image data belonging to the respective overlapping areas in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction of the screen; a data compression processor configured to compress respective divided image data belonging to the respective divided areas by using dictionary data obtained based on a predetermined amount of divided image data compressed in the past belonging to the respective divided areas; and a data transmission unit configured to transmit respective compressed image data belonging to the respective divided areas in an order defined according to a rule given in advance. |
| US08576233B2 |
Program generation device, program generation method, and computer-readable storage medium
When a generating device generates a control program for displaying images of characters on a display screen of a mobile terminal, if a character represented in accordance with a font identity not supported by the mobile terminal is included, an item of image data representing an image that depicts the character according to the font identity is generated in advance in the generating device. When the control program is executed in the mobile terminal, a character represented in accordance with a font identity not supported by the mobile terminal can be displayed by use of the image data that has been generated in advance. With regard to a font identity supported by font data stored in the mobile terminal, an image depicting a character according to the font identity can be generated using the font data, so that the image is displayed on the mobile terminal. |
| US08576230B2 |
Graph display apparatus, recording medium on which program is recorded, and graph display method
A scientific electronic calculator includes a display unit which performs display by a plurality of dots and a CPU which displays X and Y axes on the display unit and displays scales on the X axis at predetermined scale intervals. The CPU displays a graph in a coordinate system determined by the X and Y axes moves the trace pointer on the graph dot by dot in an X-axis direction according to a user operation, and displays coordinate values of the trace pointer on the display unit, while displaying a trace pointer on the graph The CPU sets a numerical width of the X axis in such a way that a value obtained by dividing the numerical width of the X axis by a scale interval is one N-th of the number of dots in an X-axis direction, the N which is an integer, and displays the X axis. |
| US08576228B2 |
Composite transition nodes for use in 3D data generation
Several embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use with node-based compositing to assist in the generation of a second eye or camera of a stereoscopic image. In one implementation, a method for use in 3D movie production comprises the steps: displaying composite nodes to a user, the composite nodes indicating how to composite a first plurality of rendered 2D elements into an output image, the rendered 2D elements and the plurality of composite nodes corresponding to a first eye of a 3D image; and receiving user input to add one or more transition nodes to the composite nodes, each transition node following a respective composite node and to be used for regeneration of one or more elements corresponding to the respective composite node, wherein the composite nodes and the one or more transition nodes are to be used to direct generation of a second eye of the 3D image. |
| US08576225B2 |
Seamless fracture in a production pipeline
Systems and processes for rendering fractures in an object are provided. In one example, a surface representation of an object may be converted into a volumetric representation of the object. The volumetric representation of the object may be divided into volumetric representations of two or more fragments. The volumetric representations of the two or more fragments may be converted into surface representations of the two or more fragments. Additional information associated with attributes of adjacent fragments may be used to convert the volumetric representations of the two or more fragments into surface representations of the two or more fragments. The surface representations of the two or more fragments may be displayed. |
| US08576222B2 |
Systems and methods for interfacing with a virtual object in a haptic virtual environment
A user of a modeling application modifies an initial virtual object using a sketch drawn on one or more construction planes. Typically, construction planes are connected by an axis that intersects the virtual object. The user can draw a sketch on each construction plane, and the modeling application interpolates a shape along the axis between the sketches to determine what material in the virtual object is to be removed from it. In this manner, material may be removed to create a recess or hole in the virtual object or otherwise to slice away material from the object. A user can use two or more axes and construction planes to produce complex shapes from the initial virtual object. A user can also select a portion of a virtual object and mirror the selected portion. Modifications that the user makes in the selected portion are made correspondingly in the mirrored portion. |
| US08576220B2 |
Image processing method and associated apparatus for rendering three-dimensional effect using two-dimensional image
An image processing apparatus is for rendering a three-dimensional (3D) effect by transforming a first quadrilateral image to a second quadrilateral image. The apparatus includes a target image determining unit, a block determining unit and a graphic unit. The target image determining unit generates an outline associated with the second quadrilateral image according to the first quadrilateral image and the 3D effect. The block determining unit divides an area within the outline into a plurality of second blocks and correspondingly determines a plurality of first blocks from the first quadrilateral image. The graphic unit scales image data of the first blocks to respectively generate image data of the second blocks to obtain the second quadrilateral image. |
| US08576216B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing driver energy consumption
Method and apparatus for reducing driver energy consumption of drivers of a display device each supplied by an input codeword as e.g. for data drivers of a plasma display panel supplied by sequences of subfield data bits in form of a codeword comprising a predetermined number of bits are recommended, wherein the apparatus comprises a driver transition energy limitation circuit for toggling bits of the input codeword applied to the driver transition energy limitation circuit and providing a codeword reducing the driver energy consumption. A toggle map, which is generated from a combination of a transition map determining a bit in the input codeword if toggled reduces energy consumption and a flag map determining a number of least significant bits exceeding a cell energy limit value, is applied to an input codeword for the driver to toggle bits of said input codeword for reducing driver energy consumption without a perceivable image quality degradation. Method and apparatus are advantageously applicable for driver overheat protection and eco mode to reduce driver energy consumption without a perceivable image quality degradation. |
| US08576215B2 |
Method of controlling an electronic display and an apparatus comprising an electronic display
A method of controlling an electronic display having a plurality of pixels settable in a first operating level, a second operating level and an intermediate operating level, the method comprising the step of setting the pixels in a preparatory intermediate operating level immediately prior to setting the pixels in a desired intermediate operating state. At an end of a frame i−1, for example, it is possible to drive a pixel from a level P0 further towards white to reach reflection level Pn or to stop driving it, or to switch a control voltage to an apposite polarity and arrive at a lower level. Levels P1 and P2 present embodiments of preparatory intermediate levels used to drive pixels in accordance with the invention. For example, levels 2, 4, and 6 may be obtained from the preparatory level P1. Levels 3, 5, and 7 may be obtained from the preparatory level P2. |
| US08576213B2 |
Display apparatus and driving controlling method
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus, including, a pixel array section including a plurality of pixels disposed in rows and columns, a number of power supply lines equal to the number of the rows of the pixels, each of the power supply lines being wired commonly to those of the pixels which are juxtaposed in a direction of a row, and a power supplying section adapted to supply a predetermined power supply potential to the pixels in the rows through the power supply lines. |
| US08576211B2 |
Electronic element, current control device, arithmetic device, and display device
A disclosed electronic element includes: a substrate; a first electrode layer formed on a portion of the substrate; an insulating layer formed on the first electrode layer; a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer formed on an area where the first electrode layer is formed; a second electrode layer formed on one area where the first electrode layer on the substrate is not formed; a third electrode layer formed on the other area where neither the first electrode layer on the substrate nor the second electrode layer is formed; and a semiconductor layer formed so as to cover between the conductive layer and the second electrode layer and to cover between the conductive layer and the third electrode layer. |
| US08576210B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus is disclosed. The display includes a display panel, a signal transmitter, and a driving chip. The signal transmitter is electrically connected with the display panel at a first bonding region of the display panel and receives an input signal from the outside. Further, the driving chip is electrically connected with the display panel at a second bonding region of the display panel and outputs a driving signal in response to the input signal. Further, the signal transmitter includes a base layer, a first conductive layer that is electrically connected with the display panel, and a second conductive layer that covers the first bonding region and the second bonding region. The second conductive layer can block electro static discharge and electro magnetic interference, such that it is possible to prevent display quality of the display apparatus from being deteriorated. |
| US08576209B2 |
Display device
To provide a display device including a flexible panel that can be handled without seriously damaging a driver circuit or a connecting portion between circuits. The display device includes a bent portion obtained by bending an element substrate. A circuit for driving the display device is provided in the bent portion and a wiring extends from the circuit, whereby the strength of a portion including the circuit for driving the display device is increased and failure of the circuit is reduced. Furthermore, the element substrate is bent in a connecting portion between an external terminal electrode and an external connecting wiring (FPC) so that the element substrate provided with the external terminal electrode fits the external connecting wiring, whereby the strength of the connecting portion is increased. |
| US08576207B2 |
Self-emission type display and method for fabricating the same
A system for displaying images is provided. The system includes a self-emission type display device including a substrate, a first sub-pixel unit disposed on the substrate, and a second sub-pixel unit disposed on the substrate and adjacent to the first sub-pixel unit. Each of the first and second sub-pixel units comprises a light-emitting device, a power line electrically connected to the light-emitting device, and a storage capacitor having an electrode electrically connected to the power line. The electrodes of the storage capacitors of the first and second sub-pixel units are formed of a continuous conductive layer, such that the power lines of the first and second sub-pixel units are electrically connected to each other through the continuous conductive layer. |
| US08576205B2 |
Communication between image supply device and image display device
There is provided an image display device which is connected to a general-purpose interface connectable to a plurality of types of general-purpose devices as an interface for an image supply device and displays images sequentially based on a plurality of image data sequentially supplied from the image supply device, the image display device including a communication controller that controls data communication through the interface and an image display unit that displays an image based on the image data, wherein the communication controller transmits identification information representing a predetermined general-purpose device other than the image display device as identification information representing the type of the image display device to the image supply device for starting the data communication, and wherein the communication controller receives the image data from the image supply device as the general-purpose device and supplies the received image data to the image display unit for display. |
| US08576201B2 |
Stylus having magnifying lens
A stylus for a portable electronic device, includes a bar portion, a nib portion, and a lens member. The nib portion is formed at an end of the bar portion, the lens member is rotatably connected to the nib portion and used as a magnifying lens to better observe characters written using the stylus. |
| US08576199B1 |
Computer control systems
Methods for controlling computers using touch input devices such as touch screens and touch pads are disclosed. These methods include several tactile features that allow reliable operation even in situations where the user has trouble seeing the display of an associated device, and are particularly valuable in stress situations such as encountered in vehicles or using certain mobile devices. Several novel methods of displaying and sensing information in these situations are also disclosed, as are many examples of apparatus useful in vehicles and the home. |
| US08576196B2 |
Touch screen and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a touch screen and a method of manufacturing the same. The touch screen includes: a transparent substrate; a transparent electrode formed on the transparent substrate and including a sensing part sensing a touch input and an extension part extending from the sensing part to an edge of the transparent substrate; a wiring electrode formed at the edge of the transparent substrate and spaced apart from the extension part of the transparent electrode; and a conductive paste formed at the edge of the transparent substrate and covering both the extension part and the wiring electrode so as to electrically connect the transparent electrode to the wiring electrode, whereby the transparent electrode is formed after the wiring electrode is formed and the wiring electrode is connected to the transparent electrode through the conductive paste, thereby preventing the transparent electrode from being damaged. |
| US08576194B2 |
Coordinate detecting device
A coordinate detecting device includes a resistive film formed over a substrate; and a common electrode formed over the resistive film for applying a voltage to the resistive film. The coordinate detecting device generates potential distribution in the resistive film by applying the voltage to the resistive film from the common electrode and detects a coordinate of a contact position of the resistive film by detecting a potential of the contact position of the resistive film. The substrate is formed of an insulator in a square shape. The common electrode is formed along an edge part of the substrate. The resistive film under the common electrode has one or more areas where the resistive film does not exist. An L-shaped resistive film absent area where the resistive film does not exist is provided in one or more corners of the substrate and on the same side of the common electrode as a side where a center of the substrate is situated. |
| US08576189B1 |
AC line synchronization for capacitive sensing
A method includes powering multiple touch sensors using DC power derived from an AC power signal; monitoring the AC power signal and producing from the AC power signal a trigger signal that occurs repeatedly at a predetermined point in a cycle of the AC power signal; and initiating a scan of the touch sensors when the trigger signal occurs during each cycle of the AC power signal. |
| US08576188B2 |
Haptic based user interface for an electronic device
An electronics device including a haptic-based user interface, including a touch screen; an actuator coupled to the touch screen for selectively vibrating the touch screen responsive to the touch screen being depressed; and a visual display panel. The user interface further includes a plurality of suspension members disposed between the touch screen and the display panel and a plurality of seal members disposed between the suspension members such that the suspension members and the seal members define a volume between the touch panel and the visual display panel. The suspension and seal members may be formed from compressible material, such as foam materials. By separating the visual display panel from the touch panel with the suspension members in this way, vibrations from the actuator that are experienced by the visual display panel are reduced, thereby extending the useful life of the visual display panel. |
| US08576187B2 |
Touch sensing device having a plurality of gate drivers on array adjacent to each of a plurality of touch modules
The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a touch sensing device. In one embodiment, the touch sensing device includes a plurality of touch modules spatially arranged in a form of a matrix having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and a plurality of GOAs configured to receive a clock signal. Each GOA has an input for receiving a driving signal and an output for responsively outputting a delayed driving signal by a time interval to a respective touch module. The plurality of GOAs is spatially arranged in a form of a matrix such that each GOA is disposed adjacent to and associated with a corresponding touch module. The plurality of GOAs is electrically coupled to each other in series as a chain such that the output of any one but the last GOA in the chain is connected to the input of its immediate next GOA in the chain, so that, in response to a start signal applied to the first GOA in the chain, sensing signals from successive corresponding touch modules are sequentially detected by a plurality of sensing devices. |
| US08576184B2 |
Method and apparatus for browsing content files
An approach is presented for browsing content files. The data manager determines to present a file at a device. Further, the data manager receives an input for selecting one or more of elements of metadata associated with the file based, at least in part, on the presentation of the file. Then, the data manager determines to select one or more other files based, at least in part, on the input. |
| US08576182B2 |
Methods and apparatuses to test the functionality of capacitive sensors
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods to test a device having a driving layer and a sensing layer. A test signal is applied to electrodes of the driving layer in a capacitive load state, with a capacitive load applied, and in an ambient state, without a capacitive load applied. Measured values are obtained at the sensing layer for each state. The measured values are compared with threshold values. A report is generated when a measured value violates a threshold. In one embodiment, the driving layer and the sensing layer form multiple capacitive electrodes within a touch sensor. The measured values are related to mutual capacitance values of the touch sensor. |
| US08576180B2 |
Method for switching touch keyboard and handheld electronic device and storage medium using the same
A method for switching a touch keyboard and a handheld electronic device and a storage medium using the method are provided. The method is suitable for a handheld electronic device having a touch screen. In the method, a character input function is first activated to display a first type touch keyboard on a side of the touch screen. A touch signal produced within a display area of the first type touch keyboard is then received and it is determined whether the touch signal moves to another side of the touch screen. If the touch signal is determined to move to the another side of the touch screen, a second type touch keyboard is displayed on the another side of the touch screen. Accordingly, the users can switch the touch keyboard to another one conveniently so as to input characters. |
| US08576179B2 |
Slider form factor devices and methods for morphing indicia visible through a transparent member
Disclosed are devices and methods of a slider form factor device having a transparent member supported by its sliding body, and a display module supported by its main body. The transparent member of the sliding body is on top of the display module of the main body in the open position and in the closed position. The transparent member is configured to transmit light received from the display module therethrough. The transparent member provides a morphing effect as light emitted by the display module providing indicia is transmitted through the transparent member, the indicia exhibited through the transparent member changing from first indicia to different indicia depending upon the mode of the device. In the open position, the lower portion of the display module can exhibit a keypad while the top portion of the display module can provide indicia visible through the transparent member of the sliding body. |
| US08576178B2 |
Mobile communication terminal having touch screen and method of controlling display thereof
A mobile communication terminal is provided. The mobile communication terminal includes a communication module for transmitting and receiving data in order to perform audiovisual communication with at least one other party's terminal; a camera module for photographing an image; a touch screen for displaying a first image received from the at least one other party's terminal and a second image acquired from the camera module; and a controller for changing, when the first image or the second image displayed on the touch screen is touched, a display manner of the first image and the second image. |
| US08576174B2 |
Haptic devices having multiple operational modes including at least one resonant mode
An electronic device and method of operating comprises a housing; a base coupled to the housing; and an electro-mechanical transducer coupled to the base, the electro-mechanical transducer configured to operate in a resonant mode and output a haptic effect upon receiving a drive signal at a predetermined drive frequency. In an embodiment, the electro-mechanical transducer further comprises a plurality of electro-mechanical transducers, each electro-mechanical transducer configured to operate in its respective resonant mode and output a respective haptic effect upon receiving a drive signal having a predetermined drive frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the electro-mechanical transducer further comprises a plurality of spaced apart electro-mechanical devices coupled thereto in a serial fashion between a first end proximal to the base and a second end distal to the base. |
| US08576173B2 |
Automatically adaptable virtual keyboard
The invention relates to a data processing device (100) enabling a user to input characters, the device comprising a touch-sensitive member (200) arranged to function as a virtual keyboard, said member including at least one touch sensor (160) for detecting touched zones on said member. The device further comprises key allocation means (110) for allocating at least two reference keys (220) of the virtual keyboard in response to said detection of the touched zones. The device comprises at least one pressure sensor (170) for sensing a finger (250) causing a force on the touch-sensitive member higher than other fingers when more than one finger touches said member. A recognition of a key stroke may be realized. The reference keys may be reallocated upon a user's request or detection of a predetermined condition. The invention also relates to a method of enabling a user to input characters. |
| US08576168B2 |
Input apparatus, control apparatus, control system, control method, and handheld apparatus
A 3-dimensional operation input apparatus, a control apparatus, a control system, a control method, and a handheld apparatus are provided with which planar operations are possible without an increase in the number of components. An input apparatus includes an angular velocity sensor unit and an acceleration sensor. A threshold value is set to angular velocity values detected by the angular velocity sensor unit. Depending on whether the angular velocity values are smaller than the threshold value and whether at least one of acceleration values is larger than a threshold value, a switch can be made between a planar operation mode and a 3-dimensional operation mode. Therefore, a switch can be made between the planar operation mode and the 3-dimensional operation mode without having to use a sensor other than the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor without increasing the number of components. |
