| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08615455B2 |
System for metering in an on-demand utility environment
A method for metering on-demand service (ODS) resource consumption by a user comprising a web services interface, a processing engine, and configuration data. A data gathering agent in the ODS stores the usage data in records, combines the records into packets, and transmits the packets to the web services interface. The web services interface passes the packets onto the processing engine, which stores the records in the packet into a database. The generalized format of the record is critical because it allows the metrics to be stored in the record table with the usage data. When a record contains an instruction to close a UOW, the processing engine applies the configuration data comprising composition rules and record selection rules to the database. The record selection rules select the desired records from the database. The composition rules aggregate, normalize, and compose the selected records to produce a metric. |
| US08615453B2 |
Fixed rate financing instrument offering a dividend or partially guaranteed by third party to issuance, method for establishing a market for the same, method for directly public-offering the same on-line
A fixed rate financing instrument issued by a corporation, government, or other organization which pays a fixed interest rate and/or dividend as secured by an issuing entity's promise to pay and partially guaranteed by a third party to issuance. An operation financing system for public-offering the fixed rate financing instrument on-line directly by the issuing entity or for public-offering the fixed rate financing instrument through a direct purchase plan by the issuing entity. A method for forming a new market includes preparing the fixed rate financing instrument, public-offering the fixed rate financing instrument, delivering to a potential purchaser the financial disclosure as required by law, requesting the potential purchaser to acknowledge receipt and review of the financial disclosure as required by law, and confirming acknowledgement of the financial disclosure from the potential purchaser; and processing a requested transaction by retrieving information via a network to a server. |
| US08615447B1 |
Distinguishing search results associated with an electronic commerce system
A search engine communicates with a broker to identify search result content associated with merchants that support purchases through an electronic commerce system provided by the broker. The results of a search can include some content associated with merchants that support purchases through the broker, some content associated with merchants that do not support purchases through the broker, and some content not associated with any merchant. The search engine visually distinguishes content in the search results associated with merchants that support purchases through the broker by displaying a badge, such as a graphical icon, with the content. The search engine can use different types of badges to indicate different characteristics of the merchants. |
| US08615445B2 |
Method for conducting financial transactions
A method is providing of paying second parties where if f they do not have an established association with the payment service, have an established association with the payment service prior to payment. The first party has an association with the payment service. A tab is opened by the first party that can be selected by the qualified second party at any geographic location of a first party's mobile device. The qualified second party is only able to charge a first party's financial account when the first party's mobile device is within a defined geographic area. The tab is a relationship between the first party, the payment service and the qualified second party. The qualified second party can engage in a financial transaction with the first party when the first party is within the defined geographic area. In response to the second party, (i) attempting to charge the first party or (ii) charging the first party, a determination is made to see if a fraudulent attempt or fraudulent use of the first party's financial account is committed. |
| US08615444B2 |
Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases products in a plurality of product categories
Systems and methods are provided wherein an indication of a plurality of product categories is received, each product category being associated with a plurality of products. For example, the indication of the plurality of product categories may be received from a buyer. Buyer offer information, including an indication of an offer amount associated with the plurality of product categories, is also received. A subset of the plurality of products is selected for each of the product categories, and an indication of the selected products is provided. The buyer's offer may then be evaluated. If the buyer's offer is accepted, the selected products may be provided to the buyer in exchange for payment of the offer amount. |
| US08615440B2 |
Self correcting online reputation
A system to determine a first reputation value for a first user associated with a transaction with a second user first determines a weighted value based on one or more user transaction attributes. The user transaction attributes may be associated with at least one of the first user and the second user. Next the system calculates the first reputation value for the first user as a function of a first current reputation value of the first user and the weighted value. |
| US08615439B2 |
Processing online transactions
Disclosed are systems and methods for managing transactions in which an order is specified online and payment is received at a point of sale (POS). Methods are disclosed for managing payment for such transactions at a POS, including transactions involving payment for both in-store purchases and online orders. Methods are also disclosed for managing inventory and price changes for such transactions where payment can occur at any time in a pay period following order creation. Also disclosed are methods for processing refunds for online orders for which payment was made at a POS. Finally, methods for preventing fraud and abuse as well as restricting the availability of this payment method for certain items are disclosed. |
| US08615437B2 |
Transaction authentication with a non-MSISDN ID and authorization by communicating with a consumer device
A computer-based method of managing electronic transactions is described. A plurality of consumer accounts is stored in a data store, each consumer account having a first consumer account identifier. A second consumer account identifier is received in a point-of-sale device. A charge request including an amount and a second consumer account identifier is received, wherein the second consumer account identifier is not an MSISDN. A selected one of the consumer accounts is identified by associating one of the first consumer account identifiers with the second consumer account identifier. An authorization request is transmitted to a consumer device. An response to the authorization request is received from the consumer device, and the charge request is processed based on an account detail of the selected consumer account, wherein the charge request is processed if the response is the authorization response. |
| US08615433B1 |
Methods and systems for determining and utilizing selection data
Systems and methods for determining and utilizing selection data are described. In one aspect, a system and method for determining an article containing at least one item associated with selection data, determining a path associated with the article containing the at least one item, and identifying at least one term associated with one or more of the at least one item based at least in part on the path is described. In another aspect, a system and method for determining a geographical location associated with an article based at least in part on selection data associated with the article, determining geographical locations associated with at least some items within a plurality of items based at least in part on selection data associated with the at least some items, and selecting at least one of the plurality of items to be presented on the article based at least in part on the geographical location associated with the article and the geographical location associated with the item is described. In another aspect a system and method for determining an article containing at least one item, determining selection data associated with the at least one item, and determining a likelihood that the article is a manipulated article based at least in part on the selection data associated with the at least one item is described. |
| US08615432B2 |
Background process for providing targeted content within a third-party application
The present technology presents targeted content, such as a targeted application, within a primary application, in such a fashion that the targeted application is a separate process from the primary application. The targeted application is targeted to a specific user by compiling targeting data, generally describing aspects related to the user and information about the primary application for use by an application server, which processes the targeting data to determine suitable content. The present technology further achieves a balance between the need to protect a user's information and sharing some of this information with trusted sources for selecting targeted content to be displayed within a primary application by providing an operating system process to accept requests and compile targeting data for determined targeted content from the primary application without sharing the targeting data with the primary application. |
| US08615420B2 |
Automatic self-optimizing queue management system
A queue management system for e.g. supermarket checkouts uses counting devices located at checkouts and optimally entrances/exits in conjunction with P.O.S. information to produce a schedule of how many checkouts are needed to avoid queue length exceeding preset limits. The system includes a dynamic learning system which can optimize calculated schedules on the basis of historical data. |
| US08615418B1 |
System and method for managing transportation transactions
A system for managing transportation transactions is described. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more diverted transportation transactions, such as, for example, one or more diverted airline flights, are managed. |
| US08615417B2 |
Supply plan control method and computer-readable recording medium having recorded supply plan control program
A supply plan control method which allows an effective product supply plan to be made, ensuring equality among orderers in different time zones. When an order for a subject of transaction is specified, a possible allocation recipient customer extraction section extracts a customer servicing at the time when the order is accepted as a possible allocation recipient customer, in accordance with the business hours and the standard time in the location of the customer. A possible allocation quantity determination section calculates a planned allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer in accordance with a planned supply quantity, and subtracts a quantity actually allocated to any customer from the planned allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer to determine a possible allocation quantity. An allocation section allocates the subject of transaction from the possible allocation quantity for the possible allocation recipient customer in accordance with the order. |
| US08615407B2 |
Methods and systems for detecting a bioactive agent effect
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual and/or presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience programmed to detect at least one effect of the bioactive agent at least partly based on the at least one indication of the bioactive agent. |
| US08615405B2 |
Imaging system customization using data from radiopharmaceutical-associated data carrier
Apparatus is provided for use with at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, the apparatus including a container (22) containing the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent, and a portable computer-communicatable data carrier (120, 24) associated with the container (22), the data carrier (120, 24) containing imaging protocol information for use with the at least one labeled radiopharmaceutical agent. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08615401B1 |
Identifying individually approved and disapproved segments of content
Techniques described herein facilitate approval or disapproval of individual segments found within discrete pieces of content. By facilitating approval or disapproval on a per-segment basis, the described techniques allow for more granular feedback to the pieces of content than do traditional techniques. Furthermore, by indicating instances where individual segments receive broad approval or broad disapproval, the described techniques allow for better understanding of which individual segments of the content have been broadly deemed helpful and which individual have been broadly deemed unhelpful. This level of granularity contrasts with traditional techniques that simply indicate approval or disapproval of a piece of content in its entirety. |
| US08615398B2 |
Audio coding selection based on device operating condition
A sensor is configured to determine at least one operating condition of a device and a selector is configured to select an audio coding process for the device, based on the operating condition. The operating condition may include remaining battery life of the device and/or ambient noise level. The selected audio coding process may consume less power than another possible audio coding process during audio processing. The audio may include voice and/or audio playback, e.g., music playback. |
| US08615389B1 |
Generation and exploitation of an approximate language model
A system, method, and computer program for generating and exploiting an approximate language model are provided. The method comprises generating a language model according to an approximate hashing technique. The language model comprises a plurality of event sequences in a target language, and each member of the plurality of the event sequences is associated with at least one count. The language model is queried for a member of the plurality of event sequences. A probability associated with the member of the plurality of event sequences is determined based on results of the query. |
| US08615387B2 |
Dynamic simulation of fluid filled vessels
A system is provided. The system comprises a computer system comprising at least one processor, a thermodynamic state solver application, and a thermodynamic system solver application. When executed by the at least one processor, the thermodynamic state solver application computes a flash equilibrium state solution for each of a plurality of nodes in a thermodynamic network and determines for each of the plurality of nodes at least one sensitivity of a first thermodynamic property with reference to at least one second thermodynamic property. When executed by the at least one processor, the thermodynamic system solver computes a pressure at each of the nodes and flows between the nodes based at least in part on the sensitivities, wherein a result based on the pressures and flows is determined. |
| US08615386B2 |
Computerized method for loading a load carrier with packages
In a computerized method, and a computer-readable medium encoded with programming instructions for implementing the method, multiple layers of packages stacked on a load carrier are virtually constructed in a computer and, for each of the layers, an automatic determination is made with regard to the additive pressure that each layer exerts on the respective layers therebelow in the stack. The packages are organized in the multiple layers in the virtual construction dependent on predetermined constraints for the respective additive pressures, and the virtual construction is made available at an output of the computer in a form allowing the actual loading of the load carrier with the packages to be guided. |
| US08615381B2 |
Home power management system
Systems and methods for managing power usage are provided. The system includes a programmable microprocessor, at least one input mechanism, a memory having instructions and/or other information, a display, at least one power consuming power device and a remote server. The systems allows the user of a power consuming device to receive instructions or other information from the server. The method includes using stored program instructions to generate power device related information on a display, collecting power device data representative of the electrical current or power consumed, connecting to a remote computing facility having a server, and providing the data to a computer remotely located from the central server. |
| US08615379B2 |
Method for mutli-stage spatial sampling with multiple criteria
The present invention provides a method for implementing a multi-stage spatial sampling strategy to select optimal sampling locations and determine an optimal sampling density for a quantification of mass discharge uncertainty in a field. The present invention also provides systems and methods for estimating probability of a mass discharge in a control plane. |
| US08615377B1 |
Methods and systems for processing social interactive data and sharing of tracked activity associated with locations
A method includes determining a location of a first monitoring device used while performing an activity. The first monitoring device is worn by a first user. The method includes determining a location of a second monitoring device used while performing an activity. The second monitoring device is worn by a second user. The method further includes determining whether the locations of the first and second monitoring devices are within a range and whether the activities are similar. The method includes sending a prompt to the first monitoring device upon determining that the activities are similar and the locations are within the range. The prompt includes a request for permission from a first user account to allow a second user account to access information from the first user account regarding the activity performed using the first monitoring device. |
| US08615374B1 |
Modular, configurable, intelligent sensor system
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates providing real-time in situ measurements in an environment. A sensor module can employ real-time in situ measurements associated with a parameter within the environment. A sensor operation module communicatively coupled to the sensor module via an interface can analyze the real-time in situ measurements, wherein at least one of the sensor module and the sensor operation module allows expansion for at least one module. |
| US08615373B2 |
Voltage driver for a voltage-driven intelligent characterization bench for semiconductor
A voltage driver is provided having an input to receive test parameters from a microcontroller. The voltage driver having a first amplifier to provide an input to a first switch, based on the test parameters. The first switch having an output to a first connector such as a probe adapted to be connected to a device under test or DUT. A second switch having an input from a second connector to the device under test, the output of the second switch connected to a ground. A third switch has an input connected to the second switch input, the third switch having an output connected to the first connector to the device under test, wherein the first switch is open, and the second and third switch are closed to set the first connector and the second connector to ground. A buffer is provided such that the microcontroller is sets the test parameters in the first voltage driver, the first voltage driver is adapted to provide test data to the buffer. The device is set such that all of the inputs may be set to ground to minimize the possibility of electrostatic discharge building up on the probes and damaging the DUT. |
| US08615372B2 |
State estimating device for secondary battery
A battery state estimating unit estimates an internal state of a secondary battery in accordance with a battery model equation in every arithmetic cycle, and estimates a charging rate and a battery current based on a result of the estimation. A parameter estimating unit obtains a battery current measured by a sensor as well as the charging rate and the battery current estimated by the battery state estimating unit. The parameter estimating unit estimates a capacity deterioration parameter such that a rate of change in difference (estimation error) between a summed value of an actual current and a summed value of an estimated current with respect to the charging rate is minimized. A result obtained by estimating the capacity deterioration parameter is reflected in the battery model by the battery state estimating unit. |
| US08615369B2 |
Method of improving the resolution of compounds eluted from a chromatography device
A method of and apparatus for improving the resolution of compounds eluted from a separation device are disclosed, particularly suited for use in the fields of gas or liquid chromatography. Embodiments of the invention provide that spectroscopic data are measured from an effluent eluted from a chromatography device as a function of elution time; peaks in intensity are identified to form a first set of identified peaks; peaks not due to an eluting compound are discarded from the first set of identified peaks thereby forming a second set of identified peaks from those retained; each peak in the second set of peaks is transformed into a first model peak centered on the elution time of each peak in the second set of peaks; some or all the model peaks created are added together to create a new chromatogram; and all identified peaks in intensity in the second set of peaks having elution times within a given time period of identified peaks in intensity in the new chromatogram are grouped together and assigned to a single eluted compound thereby forming a processed data set. |
| US08615368B2 |
Method for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample
An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process. |
| US08615363B2 |
Method and system for monitoring a drilling operation
The present invention provides a computer-implemented software tool that is adapted to listen continuously to data streams from a drilling operation and to process the data to generate a situation description for a current drilling situation in a form useful for automated continuous matching with a set of past cases stored in a knowledge database. The invention implements a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach to match the current drilling situation as defined by the situation description with one or more stored past cases having a degree of similarity above a predetermined threshold level. Matching cases are displayed to the drilling engineer as symbols on a case “radar”, allowing the drilling engineer to retrieve and view the details of a past case and take appropriate action based on drilling advice provided within the past case. |
| US08615362B2 |
Near-surface geomorphological characterization based on remote sensing data
A technique includes receiving first data belonging to a first type of remote sensing data for a region of interest and receiving second data belonging to a different second type of remote sensing data for the region of interest. The technique includes determining at least one geomorphological feature of the region of interest based at least in part on the first and second data. |
| US08615357B2 |
Method for assisting a user of a vehicle, control device for a driver-assistance system of a vehicle and vehicle having such a control device
A method for assisting a user of a vehicle, in which driving-condition variables (v, a, q, ω, n) are sensed or ascertained via sensors of the vehicle, and a camera of the vehicle covers a coverage area of a road scene at least in front of the vehicle and outputs image signals. Based on the image signals, it is determined whether a further vehicle which is outputting blinking signals is in the coverage area. As a function of the ascertained driving-condition variables (v, a, q, ω, n) of the vehicle and as a function of the determination as to whether other vehicles are indicating a change of direction, information signals, particularly warning signals, are able to be output to the user and/or an automatic driver-assistance control is able to be implemented in which control signals for interventions in a vehicle control for a longitudinal control and/or lateral control, especially a distance control, are output. In this context, in each case different possible control interventions are able to be ascertained and carried out. Furthermore, a corresponding control device and the vehicle thereby made possible are provided. |
| US08615355B2 |
Multifactor charging for electric vehicles
The described method and system improve electric-power driving range for electric vehicles, i.e., electric-only, hybrid electric, and other vehicles that draw electrical power from an on-board storage system for propulsion. The described system uses synergy among selected data sources to provide charging prompts and route assistance to allow the vehicle user to operate his or her vehicle in a more economical fashion by ensuring timely and cost effective charging. |
| US08615354B2 |
Displaying road traffic condition information and user controls
Techniques are described for displaying or otherwise providing information to users regarding various types of road traffic condition information in various ways. The information may be provided, for example, as part of a user interface (or “UI”), which may in some situations further include one or more types of user-selectable controls to allow a user to manipulate in various ways what road traffic condition information is displayed and/or how the information is displayed. A variety of types of road traffic condition information may be presented to users in various manners, including by presenting information on graphically displayed maps for geographic areas to indicate various information about road conditions in the geographic area. In addition, provided controls may allow users to select particular times, select particular routes, indicate to perform animation of various types of changing traffic conditions over a sequence of multiple successive times, etc. |
| US08615350B2 |
Guidance device, guidance method, and guidance program
Guidance devices, methods, and programs acquire a current speed of a vehicle and calculate a regeneration upper limit operation amount of the regenerative brake based on the current speed of the vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs acquire a deceleration target speed, acquire a deceleration target position, calculate a distance to the deceleration target position, and calculate a deceleration required operation amount of the brake pedal required for reducing the current speed of the vehicle to the deceleration target speed at the deceleration target position based on the acquired current speed of the vehicle, the acquired deceleration target speed, and the calculated distance to the deceleration target position. The devices, methods, and programs communicate guidance regarding the operation amount of the brake pedal based on the calculated regeneration upper limit operation amount and the calculated deceleration required operation amount. |
| US08615349B2 |
Method of detecting filling of hydraulic clutch
A method of detecting filling of a hydraulic cylinder and incipient full engagement of a hydraulically operated clutch of a vehicular transmission utilizes a pressure sensor disposed in a hydraulic line to the clutch cylinder which provides a signal that the hydraulic pressure has dropped as the clutch cylinder begins to fill and also that the pressure has returned to a substantially normal level. The pressure sensor may be a continuously variable output device such as an analog sensor, pulse width modulation (PWM) sensor, a similar device or, less desirably, a two state sensor. An iterative algorithm utilizes data from the sensor and a timer to determine when clutch fill is complete. |
| US08615345B2 |
Method and apparatus for vehicle system calibration
A computer-implemented method includes requesting weather data from a remote location. The illustrative embodiment further includes determining if one or more vehicle systems should be adjusted, based at least in part on the requested weather data. The illustrative embodiment additionally includes adjusting one or more vehicle systems contingent at least in part on the determining. The illustrative embodiment further includes repeating the determining and adjusting until no weather data remains for processing. |
| US08615340B2 |
Coordination of operating modes and torques for hybrid vehicle drives
A method for operating a driving device of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle, that has as drive units at least one internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine whose torques are used for generating a drive torque of the vehicle as a function of different operating modes, and which has at least one signal flow controlling at least one drive unit in at least one operating mode, a single signal flow controlling at least one of the drive units in all operating modes by defining at least one torque limit. |
| US08615336B1 |
System and method for controlling power in a hybrid vehicle using cost analysis
A system for controlling power of a hybrid vehicle may include a controller configured to receive a signal indicative of a commanded acceleration for the hybrid vehicle and determine a potential for each of a power source, a generator, and an energy storage device to supply energy to achieve the commanded acceleration. The controller may be further configured to determine a cost associated with using each of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration, and determine a combination of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device that achieves the commanded acceleration at a lowest total cost. The controller may also be configured to provide a signal to at least one of the power source, the generator, and the energy storage device to achieve the commanded acceleration based on the determined combination. |
| US08615329B2 |
Control system for regulating liquid flow
A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. |
| US08615325B2 |
Advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reforming furnaces
Embodiments of the invention provide an advanced control system for steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces, especially steam methane reformer furnaces. As described herein, the advanced control system may improve the control quality and efficiency of adjusting steam hydrocarbon reformer furnaces operating coefficients. As a result, the steam hydrocarbon reformer furnace operations become more stable, resulting in energy savings and improved furnace yield. |
| US08615324B2 |
Integrated bio-reactor monitor and control system
Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition. The utility tower can include a computer with a human-machine interface that communicates with the controller over a third communication network. |
| US08615323B2 |
Substrate-processing apparatus and method of transferring substrate in the same
Provided is a substrate-processing apparatus including a storage member, a transfer member, and a control unit. The transfer member includes a plurality of transfer arms that load or pick up a substrate to or from the storage member. The control unit controls velocity of the transfer arms such that the simultaneously driven transfer arms simultaneously arrive at target points. Accordingly, the transfer member loads or takes out a plurality of wafers at once to or from the storage member, so that the substrate-processing apparatus reduces transfer time and improves productivity. |
| US08615321B2 |
Method and device for automated palletizing of packages
In a method for automated palletizing of packages, in particular by means of a manipulator, packages are arranged on the edge of a loading area and, if possible, a virtual initial layer of multiple packages is initially generated and this layer is then centered relative to the loading area. |
| US08615319B2 |
Interactive knitting and crocheting system
The interactive knitting and crocheting system includes at least one crocheting or knitting needle with a motion-based sensing capability integrated therein and a computing means. The computing means monitors movement of the respective needle to monitor proper crocheting or knitting technique, and upon detection of improper technique will provide an alert that an error has occurred, which shall prevent waste in work. The computing means provides notice of improper technique in the form of an audiovisual means, which can double as an instructional aid in teaching how to crochet or knit. The computing means also provides progress as to the stitch and pattern formed. |
| US08615317B2 |
Process and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool comprising at least 5 axes
A process and an apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool comprising at least 5 axes for the production of a predetermined finished part having a base body and at least one flank section protruding from the base body, finished part geometry data of the predetermined finished part geometry of the finished part being generated by means of fundamental geometry parameters and path data being generated by means of the finished part geometry data, the path data indicating the tool path along the surface of the flank section over which the tool has to travel with what tool orientation relative to the workpiece to remove material from the workpiece, the tool orientation of the tool corresponding to an orientation of a axis of rotation of the tool and the tool rotating about the axis of rotation of the tool to remove material from the workpiece. |
| US08615315B2 |
Portable sound reproducing system and method
A portable audio device suitable for reproducing MPEG encoded data includes a plurality of inputs, a data storage, a display, an audio output, at least one processor, and a battery. The plurality of inputs includes a forward input, a play control input, and a play control input. The data storage stores compressed digitized audio data. The at least one processor is responsive to selection of at least one of the plurality of inputs to convert selected compressed digitized audio data stored in the data storage for reproduction by the audio output and to provide information to the display. |
| US08615309B2 |
Microburst electrical stimulation of cranial nerves for the treatment of medical conditions
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device by applying an electrical signal characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst, an interpulse interval, a microburst duration, and an interburst period to a portion of a cranial nerve of said patient, wherein at least one of the number of pulses per microburst, the interpulse interval, the microburst duration, or the interburst period is selected to enhance cranial nerve evoked potentials. |
| US08615305B2 |
Implantable medical device with antenna
An implantable medical device for use in a patient management system is described including a housing, a first communications unit, and a second communications unit. The first communications unit can establish a first communications link within short range telemetry communication range of an external local device. The second communications unit can establish a second communications link over a pervasive wireless communications network with a remote computer. A pervasive wireless communications network can include a cell phone network. The device further includes an antenna that is configured to be operatively connected to both the first and second communications units. |
| US08615303B2 |
Power transfer to a medical implant located adjacent to tissue while preventing short circuits through the tissue
A medical implant, including a first power storage device, a first switching circuit for receiving power and transferring the received power from an implant connector electrically connected to the medical implant to the first power storage device in a first power transfer stage, a second power storage device, and a second switching circuit for transferring power from the first power storage device to the second power storage device in a second power transfer stage. |
| US08615302B2 |
Inner hair cell stimulation model for use by a cochlear implant system
The stimulation provided in the electrically stimulated cochlea is modulated in accordance with the amplitude of a received acoustic signal and the onset of a sound in a received acoustic signal to provide increased sound perception. An onset time that corresponds to the onset of a sound is detected in an acoustic signal associated with a frequency band. A forcing voltage and a transmitting factor are determined, wherein the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor are associated with the frequency band at the detected onset time. The acoustic signal is modulated as a function of the forcing voltage and the transmitting factor to generate an output signal. The generated output signal can be used to stimulate the cochlea. The modulation strategy can be used in conjunction with sound processing strategies that employ frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, or a combination of frequency and amplitude modulation. |
| US08615292B2 |
Oedema detection
A method of detecting tissue oedema in a subject. The method includes determining a measured impedance for first and second body segments. An index indicative of a ratio of the extra-cellular to intra-cellular fluid is then calculated for each body segment, with these being used to determine an index ratio based on the index for the first and second body segments. The index ratio can in turn be used to determine the presence, absence or degree of tissue oedema, for example by comparing the index ratio to a reference or previously determined index ratios. |
| US08615291B2 |
Method, system and computer program method for detection of pathological fluctuations of physiological signals to diagnose human illness
Method, system, and computer program method for detecting pathological fluctuations of physiological signals to diagnose human illness. The method comprises performing a sliding window analysis to find sequences in physiological signal data that match amplitude- and duration-adjusted versions of a template function to within a specified tolerance. |
| US08615290B2 |
Seamlessly embedded heart rate monitor
This is directed to an electronic device having an integrated sensor for detecting a user's cardiac activity and cardiac electrical signals. The electronic device can include a heart sensor having several leads for detecting a user's cardiac signals. The leads can be coupled to interior surfaces of the electronic device housing to hide the sensor from view, such that electrical signals generated by the user can be transmitted from the user's skin through the electronic device housing to the leads. In some embodiments, the leads can be coupled to pads placed on the exterior of the housing. The pads and housing can be finished to ensure that the pads are not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device, thus improving the aesthetic qualities of the device. Using the detected signals, the electronic device can identify or authenticate the user and perform an operation based on the identity of the user. In some embodiments, the electronic device can determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals and provide data related to the user's mood. |
| US08615289B2 |
Drug application during a CT scan
Controlled local application of drugs to a certain part of a body of a patient may be of major importance during a cardiac CT scan. By transporting the drugs in containers which prevent an application of the drugs and by rupturing only those containers which are located in the vicinity of the part of the body of a patient to which the drugs have to be applied, a local application of the drugs may be performed. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rupturing and therefore the application of the drugs may be triggered by a monitoring algorithm which evaluates changes in the heart beat rate of the patient. Advantageously, the method allows for a local delivery of the drugs on a fine time scale and therefore for a fast control of the heart beat rate during the CT scan. |
| US08615271B2 |
Radio communication terminal broadcasting et reception method and broadcasting system
The invention concerns a radio communication terminal, comprising first means for transmitting/receiving RF signals to communicate in a cellular radio communication network, said first means being in standby mode when no communication is set up in the cellular network with another terminal or with the network itself. The invention is characterized in that the terminal comprises second means for receiving at least one carrier dedicated to collective data of multimedia contents, said second means being activated only when the first means are n standby mode. The invention also concerns a method for broadcasting and receiving collective data, as well as a system for broadcasting multimedia contents. |
| US08615270B2 |
Dual antenna topology for Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network devices
A method includes determining that an antenna shared between a Bluetooth transceiver and a WLAN transceiver is available to the WLAN transceiver based on an activity signal associated with the Bluetooth transceiver. Access to the shared antenna is provided to the WLAN transceiver based on the determination, and the WLAN transceiver is configured to use diversity in transacting WLAN signals via a plurality of antennas, including the shared antenna. Access to the shared antenna is transferred from the WLAN transceiver to the Bluetooth transceiver based on the activity signal. |
| US08615267B1 |
Selecting power level for an initial access probe using macro-network reverse link conditions
Methods and systems are provided for considering macro-network reverse-link conditions when selecting a power level at which to send an initial access probe to a femtocell. In at least one embodiment, a mobile station receives an indication of macro-network reverse noise, and then selects an initial-access-probe transmit power level based at least in part on the value of the received indication. The mobile station then sends an initial access probe to a femtocell at the selected power level. The mobile station may receive indications of macro-network reverse noise such as a reverse noise rise (RNR), reverse frame error rate (RFER), reverse activity bits (RAB), suggested macro-network initial-access-probe transmit power levels, etc. |
| US08615256B1 |
Method and system for exploiting location-dependent services in a cellular radio system
A communications system (100, 300) comprises base stations (101) for providing mobile stations (104) with communications links. It comprises at least one localized service area (111) and means (108, 109) for changing the service selection offered to a given mobile station on the initiative of the communications system. The change is realized in response to information (203) indicating the arrival of the mobile station in said localized service area. |
| US08615255B1 |
Statistical method for determining the location of a mobile-device
An embodiment of the current invention is directed to facilitating a location-based service for use by a given mobile-device. A location of each of a number of base stations that makes up a portion of a wireless-telecommunications-network is identified. For a given base station, the probability that it provides a level of signal coverage to a geographical area that would enable the mobile-device in the first geographical area to communicate with the network is determined. A density of possible locations that the mobile-device may be within the geographical area is determined. A position for the mobile-device is approximated based on the density. A location-based service is facilitated for use by the mobile-device based on the position of the mobile-device. |
| US08615254B2 |
Target localization utilizing wireless and camera sensor fusion
According to some implementations, an estimate of a target's location can be calculated by correlating Wi-Fi and video location measurements. This spatio-temporal correlation combines the Wi-Fi and video measurements to determine an identity and location of an object. The accuracy of the video localization and the identity from the Wi-Fi network provide an accurate location of the Wi-Fi identified object. |
| US08615253B2 |
State estimation using motion context and multiple input observation types
Techniques for estimating the current state (e.g., position, velocity) of a mobile device based on motion context and multiple input observation types are disclosed. In some implementations, an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) formulation is used to combine multiple input observations received from a variety of sources (e.g., WiFi, cell, GPS) to compute a minimum error state estimate. In some implementations, the EKF is updated using position estimates from an active cell and/or a candidate active cell during a cell-hopping event. |
| US08615252B2 |
Collar tracking system
