| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08638849B2 |
Transcoding system using encoding history information
The present invention provides a transcoder having a MPEG decoder and a MPEG encoder, for changing a GOP structure and the bit rate of an encoded bitstream obtained as a result of an encoding process. The MPEG encoder receives a past encoding parameters generated at a past encoding process as a history information, and performs a present encoding process by using the past encoding parameters selectively so that the present encoding process is optimized. Furthermore, the encoder describe the past encoding parameters into the encoded bitstream as the history information so as to reuse the history information in advance encoding process. The picture quality of the video data does not deteriorate even if decoding and encoding processes are carried out repeatedly by the transcoder. |
| US08638835B2 |
Wireless repeater implementing multi-parameter gain management
A wireless repeater incorporates a gain management block to implement a multi-parameter gain management algorithm. The gain management algorithm receives gain settings from at least a gain control metric for stability and output signal quality and signal headroom values associated with circuitry of the repeater. The gain management block provides secure and robust boot-up of the repeater as well as oscillation detection and prevention. Furthermore, the gain management block implements repeater stability control, output signal-to-noise level control, uplink and downlink gain balance control and compensation for device constraints. |
| US08638834B2 |
Signal sequence detection techniques for OFDM/OFDMA systems
Energy in a frequency band is received at a wireless communication device and data is generated representing samples of a received time domain waveform from the received energy. Data for groups of samples of the received time domain waveform is processed to transform the data for the received time domain waveform to produce data for an intermediate domain signal that is in neither the time domain nor the frequency domain. The data representing the intermediate domain signal is analyzed to determine whether a sequence having a predetermined pattern from a set of possible sequences is present in the received energy, and ultimately to determine a sequence of the predetermined pattern whose presence is detected in the received energy. |
| US08638832B2 |
Electronic device, surface emitting laser, surface emitting laser array, light source, optical module
An electronic device comprising a multilayer semiconductor structure formed by a periodic structure having a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer, wherein in at least a portion of the multilayer semiconductor structure, the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer have different conduction types. The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer have different refractive indexes, and the multilayer semiconductor structure functions as a multilayer reflective mirror. As a result, an electronic device, a surface emitting laser, a surface emitting laser array, a light source, and an optical module with decreased parasitic capacitance can be realized. |
| US08638827B2 |
High-power semiconductor laser and method for manufacturing the same
A high-power semiconductor laser includes a support block, an anode metal plate, a cathode metal plate and a chip. The support block has a step, and the two ends of the support block have bosses, in which there are screw holes. The chip is welded to an insulation plate, which is attached to the support block. The anode metal plate and the cathode metal plate are, respectively, welded with an anode insulation plate and a cathode insulation plate, which are welded on the step of the support block. The cathode of the chip is connected with a metal connecting plate. The metal connecting plate is connected to the anode metal plate and the cathode metal plate. The insulation plate and the anode metal plate are bonded using a gold wire in press-welding. |
| US08638826B2 |
Laser device
The laser device includes a semiconductor laser element having an emission surface from which laser light is emitted, an optical fiber having an end part facing the emission surface, and an optical fiber supporting member which (i) supports the optical fiber and (ii) has a bonding pad to which the optical fiber is fixed by solder. The optical fiber supporting member includes a beam part having (i) a first main surface on which the bonding pad is provided and (ii) a second main surface opposite to the first main surface, and a pillar part which is fixed to a base and is joined to the beam part on an end portion of the beam part such that the second main surface and the base face each other while being spatially away from each other. |
| US08638824B2 |
High-efficiency method and device, to produce coherent Smith-Purcell radiation
High-efficiency method and device, to produce coherent Smith-Purcell radiation. A conductive diffraction grating, delimited by two conductive walls, is used, and an electron beam is passed above the grating to generate the radiation. According to the invention, the speed of the electrons is sufficiently low in order that, in a diagram (wave number k, frequency f), the beam line (I) intersects a portion (V) of a branch of the dispersion relationship, located in the first Brillouin zone, and corresponding to the grating's fundamental mode, at a point (P) located outside the zone delimited by the light lines (III, IV), and the current density of the beam is sufficiently high to excite the grating's fundamental mode which is radiated towards the outside thereof. |
| US08638821B2 |
Method for adjusting time slots in a communication network
A communication network includes a plurality of communication nodes, each node arranged for communicating frames of data with the other nodes during a dynamic segment having dynamic communication slots with respective communication slot numbers. Each of the plurality of communication nodes includes a time base having consecutive timeslots, associated with the dynamic communication slots; a communication slot number controller, for adjusting a communication slot number, a minislot counter for counting minislots while the adjusting of the communication slot counter is suspended and a control unit for controlling the communication slot number controller to either continue adjusting of the slot number if the determined duration of the reception is above a certain threshold or to continue adjusting of the slot number using the value obtained with the minislot counter if the determined duration of the reception is below a certain threshold. |
| US08638819B2 |
Wireless communication transceiver and mode-switch device thereof