| US08576167B2 |
Directional input system with automatic correction
A system associated with a text entry application, such as email or instant messaging, comprises an optional onscreen representation of a circular keyboard, a list of potential linguistic object matches, and a message area where the selected words are entered. The circular keyboard is manipulated via a hardware joystick or game-pad with analog joystick or omni-directional rocker switch built therein. The user points the joystick in the general direction of the desired letter, and then continues pointing roughly to each letter in the desired word. Once all letters have been roughly selected, buttons are used to select a specific word from the list of potential matches and send the selected word to the message area. |
| US08576166B2 |
Electronic device system utilizing a character input method
A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route. |
| US08576163B2 |
Electrophoretic display device, method of driving the same, and electronic apparatus
A device includes: first and second substrates; an electrophoretic element between the substrates and including a dispersion medium containing electrophoretic particles; pixel electrodes on the first substrate; a common electrode opposite the pixel electrodes on the second substrate; a unit supplying an image signal having a first or second potential |
| US08576160B2 |
Display apparatus and method for driving display applying the same
A display apparatus and a method for driving display thereof are provided. The display apparatus drives an upper backlight unit and a lower backlight unit so that a first time period during which both the upper backlight unit and the lower backlight unit are simultaneously turned on exceeds half of a second time period during which the upper backlight unit is turned on. Accordingly, the display apparatus may increase a time period during which both the upper backlight unit and the lower backlight unit are simultaneously turned on. |
| US08576154B2 |
Display device having dummy gate line for a uniform brightness
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of gate lines formed extending in a first direction of a lower substrate and spaced apart by an equal interval along a second direction of the lower substrate; a dummy gate line formed below the last gate line in the second direction; a plurality of data lines formed extending in the second direction and spaced apart by an equal interval along the first direction; a plurality of pixels formed at crossing portions of the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, each pixel having a thin film transistor and a storage capacitor; and a gate drive unit disposed outside the lower substrate, and electrically connected to the plurality of gate lines and the dummy gate line to deliver a gate signal for turning on/off the thin film transistor. |
| US08576153B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and driving method
There is disclosed a liquid crystal display device and driving method are provided. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel where pixels are defined by gate lines and data lines that are arranged in a matrix shape. A gate driver is operable to supply a gate voltage to the liquid crystal display panel. A data driver is operable to supply a data voltage to the liquid crystal display panel. The pixels are each independently operable to be driven by drive voltages, which have different polarities from each other, and include first and second liquid crystal cells which realize the same gray level. |
| US08576148B2 |
Interferometric optical modulator with broadband reflection characteristics
An optical device suitable for forming a pixel in a video display. The optical device includes a first layer having a first refractive index; a second layer over the first layer, the second layer having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index; and a third layer over the second layer, the third layer having a third refractive index larger than the second refractive index; and a fourth layer that is at least partially optically absorptive, wherein the optical stack and the fourth layer are a first distance from one another when the device is in a first state and are a second distance from one another when the device is in a second state, the first distance different from the second distance. |
| US08576146B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
A display device and a driving method thereof for easily determining photographing timing and recognizing text by improving field visibility. The display device includes: a signal controller generating image data and an image control signal in accordance with an input signal; and a display unit including scan lines transmitting scan signals, data lines transmitting data signals, and pixels connected to the scan lines and data lines and displaying an image corresponding to the image data. Here, when the input signal is an image signal for displaying a photographed image or text, the signal controller generates the image data to correspond to a unit frame period composed of frames as weighted image data corresponding to one of the frames, and the display device displays an image corresponding to the weighted image data to have an energy proportional to a number of the frames in the unit frame period. |
| US08576143B1 |
Head mounted display with deformation sensors
A binocular head mounted display includes a frame for wearing on a head of a user and right and left displays mounted to the frame for displaying right and left images to the user. The binocular head mounted display further includes at least one deformation sensor system disposed in or on the frame to measure rotational deformation of the frame about at least one rotational axis that causes the right and left displays to change alignment relative to each other. |
| US08576137B2 |
Antenna arrangement
Antenna arrangement for a multi-radiator base station antenna, the antenna having a feeding network based on air filled coaxial lines (1, 2, 3), wherein each coaxial line comprises an outer conductor (8) and an inner conductor (4, 5, 6), wherein an adjustable differential phase shifter including a dielectric part (9) is arranged in the antenna and said dielectric part being movable longitudinally in relation to at least one coaxial line (1, 2, 3). |
| US08576136B2 |
Electronic device antenna
Antennas for electronic devices such as portable computers are provided. An antenna may have a dipole structure in which one antenna element serves as a matching element and another antenna element serves as a radiating element. The antenna elements may be mounted on a substrate. The substrate may be mounted on a support structure that is attached to a grounding plate. The grounding plate may be grounded to a conductive housing portion of a portable computer. The antenna may be mounted within the conductive housing in the vicinity of an opening in the housing. The opening may be a slot opening that is used to accommodate optical disks or other storage media. Radio-frequency signals for the antenna may pass through the opening. |
| US08576130B2 |
Wideband antenna
A vehicle window assembly. The window assembly includes a frame having an inner metal edge and a window pane fixed to the frame. The window pane includes an inner glass ply, an outer glass ply, an interlayer between the inner glass ply and the outer glass ply, and an electro-conductive coating located on a surface of the outer glass ply, wherein the electro-conductive coating has an outer peripheral edge spaced from the inner metal edge of the frame to define an antenna slot. The window assembly also includes an antenna feed structure electrically connected to the outer peripheral edge of the electro-conductive coating and a capacitive coupling strip located on the inner glass ply and overlapping the outer peripheral edge of the electro-conductive coating proximate the antenna feed structure, wherein the coupling strip couples a wide bandwidth radio frequency signal into and out of the antenna slot. |
| US08576124B2 |
RFID transponder, in particular for assembly on metal and manufacturing method therefor
An RFID transponder including an antenna, a chip having at least one transmission and reception circuit as well as a memory, a dielectric carrier element which is covered on a first surface with a structured first metallization and which is covered on a second surface disposed opposite the first surface with a second metallization. The first and second metallizations are mutually electrically conductively connected, thereby forming the antenna. The first metallization is structured such that it forms two electric terminals of the antenna arranged on the first surface of the dielectric carrier element. The chip can be or is electrically contacted via these two terminals. An adaptation network is at least partly formed by the structuring of the first metallization and adapting the input impedance of the antenna in a conjugate complex manner to the impedance of the chip. |
| US08576122B2 |
Method for measuring location of mobile terminal
A method for measuring a location of a mobile terminal includes calculating first location information by using a ToA (Time of Arrival) scheme, calibrating the first location information by using angle information between two base stations and the terminal; calculating second location information by using an AoA (Angle of Arrival) scheme, and calculating a location value of the terminal by using the calibrated first location information and the second location information. |
| US08576121B2 |
Method for lateral localization of the wheels of a vehicle
Method for localization of the lateral position of the wheels of a vehicle equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Each wheel of the vehicle includes an electronic unit fixed onto a rim of radius R. Each unit notably includes two accelerometers, disposed perpendicular to one another and one measuring a radial component F1 of the acceleration, and the other a tangential component F2 of the acceleration. These components are out of phase by a predetermined phase-shift angle α. The method includes: I) measuring, per wheel rotation, at given intervals of time (Tmeasurement), a number (N) of acceleration values by each of the accelerometers (5a, 5b), II) calculating a physical value (P) representative of the sign of the phase-shift angle α between the two accelerometers, III) determining the lateral position of the wheel, based on the physical value (P) representative of the sign of the phase-shift angle. |
| US08576117B2 |
Radar apparatus
A radar apparatus including a transmit/receive antenna having a plurality of channels, a comparator coupled to the antenna channels for providing receive signal sum and difference channels, a radar receiver, a coupler for coupling the sum and difference channels to the radar receiver, a radar transmitter for providing a signal to be transmitted, a coupler for coupling the transmitter to a cross-channel port of the comparator, and an adjuster for adjusting a phase length of at least one antenna channel so that when the apparatus is transmitting, the transmitted signals from the antenna channels have a specified relative phase relationship. |
| US08576113B1 |
Runway identification system and method
A runway identification system and method utilizes a set of (reflectors or sources). The reflectors or sources can be located in proximity to the end of runway. The method receives electromagnetic energy from the reflectors or sources. A runway identification is determined from the electromagnetic energy. The runway identification can be displayed on a display in the aircraft. The reflectors can be corner reflectors, laser reflectors or other reflective optics. |
| US08576112B2 |
Broadband multifunction airborne radar device with a wide angular coverage for detection and tracking, notably for a sense-and-avoid function
A multifunction airborne radar device includes a plurality of transmit antenna modules and/or receive antenna modules that are fixed relative to the aircraft, placed substantially over the surface of the aircraft so as to form transmit and receive beams, enabling targets to be detected for implementing a sense-and-avoid function. The airborne radar device may also comprise processing means for tracking the detected targets and for generating information sent to an air traffic control center and/or to a control device on board the aircraft. The processing device may also receive data relating to the aircraft, enabling the antenna beams to be adjusted and the tracking calculations to be refined. |
| US08576111B2 |
Synthetic aperture radar system and methods
A compact synthetic aperture radar system and associated methods are disclosed. |
| US08576109B2 |
Method and configuration for generating high-energy microwave pulses
A method and a configuration are provided for generating high-energy microwave pulses, in particular based on HPEM technology. The objects include, on the one hand. increasing the energy density of pulses and, on the other hand, also making the relevant appliances more compact. For that purpose, a large-area configuration of a multiplicity of, preferably non-linear, semiconductor components is used in the area of the antenna, for pulse shaping. |
| US08576107B2 |
Data transmission apparatus and method thereof and data reception apparatus and method thereof
Data transmission apparatus and method thereof, and data reception apparatus and method thereof. Input data is encoded into a plurality of visual codes according to a visual code type. The visual code type includes a sequential type requiring sequential transmission and a nonsequential type not requiring sequential transmission. The sequential visual code includes start code, data code, and end code, and is displayed sequentially. The nonsequential visual code is displayed nonsequentially. |
| US08576105B1 |
Method and apparatus for timing recovery
An aspect of the disclosure provides a signal processing circuit that decouples a timing loop and an equalizer adaptation loop. The signal processing circuit includes an analog to digital converter (ADC), an equalizer, a detector, and a timing module. The ADC is configured to receive an analog signal, sample the analog signal based on a sampling clock signal, and convert the sampled analog signal into a digital signal. The equalizer is configured to equalize the digital signal. The detector is configured to detect a bit stream from the equalized digital signal. The timing module is configured to detect a timing error based on the digital signal before being equalized, and to adjust the sampling clock signal based on the timing error. |
| US08576101B1 |
Calibration of an R2R ladder based current digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
A R2R ladder circuit implementation of a digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) may be configured to compensate for mismatch in each of a plurality of current sources in the R2R ladder circuit. The compensating of mismatch in each of the plurality of current sources may be achieved by adding one or more auxiliary current sources associated with each of the plurality of current sources, which may be used to provide pre-configured auxiliary current that would enable compensating for mismatch in current of an associated one of the plurality of current sources. For example, each of the plurality of current sources may have two auxiliary current sources, connected in parallel therewith, with one of two auxiliary current sources being switched to the positive-side and the other auxiliary current source being switched to the negative-side. The switching structure of the modified R2R ladder circuit may be implemented in any semiconductor technology (e.g., BiCMOS technology). |
| US08576099B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with common mode tracking and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) functionality to measure DAC common mode voltage
A circuit includes a first circuit portion operable as a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for generating a DAC common mode voltage signal (outp), a second circuit portion having a comparator for comparing the DAC common mode voltage (outp) against a received signal common mode voltage (vsumdc), the comparator providing a single bit output, and a single bit register configured to receive the single bit output of the comparator, the single bit output used to control a feedback circuit, the feedback circuit configured to control the DAC common mode voltage signal. |
| US08576092B2 |
System and method for identifying parking spaces for a community of users
A mobile communications device includes a locator unit to receive and process information regarding a current location for the mobile communications device, a parking status determination unit to determine a parking status for the device based on at least changes in the current location, and a communication unit to forward the parking status to a parking community processor. A method includes determining a parking status of a vehicle associated with a person as a function of movement of a personal mobile communications device. |
| US08576091B2 |
Method and system for processing road sign content
A method and system for processing road sign content by a mobile computing device in a vehicle. A wireless communication network is monitored for signals continuously broadcasted over the network from road sign transmitters, the signals including road sign messages containing road sign content information from road signs. A signal of said continuously broadcasted signals is captured as a result of the monitoring, the captured signal including a message of the road sign messages, the message including road sign content information from a road sign of including road signs, the captured signal being in range of the mobile computing device. The message is interpreted to ascertain the road sign content information from the road sign. Based on display parameters previously defined by a user, the road sign content information in the captured message is displayed onto a display device in the vehicle operationally coupled to the mobile computing device. |
| US08576089B1 |
System and method for facilitating connection of fiber optic data communication systems
A system for data communication connection in an architecture including an optical fiber communication line running from a communication service provider source to a proximity of at least one building, a fiber optic branch line extending from a point along the communication line generally towards the at least one building, and a receptacle, comprises a communication unit, a fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit, and at least one connector adapted to couple the branch line to the fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit. The connector may reside within the receptacle, and at least one of the communication unit, the cable, the branch line, the connector, and the receptacle may provide a visual indication that coupling of the branch line and the cable is effected. |
| US08576088B2 |
Sensor system for an alarm security device
The invention provides a new personal security alarm system which has a reliable, non sensitive actuation mechanism. The alarm security device according to the invention comprises an activation clasp which comprises an electronic contact characterized in that said clasp comprises a male part and a receiving female part; and that the male part comprises at least one long contact pin and at least one short contact pin and the female part comprises receiving contact sockets for each of the contact pins, and wherein the electronic contact is settable between three different modes. |
| US08576085B2 |
Capacitance-type liquid level measuring probe
A capacitance-type liquid measuring probe 10 includes two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 extending downwardly into a tank of oil. The concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14 form the plates of a capacitor. The probe 10 measures the oil level in the tank during jet engine testing by detecting a change in electrical capacitance between the two concentric metallic tubes 12 and 14, the capacitance change being caused by a change in the level of the oil. The measuring circuitry 30 includes thermal compensating resistors and a temperature-stabilized detector. The measurement electronic circuit package is separately-housed and connected to the probe 10 via a cable 44 so that the circuitry 30 can be located remotely from the hot environment in which the probe 10 operates. |
| US08576082B2 |
Busway joint parameter detection system
A system for detecting an improperly secured busway joint in an electrical distribution busway includes a busway joint parameter sensor, a transmission circuit and a remote computer. The busway joint parameter sensor is disposed so as to sense a selected parameter of the busway joint. The transmission circuit is in data communication with the busway joint parameter sensor and is configured to transmit real time busway joint parameter data. The remote computer is in data communication with the transmission circuit and is configured to present an indication upon detection of abnormal real time busway joint parameter data. |
| US08576078B2 |
Poker chips and methods of reading the same
A method for reading poker chips according to one embodiment includes sending out an interrogation signal; receiving responses from poker chips in response to the interrogation signal, each of the poker chips comprising a circuit and an antenna coupled to the circuit, wherein the antenna minimally affects electromagnetic RF fields surrounding the antenna even in the vicinity of the antenna; and determining a value of the poker chips from which responses are received. A poker chip according to another embodiment includes a circuit on or within a substrate; and an antenna coupled to the circuit, wherein the antenna minimally affects electromagnetic RF fields surrounding the antenna even in the vicinity of the antenna. Additional systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US08576073B2 |
Gesture-based user interface for a wearable portable device
A gesture-based user interface comprises a wearable portable device storing a gesture profile for each of a plurality of different applications on the wearable portable device to define different gestures for the different applications, wherein each of the gesture profiles includes at least one gesture and a predetermined function associated with the at least one gesture; and a profile web service, wherein the portable device is in communication with the profile web service and is configured to download from the profile web service to the wearable portable device a customizable gesture profile for a particular one of the applications, wherein the customized gesture profile modifies at least one of the different gestures, the customized gesture profile comprising personal preferences of the user regarding the modified gesture, including physical attributes of the user. |
| US08576071B2 |
Automatic lock and automatic unlock method for computer system and computer system thereof
An automatic lock and automatic unlock method for a computer system and the associated computer system are provided. The method includes steps of detecting whether a user is in a predetermined range when a computer system is in an unlock status and recording a duration during which the user is not in the predetermined range, controlling the computer system to enter a lock status when the duration is greater than a predetermined time, determining whether the user has an effective authority when the computer system is in the lock status and the user is detected in the predetermined range, and controlling the computer system to enter the unlock status when the user has the effective authority. |
| US08576066B2 |
Managing emergency response services using mobile communication devices
One or more embodiments manage emergency response services. An emergency event is determined to have occurred. A set of civilian responders currently available to respond to the emergency event is selected from a plurality of civilian responders in response to determining that the emergency event has occurred. Each civilian responder in the set of civilian responders is associated with at least one wireless communication device. The set of civilian responders is notified that the emergency event has occurred. A set of emergency event information associated with the emergency event is transmitted to at least one wireless communication device associated with each civilian responder in the set of civilian responders. |
| US08576064B1 |
System and method for monitoring transmitting portable electronic devices
The present invention is a system and method for monitoring transmitting portable electronic devices (T-PEDs). The system may comprise one or more of the following features: (a) a plurality of radio frequency (RF) sensors; (b) a processing unit; and (c) a T-PED detection notification system. The RF sensors may be distributed throughout a given space in a substantially uniform arrangement so as to provide a nodal environment whereby the RF transmissions of a given T-PED may be associated with one or more RF sensors thereby allowing the monitoring system to calculate the location of the T-PED. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the RF sensors are integrated within the distributed network of an in-flight entertainment system of an aircraft. |