The present invention is a collar tracking system that includes a RFID system with a modem, an electric fence with a plurality of boundaries that is in communication with the RFID system and a plurality of power modes, a plurality of electronic circuitry that includes a battery, an open charging electrode, a smart protection circuitry to prevent a short to the battery and an antenna. The collar tracking system also includes a GSM system that is in communication with the electric fence and the RFID system, a collar with a RFID receiver and a GMS receiver that is in communication with the RFID system and the GMS system and overall system software that controls the RFID system, the electric fence, the electric circuitry, the GMS system, the RFID receiver and the GMS receiver. The collar tracking system can also utilize a GPS system to replace the RFID system. |
| US08615248B2 |
Method and device for realizing semi-persistent scheduling service or semi-persistent scheduling-like service
The present invention discloses a method and device for realizing a semi-persistent scheduling or semi-persistent scheduling-like service, which includes: notifying a terminal of its SPS or SPS-like period, so that the terminal sends SPS service or SPS-like service data according to the period and by adopting a transmission mode with a closed loop rank 1; dynamically notifying the terminal of a precoding matrix indicator PMI required for its SPS or SPS-like service to support the transmission mode with the closed loop rank 1, so that the terminal uses a latest received PMI when sending the SPS service or SPS-like service data; and receiving, by a base station and based on the transmission mode with the closed loop rank 1, the SPS service or SPS-like service data sent by the terminal. Through the present invention, the SPS or SPS-like service can support a MIMO transmission mode with the closed loop rank 1. |
| US08615247B2 |
Voice call resource reallocation in the downlink dual carrier
A method and system for voice call resource reallocation in a downlink dual carrier. The method includes: monitoring status of timeslots dedicated to voice calls in different transceivers (TRXs) of a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and obtaining from each TRX a respective priority of each timeslot of the TRX dedicated to voice calls; obtaining a priority for voice calls of each empty timeslot in the different TRXs; and reallocating at least one timeslot already dedicated to voice calls to at least one empty timeslot when the priority for voice calls of the at least one empty timeslot is higher than the priority for voice calls of at least one timeslot already dedicated to voice calls. |
| US08615244B2 |
Measurement control method, user equipment and network-side device
A measurement control method is disclosed. A user equipment (UE) receives measurement indication information from a network and initiated by the network. The measurement indication information includes an identification of an area of a current cell where the UE is located. The UE determines whether the identified area is within a preferred area of the UE. The UE performs a measurement process if the identified area is not within a preferred area of the UE. |
| US08615241B2 |
Methods and apparatus for facilitating robust forward handover in long term evolution (LTE) communication systems
Method and apparatus for facilitating inter-cell connections, such as during a forward handover or radio link failure (RLF), are disclosed. A user terminal such as a UE may store identity information associated with a source cell, and use this information in accessing target or other cells subsequent to radio link failure so as to facilitate access to context information of the user terminal. A base station may be configured to improve handover performance by associating context information with a newly assigned terminal identity. Handover performance may be enhanced by facilitating connection processing in the event of inability to retrieve user terminal context from a source cell. |
| US08615240B1 |
Methods and systems for facilitating handoff
Methods and systems are provided for facilitating a handoff to a target sector that is not in the neighbor list of a mobile station's current source sector. In at least one embodiment, a mobile station detects (i) that a target sector is a handoff candidate and (ii) that the target sector is not listed in a neighbor list of a source sector; requests to be served by the target sector at least in part by sending an access probe to the target sector; and transitions from engaging in an active communication session via a communication path not including the target sector to doing so via a communication path that does include the target sector. The access probe may include an indication that the mobile station is in an active state. In at least one embodiment, at least one network entity may carry out the one or more network-side aspects that may facilitate the above-described method. |
| US08615235B2 |
Mobile communication terminal and position registration method thereof, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
A mobile telephone terminal (2) is provided with an electrical field strength measurement unit (201) that receives radio signals from wireless base stations (31) and measures the strengths thereof; a registration destination base station selection unit (206) that selects one of the wireless base stations (31) that sent the received radio signals as a position registration destination; a position registration execution unit (203) that sends a position registration request to the selected wireless base station (31); and an execution timer expiry determination unit (210) that performs a position registration update process by causing, when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed following the position registration, the registration destination base station selection unit (206) to select a wireless base station (31), and causing the position registration execution unit (203) to send a position registration request to the selected wireless base station (31). |
| US08615234B2 |
Automatic profile updating for a wireless communication device
A wireless communication system receives a registration request transferred by a first wireless communication device associated with a user account. The wireless communication system determines if registration data in the registration request is invalid. If the registration data is invalid, then the wireless communication system determines if a user profile in the first wireless communication device is out-of-date. If the user profile in the first wireless communication device is out-of-date, then the wireless communication system determines if a second wireless communication device is associated with the user account. If a second wireless communication device is associated with the user account, then the wireless communication system transfers an updated user profile for delivery to the second wireless communication device. |
| US08615233B2 |
Base station scanning using multiple receive paths
A communication device (100) comprises at least a first receive path (12) and a second receive path (22). The first receive path (12) is configured to receive first radio signals, and the second receive path (22) is configured to receive second radio signals. Further, the communication device (100) comprises a reception processor (50). The reception processor (50) is configured to process the first radio signals and the second radio signals to generate a data output signal (55). Further, the communication device (100) comprises a first oscillator (13) and a second oscillator (23). The first oscillator (13) is configured to supply a first oscillator signal to the first receive path (12). The second oscillator (23) is configured to supply a second oscillator signal to the second receive path (22). Further, the communication device comprises a scanning processor (60) coupled at least to the second receive path (22) and to the second oscillator (23). The scanning processor (60) is configured to scan for radio signals from at least one base station by evaluating the second radio signals received by the second receive path (22) and controlling the second oscillator (23) to provide the second oscillator signal with frequencies which are different from a frequency of the first oscillator signal. |
| US08615232B2 |
Network-based system and method for global roaming
Systems and methods of mobile communication roaming where a subscriber's home network and a roaming network used by the subscriber do not have a roaming agreement. Roaming between an alliance of coordinated operators having bilateral roaming relationships and operators who do not have roaming agreements with the alliance is provided. By subscribing to the system, a non-alliance operator can gain roaming access to alliance networks having existing bilateral roaming relationships. An authentication message is received from a roaming network in which a subscriber is roaming and the message is authenticated if there is a roaming relationship. The authentication message is forwarded to the home network via an alliance network and responsive to the indication that the authentication message was received at a roaming network, roaming transactions are enabled for the subscriber within the roaming network. |
| US08615231B2 |
Method for transferring information between networks of different technology types
In a method for transferring information between wireless networks of different technology types, a node in the first network receives configuration information associated with a plurality of nodes of the second network, the information including identifying information for radio access controllers associated with neighboring cells of the second technology type. After it has received the configuration information, the node in the first network sends the identifying information to a plurality of access nodes in the first network via which mobile devices access the first network. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable where the first network is in accordance with LTE and the second one with UMTS, and the information includes RNC-ids for use in handover from the LTE to the UMTS network. |
| US08615228B2 |
Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which a user can control a mobile terminal and each device connected to the mobile terminal using a speech via the mobile terminal while the mobile terminal and external digital devices are connected together via a prescribed interface. The present invention includes a display unit, a user input unit, a microphone, a communication module and a controller, when connected to at least one external device via the communication module, if a electric signal corresponding to a user's speech command is inputted via the microphone in a speech recognition mode, recognizing the speech command by analyzing the electric signal, the controller controlling the recognized speech command to be displayed as a prescribed graphic user interface (GUI) on the display unit. |
| US08615225B2 |
Calendar-based power reserve
Implementing calendar-based power reserve includes identifying a new calendar entry scheduled into a calendar application of a mobile communications device. The new calendar entry specifies a telephone call. Upon determining a priority indicator has been set for the new calendar entry in the calendar application, the calendar-based power reserve also includes directing a power management component of the mobile communications device to reserve an amount of power for the telephone call, and updating a battery power indicator on the mobile communications device to reflect a capacity of a battery of the mobile communications device. The capacity reflects a current amount of available power for the battery minus the amount of power to reserve. |
| US08615224B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing ringtone scheduling
An approach is provided for scheduling of ringtones. A ringtone schedule is stored for specifying information for invoking a plurality of ringtones, wherein one of the ringtones is selected for playout by a mobile device according to the ringtone schedule. |
| US08615222B2 |
System and method to detect PBX-mobility call failure
Aspects relate to initiating voice calls to mobile devices from an enterprise network. In one example, a server can initiate a voice channel to a mobile device, and if the mobile device cannot be reached, an access network may redirect the call from the server to a number identified as a voicemail number; however, such number is reconfigured to instead be directed to a number located within the enterprise network. The server can monitor or receive an indication that a call is incoming, and attributable to the mobile device. If such a call is incoming or received, then the server determines that the call has failed. If the mobile device answers the call, the server can determine that the voice channel has been established, without waiting for a confirmation indication, such as a DTMF tone. |
| US08615221B1 |
System and method for selection of notification techniques in an electronic device
The present disclosure includes a system and method for delaying, suppressing, or canceling the output of notifications in an electronic device. Notifications may be delayed, suppressed, or canceled based on the urgency of the notification, whether an application is actively executing and controlling certain aspects of the output device, whether an application actively executing and controlling certain aspects of the output device can be interrupted, and/or the operating environment of the electronic device. |
| US08615218B2 |
Method for requesting, generating and distributing service-specific traffic encryption key in wireless portable internet system, apparatus for the same, and protocol configuration method for the same
Disclosed are a method for requesting, generating and distributing a service-specific traffic encryption key in a wireless portable Internet system, an apparatus for the same, and a protocol configuration method for the same. In the present invention, a subscriber station sends a Key Request message for requesting a service-specific traffic encryption key to the base station using a PKM-REQ MAC message, and a base station analyzes the Key Request message to generate the requested service-specific traffic encryption key. Subsequently, the base station sends a Key Reply message, including the generated service-specific traffic encryption key, to the subscriber station using a PKM-RSP MAC message. If the base station fails to generate the key, the base station sends a Key Reject message, including a reason for the failure, to the subscriber station. |
| US08615215B2 |
Mobile radio access network, mobility control unit, method for charging in a mobile radio access network, and program
A mobile radio access network includes a plurality of radio cells, the plurality of radio cells comprising at least a first cell type of radio cells and a second cell type of radio cells, the first cell type of radio cells including at least one of a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG) cell and a hybrid cell, and the second cell type of radio cells including open cells; and a charging unit, configured to receive cell information corresponding to at least one subscriber out of a plurality of subscribers, wherein the cell information is dependent on whether the subscriber has entered, left, or accessed a radio cell of the first tell type. |
| US08615214B2 |
Method and system for using communication devices for retrieving personal medical data
The present invention discloses a method, system and a program storage device for remotely accessing medically relevant data stored on a server and provides remote access over a cellular or PCS communications network employing either a SMS or MMS communication protocol allowing dissemination of an individual's medically relevant data in an emergency, wherein the server authenticates each accessing PCS device by determining whether said accessing PCS device ID is stored in an emergency medical profile database and sending the user inputted emergency related personal data if the accessing PCS device ID is found in the emergency medical database device. |
| US08615213B2 |
Reducing power consumption of a filter
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a system that having a low noise amplifier (LNA) to receive and amplify a radio frequency (RF) signal, a mixer to receive and downconvert the RF signal to a second frequency signal, a filter to receive and filter the second frequency signal, a demodulator to receive and demodulate the filtered second frequency signal to output demodulated data, and a quality detector to detect a quality of the demodulated data and output a quality indicator based on the data quality. In addition, the system can include a controller coupled to the filter to cause a state of the filter to be stored into a storage responsive to the quality indicator. |
| US08615211B2 |
Method for spectrum sensing and communication device
A method for spectrum sensing is described comprising receiving a signal using a plurality of receive antennas; forming a set of received signals including the received signal of each antenna; determining a cyclic auto-correlation of the set of received signals; estimating, for each receive antenna, channel state information of the radio channel via which the receive antenna receives the signal based on the determined cyclic auto-correlation; performing maximum ratio combining of the received signal samples based on the estimated channel state information; determining a measure of the cyclostationarity of the received signal based on the result of the maximum ratio combining; and performing cyclostationarity detection spectrum sensing based on the determined measure of the cyclostationarity of the received signal. |
| US08615210B2 |
Methods and apparatus for power measurement in a communication system
Methods and apparatus for power measurement in a communication system. In an aspect, a method is provided for power measurement. The method includes selecting between a signal decoding mode and a power measurement mode, decoding an input signal if the signal decoding mode is selected, and calculating a power measurement associated with the input signal if the power measurement mode is selected. In another aspect, an apparatus is provided for power measurement. The apparatus includes means for selecting between an active mode and a power measurement mode, means for decoding an input signal if the active mode is selected, and means for calculating a power measurement associated with the input signal if the power measurement mode is selected. |
| US08615207B2 |
Power amplifier linearization feedback methods and systems
Linearizers can improve the linearity of power amplifiers by canceling or reducing amplitude of non-linearity components, (e.g., IM3, IM5, IM7, IM9, etc.) generated by the power amplifier. The linearizers can obtain samples of signals output by the power amplifier and process the samples to produce a compensation signal that is applied onto or into a transmission path leading to the power amplifier's input. The compensation signal is generated such that when amplified by the power amplifier, the amplified compensation signal cancels or reduces at least a portion of the non-linearity components produced by the power amplifier. A controller can improve the correction of the non-linearity components by executing one or more calibration algorithms and/or one or more tuning algorithms and adjusting settings of the linearizer based on the results of the algorithm(s). |
| US08615204B2 |
Adaptive interference cancellation for transmitter distortion calibration in multi-antenna transmitters
A wireless communication device includes a core logic, first and second transceiver chains, first and second antennas, and an interference processor. The core logic is coupled to both the first and second transceiver chains, which in turn are coupled to the first and second antennas, respectively. The interference processor is coupled between the first and second transceiver chains. To calibrate circuitry within the first transceiver chain using first signals generated in the first transceiver chain while the second transceiver chain is transmitting second signals via the second antenna, the interference processor connects the transmit circuit of the second transceiver chain to the receive circuitry of the first transceiver chain to form an interference feedback path that can be used to compensate for unwanted components of the second signal undesirably picked up by the first antenna. |
| US08615202B2 |
Frequency synthesizer
A frequency synthesizer includes: a first oscillator (1) controlled by a first control device, the first oscillator having a high quality factor that is greater than 300 and produces a first clock signal (2) RF having a fixed frequency, the first control device (30) controlling the frequency of the first controlled oscillator (1) on the basis of a first reference frequency; a second oscillator (3) controlled by a second control device and producing a second clock signal (4); the second control device (31) controlling the frequency of the second controlled oscillator (3) on the basis of a second reference frequency; and an integer frequency divider (5) dividing the frequency of the second clock signal (4) by a variable integer factor N1 and producing a third clock signal (6), the frequency of which is continuously variable by modifying the factor N1 and the control of the second oscillator. |
| US08615201B1 |
System for communications link components
Design systems are provided to assist users in designing circuits that include communications links. A communications link may include a transmitter link subsystem, a receiver link subsystem, and a channel subsystem that interconnects the transmitter and receiver subsystems. A user may specify global link performance characteristics such as bit error rate and data rate. Measured link subsystem performance characteristics may be gathered and stored in a database as probability distribution functions. When analyzing a link, known link subsystems parameters supplied by the user may be used to retrieve appropriate link subsystem performance data. The retrieved link subsystem data and the global link performance data may be analyzed and used to produce recommended subsystem limits. A logic design system may use information on a user's logic design and the recommended limits in producing programmable logic device configuration data. |
| US08615196B2 |
Portable apparatus for supporting electronic wallet
A portable apparatus is capable of switching between a plurality of smart cards and associated circuits to provide a user various independent electronic wallet functions via a single portable apparatus, thereby increasing utilization flexibility and convenience. The portable apparatus includes at least a first smart card and a second smart cart, a near-field communication (NFC) unit, and a control circuit. The first smart card and the second smart card respectively include a first interface and a second interface. The NFC unit is coupled to the first smart card and the second smart card via the first interface and the second interface, respectively. The NFC unit is capable of performing NFC with external apparatuses. The control circuit controls the NFC unit to communicate with either the first smart card or the second smart card using control signals. |
| US08615195B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device having touch activated near field communications (NFC) circuit
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and a circuit board carried by the housing and including Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry and a processor carried by the housing and operative with each other. A Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit is positioned on the circuit board and operative with the processor for communicating in accordance with the NFC communication protocol. A touch activated sensor is supported by the housing and operative for enabling operation of the NFC circuit when touched to establish NFC communications from the communications device. |
| US08615192B2 |
Communication system, communication apparatus, control method of communication apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium
This invention provides a communication system, a communication apparatus, a control method of the communication apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium, which enable to increase the reliability of relay transmission and suppress redundant transmission. |
| US08615191B2 |
Distribution apparatus, terminal apparatus, system, and method
A distribution apparatus which distributes to multiple regions includes: a storage unit which stores each of radio communications systems usable for each of the regions; a selecting unit which selects, out of the multiple regions to which the distribution apparatus distributes, first regions in which a radio communications system in operation is the same; and a distribution unit which distributes, based on each of the radio communications system usable for each of the regions that is stored in the storage unit, all or some of information on the radio communications system for each of the first regions selected by the selecting unit. One or multiple radio communications systems are usable in each of the regions. |
| US08615186B2 |
Development device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A development device includes a development portion to develop a latent image; an agitation container to contain developer; a circulation system through which the developer is circulated between the development portion and the agitation container; a developer replenishing device to supply fresh developer to the agitation container; an agitator, provided inside the agitation container, to agitate and mix the developer collected from the development portion and the fresh developer from the developer replenishing device; and a developer escape chamber to discharge surplus developer in the agitation container, projecting from and continuous with the agitation container, the developer escape chamber defining a communication pathway in a side of the agitation container between the agitation container and the developer escape chamber through which the developer is moved between the agitation container and the developer escape chamber and having a discharge opening whose lower end is positioned higher than the communication pathway. |
| US08615185B2 |
Device for holding a photoreceptor sheet
A device for holding a photoreceptor sheet onto a drum of an electro-photography printing device comprises first and second holding surfaces that are configured to hold an edge of the photoreceptor sheet from opposite directions by pressing against the sheet in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the surface of the sheet, wherein at least the second holding surface is pre-loaded. |
| US08615182B2 |
Printing system, control method of the printing system, and program for executing the control method
A printing system includes a determination unit configured to determine whether input image data includes first data to be printed with the first recording agent and second data to be printed with the second recording agent, and whether the input data inhibits misregistration in a printing position between the first data and the second data on the printing paper, a first printing unit configured to, when the determination unit determines that the input image data inhibits the misregistration in the printing position, transfer and fix the data using the first recording agent and the second recording agent, and a second printing unit configured to, when the determination unit does not determine that the input image data inhibits the misregistration, after transferring and fixing the first data by using the first recording agent, to transfer and fix again the second data by using the second recording agent. |
| US08615181B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable drum; a developing device for developing a latent image formed on the drum into a developer image; and a cleaning blade for removing developer remaining on the drum after the developer image is transferred from the drum onto a developer image receiving member. After image formation, a predetermined amount of strain of the cleaning blade is released and the drum is subsequently rotated. The drum is subsequently rotated in a direction identical to a rotation direction of the drum during image formation. |
| US08615176B2 |
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus using a periodic wave as a developing bias
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a developing unit that visualizes an electrostatic latent image formed on a surface of the image carrier, using a developing material, and a supply unit that supplies a periodic wave as a developing bias to the developing unit. A single period of the periodic wave is formed by a first time period in which a voltage in which a DC voltage and an AC voltage are superimposed is applied and a second time period in which only a DC voltage is applied. In addition, a count unit counts an amount of electrostatic latent images that have been formed in succession, and a control unit changes the duration of the second time period according to the amount of electrostatic latent images counted by the count unit without stopping image formation to continue the image formation. |
| US08615175B2 |
Fixing unit and image forming apparatus including same
A fixing unit removably installable in an image forming apparatus includes an endless fixing member; a metal member disposed in proximity to an inner surface of the fixing member; a nip formation member supported by the metal member to slidably contact the fixing member or oppose the fixing member via a slide sheet; a heater to heat the metal member to heat the fixing member; a rotary pressing member to rotate the fixing member, disposed opposite the nip formation member via the fixing member to form a nip between the rotary pressing member and the fixing member; a rotation detector to detect a rotational state of the fixing member. Heating rotation of the fixing member is continuously performed until a predetermined rotational state of the fixing member is obtained, to spread lubricant substantially uniformly at least between the fixing member and the metal member. |
| US08615173B1 |
System for active control of integrated resonant optical device wavelength
The present invention relates to an optical transmitter that includes an optical modulator configured to modulate an optical signal with a digital data stream, and a heater configured to apply heat to the optical modulator. The optical transmitter also includes an optical receiver configured to receive the modulated optical signal and to convert the modulated optical signal into a received digital data stream. A circuit is configured to compute bit errors in the received digital data stream by comparing the received digital data stream with the digital data stream, and control the heater based on the computed bit errors. |
| US08615169B2 |
PON system and redundancy method
An optical line terminal performs transmission to optical network units using a light signal having a wavelength different for each of systems, allocates communication time to data, which is transmitted from the optical network units, in a time division manner for each of the systems, selects, for each of the optical network units, a system for performing data transmission, and transmits the data using a wavelength corresponding to the selected system. The optical network unit includes: ith blocking filter that removes a component other than a component in a predetermined wavelength band, which is set to correspond to an ith system, from a received light signal; and ith PON processing unit that applies termination processing to signals and transmitting the data based on an allocation result of the optical line terminal. The PON system includes n optical network units corresponding to i=1 to i=n. |
| US08615168B2 |
PON ONU configured in the form of a gigabit interface converter (GBIC)
A Passive Optical Network (PON) component, such as a Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) or similar pluggable transceiver, provides the combined functionality of the GBIC (or similar device) and an Optical Network Unit (ONU). The result is a device with a reduced form factor by eliminating redundant components and simplified fault management of the end-system. |
| US08615167B2 |
WDM optical transmission system and control method thereof
A WDM optical transmission system includes a plurality of optical nodes optically coupled by a transmission line, a processor that is operative to calculate an amount of adjustment of a reception level capable of increasing an optical signal-to-noise ratio for each channel of the WDM light reaching the optical node positioned at a receiving end of the unit section based on information on amplification operation of the WDM light in at least one optical-amplification repeating node disposed on the optical transmission line in the unit section, and to adjust a power level corresponding to each channel of the WDM light transmitted on the transmission line from the optical node positioned at a transmission end of the unit section in accordance with a calculation result of the calculation. |
| US08615164B1 |
Systems and methods for operation of recording devices such as digital video recorders (DVRs)
A system, method, and computer program product are provided according to one embodiment. The method includes receiving a request to record a television program; determining an amount of available storage space on each of at least two recording devices; and selecting one of the recording devices to store a representation of the television program on a computer readable medium associated with the respective recording device based on the determined amounts of available storage space on each of the at least two recording devices, wherein the selected recording device stores the representation of the television program. Additional systems, methods, and computer program products are also presented. |
| US08615156B2 |
Adjusting video processing in a system having a video source device and a video sink device
One of a video source device and a video sink device may: (a) deactivate a video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other of the video source device and the video sink device to activate the video processing function; (b) activate the video processing function at the one device and send a command for causing the other device to deactivate the video processing function; and (c) based on user input indicating whether (a) or (b) resulted in a preferred video image, effect (a) or (b). The one device may receive an indication of video processing functions of which the other device is capable, such that (a), (b) and (c) may be performed for each indicated video processing function of which the one device is also capable. A user interface including at least one selectable control for indicating whether a video image resulting from (a) or (b) is preferred may be displayed. |
| US08615154B2 |
Video-audio processing apparatus and video-audio processing method
A video-audio processing method includes acquiring encoded audio data, decoding the acquired encoded audio data and thereby creating audio data; causing an audio output unit to output the created audio data, capturing a video image of an object in synchronization with an output of the audio data by the audio output unit and thereby creating first video data, encoding the created first video data and thereby creating first encoded video data, holding the first encoded video data, and multiplexing the encoded audio data and the first encoded video data and thereby creating a first stream. |
| US08615153B2 |
Multi-media data editing system, method and electronic device using same
The present disclosure provides a multi-media data editing system for editing a multi-media data. The multi-media data editing system includes a sample memory and a processor. The sample memory stores a plurality of undesired voice samples. The processor includes a voice obtaining module, a voice comparing module, and a voice editing module. The voice obtaining module is configured for obtaining an audio data from the multi-media data. The voice comparing module is configured for comparing the obtained audio data with the plurality of undesired voice samples looking for a match. The voice editing module is configured for editing the audio data during the audio data matched with undesired voice samples. The present disclosure also provides a multi-media data editing method. And the present disclosure provides an electronic device using the multi-media data editing system. |
| US08615149B2 |
Photonics chip with efficient optical alignment and bonding and optical apparatus including the same
Provided are a photonics chip and an optical apparatus including the same. The chip may include a substrate, an optical waveguide, an optical coupler, and a plurality of alignment units. The optical waveguide is formed on the substrate. The optical coupler is formed at the optical waveguide. The alignment units align an optical connector which fixes at least one optical fiber coupled to the optical coupler, on the substrate. |
| US08615134B2 |
Method and a device for identifying a set of pixels, the values of which are intended to be used to determine the value of a target pixel
A method and device identify from plural sets of pixels of a digital image, a set of pixels whose values are to be used in image processing to determine a target-pixel value. The method and device: obtain a pixel set comprising solely the target pixel and first and second pixel subsets extending along only first and second directions, respectively, each pixel of the pixel set being contiguous with another pixel of the set; obtaining first and second measures being, respectively, measures of an angle difference between the first direction and the gradient of a pixel of the first subset, and of an angle difference between the second direction and the gradient of a pixel of the second subset; and determining whether the obtained set of pixels is the pixel set whose values determine the value of the target pixel, in accordance with the first and second measures. |
| US08615131B2 |
Online Arabic handwriting recognition
Method for online character recognition of Arabic text, the method including receiving handwritten Arabic text from a user in the form of handwriting strokes, sampling the handwriting strokes to acquire a sequence of two dimensional point representations thereof, with associated temporal data, geometrically pre processing and extracting features on the point representations, detecting delayed strokes and word parts in the pre processed point representations, projecting the delayed strokes onto the body of the word parts, constructing feature vector representations for each word part, thereby generating an observation sequence, and determining the word with maximum probability given the observation sequence, resulting in a list of word probabilities. |
| US08615130B2 |
Color processing apparatus, color processing method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
A color processing apparatus includes plural computation units and a combining unit. The plural computation units have different center color signals set therein. Each of the plural computation units is configured to calculate a weighted value in accordance with a distance between a given color signal and the set center color signal. The combining unit determines a composite output color signal in accordance with the weighted values calculated by the plural computation units. |
| US08615128B2 |
Method for 3D, measurement of the surface of an object, in particular for dental purposes
For the purpose of 3D scanning the surface of an object by optical double triangulation using the phase-shifting method, more particularly for dental purposes, at least two 3D scans of the same object (1) are carried out at different triangulation angles (θ1, θ2), the first angle of which is known and the second angle of which is known at least approximately. For each pixel (Bi) of the phase related image (φ1(x,y)), a wave number (wz(xi,yi) is determined using the second phase related image, the integral portion of which is equal to the order (n) of the uniqueness range (E1) in which the respective pixel (Bi) is located. The wave number (wz(x,y)) is optimized, at least for a random sample of m pixels (Bi), by minimizing a non-integral portion of the wave number (wz (xi,yi)−[wz(xi,yi)]). |
| US08615126B2 |
Method for performing pattern decomposition based on feature pitch
The present invention discloses a method for decomposing a target pattern containing features to be printed on a wafer, into multiple patterns, the features having a plurality of patterns within a minimum pitch for processes utilized to image the target pattern. The method includes superposing a predefined kernel over a pixel, and moving the kernel from one pixel to another, the pixels representing the sub-patterns of the target pattern. Polarity of the kernel may be reversed when the pixel has a stored intensity value that is negative. |
| US08615125B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting surface state
A surface state inspection apparatus has a lighting device that irradiates an inspection target placed on a stage with light, an imaging device that images the inspection target, and a detection device that detects a surface defect of the inspection target by analyzing a first inspection image obtained by the imaging device. The lighting device is a surface light source that includes a light emission region having a predetermined size and, in the lighting device, portions of light emitted from positions in the light emission region differ from each other in a spectral distribution. The detection device detects a portion in which a hue is different from that of its surrounding portion in the inspection target surface as a flaw. The detection device detects a portion in which the hue is substantially equal to that of its surrounding portion while brightness is different from that of its surrounding portion as a stain. |
| US08615114B2 |
Image reading apparatus and image reading method
An image reading apparatus is disclosed that includes a light emitting unit that illuminates light on an object; an image capturing device that receives incident light from the object and generates an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received incident light; an object detecting unit that detects the object being positioned close to the image capturing device; a disturbance light intensity determining unit that turns off the light emitting unit when the object detecting unit detects the object being positioned close to the image capturing device, controls the image capturing device to acquire pixel data of a predetermined number of pixels by imaging the object, and determines a disturbance light intensity based on the acquired pixel data; and a light accumulating time setting unit that sets a light accumulating time of the image capturing device based on the disturbance light intensity determined by the disturbance light intensity determining unit. |
| US08615113B2 |
Multi-view face recognition method and system
A multi-view face recognition method and system are provided. In the multi-view face recognition method, two images to be recognized are input, a linear projection matrix is calculated based on grouped images in a training set, two feature vectors corresponding to the two input images are extracted based on the linear projection matrix, a distance between the two extracted feature vectors is calculated, and it is determined based on the distance between the two feature vectors whether the two input images belong to a same person. |
| US08615111B2 |
Method and apparatus for image detection with undesired object removal
A method and image detection device are provided for removal of undesired objects from image data. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting image data for a first frame, detecting image data for a second frame, and detecting motion of an undesired object based, at least in part, on image data for the first and second frames. Image data of the first frame may be replaced with image data of the second frame to generate corrected image data, wherein the undesired object is removed from the corrected image data. The corrected image data may be stored. |
| US08615109B2 |
Moving object trajectory estimating device
A moving object trajectory estimating device has: a surrounding information acquisition part that acquires information on surroundings of a moving object; a trajectory estimating part that specifies another moving object around the moving object based on the acquired surrounding information and estimates a trajectory of the specified moving object; and a recognition information acquisition part that acquires recognition information on a recognizable area of the specified moving object, and the trajectory estimating part estimates a trajectory of the specified moving object, based on the acquired recognition information of the specified moving object. |
| US08615108B1 |
Systems and methods for initializing motion tracking of human hands
Systems and methods for initializing motion tracking of human hands within bounded regions are disclosed. One embodiment includes: a processor; reference and alternate view cameras; and memory containing a plurality of templates that are rotated and scaled versions of a base template. In addition, a hand tracking application configures the processor to: obtain reference and alternate view frames of video data; generate a depth map; identify at least one bounded region within the reference frame of video data containing pixels having distances from the reference camera that are within a specific range of distances; determine whether any of the pixels within the at least one bounded region are part of a human hand; track the motion of the part of the human hand in a sequence of frames of video data obtained from the reference camera; and confirm that the tracked motion corresponds to a predetermined initialization gesture. |
| US08615106B2 |