A wireless communication transceiver and a mode switch device thereof. The transceiver includes: a first band transmission path; a first band reception path; a second band transmission path; a second band reception path; a path switch and a control unit. In a dual band time division duplexing mode, the control unit controls the path switch so that the path switch connects a received radio frequency signal from an antenna to the first band reception path, and connects a transmitted radio frequency signal from the second band transmission path to the antenna in an odd cycle or an even cycle; and controls the path switch so that the path switch connects a received radio frequency signal from the antenna to the second band reception path, and connects a transmitted radio frequency signal from the first band transmission path to the antenna in another odd cycle or another even cycle. |
| US08638816B2 |
Method and apparatus for transceiving multiple services data simultaneously over SONET/SDH
A method and apparatus for transceiving multiple service data from multiple communication services to a SONET/SDH communication system or network is provided. A SONET/SDH universal framer (SURF) bidirectionally provides communication between a SONET/SDH communication port and multiple service communication ports using their native data format. A provisioning register stores provisioning information describing the communication system and the communication ports. A SONET/SDH byte engine processes complex hierarchical SONET/SDH frames storing intermediate states when it changes to process a byte of data of a different STS-1 equivalent frame in a SONET/SDH STS-N frame. A service byte engine processes the multitude of service data formats and generally its intermediate states are restored, processed, and saved when it changes to process a different data stream or a different frame of data of a given service. An elastic storage means allows the SONET/SDH byte engine and the service byte engine to operate independent of one another in an asynchronous mode. |
| US08638815B2 |
Method and apparatus for logical channel prioritization for uplink carrier aggregation
A method and apparatus for logical channel prioritization at a user equipment in a multiple uplink carrier system, the method receiving a set of logical channel priorities at the user equipment, the logical channel priorities being assigned on a per carrier basis; and applying the set of logical channel priorities to each logical channel for carrier selection. Further a method and apparatus for constructing an uplink medium access control protocol data unit at a user equipment in a multiple uplink carrier system, the method sorting possible logical channel and carrier pairings based on logical channel priorities; utilizing a prioritized bit rate process to allocate logical channel traffic in an order determined by the sorting; and performing a remaining resources process to allocate logical channel traffic based on a priority order. |
| US08638813B2 |
Protocol parameter negotiation
This invention relates to a method for negotiating at least one parameter of a protocol that is operated between a first protocol entity (1) and a second protocol entity (2), comprising receiving (301) a first negotiation message (3) that carries a first value for the at least one parameter, wherein the first value is an invalid value for the at least one parameter, and sending (309) a second negotiation message that carries a second value for the at least one parameter in response to the first negotiation message (3). The invention further relates to a computer program, a computer program product, a system (30) a terminal (10) and a network element (20). The protocol may for instance be a Radio Link Protocol, and the first (3) and second (4) negotiation messages may for instance be eXchange Identification XID command and response, respectively. |
| US08638811B2 |
Reconfigurable multiple-input multiple-output systems and methods
An exemplary wireless commutation device and method are disclosed for configuring a plurality of radio resources including a first radio resource and second radio resource in the wireless communication device. According to one aspect, the first and second radio resources are configured for spatial multiplexing according to a first communication system type. Upon receiving a request for communication over a second communication system type, at least one of the first and second radio resources are re-configured for communication over the second communication system type. According to another aspect, a first communication link over the first communication system is maintained while establishing a second communication link over the second communication system. According to another aspect, the other of the first and second radio resources for non-spatial multiplexing are re-configured according to the first communication system type. |
| US08638809B1 |
Systems and methods for compensating for repetitive impulse noise
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for compensating for repetitive impulse noise (REIN) affecting signals that are communicated over a telecommunication channel. A system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transmitter and receiver that communicate over a telecommunication channel. The data is encoded by the transmitter using a forward error correction (FEC) algorithm, such as Reed-Solomon coding, before being transmitted over a telecommunication channel to the receiver. The REIN tracker analyzes the data received by the receiver in order to predict when future occurrences of REIN will likely affect the data being communicated over the channel. The REIN tracker then marks erasures in a received data stream based on its REIN predictions. A decoder then decodes FEC code words in the data stream based on the marked erasures. |
| US08638805B2 |
Packet draining from a scheduling hierarchy in a traffic manager of a network processor
Described embodiments provide for restructuring a scheduling hierarchy of a network processor having a plurality of processing modules and a shared memory. The scheduling hierarchy schedules packets for transmission. The network processor generates tasks corresponding to each received packet associated with a data flow. A traffic manager receives tasks provided by one of the processing modules and determines a queue of the scheduling hierarchy corresponding to the task. The queue has a parent scheduler at each of one or more next levels of the scheduling hierarchy up to a root scheduler, forming a branch of the hierarchy. The traffic manager determines if the queue and one or more of the parent schedulers of the branch should be restructured. If so, the traffic manager drops subsequently received tasks for the branch, drains all tasks of the branch, and removes the corresponding nodes of the branch from the scheduling hierarchy. |
| US08638804B2 |
Method and system for recognizing energy efficient certified devices through a gateway
A broadband gateway, which enables communication with a plurality of devices, may be operable to identify an energy efficient certified device from the plurality of devices. The broadband gateway may handle at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider. Information related to the identified energy efficient certified device, including usage information of the device, may be communicated to one or more entities. The broadband gateway may acquire the usage information of the energy efficient certified device by monitoring whether the device is operating in an energy efficient mode. The broadband gateway may obtain a credit and/or a reward from the one or more entities based on the usage information of the energy efficient certified device. The broadband gateway may deposit the credit and/or the reward to an account associated with the energy efficient certified device. |