| US08576062B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing driving advice
A driving advice provision apparatus generates an advice, based on diagnosis performed on multiple diagnosis items regarding the driving condition of the vehicle and based on the diagnosis results from those diagnosis items, and provides the generated advice to the driver. The multiple diagnosis items are classified into different categories according to the diagnosis methods. For the diagnosis items suitable to the comparative evaluation rather than the quantitative evaluation, a diagnosis result A for the previous evaluation section is compared with a diagnosis result B for the current evaluation section for yielding a comparative evaluation and for advice generation, thereby enabling an effective advice generation and provision in terms of diagnosis item category. |
| US08576061B2 |
System and method for controlling one or more vehicle features based on driver status
In at least one embodiment, a device for controlling one or more vehicle features for a primary driver and a secondary driver is provided. The device comprises at least one controller that is configured to receive at least one driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of the primary driver and the secondary driver and to determine whether the driver of the vehicle is the one of the primary driver and the secondary driver based on the at least one driver status signal. The controller is further configured to control one or more vehicle features and to prevent the one or more vehicle features from being disabled in response to determining that the at least one driver status signal indicates that the driver of the vehicle is the secondary driver. |
| US08576059B2 |
Tire monitoring systems and methods
Systems and methods for monitoring tires of a vehicle are provided. The systems can include a sensing device adapted to engage a tire of a vehicle and sense properties of a tire such as pressure and/or temperature. The sensing devices can be adapted to transmit sensed data to a system receiver adapted to provide the data to a user. The systems and methods can provide a user the desired information pertaining to one or more tires of a vehicle that are to be monitored, and the respective locations of the tires. The systems and methods can be adapted to monitor tires on any vehicle with inflatable tires, including off-the-road (OTR) vehicles. |
| US08576057B2 |
Fuel consumption saving drive supporting device
A fuel consumption saving drive supporting device which calculates a mileage of each driver and informs each driver of advice based on an increase or a decrease of the calculated mileage is disclosed. The fuel consumption saving drive supporting device extracts a drive operation of the driver or a drive condition of a vehicle of the driver for increasing the mileage, and informs the driver of the advice in the drive operation or the drive condition corresponding to the extracted drive operation or the extracted drive condition. |
| US08576049B2 |
Document authentication and identification
Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer program products for document authentication and identification using encoding and decoding are provided. A method includes receiving a digitized document and comparing the digitized document to a set of markers to determine whether the digitized document is an encoded document with one or more characters replaced. In response to determining that the digitized document is encoded, information is extracted from the set of markers using a decoder according to an encoding strategy. The extracted information and the set of markers are compared with data stored in encoding history to authenticate and identify the received digitized document. Markers in the encoded document may be hidden in plain sight, such that the encoding is not readily apparent to a casual observer. |
| US08576043B2 |
Surface-mount type overcurrent protection element
A surface-mount type over-current protection element includes two single-layer composite chips, wherein one chip is made of a first core material and a first and a second metallic foil layer attached on the two surfaces of the first core material, the other chip is made of a second core material and a third and a fourth metallic foil layer attached to the two surfaces of the second core material. The protection element also has an insulating layer arranged between the two chips to electrically insulate and bond to the second and third metallic layers to form a bi-layer composite chip. Part of the first metallic foil layer and the corresponding part of the fourth metallic foil layer are etched to expose part of the first core material and correspond part of the second core material. One or more through-holes are made on the bi-layer composite chip for mounting. |
| US08576042B2 |
Miniature circuit breaker
A miniature circuit breaker has a housing formed of a housing base of insulating material and a pot-like housing cover, which is or can be positioned onto the housing base. Two elongate and flat contact arms are partially embedded in the housing base parallel with respect to one another in terms of their longitudinal direction. A fixed contact is arranged at an inner end of a first one of the contact arms. A bimetallic snap-action disk with a free end, forming or bearing a moving contact, is fitted at an inner end of the second contact arm at a fastening point. The fastening point, the moving contact and the fixed contact are in this case on an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the contact arms. |
| US08576037B1 |
Dual output autotransformer
A dual output autotransformer is realized by employing a novel topology in which three transformers are wound on a single, high permeability, ferrite, binocular core. The three transformers are (1) an autotransformer; (2) a coupled winding to the autotransformer; and, (3) a transmission line transformer. Within the topology employed, the outputs of the coupled line transformer and the transmission line transformer provide the balanced output (secondary) and the input to the autotransformer forms the unbalanced primary. Such an approach results in a wideband response of from 30 MHz to 3000 MHz or greater with the requisite amplitude and phase balance. |
| US08576036B2 |
System and method for affecting flux of multi-pole magnetic structures
A shunt plate is provided that is associated with a first side of a multi-pole magnetic structure. The shunt plate provides a magnetic short between opposite polarity magnetic sources on the first side of said magnetic structure, the magnetic short causing a magnetic flux of said opposite polarity magnetic sources to be routed from said first side of the magnetic structure through said magnetic structure to the second side of said magnetic structure. The thickness of the shunt plate is selected by determining the integrated flux across a magnetic source of the magnetic structure such that the corresponding flux density in the shunt plate does not substantially exceed the flux density saturation level of a cross section of the shunt plate. |
| US08576033B2 |
Electromagnet and electromagnetic coil assembly
An electromagnet may comprise a pole piece and a coil assembly. The pole piece may be monolithically formed of a magnetically susceptible material and have a channel structure and a first flange member. The channel structure may have an annular inner side wall, an annular outer side wall and an annular end wall that fixedly couples the inner and outer side walls to one another on a first axial end of the pole piece. The channel structure may be open on a second axial end of the pole piece that is opposite the first axial end. The first flange member may be coupled to an end of one of the inner and outer side walls on the second axial end and extend radially from the channel structure. The coil assembly may be fixedly coupled to the channel structure between the inner and outer side walls. |
| US08576032B2 |
Electromagnetic apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow
An actuator including actuator base, bobbin, and pole piece forming a pocket for a ferromagnetic armature located therein. The actuator including a radial magnet and a solenoid coil constructed and arranged to cause a linear displacement of the armature upon application of a coil drive current from a control circuit. The actuator may include a flexible membrane that partially encloses the armature to form an armature chamber filled with an incompressible fluid. In a valve design, a fluid flow is stopped by driving the membrane against a valve seat. Pressure from the controlled fluid in the conduit is transmitted through the membrane to the fluid within the armature chamber so that the armature does not need to counteract force applied to the membrane by the conduit fluid's pressure. A fluid flow is opened by driving the membrane away from the valve seat. |
| US08576031B2 |
Consumer product system
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device. |
| US08576030B2 |
Switch module for activating a hibernation mode of an electronic device and electronic device therewith
A switch module for activating a hibernation mode of an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a casing and a hibernation switch installed inside the casing. The switch module includes a sliding member, a push button and an activating member. The sliding member is disposed on an inner side of the casing in a slidable manner. The push button is slidably disposed on an outer side of the casing and connected to the sliding member for driving the sliding member to slide relative to the casing. The activating member is disposed on the sliding member for activating the hibernation switch when the push button drives the sliding member to slide to an activating position, so as to activate the hibernation mode of the electronic device. |
| US08576023B1 |
Stripline-to-waveguide transition including metamaterial layers and an aperture ground plane
The present invention is directed to an interface for connecting a waveguide manifold of a transition to a stripline manifold of the transition. The interface may include a plurality of metamaterial layers, each including a metamaterial(s). The interface may further include a ground plane layer which may be connected to both the plurality of metamaterial layers and to the stripline manifold. Further, the interface may include a plurality of ground vias which may form channels through each of the layers of the interface and through the stripline manifold for providing a ground structure for the interface. The interface is further configured for forming a resonant structure which provides a low-loss, broadband conversion between a stripline mode and a waveguide mode for electromagnetic energy traversing through the interface between the waveguide manifold and the stripline manifold. |
| US08576020B2 |
Crystal oscillator and method of manufacturing the same
A crystal oscillator with improved tolerance to radiation such as X-rays includes: a container body; a quartz crystal blank accommodated in a first recess formed on one main surface of the container body and hermetically encapsulated in the first recess by a metal cover; and an IC chip that integrates electronic circuits including at least an oscillator circuit using the crystal blank and is accommodated in the second recess formed on the other main surface of the container body. The IC chip is fixed to the bottom surface of the second recess by flip-chip bonding such that a circuit formation plane of the IC chip is opposed to the bottom surface of the second recess. A radiation protective film is formed on the main surface other than the circuit formation plane of the IC chip. |
| US08576019B2 |
Synchronized array power oscillator with leg inductors
An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology with inductors between semiconductor switches wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. 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 each 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. |
| US08576018B2 |
Synchronized array bridge power oscillator
An electronic high frequency induction heater driver, for a variable spray fuel injection system, uses a scalable array of zero-voltage switching oscillators that utilize full and half-bridge topology wherein the semiconductor switches are synchronous within each bridge for function, and each bridge is synchronized for function along the entire array. 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 each 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. |
| US08576013B2 |
Power distortion-based servo control systems for frequency tuning RF power sources
A radio frequency system includes a power amplifier that outputs a radio frequency signal to a matching network via a transmission line between the power amplifier and the matching network. A sensor monitors the radio frequency signal and generates first sensor signals based on the radio frequency signal. A distortion module determines a first distortion value according to at least one of (i) a sinusoidal function of the first sensor signals and (ii) a cross-correlation function of the first sensor signals. A first correction circuit (i) generates a first impedance tuning value based on the first distortion value and a first predetermined value, and (ii) provides feedforward control of impedance matching performed within the matching network including outputting the first impedance tuning value to one of the power amplifier and the matching network. |
| US08576009B2 |
Broadband high power amplifier
A broadband high power amplifier architecture is disclosed. One example configuration includes a first plurality of distributed amplification cells connected in a first string, wherein a conductive trace operatively coupling outputs of the first string cells is a stepped structure, such that the associated inductance successively decreases from a first cell to a last cell of the first string. The amplifier further includes a second plurality of distributed amplification cells connected in a second string, wherein a conductive trace operatively coupling outputs of the second string cells is a stepped structure, such that the associated inductance successively decreases from a first cell to a last cell of the second string. A combiner combines output signals of the first and second strings. Additional strings and/or stages can be provided, and the degree of combining will depend, for example, on factors such as the application and desired output power. |
| US08576006B1 |
Wideband variable gain amplifier
A variable gain amplifier includes a first transistor having a base for receiving a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal. A first differential transistor pair is coupled in parallel to a second transistor. The first differential transistor pair and the second transistor are coupled to a collector of the first transistor and to an output node of the first variable gain amplifier. Each transistor of the first differential transistor pair is configured to receive a control signal at its respective gate for adjusting a gain of the variable gain amplifier. |
| US08576004B2 |
Metamaterial power amplifier systems
Power amplifying systems and modules and components therein are designed based on CRLH structures, providing high efficiency and linearity. |
| US08576002B2 |
ADC preamplifier and the multistage auto-zero technique
Embodiments of the present invention provide a sample and hold amplifier that provides a preamplifier with a multi-stage zeroing architecture. The multi-stage architecture reduces effects of parasitic capacitance exponentially over prior attempts, which yields increased accuracy. |
| US08576001B2 |
Offset compensation apparatus for magnetic detection circuit and method thereof
Disclosed herein are an offset compensation apparatus for a magnetic detection circuit, and a method thereof. The offset compensation apparatus includes: an amplifying unit amplifying an output voltage, and outputting the amplified voltages; an offset detection unit detecting an offset; a comparison unit determining whether or not the offset output from the offset detection unit is greater than a pre-set positive reference value or smaller than a pre-set negative reference value; a counter unit; and a current supply. |
| US08575999B2 |
Constant current circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit
In a constant current circuit, a drain terminal is connected to an output terminal of a current, and a gate voltage operable in a saturation region is applied to a source-grounded transistor. An increase current generating circuit generates an increase current equivalent to an increase of a current due to a channel length modulation effect of the transistor. A current mirror circuit generates a current having the same value as that of the increase current generated by the increase current generating circuit and supplies the generated current to the drain terminal of the transistor. |
| US08575998B2 |
Voltage reference circuit with temperature compensation
A voltage reference circuit with temperature compensation includes a power supply, a reference voltage supply, a first PMOS transistor with its source connected to the power supply voltage, a second PMOS transistor with its source connected to the power supply and its gate and drain connected to the first PMOS gate, a first NMOS transistor with its gate and drain connected the first PMOS drain, a second NMOS transistor with its drain connected to the second PMOS drain and its gate connected with the first NMOS gate to the reference voltage supply, a resistor connected to the second NMOS source and ground, and an op-amp with its inverting input and its output connected the first NMOS source and its non-inverting input connected to the ground. In another aspect, a voltage reference circuit output is coupled to an NMOS gate in saturation mode connected to another voltage reference circuit. |
| US08575992B2 |
Switch
A switch is capable of performing switching, while reducing distortion with respect to amplitude of a high frequency signal. The switch includes: an input terminal to which a high frequency signal is input; a first switching unit connected between the input terminal and a first output terminal and selectively outputting the high frequency signal through the first output terminal; and a second switching unit connected between the input terminal and a second output terminal and selectively outputting the high frequency signal through the second output terminal. Each switching unit includes an impedance transformer installed on a signal line, a bipolar transistor having an emitter grounded, a collector connected to the signal line, and a base receiving current according to a control voltage applied thereto; and a bipolar transistor having a collector grounded, an emitter connected to the signal line, and a base receiving current according to the control voltage. |
| US08575989B1 |
High isolation switch
A switch is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of transistors configured to electrically isolate the input of the switch from the output of the switch. In one embodiment, for example, the plurality of transistors may be configured to provide at least one path between the input and the output of the switch, and to provide at least three layers of electrical isolation between the input and the output of the switch when the switch is open. |
| US08575988B2 |
Mixed-signal integrator architecture
A mixed signal correlator utilizes coherent detection within a capacitance measurement application. In some applications, the mixed signal correlator is used to measure capacitance of a touch screen display. An external capacitor whose capacitance is measured is kept small for improved sensitivity and can be used for a variety of applications having varied integration periods for measurement. The external capacitor is kept small and can be used for varied applications by adjusting the output voltage within a range that is less than the supply voltage, and maintaining a count of the adjustments to later reconstruct an actual output voltage for the integration period. An output is a weighted sum of an analog integrator output and a digital counter output. |
| US08575981B1 |
MEMS-based frequency synthesizers with enhanced temperature compensation
A frequency synthesizer is configured to generate a periodic output signal in response to a periodic input signal and a temperature-dependent frequency adjusting control signal. A temperature sensor is provided, which is configured to generate a temperature measurement signal in response to detecting a temperature of at least a portion of the frequency synthesizer. A control circuit is provided, which is configured to generate the temperature-dependent frequency adjusting control signal in response to the temperature measurement signal. This control circuit includes a cascaded arrangement of an oversampled data converter and a multi-stage digital filter, which is configured to generate a plurality of codes from respective ones of the digital filter stages, and a selection circuit, which is configured to use at least first and second ones of the plurality of codes in sequence during first and second consecutive time intervals to generate the temperature-dependent frequency adjusting control signal. |
| US08575979B2 |
Fully differential adaptive bandwidth PLL with differential supply regulation
Provided is a fully differential adaptive bandwidth phase locked loop with differential supply regulation. One fully differential phase locked loop includes a differential active loop filter and regulator coupled to an output of a differential charge pump, a differential voltage-controlled oscillator coupled to differential control voltages developed by the differential active loop filter and regulator, and a bias circuit coupled to the differential control voltages and providing a bias current to the differential charge pump. |
| US08575977B1 |
Low voltage supply comparator and a method to operate the comparator
A comparator is disclosed. The comparator includes a mirror circuit that is electrically coupled to a first voltage source and a second voltage source. The first voltage source produces a first voltage and the second voltage source produces a second voltage. The comparator also includes a first positive metal oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistor electrically coupled to the first voltage source and an output terminal. The first PMOS transistor is biased by the mirror circuit. The comparator also includes a first negative metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) that is electrically coupled to a ground terminal and the output terminal. The first NMOS transistor is also biased by the mirror circuit. An electrical current flowing across the first NMOS transistor is mirrored from an electrical current flowing through the first PMOS transistor. A method to operate the comparator and a comparator system is also disclosed. |
| US08575975B1 |
Stepped voltage drive for driving capacitive loads
A system and method for charging heavy capacitive loads may comprise an n-stage stacked charging circuit wherein n is an integer greater than one which may comprise n−1 capacitors and a voltage supply, each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in an order through a respective first through nth switch during a respective first through nth charging time period; the n−1th capacitors each sequentially electrically connected to the capacitive load in reverse order during a first through n−1th discharging time period through the respective n−1th through first switches. The system and method may comprise an n+1th switch electrically connecting the capacitive load to ground during an nth discharging period. The capacitive load may comprise a piezoelectric element, which may comprise an inkjet printer head inkjet actuator. |
| US08575973B1 |
Frequency synthesizer with zero deterministic jitter
A frequency synthesizer system may generate two intermediate clock signals, each intermediate clock signal having the same nominal frequency (fN), the same cycle pattern with deterministic jitter, and the same corresponding average frequency (fA). However, the cycle pattern in one intermediate clock signal may be a specified number (N) of cycles out of phase with respect to the cycle pattern in the other intermediate clock signal. The cycle pattern may recur every 2N cycles in each intermediate clock signal. The duration of each cycle in each of the two intermediate clock signals is defined by fN and the deterministic jitter in the cycle pattern. An output clock signal may be generated by phase interpolating by two (2) the two intermediate clock signals, and dividing the resulting phase interpolated clock signal by N. The resulting output clock signal has an accurate frequency commensurate with fA/N, and is free of deterministic jitter. |
| US08575970B2 |
Track and hold circuit and related receiving device with track and hold circuit employed therein