Location-based signature selection for multi-camera object tracking
Disclosed herein are a method, system, and computer program product for determining a correspondence between a first object (713) tracked in a first field of view and a second object tracked (753) in a second field of view. The method determines a first area (711) in the first field of view, based on the location and size of the first object (713). The method utilizes a predetermined area relationship between the first area (711) in the first field of view and at least one area (751) in the second field of view to determine a second area (751) in the second field of view. In one embodiment, the method determines the second area (751) in the second field of view by comparing predetermined area relationships between the first area (711) and any areas (751) in the second field to determine a best match. The method determines a correspondence between the first object (713) and the second object (753), based on a comparison between a first object signature associated with the first object (713) and a second object signature associated with the second object (753). |
| US08615104B2 |
Watermark extraction based on tentative watermarks
Methods, devices and computer program products facilitate the extraction of embedded watermarks in the presence of content distortions. Pre-distorted synchronization templates are used to detect synchronization portions of embedded watermark frames. A pre-distorted synchronization template that best matches the synchronization portion of the embedded watermark frame produces an estimation of one or more distortions that are present in the content. The remainder of watermark frame can be evaluated based on the outcome of the comparison. |
| US08615100B2 |
Sound producing device for vehicle
Sound generated by a sound emitting unit passes through a first sound passage defined between a first shielding board and a shielding cylinder and a second sound passage defined between a second shielding board and the shielding cylinder, and is emitted outside from a sound emitting hole defined in at least one of a case and a cover. The second shielding board and the shielding cylinder shield a space between the sound emitting hole and the first sound passage when the first sound passage is seen from the sound emitting hole. |
| US08615096B2 |
Thermoacoustic device
The present invention relates to a thermoacoustic device that includes an acoustic element. The acoustic element includes a substrate, a plurality of microspaces, and a metal film. The metal film is located above the substrate. A plurality of microspaces is defined between the substrate and the metal film. The metal film is partially suspended above the substrate. |
| US08615095B2 |
Automatic volume control for audio signals
A technique is provided for automatically adjusting the volume, or magnitude, of an audio signal. The technique includes calculating an average power associated with a segment of an input audio signal, determining whether the average power is greater than an estimated signal level associated with one or more previously-processed segments of the input audio signal and, depending on the determination, either calculating an updated estimated signal level by subtracting from the average power an attenuated difference between the estimated signal level and the average power or setting the updated estimated signal level to the average power. A gain to be applied to the segment of the input audio signal is then determined based on the updated estimated signal level and a target signal level for an output audio signal. |
| US08615090B2 |
Method and apparatus of generating sound field effect in frequency domain
A method and apparatus of generating a sound field effect is provided. The sound field effect generating apparatus may generate a frequency coefficient that is frequency-transformed from a direct signal, may generate a reflection signal from the frequency coefficient, may generate an output signal using the frequency coefficient and the reflection signal, and may perform an inverse-frequency transform of the output signal. |
| US08615087B2 |
OCDM-based photonic encryption system with provable security
In an OCDM-based photonic encryption system by applying random noise on unused channels and varying the inter-code phases on realistic framing repetition, an OCDM-based encryption system with provable security guarantees results. |
| US08615086B2 |
Key agreement and re-keying over a bidirectional communication path
A key agreement method is carried out by a first system in conjunction with a second system over a bidirectional communication path, including generating a first key pair having a first public key and a first private key, sending the first public key to the second system, receiving a second public key generated by the second system, and calculating a master key based upon the first private key, the second public key, a long-term private key, and a long-term public key. The long-term private key was generated by the first system during a previous key-agreement method as part of a long-term key pair. The long-term public key was generated by the second system and received during the previous key-agreement method. The previous key-agreement method required a secret to be known to the first system and the second system, thus conferring authentication based on the secret to the long-term public key. |
| US08615085B2 |
Encrypted communication system with limited number of stored encryption key retrievals
A system for encrypted communication with external entities is configured to frustrate side channel attacks attempting to determine an encryption key. The system has a device with an encryption key stored in memory, an external entity with identity data for transmission to the device to initiate communication such that in response the device applies a one way function to the encryption key and the identity data to generate a variant key used to authenticate communications between the device and the external entity. The device is configured to limit the number of times the encryption key is allowed to be retrieved from the first memory to a pre-determined threshold. |
| US08615084B2 |
Extending a secret bit string to safeguard the secret
A method and system extends a secret bit string to safeguard the secret. In one embodiment, the method comprises adding a secret bit string of length s to a product of two random bit strings using arithmetic defined for polynomials over GF(2) to produce an extended bit string. The extended bit string has a length m that is longer than s. A total of n shares are generated from the extended bit string, of which at least k shares are needed to reconstruct the secret bit string. The n shares are distributed to a plurality of cooperating computing entities for secret sharing. |
| US08615083B2 |
Method for accessing to radio frequency communication with low-frequency electromagnetic communication
A method for accessing to radio frequency communication with low-frequency electromagnetic communication is provided. A request side sends an activation request including first random data via a low frequency channel. A requested side receives the activation request, generates and sends an activation response message, including second random data and an identifier of the requested side, according to the first radio frequency communication address. The request side receives and verifies the activation response message, and if the verification is passed, generates and sends a connection request, including third random data, according to the second radio frequency communication address. The requested side receives and verifies the connection request and if the verification is passed, generates and sends a connection response message according to the second radio frequency communication address. The request side receives the connection response message and verifies whether the connection is successful, and if successful, trades with the requested side. |
| US08615080B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing elliptic curve scalar multiplication in a manner that counters power analysis attacks
When multiplicative splitting is used to hide a scalar in an Elliptic Curve scalar Multiplication ECSM operation, the associated modular division operation employs the known Almost Montgomery Inversion algorithm. By including dummy operations in some of the branches of the main iteration loop of the Almost Montgomery Inversion algorithm, all branches of the algorithm may be viewed, from the perspective of a Power Analysis-based attack, as equivalent and, accordingly, devoid of information useful in determining the value of the scalar, which may be a cryptographic private key. |
| US08615079B2 |
Cryptography circuit protected against observation attacks, in particular of a high order
A cryptography circuit protected against observation attacks comprises at least one register R providing a variable x masked by the mask m, the masked variable being encrypted by a first substitution box S -in a cyclic manner. The circuit also comprises a mask register M delivering at each cycle a mask mt, the transformation of m, the mask m being extracted from mt before being encrypted by a second substitution box S′, the new mask m′ obtained on output from this box S′ is transformed into a mask m′t before being stored in the mask register M. The transformation consists of a bijection or a composition law making it possible to reduce or indeed to cancel any high-order attack in accordance with a model of activity of the registers R and M. Cryptography circuits are protected against high-order observation attacks on installations based on masking. |
| US08615070B2 |
Personalizing computerized customer service
A method and system for improving user satisfaction with a computer system that includes a computer. The computer prompts a user at a user machine to select a language usage pattern preference from at least two language usage pattern preference choices respectively including at least two text passages, each text passage expressing different text. After the prompting, the computer receives from the user machine a language usage pattern preference selected by the user from the at least two language usage pattern preference choices. The computer stores, in a user profile of the user located in a database accessible to the computer, a flag indicative of the selected language usage pattern preference. |
| US08615069B2 |
Accommodating case and device system
A portable radiographic imaging device and a portable X-ray source, that operate due to a first and second rechargeable battery respectively, can be accommodated in an accommodating case that is portable. While the accommodating case is being transported, a charging circuit provided in the accommodating case acquires electric power from a third rechargeable battery accommodated in the accommodating case, and charges the first and second rechargeable batteries. In this way, by accommodating the portable radiographic imaging device and the portable X-ray source in the accommodating case, the rechargeable batteries for the portable radiographic imaging device and the portable X-ray source are charged during transport. |
| US08615065B2 |
Modular radial neutron reflector
A lower internals nuclear reactor structure having a tubular core barrel with an upper and lower open end, coaxially supported therein. A reflector having an outside curvature that substantially matches the curvature of the inside surface of the core barrel and substantially contacts the inside surface substantially over an axial length of the core, is fixedly connected to the inside surface of the core barrel at a plurality of axial and circumferential locations to be substantially supported by the inside surface of the core barrel. |
| US08615060B2 |
Reception apparatus, reception method, and program
Disclosed herein is a reception apparatus including a calculation section and a storage section. The calculation section calculates correlation values between a data sequence included in a known signal and a received signal at a given point in time. The storage section has at least an area sufficient for storing the correlation values calculated for one frame using the received signal which is one frame long and to which the known signal is added. |
| US08615059B2 |
Distortion cancellation in radio receivers using I/Q correction
A technique to remove second order and third order nonlinearity distortions caused by a blocker signal at an input of a radio receiver. An envelope detector is utilized at an input of the RF front-end of the receiver to obtain a magnitude of the overall signal. The output of the envelope detector is then processed at baseband to estimate coefficients that relate to the distortion. Once the coefficients are obtained, the coefficients are applied at an I/Q imbalance correction stage to also correct for the distortion by cancelling the distortion from the received signal. |
| US08615058B2 |
Signal acquisition system
A signal acquisition system efficiently acquires a transmitted signal even at very low power. The system may synchronize to a preamble structure in the transmitted signal and, for example, determine timing parameters that locate the preamble with respect to system timing or other clock references. The system is particularly effective at acquiring weak power signals and is also robust against significant noise and other impairments, and therefore improves the ability of a receiving device that incorporates the signal acquisition system to acquire the signal and establish communication with other devices. |
| US08615057B2 |
Method and device for multiple input-multiple output detection
A method and device for detecting a symbol transmitted over a communication channel in a multiple input-multiple output communication system are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes receiving a symbol transmitted over a communication channel of a multiple input-multiple output communication system. The method may also include searching a subset of possible transmitted symbols, the subset having a predetermined size dependent on properties of the communication channel. The method may also include deciding to which symbol of the subset the received symbol corresponds. |
| US08615055B2 |
Communication between modems in XPIC configuration for wireless applications
A radio communication network which comprises a plurality of radio links for communicating radio signals with orthogonal polarization. Each radio link comprises a vertical polarization communication device (11a) and a horizontal polarization communication device (11b) which share a local communication channel (11c). Each of these communication devices comprises at least one differential interface stage (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) for communicating first data over the local communication channel (11c), based on a differential input. Each of these vertical and horizontal communication devices (11a, 11b) comprises means (27, 37) connected to the differential interface stages for communicating second data over the local communication channel by modulating a common mode of the differential interface stages. |
| US08615053B2 |
Mode and rate control for MIMO transmission
Techniques for performing mode and rate control for a MIMO transmission are described. For mode selection, the use of an eigensteering mode is permitted if a first set of at least one criterion is satisfied. The eigensteering mode is selected for data transmission if a second set of at least one criterion is satisfied, and an unsteered mode is selected otherwise. For rate selection, SNR estimates are derived for data streams to potentially transmit, e.g., based on channel estimates and/or data symbol estimates. The number of data streams to transmit as well as at least one rate for at least one data stream to transmit are selected based on the SNR estimates and at least one backoff factor. The backoff factor(s) are adjusted based on status of received packets. The at least one rate may be adjusted based on the age of rate information. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described. |
| US08615052B2 |
Enhanced channel feedback for multi-user MIMO
A method includes receiving in a mobile communication terminal over a communication channel a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) signal that includes at least a transmission addressed to the terminal. A Multi-User Signal to Noise Ratio (MU-SNR) is estimated in the terminal based on the received signal. The MU-SNR is indicative of a power ratio between the transmission addressed to the terminal and remaining components of the signal, which are assumed to include one or more transmissions addressed to one or more other terminals. Feedback, which is indicative of the communication channel and is based on the MU-SNR, is transmitted from the terminal. |
| US08615050B2 |
Multi-resolution beamforming based on codebooks in MIMO systems
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for beamforming that achieve beamforming optimality criterions. Some proposed beamforming techniques are based on antenna directions with multiple resolutions. |
| US08615049B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling co-channel interference in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus of controlling co-channel interference in a base station of a wireless communication system based on collaborative MIMO and the corresponding method and apparatus of assisting a serving base station to control co-channel interference in a mobile station of a wireless communication system based on collaborative MIMO. Since the feedback mechanism based on the codebook is employed in the collaborative MIMO system in the present invention to enable the BS to obtain the precoding information, the present invention can be used to the both TDD mode and FDD mode. Moreover, since the precoding vectors selected by the different mobile stations for a same BS are always orthogonal, multi-user co-channel interference can be reduced. |
| US08615043B2 |
Fixed length coding based image data compression
A method of compressing an image data block is provided that includes computing a pixel residual for each pixel in the image data block except a non-residual pixel, computing a compression level for the image data block based on a minimum pixel residual value and a maximum pixel residual value of the pixel residuals, encoding a compression flag for the image data block, wherein the compression flag includes an indicator identifying the compression level and a first portion of bits from the non-residual pixel, and generating a compressed block comprising a second portion of bits from the non-residual pixel and the pixel residuals encoded using fixed length coding based on the compression level. |
| US08615040B2 |
Transcoder for converting a first stream into a second stream using an area specification and a relation determining function
A technique for suppressing a significant variation of a quantization step value and enabling a stable rate control to be performed. A function is used for calculating a quantization step conversion factor from a bit rate ratio is a straight line with an inclination of −1, intersecting a function at a reference point. The function is a monotone decreasing exponential function. A reference bit rate ratio (R0) is expressed as R0=T/S by using a total bit rate (S) of a first stream and a total target bit rate (T) of a second stream. The function appropriately represents a relation between the bit rate ratio and the quantization step conversion factor in coding conversion but has a large rate of variation in an area where the bit rate ratio is about 0.5. The function has a small rate of variation and can suppress a significant variation of the quantization step conversion value. |
| US08615038B2 |
Video coding, decoding and hypothetical reference decoder
An encoder comprising an input for inputting video signal to be encoded to form an encoded video signal comprising pictures of at least a first coded video sequence and a second coded video sequence, a hypothetical decoder for hypothetically decoding encoded video signal, an encoded picture buffer, and a decoded picture buffer, and a definer for defining a parameter indicative of the temporal difference between the last picture of the first coded video sequence and the first picture of the second coded video sequence in output/display order. |
| US08615034B2 |
Method for analyzing random telegraph signal and threshold level determination method therefor
A method for analyzing a random telegraph signal according to the present invention includes the steps of: performing band-pass filter processing with respect to signal data; subsequently calculating a histogram; subsequently performing threshold determination processing; further performing, based on a result of the threshold determination, binarization processing with respect to the filtered signal data; and further obtaining, based on a result of the binarization, coefficients τ. |
| US08615033B2 |
Data transmission rate adaptation in a wireless communication system
A method for controlling a transmission rate of at least one transceiver, the transceiver including a transmitter and a receiver, includes: determining a signal quality characteristic corresponding to a signal received at the receiver by measuring a difference between one or more reference constellation points and one or more received constellation points, and modifying a transmission rate of the transmitter over a wireless communication channel as a function of the signal quality characteristic. The step of modifying the transmission rate over the wireless communication channel includes: determining lower and upper threshold levels representing reference minimum and maximum signal quality characteristics, respectively, corresponding to the transmission rate; maintaining the transmission rate when the measured signal quality characteristic is between the lower and upper threshold levels; and increasing the transmission rate when the signal quality characteristic is less than one or more lower threshold levels associated with one or more corresponding higher transmission rates. |
| US08615028B1 |
Vertically integrated optical phased array with pseudo-random array architecture
A vertically integrated optical phased array has an array of a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers disposed in an aperiodic arrangement thereof, the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers having light emitting ports disposed parallel to one another. An array of a plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators disposed in the same aperiodic arrangement as the array of the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, with individual modulators of said array of a plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators each being disposed in optical alignment with an injection port of a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. An array of a plurality of laser ports, fed by a master laser, are disposed in the same aperiodic arrangement as the array of the plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, the master laser providing, in use, injection beamlets, each injection beamlet, in use, injection locking a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers via a corresponding one of said plurality of vertical cavity phase modulators. |
| US08615023B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in communication system
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data using a low-density parity check (LDPC) coding scheme in a communication system. The method includes generating a multi-user data packet containing data to be transmitted to a plurality of users, encoding the multi-user data packet as a BCC and an LDPC code, and transmitting the encoded multi-user data packet to the plurality of users. In the method, the encoding of the multi-user data packet encodes MPDU subframes corresponding to each of the plurality of users in the multi-user data packet as the LDPC code, and calculates information on a length in LDPC encoding, corresponding to the encoding of the multi-user data packet as the LDPC code. |
| US08615020B2 |
Method and system for adaptively obtaining bandwidth allocation requests
A method and apparatus for adaptively obtaining bandwidth requests in a broadband wireless communication system. The method and apparatus includes dynamically varying technique combinations enabling a plurality of users to efficiently request bandwidth from a shared base station. A user may “piggyback” a new bandwidth request upon, or set a “poll-me bit” within, presently allocated bandwidth. A base station may poll users, individually or in groups, by allocating unrequested bandwidth for new requests. Polling may respond to a “poll-me bit,” and/or it may be adaptively periodic at a rate based on communication status parameters, such as recent communication activity and connection QoS levels Group polling permits a possibility of collisions. Polling policies may be established for dynamically varying user groups, or may be determined for each user. Dynamic selection of appropriate polling techniques makes use of efficiency benefits associated with each technique. |
| US08615018B2 |
Method and system for dynamically determining when to train ethernet link partners to support energy efficient ethernet networks
Training, refreshing and/or updating Ethernet link partners for silent channels and/or silent directions of channels may be determined based on control parameters. This may be used to improve energy efficiency in Ethernet communication. Control parameters may comprise a default value and/or may be determined based on prior training, refreshing and/or updating. New values for the control parameters may be generated based on a magnitude of change between current and prior control parameter values or based on performance such as bit error rate. User input may be utilized to determine when to execute the training, refreshing and/or updating. The training, refreshing and/or updating may be done for one or more of a near-end crosstalk canceller, alien near-end crosstalk canceller, far-end crosstalk canceller, alien far-end crosstalk canceller and echo canceller. After the training, refreshing and/or updating, the silent channels may transition to active and/or may remain silent. |
| US08615017B2 |
Proxy mobile IPv6 support in residential networks
Apparatus for providing a gateway between a residential network and a Wide Area Network including a packet core network of a cellular telecommunication system. The apparatus comprises an IP router for routing IP packets between a user equipment attached to the residential network, and said Wide Area Network. A detector is employed to detect attachment of user equipment to said packet core network, while a tunnel establishment unit is configured, upon detection of attachment of a user equipment to said packet core network by said detector, to establish an IP packet tunnel between itself and a Broadband Network Gateway of said packet core network. Thereafter, said IP router is configured to route IP packets to and from the attached user equipment via said IP tunnel. |
| US08615011B2 |
Method of routing a packet
The invention concerns a method of routing a packet in a packet switching network, and a corresponding router (50). A new or an obsolete entry in a routing table is detected. A timer is started. A packet filter is configured having a pass probability which is an increasing or decreasing function of the timer whereby said function is increasing if the detected entry is a new entry and decreasing if the detected entry is an obsolete entry. An incoming packet which matches the detected entry is detected. The detected packet is filtered with the packet filter. If the detected packet passes the packet filter, the detected packet is routed in accordance with the detected entry. If the detected packet does not pass the packet filter, the detected packet is routed in accordance with another entry of the routing table. |
| US08615010B1 |
System and method for managing traffic to a probe
A system and method is directed to routing a packet over a network to a probe. The system includes a replicator and a distributor. The replicator receives a packet from a client and replicates the packet. The distributor is either out-of-band or in-band to a flow of traffic between the client and a server. In the out-of-band configuration, the distributor forwards the replicate packet to at least one probe in a plurality of probes. The distributor receives a response to the replicate packet and transforms a source MAC address in the response to a MAC address of the distributor. The distributor forwards the transformed packet. The replicator forwards the original packet. In the in-band configuration, the distributor selects and forwards the original packet to a server using a first forwarding mechanism, and selects and forwards the replicate packet to a probe using a second forwarding mechanism. |
| US08615006B2 |
Systems and methods for reconfiguration of a circuit switched ring to a packet switched ring
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for reconfiguration of a circuit-switched ring network to a packet-switched ring network is provided. The method may include, for each adjacent pair of network elements in a network bridging traffic between the pair of network elements via a second path other than a first circuit switched-based path directly coupling the pair. The method may also include provisioning packet switched-based network interfaces on each of the pair of network elements. The method may additionally include establishing a packet switched-based path directly between the packet switched-based network interfaces. The method may further include switching traffic from the first path to the packet switched-based path. |
| US08615003B1 |
Method and apparatus for handling network element timeouts in a packet-switched communication network
Method and apparatus for handling timeouts in a packet-switched communication network is described. In one example, at least one timeout condition of a network element is identifies in the packet-switched communication network. Packet delay is determined in a transport network of the packet-switched communication network in response to the at least one timeout condition. The packet delay is compared to a threshold packet delay. A timeout parameter of the network element is automatically adjusted if the packet delay satisfies the threshold packet delay. |
| US08615002B2 |
Method and apparatus for radio link synchronization and power control in cell—fach and idle mode
A method and apparatus for radio link synchronization and power control in CELL_FACH state and idle mode are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) transmits a random access channel (RACH) preamble and receives an acquisition indicator acknowledging the RACH preamble via an acquisition indicator channel (AICH) and an index to an enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) resource. The WTRU determines a start of an E-DCH frame. An F-DPCH timing offset is defined with respect to one of the RACH access slot and an AICH access slot carrying the acquisition indicator. A relative F-DPCH timing offset may be signaled to the WTRU and the WTRU may determine a start of an E-DCH frame based on the relative F-DPCH timing offset and timing of an AICH access slot including the acquisition indicator. The WTRU may transmit a dedicated physical control channel (DPCCH) power control preamble before starting an E-DCH transmission. |
| US08614996B1 |
Predictive personality negotiation during session negotiation
Methods and systems are provided for implementing predictive personality negotiation during session negotiation. In an embodiment, an EV-DO access node negotiates a first session with an access terminal, which involves negotiating a comprehensive set of personalities with the access terminal for the first session. The access node then records a list of personalities actually used by the access terminal during the first session. That list is a subset of the comprehensive set. The access node then negotiates a second session with the access terminal, which involves negotiating only that subset of personalities with the access terminal for the second session. |
| US08614995B2 |
Method for communication transmission
A method for communication transmission includes the steps of: performing sub-frame transmission in accordance with a first communication standard and pausing sub-frame transmission in accordance with a second communication standard in a first communication period; performing a sub-frame uplink operation in accordance with the second communication standard and pausing a sub-frame uplink operation in accordance with the first communication standard in a second communication period; and performing a sub-frame downlink operation in accordance with the second communication standard and pausing a sub-frame downlink operation in accordance with the first communication standard in a third communication period. The transmission band of the first communication standard overlaps, at least partially, the transmission band of the second communication standard. |
| US08614994B2 |
Method and system for implementing multiple timing domains for primary and secondary synchronization detection in EUTRA/LTE
A mobile device receives a signal, from a base station, comprising a primary synchronization sequence (PSS) and a secondary synchronization sequence (SSS). The mobile device utilizes two different sampling rates to perform the PSS synchronization and the SSS detection individually. For example, the mobile device synchronizes to the received PSS at a first sampling rate such as 0.96 MHz, which is determined based on the PSS transmission rate and/or the length of the received PSS. The mobile device detects the received SSS at a second sampling rate such as 1.92 MHz, which equals to the sampling rate for an analog-to-digital conversion at the mobile device. The received PSS and associated symbol timing are detected through the PSS synchronization to support the SSS detection. The detected SSS is used to acquire cell-specific parameters such as cell ID. The acquired cell-specific parameters ensure proper communications between the mobile device and the base station. |
| US08614993B2 |
User terminal apparatus and base station apparatus
A user terminal apparatus that transmits to a base station apparatus a pilot channel at least in uplink by a single carrier method is provided with a mapping portion that maps transmission data to a long block of a sub-frame composed of plural short blocks and plural of the long blocks, and maps a pilot channel for demodulating a data channel and a pilot channel for measuring a CQI to the short blocks in accordance with a transmission band and a transmission method provided by notification from the base station. |
| US08614992B1 |
Dynamically reconfigurable receiver
Aspects of the disclosure describe a cellular transceiver that can include multiple diversity branch receivers that receive a transmitted signal from a base station (BS). The cellular transceiver can include 1) a windup detector that can detect a low windup condition and 2) a receiver selector that can modify a number of active diversity branch receivers when the low windup condition is detected. |
| US08614991B2 |
Wireless communication apparatus and communication apparatus
There is a problem that, if a silent period is generated to a real-time application such as VoIP due to handover using BBM method, a user has a sense of anxiety and misunderstands that communication is completely disconnected. If the silent period is generated to the real-time application such as VoIP due to packet loss at handover, a terminal activates handover alarm (beep sound, for example), indicating that handover is in progress, during the silent period. Thereby, it notifies the user that the silent period is caused by handover and prevents user's misunderstanding that communication is completely disconnected. |
| US08614990B1 |
Wireless device handoff based upon dynamic factors
What is disclosed is a method of coordinating a handoff of a wireless communication device from a first access node to a second access node. The method includes monitoring a signal strength level at the wireless communication device for wireless communications transferred from each of the first access node and the second access node. The method also includes determining a loading factor of the first access node, a loading factor of the second access node, a mobility factor of the wireless communication device, and an application type of user communications between the wireless communication device and the first access node, and processing the loading factor of the first access node, the loading factor of the second access node, the mobility factor, and the application type to determine a handoff threshold. The method also includes coordinating the handoff of the wireless communication device from the first access node to the second access node based on the handoff threshold, wherein the handoff is initiated when a difference between the signal strength levels reaches the handoff threshold. |
| US08614989B2 |
Predictive roaming between subnets
A network device of a subnet determines predictive roaming information for a wireless client. Predictive roaming information can identify the wireless client and a home network subnet of the wireless client. The network device provides predictive roaming information associated with a wireless client to neighboring subnets. Neighboring subnets store received predictive roaming information, and use the predictive roaming information if the wireless client roams to them. |
| US08614985B2 |
Method and apparatus for sharing a group resource in a wireless SDMA system
A method and apparatus of signaling radio resource allocation in a wireless communication system includes establishing groups of mobile stations which monitor a shared group scheduling bitmap; transmitting a group scheduling bitmap to the mobile stations, wherein the group scheduling bitmap contains a mobile station presence bitmap and an SDMA bitmap, wherein the SDMA bitmap is used to divide the group members into two or more subgroups; and transmitting packets to the mobile stations or receiving packets from the mobile stations using the radio resource which is derived from the value indicated in the group scheduling bitmap. |
| US08614984B2 |
Method and device for efficiently transmitting precoded reference signal in radio communication system
The present invention relates to a radio communication system and more particularly, a method and a device for efficiently transmitting precoded reference signals. The method for transmitting reference signals in multiple antenna transmission, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: determining a precoding vector for each of M layers (M≧3; M is a natural number); precoding a reference signal for each of the M layers in accordance with said precoding vector; multiplexing the precoded reference signals for N layers (N |
| US08614971B2 |
Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving control information for supporting multimedia broadcast/multicast service
A mobile communication system supporting an MBMS service includes a Node B having a plurality of transport channels and at least one UE communicating with the Node B. The Node B selects a transport channel for MBMS control information among a plurality of transport channels mapped to a secondary common control physical channel; transmits a system information block indicating the selected transport channel to a cell area where UEs are located, using a primary common control physical channel; and transmits the MBMS control information to the cell area using the selected transport channel. The UE receives a system information block indicating a transport channel selected to transmit MBMS control information among a plurality of transport channels mapped to a secondary common control physical channel, over a primary common control physical channel; receives the MBMS control information over the selected transport channel among the plurality of the transport channels, using the system information block; and receives the MBMS service using the MBMS control information. |
| US08614962B2 |
Communication device, communication method, and program
There is provided a communication device including a communication state determination section which determines a communication state corresponding to a transmission rate demanded from a simulation engine based on a transmission rate and a state of communication at the transmission rate between a first communication state measurement device and a second communication state measurement device via a real network, a traffic generation section which generates traffic by creating data based on the communication state determined by the communication state determination section, a protocol processing section which creates a packet including the data created by the traffic generation section, and a communication section which transmits the packet created by the protocol processing section to another communication device. |
| US08614961B1 |
Efficient communication over a shared medium
In one aspect, in general, the present application features a method for communicating among stations in a network. The method includes modulating a payload to be included in a transmission over the network. In some implementations, the transmission is transmitted by a transmitting station and received by one or more receiving stations. The method further includes determining overhead information to be included in the transmission and determining whether at least some of the overhead information is intended for stations other than the one or more receiving stations. In some implementations, the overhead information is associated with encoding or modulation of information in the payload or with a communication protocol used by the stations in the network. The method also includes modulating the overhead information based on whether at least some of the overhead information is intended for stations other than the one or more receiving stations. |
| US08614959B1 |
Method and apparatus for certifying a signal message in a communications network
A method and apparatus for testing a message set in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, a change in the communications network is initially detected. Communication between a customer premise equipment (CPE) and at least one border element in the communication network is subsequently established. Afterwards, a test suite is executed to simultaneously certify that a message set employing a plurality of protocols supported by the communication network is supported by the at least one border element. |
| US08614955B2 |
Misdirected packet detection apparatus and method
There are disclosed methods and a packet receiver for testing a network. A packet may be received from the network at a port unit. The port unit may ignore the received packet if the received packet does not contain a valid test signature. When the received packet contains a valid test signature, the port unit may determine if the port unit is an expected destination for the received packet. When the port unit is not an expected destination for the received packet, a misdirected packet counter may be incremented. When the port unit is an expected destination for the received packet, test data may be extracted from the received packet. |
| US08614954B2 |
Network path identification
A method is implemented in a network that comprises a plurality of ports and an indicator associated with each port. The method comprises forming a frame. The frame passes through the network. The frame causes indicators of multiple ports to illuminate to provide an indication of a path through the network Each of the ports remain illuminated for at least a period of time after the frame passes through each such port to enable a person to concurrently visualize all of the ports comprising the path. |
| US08614953B2 |
Method for monitoring and reporting events by media gateways
A method for monitoring and reporting events by media gateways, including: presetting events in the media gateways; the media gateways monitoring the preset events and reporting the monitoring result to a media gateway controller during operation. The events may include: off-hook, on-hook, dialing, hook flash, network fault, quality alarm, and timer timeout, etc. By presetting events in the media gateways, the problem of system resulted from the fact that the media gateways can not obtain events issued from the media gateway controller due to various reasons can be avoided through presetting events in the media gateway and then monitoring and reporting the events by the media gateway automatically after the media gateways are started up. Thereby, system stability can be improved. |
| US08614950B2 |
Load balancing hash computation for network switches
Techniques to load balance traffic in a communication network include a network switch or device having an interface to receive a data unit or packet. The network device includes a hash value generator configured to generate a symmetric key from an initial key that is based on the packet, and configured to generate a hash value based on the symmetric key and the packet. The hash value may be optionally modified to load balance egress traffic of the network device. The network device selects an egress link or port, such as by determining an index into an egress table based on the (modified) hash value. The techniques described herein allow packets or data units of a particular flow to travel in both directions along a same path through the communication network. |
| US08614949B2 |
System and method for wireless network congestion control