| US08638802B2 |
Network packet steering via configurable association of packet processing resources and network interfaces
Methods and systems are provided for steering network packets. According to one embodiment, a dynamically configurable steering table is stored within a memory of each network interface of a networking routing/switching device. The steering table represents a mapping that logically assigns each of the network interfaces to one of multiple packet processing resources of the network routing/switching device. The steering table has contained therein information indicative of a unique identifier/address of the assigned packet processing resource. Responsive to receiving a packet on a network interface, the network interface performs Layer 1 or Layer 2 steering of the received packet to the assigned packet processing resource by retrieving the information indicative of the unique identifier/address of the assigned packet processing resource from the steering table based on a channel identifier associated with the received packet and the received packet is processed by the assigned packet processing resource. |
| US08638801B2 |
Optical packet switching system
An optical packet switching system includes: an optical packet switching device configured to route and output an input optical packet signal; an optical amplifier device provided in a stage subsequent to the optical packet switching device; and a dummy packet insertion device configured to insert a dummy packet in an optical packet signal prior to input to the optical amplifier device. A dummy packet includes a flag indicating that the packet is a dummy packet. |
| US08638799B2 |
Establishing network quality of service for a virtual machine
A system and method for implementing a VM to identify a data packet for transmission, the data packet including a QoS the data packet is to receive as compared to another QoS that another data packet is to receive. The system and method further includes a SNIC to pull the data packet from the VM based upon the QoS the data packet is to receive. The system and method may also include a link scheduler module to transmit the data packet based upon the QoS the data packet is to receive. The system and method may also include a receiver to receive a management instruction from a network management device, the management instruction to dictate the QoS the data packet is to receive based upon a SLA. |
| US08638798B2 |
Method and arrangement to increase the data transmission flow rate in a communication system
A method and apparatus to transfer data cells having an overhead section and a payload section via a communication medium from a transmitter to a receiver. Before transfer of a data cell, the overhead section of the data cell is translated into a shortened overhead section, known both on the transmitter and the receiver sides, and upon reception of the data cell, the shortened overhead section is translated again into the overhead section. |
| US08638797B2 |
Ordered and duplicate-free delivery of wireless data frames
Techniques for ordered and duplicate-free delivery of wireless data frames are provided. A source address, a destination address, and a message sequence number are acquired from a wireless data frame. The message sequence number is compared against a last-received message sequence number, and a last-delivered message sequence number. The destination address is also compared to a current address. In response to the compares, a decision is made to forward the wireless data frame to the destination address, discard the wireless frame as a duplicate wireless data frame, queue the wireless data frame, or release the wireless data frame to a next protocol layer. |
| US08638790B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing data services in a multi-processor computing environment
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate enhanced data service functionality for data services operating in a multi-processor computing environment. As described herein, respective processors and/or other components can be utilized to form a Smart Peripheral Subsystem (SPS). As further described herein, the SPS can operate in association with a modem processor and an application processor at a mobile computing device in order to reduce loading at the application processor and improve memory usage efficiency. In the case of a mobile computing device sharing a network connection with a tethered computing device, the SPS can couple a modem interface associated with the mobile computing device and an interface through which the disparate computing device is tethered to the mobile computing device such that operations such as Layer 2 (L2) framing and/or de-framing, Network Address Translation (NAT), or the like can be offloaded to the SPS under various circumstances. |
| US08638788B2 |
Replication management for remote multicast replication network
A router receives a leave message from a host on a subscriber circuit. The leave message indicates a request to stop receiving a multicast stream that is associated with a group object. The interface between the router and network elements including, but not limited to, a remote multicast replication interface. A group specific query is then sent on the subscriber circuit, and is directed to hosts on the subscriber circuit and regards only the multicast group of the received request. Next the group object association with the subscriber circuit is removed from the record at the router if, in response to the group specific query, no host of the subscriber circuit reports receiving the traffic stream corresponding to the multicast group identified in the leave message. |
| US08638782B2 |
Method for placing call in voice call continuity and terminal and server thereof
A method, server and terminal for providing a Voice Call Continuity (VCC) service, are discussed. According to an embodiment, the terminal includes a storage unit to store operator policy information and user preference information, the user preference information including domain selection information specifying a user-preferred domain to be used when originating the outgoing call from the terminal, the operator policy information including domain selection information specifying a network-preferred domain to be used when originating the outgoing call from the terminal; and a controller to perform a domain selection for the outgoing call based on the user preference information or the operator policy information. |
| US08638780B1 |
System and method for obtaining an internet address associated with a telephone number