An operational circuit includes: a gain control circuit arranged to provide a gain value upon an input signal according to a set of control signals, wherein the gain control circuit includes a first resistor-based network and a second resistor-based network; an operational amplifier coupled to the gain control circuit and arranged to generate an output signal according to the input signal and the gain value; and a first capacitor coupled to the operational amplifier and arranged to hold the output signal between a first input terminal and a first output terminal of the operational amplifier, wherein when the operational circuit is operating, a first terminal of the first capacitor is consistently coupled to the first input terminal of the operational amplifier, and a second terminal of the first capacitor is consistently coupled to the first output terminal of the operational amplifier. |
| US08575969B2 |
Semiconductor device having differential pair transistors with a switchable tail current
A semiconductor device configured that its differential pair is made operable in both states of high speed with a high consumption current and low speed with a low consumption current. A differential circuit includes differential pair transistors and a tail current source for supplying a tail current that is switchable so that an amount of current flowing in the differential pair transistors may be switched between at least two sates of different levels. The differential pair transistors have a characteristic that, with a decrease of currents flowing in the differential pair transistors, a value of σ(ΔI/gm) decreases monotonously, where σ denotes a standard deviation, ΔI denotes a difference of the amounts of current of the differential pair transistors, and gm denotes transconductance of the differential pair transistors. |
| US08575968B2 |
Fast power up comparator
A circuit method includes periodically increasing a tail current of a differential stage of a comparator to periodically power on the differential stage to a power-on state, and periodically decreasing the tail current of the differential stage to periodically power down the differential stage to a low-power state. The periodically increasing of the tail current and the periodically decreasing of the tail current are asynchronous operations for powering on the differential stage to the power-on state and powering down the differential stage to the low-power state. Periodically increasing the tail current and the periodically decreasing the tail current asynchronously for powering on the differential stage to the power-on state and powering down the differential stage to the low-power state provide for low noise and high speed during signal comparison. |
| US08575962B2 |
Integrated circuit having critical path voltage scaling and method therefor
An integrated circuit comprises logic circuitry having a plurality of signal paths. A signal path of the plurality of signal paths has a propagation delay greater than a propagation delay of any other signal path of the plurality of signal paths. The signal path includes a plurality of components. The plurality of components is provided with a higher power supply voltage than any other signal path of the plurality of signal paths. |
| US08575956B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an impedance control signal generation unit configured to generate an impedance control signal for controlling an impedance value, a first processing unit configured to process the impedance control signal in response to a first setup value and generate a first process signal, a first clock termination unit configured to be coupled with a first clock path and determine an impedance value responding to the impedance control signal, and a second clock termination unit configured to be coupled with a second clock path and determine an impedance value responding to the first process signal. |
| US08575954B2 |
Structures and processes for fabrication of probe card assemblies with multi-layer interconnect
Based upon a layout of a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of integrated circuits at pre-defined locations, each integrated circuit comprising a set of electrical connection pads, a probe chip contactor is established, having a unit standard cell on the probe side of the probe chip to correspond to each of the arranged integrated circuits. The unit standard cell is stepped and repeated for the probe side of the probe chip contactor, to establish a wafer scale standard cell layout. The opposite contact side of the probe chip contactor is connectable to a central structure, e.g. a Z-block or PC board, typically comprising a fixed array of vias with fixed X, Y, and Z locations. The routing of contact side of the probe chip contactor is preferably routed automatically, such as implemented on one or more computers, to provide electrical connections between the substrate through vias and the Z-block through vias. |
| US08575953B2 |
Interconnect system
A test contact may include a first portion having an open-ended rounded shape. The first portion may define an opening therethrough. The test contact may include a second portion having a curved structure. The first portion and the second portion may be formed integrally, and the second portion may be configured to contact a portion of a device lead. |
| US08575948B2 |
Touch and approach detection with capacitative sensors
Provided by the invention is a sensor device for the detection of touch or approach of an object. A server circuit of the sensor device according to the invention is formed in such a manner, that the server circuit alone (i.e. without co-operation with a client circuit) may be used as approaching sensor, at the same time however also together with one or several client circuits may be implemented a sensor network, in which the client circuits preferably are fed with energy with the electric field of the server electrode. |
| US08575943B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating a defined charge pulse for carrying out a partial discharge measurement
A calibrator apparatus for calibrating the performance of partial discharge measurements at electrical components, such as high voltage cables or transformators, comprises a housing (1) and an external electrode (4) to be mounted at the housing (1). A control unit (2) generates a defined charge pulse (QS) depending on a stray capacitance (CS) of the external electrode (4) against ground, which is supplied to the electrical component. |
| US08575942B2 |
Non-contacting method and apparatus for determining contact voltage sources and providing a warning for same
This invention relates to non-contact measurement methods and an apparatus for the identification of hazardous contact voltages on energized objects and surfaces. The apparatus includes an electric field sensor structured to sense an electric field and a gain amplifier electrically connected to the electric field sensor to amplify electric signals from the electric field sensor. The apparatus further includes a signal conditioning circuit adapted to process the amplified electric signals and form time-coordinated signals and a digital signal processor adapted to evaluate the time-coordinated signals and provide a user with a status of a contact voltage source by activating an appropriate status indicator. |
| US08575937B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing time division multiple waveform transmitting
A method and apparatus of constructing a signal for a controlled source electromagnetic survey is described. In one embodiment, a method is described that includes determining a first waveform and a second waveform, the first waveform and second waveform related to a combined frequency spectrum and bandwidth associated with a geophysical survey line. Then, a signal is constructed by sequencing the first waveform with the second waveform. This signal may be utilized in a transmitter, which may be pulled by a vessel along the geophysical survey line. |
| US08575936B2 |
Packer fluid and system and method for remote sensing
A system, method and device for interrogating a downhole environment in a borehole beneath a surface includes a source of electromagnetic energy operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal in the borehole, a sensor module, including a passive resonating circuit including a crystal oscillator having a resonant frequency that varies with changes in the condition in the downhole environment in response to a condition in the downhole environment in the borehole and a detector positionable to receive the reflected modulated electromagnetic signal. In an embodiment, a solids-free dielectric medium is provided within an annular volume in the borehole defined by the casing through which the electromagnetic signal is transmitted. |
| US08575934B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and shimming apparatus with convex to concave layered stacking of shim plates
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a static magnetic-field generating unit, a gradient magnetic-field generating unit, a plurality of metal shim plates in a plate shape, and a shim holding unit. The metal shim plates adjust uniformity of the static magnetic field. The shim holding unit holds the metal shim plates in a layered state. Each of the metal shim plates includes a convex having a certain angle at a certain position, and the metal shim plates are layered such that the convex of each one metal shim plate comes into contact with a back of the bent convex of another metal shim plate. |
| US08575932B2 |
Upper stack for a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer aaparatus and associated method of operating a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus
An upper stack for a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus includes a cryostat having one or more chambers for holding samples in a frozen state. A sample loading tube that also allows He delivery extends to the cryostat, and a sample changer mechanism is disposable at least in part proximate to the cryostat for moving specimens from the cryostat to an NMR probe where they can be heated and melted using inductive heating. A sample ejection tube extends from the sample changer mechanism allowing a clear path for heating a sample in an NMR probe using a laser beam. |
| US08575926B2 |
Planar magnetic field probe
A planar magnetic field probe is provided. The planar magnetic field probe increases the sensitivity of magnetic field intensity detection by using a left multi-sensor loop and a right multi-sensor loop formed by a first patterned metal layer and a second patterned metal layer, and decreases the electric field noise coupling by surrounding the left multi-sensor loop and the right multi-sensor loop with a symmetrical shielding metal structure formed by a first patterned shielding metal layer, a second patterned shielding metal layer and a plurality of through vias. |
| US08575925B2 |
Methods for detecting and imaging magnetic metalloproteins
The invention provides a method for detecting and imaging magnetic metalloproteins. A substrate is provided. A plurality of magnetic metalloproteins are formed on the substrate. The magnetic metalloproteins are detected and imaged by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) to obtain topographic images, phase images and MFM images of the magnetic metalloproteins. |
| US08575918B2 |
Wideband transducer for measuring a broad range of currents in high voltage conductors
A system and method for measuring electrical current by measuring magnetic flux density is presented. A magnetic flux density measuring device for measuring a magnetic field strength generated by a current in a conductor includes a ring, a pair of metal strips with high magnetic permeability and a magnetic field sensor. The ring is generally concentric with the conductor and supports the pair of metal strips. The metal strips are located back-to-back and form a gap between the metal strips. The sensor located in the gap to measure the magnetic field strength in the gap. |
| US08575909B2 |
Synchronously sampled single bit switch mode power supply
A power supply is described. The power supply includes a synchronous sampled comparator. The synchronous sampled comparator includes a first input that receives a reference voltage. The synchronous sampled comparator also includes a second input that receives a feedback signal. The power supply also includes power field effect transistors (FETs). The power supply further includes an inductor coupled to the power FETs and coupled to the second input. The power FETs generate a power supply voltage using the inductor. The power supply voltage is a direct current (DC) power supply voltage. |
| US08575906B2 |
Constant voltage regulator
A voltage regulator includes a driver transistor, a feedback voltage generator, a reference voltage generator, a first differential amplifier, and a differential gain controller. The driver transistor is connected between input and output terminals to conduct a current therethrough according to a control signal applied to a gate terminal thereof. The feedback voltage generator is connected to the output terminal to generate a feedback voltage. The reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage. The first differential amplifier has an output thereof connected to the gate terminal of the driver transistor, and a pair of differential inputs thereof connected to the feedback voltage generator and the reference voltage generator, respectively, to generate the control signal at the output thereof. The differential gain controller is connected to the output of the first differential amplifier to control the differential gain according to a difference between the input and output voltages. |
| US08575903B2 |
Voltage regulator that can operate with or without an external power transistor
A voltage regulator, according to the present invention, can operate with or without an external power transistor to generate a regulated output voltage. The voltage regulator determines whether an external power transistor is connected thereto. The voltage regulator then automatically sets a frequency compensation scheme that depends on whether an external power transistor has been detected. |
| US08575901B2 |
Auto-selecting holding current circuit
An auto-selecting holding current circuit is applicable to a converter. A primary side of the converter has a Triode for Alternating Current (TRIAC) and a bleeder circuit. The auto-selecting holding current circuit includes a first sensor module, a second sensor module and a reference voltage selecting circuit. The first sensor module detects an input current drop time or an input voltage drop time to output a sense signal. The second sensor module receives a current detector signal and outputs a critical current signal to detect a holding-current value range of the TRIAC. The reference voltage selecting circuit outputs a reference current signal to the bleeder circuit, and the reference current signal corresponds to a holding-current value of the TRIAC. Therefore, the bleeder circuit maintains normal operation of the TRIACs with different holding-current values. |
| US08575900B2 |
Rotor based air gap heating for air driven turbine
A generator apparatus comprises a deicing circuit. The deicing circuit is operable during a time when a main generator rotor is not being rotated by a generator shaft. The deicing circuit includes a first power source for energizing a plurality of exciter field windings with alternating input current to induce an exciter output current in a plurality of exciter armature windings. The exciter output current is provided to main generator rotor windings for producing resistance heating around an air gap separating the main generator rotor from a main generator stator. |
| US08575890B2 |
Mobile terminal having recharge menu setting function and inter-recharging method using the same
A non-contact recharging apparatus and method provides a recharge menu to a first mobile terminal when performing non-contact recharging using inductive coupling. A user can set and operate a menu for recharging a second mobile terminal according to the recharge menu to perform inter-recharging between the mobile terminals. A recharge menu setting state is displayed in the form of icon, and the mobile terminal performs short-range communication with the counterpart terminal during the recharging to exchange information about the remaining battery capacity and the amount of current. The exchanged information is displayed on a display module such that the user can easily check which one of the mobile terminals is being recharged and can also check the recharge level of the mobile terminal being recharged. |
| US08575886B2 |
Power storage apparatus of power generation system and operating method of power storage apparatus
A power storage apparatus is installed in connection with a power generation system using natural energy generation power. The power storage apparatus is comprised of a control unit and a plurality of electricity storage devices. The control unit is structured to calculate a target value of power station output, to calculate a charge and discharge power instruction of each of the plurality of electricity storage devices, and to instruct the charge and discharge. The control unit calculates a correction value of the charge and discharge power to be charged and discharged by the power storage apparatus to permit the charge rate of the plurality of secondary batteries to follow an individual charge rate target value. |
| US08575882B2 |
Power layer generation of inverter gate drive signals
Solid state switches of inverters are controlled by timing signals computed in power layer interface circuitry for individual inverters. Multiple inverters may be placed in parallel with common three-phase output. Common control circuitry generates timing signals or data used to reconstruct the common signals and sends these signals to the power layer interface circuitry. A processor in a power layer interface circuitry used these signals to recomputed the timing signals. Excellent synchronicity may be provided between parallel inverters that each separately reconstruct the timing signals based upon the identical received data. |
| US08575878B2 |
Energy converter
An energy converter includes a magnetism generation mechanism unit that generates a magnetic field when connected to an AC electrical power source, and a rotating mechanism unit having a single turn coil array member in which a plurality of single turn coils is disposed at a predetermined interval and a soft magnetic metal plate disposed on a side of the single turn coil array member opposite to the magnetism generation mechanism unit. The rotating mechanism unit is structured such that the single turn coil array member faces the magnetism generation mechanism unit across a predetermined magnetic gap and rotary driven by the magnetic field. Here, a drive signal period of the electrical power source is a period that maximizes an eddy current generated in the soft magnetic metal plate. |
| US08575877B2 |
Solar-powered window covering automation system
A solar-powered automated system for the operation of drapery, roller blinds, and similar window coverings. The solar panel (102), or photovoltaic source provides the sole power to drive common types of window drapery and blinds in a compact system having a solar panel (photovoltaic source), actuator (104) and head rail (120). The solar panel (102) is to be mounted onto the frame of a window or elsewhere to collect sufficient light. A connecting cable links the solar panel (102) to the actuator (104) to draw electrical power from the solar panel. The actuator is attached to the head-rail (120) to provide the required driving force. The actuator (104) includes the control circuit boards, a single rechargeable battery (110), an electric motor (106) and output mechanism. An RF remote control receiver (116) is built inside the actuator (104). A low voltage control port (114) allows the actuator (104) to be accessible by a control interface. The control circuit comprises a standby circuit (111) and a boosting circuit (108). The standby circuit (111) operates at the battery voltage level and consumes minimum power to save energy when the system is not in use. The boosting circuit (108) is only activated when the actuator (104) drives the window covering, and works only during the time span of such activity. The head rail (120) houses the necessary members for transmitting the driving force to the drapery for open/close operation. It can also be a rotary type for a roller blind. |
| US08575872B2 |
High efficiency roller shade and method for setting artificial stops
The present invention advantageously provides a motorized roller shade that includes a shade tube, a motor/controller unit and a power supply unit. The motor/controller unit is disposed within the shade tube, and includes a bearing, rotatably coupled to a support shaft, and a DC gear motor. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. |
| US08575870B2 |
Vibratory driving device
A vibratory driving device includes a shaft-like driving member, an electromechanical transducer which can incline the driving member and which also can displace the driving member in the axial direction of the driving member, a movable member which slidably engages on the driving member, a driving circuit which can apply to the electromechanical transducer a frictional driving voltage displacing the driving member back and forth with a speed varying asymmetrically in the axial direction to slidingly displace the movable member with respect to the driving member and a periodic inclination driving voltage oscillating the driving member, a resonance frequency meter which measures a resonance frequency of the inclining oscillation of the driving member, and a position estimator which estimates a position of the movable member based on the resonance frequency. |
| US08575869B2 |
Arrangement and method in connection with a transport system
A transport system includes a motor for moving the transport appliance and a power supply circuit of the motor. The power supply circuit is connected between the motor and a power source that is limited (Plim) in its dimensioning. An energy storage that is limited (Elim) in its capacity is fitted in connection with the power supply circuit of the motor. The control arrangement includes a determination of the charging status (EQ) of the energy storage; a determination of the movement reference of the transport appliance; and a control of the movement of the transport appliance as a response to the determined movement reference of the transport appliance. The movement reference of the transport appliance is determined on the basis of the amount of energy that can be discharged from the energy storage and/or on the basis of the amount of energy that can be charged into the energy storage as well as on the basis of the travel distance of the transport appliance. |
| US08575858B2 |
Methods and systems for minimizing light source power supply compatibility issues
Systems and methods for allowing replacement of updated light heads with different design parameters to become independent of the remote power supply. An exemplary light system includes a light head remote from a power supply component. The light head includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light emitting devices, a memory that stores configuration information and a communication component. The power supply component includes a power converter, a memory, and a controller. The power converter outputs an electrical signal for driving the one or more LEDs. The memory stores light head configuration information. The controller receives configuration information from the communication component via the data bus, generates and sends instructions, based on at least one of the configuration information stored in the power supply component memory or the configuration information received from the light head, to the power converter. |
| US08575856B2 |
Driver circuit for powering a DC lamp in a non-DC lamp fitting
A driver circuit for adapting an LED lamp or an LED lamp array to be used in a lamp fitting for a non-LED type lamp without modification of the lamp fitting. The LED lamp or LED lamp array can be inserted into the lamp fitting as a replacement for a non-LED lamp. The driver circuit has a first stage with a filter circuit and having an input connectable to any of an ac power supply, an electromagnetic ballast or an electronic ballast of the lamp fitting; a second stage with a high frequency switched network and having an input connected to an output of the first stage; and a third stage with an ac/dc converter and having an input connected to an output of the second stage and an output connectable to an LED lamp. The third stage is configured to deliver dc power to a connected LED lamp. The second stage is configured to operate in a low frequency mode and in a high frequency mode. |
| US08575851B1 |
Programmable LED driver
The present invention relates to a programmable LED driver to control a plurality of LEDs. The driver comprises an LED driver circuit, a programmable integrated circuit (PIC) such as a microprocessor, and capacitive touch pads. The driver receives a 110 volt AC current and is sized to fit within a standard 110 volt AC outlet box. The programmable integrated circuit is adapted to scan said touch pad array and generate an output signal to said LED driver circuit corresponding to said scan.In an embodiment of the present invention, the touch pad array comprises a plurality of touch pads and the touch pads are the faceplate of a 110 volt AC outlet box.A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch pad plate remote from the programmable integrated circuit, the touch plate comprising a plurality of capacitive touch pads wirelessly connected to the programmable integrated circuit. |
| US08575848B2 |
Voltage-limiting and reverse polarity series type LED device