Congestion control provides congestion control for one or more shared resources in a wireless communication network. In one exemplary embodiment, a congestion controller manages congestion of shared packet data channels by under-serving selected ones of the data connections sharing the packet data channel. Such selective under-serving may be effected by biasing scheduling of service on the packet data channel toward maximum throughput scheduling such that connections associated with poor radio conditions are naturally under-served. Further, the controller may manage congestion of other shared resources, such as shared transmit power resources, wherein congestion of the shared power resource is managed by under-allocating transmit power to selected ones of the connections. Congestion is sensed, for example, by monitoring transmit buffer occupancy levels, and/or reserve power levels. In either case, congestion relief may be amplified where operation of the controller “triggers” flow control on the intentionally under-served ones of the active data connections. |
| US08614948B2 |
Data transmission method, data reception method and apparatuses thereof
Disclosed is a data transmission method, data reception method and apparatus. The data transmission method comprises steps of: determining whether a plurality of PDCP PDUs are consecutive; mapping the plurality of PDCP PDUs to one RLC PDU when the plurality of PDCP PDUs are consecutive, wherein a PDCP SN of a first PDCP PDU among the plurality of PDCP PDUs is reserved, while PDCP SNs of the remaining PDCP PDUs are removed; and setting a flag bit in a RLC PDU's header as a first preset value to indicate that the plurality of PDCP PDUs are consecutive. With the methods and apparatus according to the present invention, radio resource in the mobile wireless communication systems can be saved since transmission of redundant information may be reduced. |
| US08614945B2 |
Dynamic service level allocation system and method
A dynamic service level allocation system and method is disclosed in which a host, who has been allocated a bandwidth in which it can communicate with a satellite, shares this bandwidth with a user at the intermediate frequency level. The system includes a control module and a synchronization module that interact with the network operation center (NOC) of the host to adjust bandwidth and service level requirements of the host and user so that the bandwidth required by the user can be granted while maintaining the service level required by the host. The allocation of bandwidth between the user and host is done dynamically to accommodate the changing requirements of the user and the host. |
| US08614944B2 |
Fault-tolerant system for data transmission in a passenger aircraft
A transmission system for transmitting communications data from at least one data source to a plurality of terminals via a distributor, includes terminals connected in series in a terminal chain, via an input port and an output port. The first and last terminals in the chain are directly interconnected with a shunt connection in such a way that the communications data in the chain of terminals is transmitted from terminal to terminal, between the first and the last terminals of the chain if all the terminals are interconnected, and, if the connection between the terminals in the terminal chain is interrupted, the communications data from the first terminal of the chain of terminals is transmitted in the terminal chain up to the inactive terminal and the communications data from the last terminal is transmitted in the terminal chain up to the inactive terminal. |
| US08614943B2 |
Method and apparatus for protecting subscriber access network
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method and an apparatus for protecting a subscriber access network, and relate to the field of communications. The method includes: connecting a Broadband Network Gateway BNG device and N predetermined Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers DSLAMs to an aggregation device AGG; allocating an active BNG interface for each of the N DSLAMs, allocating a standby BNG interface set for the N DSLAMs to obtain a backup relationship, and sending the backup relationship to the AGG (102); and backing up subscriber data on the DSLAMs to the standby BNG interface set, so that when an active BNG interface fails, the AGG switches subscribers on a DSLAM served by the failed active BNG interface to a standby BNG interface in the standby BNG interface set. |
| US08614941B2 |
Hitless switchover from active TCP application to standby TCP application
Embodiments of the invention include a method for maintaining an active-standby relationship between an active control card and a standby control card in a network element. The network element receives a data from a remote peer at the active control card. The network element communicates data from the active TCP module to an active application module in the active control card. The network element communicates synchronization data from the active application module to a standby application module on the standby control card. The network element communicates an application synchronization acknowledgement from the standby application module to the active APP module. The network element communicates an application acknowledgment packet from the active application module to the active TCP module responsive to receiving the application synchronization acknowledgment. The network element then communicates an acknowledgement to the remote peer responsive to the application acknowledgement. |
| US08614937B2 |
Optical information recording device and method
In an optical information recording device and optical information recording method for angularly multiplexing and recording data on pages on the same recording region on a hologram disk, data on each page is sequentially generated by sequentially dividing input data in predetermined units, the pages to be recorded on the same recording region are divided into page groups so that pages to be recorded adjacently by the angular multiplexing may not belong to the same group, each page group is individually subjected to inter-page coding processing for computing an error-correcting code and adding the computed error-correcting code, and data on the pages subjected to the inter-page coding processing is angularly multiplexed and recorded on the hologram disk. |
| US08614930B2 |
System and method for seismic data modeling and migration
A system and computer-implemented method for accounting for temporal dispersion in low-order finite difference seismic wave propagation is disclosed. An embodiment of the method includes transforming a seismic dataset from time domain to frequency domain to obtain a frequency-domain seismic dataset, applying a frequency-domain time varying filter to the frequency-domain seismic dataset to obtain a filtered frequency-domain seismic dataset, and transforming the filtered frequency-domain seismic dataset from the frequency domain to the time domain to obtain a time-domain filtered seismic dataset. The frequency-domain time varying filter is based on the effective phase velocity inherent in a finite-difference solution to the wave equation. The frequency-domain time varying filter may be applied to a synthetic seismic dataset that was generated by low-order finite difference modeling. A different frequency-domain time varying filter may be applied to recorded seismic data prior to reverse time migration. |
| US08614929B2 |
Method for interpreting repetitive seismic data considering seismic frequency band in the evaluation of pore pressures
A method for exploiting underground porous media via injection or production of a fluid is disclosed, wherein repetitive seismic records are interpreted taking into consideration the seismic frequency band in the evaluation of pore pressures. After inversion of 4D seismic data, at least two sets of seismic speeds are available which correspond to different moments in time. A Hertz-type power-law is then used to evaluate pore pressures, wherein the Hertz coefficient is determined using laboratory ultrasound or sonic measures. Then the coefficients are adjusted using a measurement of the attenuation of the ultrasound or sonic waves. Fluid flow is then monitored within the porous media by determining whether variation in seismic speed is due to the variation of pore pressure or to fluid substitution, using the adjusted Hertz equation. |
| US08614924B2 |
Non-volatile memory systems and methods
A high speed voltage mode sensing is provided for a digital multibit non-volatile memory integrated system. An embodiment has a local source follower stage followed by a high speed common source stage. Another embodiment has a local source follower stage followed by a high speed source follower stage. Another embodiment has a common source stage followed by a source follower. An auto zeroing scheme is used. A capacitor sensing scheme is used. Multilevel parallel operation is described. |
| US08614922B2 |
Semiconductor storage apparatus or semiconductor memory module
A semiconductor storage apparatus provides a large capacity phase-change memory possessing high speed operation, low electrical current, and high-reliability. During the period that a read-out start signal is activated in the memory region control circuit, and the block of pairs of sense-latch and write driver is performing the verify read in the upper section memory region, the write enable signals in the memory region control circuit are activated and the block of pairs of sense-latch and write driver performs rewrite operation of the data in the lower section memory region. This type of operation allows cancelling out the time required for the verify read and the time required for the time-division write operation by performing the verify read in one memory region, while performing time-division rewrite in other memory region, to achieve both higher reliability rewrite operation along with suppressing the rewrite operation peak electrical current. |
| US08614921B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a sense amplifier; bit lines coupled to the sense amplifier; memory cell transistors and dummy cell transistors coupled in parallel with the bit lines; and a current generating circuit that supplies a test current to current nodes. Either of the source and the drain of each of the dummy cell transistors is coupled to a bit line and the other is coupled to a current node. In a read operation test, the current generating circuit is activated and then the dummy cell transistors are turned on. The sense amplifier compares the test current passed through a bit line with a reference current and outputs output data corresponding to the result of the comparison. |
| US08614916B2 |
Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
A semiconductor device including a memory cell formed using a wide bandgap semiconductor, for example, an oxide semiconductor is provided. The semiconductor device includes a potential change circuit having a function of outputting a potential lower than a reference potential for reading data from the memory cell. With the use of the wide bandgap semiconductor, an off-state current of a transistor included in the memory cell can be sufficiently reduced, and the semiconductor device which can hold data for a long period can be provided. |
| US08614915B2 |
Offset non-volatile storage
A plurality of non-volatile storage elements on a common active layer are offset from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. This offsetting of non-volatile storage elements helps reduce interference from neighbor non-volatile storage elements. A method of manufacture is also described for fabricating the offset non-volatile storage elements. |
| US08614911B2 |
Energy-efficient row driver for programming phase change memory
A drive circuit and method for parallel programming a plurality of phase change memory (PCM) cells includes a first signal generator device for generating a slow ramping signal; an adiabatic computing element receives the slow ramping signal and responsively generates an output slow ramping signal in adiabatic fashion, the output slow ramping signal applied to the single wordline conductor associated with each PCM cell of the plurality of cells being programmed in a time interval. Each PCM cell of the plurality being programmed is connected to a respective bitline conductor. A second signal generator generates, during the time interval, one or more bitline signals for input to a respective bitline conductor of a respective PCM cell. A state of the applied slow ramping output signal and the one or more bitline signals during the time interval governs a programmed state of the PCM cell. |
| US08614909B1 |
Internal supply testing in memory devices configured for stacked arrangements
Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, ReRAMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal. |
| US08614905B2 |
Voltage converting apparatus and method for converting a voltage
A voltage converting apparatus includes a series connection of at least four switching elements each including at least one semiconductor device of turn-off type and a free-wheeling diode connected in anti-parallel therewith. The apparatus has a device configured to measure a parameter representative of the voltage across each free-wheeling diode when turned off and an arrangement configured to control the amount of charge stored in each diode at the moment the diode is turned-off by stopping to conduct depending upon the results of the measurement carried out by the device for controlling the voltage across the diode after turn-off thereof. |
| US08614903B2 |
Power conditioner for photovoltaic power generation
Power generated by a solar battery of thin-film type is stepped up to a predetermined DC voltage by a step-up chopper circuit, and the predetermined DC voltage is converted into three-phase AC power by an inverter circuit, and the three-phase AC power is supplied to an AC power supply system via an output DC voltage circuit. The solar battery is not grounded, and a negative electrode thereof has a floating capacitance between the negative electrode and the ground. The AC power supply system is configured by three-phase star-connection, and the neutral point is grounded. The output DC voltage circuit includes three batteries, and the batteries are provided, for the respective phases, between the AC power supply system and a sine wave filter connected to the AC output side of the inverter circuit. Therefore, it is possible to prevent acceleration of the deterioration of the solar battery. |
| US08614899B2 |
Field barrier structures within a conformal shield
In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures. |
| US08614898B2 |
Printed wiring board, electronic device, and printed wiring board manufacturing method
A printed wiring board includes an insulating resinous substrate having an aperture unit, a first terminal unit and a second terminal unit consisting of a conductor and formed on top of the resinous substrate, and a fuse unit that electrically couples the first terminal unit and the second terminal unit to each other. At least a part of the fuse unit is disposed over the aperture unit, and in addition, is covered by a porous inorganic covering material having insulating properties. |
| US08614895B2 |
Electronic device having easily assembling structure
An electronic device includes a housing and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus is received in the housing. The mounting apparatus includes a casing and an operating assembly. The casing includes a front wall defining a slot. The operating assembly is received in the casing, and includes a handle, an elastic member, and an operating plate. The handle is pivotably connected to the casing. A portion of the handle can extend out of the casing through the slot by rotating the handle. The elastic member provides an elastic force to rotate the handle to make the portion of the handle extend out of the casing. The operating plate is slidably connected to the front wall, and can cover the slot to limit the portion of the handle from extending out of the casing and uncover the slot to allow the portion of the handle from extending out of the casing. |
| US08614891B2 |
Power converting apparatus and reactor
A power converting apparatus includes a housing, a self-standing cable, and a grommet securing member. The housing includes a housing base, a main body, and an air duct. The housing base includes a through hole. The main body includes a plurality of electronic components on a first surface of the housing base. The air duct is disposed on a second surface of the housing base. The self-standing cable is disposed through the through hole so as to be wired between the main body and the air duct. The self-standing cable stands on itself in a direction approximately orthogonal to the housing base. The grommet securing member is disposed in the air duct or the main body so as to secure a grommet to the through hole. The grommet securing member is not integral with the housing base. |
| US08614890B2 |
Chassis extension module
A chassis extension module includes an extension housing structure and a support structure. The extension housing structure is to be attached to a housing structure of another module. Attachment of the extension housing structure to the housing structure of the other module expands an inner volume of an assembly. |
| US08614887B2 |
Portable electronic device and support mechanism thereof
An exemplary portable electronic device includes a housing defining an opening, an internal fixing element including a pair of protruding blocks and defining a groove in communication with the opening, and a support mechanism. The groove defines a stepped structure and includes a larger groove portion, and a smaller groove portion communicating with the larger groove portion. The support mechanism is slidably receivable in the housing, and includes a support and a slider defining a recess. The slider includes a connection portion received in the recess and a head set atop the connection portion. The connection portion abuts the pair of the protruding blocks when the slider is in a retracted position. The head is received in the larger groove portion and slidably resting on a step formed between the larger and smaller groove portions. The support includes a body and a board connected to one end of the body. |
| US08614886B1 |
Stand for converting laptop computer to desktop computer
The stand for converting a laptop computer to a desktop computer includes a base having a support column attached thereto. The support column has an attachment head that includes hanger devices for attachment to a rear surface of a computer cover that has been modified to receive the hanger devices. Thus, the laptop computer may optionally be used with or without the stand. |
| US08614885B2 |
Apparatus for storing a structure within an electronic device
An apparatus is disclosed that is adapted to reside in a bay of an electronic device having an interface adapted to engage a suitable structure. In an embodiment, the apparatus lacks the suitable connector to engage the device bay interface. Alternatively, the apparatus is adapted to reside in the bay of the electronic device and is configured to couple to only a portion of an electrical interface in the device bay such that the apparatus is charged when it resides in the device bay. In an additional embodiment, a game controller comprises first and second portions comprising respective interfaces and a hinge configured to enable the portions to move with respect to one another. |
| US08614884B2 |
Modular display device having at least one display unit
A display device includes a base seat unit and at least one first display unit. The first display unit includes a first casing module, a first display panel connected to the first casing module, a pair of first support rods, and a pair of second support rods. The first support rods are connectible to the base seat unit in an upright direction and in a horizontally spaced apart manner, and are used to support therebetween the first casing module in a horizontal state. The second support rods are longer than the first support rods, are connectible to the base seat unit in an upright direction and in a horizontally spaced apart manner, and are used to support therebetween the first casing module in a vertical state. |
| US08614877B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor
There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor including: a ceramic body; first and second internal electrodes provided within the ceramic body and including respective lead-out portions exposed to a first surface of the ceramic body and a third or fourth surface thereof connected to the first surface and having an overlapping area, the overlapping area being exposed to the first surface of the ceramic body; first and second external electrodes extended from the first surface of the ceramic body to the third or fourth surface thereof connected to the first surface and connected to the respective lead-out portions; and an insulation layer formed on the first surface of the ceramic body and the third and fourth surfaces thereof connected to the first surface. |
| US08614874B2 |
Biased MOSFET active bridge with active gate drive
A transistor active bridge circuit (100) including first and second field-effect transistors (102, 104) of a first channel type, and third and fourth field-effect transistors (106, 108) of a second channel type that is different from the first channel type. The transistor active bridge circuit also includes a plurality of gate drive circuits for the field-effect transistors. A set of voltage dividers (110/112, 114/116, 118/120, 122/124) and/or voltage clamping devices (126, 128, 130, 132) permit the circuit (100) to efficiently operate over a wider range of input voltages, without potential damage to the gate drive circuits. |
| US08614871B2 |
Battery system
A battery system is disclosed which includes: first and second battery blocks connected in parallel, each including a plurality of batteries connected in series; a battery state detector detecting voltages of the batteries in either of the second battery blocks. The number of the batteries in the second battery block is smaller than that of the first battery block. The battery state detector is installed integral with the second battery block. |
| US08614869B1 |
Apparatus, method, and system for integrating ground fault circuit interrupters in equipment-grounded high voltage systems
An apparatus, method, and system for providing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-type functionality for electrical systems that may experience leakage current, such as those used in outdoor sports lighting applications, and may benefit from mitigation of electrical shock hazards. The resulting system is such that an equipment-grounded electrical system, where the grounding system is actively monitored, in conjunction with the envisioned GFCI functionality, may comprise an electrical protection system whereby personal injury is minimized. |
| US08614862B1 |
Perpendicular magnetic recording media having a cap layer above a granular layer
In one general embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a ferromagnetic granular layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and having a granular structure; and a cap layer above said granular layer, the cap layer being a ferromagnetic continuous layer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, wherein, near a first side of said granular layer nearest the cap layer. Surfaces of the ferromagnetic grains of said granular layer facing the cap layer each have a domed shape defining undulations along the first side. Indentations in said ferromagnetic grains are filled by the oxide of the grain boundary in a vicinity of the first side of said granular layer. Undulations on a granular layer side of said cap layer are flatter than the undulations of the ferromagnetic grains on the first side of said granular layer. |
| US08614861B1 |
Magnetic recording head including a high-frequency oscillator and disk drive with the same
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording head includes a main pole configured to apply a recording magnetic field to a recording layer of a recording medium, and a high-frequency oscillator disposed adjacent to the main pole and near a air-bearing surface which faces the recording medium. The high-frequency oscillator includes a lower end surface located nearest to the air-bearing surface and an upper end surface located farthest from the air-bearing surface. A length of the lower end surface in a cross track direction is longer than a length of the upper end surface in the cross track direction. |
| US08614860B2 |
PMR head with integrated side shield (ISS)
A PMR head comprises a substrate, a magnetic pole formed over the substrate, the pole having a pole tip having a cross-sectional tapered shape wherein the pole tip is surrounded by a write gap layer, an integrated shield comprising side shields on the substrate laterally surrounding the pole tip and a trailing shield overlying the pole tip and integral with the side shields. |
| US08614858B2 |
Systems and methods for sync mark detection metric computation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a pattern detection circuit is discussed that includes a distance calculation circuit and a comparator circuit. The distance calculation circuit is operable to calculate a noise whitened distance between a reference signal and a received input to yield a comparison value. The comparator circuit is operable to compare the comparison value with a threshold value. |
| US08614855B2 |
Zoom lens
A zoom lens comprising sequentially from an object side a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power and formed by a cemented lens alone that includes a negative lens and a positive lens. The zoom lens zooms from a wide angle edge to a telephoto edge by moving the second lens group along an optical axis, from the object side toward the image plane side. The zoom lens performs focusing and corrects image plane variation accompanying zoom by moving the fourth lens group along the optical axis, and corrects image blur caused by minute vibrations by moving the entire fifth lens group in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis. |
| US08614853B2 |
Two-dimensional wavelength-beam-combining of lasers using first-order grating stack
A method and apparatus for two-dimensional wavelength beam combining of laser sources. In one example, an external cavity multi-wavelength laser includes an array of laser emitters each producing an optical beam having a specified wavelength, a grating stack comprising a plurality of first-order diffraction gratings arranged linearly in a first dimension, and a dispersive element. The laser further includes a cylindrical telescope that images the optical beams from the array of laser emitters onto the grating stack. A first cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams in a second dimension forming a first region of overlap at the grating stack. A second cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams from the grating stack in the first dimension forming a second region of overlap at the dispersive element. The dispersive element transmits a multi-wavelength output beam comprising the spatially overlapped optical beams from the array of laser emitters. |
| US08614849B2 |
Thermochromatic device and thermochromatic display apparatus
A thermochromatic device includes an insulating substrate, a back color layer, a color element, a heating element, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The back color layer is located on the insulating substrate. The color element is located on the back color layer and includes a transparence-changeable material. The transparence-changeable material performs a transformation between a transparent state and a nontransparent state at a phase change temperature. The heating element is located adjacent to the color element and includes a carbon nanotube structure. The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to the heating element. A thermochromatic display apparatus using the thermochromatic device is also related. |
| US08614847B2 |
Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. |
| US08614846B2 |
Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. |
| US08614843B2 |
Correction of optical elements by correction light irradiated in a flat manner
The disclosure relates to a correction light device for the irradiation of optical elements of an optical arrangement, in particular a lens, such a microlithography lens having a correction light, which include at least one correction light source and at least one mirror arrangement that deflects the light from the correction light source in the beam path to the optical element such that at least part of at least one surface of at least one optical element of the optical arrangement are irradiated in a locally and/or temporally variable fashion. The correction light strikes the surface of the optical element at a flat angle such that the obtuse angle between the optical axis of the optical arrangement at the location of the optical element and the correction light beam is less than or equal to 105°. |
| US08614841B2 |
Image-reader
In an image-reader, the first counter is configured to count a first count value based on a first clock. The second counter is configured to count a second count value based on a second clock. The first reading unit is configured to read a first surface of a document sheet based on the first count value. The second reading unit is configured to read a second surface of the document sheet based on the second count value. The second surface is opposite surface of the first surface. When the first count value reaches a prescribed first value, both the first counter value and the second count value are reset. |
| US08614839B2 |
Image reader, auto document feeder, and image forming apparatus capable of generating shading data
In an image reader, a reading member fixedly mounted in the image reader reads an image on a sheet conveyed into the image reader. A guide is disposed opposite the reading member to support the sheet with respect to the reading member. A guide moving member moves the guide with respect to the reading member in a main scanning direction in which the reading member reads the image on the sheet. A guide rotating member rotates the guide in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. A controller controls the reading member to scan different positions on the guide moved by the guide moving member and rotated by the guide rotating member to generate shading data. |
| US08614837B2 |
Image scanning device, image forming apparatus, and image scanning method
An image scanning device includes an image sensor obtaining an analog image signal; a variable gain amplifier amplifying the analog image signal; an analog-to-digital converter converting the amplified analog image signal into digital image data; a highest value detection unit detecting the highest value in the digital image data; and an amplifier gain setting unit setting an amplifier gain of the variable gain amplifier. The amplifier gain setting unit initially sets the amplifier gain of the variable gain amplifier such that the highest value in first digital image data of a reference image falls within a predetermined range, and if the highest value in second digital image data of the reference image obtained with the initially-set amplifier gain exceeds the predetermined range, the amplifier gain setting unit decreases the amplifier gain of the variable gain amplifier. |
| US08614836B2 |
Enhanced security printing of a layout template
A method for enhancing security printing of a layout template is disclosed. The method includes receiving the layout template, and acknowledging one or more constraints for the layout template. At least one unconstrained layout element of the layout template is varied, thereby generating a varied layout template. The varied layout template is printed and scanned. The method further includes determining a number of bits that can be encoded in the varied layout template, where the number of bits depends on the varying of the at least one unconstrained layout element. |
| US08614827B2 |
Image processing method
An image processing method determines a number of smoothing times Stime so that the number of times, at which the corrected tone values will be modified, increases as the amount of modification, by which the corrected tone values are required to be modified, increases; and modifies the corrected tone values by dividing the modification amount by the number of smoothing times Stime so that the actual printing characteristics R[i] predicted to be actually obtained approach the ideal characteristics T[i] in steps of the smoothing times Stime. Therefore, the image processing method can prevent an abrupt change in the characteristics of printed color density levels before and after the corrected tone values are modified, even when the modification amount of the corrected tone values is large. |
| US08614826B2 |
Positional data error correction
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for correcting systematic errors in positional data of electronic devices configured to navigate across a surface. An apparatus configured to correct positional errors may comprise one or more navigation sensors, and a position module configured to control the one or more navigation sensors to capture a plurality of navigational measurements and adjust the navigational measurements by one or more scaling factors to determine a translation path of the apparatus over a medium. The one or more scaling factors may be constructed by capturing a plurality of navigational measurements to determine a detected translation path of an apparatus, comparing an actual translation path of the apparatus to the detected translation path of the apparatus, and generating the one or more scaling factors based at least in part on a difference between the actual translation path and the detected translation path. Other embodiments also are described. |
| US08614819B2 |
Recording medium storing screen controlling program, delivery system and screen controlling method
A screen controlling program representing a sequence of instructions including outputting an acquisition request of a contents type, included in one or plural bibliographic information pieces which are defined in a storage destination of image data indicated by a storage information piece, to a document controlling server if the storage information is received from an image forming apparatus; generating, if the one or plural contents types are received from the document controlling server, selection screen data for selecting the received contents types; sending the generated selection screen data to the image forming apparatus; generating setup screen data for setting one or plural bibliographic information pieces included in the selected contents type if the selected contents type is received from the image forming apparatus; and sending the generated setup screen data to the image forming apparatus. |
| US08614818B2 |
Image processing apparatus
The present invention realizes an image processing apparatus including: a reading section to obtain image data by scanning a document, a document feeding section to deliver a plurality of pages of documents successively to the reading section, a detection section to detect a document group from the plurality of documents successively delivered by the document feeding section, a memory section to memorize the image data obtained by the reading section, an output section to output the image data, having been memorized by the memory section, in accordance with an output condition having been set, and a control section that is configured, in a case in which a plurality of document groups has been detected by the detection section, so as to receive an output condition for the image data, which has been memorized by the memory section, on the basis of a document group. |
| US08614815B2 |
Image forming device, image forming system, and image forming method for reducing the capacity of print data stored in a server
The present invention is to provide an image forming device, an image forming system, and an image forming method that provide greater convenience for users and minimize the capacity of print data to be stored in a server. The image forming device notifies a document information management server of “a deletion permitting instruction” of a document only when two conditions, i.e., “a record that a print job has been successfully completed” and “log out of a user”, are acquired. After inputting a print job into the image forming device, a print server notifies the document information management server of “information that a print job has been input to a printer”. The document information management server has a unit that performs a document deleting process only when two pieces of information, i.e., “the deletion permitting instruction” and “the information that a print job has been input to the printer”, are acquired. |
| US08614814B2 |
Image processing apparatus for controlling plural image outputting parts
An image processing apparatus includes plural image outputting parts, an image processing part configured to process image data to be output by the plural image outputting parts, plural software control parts configured to selectively control the plural image outputting parts, a user service selecting part configured to share the image processing part in a case of processing the image data to be output from the plural image outputting parts and select plural user services that selectively use the plural software control parts, and a request executing part configured to sequentially receive plural image process requests and plural output requests from the plural software control parts and execute the plural image process requests and the plural image output requests in an order in which the plural image process requests and the plural output requests are sequentially received. |
| US08614813B2 |
Relay server for print service and method of controlling same
File name data is transmitted from a mobile telephone to a relay server. The file specified by the file name data is read from a database and transmitted to a print service server. In response, a reservation code is transmitted from the print service server to the mobile telephone via the relay server. The user of the mobile telephone goes to a store where a printer has been installed and inputs the reservation code to the printer. The reservation code is transmitted from the printer to the print service server and the file corresponding to the reservation code is transmitted to and printed by the printer. Since the mobile telephone need only transmit the file name data in a case where printing is performed at the printer, data traffic through the mobile telephone is reduced. |
| US08614812B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method
An image forming apparatus that may include a communication interface unit to receive an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Paper Specification (XPS) file, a determination unit to determine whether printing options set for the received XPS file are supported by the image forming apparatus, and a user interface unit to display a message that a printing option set for the received XPS file is an unsupported printing option if the printing option is not supported by the image forming apparatus. |
| US08614810B2 |
Scanner
A scanner includes: an image data input unit to which an image data from a generating source is inputted; a generating source identification unit configured to identify the generating source of the image data inputted to the image data input unit; a selection unit configured to select an image forming apparatus to which the inputted image data is to be outputted from among a plurality of image forming apparatuses serving as output destinations to which the image data is capable of being outputted on the basis of the generating source identified by the generating source identification unit; and a converted data output unit configured to convert the image data inputted to the image data input unit into data having contents suitable for an output condition for an image of the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit and to output the converted image data to the image forming apparatus selected by the selection unit. |
| US08614808B2 |
Printed document identification
Techniques for printed document identification allow a user to more readily identify a printed document. The techniques may include receiving document data for printing a document and accessing information to identify the document for printing. Document data may relate to printed document properties, such as, for example, document appearance and document content. The document data and the accessed identifying information may be formatted to appropriately meet the requirements of the printer. Formatting the document data and the accessed identifying information for printing may include formatting a page for printing such that the page includes at least a portion of the document data and the accessed identifying information, and the accessed identifying information is between document margins and printer allowable margins. |
| US08614803B2 |
User interface of image forming apparatus with restricted editing function
A user interface which displays information regarding a job registered in an image forming apparatus includes a job information acquisition unit which acquires information regarding the job, an editing function selection unit which acquires selection of an editing function to the information regarding the job by a user, a job information editing unit which carries out the selected editing function to the information regarding the job, limiting the editing of a predetermined item of the information regarding the job, and a job information display unit which displays the edited job information. |
| US08614801B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method, and control program
An image forming apparatus receives a printing job from an information processing apparatus and prints the printing job, wherein confirmation printing to confirm the printed material of the printing job is instructed. If the sheet used with the confirmation print is a specialized sheet, printing is performed using the same type of sheet for the confirmation printing and the main printing. |
| US08614800B2 |
Image processing device displaying jobs in two areas of display
An image processing device is capable of executing a job that outputs image information to a destination. The image processing device includes a display, a first memory, a second memory, and a first display control unit. The first memory stores, as an uncompleted job, a job before execution. The second memory stores, as a completed job, the job after the uncompleted job has been executed. The first display control unit displays both the uncompleted job stored in the first memory and the completed job stored in the second memory on the display simultaneously. |
| US08614799B2 |
Memory paging
A method of paged memory management for a software process executing in a memory of a computer system, the software process having a first operating mode and a second operating mode, and the software process having associated memory page use information for determining a set of pages to be maintained in the memory. The method comprises recording the memory page use information to a data store as first operating mode memory page use information in response to a determination that the software process leaves the first operating mode, and retrieving the first operating mode memory page use information in response to a determination that the software process enters the first operating mode. |
| US08614797B2 |
Wafer orientation sensor
A wafer orientation sensor includes a laser source, a laser detector, and an evaluator. The laser source is configured to emit a laser beam in a direction of a wafer in an evaluation region of the wafer orientation sensor so that the laser beam is reflected at a main surface of the wafer resulting in a reflected laser beam. The laser detector is configured to receive the reflected laser beam at least when the wafer is within a tolerance range regarding the orientation of the wafer. The evaluator is configured to receive a beam reception information from the laser detector and to determine an orientation information based on the beam reception information. |
| US08614796B2 |
Measuring station for high-gloss surfaces
A method is disclosed for measuring a profile of a reflecting face of an end (2) of a pipe section. An electrical field is generated between the face and suspended particles (19) in the ambient air of the face. The particles (19) are attracted to the face by the electrical field and matt-finishing the face. The face is then sensed with a laser beam (16) and scattered light (17) is reflected by the face and measured by a sensor (11), thereby determining a face profile. |
| US08614794B2 |
System and apparatus for monitoring concentration of greenhouse gas
One or more embodiments of the present invention pertain to a system, method, and apparatus that accurately measures concentration of a greenhouse gas in narrow atmospheric columns above multiple sites utilizing a network of autonomous low-cost beacons that turn on for short unannounced time intervals and point to a receiving satellite. For example, each beacon can activate for short time intervals and transmit a laser beam at eye-safe low transmission power levels to a receiving satellite. The receiving satellite includes a sensor configured to receive the laser beam from one or more activated beacon and generate raw greenhouse gas concentration data based on measurement of the received laser beam intensity at selected wavelengths. |
| US08614790B2 |
Optical system and method for inspection of patterned samples