A system and method for obtaining an internet address associated with a telephone number is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless carrier network includes a subscriber database and an ENUM gateway. The ENUM gateway receives an ENUM query related to a subscriber of the wireless carrier from a third party, consults the subscriber database in response to the received ENUM query, and provides an ENUM response to the ENUM query to the third party after consulting the subscriber database. |
| US08638777B2 |
Method for performing ranging in wireless communication system supporting two wireless communication schemes
A method for performing ranging is disclosed. The method for performing ranging in a wireless communication system which simultaneously supports a legacy system and a new system includes a method for additionally allocating a ranging channel to a zone other than a legacy zone and a method for re-using a legacy ranging channel within the legacy zone. When the legacy ranging channel is re-used, ranging codes may be shared by a legacy mobile station and a new system mobile station or may be separated on a ranging code domain. Limited radio resources can be effectively employed by re-using the legacy ranging channel. |
| US08638776B2 |
Frame generating device, receiving device, data transmitting/receiving system, frame generating method, and receiving method
A frame generation device has a frame generation section that generates a frame including synchronization information for achieving synchronization with a reception device from among a group including one or more reception devices each of which receives information within the frame, address information indicating an address within the frame for transmitting data, and data transmitted to the reception device included in the group. A group-basis distribution data presence/absence information generation section generates group-basis distribution data presence/absence information indicating whether or not the transmitted data is included in the frame. A synchronization information generation section generates synchronization information including the group-basis distribution data presence/absence information. The frame generation section generates the frame such that the group-basis distribution data presence/absence information is allocated prior to the address information. A central processing unit controls operation of the frame generation section, group-basis distribution data presence/absence information generation section, and synchronization information generation section. |
| US08638773B2 |
RLC for multi-carrier LTE systems
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure propose methods for supporting multicarrier in a radio link control (RLC) communication layer. The proposed methods reduce the processing required when scheduling information for each carrier becomes available by generating protocol data units (PDUs) in advance, and storing the PDUs in buffers associated with each carrier. |
| US08638772B2 |
Method for granting a transmission opportunity in a wireless LAN system that uses a combined channel constituted by a plurality of subchannels, and station supporting the method
A method for granting a contention-free transmission opportunity in a wireless LAN system using a combined channel comprised of a plurality of subchannels, and a station supporting the method are provided. The method for granting transmission opportunity includes: transmitting a transmission opportunity granting frame granting a transmission opportunity of a plurality of target stations; and receiving a frame from each of the plurality of target stations which have acquired a transmission opportunity upon receiving the transmission opportunity granting frame. The station supports granting of a transmission opportunity by the foregoing method. |
| US08638767B2 |
Multi-communication mode packet routing mechanism for wireless communications systems
The transmission range of a network communication device can be extended by enabling transition between legacy and non-legacy communication protocols. A communication device can receive a packet in a legacy packet format from a host device via a legacy network interface. In response to determining that the packet received via the legacy network interface is to be transmitted using one of a plurality of non-legacy communication protocols, a processing path within the communication device in accordance with which to process the packet for transmission using the non-legacy communication protocol is determined. The packet in the legacy packet format is reformatted to yield a target packet in a non-legacy packet format based, at least in part, on the non-legacy communication protocol. The target packet is provided to the destination network device in accordance with the non-legacy communication protocol. |
| US08638766B2 |
Electronic device and method of controlling the same
The embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic device and a method of controlling the electronic device. When a mobile terminal enters into or comes out of a network environment including a plurality of electronic devices that may communicate with each other, the electronic device and the method of controlling the electronic device may play contents in association with such an event. |
| US08638765B2 |
System and method for distributing wireless network access parameters
A system and method are provided for distributing wireless network access parameters in a multi-mode communications user terminal (UT). The method includes: establishing a link between a UT and a first communications network (i.e., a cellular network); accessing a parameters server via the first network; downloading access parameters for a wireless, second communications network (i.e., a Wireless Local Area Network); and, using the downloaded access parameters to establish a wireless link between the UT and the second communications network. The downloaded access parameters may include information such as a security key, Service Set IDentifier (SSID), traffic channel allocation, and optimization parameters including transmit power, quality of service (QoS) settings, and operational mode. Alternately, the database may cross-reference UT ID to parameters such as QoS, IP address, gateway information, subnet mask, Domain Name Server (DNS) information, or geographical location. |
| US08638763B2 |
System and method for communicating with a network access node
A system and method for crediting an account of a network access node includes receiving a data signal at a network access node, forwarding the data signal wirelessly to a network user node, and providing account crediting information to an accounting system. The account crediting information represents a credit to be recorded for an account associated with the network access node. |
| US08638759B2 |
Serving cell selection in wireless communications