The present invention provides LEDs and zener diodes that are homo-polar and connected in parallel to constitute the first set of LED and zener diode and a second set of LED and zener diode; the first LED and zener diode set and the second LED and zener diode assume a reverse polarity series connection to constitute the voltage-limiting and reverse polarity series type LED device; through the selection of connecting pins, it is used on direct current power source or alternating current power source which is its characteristics. |
| US08575847B2 |
Control circuit of light-emitting element
A control circuit of a light-emitting element comprises a rectifying unit (30), a switching element (38), a transformer (48) having a first winding (L1) which generates a magnetic field using a current controlled by switching of the switching element (38), a second winding (L2) which is magnetically coupled to the first winding (L1) and which generates a current flowing to an LED (102), and a third winding (L3) which is magnetically coupled to the first winding (L1) and which generates a voltage (Sfbk), and an averaging capacitor (32) which averages a voltage derived by superposing a voltage (Srec) rectified by the rectifying unit (30) and the voltage (Sfbk), and a voltage averaged by the averaging capacitor (32) is applied to the first winding (L1), so that light is emitted from the LED (102). |
| US08575844B1 |
Plasma klystron switch
The plasma klystron switching device of the present invention may include a low-dielectric substrate, a plasma cavity internally pressurized by an inert gas, a circuit assembly formed on the first surface of the low-dielectric substrate and enclosed by the plasma cavity, wherein the circuit assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode configured to form a switching gap, wherein the switching gap is configured to act as a high conductance plasma generation zone during an ON state of the plasma klystron switching device and a low conductance zone during an OFF state of the plasma klystron switching device, an evacuated klystron resonance generator, wherein the klystron resonance generator includes a klystron resonance cavity, wherein the klystron resonance generator includes a coupling aperture configured to RF couple the klystron resonance cavity and the plasma cavity, and a field emitter array configured to energize the klystron resonance generator. |
| US08575843B2 |
System, method and apparatus for generating plasma
A plasma generating system, related method and device are disclosed. The plasma generation system includes a plasma generation device, a source of ionizable gas and a driver network. The plasma generation device includes a housing, an electrode, and a resonant circuit. The housing includes a passage defined therein and directs a flow of ionizable gas therethrough. The electrode is coupled to the ionizable gas flowing through the passage of the housing. The resonant circuit includes a capacitor and an inductor connected together in series. The resonant circuit has a resonance frequency and is coupled to the electrode. The resonant circuit receives an AC signal. The driver network provides the AC signal such that the AC signal has a frequency and excites the ionizable gas flowing through the passage of the housing to a plasma. |
| US08575840B2 |
Light source turn-on/off controller
A light source turn-on/off controller includes an input section of a turn-on/off timing signal, a PWM signal generating section for generating a pulse signal responding to a rise or a fall of the timing signal, a duty cycle of the pulse signal changing so as to simulate a rise or a fall of emission in turn-on or turn-off of a filament, an emission control section for controlling an emitting section responding to the pulse signal from the PWM signal generating section, and a storage section for storing a control data table for duty cycle control by the PWM signal generating section. The control data table includes a rise table to be referred to in the rise of emission and a fall table to be referred to in the fall of emission, and each of the rise table and the fall table indicates association between elapsed time from the rise or the fall of the timing signal and the duty cycle of the pulse signal, and a relationship between the tables indicates that they cannot be superposed on each other. |
| US08575838B2 |
Ceramic burner for ceramic metal halide lamp
A ceramic burner, a ceramic metal halide lamp, and a method of sealing the ceramic burner is provided. The ceramic burner comprises a discharge vessel enclosing a discharge space that is provided with an ionizable filling comprising one or more halides. The discharge vessel comprises a ceramic wall arranged between a first and a second end portion. The first and the second end portion are arranged such that current supply conductors are passed through the end portions to respective electrodes arranged in the discharge space for maintaining a discharge. The ceramic wall of the discharge vessel comprises a tube for introducing the ionizable filling into the discharge vessel during manufacture of the ceramic burner. The tube projects from the ceramic wall and is provided with a gastight seal. The effect of using the tube is that it enables the gastight seal to be arranged away from the ceramic wall of the discharge vessel at a projecting end of the tube. |
| US08575835B2 |
Organic luminescent device and method for manufacturing the same
Among end portions of a plurality of organic compound layers patterned by photolithography, an end portion in an area that is not located between luminescent elements and that is located in an area covered with a second electrode is formed to have a smaller inclination angle than that of an end portion located between the luminescent elements. |
| US08575832B2 |
Field emission display
The present invention relates to a field emission display, which includes: a base substrate; a plurality of cathode strips, disposed over the base substrate; an insulating layer, disposed over the cathode strips and having a plurality of openings, therewith the openings corresponding to the cathode strips; a plurality of anode strips, disposed over the insulating layer, where the cathode strips and the anode strips are arranged into a matrix and the anode strips individually have at least one impacted surface; and a plurality of subpixel units, individually including: an emissive region having a phosphor layer disposed over the impacted surface; and at least one emissive protrusion, corresponding to the emissive region and disposed in the openings to electrically connect to the cathode strips and protrude out of the openings. Accordingly, the present invention can enhance light utilization efficiency of a field emission display. |
| US08575828B2 |
Spark plug
A corner of a distal end of a ground-electrode-side noble metal tip of a spark plug is taken as a first corner; a corner of a leading end of a center-electrode-side noble metal tip is taken as a second corner; a corner formed at a starting point where a diameter of the center electrode is reduced is taken as a third corner; a corner of the ground electrode is taken as a fourth corner; a corner closest to the third corner of the corners on the distal end of the ground-electrode-side noble metal tip is taken as a fifth corner; a length of a virtual flying spark path defined between the first corner and the second corner is taken as L1; a length of a virtual flying spark path defined between the third corner and the fourth corner is taken as L2; a length of a virtual flying spark path defined between the third corner and the fifth corner is taken as L3; and L2 or L3, whichever is shorter, is taken as L4, the spark plug fulfills a relational expression of L4/L1≧1.1. |
| US08575826B1 |
Connection structure of LED lamp holder and heat radiation fins
A connection structure of an LED lamp holder and heat radiation fins includes a heat radiation fin module, a heat radiation core pipe and an insulation connector. The heat radiation fin module includes a plurality of heat radiation fins surrounding the heat radiation core pipe. Each heat radiation fin has an insertion portion and a stop tab at a distal end thereof. The insulation connector includes a plurality of engaging hooks and engaging holes around an opening corresponding to the heat radiation fins. The heat radiation fins are coupled to the heat radiation core pipe. The insertion portions of the heat radiation fins hold against the engaging hooks and are inserted in the engaging holes of the insulation connector. The stop tab of each heat radiation fin holds against the respective engaging hook so that the insulation connector and the heat radiation fins are connected quickly. |
| US08575821B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator and piezoelectric actuator array
A piezoelectric actuator 10 according to each embodiment of the present invention comprises: a column-like piezoelectric body 31, whose bottom face is fixed to a base portion 20, and which stands from the base portion; and a driving power supply section for applying a driving voltage to the piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body includes two sets (32, 33) of a pair of electrodes for providing electrical fields to the piezoelectric body. The two sets are formed so that each of the two sets is provided to each of two regions into which the piezoelectric body is divided by a virtual plane VPL1 parallel to the center axis CL of the piezoelectric body. The driving power supply section applies the driving voltage Vin having a “frequency between the second-order bending resonant frequency and the first-order expansion-contraction resonant frequency” to either one of the two sets, selectively. |
| US08575820B2 |
Stacked bulk acoustic resonator
A stacked bulk acoustic resonator includes a first piezoelectric layer stacked on a first electrode, a second electrode stacked on the first piezoelectric layer; a second piezoelectric layer stacked on the second electrode, and a third electrode stacked on the second piezoelectric layer. The stacked bulk acoustic resonator further includes an inner raised region formed in an inner portion on a surface of at least one of the first, second and third electrodes, and an outer raised region formed along an outer perimeter on the surface of the at least one of the first, second or third electrodes. The outer raised region surrounds the inner raised region and defines a gap between the inner raised region and the outer raised region. |
| US08575817B2 |
Axial air gap machine having stator and rotor discs formed of multiple detachable segments
Rotor and stator segments for a generator and motor apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a pair of parallel, spaced apart stator segments, each stator segment comprising a stator winding set; and a rotor segment slidably coupled to the pair of stator segments, the rotor segment comprising a magnet and being dimensioned to fit between the parallel, spaced apart stator segments. The apparatus may include a support structure, the rotor segment being slidably coupled to the support structure and the stator segment being attached to the support structure. The apparatus may be a rim generator, wind turbine generator or other electrical machine. The stator winding set includes a stator winding, and may include other electrical or electronic components, including possibly a power factor capacitor, direct current filtering capacitor, supercapacitor, and one or more diodes. The stator winding set may be encapsulated within the stator segment. |
| US08575815B2 |
Winding frame with magmate and stator core with the same
A stator core including at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies each formed by coupling at least two or more unit cores to each other, each unit core consisting of a tooth portion having a coupling slot and a coupling projection formed along both ends thereof and connected to adjacent unit core by means of a connection portion formed at each of both end portions of the tooth portion, wherein the at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies are fitting-connected to each other by means of the coupling slots formed at one side ends thereof and the coupling projections formed at the other side ends thereof to form the stator core having a round shape. |
| US08575814B2 |
Conductor insulation arrangement for electric machine winding
An electric machine includes a core with a plurality of slots. A plurality of conductors are positioned in each of the plurality slots, with each slot including an equal number of conductors. At least one slot liner is also positioned in each of the plurality of slots. Each slot liner provides at least one slot liner channel in the associated slot, and each of the plurality of conductors extend through one of the slot liner channels. Differing numbers of slot liner channels are provided in the plurality of slots. Accordingly, all slots have the same number of conductors positioned therein, but all slots do not have the same number of slot liner channels. |
| US08575797B2 |
Low profile permanent magnet synchronous motor with segment structure
A low profile permanent magnet synchronous motor with segment structure. In accordance with this invention, a stator assembly for an electromagnetic motor is provided. The stator assembly has a first stator core and a second stator core that couple windings. Teeth extend outward from each stator core and through the windings to contact the other stator core. |
| US08575794B2 |
Linear vibration motor having a buffer member
A linear vibration motor includes: a top cover; a bracket coupled with the top cover to provide an internal space; a vibration unit having a mass body mounted at the internal space and linearly moving in a horizontal direction; an actuator having a magnet fixed to the mass body and a coil installed within a range of a magnetic field of the magnet and generating electromagnetic force to allow the vibration unit to move linearly in a horizontal direction; and a buffer member disposed in a space between the mass body and the bracket and limiting displacement of the vibration unit. |
| US08575791B2 |
Manufacturing-process equipment
A manufacturing-process equipment has a platform assembly, a measurement feedback assembly and a laser-working assembly. The platform assembly has a base and a hybrid-moving platform. The base has a mounting frame. The hybrid-moving platform is mounted on the base and has a long-stroke moving stage and a piezo-driven micro-stage. The long-stroke moving stage has a benchmark set and a driving device. The piezo-driven micro-stage is connected to the long-stroke moving stage and has a working platform. The measurement feedback assembly is securely mounted on the platform assembly and has a laser interferometer, a reflecting device and a signal-receiving device. The laser-working assembly is mounted on the platform assembly, is electrically connected to the measurement feedback assembly and has a laser direct-writing head, a controlling interface device and a positioning interface device. |
| US08575787B2 |
Emergency lighting methods and systems
Described herein are systems and methods of emergency lighting comprising one or more light emitting diode (LED) lamps with a low-maintenance or maintenance-free battery. In one aspect, the battery is a sealed lead-acid battery. In one aspect, the battery is an absorbent glass mat (AGM) battery. In one aspect, the LED lamps can be a part of a LED assembly that can include an integrated voltage regulator. In one aspect, the one or more lamps are parabolic aluminized reflector luminares, or PAR lights such as PAR 46 light assemblies. |
| US08575786B2 |
Device and method for addressing power to a load selected from a plurality of loads
The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal. |
| US08575785B2 |
Energy conserving (stand-by mode) power saving design for battery chargers and power supplies with a control signal
A system is described that turns off a high power, power supply when a device no longer needs high power. A low power, power supply or a rechargeable battery provides power to determine when the device again needs high power. The low power supply consumes a minimum possible power when the device does not need high power and the power rechargeable battery is not charged. That is, the high power and low power, power supplies are turned on or off based on the real time power consumption need of the device and the charged state of the battery. The power need of the device is monitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit and a control signal monitoring circuit. |
| US08575782B2 |
Power transmission apparatus, power transmission/reception apparatus, and method of transmitting power
A power transmission apparatus includes: a power source; a power transmission coil that transmits electric power supplied from the power source outward as magnetic energy through magnetic resonance; a peak searching unit that searches for a drive frequency at which the magnetic energy transmitted outward has a peak; a peak split detector that detects splitting of the drive frequency at which the magnetic energy transmitted outward has a peak; a selection unit that selects a higher-frequency side frequency among split drive frequencies generated by the splitting; and a drive unit that drives the power transmission coil using the frequency selected by the selection unit. |
| US08575777B2 |
Battery management system and driving method thereof
A battery management system (BMS) includes at least one sub-BMS and a main BMS. The at least one sub-BMS measures information about a battery, and generates an activation signal according to operating state. The main BMS receives the activation signal and determines the operating state of the at least two sub-BMSs. If the at least two sub-BMSs normally operate, the main BMS generates a synchronization signal and transfers the same to the sub-BMSs. The at least one sub-BMS measures the information about the battery according to the synchronization signal. |
| US08575769B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of embedding thermally conductive layer in interconnect structure for heat dissipation
A semiconductor device has a first thermally conductive layer formed over a first surface of a semiconductor die. A second surface of the semiconductor die is mounted to a sacrificial carrier. An encapsulant is deposited over the first thermally conductive layer and sacrificial carrier. The encapsulant is planarized to expose the first thermally conductive layer. A first insulating layer is formed over the second surface of the semiconductor die and a first surface of the encapsulant. A portion of the first insulating layer over the second surface of the semiconductor die is removed. A second thermally conductive layer is formed over the second surface of the semiconductor die within the removed portion of the first insulating layer. An electrically conductive layer is formed within the insulating layer around the second thermally conductive layer. A heat sink can be mounted over the first thermally conductive layer. |
| US08575768B2 |
Radiation-curable ink jet composition and ink jet recording method
A radiation-curable ink jet ink composition contains a polymerizable compound, an photopolymerization initiator and polysiloxane, in which the ink composition is used for recording on a package substrate as a recording medium; the polymerizable compound contains one or more kinds of compound having a pentaerythritol skeleton; an HLB value of the polysiloxane is 5 to 12; and the polysiloxane content is 0.1 to 2% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. |
| US08575767B1 |
Reflow of thermoplastic sheet for passivation of power integrated circuits
A sheet of material includes a layer of the insulative thermoplastic material such as PET (poly(ethylene terephthalate)). The sheet is placed down over the wirebonds and a semiconductor die of a substrate assembly so that the sheet contacts the wirebonds and/or the semiconductor die. In one example, the sheet is a preform and the bottom of the sheet includes a layer of tacky adhesive that adheres the sheet to the substrate assembly. The sheet is then heated such that the PET softens and becomes conformal to the wirebonds and the semiconductor die of the upper surface of the substrate assembly. The resulting encapsulated substrate assembly is then encapsulated (for example, by overmolding in an injection molding process) to form a packaged semiconductor device. The conformal PET sheet is embedded within the packaged semiconductor device in such a way that it separates the wirebonds and semiconductor die from another encapsulant. |
| US08575766B2 |
Microelectronic assembly with impedance controlled wirebond and conductive reference element
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device having device contacts exposed at a surface thereof and an interconnection element having element contacts and having a face adjacent to the microelectronic device. Conductive elements, e.g., wirebonds connect the device contacts with the element contacts and have portions extending in runs above the surface of the microelectronic device. A conductive layer has a conductive surface disposed at least a substantially uniform distance above or below the plurality of the runs of the conductive elements. In some cases, the conductive material can have first and second dimensions in first and second horizontal directions which are smaller than first and second corresponding dimensions of the microelectronic device. The conductive material is connectable to a source of reference potential so as to achieve a desired impedance for the conductive elements. |
| US08575764B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An inventive semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip having a passivation film, and a sealing resin layer provided over the passivation film for sealing a front side of the semiconductor chip. The sealing resin layer extends to a side surface of the passivation film to cover the side surface. |
| US08575763B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first wiring hoard, a second semiconductor chip, and a second seal. The first wiring board includes a first substrate, a first semiconductor chip, and a first seal. The first semiconductor chip is disposed on the first substrate. The first seal is disposed on the first substrate. The first seal surrounds the first semiconductor chip. The first seal has the same thickness as the first semiconductor chip. The second semiconductor chip is stacked over the first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip is between the second semiconductor chip and the first substrate. The second semiconductor chip is greater in size in plan view than the first semiconductor chip. The second seal seals at least a first gap between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. |
| US08575755B1 |
Semiconductor device having mode of operation defined by inner bump assembly connection
Semiconductor devices are described that are configured to have a state of operation defined by a connection between at least one inner bump assembly and a selected outer bump assembly. In an implementation, the semiconductor device, which may be a wafer-level (chip-scale) package semiconductor device, includes an integrated circuit chip, a plurality of outer bump assemblies disposed on the chip, and one or more inner bump assemblies disposed on the chip so that the inner bump assemblies are at least partially surrounded by the outer bump assemblies. At least one of the inner bump assemblies is configured to be connected to a selected outer bump assembly to cause the integrated circuit chip to have a desired state of operation. |
| US08575754B2 |
Micro-bump structure
A dished micro-bump structure with self-aligning functions is provided. The micro-bump structure takes advantage of the central concavity for achieving the accurate alignment with the corresponding micro-bumps. |
| US08575750B1 |
Semiconductor detector element configuration for very high efficiency gamma-ray detection
A radiation detector made of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) has been specially machined to be this invented multilayer Inter-Coaxial configuration. With this special configuration, extra large volume HPGe detectors of diameters to be 6 inches, 9 inches, and even 12 inches, can be produced with current achievable HPGe crystal purity and quality, in which the entire detector crystal will be depleted and properly over biased for effective photo-induced signal collection with just less than 5000V bias applied. This invention makes extra large efficiency of 200%, 300%, and maybe even higher than 500% possible with HPGe gamma ray detectors with reasonable great resolution performances procurable based on current HPGe crystal supply capability. The invention could also be applied to any other kind of semiconductor materials if any of them could be purified enough for this application in the future. |
| US08575748B1 |
Wafer-level packaging with compression-controlled seal ring bonding
A device may be provided in a sealed package by aligning a seal ring provided on a first surface of a first semiconductor wafer in opposing relationship with a seal ring that is provided on a second surface of a second semiconductor wafer and surrounds a portion of the second wafer that contains the device. Forcible movement of the first and second wafer surfaces toward one another compresses the first and second seal rings against one another. A physical barrier against the movement, other than the first and second seal rings, is provided between the first and second wafer surfaces. |