An optical inspection system for inspecting a patterned sample located in an inspection plane includes an illumination unit defining an illumination path, and a light collection unit defining a collection path, each path having a certain angular orientation with respect to the inspection plane. The illumination unit comprises an illumination mask located in a first spectral plane with respect to the inspection plane and the light collection unit comprises a collection mask located in a second spectral plane with respect to the inspection plane being conjugate to the first spectral plane. Arrangements of features of the first and second patterns are selected in accordance with a diffraction response from said patterned sample along a collection channel defined by the angular orientation of the illumination and collection paths. |
| US08614787B2 |
High throughput quantum efficiency combinatorial characterization tool and method for combinatorial solar test substrates
Simultaneous measurement of an internal quantum efficiency and an external quantum efficiency of a solar cell using an emitter that emits light; a three-way beam splitter that splits the light into solar cell light and reference light, wherein the solar cell light strikes the solar cell; a reference detector that detects the reference light; a reflectance detector that detects reflectance light, wherein the reflectance light comprises a portion of the solar cell light reflected off the solar cell; a source meter operatively coupled to the solar cell; a multiplexer operatively coupled to the solar cell, the reference detector, and the reflectance detector; and a computing device that simultaneously computes the internal quantum efficiency and the external quantum efficiency of the solar cell. |
| US08614784B2 |
Fluid handling structure, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method, involving gas supply
A fluid handling structure is provided for a lithographic apparatus having at a boundary between a space containing immersion fluid and a region external to the fluid handling structure, a plurality of openings arranged in a first line, a first gas knife device having an aperture in a second line, one or more openings in a third line and a second gas knife device having an aperture in a fourth line. |
| US08614775B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display
A backlight module is disclosed, comprising a light guide plate and light sources, where the light guide plate comprises lateral incident faces, an exit face that joins the lateral incident faces, and an underside that corresponds to the exit face. The light sources each comprises an emitting surface, is disposed near one side of one lateral incident face of the light guide plate, and corresponds to the lateral incident face of the light guide plate with the emitting surface. The backlight module further comprises diffusion strips, where the diffusion strips each is disposed in between one lateral incident face of the light guide plate and the emitting surface of the light source, and the light rays emitted from the emitting surface of the light source pass the diffusion strip and diffuse into the light guide plate. This invention further discloses a liquid crystal display. |
| US08614773B2 |
Liquid crystal display device having a pixel region with two TFT elements and two pixel electrodes each having slits extending in two directions wherein each of the two TFT elements is connected to a different video signal line
A liquid crystal display device having an active matrix display panel with pixel regions having two pixel electrodes and two TFT elements thereon. The two pixel electrodes are formed in each of the pixel regions, the two pixel electrodes are connected to different ones of the two TFT elements and one counter electrode is formed in each of the pixel regions, the counter electrode being formed between a layer of the pixel electrode and a first substrate. Each pixel electrode in the pixel regions has plural slits, the slits in each pixel electrode extending in two directions, and the slits extend in a direction which is not parallel to an extending direction of either of a video signal line or a scanning signal line formed on the first substrate. The two pixel electrodes in the pixel region have adjacent pixel electrode sides which are parallel to each other. |
| US08614770B2 |
Digital broadcast receiver and receiving method
An unreceivability detector (6) that, based on various information obtained from a signal received from a broadcasting station of a digital broadcast program being viewed/listened to, detects that the received signal of that broadcasting station is currently unreceivable and outputs an unreceivability notification, an affiliated station memory (8) that stores channel information of the program being viewed/listened to and channel information of a station affiliated with that broadcasting station, and a tuning control unit (7) that, when it receives an unreceivability notification from the unreceivability detector, retrieves the channel information of the affiliated station from the affiliated station memory (8) and permits the program of the affiliated station to be viewed/listened to, if it is currently in a receivable state, and outputs an instruction to make a channel search for an affiliated station if no affiliated station is stored in the affiliated station memory are provided. When the program being viewed/listened to becomes unviewable/unlistenable, the time during which program viewing/listening is interrupted can be shortened. |
| US08614767B2 |
Preview image display compensation based on environmental lighting conditions
An image capture device includes an image sensor for capturing image data of a scene, and a display screen for displaying a preview of the captured image of the scene. Additionally, the image capture device includes a photovoltaic solar cell for outputting electrical energy responsive to environmental lighting conditions. A control section determines whether the image capture device is or is not currently being used in a bright environment. Responsive to a determination that the image capture device is currently being used in a bright environment, the control section increases brightness of the display screen, and switches electrical energy outputted from the photovoltaic cell for use by the display screen. |
| US08614765B2 |
Image capturing apparatus, image capturing device, image capturing method, and program for phase difference detection
Provided is an image-capturing apparatus including: an image-capturing device where pixels covered with first filters blocking light other than light in a first wavelength range among wavelength ranges obtained by two-dividing a specific wavelength range and second filters blocking light other than light in a second wavelength range are disposed based on a predetermined rule; a light-blocking filter being detachably disposed in an optical path of subject light toward the image-capturing device and blocking the light in the first wavelength range; a focus-alignment determination unit performing focus-alignment determination through phase-difference detection based on a signal generated by the image-capturing device when the light-blocking filter is inserted into the optical path; an image-generation unit generating an image based on a signal generated by the image-capturing device; and a controller controlling insertion/detachment of the light-blocking filter with respect to the optical path based on necessity of the focus-alignment determination. |
| US08614763B2 |
Auto-focusing camera module
An auto-focusing camera module includes a lens module, an image sensor, a color separation unit, a controller, and a shape memory alloy. The lens module captures light signal of an object. The image sensor senses the light and forms an image. The color separation unit separates the image into red image, green image and blue image. The controller calculates MTF values of the image and determines a shooting distance between the lens module and the object. When the shooting distance is greater than a predetermined distance value, the controller processes the image according to the MTF values to compensate blurs of the image caused by out of focus; when the shooting distance is equal to or less than the predetermined distance value, the controller controls the shape memory alloy drive the lens module to an optimum focusing position for focus according to the MTF values. |
| US08614756B2 |
AD converting circuit, photoelectric converting apparatus, image pickup system, and driving method for AD converting circuit
An apparatus for acquiring an i-bit digital code by a first stage AD conversion and a j-bit digital code by a second stage AD conversion includes a comparing unit which compares a reference signal and an analog signal in the first stage AD conversion; and an amplifying unit for outputting an amplified residual signal acquired by amplifying a difference between the analog signal and an analog signal corresponding to the i-bit digital code. The comparing unit compares the amplified residual signal and the reference signal in the second stage AD conversion. |
| US08614755B2 |
Optical device and signal processor
A camera 200 comprises an image pickup element 107 which has imaging pixels performing a photoelectric conversion of an object image formed by a light beam emitted from an image pickup optical system and focus detection pixels performing a photoelectric conversion of two images formed by two divided light beams, a focus detector which obtains first and second pairs of image signals having optical base lengths different from each other from the focus detection pixels, a selector which selects one of the first and second pairs of image signals based on at least one correlation amount of the first and second pairs of image signals, and a calculator which calculates a defocus amount based on the selected pair of image signals. |
| US08614754B2 |
Method of operating a CMOS imager using color interpolation
An imager has first and second photosensitive sites and an interpolator located in a semiconductor substrate. The first photosensitive site is configured to receive light having a spectral component, and the second photosensitive site is configured to measure the level of the spectral component in light received by the second photosensitive site. The interpolator is configured to estimate the level of the spectral component in the light received by the first photosensitive site based on the measurement by the second photosensitive site. |
| US08614753B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating image file having object information
Provided are a method and an apparatus for generating an image file having information about an object. The method of generating the image file having the object information includes the operations of generating image data by taking a picture of the object; receiving the object information from the object through a network; and storing the object information in an image file together with the image data. Accordingly, when a photographing apparatus capable of perform wireless communications generates image data by taking a picture of an object having a wireless communication module, object information is received from the object through wireless communications and is stored together with image data. |
| US08614750B2 |
Apparatus and method for auto white balance control considering the effect of single tone image
An apparatus for auto white balance includes a histogram generation unit writing respective histograms of Cb values and Cr values with regard to pixels included in an input image frame, a single-tone determination unit comparing respective maximum values of the histograms of Cb values and Cr values with a first threshold value, and determining the input image frame as a single-tone image if at least one of the maximum values is higher than the first threshold value, and an auto white balance gain computation unit computing and an auto white balance gain by using color information of an input image frame and outputting the computed auto white balance gain, wherein if the input image frame is determined to be a single-tone image, the auto white balance gain computation unit outputs an auto white balance gain computed with respect to a previous input image frame. |
| US08614748B2 |
Imaging apparatus
For increasing a dynamic range, and for signal processing according the gain of an amplifying unit, an imaging apparatus comprises a pixel configured to generate a pixel signal by photoelectric conversion, an amplifying unit amplifying the pixel signal generated by the pixel using a plurality of gains and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the plurality of gains, a synthesizing unit selecting one of the plurality of pixel signals output by the amplifying unit in accordance with the size of the pixel signal output by the amplifying unit and outputting a signal based on the selected pixel signal, and a signal processing unit processing the signal output by the synthesizing unit in accordance with the gain of the amplifying unit corresponding to the pixel signal selected by the synthesizing unit. |
| US08614747B2 |
Composite image generating system, overlaying condition determining method, image processing apparatus, and image processing program
A mark which at least reflects or radiates invisible light of predetermined wavelength other than visible light is added in a space of the real world. A camera apparatus comprises image capturing means for capturing a real image in which an invisible-light image may be discriminating. An image processing apparatus, comprises: mark discriminating means for discriminating at least one condition of a position of image of mark in the captured real image, a orientation of the mark, and a distance from the mark to the image capturing means, and overlaying condition determining means for determining, in correspondence with the discriminated condition, a overlaying condition which is at least one of an overlaying position which is a position of the image of the virtual object overlaid on the captured real image in the real image, an orientation of the virtual object which the image of the virtual object indicates, and a distance from a view point of viewer, of the image of the virtual object. |
| US08614746B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method of noise reduction
An image processing apparatus including an image acquiring unit to acquire a first image including color information and a second image having a spectral band wider than that of the first image and a noise reduction unit to extract edge information from the second image and to reduce noise of the first image based on the extracted edge information. |
| US08614744B2 |
Area monitoring using prototypical tracks
A solution for monitoring an area includes using a region schema for the area. The region schema can include a set of prototypical tracks, each of which includes a start location, an end location, and a trajectory. The trajectory comprises an expected path an object will travel between the start location and the end location and can include variation information that defines an amount that an object can vary from the trajectory. The region schema can be generated by obtaining training object tracking data for the area for an initialization time period and evaluating the object tracking data to identify the set of prototypical tracks. While monitoring the area, monitored object tracking data is obtained for a monitored object in the area, and abnormal behavior of the monitored object is identified when the monitored object tracking data for the monitored object does not follow at least one of the set of prototypical tracks in the region schema. |
| US08614739B2 |
Apparatus and method for analyzing fluids in vessels and pipelines
Apparatus for analyzing fluid or surfaces within a pipeline or vessel includes a probe positioned to capture or record images through a viewing port of the pipeline/vessel and an illumination assembly arranged to illuminate the fluid/surfaces within the pipeline/vessel adjacent the port with visible, infrared or ultraviolet light of a predetermined wavelength or within a predetermined range of wavelengths. Depending upon the type of fluid, light or radiation of a particular wavelength may be required to capture an image of high contrast and clarity. Accordingly, an electronic controller communicates with the probe and the illumination assembly for automatically controlling operation thereof so that images are captured and recorded of the fluid illuminated with light of different predetermined wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths. An analyzing unit analyzes the images and identifies an image of greatest level of contrast or clarity and the wavelength or predetermined range of wavelengths of the light used to illuminate the fluid for the image of greatest level of contrast or clarity. A method is also disclosed. |
| US08614737B2 |
System and method for three-dimensional video capture workflow for dynamic rendering
There is provided a system and method for a three-dimensional video capture workflow for dynamic rendering. There is provided a method of generating three-dimensional video data comprising obtaining two-dimensional video data from a scene having a plurality of objects, identifying objects in the scene, obtaining relative positions of the plurality of objects, encoding the two-dimensional video data to generate encoded two-dimensional video data, generating relative positions metadata based on the relative positions of the plurality of objects, and providing a three-dimensional depth factor metadata for operation on the relative positions metadata. In this manner, existing two-dimensional workflows may be utilized in a cost effective manner, and end users may adjust the three-dimensional depth factor metadata to suit particular rendering environments or personal viewing preferences. |
| US08614736B2 |
Method and device for presenting reason prompt for video call failure
A method for presenting a reason prompt for a video call failure includes: acquiring, by a network-side entity, a value of reason for a video call failure determined by an originating switch, with which a calling terminal is communicated; determining a reason prompt corresponding to the value of the reason for the video call failure; and presenting the reason prompt to the calling terminal. An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a device for presenting a reason prompt for a video call failure and an originating switch apparatus. Reason prompts for video call failures can be updated dynamically at the network side, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of reason prompts for video call failures presented to a calling subscriber, and improving the experience of the subscriber. Meanwhile, the operator can update a reason prompts for a video call failure in time, and the flexibility in operation at the operator side is enhanced. |
| US08614726B2 |
Light scanning unit and electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same
A light scanning unit includes a light source unit to emit a plurality of light beams, a light deflector to deflect the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit in a sub-scanning direction, an incident optical system to allow the plurality of light beams emitted from the light source unit to be incident on different reflection surfaces of the light deflector, and an imaging optical system that allows a plurality of light beams that are deflected by the light deflector, to be imaged on different scanning surfaces, wherein the incident optical system includes at least one incident light path changing member that folds light paths of the plurality of light beams between the light source unit and the light deflector. |
| US08614722B2 |
Display device and driving method of the same
In a display using a time gradation method, as the number of the subframes in one frame period increases, the number of writings of video data to a pixel and the operating quantity of a driver circuit of the display increase so that power consumption increases. In a display device of the invention, one frame period is divided into n subframe periods using a display controller, the subframe periods are made to emit light or not, to express m-bit gradation by the total sum of lighting time in one frame period, and the number of subframe periods n provided in one frame period and the number of gradations m capable of being expressed are changed corresponding to each row arranged in matrix. |
| US08614715B2 |
Moving image file producing method, computer program product and electronic camera
A moving image file producing method includes: inputting an image material; inputting a scenario information; and producing a moving image file that contains the image material based on the scenario information. |
| US08614713B1 |
Computer implemented method to create a near real time well log
A computer implemented method to create a well log by forming an editable well log template, importing user information, continuously importing well sensor information, well event based observation data; well fluid testing data, scaling the imported data, forming scaled values, computing a microview log plot and a macroview log plot simultaneously using the scaled values; creating an executive dashboard, inserting real time well logging information into the executive dashboard as the well logging information is detected forming an executive dashboard, monitoring the well drilling using the executive dashboard while viewing both the macroview log plot and the microview log plot simultaneously on a real time basis enabling safety interpretations for drilling, geological interpretations for drilling, operational interpretations for drilling, and combinations of these interpretations, in real time. |
| US08614707B2 |
3D and real time electrical capacitance volume-tomography sensor design and image reconstruction
Dynamic three-dimensional image electrical capacitance tomography sensor system is disclosed. The technique generates, from the measured capacitance, a whole volume image of the region enclosed by the a geometrically three-dimensional capacitance sensor. A real time, three-dimensional imaging of a moving object or a real time volume imaging (i.e., four-dimensional (4D)) allows for a total interrogation scheme of the whole volume within the domain of an arbitrary shape of geometry to be implemented. The system comprises a 3D capacitance sensor, data acquisition electronics and the image reconstruction algorithm which enables the volume-image reconstruction. The electrode shape of the capacitance sensor can be rectangular, triangular, trapezium, or any shape to enclose a 3D section of the measuring domain and to distribute the electrical field intensity in three directions with equal sensitivity strength. The image reconstruction algorithm reconstructs simultaneously the image voxels in a three-dimensional array. The tomography sensor system may be multimodal. |
| US08614704B2 |
Method and apparatus for rendering 3D graphics data
A method and apparatus for rendering 3D graphics data. The method includes analyzing a characteristic of input 3D graphics data, reconstructing a rendering function based on the analyzed characteristic, and rendering the input 3D graphics data using the reconstructed rendering function. The characteristic of 3D graphics data to be rendered is analyzed and a rendering function is reconstructed only using code blocks corresponding to the analyzed characteristic, thereby minimizing the size of the rendering function. |
| US08614702B2 |
Display control/drive device and display system
A display control/drive device (a liquid crystal controller driver and a semiconductor integrated circuit for driving liquid crystals) which can serve to reduce peak currents and thereby restrain the occurrence of EMI is to be provided. In a liquid crystal display control/drive device in which image signals to be applied to signal lines of a color liquid crystal panel are generated in response to display image data that are received, image signals for pixels of the same color are divided into a plurality of groups. And during a period in which the substantial frame frequency can be reduced, the period of a line clock matching one horizontal period is extended to slightly stagger the output timing of image signals from one to another of the groups and the sequence of outputs from the different groups is periodically varied. |
| US08614700B2 |
Voltage level shifter
A voltage level shifter formed by single-typed transistors comprises two input terminals, two power supply terminals, a plurality of thin-film transistors, and an output terminal. Another voltage level shifter formed by single-typed transistors comprises two input terminals, an output terminal, two power supply terminals, two input units, a first thin-film transistor, a disable unit, a feedback unit, and a second thin-film transistor. The voltage level shifters are formed by single-typed TFTs. When integrating the voltage level shifters into a substrate of a TFT display, the manufacturing processes are simplified. Besides, power is saved. |
| US08614699B2 |
Display device and driving method of the same
A problem in that a light emitting element slightly emits light is solved by an off current of a thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element, thereby a display device which can perform a clear display by increasing contrast, and a driving method thereof are provided. When the thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element is turned off, a charge held in the capacitance of the light emitting element itself is discharged. Even when an off current is generated at the thin film transistor connected in series to the light emitting element, this off current charges this capacitance until the capacitance of the light emitting element itself holds a predetermined voltage again. Accordingly, the off current of the thin film transistor does not contribute to light emission. In this manner, a slight light emission of the light emitting element can be reduced. |
| US08614697B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus includes a timing controller which outputs image data, a data control signal and a first gate control signal, a data driving circuit which receives the image data and converts the image data into data voltages, a control signal converting circuit which delays the first gate control signal by a reference time period to convert the first gate control signal into a second gate control signal based on a reference signal, a gate driving circuit which outputs gate signals based on the second gate control signal, and a display panel which displays an image corresponding to the one line of the data voltages based on the gate signals. Each gate signal rises at a point in time delayed from a starting point of a corresponding horizontal scanning period by the reference time period and falls before an ending point of the corresponding horizontal scanning period. |
| US08614694B2 |
Touch screen system based on image recognition
A touch screen system includes a touch screen corresponding to a Descartes coordinate system XOY, a first image capturing unit, a second capturing unit, and a processing unit. The first image capturing unit and the second capturing unit are arranged at the periphery of the touch screen and are substantially perpendicular to each other. Both the two image capturing units include a camera and a housing, the camera is housed in the housing to take images, an optical axis of the lens of each camera is perpendicular to X or Y axis of the system XOY respectively for acquiring images including one touch point. The processing unit identifies a touched point on the touch screen and determines X and Y coordinates of the touched point in the system XOY and executing a function corresponding to the X and Y coordinates of the touched point. |
| US08614690B2 |
Touch sensor panel using dummy ground conductors
Methods and apparatus for correcting electrical noise coupling from a liquid crystal module to a plurality of sense elements disposed within a touch sensor panel, and for reducing errors in touch detection algorithms. Erroneous signal values detected by the sense elements may be corrected by utilizing a set of reference elements for detecting noise common to both the sense elements and the reference elements, and a correction module for effectively subtracting out the noise from the sensed values. Errors in touch detection algorithms may be reduced by providing a more uniform spacing between successive sense elements. In some embodiments, one or more dummy ground elements may be inserted between adjacent sense elements in order to reduce signal interference. |
| US08614684B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen, which includes a guarding pattern and a conductive strip pattern exposed from each other. The conductive strip pattern includes a plurality of first conductive strips provided with a driving signal and a plurality of second conductive strips for providing mutual capacitive coupling signals, and the guarding pattern is provided with a DC signal when driving signal is provided. In addition, when the driving signal is not provided and an approach or a touch of at least one external conductive object is detected, the conductive strip pattern or the guarding pattern is provided with a skin stimulated signal in response to the approach or the touch of the external conductive object. |
| US08614683B2 |
Touch sensitive input device having first and second display layers
An input device, especially for a vehicle, includes a first display for optical display of information, at least a second display arranged above the first display for optical display of information and a touchscreen arranged above the second display for entry of commands by touching an operating surface of the touchscreen. |
| US08614680B2 |
Touch substrate and touch display panel
A touch substrate including a substrate, a plurality of first sensing series, a plurality of second sensing series, a plurality of signal pads, a plurality of signal transmission lines, and a plurality of conductive patterns is provided. The substrate has an active region and a peripheral region located outside the active region. The first and the second sensing series are disposed on the substrate and located in the active region. The signal pads are disposed on the substrate and located at the peripheral region. The signal transmission lines are disposed on the substrate and located in the peripheral region, and connect the first sensing series and the second sensing series to the corresponding signal pads. Each signal transmission line includes a winding portion disposed adjacent to one corresponding signal pad. Each conductive pattern is disposed on one signal pad and extends above the winding portion of one signal transmission line. |
| US08614678B2 |
Mouse with rotatable operation module
A mouse with a rotatable operation module is provided. The mouse includes a mouse housing and the operation module. The mouse housing has a sidewall. A hollow portion is formed in the sidewall for installing the operation module. The operation module includes a positioning member, a rotary member and a signal generating module. By rotating the rotary member, the operation module is rotated accordingly. |
| US08614675B2 |
Automatic mode determination for an input device
Automatic mode determination for an input device is disclosed. Depending on conditions of the input device, the input device can transition from a first mode to a transition mode and/or a second mode. |
| US08614673B2 |
System and method for control based on face or hand gesture detection
System and method for control using face detection or hand gesture detection algorithms in a captured image. Based on the existence of a detected human face or a hand gesture in an image captured by a digital camera, a control signal is generated and provided to a device. The control may provide power or disconnect power supply to the device (or part of the device circuits). The location of the detected face in the image may be used to rotate a display screen to achieve a better line of sight with a viewing person. The difference between the location of the detected face and an optimum is the error to be corrected by rotating the display to the required angular position. A hand gesture detection can be used as a replacement to a remote control for to the controlled unit, such as a television set. |
| US08614670B2 |
Input device and data processing system
An input device includes a main body, a motion sensor unit and a coordinate conversion processing unit. The coordinate conversion processing unit configured to perform coordinate conversion processing based on a Y-axis acceleration and a Z-axis acceleration detected by the motion sensor unit with a first two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system being defined by a mutually orthogonal Y-axis and Z-axis in a first plane perpendicular to an X-axis coinciding with a pointing direction of the main body. The coordinate conversion processing unit is configured to convert the Y-axis angular velocity and the Z-axis angular velocity detected by the motion sensor unit to a U-axis angular velocity and a V-axis angular velocity, respectively, in a second two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system defined by a U-axis corresponding to a horizontal axis in the first plane and a V-axis perpendicular to the U-axis in the first plane. |
| US08614667B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating data signals
An ergonomic apparatus for generating data signals that may be indicative of alphanumeric characters for use with an electronic device or system such as a computer or electric typewriter, for example. The apparatus may be configured in accordance with ergonomic principles and use one or two hands to generate the data signals. The apparatus may include a set of domes that are shaped and contoured to conform to the shape of hands in a relaxed state and to distribute pressures across the splayed underside of the user's hand. Each dome may be capable of movement in a plurality of directions extending radially from a home position to generate the data signal or a portion of the data signal. The two-handed implementation disclosed utilizes input movements that enable keystroke actuation via only slight arm or hand movement, no finger movement being required. A keyboard layout may be used with the domes to associate movement of each dome with an alphanumeric layout of characters on a conventional keyboard such as a QWERTY keyboard layout. Dome movement may also be associated with the relative location of alphanumeric characters on an associated keyboard and the respective relative frequency of use of an alphanumeric character to be produced. Hand-held embodiments of the apparatus are provided that may be used with portable or other similar electronic devices. |
| US08614666B2 |
Sensing user input at display area edge
One or more sensors are disposed to sense user inputs in an active display area as well as user inputs in an extended area that is outside of the active display area. Data for user inputs, such as gestures, may include data from user inputs sensed in both the active display area and outside of the active display area. The user inputs can begin and/or end outside of the active display area. |
| US08614664B2 |
Multi-touch multi-dimensional mouse
A method for combining at least two touch signals in a computer system is disclosed. The method includes receiving touch signals from two touch pads and creating at least two touch signals having coordinates in the same coordinate system. Then, using these coordinates, a computer system generates a touch command message that is recognizable by a computer application program. Also disclosed is, a computer mouse having two touch pads disposed thereon. |
| US08614661B2 |
Shift register unit, gate driving device and liquid crystal display
The present invention provides a shift register unit, a gate driving device and a liquid crystal display, wherein the shift register unit includes five thin film transistors. The drain of a first thin film transistor is connected to a first clock signal input terminal; the drain of a third thin film transistor is connected to the first clock signal input terminal, the gate thereof is connected to the gate of the first thin film transistor, and the source thereof is connected to a second signal output terminal. The shift register unit, the gate driving device and the liquid crystal display provided by the present invention separate the gate driving signal and the control signal for controlling the next neighboring shift register unit from each other, which can solve the problem that the accuracy of the gate driving signal is low due to the delay accumulation. |
| US08614658B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A segmented-pixel liquid crystal display has a plurality of pixels of which each has three sub-pixels 10a-10c, namely one middle and two side sub-pixels, arranged next to one another in the column or row direction. The sub-pixels 10a-10c have different brightness levels when the pixel as a whole is in a given middle halftone state, and the middle sub-pixel 10a has the highest brightness level. This eliminates unnaturalness as is conventionally produced when an image with a straight border is displayed, and further improves the gamma characteristic. |
| US08614654B2 |
Crosstalk reduction in LCD panels
A display configured to reduce intra-pixel crosstalk is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor, a memory, and a display. The display may include a pixel array and associated driving circuitry. The display may be configured to balance charges induced on a gate line and on an adjacent common line of the pixel array in response to application of a first data voltage on a first data line, and to perform such balancing before applying a second data voltage to a second data line adjacent the first data line to reduce or eliminate intra-pixel crosstalk. Additional systems, devices, and methods relating to reducing intra-pixel crosstalk in a display are also disclosed. |
| US08614653B1 |
Electronic display device for special events
An electronic display device for special events includes a base structure with a riser extending therefrom. At an upper, distal end of the riser are a pair of transparent document display panels that are oriented and configured to resemble an open book. The display panels each include an open side edge for receiving photographs, documents and other tangible items related to the special event. On a front surface of the base structure is an LED screen for continuously displaying a scrolling, prerecorded text message. A user enters the desired text message using a keypad on a side of the base structure. |
| US08614649B2 |
Antenna and communication device including the same
An antenna includes a dielectric substrate and an antenna element. The antenna element includes a power feeding element and a reference potential element. The power feeding element includes a first conductive layer formed over the dielectric substrate, the first conductive layer extending in a first direction and having a first length along the first direction. The reference potential element includes a second conductive layer formed over the dielectric substrate, the second conductive layer extending in a second direction opposed to the first direction from a second position, the second point being apart by a first distance from a first position on an end of the first conductive layer, and a third conductive layer formed over the dielectric substrate, the third conductive element extending from the second point in the first direction apart by a second distance from the first conductive layer and having a third length along the first direction. |
| US08614645B2 |
Antenna module for a motor vehicle
An antenna module for a motor vehicle has a first antenna device having at least one antenna 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 for the exterior of the motor vehicle, which antenna is arranged in the external area of the motor vehicle, and a second antenna device having at least one antenna 25, 27, 29, 31 for the interior of the motor vehicle, which antenna is arranged in the interior of the motor vehicle, the first antenna device and second antenna device being electrically coupled to each other for the purpose of supplying electricity to the antenna devices. |
| US08614644B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting a receiving antenna from interference by a transmitting antenna
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for systems and methods for adaptively canceling interfering signals generated by a transmission antenna. Under one aspect, a system includes: an auxiliary antenna co-located with the main antenna, the auxiliary antenna configured to transmit an auxiliary signal to the victim antenna; a sensing antenna located on a line-of-sight path between the transmission antenna and the victim antenna, the sensing antenna configured to receive a composite of the interference and the auxiliary signal, and to output a first signal based on the received composite; a controller comprising an input coupled to the sensing antenna and configured to receive the first signal, the controller being configured to adjust at least one of an amplitude, a phase, a polarization, and a frequency characteristic of the auxiliary signal based on the first signal so as to reduce the composite of the interference and the auxiliary signal received by the sensing antenna. |
| US08614643B2 |
System and methods for antenna optimization for wireless broadband communication
A system and method for antenna optimization for wireless broadband communication is provided. Such an enhanced antenna array includes higher-gain antenna and lower-gain antenna. The beamforming antenna, both higher-gain and lower-gain, are designed to be able to transmit to and receive from another transceiver. The higher-gain antenna may be designed to form a more directional beam substantially closer to the horizon; whereas the lower-gain antenna is capable of forming a less directional beam at a distance further from the horizon. In both cases, the antenna may form their respective beams anywhere in the 360 degrees horizontally around the antenna array. The higher-gain antenna may include a coverage area from the horizon to a substantially acute angle from the horizon in the vertical direction. In contrast, the lower-gain antenna may have coverage from the substantially acute angle from the horizon to substantially vertical. The substantially acute angle may be approximately 10 degrees in some cases. In some cases the lower-gain antenna may include four elements. Likewise, in some embodiments, the higher-gain antenna may include four elements as well. |
| US08614641B2 |
Hybrid satellite positioning with prediction
A method of calculating two position fixes, using satellite positioning. The method comprises: using an RF front-end (12), receiving satellite positioning signals; using an analogue-to-digital converter (18), sampling the received signals to generate signal samples; using a processor (20), processing a first set of the samples as they are generated, to calculate a first position fix; storing information associated with the calculation in a memory (22); storing a second set of the samples, or ranging measurements derived from the second set of samples, in the memory (22) for later processing to calculate a second position fix; and later, processing the second set of samples to calculate the second position fix, wherein the calculation of the second position fix is assisted by the information associated with the calculation of the first position fix. Also disclosed are other related methods and apparatus. |
| US08614639B1 |
Integrator ramp generator with DAC and switched capacitors
A ramp generator includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), a sampling capacitor, an integrator circuit, a polarity reversing switch selectively coupling first and second outputs of the DAC to a first side of the sampling capacitor, a first switch coupling a second side of the sampling capacitor to a reference voltage source, and a second switch coupling the second side of the sampling capacitor to an input of the integrator circuit. |
| US08614635B2 |
Method for correcting amplitude and phase offsets in a sigma-delta modulator and sigma-delta modulator implementing said method
In a method for correcting amplitude and phase offsets in a sigma-delta modulator having a loop including an integrator with a filter and an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, and an adder-subtractor, an open-loop amplitude/phase frequency response of the modulator is estimated digitally. A phase offset value and an amplitude offset value are calculated by comparing the estimated open-loop amplitude/phase response with a reference amplitude/phase frequency response. The phase and gain offsets of the loop are then compensated for according to the estimated offset values. A sigma-delta modulator implements the method. |
| US08614634B2 |
8b/9b encoding for reducing crosstalk on a high speed parallel bus
Systems and methods for encoding/decoding a data word using an 8b/9b encoding scheme that eliminates two-aggressor crosstalk are disclosed. The 8b/9b encoding scheme enables a data word to be encoded using code words. Each of the valid code words does not include any three consecutive bits having a logic level of logic-high (i.e., ‘1’), and represent transition vectors for consecutive symbols transmitted over the high speed parallel bus. An encoder and corresponding decoder are disclosed for implementing the 8b/9b encoding scheme. In one embodiment, the encoder/decoder implements a modified Fibonacci sequence algorithm. In another embodiment, the encoder/decoder implements a look-up table. |
| US08614630B2 |
Fall detection using sensor fusion
A method and system for fall detection using sensor fusion are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises in response to any of first and second acceleration magnitude thresholds being satisfied, determining whether a height difference before and after impact of a fall satisfies a threshold and whether an angle threshold between an acceleration vector and a calibration vector is satisfied. In a second aspect, the system comprises a processing system and an application coupled to the processing system, wherein the application carries out the steps of the method. |