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate selecting and/or reselecting one or more access points, related cells, or carriers based at least in part on calculating an energy efficiency related to the access points. In particular, the energy efficiency can be based at least in part on an estimated pathloss and/or a level of interference related to communicating with the access points. Moreover, load parameters related to the access point can be received and evaluated in selecting and/or reselecting the access point. Thus, access points can be selected or reselected based on parameters other than forward link transmit power. In addition, pathloss and/or interference levels can be weighed based on access point type to prevent macrocell overloading. |
| US08638758B2 |
Methods and systems for variable rate broadcast with soft handoff
Embodiments described herein relate to providing variable rate broadcast services with soft handoff in wireless communications. In an embodiment, a plurality of access points (e.g., servicing various cells in a broadcast area) may transmit a broadcast content in accordance with a rate set. The rate set may include a plurality of distinct data rates each associated with a transmission format, configured to allow the broadcast packets transmitted by the access points to be incrementally combined (e.g., on a per-slot basis at a subscribing AT). The data rates and corresponding transmission formats in the rate set may be selected in relation to the supportable data rates of the cells in the broadcast area, as well as the requirements for supporting soft handoff in these cells. |
| US08638754B2 |
Method and apparatus for performing hand-over
A method of performing hand-over in a personal basic service set (PBSS) including a plurality of stations and one coordinator is provided. An association request frame comprising PCP capability information, and requesting to associate to the PBSS, is received from each of the stations. The PCP capability information comprises information regarding at least one of whether each of the stations supports a power source capability of continuous power supply, whether each of the stations supports a channel time allocation function, and whether each of the stations supports a network clustering function. An association response frame, indicating whether the association request received from each of the stations is approved, is transmitted to each of the stations, and a priority to be a coordinator of the stations is determined based on the PCP capability information. Hand-over is performed with one of the stations according to the determined priority. |
| US08638753B2 |
QCI mapping at roaming and handover
The technology pertains to wireless telecommunications systems in which a quality of service is handled for a service provided to a user equipment when the user equipment transitions from being served by a source network to being served by a target network. The quality of service is handled even if the source and the target networks implement proprietary QCIs. In general, a source QCI, which may be proprietary to the source network, is remapped to a predetermined QCI that identifies a set of predetermined QCI characteristics whose values are similar to the source QCI characteristics identified by the source QCI. The predetermined QCI and the set of predetermined QCI characteristics are used by the target network to provide the service to the user equipment after the transition. |
| US08638741B2 |
Retransmission mode signaling in a wireless communication system
The invention relates to a method for determining a retransmission mode of a retransmission protocol for data transmissions provided to a communication terminal. Furthermore, the invention relates to the operation of the communication terminal, e.g. a user equipment or relay node, to perform such method, as well as a Node B cooperating with the communication terminal. The invention is inter alia applicable to a 3GPP LTE-A system as standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In order to suggest a mechanism for determining or dynamically configuring a retransmission mode of a retransmission protocol, the invention suggests a control message format that allows a dynamic signaling of the retransmission mode of a retransmission protocol. The control message is designed to comprise a field that can indicate a plurality of different codepoints. The codepoints are divided into at least two subsets, wherein the codepoints of each subset indicate a respective retransmission mode. |
| US08638738B2 |
Contention-based transmission with contention-free feedback for reducing latency in LTE advanced networks and enhanced PUCCH
Methods for contention-based transmission with contention-free feedback for reduced latency in LTE Advanced networks and an enhanced PUCCH are generally disclosed herein. User equipment (UE) may transmit a contention sequence on a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) to an enhanced-Node B (eNB) and may concurrently transmit data requesting uplink resources on a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) to the eNB. The contention sequence is transmitted on the PUCCH in accordance with a format that is assigned by the eNB. The contention sequence is either randomly selected by the UE or assigned by the eNB. When the contention sequence and data are not successfully received by the eNB, the UE may fall back to a more conventional random access channel (RACH) procedure for uplink resource allocation. |
| US08638735B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for allocating different quality of service/bandwidth allocation to subscribers having different levels of subscription service for interactive gaming
Quality of Service (QoS) and/or bandwidth allocation can be provided for interactive gaming via a Regional/Access Network (RAN). The RAN can provide end-to-end transport between a Gaming Application Service Provider (GASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Routing Gateway (RG). Quality of Service (QoS) and/or bandwidth allocation can be provided by determining different levels of subscription service for different subscribers to an interactive game between a plurality of participants. Different QoS and/or bandwidth allocations can be provided to different gaming traffic flows associated with the different subscribers to the interactive game based on the different levels of subscription service of the different subscribers. |
| US08638734B2 |
Method for signaling random access channels
The invention provides a method for efficiently defining E-RACH resources at least partly with reference to R99 RACH resources. This is achieved such that very little additional signaling is required on the BCH. E-RACH resources may be efficiently defined by signaled or predetermined differences from the R99 RACH resources. Resources for each PRACH are broadcast using the BCH. However, some UEs are configured to use E-RACH, for example by means of higher-layer signaling. In one embodiment, the resources available for each E-RACH for the configured UEs are given by the same set of signatures but the scrambling code and sub-channels are different. In another embodiment, the resources available for each E-RACH for the configured UEs are given by the same set of scrambling codes, but the signatures and sub-channels are different. In a typical, but not exclusive embodiment, the invention is applied in UMTS WCDMA. |
| US08638726B2 |