| US08575747B2 |
Clip interconnect with encapsulation material locking feature
A clip interconnect comprises a columnar part, a bridge part, and a locking feature. The bridge part has a plurality of sides. The columnar part and the bridge part are configured to form an angle at an interface between the columnar part and the bridge part. The locking feature is located in at least one of the plurality of sides of the bridge part. The locking feature comprises an alternating pattern of teeth and valleys. |
| US08575745B2 |
Power semiconductor device, printed wiring board, and mechanism for connecting the power semiconductor device and the printed wiring board
A power semiconductor device includes a conductive insertion member as an external terminal projecting from a surface of the power semiconductor device facing a printed wiring board. The printed wiring board includes a conductive fitting member mounted on a pad part of the printed wiring board. The fitting member receives the insertion member therein when the power semiconductor device is connected to the printed wiring board. The insertion member has a recessed portion formed on a side surface of the insertion member. The fitting member has a projecting portion with elasticity formed on an inner side surface of the fitting member. The elasticity causes the projecting portion of the fitting member to contact the recessed portion of the insertion member under pressure when the insertion member is inserted into the fitting member. |
| US08575742B1 |
Semiconductor device with increased I/O leadframe including power bars
A semiconductor device or semiconductor package (e.g., a QFP package) including a uniquely configured leadframe sized and configured to maximize the available number of exposed leads in the semiconductor package, and further to provide one or more power bars in the semiconductor package. More particularly, the semiconductor package of the present invention includes a generally planar die paddle or die pad defining multiple peripheral edge segments. In addition, the semiconductor package includes a plurality of leads. Some of these leads include exposed bottom surface portions which are provided in at least two concentric rows or rings which at least partially circumvent the die pad, with other leads including portions which protrude from respective side surfaces of a package body of the semiconductor package. Connected to the top surface of the die pad is at least one semiconductor die which is electrically connected to at least some of the leads. At least portions of the die pad, the power bars, leads, and the semiconductor die are encapsulated by the package body, with at least portions of the bottom surfaces of the die pad and some of the leads being exposed in a common exterior surface of the package body. The bottom surface(s) of the power bar(s) may also be exposed in such common exterior surface of the package body, or the power bar(s) may be completely covered by the package body. |
| US08575741B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
There is provided a method of removing trap levels and defects, which are caused by stress, from a single crystal silicon thin film formed by an SOI technique. First, a single crystal silicon film is formed by using a typical bonding SOI technique such as Smart-Cut or ELTRAN. Next, the single crystal silicon thin film is patterned to form an island-like silicon layer, and then, a thermal oxidation treatment is carried out in an oxidizing atmosphere containing a halogen element, so that an island-like silicon layer in which the trap levels and the defects are removed is obtained. |
| US08575740B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object of the present invention is providing a semiconductor device that is capable of improving the reliability of a semiconductor element and enhancing the mechanical strength without suppressing the scale of a circuit. The semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit sandwiched between first and second sealing films, an antenna electrically connected to the integrated circuit, the first sealing film sandwiched between a substrate and the integrated circuit, which includes a plurality of first insulating films and at least one second insulating film sandwiched therebetween, the second sealing film including a plurality of third insulating films and at least one fourth insulating film sandwiched therebetween. The second insulating film has lower stress than the first insulting film and the fourth insulating film has lower stress than the third insulating film. The first and third insulating films are inorganic insulating films. |
| US08575736B2 |
Direct contact flip chip package with power transistors
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. |
| US08575734B2 |
Lead frame
A lead frame enabling simultaneous burn-in testing of plural LEDs while the LEDs are mounted thereon is disclosed. The lead frame according to embodiments of this disclosure may enable burn-in testing of LEDs before packaging. |
| US08575731B2 |
Semiconductor device with a balun
A semiconductor integrated circuit device with a balun which is formed above a conductive semiconductor substrate and which includes a dielectric film, an unbalanced line for transmitting an unbalanced signal, and balanced lines for transmitting a balanced signal. The unbalanced line is placed opposite to the balanced lines via a nano-composite film that is a region of the dielectric film. The nano-composite film, interposed between the unbalanced line and the balanced lines, has a relative permittivity higher than that of other regions of the dielectric film. This allows suppression of electromagnetic coupling of transmission lines or passive elements other than the balun, thereby providing a semiconductor device with a wide-band and small-size balun. |
| US08575730B2 |
Semiconductor device
Disclosed is a semiconductor device which includes a semiconductor chip and a base substrate. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate, an interconnect layer and a high-frequency interconnect. The interconnect layer is provided on the substrate. The high-frequency interconnect is formed within the interconnect layer. The semiconductor chip is mounted onto the base substrate. An electromagnetic shield layer is provided between the high-frequency interconnect and the interconnect. |
| US08575729B2 |
Semiconductor chip with linear expansion coefficients in direction parallel to sides of hexagonal semiconductor substrate and manufacturing method
The semiconductor chip (18) of the present invention is a semiconductor chip (18) on which a power semiconductor device (10) is formed, and which includes a semiconductor substrate made from a hexagonal semiconductor, in which the semiconductor substrate has a shape of a rectangle on a principal surface, in which the rectangle is defined by two sides having lengths a and b equal to each other, and in which linear expansion coefficients in directions parallel to the two sides of the semiconductor substrate are equal to each other. |
| US08575728B1 |
Method and surface morphology of non-polar gallium nitride containing substrates
An optical device, e.g., LED, laser. The device includes a non-polar gallium nitride substrate member having a slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane is up to about −0.6 degrees in a c-plane direction, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a gallium nitride containing epitaxial layer formed overlying the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the device includes a surface region overlying the gallium nitride epitaxial layer that is substantially free of hillocks. |
| US08575726B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip including: a first main face having an edge portion, a second main face locating the opposite side to the first main face, a crystalline defect region present within a region including at least the edge portion being adjacent to the first main face, the crystalline defect region being configured to have lower stress than the stress in the other semiconductor region for the same strain; and a metallic substrate to be bonded via a bonding member to the first main face of the semiconductor chip. |
| US08575725B2 |
Through-silicon vias for semicondcutor substrate and method of manufacture
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor substrate having a top surface. An opening extends from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate. The opening includes an interior surface. A first dielectric liner having a first compressive stress is disposed on the interior surface of the opening. A second dielectric liner having a tensile stress is disposed on the first dielectric liner. A third dielectric liner having a second compressive stress disposed on the second dielectric liner. A metal barrier layer is disposed on the third dielectric liner. A conductive material is disposed on the metal barrier layer and fills the opening. |
| US08575723B2 |
Detection circuit and method for detecting damage to a semiconductor chip
A semiconductor chip having a current source coupled between a first potential and an electrical node, a detection circuit having an input coupled to the electrical node, and a first active component coupled in series with the current source and further coupled between the electrical node and a second potential, wherein the first active component is coupled to the electrical node via a first conductive interconnect. |
| US08575721B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device, which exhibits an increased design flexibility for a capacitor element, and can be manufactured with simple method, is provided. A semiconductor device 100 includes: a silicon substrate 101; an interlayer film 103 provided on the silicon substrate 101; a multiple-layered interconnect embedded in the interlayer film 103; a flip-chip pad 111, provided so as to be opposite to an upper surface of an uppermost layer interconnect 105 in the multiple-layered interconnect and having a solder ball 113 for an external coupling mounted thereon; and a capacitance film 109 provided between said uppermost layer interconnect 105 and the flip-chip pad 111. Such semiconductor device 100 includes the flip-chip pad 111 composed of an uppermost layer interconnect 105, a capacitive film 109 and a capacitor element 110. |
| US08575716B2 |
Integrated circuit devices and methods of forming memory array and peripheral circuitry isolation
A method of forming memory array and peripheral circuitry isolation includes chemical vapor depositing a silicon dioxide-comprising liner over sidewalls of memory array circuitry isolation trenches and peripheral circuitry isolation trenches formed in semiconductor material. Dielectric material is flowed over the silicon dioxide-comprising liner to fill remaining volume of the array isolation trenches and to form a dielectric liner over the silicon dioxide-comprising liner in at least some of the peripheral isolation trenches. The dielectric material is furnace annealed at a temperature no greater than about 500° C. The annealed dielectric material is rapid thermal processed to a temperature no less than about 800° C. A silicon dioxide-comprising material is chemical vapor deposited over the rapid thermal processed dielectric material to fill remaining volume of said at least some peripheral isolation trenches. Other aspects are disclosed, including integrated circuitry resulting from the disclosed methods and integrated circuitry independent of method of manufacture. |
| US08575713B2 |
Semiconductor device and display device
A semiconductor device 700 includes a substrate and an optical sensor unit 700 formed on the substrate for sensing light and for generating a sensing signal, the optical sensor unit 700 including a first thin film diode 701A for detection of light in a first wavelength range, a second thin film diode 701B detecting light in a second wavelength range that contains wavelengths longer than the longest wavelength in the first wavelength range. The first thin film diode 701A and the second thin film diode 701B are connected in parallel to each other. The sensing signal is generated based on the output from one of the first thin film diode 701A and the second thin film diode 701B. By this means, the wavelength range that can be detected by the optical sensor unit can be expanded and the sensing sensitivity can be increased. |
| US08575711B2 |
Storage element and memory
A storage element includes a storage layer configured to hold information by use of a magnetization state of a magnetic material, with a pinned magnetization layer being provided on one side of the storage layer, with a tunnel insulation layer, and with the direction of magnetization of the storage layer being changed through injection of spin polarized electrons by passing a current in the lamination direction, so as to record information in the storage layer, wherein a spin barrier layer configured to restrain diffusion of the spin polarized electrons is provided on the side, opposite to the pinned magnetization layer, of the storage layer; and the spin barrier layer includes at least one material selected from the group composing of oxides, nitrides, and fluorides. |
| US08575705B2 |
Semiconductor devices including MOS transistors having an optimized channel region and methods of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device, including a device isolation layer arranged on a predetermined region of a semiconductor substrate to define an active region, the active region including a central top surface of a (100) crystal plane and an inclined edge surface extending from the central top surface to the device isolation layer, a semiconductor pattern covering the central top surface and the inclined edge surface of the active region, the semiconductor pattern including a flat top surface of a (100) crystal plane that is parallel with the central top surface of the active region and a sidewall that is substantially perpendicular to the flat top surface, and a gate pattern overlapping the semiconductor pattern. |
| US08575703B2 |
Semiconductor device layout reducing imbalance characteristics of paired transistors
In a semiconductor device having paired transistors, an imbalance in characteristics of the paired transistors is reduced or prevented while an increase in circuit area is reduced or prevented. First and second transistors have first and second regions having the same active region pattern, and third and fourth transistors have third and fourth regions having the same active region pattern. The active regions of the third and fourth transistors have a longer length in the channel length direction than that of the active regions of the first and second transistors. The third and fourth regions have a narrower width in the channel length direction than that of the first and second regions. |
| US08575700B2 |
Charge-balance power device comprising columnar structures and having reduced resistance
A charge-balance power device formed in an epitaxial layer having a first conductivity type and housing at least two columnar structures of a second conductivity type, which extend through the epitaxial layer. A first surface region of the second conductivity type extends along the surface of the epitaxial layer on top of, and in contact with, the columns, and a second surface region of the first conductivity type extends within the first surface region, and also faces the surface of the epitaxial layer. The columns extend at a distance from one another from the first surface region so as to delimit between them an epitaxial portion that defines a current path so as to reduce the on-resistivity of the device. |
| US08575696B2 |
Semiconductor device, manufacturing method thereof, and display device
A multi-gate structure is used and a width (d1) of a high concentration impurity region sandwiched by two channel forming regions in a channel length direction is set to be shorter than a width (d2) of low concentration impurity regions in the channel length direction. Thus, a resistance of the entire semiconductor layer of a TFT which is in an on state is reduced to increase an on current. In addition, a carrier life time due to photoexcitation produced in the high concentration impurity region can be shortened to reduce light sensitivity. |
| US08575694B2 |
Insulated gate bipolar transistor structure having low substrate leakage
A high voltage metal-oxide-semiconductor laterally diffused device (HV LDMOS), particularly an insulated gate bipolar junction transistor (IGBT), and a method of making it are provided in this disclosure. The device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure formed on the substrate, a source and a drain formed in the substrate on either side of the gate structure, a first doped well formed in the substrate, and a second doped well formed in the first well. The gate, source, second doped well, a portion of the first well, and a portion of the drain structure are surrounded by a deep trench isolation feature and an implanted oxygen layer in the silicon substrate. |
| US08575692B2 |
Near zero channel length field drift LDMOS
Adverse tradeoff between BVDSS and Rdson in LDMOS devices employing a drift space (52, 152) adjacent the drain (56, 156), is avoided by providing a lightly doped region (511, 1511) of a first conductivity type (CT) separating the first CT drift space (52, 152) from an opposite CT WELL region (53, 153) in which the first CT source (57, 157) is located, and a further region (60, 160) of the opposite CT (e.g., formed by an angled implant) extending through part of the WELL region (53, 153) under an edge (591, 1591) of the gate (59, 159) located near a boundary (531, 1531) of the WELL region (53, 153) into the lightly doped region (511, 1511), and a shallow still further region (66, 166) of the first CT Ohmically coupled to the source (57, 157) and ending near the gate edge (591, 159) whereby the effective channel length (61, 161) in the further region (60, 160) is reduced to near zero. Substantial improvement in BVDSS and/or Rdson can be obtained without degrading the other or significant adverse affect on other device properties. |
| US08575691B2 |
Lateral-diffusion metal-oxide semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a lateral-diffusion metal-oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a first region and a second region both having a first conductive type in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first region not contacting the second region; and performing a thermal process to diffuse the dopants within the first region and the second region into the semiconductor substrate to form a deep well, wherein the doping concentration of the deep well is less than the doping concentration of the first region and the second region. |
| US08575689B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
An SiC semiconductor device includes a substrate, a drift layer, a base region, a source region, a trench, a gate oxide film, a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The substrate has a Si-face as a main surface. The source region has the Si-face. The trench is provided from a surface of the source region to a portion deeper than the base region and extends longitudinally in one direction and has a Si-face bottom. The trench has an inverse tapered shape, which has a smaller width at an entrance portion than at a bottom, at least at a portion that is in contact with the base region. |
| US08575688B2 |
Trench device structure and fabrication
A vertical-current-flow device includes a trench which includes an insulated gate and which extends down into first-conductivity-type semiconductor material. A phosphosilicate glass layer is positioned above the insulated gate and a polysilicon layer is positioned above the polysilicate glass layer. Source and body diffusions of opposite conductivity types are positioned adjacent to a sidewall of the trench. A drift region is positioned to receive majority carriers which have been injected by the source, and which have passed through the body diffusion. A drain region is positioned to receive majority carriers which have passed through the drift region. The gate is capacitively coupled to control inversion of a portion of the body region. As an alternative, a dielectric layer may be used in place of the doped glass where permanent charge is positioned in the dielectric layer. |
| US08575684B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
In a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device provided with memory cell transistors arranged in a direction and a select transistor to select the memory cell transistors, each of the memory cell transistors of a charge trap type are at least composed of a first insulating layer and a first gate electrode respectively, and the select transistor is at least composed of a second insulating layer and a second gate electrode. The first gate electrode is provided with a first silicide layer of a first width formed on the first insulating layer. The second gate electrode is provided with an impurity-doped silicon layer formed on the second insulating layer and with a second silicide layer of a second width formed on the impurity-doped silicon layer. The second silicide has the same composition as the first silicide. The second width is larger than the first width. |
| US08575681B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor memory device includes a substrate, a conductive layer provided on a major surface of the substrate, a stacked body, a memory film, and a channel body. The stacked body includes multiple insulating layers alternately stacked with multiple electrode layers on the conductive layer. The memory film includes a charge storage film provided on side walls of holes made to pierce the stacked body. The channel body includes a pair of columnar portions and a linking portion. The pair of columnar portions is provided on an inner side of the memory film inside the holes. The linking portion is provided inside the conductive layer to link lower ends of the pair of columnar portions. The electrode layers are tilted with respect to the major surface of the substrate. The columnar portions of the channel body and the memory film pierce the tilted portion of the electrode layers. |
| US08575678B2 |
Semiconductor memory device with floating gate
To provide a semiconductor memory device having a floating gate which operates with a short channel. A high-work-function compound semiconductor having a work function of greater than or equal to 5.5 eV, such as indium nitride or zinc nitride, is used for the floating gate. Accordingly, the potential barrier of the floating gate insulating film between the substrate and the floating gate is higher than that of a conventional one, so that leakage of electric charge due to a tunnel effect can be reduced even if the thickness of the floating gate insulating film is made small. Since the thickness of the floating gate insulating film can be made small, the channel can be further shortened. |
| US08575677B2 |
Semiconductor device and its manufacturing method
A semiconductor device having, on a silicon substrate, a gate insulating film and a gate electrode in this order; wherein the gate insulating film comprises a nitrogen containing high-dielectric-constant insulating film which has a structure in which nitrogen is introduced into metal oxide or metal silicate; and the nitrogen concentration in the nitrogen containing high-dielectric-constant insulating film has a distribution in the direction of the film thickness; and a position at which the nitrogen concentration in the nitrogen containing high-dielectric-constant insulating film reaches the maximum in the direction of the film thickness is present in a region at a distance from the silicon substrate. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including introducing nitrogen by irradiating the high-dielectric-constant insulating film which is made of metal oxide or metal silicate, with a nitrogen containing plasma, is also provided. |
| US08575676B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor storage device according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor substrate; an embedded insulator embedded in a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate and having an upper portion protruding above a top surface of the semiconductor substrate; a first insulating film formed on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate; a floating gate formed on the first insulating film at a side of the embedded insulator, having a side portion arching out above the embedded insulator, and having a side surface made of a flat surface and a curved surface continuing below the flat surface; a second insulating film contacting an upper surface, the flat surface and the curved surface of the floating gate; and a control gate opposing the upper surface, the flat surface and the curved surface of the floating gate across the second insulating film. |
| US08575674B2 |
Ferromagnetic tunnel junction structure, and magneto-resistive element and spintronics device each using same