| US08614625B2 |
Adaptive media content scrubbing on a remote device
Systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling, from a mobile device, media content stored on the mobile device to a media client for presentation on a display device. Data can be provided from the mobile device to the media client for identifying the location of the media content and a playback time. Based on the data, the media client can obtain a portion of the media content associated with the playback time. Also, playback of the media content on the display device can be controlled by a user of the mobile device. |
| US08614623B2 |
Personal digital asset manager
Methods and apparatus for a Personal Digital Asset Manager are disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a miniature electronic device, which functions as a fully-powered personal computer, which stores digital files and content, and which communicates wirelessly with external input and output devices and a network such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the present invention may be carried in a pocket or purse, clipped on a belt or incorporated into a pair of glasses. |
| US08614619B2 |
Fuse holder, particularly for interlocked sockets and electrical apparatuses in general
A fuse holder, particularly for interlocked sockets and electrical apparatuses in general, includes a tray which is inserted in a seat and is adapted to accommodate a fuse. The tray is movable along a rectilinear path, having at least two positions: an active position, in which the fuse is active, and an extracted position, in which the fuse can be removed from the tray. The seat includes two elastic contact members which provide an electrical and mechanical connection of the fuse in the active position. |
| US08614616B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacture thereof
A semiconductor device, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a method for transmitting a signal are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor chip comprising a first coil, a second semiconductor chip comprising a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil, and an isolating intermediate layer between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. |
| US08614613B2 |
Transformer
A transformer includes a tank that is attached under a floor of a vehicle, the tank being for housing an iron core, a coil, and an insulating liquid, thereby immersing the iron core and the coil in the insulating liquid; and a cooling unit for air-cooling the insulating liquid that has flowed from tank and returning the insulating liquid to tank, the cooling unit including a plurality of pipes arranged to be spaced from one another such that a spacing in a region relatively closer to floor of the vehicle is greater than a spacing in a region relatively away from floor of the vehicle. |
| US08614611B2 |
Protective device having a thin construction
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring device that includes a front cover assembly having a front major surface. The front major surface includes a button disposed between first and second sets of receptacle openings. A test circuit is coupled to the button, and the button is coupled to an elongated switch actuator. The elongated switch actuator includes a first switch contact and a second switch contact which contact a first test circuit portion and a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position. The first switch contact contacts a first test circuit portion and the second switch contact contacts a second test circuit portion in the switch closed position, the first switch contact and the first test circuit portion forming a first air gap and the second switch contact and the second test circuit portion forming a second air gap in the switch open position. |
| US08614605B2 |
Gas cell unit, atomic oscillator and electronic apparatus
A gas cell unit has a gas cell, inside which gaseous metallic atoms are sealed a first heater that heats the gas cell, and a second heater that is provided to face the first heater via the gas cell and heats the gas cell. The heaters include a first heating resistor and a second heating resistor which are provided so as to face each other, are heated by electric current flow, and mutually offset the magnetic fields generated along with the electric current flow. |
| US08614604B2 |
Amplifier inductor sharing for inductive peaking
A method of sharing inductors for inductive peaking of an amplifier having at least two stages includes calculating a single stage inductance of a single stage of the at least two stages for inductive peaking in order to have a stable impulse response. A shared inductance is calculated for inductive peaking by dividing the single stage inductance by a number of stages of the at least two stages. At least two inductors having the shared inductance are shared among the at least two stages for inductive peaking. |
| US08614601B2 |
Power amplifier and operating method thereof
A power amplifier includes a first amplifier and a second amplifier which include large and small size elements. An RF input signal is amplified by the first and second amplifiers. An output of the first amplifier is connected to an input of a first output matching circuit. An output of the second amplifier is connected to an input of a second output matching circuit. An output of the second output matching circuit is connected to an RF signal output terminal. In a high power state, the RF input signal is amplified by the first amplifier. In a low power state, the RF input signal is amplified by the second amplifier. In amplification with low power and high frequency, reactances of the second output matching circuit are set at predetermined values. In amplification with low power and low frequency, the reactances of the second output matching circuit are set at larger values. |
| US08614600B2 |
Switch configuration for default-on N-way active splitters
An apparatus comprising an amplifier and a switch network. The amplifier may be configured to generate a plurality of output signals in response to an input signal. The switch network may be configured to provide (i) a first path when a power signal is not present and (ii) a second path when said power signal is present. The first path may activate a first of the plurality of output signals. The second path may activate all of the plurality of output signals. An impedance may be connected to the amplifier only when the first path is activated. |
| US08614598B2 |
Output circuit, system including output circuit, and method of controlling output circuit
An output circuit includes a first transistor coupled to an external terminal and having a gate terminal that receives a first drive signal. The first transistor pulls down a potential at the external terminal when activated in accordance with the first drive signal. The output circuit also includes a capacitor. The capacitor includes a first end coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. A clamp circuit, coupled to a second end of the capacitor, clamps the second end of the capacitor to a potential corresponding to the operation of the first transistor. The first transistor includes a drain terminal that is not coupled to the capacitor but is coupled to the external terminal. |
| US08614597B2 |
High linear voltage variable attenuator (VVA)
An apparatus comprising one or more series transistor network elements and a plurality of shunt circuits. The series transistor network may be configured to generate an output signal in response to (i) an input signal, (ii) a first bias signal, and (iii) a plurality of variable impedances. The plurality of shunt circuits may each be configured to generate a respective one of the variable impedances in response to a second bias signal. The output signal may have an attenuation that is equal to or less than the input power. The amount of the attenuation may be controlled by the first bias signal and the second bias signal. The series transistor elements and the plurality of shunt circuits may be configured as two or more transistors each having two or more gates. |
| US08614586B1 |
Method and apparatus for measuring peanut moisture content
The moisture measuring method and apparatus determines the moisture content of post-harvest in-shell peanuts. A crystal oscillator generates a high frequency signal that is directed through a selected sample of in-shell peanuts. Capacitance, impedance, and phase change data associated with the sample are generated at (at least) two frequencies. The data is then substituted into a semi-empirical equation to determine the moisture content of the in-shell peanuts. |
| US08614581B2 |
Vacuum ionization gauge
A vacuum ionization gauge includes a cold cathode, a shield electrode, an anode ring, and a collector. The shield electrode includes a receiving space. The anode ring is located in the receiving space of the shield electrode. The cold cathode includes a field emission unit and a grid electrode corresponding to the field emission unit. The field emission unit includes at least one emitter. Each of the at least one emitter includes a carbon nanotube pipe. The carbon nanotube pipe has a first end, a second end, and a main body connecting to the first end and the second end. The second end has a plurality of carbon nanotube peaks. |
| US08614579B2 |
Active standoff compensation in measurements with oil-based mud resistivity imaging devices
Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole having a substantially non-conducting liquid. The apparatus includes: a downhole tool having a transmitter electrode configured to convey an electric current into the earth formation. A measurement electrode is configured to receive the electric current from the earth formation, wherein the electric current bridges as least one of a first gap between the transmitter electrode and the formation and a second gap between the measurement electrode and the formation. A compensating circuit coupling the transmitter electrode to the measurement electrode is configured to reduce a reactive component of a total current received by the measurement electrode. A receiver coupled to the measurement electrode is configured to measure the total current to estimate the property. |
| US08614576B2 |
Metal detector having constant reactive transmit voltage applied to a transmit coil
An electronic metal detector having, a transmit coil arranged and adapted to transmit an alternating magnetic field associated with a reactive transmit coil voltage, the transmit coil being connected to transmit electronics arranged and adapted to generate a transmit signal, the transmit electronics having at least two power sources, a first power source and a second power source, wherein the first power source is adapted and arranged to connect to the transmit coil for at least a first period, and the second power source is adapted and arranged to connect to tie transmit coil for at least a second period, the said transmit electronics including at least one servo control negative feedback loop, a first servo control negative feedback loop, which is adapted and arranged to monitor a transmit coil current for at least part of the said first period, and to control at least part of the said transmit signal, the transmit electronics being adapted and arranged to control the transmit signal to produce the reactive transmit coil voltage to be approximately constant and approximately equal to zero while the transmit coil current is non-zero and approximately constant for at least part of the first period; and receive electronics which are adapted and arranged to receive and process a receive magnetic field during at least some of the first period to produce an indicator output. |
| US08614575B2 |
NMR, MRI, and spectroscopic MRI in inhomogeneous fields
A method for locally creating effectively homogeneous or “clean” magnetic field gradients (of high uniformity) for imaging (with NMR, MRI, or spectroscopic MRI) both in in-situ and ex-situ systems with high degrees of inhomogeneous field strength. The method of imaging comprises: a) providing a functional approximation of an inhomogeneous static magnetic field strength B0({right arrow over (r)}) at a spatial position {right arrow over (r)}; b) providing a temporal functional approximation of {right arrow over (G)}shim(t) with i basis functions and j variables for each basis function, resulting in vij variables; c) providing a measured value Ω, which is an temporally accumulated dephasing due to the inhomogeneities of B0({right arrow over (r)}); and d) minimizing a difference in the local dephasing angle φ({right arrow over (r)},t)=γ∫0t√{square root over (|{right arrow over (B)}1({right arrow over (r)},t′)|2+({right arrow over (r)}·{right arrow over (G)}shimGshim(t′)+∥{right arrow over (B)}0({right arrow over (r)})∥Δω({right arrow over (r)},t′)/γ)2)}dt′−Ω by varying the vij variables to form a set of minimized vij variables. The method requires calibration of the static fields prior to minimization, but may thereafter be implemented without such calibration, may be used in open or closed systems, and potentially portable systems. |
| US08614571B2 |
Apparatus and method for on-chip sampling of dynamic IR voltage drop
Test points on an integrated circuit chip, especially points subject to IR voltage drop along power supply rails, are coupled to comparators controlled by an automatic test controller, all included on the chip. Each test point can have one or more comparators and one or more reference voltages over a testing range. A change of state at a comparator sets a latch that is read and reset by the on-chip automatic test controller during test intervals. The automatic test controller can coordinate with external automatic test equipment that applies stimulus signals to the chip during testing. The greatest voltage drop during a test interval is determined from the latched output of the switched comparator coupled to the lowest reference voltage. The setting and resetting of the latch can be gated through a selectable delay so as to discriminate for excursions that persist for a longer or shorter time. |
| US08614570B2 |
Reference current source circuit including added bias voltage generator circuit
A MOS transistor generates an output current based on a voltage induced across a drain and a source thereof. A gate bias voltage generator circuit generates a gate bias voltage so as to operate the MOS transistor in a strong-inversion linear region, and applies the gate bias voltage to a gate of the MOS transistor. A drain bias voltage generator circuit generates a drain bias voltage, and applies the drain bias voltage to the drain of the MOS transistor. An added bias voltage generator circuit generates an added bias voltage, which has a predetermined temperature coefficient and includes a predetermined offset voltage, so that the output current becomes constant against temperature changes. The drain bias voltage generator circuit adds the added bias voltage to the drain bias voltage, and applies a voltage of the adding results to the drain of the MOS transistor as the drain bias voltage. |
| US08614567B2 |
Voltage regulator structures and methods with bootstrapped bias capacitor
Voltage regulator structures and methods embodiments are provided which employ a high-side N-type switching transistor to thereby enhance system efficiency and also reduce the die area required by these regulator structures. This structure and its advantages, however, require a gate drive signal higher than the input voltage of the voltage regulator. The embodiments resolve this need with a bias capacitor in a bootstrapped arrangement and a control loop arranged to maintain a bias voltage across the capacitor sufficient to always insure rapid switching of the high-side switching transistor during a pulse-width modulation (PWM) operational mode. The embodiments further include a second control loop arranged to insure sufficient voltage across the capacitor during a pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) operational mode. |
| US08614565B2 |
Systems and methods for absorbing waste electricity from regenerative braking in hybridized vehicles
The invention relates to a system for absorbing electric energy from regenerative braking. The system includes a battery, a thermoelectric module in thermally-conductive contact with the battery, a generator for generating an electric current from regenerative braking, the generator connected to the battery via a first switch and connected to the thermoelectric module via a second switch, and a sensor for measuring a temperature and a charge state of the battery. The system also comprises a controller for activating and deactivating the first switch and the second switch when certain conditions have been met. |
| US08614561B2 |
Charging apparatus
A charging apparatus includes: a charging unit configured to perform a contactless charging operation for a placed external device; a detector configured to detect a position of a placed object; a determining unit configured to determine that the placed object is an external device compatible with the charging unit; and a control unit configured to control the charging unit such that, during the contactless charging operation for an external device compatible with the charging unit, the charging operation for the external device being charged is restricted when an object that is determined by the determining unit not to be an external device compatible with the charging unit, has been placed within a predetermined distance from the charging unit. |
| US08614559B2 |
Programmable robot and user interface
A programmable robot system includes a robot provided with a number of individual arm sections, where adjacent sections are interconnected by a joint. The system furthermore includes a controllable drive mechanism provided in at least some of the joints and a control system for controlling the drive. The robot system is furthermore provided with user a interface mechanism including a mechanism for programming the robot system, the user interface mechanism being either provided externally to the robot, as an integral part of the robot or as a combination hereof, and a storage mechanism co-operating with the user interface mechanism and the control system for storing information related to the movement and further operations of the robot and optionally for storing information relating to the surroundings. |
| US08614555B2 |
System and method for energy capture and distribution
An actuator control system includes a controller and a buck-boost circuit. The controller is configured to direct power from a power source to an actuator. The actuator is coupled to a control device to apply a force related to operation of a vehicle. The buck-boost circuit is configured to direct excess power generated by the actuator to an energy storage device when an actuator power level satisfies an anticipated power level. |
| US08614552B2 |
Detection of the position of an ELV dimmer for controlling operation of an isolated electrical load
A system and process for controlling power delivered to an electrical load, such as lighting system, to controllably effect operation of the load (e.g., intensity of illumination). In at least some embodiments, the system and process interpret a user-adjustable setting of a typical electronic low voltage (ELV) dimmer control device that is otherwise isolated from facility AC power. An electrical stimulus, such as a relatively low power AC or DC voltage, is applied at one or more externally accessible terminals of the ELV dimmer control. An electrical response of the dimmer control to the stimulus is measured at one or more externally accessible terminals of the dimmer control. The electrical response varies according to the applied electrical stimulus and a user-adjustable setting of the dimmer control. An indication of the setting of the user-adjustable control is determined from the measured electrical response, and used to correspondingly dim a lighting source. |
| US08614544B2 |
Light emitting device with electrode having recessed concave portion
A light emitting device comprises a rectangular element mounted upon a mounting substrate via a heat-melted connecting material, wherein second substrate electrodes are formed conforming to the recesses of a first substrate electrode and a portion of the outer periphery of the first and second substrate electrodes is provided with first extended sections that extend farther outward than the outer periphery of the aforementioned element. The aforementioned first extended sections are formed in at least one or more locations per one side of the outer periphery of the aforementioned rectangular element; the aforementioned first substrate electrode is provided with second extended sections that are formed on at least one of both ends of the aforementioned recesses flanking the first extended sections of the aforementioned second substrate electrodes; and the aforementioned second extended sections extend farther outward than the outer periphery of the aforementioned element. |
| US08614539B2 |
Wavelength conversion component with scattering particles
A light emitting device comprises at least one solid-state light source (LED) operable to generate excitation light and a wavelength conversion component located remotely to the at least one source and operable to convert at least a portion of the excitation light to light of a different wavelength. The wavelength conversion component has at least one photoluminescence material and a light scattering material, where the light scattering material has an average particle size that is selected such that the light scattering material will scatter excitation light from a radiation source relatively more than the light scattering material will scatter light generated by the photoluminescence material. |
| US08614537B2 |
Quartz crystal unit, quartz crystal oscillator and electronic apparatus
In a quartz crystal unit, the unit comprising a quartz crystal resonator having a base portion, and first and second vibrational arms connected to the base portion, at least one groove being formed in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of the first and second vibrational arms, a length of the base portion being less than 0.5 mm and an overall length of the quartz crystal resonator being less than 2.1 mm, at least one mounting arm protruding from the base portion and being formed between the first and second vibrational arms, the at least one mounting arm extending in a common direction with the first and second vibrational arms. |
| US08614534B2 |
Transducer having natural unidirectionality for surface acoustic waves
A transducer has natural unidirectionality for surface acoustic waves. An interdigital electrode structure is arranged on a piezoelectric crystal substrate and is constructed with interdigital transducers including collecting electrodes and fingers. At least two of the fingers form a transducer cell, which includes at least one excitation center for exciting an electrical potential wave and at least one reflection center for reflecting electrical potential waves. The fingers are oriented perpendicularly to a direction R parallel to a 1- or 3-fold rotational axis of the substrate crystal and the derivative dv/dθ=0 applies to R, wherein v is the phase velocity of the surface wave and θ is an angular deviation of the perpendicular to the finger direction from the direction R. |
| US08614531B2 |
Stator core and motor device including the same
Disclosed is a stator core including a core back fixedly inserted onto an outer surface of a stationary member, a plurality of teeth protruding from the core back in an outer diameter direction, wherein a coil is wound around the plurality of teeth so as to allow magnetic flux from a magnet to flow to the teeth, front end portions defining outer edges of the teeth, respectively, and body portions defining a length of the teeth and having a width increasing from the core back toward the front end portions, respectively. |
| US08614529B2 |
Polyphasic multi-coil electric device
A polyphasic multi-coil generator includes a drive shaft, at least first and second rotors rigidly mounted on the drive shaft so as to simultaneously synchronously rotate with rotation of the drive shaft, and at least one stator sandwiched between the first and second rotors. A stator array on the stator has an array of electrically conductive coils mounted to the stator in a first angular orientation about the drive shaft. The rotors each have an array of magnets which are circumferentially equally spaced around the rotor and located at the same radially spacing with respect to the centre of the rotor and the drive shaft at a first angular orientation relative to the drive shaft. The arrays of magnets on adjacent rotors are off-set by an angular offset relative to one another. |
| US08614525B2 |
Methods and systems for operating a power generation system
A photovoltaic (PV) power generation system is described. The system includes a plurality of PV collector units that include at least one PV cell and a collector-side single-phase inverter. The plurality of PV collector units are configured for coupling with a symmetric poly-phase alternating current (AC) load. The system also includes a system controller configured to control operation of the plurality of PV collector units. |
| US08614517B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate including an electrode pad on a surface; a semiconductor chip placed on the substrate so as to be electrically connected to the electrode pad; a first resin layer which is formed on the substrate and is also filled between the substrate and the semiconductor chip; and a second resin layer, laminated on the first resin layer, which has an elastic modulus larger than that of the first resin layer. |
| US08614515B2 |
Wiring method for semiconductor integrated circuit, semiconductor-circuit wiring apparatus and semiconductor integrated circuit
A wiring method for a semiconductor integrated circuit has the steps of, separately from a first layer on which a first signal wiring pattern is mainly formed, laying out a first power-supply wiring pattern on a second layer so that a plurality of rows of the first power-supply wiring pattern are regularly arranged with vacant areas each interposed between the rows and making narrower a width of each vacant area than a narrowest width of a row among the rows of the first power-supply wiring pattern, and laying out a second signal wiring pattern electrically conductive to the first layer in two or more rows of the vacant areas on the second layer so that the second signal wiring pattern is not in contact with adjacent rows of the first power-supply wiring pattern on both sides. |
| US08614514B1 |
Micro-spring chip attachment using ribbon bonds
Standard ribbon bonds are utilized as clamp-like mechanical fasteners to attach an IC die in a “flip-chip” orientation to a support structure (e.g., a package base substrate or printed circuit board). Electrical connections between the support structure and the IC die are achieved by curved micro-springs that extend through an air-gap region separating the upper structure surface and the active surface of the IC die. The micro-springs have an anchor portion fixedly attached to one of the support structure and the IC die, and a free (tip) end that is in nonattached contact with an associated contact pad disposed on the other of the support structure and the IC die. Once the IC die is placed on the support structure, the ribbon bonds are formed between the support structure and the IC die using conventional wedge bonder, but the ribbon bonds connected to the non-active surface of the IC die. |
| US08614513B2 |
Semiconductor device including a buffer layer structure for reducing stress
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip, wiring that is included in the semiconductor chip and has a coupling part between parts with different widths, a pad being formed above the wiring and in a position overlapping the coupling part, a bump being formed on the pad, a buffer layer being formed in a position between the coupling part and the pad so as to cover the entire coupling part, and inorganic insulating layers being formed between the wiring and the buffer layer and between the buffer layer and the pad, respectively. The buffer layer is made of a material other than resin and softer than the inorganic insulating layer. |
| US08614508B2 |
Integrated circuit system with test pads and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate having a test pad with element pads; forming a conductive layer over the test pad, the conductive layer having element layers directly on the element pads; and mounting an integrated circuit over the substrate. |
| US08614507B2 |
Semiconductor devices having lower and upper interconnection structures that exhibit reduced coupling
An interconnection structure for a semiconductor device may include lower interconnection patterns disposed in a checker board shape and upper interconnection patterns disposed in a checker board shape and connecting two adjacent lower interconnection patterns to each other. |
| US08614495B2 |
Back side defect reduction for back side illuminated image sensor
Provided is an image sensor device. The image sensor device includes a substrate having a front side and a back side. The image sensor also includes a radiation-detection device that is formed in the substrate. The radiation-detection device is operable to detect a radiation wave that enters the substrate through the back side. The image sensor further includes a recrystallized silicon layer. The recrystalized silicon layer is formed on the back side of the substrate. The recrystalized silicon layer has different photoluminescence intensity than the substrate. |
| US08614491B2 |
Package interface plate for package isolation structures
A package assembly comprises a package base, a sensor die, an isolation plate, and a package interface plate. The isolation plate is bonded to the sensor die and has a plurality of flexible beams. Each flexible beam is configured to deflect under stress such that effects on the sensor die of a thermal mismatch between the package base and the sensor die are reduced. The package interface plate is bonded to the isolation plate and the package base. The package interface plate is configured to limit the maximum distance each flexible beam is able to deflect. |
| US08614490B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes: transistor Tr1 arranged on a semiconductor substrate; transistor Tr2 arranged such that a carrier drift direction thereof viewed on the semiconductor substrate is identical to a carrier drift direction of transistor Tr1; diffusion layer 51c connecting diffusion layers 51a and 51b on carrier supply sides of transistors Tr1 and Tr2; and contact plug 61 that is connected to a surface of diffusion layers 51a and 51b on the carrier supply sides of transistors Tr1 and Tr2 or that is connected to a surface of diffusion layer 51c connecting the diffusion layers to each other, and that supplies diffusion layers 51a and 51b with electricity. |
| US08614488B2 |
Chip package and method for forming the same
A chip package includes: a substrate; a drain and a source regions located in the substrate; a gate located on or buried in the substrate; a drain conducting structure, a source conducting structure, and a gate conducting structure, disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the drain region, the source region, and the gate, respectively; a second substrate disposed beside the substrate; a second drain and a second source region located in the second substrate, wherein the second drain region is electrically connected to the source region; a second gate located on or buried in the second substrate; and a second source and a second gate conducting structure disposed on the second substrate and electrically connected to the second source region and the second gate, respectively, wherein terminal points of the drain, the source, the gate, the second source, and the second gate conducting structures are substantially coplanar. |
| US08614485B2 |
Process for fabrication of FINFETs
A method of fabricating a plurality of FinFETs on a semiconductor substrate in which the gate width of each individual FinFET is defined utilizing only a single etching process, instead of two or more, is provided. The inventive method results in improved gate width control and less variation of the gate width of each individual gate across the entire surface of the substrate. The inventive method achieves the above by utilizing a modified sidewall image transfer (SIT) process in which an insulating spacer that is later replaced by a gate conductor is employed and a high-density bottom up oxide fill is used to isolate the gate from the substrate. |
| US08614482B2 |
Semiconductor power device having improved termination structure for mask saving
A improved termination structure for semiconductor power devices is disclosed, comprising a trenched field plate formed not only along trench sidewall but also on trench bottom of the wide termination trench by doing poly-silicon CMP so that body ion implantation is blocked by the trenched field plate on the trench bottom to prevent a body region formation underneath the trench bottom of the wide termination trench, degrading avalanche voltage. |
| US08614476B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices and fabricating methods thereof
Non-volatile memory devices, and fabricating methods thereof, include a floating gate over a substrate, a lower barrier layer including a first lower barrier layer on the upper surface of the floating gate, and a second lower barrier layer on a side surface of the floating gate to have a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first lower barrier layer, an inter-gate dielectric layer over the lower barrier layer, and a control gate over the inter-gate dielectric layer. |
| US08614474B2 |
Thin film transistor memory and display unit including the same
The area C1 of the channel region of the drive TFT and the area C2 of the channel region of the memory TFT are set to have a relationship C1 |
| US08614471B2 |
Collections of laterally crystallized semiconductor islands for use in thin film transistors
Collections of laterally crystallized semiconductor islands for use in thin film transistors and systems and methods for making same are described. A display device includes a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) on a substrate, such that the TFTs are spaced apart from each other and each include a channel region that has a crystalline microstructure and a direction along which a channel current flows. The channel region of each of the TFTs contains a crystallographic grain that spans the length of that channel region along its channel direction. Each crystallographic grain in the channel region of each of the TFTs is physically disconnected from and crystallographically uncorrelated with each crystallographic grain in the channel region of each adjacent TFT. |
| US08614466B2 |
Semiconductor for measuring biological interactions
An apparatus and method are disclosed for electrically directly detecting biomolecular binding in a semiconductor. The semiconductor can be based on electrical percolation of nanomaterial formed in the gate region. In one embodiment of an apparatus, a semiconductor includes first and second electrodes with a gate region there between. The gate region includes a multilayered matrix of electrically conductive material with capture molecules for binding target molecules, such as antibody, receptors, DNA, RNA, peptides and aptamer. The molecular interactions between the capture molecules and the target molecules disrupts the matrix's continuity resulting in a change in electrical resistance, capacitance or impedance. The increase in resistance, capacitance or impedance can be directly measured electronically, without the need for optical sensors or labels. The multi-layered matrix can be formed from a plurality of single-walled nanotubes, graphene, or buckeyballs or any kind of conductive nanowire, such as metal nanowires or nanowires made from conductive polymers. |
| US08614465B2 |
Electronic device and manufacturing method
Provided is an electronic device that generates an output signal corresponding to an input signal, comprising a signal processing section that receives the input signal and outputs the output signal corresponding to the input signal, and a floating electrode that accumulates a charge by being irradiated by an electron beam. The signal processing section adjusts electric characteristics of the output signal according to a charge amount accumulated in the floating electrode, and includes a transistor formed on the semiconductor substrate between an input terminal that receives the input signal and an output terminal that outputs the output signal. The floating electrode is formed between a gate electrode of the transistor and the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08614461B2 |
Compound semiconductor device
The compound semiconductor device comprises an i-GaN buffer layer 12 formed on an SiC substrate 10; an n-AlGaN electron supplying layer 16 formed on the i-GaN buffer layer 12; an n-GaN cap layer 18 formed on the n-AlGaN electron supplying layer 16; a source electrode 20 and a drain electrode 22 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18; a gate electrode 26 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18 between the source electrode 20 and the drain electrode 22; a first protection layer 24 formed on the n-GaN cap layer 18 between the source electrode 20 and the drain electrode 22; and a second protection layer 30 buried in an opening 28 formed in the first protection layer 24 between the gate electrode 26 and the drain electrode 22 down to the n-GaN cap layer 18 and formed of an insulation film different from the first protection layer. |
| US08614460B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method of the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device and a fabrication method of the semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including: a substrate; a nitride based compound semiconductor layer placed on the substrate and doped with a first transition metal atom; an aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlxGa1-xN) (where 0.1<=x<=1) placed on the nitride based compound semiconductor layer; a nitride based compound semiconductor layer placed on the aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlxGa1-xN) (where 0.1<=x<=1) and doped with a second transition metal atom; an aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlyGa1-yN) (where 0.1<=y<=1) placed on the nitride based compound semiconductor layer doped with the second transition metal atom; and a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode which are placed on the aluminum gallium nitride layer (AlyGa1-yN) (where 0.1<=y<=1). |
| US08614457B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting device. The semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer. An electrode is on a bottom surface of the light emitting structure and an electrode layer and a conductive support member are disposed on the top surface of the light emitting structure. A recess is recessed from a top surface of the light emitting structure. A transmittive layer is between the light emitting structure and the electrode layer. The transmittive layer includes a first portion having a protrusion disposed in the recess. |
| US08614449B1 |
Protection for the epitaxial structure of metal devices
Techniques for fabricating metal devices, such as vertical light-emitting diode (VLED) devices, power devices, laser diodes, and vertical cavity surface emitting laser devices, are provided. Devices produced accordingly may benefit from greater yields and enhanced performance over conventional metal devices, such as higher brightness of the light-emitting diode and increased thermal conductivity. Moreover, the invention discloses techniques in the fabrication arts that are applicable to GaN-based electronic devices in cases where there is a high heat dissipation rate of the metal devices that have an original non- (or low) thermally conductive and/or non- (or low) electrically conductive carrier substrate that has been removed. |
| US08614448B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a maximal carrier concentration at multiple carrier concentration peak positions
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a collector layer in which the carrier concentration is maximized at a carrier concentration peak position that is 1 μm or more from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor device further includes a collector electrode formed in contact with a surface of the collector layer. |
| US08614446B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of producing same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer (1) containing GaN and an electrode. The electrode includes an electrode main body (6), a connection-use electrode (8) containing Al and formed at a position farther from the semiconductor layer (1) than the electrode main body (6), and a barrier layer (7) formed between the electrode main body (6) and the connection-use electrode (8), the barrier layer (7) containing at least one selected from the group consisting of W, TiW, WN, TiN, Ta, and TaN. A surface roughness RMS of the barrier layer (7) is 3.0 nm or less. |
| US08614437B2 |
Organic underlayers that improve the performance of organic semiconductors
A process for producing high performance organic thin film transistors in which the molecules in the organic thin film are highly ordered and oriented to maximize the mobility of current charge carriers. The uniform monolayer surface over various substrate materials so formed, result in a more reproducible and readily manufacturable process for higher performance organic field effect transistors that can be used to create large area circuits using a range of materials. |
| US08614435B2 |
Utilization of organic buffer layer to fabricate high performance carbon nanoelectronic devices
A fabrication process for a nanoelectronic device and a device are provided. Channel material is deposited on a substrate to form a channel. A source metal contact and a drain metal contact are deposited on the channel material, and the source metal contact and the drain metal contact are on opposing ends of the channel material. A polyhydroxystyrene derivative is deposited on the channel material. A top gate oxide is deposited on the polymer layer. A top gate metal is deposited on the top gate oxide. |
| US08614434B2 |
MOSFET with a nanowire channel and fully silicided (FUSI) wrapped around gate
Nanowire-channel metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a MOSFET includes a nanowire channel; a fully silicided gate surrounding the nanowire channel; and a raised source and drain connected by the nanowire channel. A method of fabricating a MOSFET is also provided. |
| US08614430B2 |
Reset circuit for electronic devices having photoelectric coupler
A reset circuit includes a power supply, a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) that has a gate, a drain, and a source, a capacitor, a Schmitt trigger; and an inverter. When a voltage of the power supply is applied to the gate and turns on the MOSFET, the power supply charges the capacitor. After a predetermined delay time, a voltage of the capacitor reaches a threshold voltage of the Schmitt trigger and turns on the Schmitt trigger, and the capacitor discharges through the Schmitt trigger to correspondingly generate a reset signal output by the inverter to reset an electronic device. |
| US08614428B2 |
Charged particle beam writing method and charged particle beam writing apparatus
The height of selected points on the surface of a mask is measured, and if the number of measurement errors in this measurement is less than a predetermined value, an approximated curved surface for the mask surface is generated. The measurement data and height data obtained from the approximated curved surface are then compared, and if there is no point at which the difference between the measurement data and the data obtained from the approximated curved surface is greater than a predetermined threshold value, then it is determined that the reliability of the approximated curved surface is high and the height of the mask surface is corrected in accordance with this approximated curved surface. |
| US08614417B2 |
Capacitor assembly for a mass spectrometer
A capacitor assembly (1) for measuring the level of radio frequency voltage in a mass spectrometer. The assembly (1) includes an RF sensing capacitor (2) with first and second capacitor plates (3, 4), a rectifying circuit (5) and a vacuum housing feedthrough (6), all of which are mounted within a vacuum enclosure of the mass spectrometer. The first capacitor plate (3) is adapted for connection to a voltage source and mounted within the enclosure by first insulating spacers (31). The second capacitor plate (4) is nested within the first insulating spacers (31) and mounted within the enclosure by second insulating spacers (41). The rectifying circuit (5) is electrically connected to the second capacitor plate (4) and to the vacuum housing feedthrough (6). |
| US08614415B2 |
Defect inspection method of fine structure object and defect inspection apparatus
A method for forming an image of an object includes: illuminating sequentially a surface of the object arranged in the same shooting area using each of N (N is natural number equal to or more than two) polarized light beams, each of which has different property; scanning the surface using the each of N polarized light beams; and outputting the each of N polarized light beams reflected by the surface, the each of N polarized light beams passed-through the object or the each of N polarized light beams scattered by the surface, as an image signal. |