Device, system, and method for broadcasting predefined reference maps for wireless communication
A method, apparatus and system for transmitting a data link descriptor or MAP signal describing sub-burst transmissions having a common number of resource units allocated thereto. The MAP signal may include the length of the common number of resource units allocated thereto and the modulation and coding schemes to be used thereby. A method, apparatus and system for transmitting an ordered MAP signal sequence describing a series of transmissions each having a number of resource units allocated thereto. A first plurality of locations in the ordered sequence may describe lengths of resource units. A second plurality of locations in the ordered sequence may describe numbers of transmissions having the lengths described in one of the first plurality of locations. A third plurality of locations in the ordered sequence may describe a number of transmissions using one of a plurality of modulation and coding schemes. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08638717B2 |
System and method for maintaining a communication session
Systems and methods for maintaining a communication session. A gateway supports both a local access point (AP) and a virtual AP. The local AP is accessible only to an “owner” of the gateway. The virtual AP (VAP) is accessible to devices associated with the owner of the gateway and to roaming Wi-Fi devices. A datastore conveys information about the roaming Wi-Fi devices to the VAP to permit them to access the VAP without the need for manual configuration of the VAP. A roaming Wi-Fi/cellular device may communicate with a gateway via a tunnel to maintain session connectivity during roaming. A session may be initiated on one network, such as a Wi-Fi network or a cellular network, handed off to another network, such as a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network, and then returned to network on which the session was initiated. |
| US08638716B1 |
System and method for facilitating secure voice communication over a network
The present invention involves providing secure Voice Over IP (VOIP) communications to a mobile communications device. Specifically, the disclosed systems and methods enable a standard remote communications device (e.g., a cellular telephone) to utilize the Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol (SCIP) as designed by the U.S. Department of Defense. The invention provides SCIP access to users without requiring specific hardware configurations to be built into, or added to, the remote communications device. The remote communications device is equipped with software that emulates what was previously accomplished through a hardware configuration in order to facilitate secure VOIP communications over standard mobile communication devices. |
| US08638715B2 |
Power-efficient accurate MICH monitoring in a mobile communication system
In a mobile communication system, receiving changed information for a service of interest in a next modification period comprises determining in a current modification period whether an alarm bit whose assertion indicates upcoming changed information is unambiguously associated with the service of interest or whether the alarm bit is associated with the service of interest and one or more services that are not of interest. Mappings of all services to alarm bits are analyzed in the present and possibly in one or more upcoming frames during the current modification period and applied in embodiments to reduce the ambiguity and therefore the risk of false indications of changed data for the service of interest. |
| US08638711B2 |
Systems and methods of maintaining core network status during serving radio network subsystem relocation
A system and method enable wireless user equipment (UE) to undergo a serving radio network subsystem (SRNS) relocation to a radio network controller (RNC) that does not support a fast dormancy feature while maintaining synchronization with the packet-switched domain of the core network. The UE is made aware of whether the target RNC supports the fast dormancy feature by way of an indication provided to the UE in a reconfiguration message provided by the source RNC, that is, the RNC to which the UE was connected prior to the SRNS relocation. In this way, the UE can behave accordingly whether or not the target RNC supports the fast dormancy feature. |
| US08638710B2 |
Incremental redundancy relays for broadcast transmission
Techniques for relaying a broadcast transmission in a wireless network are described. In one design, a relay may receive at least one transmission of a packet from a transmitter (e.g., a broadcast station) and may process the at least one transmission to decode the packet. The relay may generate at least one remaining transmission of the packet after correctly decoding the packet. The transmitter may broadcast multiple transmissions of the packet to receivers. The at least one transmission may be at least one of the multiple transmissions, and the at least one remaining transmission may be remaining ones of the multiple transmissions. The relay may send the at least one remaining transmission of the packet at the same time and on the same resources used by the transmitter. The multiple transmissions may be HARQ transmissions containing different redundancy information for the packet. |
| US08638709B2 |
Methods and apparatus for conducting financial transactions
A method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices, the method comprising combining tree search and Aloha methods to establish communications between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices without collision. A system comprising an interrogator, and a plurality of wireless identification devices configured to communicate with the interrogator In a wireless fashion, the respective wireless identification devices having a unique identification number, the interrogator being configured to employ tree search and Aloha techniques to determine the unique identification numbers of the different wireless identification devices so as to be able to establish communications between the interrogator identification and individual devices without ones of the multiple wireless collision by multiple wireless identification devices attempting to respond to the interrogator at the same time. |
| US08638705B2 |
Method for transmitting channel quality indicator
Disclosed is a method for transmitting channel quality indicator (CQI) during a sleep mode operation. The method for transmitting CQI includes: receiving a message including a CQI-related parameter indicating a transmission of a CQI before a listening window; transmitting a CQI during a sleep window before the listening window according to a CQI-related parameter in the message; transitioning to the listening window according to a listening window-related parameter after transmitting the CQI; and waiting for receiving a message indicating whether or not there is data or traffic transferred from the base station during the listening window. |
| US08638700B2 |
Using a single logical base transceiver to serve multiple physical locations