Disclosed is a ferromagnetic tunnel junction structure which is characterized by having a tunnel barrier layer that comprises a non-magnetic material having a spinel structure. The ferromagnetic tunnel junction structure is also characterized in that the non-magnetic material is substantially MgAl2O4. The ferromagnetic tunnel junction is also characterized in that at least one of the ferromagnetic layers comprises a Co-based full Heusler alloy having an L21 or B2 structure. The ferromagnetic tunnel junction structure is also characterized in that the Co-based full Heusler alloy comprises a substance represented by the following formula: Co2FeAlxSi1-x (0≦x≦1). Also disclosed are a magnetoresistive element and a spintronics device, each of which utilizes the ferromagnetic tunnel junction structure and can achieve a high TMR value, that cannot be achieved by employing conventional tunnel barrier layers other than a MgO barrier. |
| US08575671B2 |
Asymmetric MIM capacitor for DRAM devices
A bilayer second electrode for a MIM DRAM capacitor is formed wherein the layer of the electrode that is in contact with the dielectric layer (i.e. bottom layer) has a composition that is resistant to oxidation during subsequent anneal steps and have rutile templating capability. Examples include SnO2 and RuO2. The capacitor stack including the bottom layer is subjected to a PMA treatment to reduce the oxygen vacancies in the dielectric layer and reduce the interface states at the dielectric/second electrode interface. The other component of the bilayer (i.e. top layer) is a high work function, high conductivity metal or conductive metal compound. |
| US08575669B2 |
Fabricating technique of a highly integrated semiconductor device in which a capacitor is formed between adjacent gate patterns by using a nanotube process
The present invention relates to a highly integrated semiconductor device in which a capacitor is formed between adjacent gate patterns by using a nanotube process. A semiconductor memory device according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes a capacitor formed on a first side of a source/drain region positioned between gate patterns of adjacent cell transistors; a plate layer connected to an upper portion of the capacitor, the plate layer being formed in a direction intersecting the gate pattern; and a bit line connected to a second side of the source/drain region of the cell transistor, the bit line being formed in the direction intersecting the gate pattern. |
| US08575659B1 |
Carbon-beryllium combinationally doped semiconductor
A combinationally doped semiconductor layer, a double heterojunction bipolar transistor (DHBT) including a combinationally doped semiconductor layer, and a method of making a combinationally doped semiconductor layer employ a combination of carbon and beryllium doping. The combinationally doped semiconductor layer includes a first sublayer of a semiconductor material doped substantially with beryllium and a second sublayer of the semiconductor material doped substantially with carbon. The DHBT includes a carbon-beryllium combinationally doped semiconductor layer as a base layer. The method of making a combinationally doped semiconductor layer includes growing a first sublayer of the semiconductor layer, the first sublayer being doped substantially with beryllium and growing a second sublayer of the semiconductor layer, the second sublayer being doped substantially with carbon. |
| US08575658B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
A semiconductor device includes a compound semiconductor substrate; a first conductivity type-channel field-effect transistor region formed on the compound semiconductor substrate, and that includes a first channel layer; a first conductivity type first barrier layer that forms a heterojunction with the first channel layer, and supplies a first conductivity type charge to the first channel layer; and a second conductivity type gate region that has a pn junction-type potential barrier against the first conductivity type first barrier layer; and a second conductivity type-channel field-effect transistor region formed on the compound semiconductor substrate, and that includes a second conductivity type second channel layer, and a first conductivity type gate region that has a pn junction-type potential barrier against the second conductivity type second channel layer. |
| US08575657B2 |
Direct growth of diamond in backside vias for GaN HEMT devices
A GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device having a silicon carbide substrate including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the substrate further includes a via formed through the bottom surface and into the substrate. The device includes a plurality of epitaxial layers provided on the top surface of the substrate, a plurality of device layers provided on the epitaxial layers, and a diamond layer provided within the via. |
| US08575655B2 |
Method and structure for PMOS devices with high K metal gate integration and SiGe channel engineering
Various techniques for changing the workfunction of the substrate by using a SiGe channel which, in turn, changes the bandgap favorably for a p-type metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (pMOSFETs) are disclosed. In the various techniques, a SiGe film that includes a low doped SiGe region above a more highly doped SiGe region to allow the appropriate threshold voltage (Vt) for pMOSFET devices while preventing pitting, roughness and thinning of the SiGe film during subsequent cleans and processing is provided. |
| US08575654B2 |
Method of forming strained semiconductor channel and semiconductor device
A method of forming a strained semiconductor channel, comprising: forming a relaxed SiGe layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a dielectric layer on the relaxed SiGe layer and forming a sacrificial gate on the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer and the sacrificial gate form a sacrificial gate structure; depositing an interlayer dielectric layer, which is planarized to expose the sacrificial gate; etching to remove the sacrificial gate and the dielectric layer to form an opening; forming a semiconductor epitaxial layer by selective semiconductor epitaxial growth in the opening; depositing a high-K dielectric layer and a metal layer; and removing the high-K dielectric layer and metal layer covering the interlayer dielectric layer by planarizing the deposited metal layer and high-K dielectric layer to form a metal gate. A semiconductor device manufactured by this process is also provided. |
| US08575648B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A silicon carbide semiconductor device having a JFET or a MOSFET includes a semiconductor substrate and a trench. The semiconductor substrate has a silicon carbide substrate, a drift layer on the silicon carbide substrate, a first gate region on the drift layer, and a source region on the first gate region. The trench has a strip shape with a longitudinal direction and reaches the drift layer by penetrating the source region and the first gate region. The trench is filled with a channel layer and a second gate region on the channel layer. The source region is not located at an end portion of the trench in the longitudinal direction. |
| US08575647B2 |
Bidirectional shockley diode with extended mesa
A mesa-type bidirectional Shockley diode including a substrate of a first conductivity type; a layer of the second conductivity type on each side of the substrate; a region of the first conductivity type in each of the layers of the second conductivity type; a buried region of the first conductivity type under each of said regions of the first conductivity type, each buried region being complementary in projection with the other; and a groove arranged in the vicinity of the periphery of the component on each of its surfaces, the component portion external to the groove comprising, under the external portion of the upper and lower regions of the second conductivity type, regions of the first conductivity type of same doping profile as said buried regions. |
| US08575641B2 |
Solid state light sources based on thermally conductive luminescent elements containing interconnects
Solid state light sources based on LEDs mounted on or within thermally conductive luminescent elements provide both convective and radiative cooling. Low cost self-cooling solid state light sources can integrate the electrical interconnect of the LEDs and other semiconductor devices. The thermally conductive luminescent element can completely or partially eliminate the need for any additional heatsinking means by efficiently transferring and spreading out the heat generated in LED and luminescent element itself over an area sufficiently large enough such that convective and radiative means can be used to cool the device. |
| US08575640B2 |
Polarized white light emitting diode
A polarized white light emitting diode provides a polarized white light to decrease glare, and increase the extinction ratio. A LED chip is disposed in a cavity between a reflection substrate and a metallic wire-grid polarizing layer, and emits a first color light. The metallic wire-grid polarizing layer is disposed under and in contact with a transparent substrate. A phosphor layer covers over the LED chip, and is disposed in the cavity with an air gap between the phosphor layer and the metallic wire-grid polarizing layer. A second color light is generated by the first color light. The metallic wire-grid polarizing layer multiply reflects a portion of first color light in plural directions in the cavity to produce secondary excitations. The polarized white light transmits through the metallic wire-grid polarizing layer by mixing a portion of first color light with the second color light excited by the first color light. |
| US08575636B2 |
Adhesion structure of light-transmitting member and light-blocking members, method of manufacturing optical module including light-transmitting member and light-blocking members, and optical module
A first light-blocking member and a second light-blocking member are adhered to each other by forming a light-transmitting layer having a light-transmitting composition serving as a base material and a light-transmitting filler different in index of refraction from this light-transmitting composition on a front surface of the first light-blocking member. A liquid light curing adhesive is applied to a front surface of the light-transmitting layer. The second light-blocking member is arranged on the front surface of the light-transmitting layer to which the liquid light curing adhesive has been applied. The liquid light curing adhesive is cured by irradiating the light-transmitting layer with light having a prescribed wavelength laterally from a side of the light-transmitting layer so as to adhere the light-transmitting layer and the second light-blocking member to each other. By adhering light-blocking members to each other, an adhesion operation may easily and quickly be performed with sufficient adhesion strength. |
| US08575635B2 |
Light emitting device, light emitting device package, and lighting system
Provided are a light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a substrate, a light emitting structure comprising a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer, the light emitting structure being disposed on the substrate, a nonmetal pattern disposed between the substrate and the active layer, the nonmetal pattern being spaced from the substrate, and an air gap disposed on a side surface of the nonmetal pattern. |
| US08575633B2 |
Light emitting diode with improved light extraction
A light emitting diode is disclosed that includes an active region and a plurality of exterior surfaces. A light enhancement feature is present on at least portions of one of the exterior surfaces of the diode, with the light enhancement feature being selected from the group consisting of shaping and texturing. A light enhancement feature is present on at least portions of each of the other exterior surfaces of the diode, with these light enhancement features being selected from the group consisting of shaping, texturing, and reflectors. |
| US08575631B2 |
Lighting device
For integration of light-emitting elements and for suppression of a voltage drop, plural stages of light-emitting element units each including a plurality of light-emitting elements which is connected in parallel are connected in series. Further, besides a lead wiring with a large thickness, a plurality of auxiliary wirings with different widths and different thicknesses is used, and the arrangement of the wirings, electrodes of the light-emitting elements, and the like is optimized. |
| US08575620B2 |
Circuit board and display device
The present invention provides a circuit board with a reduced circuit area, and a display device comprising the circuit board and a narrower picture frame. The circuit board of the present invention comprises: a bottom gate thin film transistor comprising a first semiconductor layer, a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode; and a top gate thin film transistor comprising a second semiconductor layer, a second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer are formed from the same material, and the first drain electrode or the first source electrode and the second gate electrode are connected without interposing any other thin film transistor therebetween, and have the same electric potential. |
| US08575618B2 |
Electronic device, semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a manufacturing process using a droplet-discharging method that is suitable for manufacturing a large substrate in mass production. A photosensitive material solution of a conductive film is selectively discharged by a droplet-discharging method, selectively exposed to laser light, and developed or etched, thereby allowing only the region exposed to laser light to be left and realizing a source wiring and a drain wiring having a more microscopic pattern than the pattern itself formed by discharging. One feature of the source wiring and the drain wiring is that the source wiring and the drain wiring cross an island-like semiconductor layer and overlap it. |
| US08575613B2 |
Implementing vertical signal repeater transistors utilizing wire vias as gate nodes
A method and structures are provided for implementing vertical transistors utilizing wire vias as gate nodes. The vertical transistors are high performance transistors fabricated up in the stack between the planes of the global signal routing wire, for example, used as vertical signal repeater transistors. An existing via or a supplemental vertical via between wire planes provides both an electrical connection and the gate node of the novel vertical transistor. |
| US08575607B2 |
Flat panel display device and method of manufacturing the same
A flat panel display device that can achieve uniformity between pixel circuits and improved image quality includes: a first pixel including a first light emitting device and not including a pixel circuit; and a second pixel spaced apart from the first pixel and including a first circuit that is electrically connected to the first light emitting device. Active layers of thin film transistors in the pixel circuits are formed of polycrystalline silicon crystallized from an amorphous silicon and patterned from an area of the polycrystalline silicon in which lasers of an excimer laser annealing process did not overlap. |
| US08575606B2 |
Back panel for flat panel display apparatus, flat panel display apparatus comprising the same, and method of manufacturing the back panel
A back panel for a flat panel display apparatus includes: a pixel electrode disposed on a substrate; a first gate electrode layer of a thin-film transistor (TFT) disposed on the substrate; a second gate electrode layer disposed on the first gate electrode layer and including a semiconductor material; a third gate electrode layer disposed on the second gate electrode layer and including a metal material; a first insulating layer disposed on the third gate electrode layer; an active layer disposed on the first insulating layer and including a transparent conductive oxide semiconductor; a second insulating layer disposed on the active layer; source and drain electrodes disposed connected to the active layer through the second insulating layer; and a third insulating layer covering the source and drain electrodes. The first gate electrode layer and the pixel electrode include a transparent conductive oxide. |
| US08575602B2 |
Active matrix substrate and organic EL display device
The present invention provides an active matrix substrate driven by an analog gray scale method, and an organic EL display device, in which decrease in response speed of a current emissive element is suppressed. The active matrix substrate of the present invention is driven by an analog gray scale method and is provided with a pixel that has a current emissive element and a transistor that supplies current to the current emissive element. The pixel further has a compensation circuit for compensating variability of threshold voltage in the transistor; the current emissive element has a pixel electrode electrically connected to the transistor; a gate electrode of a transistor that makes up the compensation circuit forms a region covered with the pixel electrode; and a part or the entirety of the gate electrode that is positioned within the region is provided in a wiring layer that is lower than a wiring layer directly below the pixel electrode. |
| US08575597B2 |
Liquid metal contact as possible element for thermotunneling
The use of liquid metal contacts for devices based on thermotunneling has been investigated. Electric and thermal characteristics of low wetting contact Hg/Si, and high wetting contacts Hg/Cu were determined and compared. Tunneling I-V characteristics for Hg/Si were obtained, while for Hg/Cu, I-V characteristics were ohmic. The tunneling I-V characteristic is explained by the presence of a nanogap between the contact materials. Heat conductance of high wetting and low wetting contacts were compared, using calorimeter measurements. Heat conductance of high wetting contact was 3-4 times more than of low wetting contact. Both electric and thermal characteristics of liquid metal contact indicated that it could be used for thermotunneling devices. To reduce the work function and make liquid metal more suitable for room temperature cooling, Cs was dissolved in liquid Hg. Work function as low as 2.6 eV was obtained. |
| US08575595B2 |
P-type semiconductor devices
A semiconductor device comprises an active layer above a first confinement layer. The active layer comprises a layer of α-Sn less than 20 nm thick. The first confinement layer is formed of material with a wider band gap than α-Sn, wherein the band gap offset between α-Sn and this material allows confinement of charge carriers in the active layer so that the active layer acts as a quantum well. A similar second confinement layer may be formed over the active layer. This semiconductor device may be a p-FET. A method of fabricating such a semiconductor device is described. |
| US08575585B2 |
Memristive device
A memristive device includes a first electrode, a second electrode crossing the first electrode at a non-zero angle, and an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes. The active region has a controlled defect profile throughout its thickness. |
| US08575584B2 |
Resistive memory device having vertical transistors and method for making the same
The present invention relates to resistive memory devices incorporating therein vertical selection transistors and methods for making the same. A resistive memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate having a first type conductivity; a plurality of vertical selection transistors formed on the semiconductor substrate in an array, each of the plurality of vertical selection transistors including a semiconductor pillar protruded from the semiconductor substrate, top region of the semiconductor pillar having a second type conductivity opposite to the first type conductivity provided in the semiconductor substrate; and a gate electrode surrounding the semiconductor pillar with a gate dielectric layer interposed therebetween, the gate electrode being lower in height than the semiconductor pillar; a plurality of contact studs disposed on top of the vertical selection transistors; a plurality of resistive memory elements disposed on top of the contact studs; a plurality of parallel word lines connecting the vertical selection transistors by way of respective gate electrodes, the parallel word lines extending along a first direction; a plurality of parallel bit lines connecting the resistive memory elements, the parallel bit lines extending along a second direction different from the first direction provided in the parallel word lines; and a plurality of parallel source lines with the second type conductivity formed in top regions of the semiconductor substrate in between rows of the semiconductor pillars, wherein the source lines and the top regions of the semiconductor pillars function as source and drain, respectively. |
| US08575582B2 |
Method for the optical monitoring of a monitored zone and light sensor
In a method and a light sensor for the optical monitoring of a monitored zone, light is transmitted into the monitored zone and light reflected back or remitted back from the monitored zone is detected by first and second light receivers, each having two spatial detection zones for the scanned zone and the background zone of the monitored zone. A first output signal of the first light receiver is produced depending on whether the center of the light reflected back/remitted back is located in the first or in the second detection zone of the first light receiver, with the first output signal only being able to adopt one of two possible states. In a similar way, a second output signal of the second light receiver is produced. The first and the second output signals are logically linked to one another to produce an object determination signal. |
| US08575581B2 |
Image reading apparatus
An apparatus includes: a body including a port into which a medium is insertable; a light source that is provided in the body and illuminates when an image is read for the medium that has been inserted into the port; a guide and output unit that is optically connected to the light source, guides light emitted from the light source, and outputs the guided light into the port; a receiver that detects the output light; and a determiner that determines whether the medium has been inserted into the port based on a result of the detection. The light source also illuminates when the determiner makes the determination. A region in the port through which the light output from the light guide and output unit passes exists from one end to the other end of the port in a width direction being a longitudinal direction of the port. |
| US08575579B2 |
Multi-leaf collimator for proton beam therapy
A proton beam collimator comprising (a) titanium or (b) stainless steel containing no tungsten or (c) containing no tungsten or brass. The collimator comprises a multi-leaf collimator (MLC). The apparatus further comprises an integrated circuit (IC) mounted adjacent the collimator, the IC subject to exposure to atomic particles, illustratively, neutrons. |
| US08575576B2 |
Optical imaging system with laser droplet plasma illuminator
A wafer inspection system includes a laser droplet plasma (LDP) light source that generates light with sufficient radiance to enable bright field inspection at wavelengths down to 40 nanometers. Light generated by the LDP source is directed to the wafer and light from the illuminated wafer is collected by a high NA objective with all reflective elements. A detector detects the collected light for further image processing. The LDP source includes a droplet generator that dispenses droplets of a feed material. An excitation light generated by a laser is focused on a droplet of the feed material. The interaction of the excitation light with the droplet generates a plasma that emits illumination light with a radiance of at least 10 W/mm2-sr within a spectral range from 40 nanometers to 200 nanometers. |
| US08575574B2 |
Ion implanting system
An ion implanting system includes an ion generating system that generates ion beams and an ion implanting chamber in which a work-piece that is irradiated with the ion beams generated from the ion generating system is provided and into which the ion beams generated from the ion generating unit are directed. The ion generating system includes a first ion generating unit that irradiates ions to an upper portion of the work-piece and a second ion generating unit irradiating ions to a lower portion of the work-piece. The ion implanting system a can implant ions into a large work-piece through one ion implantation process with ion generating units arranged alternately with respect to each other in the transfer direction of the work-piece. |
| US08575572B2 |
Power system for dosimeter reader
A portable dosimeter reader device includes an optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) reader for reading one or more OSL sensors of a dosimeter sled; a sled slider that is driven by a sled slider motor to position in turn each of the one or more OSL sensors of the dosimeter sled at a reading position where the OSL reader reads each respective OSL sensor; a display for displaying information relating to reading the one or more OSL sensors; and a battery compartment for one or more batteries, wherein the OSL reader includes an LED light source, wherein the battery compartment is electrically connected to the OSL reader, the sled slider motor and the display, and wherein the one or more batteries provide all of the power required for operating the OSL reader, the sled slider motor and the display. |