| US08614414B2 |
Proximity sensor
A proximity sensor is disclosed. The proximity sensor may be incorporated as part of a water delivery device. A holder which aligns an optical source and sensor of the proximity sensor is disclosed. |
| US08614413B2 |
Image reading apparatus to illuminate light on an original document with an optical member having four planes positioned such that the light incident side is smaller in size than the light exit side
An image reading apparatus includes a light source that illuminates light on an original document surface, an optical illumination system that leads the light emitted from the light source towards a reading target region, an imaging optical system that images the light reflected from the original document surface, the image optical system, and a sensor provided in an imaging part of the imaging optical system, for reading an image of an original document on the original document surface. The optical illumination system comprises an optical member and a plurality of reflective members, and an area for disposing the members of the illumination optical system is divided into two areas by a virtual plane perpendicular to the original document surface, parallel to the length direction, and passing through the area for disposing the members, and at least one of the reflective members is disposed in each of the areas. |
| US08614408B2 |
Heating cooking appliance
A heating cooking appliance includes a heating chamber for items to be cooked, a circulation duct connecting an inlet port and an outlet port both of which open into the heating chamber, an air blower located in the circulation duct, and a heating device in the upper part of the heating chamber. Gas in the heating chamber is taken into the circulation duct from the inlet port by the blower. The gas temperature is raised by the heating device, and subsequently, the gas is blown into the heating chamber from the inlet port. The circulation duct is provided with first and second paths which branch off upstream of the heating device. The first and second paths guide gas to the area upstream and downstream of the heating device, respectively. |
| US08614407B2 |
Method for supplying current to a glow plug
The invention relates to a method for supplying current to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after reaching the operating temperature thereof by a series of current pulses, wherein a piston of the engine carries out a work cycle comprising several strokes and the glow plug is supplied with current as a function of the strokes of the work cycle such that the electric current supplied in each work cycle is mainly supplied at a predetermined, steady stroke of the piston, wherein control time intervals that follow each other are defined, during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, by which the glow plug can be connected to a voltage source for creating a current pulse or can be disconnected from the voltage source for ending a current pulse. According to the invention, the control time intervals have a duration that can be varied by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine. |
| US08614406B2 |
System of short-wave-infrared heater support assembly
A system for heating a patio, the system comprising: a head unit comprising a heating unit configured for heating a patio; an offset assembly, wherein the offset assembly is coupled to the head unit; a mounting pole comprising a plurality of sections, the mounting pole being coupled to the offset assembly; and a base unit the base unit supporting the mounting pole. |
| US08614399B2 |
Electric junction box
There is provided an electric junction box (1) which can reduce the usage of the heat-resistant resin for a connector fitting portion. The electrical junction box (1) includes a case (4) including a box-like body (3) and a box-like body (2) to be assembled together, a substrate (5) received in the case (4), a connector fitting portion (9) arranged to engage with a connector and having a terminal (6) soldered to the substrate (5) with lead-free solder, a holding portion (19) holding the terminal (6), and a tubular outer wall (8) surrounding the terminal (6). The holding portion (19) and the outer wall (8) are formed as separate parts. The outer wall (8) is divided into two segments formed integrally with the box-like bodies (3, 2), respectively. The holding portion (9) is made of heat-resistant resin while the outer wall (8) is made of non-heat-resistant resin. |
| US08614396B2 |
Method and material for purifying iron disilicide for photovoltaic application
A method for processing iron disilicide for manufacture photovoltaic devices. The method includes providing a first sample of iron disilicide comprising at least an alpha phase entity, a beta phase entity, and an epsilon phase entity. The method includes maintaining the first sample of iron disilicide in an inert environment and subjects the first sample of iron disilicide to a thermal process to form a second sample of iron disilicide. The second sample of iron disilicide comprises substantially beta phase iron disilicide and is characterized by a first particle size. The method includes introducing an organic solvent to the second sample of iron disilicide, forming a first mixture of material comprising the second sample of iron disilicide and the organic solvent. The method processed the first mixture of material including the second sample of iron disilicide using a grinding process. The method converted the second sample of iron disilicide having the first particle size to a third sample of iron disilicide having a second particle size. The organic solvent is removed and output a third sample of iron disilicide characterized by the second particle size and greater than about 90% of the beta phase entity. |
| US08614394B2 |
P-n zinc oxide nanowires and methods of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are p-n zinc (Zn) oxide nanowires and a methods of manufacturing the same. A p-n Zn oxide nanowire includes a p-n junction structure in which phosphorus (P) is on a surface of a Zn oxide nanowire. |
| US08614392B1 |
Micro-combustion power system with dual path counter-flow system
A micro-combustion power system is disclosed. The invention is comprised of a housing that further comprises two flow path volumes, each having generally opposing flow path directions and each generally having opposing configurations.Each flow path volume comprises a pre-heating volume having at least one pre-heating heat exchange structure. Each flow path volume further comprises a combustion volume having a combustion means or structure such as a catalytic material disposed therein Further, each flow path volume comprise a post-combustion volume having at least one post-combustion heat exchange structure.One or more thermoelectric generator means is in thermal communication with at least one of the combustion volumes whereby thermal energy generated by an air/fuel catalytic reaction in the combustion volume is transferred to the thermoelectric generator to convert same to electrical energy for use by an external circuit.A novel element of the invention relates to the opposing configuration and opposing flow path directions of the respective flow path volumes. The pre-heating heat exchange structure in the first flow path volume and the opposing post-combustion heat exchange structure are comprised of a shared, thermally conductive structure and material. In this embodiment, waste heat from the exhaust gas in the post-combustion chamber is thermally transferred to the opposing pre-heating volume to heat the air/fuel mixture therein to a suitable pre-combustion temperature to take advantage of waste heat while better managing thermal/cooling issues of the device during operation. |
| US08614391B2 |
Device for converting energy and method for manufacturing the device, and electronic apparatus with the device
The present invention provides an energy converting device, which includes: a base substrate; and a plurality of thermoelectric element structures which are sequentially stacked on the base substrate and electrically interconnected in parallel to one another. |
| US08614389B2 |
Musical instrument with one sided thin film capacitive touch sensors
Touch sensitive musical instruments are described herein including embodiments having: one-sided capacitive touch sensors with conductive ground planes, one-sided capacitive touch sensors with air gaps, one-sided capacitive touch sensors with separating material, and/or one-sided capacitive touch sensors including a combination of conductive ground planes, air gaps, and/or separating material. Embodiments of touch sensitive musical instruments simulating string instruments such as guitars are described. |
| US08614386B2 |
Portable musical resonator
A portable reverberation device for attaching to a musical instrument with a distal end that can be adjusted to alter a distance between the ends of the portable reverberation device. The device includes a cup attached to a collar to receive incoming sound waves and a spring stretched inside the body. The device further includes an attachment mechanism with a clamp adapted to attach the portable reverberation device to the musical instrument. |
| US08614380B2 |
Variety corn line NPID5702
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID5702, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID5702 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID5702, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID5702, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US08614378B2 |
Variety corn line NPIC3821
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPIC3821, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPIC3821 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPIC3821, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPIC3821, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US08614373B2 |
Soybean variety A1026142
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026142. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026142. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026142 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026142 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08614372B1 |
Soybean cultivar OW0913009
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety OW0913009 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety OW0913009 and its progeny, and methods of making OW0913009. |
| US08614366B2 |
Methods for genetic plant transformation using water-soluble fullerene derivatives
In various embodiments, methods described herein comprise the use of water-soluble cationic fullerene derivatives for improving plant genetic transformation. Cationic Fullerene derivatives of the invention possess DNA binding and compaction activity and provide a new method to deliver DNA into plant cells for plant transformation. Water-soluble fullerene derivatives of the invention with anionic or non-polar substituents possess antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity, provide improved yields and efficiency of plant transformation methods such as biolistic, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, or electroporation methods by limiting cellular damage and resulting cell death leading to higher yields of viable transformed cells in the process. |
| US08614365B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent article having a topsheet having a first portion and a second portion. The topsheet has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The topsheet has an area. The second portion can differ in structure from the first portion. The second portion can have a structurally modified zone. The structurally modified zone has a periphery, a length, and a long axis. The length is the maximum straight-line dimension between two points on the periphery. The long axis extends between two points on the periphery separated by the length. The long axis of the structurally modified zone can be asymmetric to the longitudinal centerline. The structurally modified zone can make up more than about 5% of the area of the topsheet. The topsheet can have a lotion zone, the long axis of which is asymmetric to the longitudinal centerline and the transverse centerline. |
| US08614363B2 |
Methods of making chlorinated hydrocarbons
Methods for the manufacture of 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine are disclosed. Improved methods are provided for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane. Methods are also disclosed for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane and chlorine and for the manufacture of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from carbon tetrachloride, ethylene, and chlorine. |
| US08614361B2 |
Process for preparation of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
The present invention provides an effective, selective, and industrially applicable process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene. Specifically, the present invention provides a process for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene including reacting 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of oxygen and a catalyst comprising chromium oxide represented by the composition formula: CrOm (1.5 |
| US08614357B2 |
Oligomeric derivatives of spirobifluorene, their preparation and use
SBF derivatives, represented with the following formula: SBF-X wherein: with m=0, 1, 2 or 3; p=positive integer,; n=positive integer; L: is the same or different and independently represents C, PR, AsR, SbR, BiR, S, Se, Te, S═Y, Se═Y or Te═Y; Y: is the same or different and independently represents O, S, Se or Te; K: is the same or different and independently represents a chemical bond or a group selected from O, S, BR(2−p), N, NR(2−p), R(2−p)P═O, B3O3, (PR)3N3, CR(3−p), CR(3−p)(C6H4)(p+1), SiR(3−p)(C6H4)(p+1) alkyne, substituted alkyne, alkyne, substituted alkyne, aromatic or R substituted aromatic, heteroaromatic-or a combination of two, three or four of the above mentioned groups; SBF: spiro-compound of formula (I): R, A, B, C, D: is the same or different and independently represents H, deuterium, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl, alkoxy or thioalkoxy chain, or a combination from two, three or four of these systems; two or more substituents R can form a further monocyclic or polycyclic aliphatic or aromatic ring system with each other. |
| US08614353B2 |
Process for preparing Cinacalcet
A process for preparing N-[(1R)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethyl]-3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]propan-1-amine of formula (I) i.e. Cinacalcet and its intermediates of formulae (V), (Va) and (Vb). |
| US08614349B2 |
Oxidation catalyst and oxidation method
The present invention provides a method for oxidizing a hydrocarbon, an alcohol or an aldehyde, which comprises: oxidizing a hydrocarbon, an alcohol or an aldehyde to an alcohol, an aldehyde, a carboxylic acid or a carboxylate ester corresponding thereto, in a liquid phase having: a region in which oxygen is substantially present; and a region in which oxygen is substantially absent, in the presence of a catalyst containing a palladium, wherein the region in which oxygen is substantially absent is 0.1 to 10% by volume with respect to a total of the region in which oxygen is substantially present and the region in which oxygen is substantially absent. |
| US08614348B2 |
Diamantane compounds, liquid crystalline compounds, and liquid crystalline compositions
A liquid crystalline compound has excellent liquid crystal properties, particularly high phase transition temperature. Diamantane compounds are represented by the general formula (I): (I) wherein A and B are each a six-membered, saturated or unsaturated, carbo- or hetero-cycle, and these cycles may have substituents, which substituents may be united to form a ring; and R1 and R2 are each a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and part of the carbon atoms of the hydrocarbon group may be replaced by heteroatoms or heteroatom-containing groups, while part of the hydrogen atoms thereof may be replaced by halogen atoms or heteroatom-containing groups. |
| US08614335B2 |
Process and intermediates useful in the preparation of statins, particularly atorvastatin
There is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (7) or salts thereof: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, R2 represents a hydrogen or substituent group, R3 represents a hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, and X represents a hydrogen or substituent group which comprises a) cyanating a compound of formula (1): wherein Y represents a halo group, preferably CI or Br; P1 represents hydrogen or a protecting group, and W represents ═O or —OP2, in which P2 represents hydrogen or a protecting group, to give a compound of formula (2): b) reducing the compound of formula (2) to give a compound of formula (3): coupling the compound of formula (3) with a compound of formula (4): to give a compound of formula (5): when W represents —OP2, deprotecting and then oxidizing the compound of formula (5) to give a compound of formula (6): and e) subjecting the compound of formula (5) when W represents ═O, or compound of formula (6) to ring-opening, and removal of any remaining protecting groups, to give a compound of formula (7) or salts thereof. |
| US08614327B2 |
Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator, compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. |
| US08614326B2 |
Therapeutic quinoline and naphthalene derivatives
Disclosed herein is a stable compound having a structure formula (I): therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. |
| US08614322B2 |
Ligands of the benzo [h] quinoline class and transition metal complexes containing them and use of said complexes as catalysts
A new class of ligands derived from benzo[h]quinoline are described and these ligands are used to prepare several novel transition metal complexes. The complexes are preferably of the group VIII transition metals iron, ruthenium or osmium, with the benzo[h]quinoline ligands acting as tridentate ligands. The complexes described are proved to be very active catalysts for the reduction of ketones and aldehydes to alcohols, via hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation reactions. These compounds hence can be usefully employed as catalysts in said reduction reactions. |
| US08614321B2 |
Benzoimidazolyl-pyrazine compounds for inflammation and immune-related uses
The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (I) or (III): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein ring A, X1, X2, X3, X5, R1, R4, Y, Z, L, m and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders. |
| US08614320B2 |
Preparation of aminopyrimidine compounds
A 2-(N-methyl-N-methanesulfonylamino)pyrimidine compound of the formula (3): [R is a hydrocarbyl group], is prepared by the steps of: (I) reacting an isobutyrylacetate ester with 4-fluorobenzaldehyde and urea in the presence of a protonic compound and a metal salt; (II) oxidizing the reaction product of the step (I); (III) reacting the oxidation product of the step (II) with an organic sulfonyl halide or an organic sulfonyl anhydride; and (IV) reacting the reaction product of the step (III) with N-methyl-N-methanesulfonamide. |
| US08614318B2 |
Apoptosis promoters
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic protein family members, compositions containing the compounds and uses of the compounds for preparing medicaments for treating diseases during which occurs expression one or more than one of an anti-apoptotic protein family member. |
| US08614316B2 |
Optically active quaternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry and process for producing α-amino acid and derivative thereof with the same
The present invention provides a chiral phase-transfer catalyst of the following formula (I): The compound (I) can be produced by reacting a 2,2′-dimethylene bromide-1,1′-biphenyl derivative, which can be produced through comparatively small number of steps, with an easily available secondary amine. |
| US08614315B2 |
Cefdinir and cefixime formulations and uses thereof
The invention features pharmaceutically acceptable salts of cefdinir, including primary, secondary, and tertiary amine salts of cefdinir, and preparation methods, and pharmaceutical compositions including cefdinir. The invention also features water dispersible pharmaceutical dosage forms including cefdinir as active agent and methods for preparing the dosages. The invention also features tablet forms of cefixime characterized in that the tablets are in effervescent form. The invention also features the process for preparing effervescent tablet forms with cefdinir as active agents and pharmaceutical formulations obtained by the process. |
| US08614313B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising forms of 5-azacytidine
The invention provides novel polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic crystalline forms of 5-azacytidine, along with methods for preparing said forms, wherein 5-azacytidine is represented by the formula: The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising said forms. |
| US08614311B2 |
RTP801L siRNA compounds and methods of use thereof
The invention provides chemically modified siRNA oligonucleotides that target RTP801L, compositions comprising same and to the use of such molecules to treat, inter alia, respiratory diseases including acute and chronic pulmonary disorders, eye diseases including glaucoma and ION, microvascular disorders, angiogenesis- and apoptosis-related conditions, and hearing impairments. |
| US08614310B2 |
Modulation of exportin 5 expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of exportin 5. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding exportin 5. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of exportin 5 expression and for diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions associated with expression of exportin 5 are provided. |
| US08614309B2 |
Double-stranded RNA directed to CASP2 and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to siRNA compounds possessing novel sequences and structural motifs which down-regulate the expression of specific human genes. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides a method of treating and/or preventing the incidence or severity of various diseases or conditions associated with the genes and/or symptoms associated with such diseases or conditions comprising administering to a subject in need of treatment for such disease or condition and/or symptom the compound or the pharmaceutical composition in a therapeutically effective dose so as to thereby treat the subject. |
| US08614308B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules encoding A-beta binding polypeptides
The invention relates to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides and, more specifically, to biparatopic A-beta binding polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains binding to different epitopes of A-beta. The invention also relates to specific sequences of such polypeptides, methods of their production, and methods of using them, including methods of treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. |
| US08614305B2 |
Nonviral gene delivery vector iopamidol, protamine, ethiodized oil reagent (VIPER)
Embodiments are related to nonviral gene delivery vectors using only FDA-approved components: iopamidol, protamine, and ethiodized oil. |
| US08614288B2 |
Polyimide gas separation membranes
The present invention discloses a new type of polyimide membrane with high permeances and high selectivities for gas separations and particularly for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations. The polyimide membranes have CO2 permeability of 50 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 15 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. The polyimide membranes have UV cross-linkable functional groups and can be used for the preparation of UV cross-linked polyimide membranes having CO2 permeability of 20 Barrers or higher and single-gas selectivity for CO2/CH4 of 35 or higher at 50° C. under 791 kPa for CO2/CH4 separation. |
| US08614287B2 |
Method for preparing polytrimethylene terephthalate with sustained-release crystallinity
A method is disclosed herein for the preparation of polytrimethylene terephthalate with sustained-release crystallinity. The method reduces crystallization rate and crystallinity-saturation ratio of polytrimethylene terephthalate during spinning, through addition of a third monomer during the esterification reaction step. The third monomer acts as copolymerization component generating intermolecular steric hindrance; the identity of which selects from one or more as combinations of the following: trimellitic anhydride, non-para aromatic dicarboxylic acid, C4-C10 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having branched chains or naphthenic group and C3-C10 aliphatic dihydric alcohol having branched chains or naphthenic group, the molar ratio of carboxyl to hydroxyl is 1:1.16˜1.85, with the third monomer constituting 0.5˜6.5% of the total weight of the beginning raw materials. |
| US08614286B2 |
Biomass derived radiation curable liquid coatings
A radiation curable coating comprising the reaction product of a polyol and a polycarboxylic acid/anhydride is disclosed. The reaction product may be made from at least some biomass derived compound. Coatings wherein this reaction product is further reacted with a hydroxyl-carboxylic acid and/or a compound having a radiation curable moiety are also disclosed, as are substrates coated with any of these coatings. |
| US08614284B2 |
Methods of preparing polymer-dendrimer hybrids
The present invention relates to a branched vinyl polymer carrying dendrons made from monofunctional vinyl monomers and branched by virtue of difunctional vinyl monomers so that there is on average one branch or fewer per polymer chain to avoid gelation. The polymer may be made by chain-growth polymerization of predominantly monofunctional vinyl monomers in the presence of difunctional vinyl monomers and dendron units. |
| US08614283B2 |
Resist polymer, resist composition, process for pattern formation, and starting compounds for production of the resist polymer
To provide a resist polymer comprising, as a structural unit, an acid-decomposable unit having a structure represented by formula (1) or (2) which exhibits a small line edge roughness and produces little defects in DUV excimer laser lithography or the like. In formulas (1) and (2), n represents an integer of 2 to 24; J represents a single bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent/heteroatom when n=2, or represents an n-valent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent/heteroatom when n≧3; E represents a residue of a polymerization terminator, a chain transfer agent or a polymerization initiator; K1 and K2 each represent at least one selected from alkylene, cycloalkylene, oxyalkylene, arylene, a divalent thiazoline ring, a divalent oxazoline ring and a divalent imidazoline ring; L1 and L2 each represent at least one selected from —C(O)O—, —C(O)— and —OC(O)—; M1, M2 and M3 each represent at least one selected from alkylene, cycloalkylene, oxyalkylene and arylene; Y, Y1 and Y2 each represent an acid-decomposable linkage; k1, k2, l1, l2, m1, m2, and m3 each represent 0 or 1; and R1 represents H or a methyl group. |
| US08614280B2 |
Method for the continuous production of biodegradable polyesters
A process for the continuous production of a biodegradable polyester, where a mixture of aliphatic dihydroxy compounds, aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylic acids or their liquid esters, and, optionally, further comonomers is mixed, without addition of a catalyst, to give a paste, and i) this mixture with at least a portion of the catalyst, is continuously esterified or, transesterified; ii) the transesterification or, esterification product obtained in i) is continuously precondensed with any remaining amount of catalyst to an intrinsic viscosity of from 20 to 70 cm3/g; iii) the product obtainable from ii) is continuously polycondensed to an intrinsic viscosity of from 60 to 170 cm3/g, and iv) the product obtainable from iii) is reacted continuously with a chain extender in a polyaddition reaction to an intrinsic viscosity of from 150 to 320 cm3/g. The invention further relates to biodegradable polyesters obtained by this process. |
| US08614277B2 |
Polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymer blends and in-line process to produce them
Isotactic polypropylene ethylene-propylene copolymer blends and in-line processes for producing. The blends may have between 1 and 50 wt % of isotactic polypropylene with a melt flow rate of between 0.5 and 20,000 g/10 min and a melting peak temperature of 145° C. or higher, and wherein the difference between the DSC peak melting and the peak crystallization temperatures is less than or equal to 0.5333 times the melting peak temperature minus 41.333° C., and between 50 and 99 wt % of ethylene-propylene copolymer including between 10 wt % and 20 wt % randomly distributed ethylene with a melt flow rate of between 0.5 and 20,000 g/10 min, wherein the copolymer is polymerized by a bulk homogeneous polymerization process, and wherein the total regio defects in the continuous propylene segments of the copolymer is between 40 and 150% greater than a copolymer of equivalent melt flow rate and wt % ethylene polymerized by a solution polymerization process. |
| US08614276B2 |
Self-sealing composition for pneumatic object
A self-sealing elastomer composition that can be used especially as a puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, comprising: as predominant elastomer, an unsaturated diene elastomer; a thermoplastic hydrocarbon plasticizer resin with a weight content of between 30 and 90 phr; a liquid plasticizer, the Tg (glass transition temperature) of which is below −20° C., with a weight content between 0 and 60 phr; and 0 to less than 30 phr of a filler. Also disclosed is an article such as a tire provided with the puncture-resistant layer comprising the self-sealing elastomer composition. The puncture-resistant layer is advantageously combined with an airtight layer, for example based on butyl rubber, so as to form, in the inflatable article, a puncture-resistant airtight laminate. |
| US08614275B2 |
Cationic polymeric fluorinated ether silane compositions and methods of use
A composition comprises a polymer having a first pendant group selected from at least one perfluorinated ether group or perfluoroalkanesulfonamido group, a second pendant group comprising an ammonium group, wherein the second pendant group is free of silicon, and a third pendant group comprising an ammonium group and a reactive silicon-containing group. The polymer and composition are useful for protecting a substrate, for example, to render the substrate oil repellent, water repellent, or both, or to provide stain repellency to the substrate. |
| US08614274B2 |
Long-wearing removable pressure sensitive adhesive
A medical grade adhesive comprises a mixture of at least one cross-linkable pressure sensitive adhesive component and at least one non-cross-linkable pressure-sensitive adhesive component, wherein the amount of each of said components is such that the resultant adhesive can adhere to human skin for a period of up to about 7-10 days but can be removed without causing trauma to the skin. |
| US08614270B2 |
Resin composition and semiconductor device produced by using the same
A resin composition which is excellent in quick curing and can be used for curing in conventionally used ovens, and a semiconductor device which is excellent in reliability such as solder crack resistance or the like when the resin composition is used as a die attach material for semiconductor. Further preferably, a resin composition which has a sufficient low stress property, good adhesion and excellent bleeding property.A resin composition comprising a filler (A), the compound (B) comprising a structure represented by the formula (1) and a functional group represented by the formula (2) and a thermal radical initiator (C), and substantially not containing a photo polymerization initiator. |
| US08614261B2 |
Silicone hydrogel contact lens
Ophthalmically compatible contact lenses include lens bodies configured for placement on a cornea of an animal or human eye. The lens bodies are made of a hydrophilic silicon-containing polymeric material. The lens bodies have oxygen permeabilities, water content, surface wettabilities, flexibilities, and/or designs to be worn by a lens wearer even during sleep. The present lenses can be worn on a daily basis, including overnight, or can be worn for several days, such as about thirty days, without requiring removal or cleaning. |
| US08614258B2 |
Keggin-type structure heteropoly compound-based catalyst compositions and their use in conversion of synthesis gas to oxygenates
Use a transition metal-containing, Keggin-type heteropoly compound as a catalyst to convert synthesis gas to an alcohol, especially a C1-C6 alcohol. |
| US08614257B2 |
Product recycle loops in process for converting municipal solid waste into ethanol
Facilities and processes for generating ethanol from municipal solid waste (MSW) in an economical way via generating a syngas, passing the syngas through a catalytic synthesis reactor, separating fuel grade ethanol, extracting energy at particular strategic points, and recycling undesired byproducts. |
| US08614256B2 |
Hydrophobic precipitated silica for defoamer formulations
A hydrophobic precipitated silica having a BET of less than 110 m2/g, a CTAB of less than 150 m2/g, a BET/CTAB ratio of less than 3, a carbon content of greater than 3.1%, a pH of 9.7 to 10.5, a DBP of less than 230 g/(100 g), and a methanol wettability of more than 50%. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is used in compositions including defoamers, silicone rubber and HTV crosslinkable silicone rubber compositions. The hydrophobic precipitated silica is also useful as a flow assistant and carrier or anti-blocking agent. |
| US08614254B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating thalamocortical dysrhythmia
This invention relates to methods of inhibiting a Cav3 calcium channel in a cell using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof. This invention further relates to methods of treating a thalamocortical dysrhythmia disorder in a mammal and for treating a neurological disorder in a mammal associated with the thalamocortical dysrhythmia using a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, a lipophilic molecule with a partition coefficient substantially similar to that of a C2-C10 alkyl alcohol, or mixtures thereof, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. |
| US08614249B2 |
Medicaments containing pantothenic acid
This invention relates to medicaments and their use in the alleviation of inflammation and pain in joints. |
| US08614248B2 |
Use of esters of long-chain fatty acids for treatment of autoimmune diseases
Agents selected from: (i) a C1-C24 alkyl ester of a saturated or cis-unsaturated C10-C24 fatty acid; (ii) a monoester or polyester of a polyol having at least four hydroxy groups with a saturated or cis-unsaturated C10-C24 fatty acid or an anhydro derivative thereof; (iii) a monoester or polyester of a mono-, di- or poly-saccharide with a saturated or cis-unsaturated C10-C24 fatty acid; (iv) an amide of a saturated or cis-unsaturated C10-C24 fatty acid with an aliphatic or aromatic amine or with an amino acid, peptide, protein or aminosaccharide; and (v) combinations of any of (i) to (iv), can be used for treatment of autoimmune diseases and other immune-associated inflammatory disorders. Preferred agents are ethyl oleate and mannide monooleate or a combination thereof. |
| US08614244B2 |
Spot-on pesticide composition
A spot-on pesticide composition for animals, specifically mammals, including dogs and cats, which composition comprises a combination of active components, including fipronil and a pyrethroid, and optionally an insect growth regulator, in doses and proportions which are parasiticidally effective against a variety of insects and pests, and in a formulation which is convenient for local application to the animal's skin, preferably localized over a small surface area. |
| US08614241B2 |
Ester compound and use thereof
An ester compound represented by formula (1): wherein R3 represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and R5 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; has an excellent pest control effect and is therefore useful as an active ingredient of a pest control agent. |
| US08614237B2 |
Benzofuran-4,5-diones as selective peptide deformylase inhibitors
The instant invention provides novel benzofuran-4,5-diones and pharmaceutical compositions thereof useful for inhibiting PDF and for treating proliferative and infectious diseases. Compounds may be selective for eukaryotic (e.g., human) PDF or prokaryotic PDF. |
| US08614235B2 |
CAI-based systems and methods for the localized treatment of ocular and other diseases
The subject invention provides CAI compounds and formulations thereof, and methods for their use in the localized treatment of non-life threatening diseases. Formulations of CAI compounds of the subject invention include CAI free base and CAI prodrug microcrystallines, microparticles, emulsions, and the like. The subject invention further provides methods for treating non-life threatening diseases using the CAI compounds of the invention (i.e., novel delivery systems and combination therapies) that are effective and are associated with little or no adverse side effects. |
| US08614234B2 |
Compounds as tyrosine kinase modulators
The present invention is directed to novel compounds of Formula I. The compounds of the present invention are potent tyrosine kinase modulators, and are suitable for the treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions related to abnormal activities of tyrosine kinase receptors. |
| US08614233B2 |
Cinnamoyl inhibitors of transglutaminase
A compound of Formula, (I) or Formula: (II). |
| US08614221B2 |
Inhibitors of Akt activity
The instant invention provides for substituted fused naphthyridine derivatives that inhibit Akt activity. In particular, the compounds disclosed selectively inhibit one or two of the Akt isoforms. The invention also provides for compositions comprising such inhibitory compounds and methods of inhibiting Akt activity by administering the compound to a patient in need of treatment of cancer. |
| US08614217B2 |
Fungicide hydroximoyl-tetrazole derivatives
The present invention relates to hydroximoyl-tetrazole derivatives of formula (I), their process of preparation, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions wherein A represents a tetrazoyl group, Het represents a pyridyl group or a thiazolyl group and X represents various substituents. |
| US08614214B2 |
Pyrazole amide compounds and uses thereof
Disclosed is a pyrazole amide compound having fungicidal activity, with a structure shown by the general formula (I): Each of the substituents of the compound being defined as in the description. The compound of the present invention has fungicidal activity, and excellent prevention and controlling effects on diseases, such as cucumber downy mildew, corn rust, wheat powdery mildew, rice blast, etc., and in particular, a better prevention and controlling effect on cucumber downy mildew and corn rust. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the compound, a fungicidal composition containing the compound of general formula (I) and the use thereof in preventing and controlling disease in crops. |
| US08614213B2 |
Cyclohexyl amide derivatives and their use as CRF-1 receptor antagonists
There are described cyclohexyl amide derivatives useful as corticotropin releasing (CRF1) receptor antagonists. |
| US08614212B2 |
Anxiolytic compounds
The present invention relates to chemical compounds of general formula (I) which may possess useful therapeutic activity in a range of central nervous system disorders, and in particular, anxiety disorders. |
| US08614210B2 |
Process for preparing pharmaceutical ophthalmic compositions
Pharmaceutical ophthalmic compositions comprising active ingredient(s) such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (CAI) or combinations and processes for making such compositions and the use of these compositions in patient populations including pediatric populations. A process for preparing an ophthalmic composition comprising a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which comprises a) preparing a slurry comprising a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and a surfactant; b) preparing a polymer slurry comprising a polymer and water; c) preparing a solution comprising tonicity and preservative agents; d) mixing the polymer slurry of step b and the solution of step c, to form a vehicle concentrate and adjusting pH; e) adding the slurry of step a, to the vehicle concentrate of step d and mixing to homogenize; f) autoclaving the mixture of step e; g) sizing the mixture of step f, under aseptic condition. |
| US08614205B2 |
Glutamate receptor modulators and therapeutic agents
The present invention discloses methods of modulating the activity of Group I mGluRs using a defined class of benzamide compounds. In one embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR1 are provided. In another embodiment, methods of modulating the activity of mGluR5 are provided. In still another embodiment, methods of simultaneously modulating the activities of both mGluR1 and mGluR5 are provided. The present invention also provides methods of treating diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of benzamide compounds. The present invention further provides methods of preventing diseases or disorders which are mediated in full or in part by Group I mGluRs using one or more compounds belonging to the defined class of compounds. |
| US08614201B2 |
Heterocyclic amides as modulators of TRPA1
Certain heterocyclic amide compounds are described. The compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by TRPA1 activity, such as pain, arthritis, itch, cough, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease. |
| US08614197B2 |
Anti-tumor compounds with angeloyl groups
This invention provides a method for treating cancer by blocking the migration, metastasis of cancer cells, growth of cancers wherein the cancers comprise breast cancer, leukocyte cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, bone cancer, brain cancer, leukemia cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, CNS cancer, melanoma cancer, renal cancer or cervix cancer. This invention provides uses of compositions comprising a triterpenoidal saponin, triterpenoid, triterpenoidal compound or sapongenin, comprising at least two side groups selected from the group consisting of angeloyl groups, tigloyl groups and senecioyl groups, wherein the side groups are attached to carbon 21, 22 or/and 28 of triterpenoidal sapogenin, triterpenoid, triterpenoidal compound or other sapongenin backbones. |
| US08614196B2 |
Treatment and/or prevention of inflammation and cutaneous photodamage and photoprotection of the skin with a water-soluble extract from plant of Solanum genus
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating inflammation and cutaneous photodamage, which contains a water-soluble extract from a plant of Solanum genus. The composition also has a photoprotective effect, and can be used as a cosmetic composition. |
| US08614189B2 |
Carbon nanotube composite scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
The present invention provides biocompatible composite materials that can be fabricated into a scaffold having properties suitable for bone repair and regeneration. These scaffolds have sufficient mechanical strength to be useful for the repair and regeneration of cortical bone. |
| US08614188B2 |
Inhibiting collagen-induced platelet aggregation and activation with peptide variants
The present invention provides peptides consisting of L- and/or D-amino acids and combinations thereof, which affect platelets by action on the collagen receptor, glycoprotein VI (GPVI). More specifically, however, the peptides act on the GPVI-FcRγ signaling complex. The invention also provides lipid and sugar conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The invention still further provides a method of designing of the peptides and lipid- and/or sugar-conjugated peptides comprising L- or D-amino acids. The present invention further relates to the therapy of various disease states involving the use of these peptides and compounds. Specifically, the peptides and compounds are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or condition involving platelet activation and aggregation, and more particularly, collagen-induced platelet activation and aggregation. They also are useful in the production of medical devices comprising peptide matrices (i.e., for example, cardiovascular stents). |
| US08614186B2 |
Inhibition of inflammation using antagonists of MUC1
The invention provides for peptides from the MUC1 cytoplasmic domain and methods of use therefor. These peptides can inhibit MUC1 oligomerization, inhibit the interaction of MUC1 with NF-κB or a STAT, and block inflammatory response mediated by NF-κB or STAT signaling. |
| US08614182B2 |
GLP-1 analogues and their pharmaceutical salts and uses
This invention discloses GLP-1 analogues and their pharmaceutical salts, wherein the GLP-1 analogue comprises an amino acid sequence of general formula (I), wherein Lys represents a modified lysine with a lipophilic acid. The GLP-1 analogues provided by this invention have the function of human GLP-1, and a longer half-life in vivo compared with the human GLP-1. Uses of such compounds and compositions include treating non-insulin-dependent diabetes, insulin-dependent diabetes, and obesity. X1-X2-Glu-Gly-Thr-Phe-Thr-Ser-Asp-X10-Ser-X12-X13-X14-Glu-X16-X17-Ala-X19-X20-X21-Phe-Ile-X24-Trp-Leu-X27-X28-X29-X30-X31-X32-X33-X34-X35-X36-X37-X38-X39-Lys Formula (I)—SEQ ID NO: 238 |