Using a single logical base transceiver to serve multiple physical locations is disclosed. A call traffic associated with a call associated at a mobile network with an assigned timeslot of a logical base transceiver is received. A timeslot with which the call traffic is associated is remapped from the assigned timeslot to a serving timeslot being used at a serving physical base transceiver to facilitate the call, in the event the call traffic comprises inbound call traffic being sent into the mobile network from the serving physical base transceiver, or from the serving timeslot to the assigned timeslot in the event the call traffic comprises outbound call traffic being sent from the mobile network to the serving physical base transceiver. |
| US08638698B2 |
Front end employing pin diode switch with high linearity and low loss for simultaneous transmission
A method, transceiver integrated circuit (IC), and communications device that employs a PIN Diode switch in connection with a transceiver integrated circuit in order to provide a highly linear path for simultaneously transmitted signals in a multi-band wireless communications device. A high linearity switch (HLS) utility/controller configures the PIN diode switch for switching between dual and single transmission modes. In the dual transmission mode, both a series PIN diode and a shunt PIN diode of the switch are biased to an on-state. A first transceiver generates and simultaneously transmits different transmission signals occupying different frequency bands to at least one antenna by utilizing a highly linear circuit path that includes the series PIN diode. In single transmission mode, both diodes are biased to an off-state which allows a second transceiver to transmit a single transmission signal to at least one antenna via a switch path with a low insertion loss impact. |
| US08638696B1 |
Enterprise conferencing with dual mixing
A method and computer readable medium for providing Enterprise conferencing is provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a first SIP INVITE message is exchanged between a Media Gateway of the Enterprise and a first Media Server of a Conferencing Service Provider. Then, an Application Server of the Conferencing Service Provider establishes conference call resources at the Conferencing Service Provider. A first RTP session is established between the Media Gateway and the first Media Server, and then a PROMPT AND COLLECT message is sent from the Application Server to the first Media Server to gather data from the caller for establishing the Enterprise conferencing. After receipt of the data by the Application Server, an SIP INFO message is sent from the Application Server to a second Media Server of the Conferencing Service Provider, selecting the second Media Server to host the call. |
| US08638691B2 |
Wireless communication system and parent node search method
A parent node includes: a signal reception unit receiving a parent node search signal transmitted from a child node; a RSSI measurement unit measuring a RSSI as an index indicating the intensity of wireless link with the child node transmitting the parent node search signal; a response wait time standby processing unit that, after waiting for a response wait time in accordance with the intensity of wireless link, returns a response signal to the child node as a sender of the parent node search signal; and a signal transmission unit. The child node includes: a signal transmission unit transmitting a parent node search signal; a signal reception unit receiving a response signal; and a parent node selection unit that selects a parent node for routine communication on the basis of a wait time from the transmission of a parent node search signal to the reception of a response signal. |
| US08638688B2 |
Method and apparatus for allocation of radio resources
Characteristics of an unknown application on the wireless network are compared with characteristics of previously classified wireless applications. When the characteristics of the unknown application match those of a previously classified application, the bandwidth requirement associated with the matching previously classified application is allocated to the unknown application by the wireless network. |
| US08638683B2 |
Frame signal generating method and frame signal generating device
A method for generating a frame signal includes monitoring a first frame signal and obtaining a first parameter based on the monitoring result; setting a second parameter based on the type of the first frame signal; when the first frame signal is being input, generating a second frame signal with a bit rate different from that of the first frame signal by determining data and stuff byte positions based on the first parameter and performing frame processing on data and stuff bytes corresponding to the first frame signal based on the determined data and stuff byte positions; and when the first frame signal is not being input, generating the second frame signal by determining the data and stuff byte positions based on the second parameter and performing the frame processing on data and stuff bytes corresponding to a maintenance signal based on the determined data and stuff byte positions. |
| US08638681B2 |
Methods and apparatus to perform jamming based on signal and interference in peer-to-peer networks
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product are provided in which a signal is received on a resource, a signal quality of the signal is determined, a signal energy of the signal is determined, and the resource is jammed based on the signal quality and the signal energy by transmitting a signal on the resource. |
| US08638680B2 |
Applying policies to a sensor network
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a summary of statistics concerning a sensor node in a sensor network that comprises a plurality of sensor nodes, the statistics having been generated based on one or more of sensor data from a sensor at the sensor node, communication to the sensor node from one or more other sensor nodes in the sensor network, or communication from the sensor node; analyzing the summary; and applying based on the analysis one or more predetermined polices to one or more of the sensor nodes or the sensor network. |
| US08638679B2 |
Method and apparatus that facilitates automatic assistance for positioning of access point base stations
Aspects are disclosed for positioning an access point base station. In a particular aspect, a performance parameter of a communication between a user equipment and the access point base station is monitored. A position of the access point base station is then assessed based on the performance parameter, and an assessment of the location is subsequently communicated. |
| US08638676B2 |
Methods and systems to allow multiple SIP applications on a SIP client the ability to select specific applications and features on a SIP server