| US08575566B2 |
Specimen box for electron microscope
The present invention relates to a specimen box for an electron microscope, which comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a metal adhesion layer. The first substrate has a first surface, a second surface, a first concave, and one or more first through holes, wherein the first through hole penetrates through the first substrate. The second substrate has a third surface, a forth surface, and a second concave. Besides, the metal adhesion layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to form a space for a specimen placed therein. In addition, the specimen box of the present invention further comprises one or more plugs. When the plug is assembled into the first through hole to seal the specimen box, the in-situ observation can be accomplished by using an electron microscope. |
| US08575563B2 |
Compact isocentric gantry
A gantry for administering proton beam therapy with improvements which reduce the size, weight, costs and radiation beam loss associated with proton beam therapy systems currently commercially available. The gantry utilizes achromatic superconducting multi-function electromagnet systems wherein the magnets can include dipoles and quadrupoles. The achromatic properties of the rampable magnet systems allow for ease of transmission of the beam whose energy is rapidly changed through a large range of different energies without changing of the strength of the magnetic fields or dipole settings. The magnets may be made with either low or high temperature superconductors. The gantry design further integrates beam scanning but keeps the gantry isocentric. A much greater fraction of the beam can be transmitted through the gantry than with current art, thereby reducing radiation shielding requirements and the demand put on the accelerator to produce large quantities of proton beam. |
| US08575562B2 |
Apparatus and system for inspecting an asset
Embodiments of an apparatus, and an inspection system incorporating the apparatus, prevent exposure to radiation during inspection of tubes (e.g., boiler tubes). The embodiments can comprise a housing and a pair of translating baffles that engage the outside of the housing. In one embodiment, the housing moves relative to the translating baffles during rotation of the housing to change the orientation of the housing relative to the boiler tubes. The housing and the translating baffles maintain engagement to prevent radiation from leaking out of the housing and into the surrounding environment. |
| US08575553B1 |
Cesium and sodium-containing scintillator compositions
The present invention relates to scintillator compositions and related devices and methods. The scintillator compositions may include, for example, a scintillation compound and a dopant, the scintillation compound having the formula x1-x2-x3-x4 and x1 is Cs; x2 is Na; x3 is La, Gd, or Lu; and x4 is Br or I. In certain embodiments, the scintillator composition can include a single dopant or mixture of dopants. |
| US08575552B2 |
System and method for distinguishing and detecting multiple infrared signal coordinates
Disclosed are a method and system for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates. The method for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates includes: sequentially operating a plurality of infrared generators; photographing the infrared generators; calculating frequency photographed by each infrared generators; and when the calculated frequency at the time of calculating does not meet the reference value, delaying, by a delay time, the flickering of the infrared generator where the frequency does not meet the reference value. |
| US08575545B2 |
Fixed connection assembly for an RF drive circuit in a mass spectrometer
In one embodiment, a mass spectrometer includes an RF drive circuit for generating RF signals, a quadrupole mass filter, and a fixed connection assembly for delivering RF signals from the RF drive circuit to the quadrupole mass filter, the fixed connection assembly representing the entire delivery path of RF signals from the RF drive circuit to the quadrupole mass filter. By avoiding flexible components such as a freestanding wires or flexible circuit boards, the need for retuning when parts are removed or disturbed for testing or servicing is reduced, and a modular instrument in which components and connections are standardized and therefore interchangeable is realized. |
| US08575542B1 |
Method and device for gas-phase ion fragmentation
The invention relates to a device for performing electron capture dissociation on multiply charged cations. Provided is an electron emitter which, upon triggering, emits a plurality of low energy electrons suitable for efficient electron capture reactions to occur. Further, the device contains a particle emitter being located proximate to the electron emitter and being capable, upon triggering, to emit a plurality of high energy charged particles substantially in a direction towards the electron emitter in order that the electron emitter receives a portion of the emitted plurality of high energy charged particles and emission of the plurality of low energy electrons is triggered. A volume capable of containing a plurality of multiply charged cations is located in opposing relation to the electron emitter such that the volume receives the plurality of low energy electrons upon emission as to allow electron capture dissociation to occur. |
| US08575540B2 |
Filter for an optical fibre temperature sensor
A filter for an optical fibre temperature sensor comprising at least one first and one second optical filter for filtering an optical pulse reflected by said optical fibre, characterised in that said at least one first and one second optical filter comprise standard commercial filters complying with ITU specifications, said optical pulse lying within the range from 1570 nm to 1580 nm. |
| US08575525B2 |
Tunnel for conditioning of products, especially for sterilization of food in prepackaged containers
Tunnel is provided for conditioning of food products, especially for sterilization of food in containers or vessels of the heat-sealed type, in which the conditioning unit has: 1) an active temperature and pressure control system provided in at least one magnetron supported heating stage, which provides for balancing of the pressure within the heat-sealed vessels or containers; 2) a conveyor which conveys the heat-sealed vessels or containers through the stages along the conditioning unit which contains mechanisms that move the conveyor outside of the conditioning tunnel, and 3) doors operating like check valves that separate the conditioning stages, but still provide for continuous linear feed of products through conditioning tunnel. Movement of the magnetron electromagnetic field and/or conveyor is controlled by software which utilizes the temperature and/or density measurements in a closed loop process to ensure uniform heating of the products. |
| US08575522B2 |
Hot-air supplying device and hot-air supplying method having bypass
A hot-air supplying method that includes: generating, by means of a heat pump, hot air that is at a temperature lower than a desired target hot-air temperature; subsequently heating, by a heater, the hot air having been generated by the heat pump, while controlling the heater the temperature adjuster so as to adjust the temperature of hot air thus heated to the target hot-air temperature. This makes it possible to supply, with reduced energy loss and at low costs, hot air for processing a work, the hot air being necessary in a factory where processing and assembly or the like are carried out. Further, temperature control accuracy is enhanced. |
| US08575519B2 |
Electronic gas igniter device and integrated box-like terminal board featuring a cable clamp, in particular for electric household appliances
A gas igniter device includes a first synthetic material casing containing igniter and an electronic control and a terminal board integrally coupled to the first casing and in turn including a cable clamp. The terminal board includes a second synthetic box-shaped material casing including: a cup-shaped body provided with a first and a second opposite side opening and an inlet oriented essentially perpendicular to the side openings; and a closing lid of the inlet hingedly restrained onto a first side of the cup-shaped body; a first end of the first casing is provided with a pair of electric power contacts for the igniter and is snappingly and removably coupled in use to the cup-shaped body within a first side opening with the contacts arranged inside the cup-shaped body in position facing the inlet. The lid is snappingly coupling to a second side of the cup-shaped body and provided with a first clamp for an electric power cable insertable in use through the second side opening; a second clamp joined to the first being integrally carried by a bottom wall of the cup-shaped body in addition to a third clamp adjacent to the second side opening. |
| US08575516B2 |
Arc welding power source
An arc welding power source supplies a start current, a welding current and a crater current as an output current in accordance with an activating signal supplied from outside. The power source includes a start period setting unit, a crater period setting unit, and a current control unit that controls the output current. The current control unit causes the power source to supply the start current and the welding current consecutively while the activating signal is in an on-state, where the start current is supplied for the start period, and the welding current is supplied for the period following the start period. The current control unit also causes the power source to supply the crater current after the activating signal is turned off, where the crater current is supplied for the crater period. |
| US08575510B2 |
Nozzle for a liquid-cooled plasma burner, arrangement thereof with a nozzle cap, and liquid-cooled plasma burner comprising such an arrangement
The invention relates to a liquid-cooled plasma burner, comprising a nozzle bore for the plasma gas jet to exit at a nozzle tip and a first section whose outer surface gradually tapers in the shape of a cone at an angle α in the direction of the nozzle tip, except for at least one deflection section that extends in the shape of a cone at an angle β in the direction of the nozzle tip. The invention also relates to an arrangement thereof with a nozzle cap and to a plasma burner comprising such an arrangement. |
| US08575507B2 |
Simplified sort induction process and apparatus
A parcel processing system and method. The system includes an automated unloading apparatus, a singulation apparatus, a scan apparatus, and a sorting system. The automated unloading apparatus is configured to unload parcels from a trailer substantially without human intervention. The singulation apparatus is configured to singulate parcels unloaded by the automated unloading apparatus. The scan apparatus is configured to read from the parcels identifying information relating to the parcels. The sorting system is configured to sort the parcels according to the information read from the parcels by the scan apparatus. |
| US08575502B2 |
Plug interlock device for circuit breaker and circuit breaker having the same
Disclosed are a plug interlock device for a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker having the same, wherein a plug is not allowed to be separated from a connector while a breaker main body is moved from a test position to a run position or is running at the run position, thereby obviating the plug from being unexpectedly unplugged from the connector while the breaker main body is moved from the test position to the run position or is running, resulting in preventing a safety accident in advance. |
| US08575498B2 |
Electrical circuitry
An electrical circuitry has a base element, a printed circuit board and a fastening apparatus for fastening the printed circuit board to the base element. The fastening apparatus retains the printed circuit board by virtue of the base element being present on a top side and underside of the printed circuit board. In this case, the base element acts upon the top side and underside of the printed circuit board at application points which are opposite one another at an offset with respect to one another while elastically deforming the printed circuit board. |
| US08575494B2 |
Printed circuit board with multi-layer ceramic capacitor array
A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a bank or matrix of multi-layer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Each MLCC includes positive and negative electrodes respectively connected to a power layer and a ground layer of the PCB through two positive and two negative vias. A portion of the positive vias and a portion of the negative vias utilized by the same column of MLCCs are arranged in two separated lines along the flowing direction of current streams in the power layer. |
| US08575493B1 |
Integrated circuit device having extended under ball metallization
Semiconductor devices are described that have an extended under ball metallization configured to mitigate dielectric layer cracking due to stress, particularly stress caused by CTE mismatch during thermal cycling tests, dynamic deformation during drop tests, or cyclic bending tests, and so on. In an implementation, the semiconductor package devices include an integrated circuit chip having a solder ball and under ball metallization, formed on the integrated circuit chip, which is configured to receive the solder ball so that the solder ball and the under ball metallization have a contact area there between, wherein the area of the under ball metallization is area greater than the contact area. |
| US08575487B2 |
Wire harness protector
A first trunk line of a wire harness is inserted into a wire harness insertion space of a protector main body, and branch lines pulled out and branching to the left and right from the outlet are respectively bound to a second trunk line routed in left and right directions to form a triangular space enclosed by the left and right branch lines and the second trunk line. An elongated portion projecting to a position covering the triangular space is provided to the lid which makes a lock connection to close an opening of the protector main body, and while a male engagement portion protrudes on the elongated portion, a female engagement portion to which the male engagement portion engages and latches is provided from the bottom wall of the protector main body, and the lid connects to the protector main body in the triangular space. |
| US08575482B2 |
Interface for an enclosure for housing an electrical or electronic device
An interface for an enclosure comprises at least one enclosure wall that separates an enclosure interior from an enclosure exterior, an opening in the enclosure wall, and a recess in the enclosure wall. The recess adjoins the opening. A dielectric connector is configured to securely fasten to the enclosure wall. The connector extends into the recess. A seal is situated in the recess between the enclosure wall and the connector. An inserted member is inserted through the opening and surrounded by the seal and the connector. Where the connector is securely fastened to the enclosure wall, the seal is compressed to form a moisture-resistant barrier between the enclosure interior and the enclosure exterior. |
| US08575481B2 |
Electronic apparatus storing container and method for assembling electronic apparatus storing container
The present invention has an object of providing an electronic apparatus storing container capable of facilitating mounting of an electronic apparatus and having improved productivity. The electronic apparatus storing container according to the present invention includes: a base including an electronic apparatus mounting area of a planar shape in which an electronic apparatus is mountable, and a packing groove formed in an outer peripheral portion of the electronic apparatus mounting area; a waterproof packing fit in a corresponding manner in the packing groove; and a case joined with the base with the waterproof packing sandwiched therebetween, the case storing the electronic apparatus mounted in the electronic apparatus mounting area. This improves the productivity of the electronic apparatus storing container. |
| US08575480B2 |
Connection assembly
A connection assembly for securing electrical components used with power equipment comprises a housing and connector cover forming an upper arrangement of the connection assembly. The housing and connector cover form a cavity therebetween for supporting electronics disposed within the cavity. The connection assembly also comprises a lower arrangement used to secure the connection assembly to a surface of a power equipment device and a hinge assembly that forms a rotational connection between the upper arrangement and the lower arrangement. |
| US08575478B2 |
Integrated structure of CIS based solar cell
In an integrated structure of a CIS based thin film solar cell obtained by stacking an light absorbing layer, a high-resistance buffer layer, and a window layer in that order, a first buffer layer adjoining the light absorbing layer is made of a compound containing cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), or indium (In), a second buffer layer adjoining the first buffer layer is made of a zinc oxide-based thin film, a third buffer layer is formed to cover the end face exposed by forming an interconnect pattern in the light absorbing layer, the first buffer layer, and the second buffer layer and the top end surface of the second buffer layer, and the third buffer layer is made of a zinc oxide-based thin film. |
| US08575475B2 |
Solar cell module with rear contacts
A solar cell module with a simple configuration and high efficiency is provided. A solar cell module of the present invention is configured by electrically connecting a plurality of solar cell elements. Each of the plurality of solar cell elements includes a plurality of first connection parts representing wiring connection parts in a first electrode and a plurality of second connection parts representing wiring connection parts in a second electrode on the same surface. A first solar cell element and a second solar cell element arranged adjacent to each other have portions of the plurality of first connection parts of the first solar cell element and the plurality of second connection parts of the second solar cell element connected by a wiring having a linear form in plan view. |
| US08575472B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device and method for producing same
In order to increase photoelectric conversion efficiency in a photoelectric conversion device, there is disclosed a photoelectric converter containing a photoelectric conversion unit in which a p-type layer (40) containing a p-type dopant, an i-type layer (42) that is a microcrystalline silicon layer that is an electricity-generating layer, and an n-type layer (44) containing an n-type dopant are layered, wherein the p-type layer (40) is caused to have a layered structure comprising a first p-type layer (40a) that is a microcrystalline silicon layer, and a second p-type layer (40b) containing at least one of an amorphous silicon carbide p-type layer and an amorphous silicon p-type layer disclosed between the microcrystalline silicon p-type layer (40a) and the i-type layer (42). The second p-type layer (40b) is provided with an oxide layer on the side of the i-type layer (42). |
| US08575470B2 |
Integrated panel with skylight, ventilation, solar hot water system and solar photovoltaic/lighting system
An integrated alternative energy roofing panel incorporates an array of solar concentrator tubes interconnected with transparent web to form a joined plate supported in frame elements with an attached working fluid manifold. The working fluid in the manifold is operatively in contact with the solar concentrator tubes for transferring heat from the tubes. In one exemplary construction, each of the solar concentrator tubes terminates in a conducting metal sleeve which extends beyond the frame element into the manifold. A safety glass panel is attached to one frame element beneath the joined plate. The joined plate and safety glass panel may be sealed to the frame elements to form a chamber and the chamber may be evacuated. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are embedded in the web for supplemental lighting. An array of photovoltaic cells mounted to a top surface of the manifold and a battery are interconnected for powering the LEDs. The manifold incorporates a compartment to house the battery as a portion of the integrated panel. |
| US08575469B2 |
Thermoelectric conversion module and method for manufacturing the same
A compact, high-performance thermoelectric conversion module includes a laminate having a plurality of insulating layers, p-type thermoelectric semiconductors and n-type thermoelectric semiconductors formed by a technique for manufacturing a multilayer circuit board, particularly a technique for forming a via-conductor. Pairs of the p-type thermoelectric semiconductors and the n-type thermoelectric semiconductors are electrically connected to each other in series through p-n connection conductors to define thermoelectric conversion element pairs. The thermoelectric conversion element pairs are connected in series through, for example, series wiring conductors. The thermoelectric semiconductors each have a plurality of portions in which the peak temperatures of thermoelectric figures of merit are different from each other. These portions are distributed in the stacking direction of the laminate. |
| US08575467B2 |
Generator of electric energy based on the thermoelectric effect
A generator of electric energy based on a thermoelectric effect includes a layer of thermoelectric material set between two pipes that guide two flows of fluid at temperatures different from one another. Each of the pipes has its wall in heat-conduction contact with respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material. Each pipe has a cavity of passage for the respective flow of fluid occupied by a porous material or divided by diaphragms into a plurality of sub-channels so as to obtain a large heat-exchange surface between each flow of fluid and the wall of the respective pipe and between said wall and the respective side of the layer of thermoelectric material. |
| US08575464B1 |
Curved tremolo arm
A tremolo bar formed as a single curved rod having a handle portion with a first curved U-shaped loop, a second U-shaped loop, and a root portion for attachment of the root portion to a bridge system of a guitar. The U-shaped loops provide a secure means for a user to hold and operate the handle portion with one or more fingers continuously while playing the strings of the guitar without interference from the holding and operating of the handle. A user can insert or hook a finger into the loops to hold and operate the handle. The looped handle eliminates the need for the user to grasp and release the handle repeatedly during the course of picking and strumming the strings while performing. |
| US08575463B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHW6G
A novel maize variety designated PHW6G and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW6G with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW6G 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 PHW6G or a locus conversion of PHW6G with another maize variety. |
| US08575456B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X90B029
A novel maize variety designated X90B029 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 X90B029 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X90B029 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X90B029, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X90B029. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X90B029. |
| US08575454B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X95A825A
A novel maize variety designated X95A825A 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 X95A825A with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95A825A through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X95A825A, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95A825A. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95A825A. |
| US08575439B2 |
Melon hybrid SVR 17391044 and parents thereof
The invention provides seed and plants of melon hybrid SVR 17391044 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SVR 17391044 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon 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. |
| US08575432B2 |
Disease resistant plants
The present invention relates to a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, wherein the plant has an increased homoserine level as compared to a plant that is not resistant to the said pathogen, in particular organisms of the phylum Oomycota. The invention further relates to a method for obtaining a plant, which is resistant to a pathogen of viral, bacterial, fungal or oomycete origin, comprising increasing the endogenous homoserine level in the plant. |
| US08575430B2 |
Hybrid artichoke variety NUN 4006 AR
The invention provides a new and distinct hybrid variety of globe artichoke, NUN 4006 AR or Symphony F1, which is characterized by producing high quality, green heads for the fresh market and/or the processing industry. |