| US08614181B2 |
Stabilized pharmaceutical peptide compositions
Method for increasing the shelf-life of a pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration comprising a glucagon-like peptide which is prepared from a peptide product that has been subjected to treatment at a pH above neutral pH. |
| US08614180B2 |
4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides as inhibitors of viral replication
The invention provides 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides of Formula I and the pharmaceutically salts and hydrates thereof. The variables R, R1, R6-R8, R16, R18, R19, M, n, T, Y, and Z are defined herein. Certain compounds of Formula I are useful as antiviral agents. The 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides disclosed herein are potent and/or selective inhibitors of viral replication, particularly Hepatitis C virus replication. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Such pharmaceutical compositions may contain a 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides as the only active agent or may contain a combination of a 4-amino-4-oxobutanoyl peptides and one or more other pharmaceutically active agents. The invention also provides methods for treating viral infections, including Hepatitis C infections. |
| US08614177B2 |
Peptides
Isolated peptides that are fragments of protein products arising from frameshift mutations in genes associated with cancer are disclosed. The isolated peptides of the invention are capable of eliciting T cell immunity against cells harboring genes with such frameshift mutations. Cancer vaccines and therapeutically effective compositions containing the peptides of the inventions are also described. |
| US08614174B2 |
Lubricants having alkyl cyclohexyl 1,2-dicarboxylates
Provided is a lubricant having a first base stock of one or more alkyl cyclohexyl 1,2-dicarboxylate esters at 1 wt % to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the blend, and a second base stock at 99 wt % to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the blend, wherein the second base stock is chosen from (a) one or more C6 to C16 poly-α-olefins, (b) one or more gas-to-liquid materials, and (c) one or more Group I, II, and III oils. Also provided are methods of making such lubricant blends. |
| US08614173B2 |
Water treatment method
A water treatment method according to the present invention comprises adding an amphoteric polymer flocculant to polluted water to flocculate suspended solids so that the polluted water becomes treated water, and filtering the treated water. An inorganic flocculent can be added to the treated water after flocculation treatment before filtering the treated water. |
| US08614171B2 |
Compositions for stimulating liquid-sensitive subterranean formations
A method comprising: A subterranean formation stimulation fluid comprising a stimulation gas and a consolidating agent. Suitable consolidating agents include aqueous tackifying agents, curable compositions, and noncurable and nonaqueous consolidating compositions. |
| US08614170B2 |
Method for treating fracturing water
A method of treating a medium for water fracturing is disclosed, the method comprises: introducing at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor in the medium, using the medium for water fracturing. In another aspect a method of controlling the post-fracture reservoir souring by the metabolic activities of sulfate reducing bacteria of a well is described: at least one biocide and at least one metabolic inhibitor are introduced in a medium made of water, the medium is used for fracturing the well, and the medium remains in the reservoir to kill and/or inhibit growth of sulfate reducing bacteria. |
| US08614168B2 |
Use of azoles for increasing the abiotic stress resistance of plants or plant parts
The invention relates to the use of at least one compound, selected from the group consisting of tebuconazole, epoxiconazole, metconazole, cyproconazole, prothioconazole and any mixtures thereof, for increasing the resistance of plants to abiotic stress factors. |
| US08614166B2 |
Herbicidal composition for tolerant or resistant cotton crops
Herbicide combinations (A)+(8), if appropriate in the presence of safeners, with an effective content of (A) broad-spectrum herbicides from the group (A1) glufosinate (salts) and related compounds (A2) glyphosate (salts) and related compounds such as sulfosate, (A3) imidazolinones such as imazethapyr, imazapyr, imazaquin, imazamox or their salts and (A4) herbicidal azoles from the group of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors (PPO inhibitors) and (A5) the hydroxybenzonitriles and (B) herbicides from the group consisting of (B0) one or more structurally different herbicides from the abovementioned group (A), (B1) foliar- and soil-acting herbicides which are effective against monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous harmful plants, (B2) predominantly foliar-acting herbicides which are effective against dicotyledonous harmful plants, (B3) predominantly foliar-acting herbicides which are effective against monocotyledonous harmful plants, and (B4) foliar- and soil-acting herbicides which are effective against predominantly monocotyledonous harmful plants for controlling harmful plants in tolerant or resistant mutants or transgenic cotton plants. |
| US08614164B2 |
Iron- and copper-comprising heterogeneous catalyst and process for preparing olefins by reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen
Iron- and copper-containing heterogeneous catalyst, and a process for producing it, including the following steps: thermal decomposition of gaseous iron pentacarbonyl to give carbonyl iron powder having spherical primary particles; treatment of carbonyl iron powder with hydrogen, resulting in the metallic spherical primary particles at least partly agglomerating; surface oxidation of the iron particles to form iron oxide; contacting the particles with an aqueous solution of a copper compound; drying in the presence of oxygen and subsequent calcination in the absence of oxygen, resulting in oxygen-comprising copper compounds on the particles; and finally reaction of these with the iron oxide to form a mixed oxide of the formula CuxFe3-xO4, where 0 |
| US08614158B2 |
Fischer-trospch and oxygenate synthesis catalyst activation/regeneration in a micro scale process
Processes for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts include the transportation of a modular, portable catalyst activation and/or regeneration unit to Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate production units. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a production unit at a catalyst treatment facility. An alternative process for activating and/or regenerating Fischer-Tropsch and/or oxygenate synthesis catalysts includes activating and/or regenerating the catalyst in a synthesis reactor at a catalyst treatment facility. |
| US08614157B2 |
Sintered particles and methods for producing sintered particles from a slurry of an alumina-containing raw material
Sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material and a metal oxide sintering aid. The alumina-containing raw material contains from about 40% to about 55% alumina. Methods for using such sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations. |
| US08614155B2 |
Resin composition eliminating volatile loss of initiating species for the preparation of printed circuit board laminates
An enhanced prepreg for printed circuit board (PCB) laminates includes a substrate and a resin applied to the substrate. The resin includes a curable polymer and a polymerization initiator polymer having a backbone with a free radical initiator forming segment that breaks apart upon being subjected to heat to generate a plurality of non-volatile initiating species. This resin composition eliminates possible volatile loss of the free radical initiator during all processing steps in the preparation of PCB laminates. The resin may additionally include a cross-linking agent, flame retardant and viscosity modifiers. In one embodiment, a sheet of woven glass fibers is impregnated with the resin and subsequently dried or cured. The glass cloth substrate may include a silane coupling agent to couple the resin to the substrate. In another embodiment, resin coated copper (RCC) is prepared by applying the resin to copper and subsequently curing the resin. |
| US08614152B2 |
Gate structure and a method for forming the same
A method for forming a gate structure includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A silicon oxide layer is formed on the substrate. A decoupled plasma-nitridation process is applied to the silicon oxide layer so as to form a silicon oxynitride layer. A first polysilicon layer is formed on the silicon oxynitride layer. A thermal process is applied to the silicon oxynitride layer having the first polysilicon layer. After the thermal process, a second polysilicon layer is formed on the first polysilicon layer. The first polysilicon layer can protect the gate dielectric layer during the thermal process. The nitrogen atoms inside the gate dielectric layer do not lose out of the gate dielectric layer. Thus, the out-gassing phenomenon can be avoided, and a dielectric constant of the gate dielectric layer can not be changed, thereby increasing the reliability of the gate structure. |
| US08614144B2 |
Method for fabrication of interconnect structure with improved alignment for semiconductor devices
Methods and structure are provided for creating and utilizing hard masks to facilitate creation of a grating effect to control an anisotropic etching process for the creation of an opening, and subsequent formation of a interconnect structure (e.g., a via) in a multilayered semiconductor device. A first hard mask can be patterned to control etching in a first dimension, and a second hard mask can be patterned to control etching in a second dimension, wherein the second hard mask is patterned orthogonally opposed to the first hard mask. A resist can be patterned by inverting the pattern of a metal line patterning. Interconnects can be formed with critical dimension(s) and also self-aligned. |
| US08614139B2 |
Dicing film with protecting film
The present invention provides a dicing film with a protecting film that enables to paste a dicing film to a semiconductor wafer without a shift in position while reducing a downtime. There is provided a dicing film with a protecting film in which a dicing film and a protecting film are laminated, wherein the difference between the transmittance of the protecting film and the transmittance of the dicing film with a protecting film at a portion of the dicing film where light for detecting a film transmits first is 20% or more in a wavelength of 600 to 700 nm. |
| US08614132B2 |
Integrated circuit device with well controlled surface proximity and method of manufacturing same
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved control over a surface proximity and tip depth of integrated circuit device. In an embodiment, the method achieves improved control by forming a doped region and a lightly doped source and drain (LDD) region in a source and drain region of the device. The doped region is implanted with a dopant type opposite the LDD region. |
| US08614125B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of forming the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a bottom electrode on a semiconductor substrate, a data storage layer on the bottom electrode, the data storage layer including a transition metal oxide, and a switching layer provided on a top surface and/or a bottom surface of the data storage layer, wherein a bond energy of material included in the switching layer and oxygen is more than a bond energy of a transition metal in the transition metal oxide and oxygen. |
| US08614124B2 |
SONOS ONO stack scaling
Scaling a nonvolatile trapped-charge memory device and the article made thereby. In an embodiment, scaling includes multiple oxidation and nitridation operations to provide a tunneling layer with a dielectric constant higher than that of a pure silicon dioxide tunneling layer but with a fewer hydrogen and nitrogen traps than a tunneling layer having nitrogen at the substrate interface. In an embodiment, scaling includes forming a charge trapping layer with a non-homogenous oxynitride stoichiometry. In one embodiment the charge trapping layer includes a silicon-rich, oxygen-rich layer and a silicon-rich, oxygen-lean oxynitride layer on the silicon-rich, oxygen-rich layer. In an embodiment, the method for scaling includes a dilute wet oxidation to density a deposited blocking oxide and to oxidize a portion of the silicon-rich, oxygen-lean oxynitride layer. |
| US08614120B2 |
Semiconductor chip package and method of making same
A semiconductor chip package includes a substrate unit, a chip, metal members, a molding compound and a shielding layer. The chip is assembled on and electrically connected with the substrate unit. The substrate unit includes conductive seat portions surrounding the chip, and defines through holes respectively coated by conducting films to ground the corresponding seat portions. The metal members are assembled on the seat portions, surround the chip, and are grounded through the conducting films. The molding compound encapsulates the chip and the metal members, with part of each metal member exposed out of the molding compound. The shielding layer covers the molding compound and the parts of each metal member exposed out of the molding compound to shield the chip from electromagnetic radiation. |
| US08614110B1 |
Method for fabricating a dual-crystalline silicon suspension system using pre-fabricated cavities
A method is provided to create a proof mass supported by a dual-suspension system for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) using crystalline silicon. The pre-fabricated cavity method decreases the subsequent processing required to create the final mechanical structure including the proof mass and dual-suspension system. During processing, the proof mass may be connected to a support structure via tethered regions, which are removed subsequent to proof mass formation. |
| US08614108B2 |
Electronic device having thermally managed electron path and method of thermal management of very cold electrons
A device and a method of thermal management. In one embodiment, the device includes an integrated circuit, including: (1) a conductive region configured to be connected to a voltage source, (2) a transistor having a semiconductor channel with a controllable conductivity and (3) first and second conducting leads connecting to respective first and second ends of said channel, wherein a charge in the conductive region is configured to substantially raise an electrical potential energy of conduction charge carriers in the semiconductor channel and portions of said leads are located where an electric field produced by said charge is substantially weaker than near the semiconductor channel. |
| US08614106B2 |
Liner-free tungsten contact
A liner-less tungsten contact is formed on a nickel-tungsten silicide with a tungsten rich surface. A tungsten-containing layer is formed using tungsten-containing fluorine-free precursors. The tungsten-containing layer may act as a glue layer for a subsequent nucleation layer or as the nucleation layer. The tungsten plug is formed by standard processes. The result is a liner-less tungsten contact with low resistivity. |
| US08614105B2 |
Production flow and reusable testing method
An embodiment is a method. The method comprises providing a substrate comprising a die area. The die area comprises sections of pad patterns, and first sections of the sections each comprise a first uniform pad pattern. The method further comprises probing a first one of the first sections with a first probe card; stepping the first probe card to a second one of the first sections; and probing the second one of the first sections with the first probe card. |
| US08614104B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A ferroelectric capacitor is formed over a semiconductor substrate (10), and thereafter, interlayer insulating films (48, 50, 52) covering the ferroelectric capacitor are formed. Next, a contact hole (54) reaching a top electrode (40) is formed in the interlayer insulating films (48, 50, 52). Next, a wiring (58) electrically connected to the top electrode (40) through the contact hole (54) is formed on the interlayer insulating films (48, 50, 52). At the time of forming the top electrode (40), conductive oxide films (40a, 40b) are formed, and then a cap film (40c) composed of a noble metal exhibiting less catalytic action than Pt and having a thickness of 150 nm or less is formed on the conductive oxide films (40a, 40b). |
| US08614103B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) related ocular diseases and conditions
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions, particularly ocular diseases and conditions, characterized by aberrant fibrogenesis or scarring, inflammation, and/or aberrant neovascularization or angiogenesis. The compositions and methods of the invention utilize immune-derived moieties that are specifically reactive against the bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and its variants, which moieties are capable of decreasing the effective concentration of bioactive lipid being targeted. In one embodiment, the immune-derived moiety is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is reactive against sphingosine-1-phosphate. |
| US08614100B2 |
Method and devices for depositing samples on an electrically shielded substrat
A method for depositing samples, in which at least one sample (10) is arranged on a substrate (30), comprises the following steps: positioning a sample dispenser (20) above the substrate (30), and actuating the sample dispenser (20) so that the sample (10) is moved from the sample dispenser (20) along a trajectory (11) to a predefined deposition position (32) on the substrate (30), wherein at least part of the trajectory (11) is shielded against electrical interference fields. Also described is a substrate (30) for receiving samples (10), comprising a substrate body (31), on the surface of which at least one deposition position (32) is provided, and a shielding electrode (40), which is designed so as to electrostatically shield the space above the at least one deposition position (32) against electrical interference fields. |
| US08614099B2 |
FRET detection method and device
When FRET efficiency is measured quantitatively by removing uncertain elements of fluorescence detection information, calibration information prestored in a storage means while including at least the leak rate of donor fluorescence component emitted from a donor molecule, the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component emitted from an acceptor molecule, and the non-FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component when FRET is not generated out of the fluorescence of a measurement object sample is acquired. The FRET fluorescence lifetime of the donor fluorescence component is then determined using the intensity information and phase information of fluorescence of the measurement object sample, the leak rate of donor fluorescence component and the leak rate of acceptor fluorescence component, thus determining the FRET fluorescence efficiency. |
| US08614098B2 |
Urine gender test
A solid composition for determining the gender of an unborn fetus, comprising a first layer comprising a basic salt, a second layer comprising a transition metal, and a third layer comprising a neutral filler separating the first and second layers. |
| US08614096B2 |
Humidity and temperature corrections to improve accuracy of HF ambient air monitors based on tunable diode laser IR absorption measurements
Method of determining a total HF concentration metric in an environment including measuring an uncorrected HF concentration metric in the environment based on a first infrared absorption measurement at a wavelength corresponding to a vibrational frequency of a non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule; determining an ambient H2O concentration metric in the environment available for reaction with the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecules at or about the time of obtaining the first infrared absorption measurement; calculating a HF hydrate concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric, the ambient H2O concentration metric and a reaction equilibrium relationship between the non-hydrogen bonded gas phase HF molecule and the HF hydrate; and determining the total HF concentration metric in the environment based on the uncorrected HF concentration metric and an amount of HF determined by the HF hydrate concentration metric. |
| US08614092B2 |
Nucleotide-specific recognition sequences for designer TAL effectors
The invention relates to methods of altering expression of a genomic locus of interest or specifically targeting a genomic locus of interest in an animal cell, which may involve contacting the genomic locus with a non-naturally occurring or engineered composition that includes a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) binding polypeptide having a N-terminal capping region, a DNA binding domain comprising at least five or more Transcription activator-like effector (TALE) monomers and at least one or more half-monomers specifically ordered to target the genomic locus of interest, and a C-terminal capping region, wherein the polypeptide includes at least one or more effector domains, and wherein the polypeptide is encoded by and translated from a codon optimized nucleic acid molecule so that the polypeptide preferentially binds to the DNA of the genomic locus. |
| US08614091B2 |
PNMT as a novel marker for progenitor cells
In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods and compositions relating to a Pnmt-positive progenitor cell. In certain aspects, the present invention relates to methods for isolating and transplanting the subject progenitor cells, and methods for treating diseases such as myocardiac injuries and neurodegenerative disorders. |
| US08614087B2 |
Multiple-analyte assay device and system
Provided herein is technology relating to testing biological samples and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits for performing multiple, simultaneous real-time assays on a sample in a single-use disposable format. For example, the technology relates to an apparatus that finds use, for example, for point-of-care diagnostics, including use at accident sites, emergency rooms, in surgery, in intensive care units, as well as for non-medical applications. |
| US08614084B2 |
Microbial strain Alteromonas SP. SN2 for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
The present invention relates to a novel microbial strain, Alteromonas sp. SN2 (KCTC11700BP) having an activity for degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), a bioremediation process of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising contacting a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. with PAH, and a composition for purifying polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminants, comprising a microbial strain Alteromonas sp. It is advantageous that the present invention may be suitably utilized in treatment or remediation of oil contaminants, particularly naphthalene soil contaminants without production of a secondary contaminant source. As the strain and bioremediation process of this invention could be industrially utilized through low-cost and environment-friendly process, the present technology also may be carried out much more economically and efficiently than conventional technologies such as thermal technology, solidification technology, and vapor extraction technology. |
| US08614080B2 |
Method for producing hydroxylated adamantane using cytochrome P450
Disclosed is a method for producing a hydroxylated form of a compound having an adamantane skeleton, which is useful as an intermediate for functional resins and pharmaceutical products, with high yield and at low cost. Specifically, a hydroxylated form of a compound having an adamantane skeleton can be obtained by using cytochrome P450. More specifically, an N-(5-hydroxy-2-adamantyl)-benzamide derivative can be produced by hydroxylating an N-(2-adamantyl)-benzamide derivative. |
| US08614078B2 |
Contaminant reducing amide functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon composition
The present invention is directed to compositions and methods related to delivering degradative enzymes to remove/remedy environmental pollutants. The inventive material comprises a series of amide-functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (AFOMC), which utilizes chemical conjugation techniques for the tethering of enzymes to the surface of the synthesized AFOMC. The delivery mechanism may be utilized to express a wide variety of toxin-degrading enzymes for removal/remediation of organic pollutants. |
| US08614071B2 |
Preferential amplification of mRNA over DNA using chemically modified primers
The present invention relates to a method, oligonucleotides, reaction mixtures and kits for the selective amplification of a messenger RNA target comprising an exon-exon junction, using an oligonucleotide that comprises at least one nucleotide modified at the exocyclic amino group. |
| US08614070B2 |
Process for the co-production of chitin, its derivatives and polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose, by the fermentation of the yeast Pichia pastoris
The presently disclosed subject matter concerns a process for the co-production of glucosamine polymers (chitin, chitosan or any of its derivatives) and polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose, by the high cell density fermentation of the yeast Pichia pastoris in a bioreactor under aerobic conditions. The process can include the use of glycerol byproduct from the biodiesel industry as carbon source. Pure glycerol, pure methanol, glycerol-rich or methanol rich mixtures may also be used as carbon sources. The P. pastoris fermentation process can be duly optimized for attaining high cell densities and high cell wall chitin content. The disclosed subject matter also concerns polymers containing glucose, mannose and/or galactose. |
| US08614066B2 |
Method of using ligand-free lysing agent in hemoglobin analysis
Lysing agents that are free of ligands, including cyanide, for binding hemoglobin for hematology analyzers. The ligand-free lysing agents achieve accurate quantification of hemoglobin parameters, thereby replacing existing lysing agents for analysis of hemoglobin. |
| US08614063B2 |
Methods for screening for compounds for treating cancer
The methods described herein provide nucleic acid constructs and screening methods for identifying and validating compounds for use in the treatment of cancer, wherein the compounds down-regulate the post-transcriptional expression of Bmi-1. |
| US08614062B1 |
RNA-based system and method to differentiate seafood
Substituting fish of lesser value for high priced fish such as grouper has become a major problem for restaurants, wholelsalers, and the general public. A method based upon nucleic acid amplification enables clear differentiation between grouper and potential substitutes. The nucleic acid is incubated with a molecular beacon probe thereby allowing detection of the hybridized molecular beacon probe. All grouper, including the fresh market sample, were successfully confirmed as grouper. Several non-grouper samples obtained fresh and frozen from the market were also tested; none were detected as grouper. |
| US08614059B2 |
Purification and concentration of proteins and DNA from a complex sample using isotachophoresis and a device to perform the purification
A method of simultaneously co-purifying and concentrating nucleic acid and protein targets into a single volume is described. The method includes automation of the entire sample preparation process, performed by having an analyst add a sample into a device that performs all of the steps necessary to prepare a sample for analysis. The method provides for samples are not split during the sample preparation process and where common purification methods can be used for purifying multiple analytes. |
| US08614057B2 |
Methods for collecting and detecting oligonucleotides
Methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and kits are provided which includes accurately sampling a RNA from a tissue of an animal and analyzing RNA in the tissue of the animal as an indicator of physiological state, infectious disease, neoplastic disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic disease, or neurological disease in the animal. A method is provided which includes administering at least one compound to an animal wherein the at least one compound is configured to prevent the cleavage of at least one tissue RNA by a ribonuclease. The method further includes collecting a sample of at least a portion of tissue from the animal. |
| US08614056B2 |
Microfluidic method for measurement or detection involving cells or biomolecules
Embodiments of the invention are related to microfluidic devices for detecting or determining the concentration of biomolecules in an analyte comprising: a channel, wherein a surface of said channel is fabricated to be functionalized with at least one molecule selected to interact with a biomolecule, said channel being configured to interact with a microsphere, wherein a surface of said microsphere is fabricated to be functionalized with at least one same or different molecule selected to interact with said biomolecule; a second channel in fluid communication with said first channel; a system to move fluid containing said microsphere through said first and second channels; and a system to measure a change in electrical impedance or optical microscopy across said second channel as said microsphere moves through said second channel. Other embodiments concern related devices, and methods of making and using. |
| US08614052B2 |
Method for controlling the electronic beam exposure of wafers and masks using proximity correction
A method of electron beam lithography for producing wafers and masks. To reduce the impacts of the disturbing proximity effect, an expanded correction algorithm that enables a more accurate correction is used to control the electron beam. To create an improved correction method by means of which the contrast and the feature width (CD) of all figures of a pattern can be optimally controlled additional contrast frames (KR) and remaining figures (R) are produced using a geometric method for the purpose of contrast control with respect to all figures (F). Then smaller figures (KRsize-S and Rsize-S) are produced from the contrast frame figures (KR) and remaining figures (R) by means of a negative sizing operation, and subsequently figures (KRsize-S and Rsize-S) are transferred to the proximity correction algorithm with the condition that the resist threshold is reached at the edges of the figures (KR, R) by the dose assignment. |
| US08614050B2 |
Polymers, photoresist compositions and methods of forming photolithographic patterns
Polymers include a unit comprising a particular acetal moiety and a unit comprising a lactone moiety, photoresist compositions containing such a polymer, substrates coated with the photoresist compositions and methods of forming photolithographic patterns. The polymers, compositions, methods and coated substrates find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
| US08614048B2 |
Resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A resin having a structural unit derived from a compound represented by the following formula (I), wherein R1, A1 and ring X1 are as defined in the instant specification: |
| US08614047B2 |
Photodecomposable bases and photoresist compositions
Provided are novel symmetrical and asymmetrical bifunctional photodecomposable bases (PDBs) with dicarboxylate anion groups that show increased imaging performance. Also provided are photoresist compositions prepared with the bifunctional dicarboxylated PDBs and lithography methods that use the photoresist compositions of the present invention. |
| US08614043B2 |
Toner
A toner including a core particle, an inner shell layer covering the core, and an outer shell layer covering the inner shell layer is provided. The core particle includes a resin P. The inner shell layer includes fine particles of a resin A. The outer shell layer includes fine particles of a resin B. The toner satisfies the following formulae (1) to (3): 4.5≦T½(P)−Tfb(P)≦14 (1) 20≦T½(A)−Tfb(A)≦40 (2) 23.5≦T½(B)−Tfb(B)≦40 (3) wherein T½(P), T½(A), and T½(B) represent ½ method temperatures of the resins P, A, and B, respectively, and Tfb(P), Tfb(A), and Tfb(B) represent flow beginning temperatures of the resins P, A, and B, respectively, and wherein the ½ method temperatures and the flow beginning temperatures are measured by a flowtester. |
| US08614039B2 |
Toner containing metallic flakes and method of forming metallic image
The present invention relates to a porous toner particle with encapsulated metallic flakes. The porous particle containing metallic flakes can be useful for reproduction of a metallic hue upon fusing to a substrate, preferably golden or silvery hue, and for manufacturing of printed circuits, by a printing process, especially electrophotography. |
| US08614037B2 |
Dye-containing negative working curable composition, color filter and method of producing thereof
The invention provides a dye-containing negative working curable composition comprising at least a dye, a photo polymerization initiator, and as a radical polymerizable monomer, (C-1) an acidic group-containing polyfunctional (meth)acrylic compound having an acid value of 25 mgKOH/g or more, or (C-1) the acidic group-containing polyfunctional (meth)acrylic compound in combination with (C-2) another radical polymerizable compound other than (C-1). |
| US08614036B2 |
Method for manufacturing laser reflective mask
In a laser reflective mask and a fabricating method thereof, reflective layers with different reflectances are sequentially and repeatedly laminated on top of a base substrate which has a reflective layer filling groove having a predetermined depth in a reflection region for a laser beam and then the remaining reflective layer laminated on the other region except for the portion filled in the reflective layer filling groove are removed through a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, or a lift-off process using irradiation with the laser beam or an etchant, so that a reflective layer pattern configured to be filled in the reflective layer filling groove may be formed, thereby capable of not only facilitating a fabricating process of the laser reflective mask but also forming a more precise reflective layer pattern. |
| US08614031B2 |
Fuel cell supply including information storage device and control system
The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices. |
| US08614029B2 |
Plant with high-temperature fuel cells and a multi-component sleeve for a cell stack
The plant with high temperature fuel cells includes a multi component sleeve for a cell stack. Axially directed chambers for an afterburning process are arranged between the periphery of the stack and an outer region of the sleeve. A construction which fixes the chambers includes a corset-like cage, the cross-section of which perpendicular to the stack axis has essentially the shape of a regular polygon. An afterburning chamber is associated with each corner of this polygon. Radial spring forces respectively act from the corners onto the associated chamber and thereby press sealing edges of the chamber onto sealing strips between chamber and stack. The sealing edges form a closed edge of a trough-like space. The trough-like space is connected via a narrow passage with an axial collection passage for exhaust gas. This collecting passage is arranged between the trough-like space and the corner. |
| US08614028B2 |
Membrane and electrode assembly and method of producing the same, and polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
[Problem]To provide a membrane and electrode assembly comprising a catalyst layer that improves water holding properties and exhibits high power generation characteristics even in low humidified conditions without inhibiting removal of the water generated by the electrode reaction, etc. and its manufacturing method.[Solution]The membrane and electrode assembly produced by sandwiching a polymer electrolyte membrane between a pair of catalyst layers is provided, in which the catalyst layer comprises a polymer electrolyte and particles carrying a catalyst material, and in which the proportion of the polymer electrolyte expressed by {(mass of polymer electrolyte)/(mass of particles in particles carrying catalyst material)} in the catalyst layer is decreased toward the polymer electrolyte membrane (the inside) from the surface of the catalyst layer (the outside). |
| US08614027B2 |
Membrane-electrode assembly with integrated sealing material
The invention relates to a catalyst-coated ion-conducting membrane and a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for fuel cells. The catalyst-coated, ion-conducting membrane is provided with a sealing material which is applied in the edge region to one side of the membrane and has a thickness which corresponds to at least the total thickness of the catalyst-coated membrane. Owing to their simple, material-conserving construction, the catalyst-coated ion-conducting membranes and the membrane-electrode assemblies produced therefrom can be manufactured inexpensively. They are used in PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), electrolysers and other electrochemical devices. |
| US08614024B2 |
Power supply apparatus
A power supply apparatus has a combined power source with power cells configured electrically independently. A switch arbitrarily changes connection paths of the power cells by selectively connecting terminals of the power cells through switching elements. A detector detects differences in electrical potentials between power cell terminals. An output detector detects a power consumption in a load and/or an output power of the power source. ON-OFF states of the switching elements are controlled by a control signal generated based on voltage signals representing detected differences in electrical potentials, power consumption, and output power. A connection status of each power cell is controlled so as to halt outputting of the power cell having the lowest output voltage if it is detected that a detected power value is equal to or lower than an output power preset based on a power generating capacity of the power source. |
| US08614022B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
A power generator includes a hydrogen generator that generates hydrogen in response to water vapor. A solid oxide fuel cell is coupled to the hydrogen generator for receiving hydrogen and is coupled to a source of oxygen. |
| US08614019B2 |
Electricity storage device
Disclosed is an electricity storage device which can be charged/discharged at high rate and have high output, high capacity and excellent repeating charge/discharge characteristics, although it uses a non-carbon material as a negative electrode active material. Specifically disclosed is an electricity storage device comprising: a positive electrode collector; a positive electrode disposed on the positive electrode collector and including a positive electrode active material which can reversibly absorb/desorb at least anions; a negative electrode collector; and a negative electrode disposed on the negative electrode collector and including a negative electrode active material which can substantially absorb/desorb lithium ions reversibly. The negative electrode active material is composed of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of silicon, a silicon-containing alloy, a silicon compound, tin, a tin-containing alloy, and a tin compound; and the negative electrode is formed as a thin film having a thickness of 10 μm or less. |
| US08614007B2 |
Thin film semiconductor material produced through reactive sputtering of zinc target using nitrogen gases
The present invention generally comprises a semiconductor film and the reactive sputtering process used to deposit the semiconductor film. The sputtering target may comprise pure zinc (i.e., 99.995 atomic percent or greater), which may be doped with aluminum (about 1 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent) or other doping metals. The zinc target may be reactively sputtered by introducing nitrogen and oxygen to the chamber. The amount of nitrogen may be significantly greater than the amount of oxygen and argon gas. The amount of oxygen may be based upon a turning point of the film structure, the film transmittance, a DC voltage change, or the film conductivity based upon measurements obtained from deposition without the nitrogen containing gas. The reactive sputtering may occur at temperatures from about room temperature up to several hundred degrees Celsius. After deposition, the semiconductor film may be annealed to further improve the film mobility. |
| US08614005B2 |
Polyamide blend film
A film whose outer layer is composed of a molding composition which is in essence composed of the following components: a) from 3 to 50% by weight of a polyamide, selected from the group of PA11 and PA12, and b) from 50 to 97% by weight of a polyamide, selected from the group of PA1012 and PA1212, where the percentages are based on the entirety of components a) and b), is suitable for decoration of moldings which retain their gloss during their service time. |
| US08614003B2 |
Superhydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) and methods for making the same
A hydrophobic coating having a contact angle of at least about 150 degrees is disclosed herein, which coating comprises: a polymer substrate comprising a first linker incorporated therein at a specified surface density of from about 3×10−4 to about 9×10−8 units per nm2; a first polymer layer in contact with said first linker; a second linker in contact with said first polymer layer; and a second polymer layer in contact with said second linker. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing the hydrophobic coating. This hydrophobic coating is useful for making microfluidic devices having a hydrophobic coating on the microfluidic channels, as well as other uses in the field of microfluidics. |
| US08614000B2 |
Coated article and method of making the same
A coated article includes a bonding layer, a chromium oxynitride layer a boron nitride layer formed on a substrate in that order. The boron nitride layer is made of hexagonal structure boron nitride. |
| US08613991B2 |
Multilayer tube with an aluminum alloy core tube
The invention relates to a multilayer tube comprising a metal tube having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first polymeric layer bonded to the outer surface, and preferably a second polymeric layer bonded to the inner surface, and wherein the metal tube is made from an aluminium alloy having, in wt. %: Si 1.5 to 2.45, Fe 0.5 to 1.2, Mn 0.5 to 1.2, Cu 0.3 to 1, Mg 0.04 to 0.3, Ti<0.25, Zn<1.2, and other impurities or incidental elements, each <0.05, total <0.25, and the balance being aluminium. |
| US08613981B2 |
Methods for producing composite elements based on foams based on isocyanate
The invention relates to a process for the production of composites, composed of at least one outer layer b) and of an isocyanate-based rigid foam a), where the outer layer b) is moved continuously and the starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) is applied to the outer layer b), which comprises achieving the application of the liquid starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) by means of at least one fixed tube c) which has openings f) and which has been placed, with respect to the outer layer b), so as to be parallel to the plane of the outer layer and at right angles to the direction of movement. |
| US08613980B2 |
Method for the preparation of a reinforced thermoset polymer composite
The present invention refers to a method for the preparation of a reinforced thermoset polymer composite, said thermoset polymer composite comprising coated fibers, the coating being used as a vehicle for the introduction of carbon nanotubes into the thermoset polymer, the preparation of said reinforced thermoset polymer composite comprising the following steps: —providing fibers; —preparing a coating comprising carbon nanotubes and a polymeric binder; —applying said coating to said fibers to obtain coated fibers; —impregnating said coated fibers with a precursor of a thermoset polymer and letting part of the carbon nanotubes transfer from the coating into the precursor of the thermoset polymer; —curing said precursor containing the coated fibers and the transferred carbon nanotubes to achieve the reinforced thermoset polymer composite. |
| US08613979B2 |
Boron-containing hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer, integrated circuit device formed using the same, and associated methods
A composition includes a boron-containing hydrogen silsesquioxane polymer having a structure that includes: silicon-oxygen-silicon units, and oxygen-boron-oxygen linkages in which the boron is trivalent, wherein two silicon-oxygen-silicon units are covalently bound by an oxygen-boron-oxygen linkage therebetween. |
| US08613971B2 |
Use of extruded starch-based complexes for satiety, reduction of food intake, and weight management
The present invention relates to starch-hydrocolloid complexes, their preparation and their use in foods. The complexes positively impact the foods into which they are incorporated to give longer-lasting and/or more potent satiety, thereby helping energy management. The invention further relates to the reduction of food intake and/or management of weight by increasing such satiety. |