A method is provided for a SIP client to select a SIP application and a SIP feature associated with the SIP application by sending a message to a remote SIP server that includes the identification of the SIP application and SIP feature. The message may be generated by the SIP client using SIP application configuration information stored on the SIP client. The SIP application configuration information includes information about SIP applications and associated features and where the SIP applications can be located. A further method is provided for a SIP enabled device, for example a SIP client or a SIP server, to be provided with SIP application configuration information by a configuration server. Various SIP enabled devices and a configuration server for implementing the methods are also described herein. |
| US08638670B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing queue delay overload control
A method and apparatus for handling an overload condition in a communication network are disclosed. For example, the method calculates a call target rate by at least one core signaling network element for at least one edge signaling network element. The method then sends the call target rate by the at least one core signaling network element to the at least one edge signaling network element, when a total queueing delay of the at least one core signaling network element exceeds a predefined high threshold in a measurement interval, wherein the call target rate is used by the at least one edge signaling network element in an overload control that throttles signaling traffic. |
| US08638666B2 |
Method for operating a multiport MAC bridge having ports which can be switched off according to an isochronous data stream at one port or port pair in ethernet LANs
In the method for operating a multi-port bridge for the routing, differentiated in accordance with traffic classes, of data packets which are subdivided into different priority classes in accordance with the IEEE802.1D standard, an additional traffic class “isochronous channel” is introduced. The multi-port bridge is configured in such a manner that at least one predetermined port in the case of unidirectional transmission and at least one predetermined port pair in the case of bidirectional transmission is operated in the “forwarding” state in which the predetermined port or the predetermined port pair forwards data packets of the additional traffic class IC from a queue. During the forwarding, all ports are deactivated with the exception of the predetermined port or port pair. The isochronous data stream is not restricted to one port or port pair but can be executed several times in dependence on the data rate of the transmission channel. |
| US08638665B2 |
Router, information processing device having said router, and packet routing method
A router includes: a flit arrival time management section that records flit arrival time which is the time at which the packet is received for the first time, transmission interval of the packet which are acquired from a control packet transmitted prior to the first transmission of a packet and input and output channels of the control packet and requires a crossbar section for an output channel from which the packet is supposed to be output before the flit arrival time; a switch assignment section that performs arbitration on the output channel request and performs input/output connection relationship setting processing; and a switch assignment verification section that verifies whether a result of the input/output connection relationship setting processing coincides with the actual routing of the packet. The cross bar section performs switching of the arriving packet using a result of the input/output connection relationship processing. |
| US08638663B2 |
Wireless communication system, gateway apparatus, terminal allocation method, and program
A wireless communication system of the present invention includes: terminals; a base station that performs wireless communication with the terminals; a gateway apparatus that manages the terminals and the base station; and a server apparatus that authenticates the terminals. The gateway apparatus includes: at least one C-plane processor that processes C-plane; and N U-plane processors that process U plane. Each of the N U-plane processors notifies the C-plane processor of its own load status. The server apparatus notifies the C-plane processor of service levels of target terminals that try to perform entry to a network in which the base station and the gateway apparatus are located. The C-plane processor allocates, based on the load status of each of the N U-plane processors and the service levels of the target terminals, one of the N U-plane processors as an entry destination to the target terminals. |
| US08638662B2 |
Method of implementing packet-based resource allocation and persistent resource allocation in a wireless communication system
The present invention provides a method of allocating resources in a wireless communication system. The method includes requesting persistent allocation of resources for a data spurt in response to detecting the beginning of the data spurt and performing non-persistent resource allocation for at least one packet in the data spurt. The non-persistent resource allocation is performed in response to determining that persistent resources are not available for allocation. The method also includes transmitting the packet using the allocated non-persistent resources. |
| US08638660B2 |
Direct tunnel error handling
An apparatus is disclosed which according to an embodiment is configured to store a direct tunnel context. The direct tunnel context comprises a field or flag indicating whether or not a direct tunnel is established between the apparatus and a radio network, and further comprises at least one of a tunnel endpoint identifier and an address of a user plane of a serving node. The direct tunnel context optionally further comprises at least one of a tunnel endpoint identifier and an address of a user plane of a controller of the radio network. The apparatus may be a gateway or a gateway general packet radio service support node. The invention further provides a method, system, device and program suitable or configured to handle such direct tunnel contexts. |
| US08638655B2 |
Systems and method for orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing
Systems and methods for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-carrier modem comprises: a receiver configured to de-modulate symbols from at least one of a plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals to produce a receiver output; a transmitter configured to modulate symbols onto at least one of a plurality of the spectrally overlapping carrier signals; a processor coupled to the transmitter, wherein the processor outputs data for transmission by the transmitter, wherein the processor applies an inverse Fourier transform to the data transmitted by the transmitter; the processor coupled to the receiver, wherein the processor applies a Fourier transform to the receiver output; and a controller programmed to instruct the transmitter to transmit at least one symbol representing a request for bandwidth allocation on a first carrier; wherein the controller is further programmed to determine when a collision has occurred on the first carrier. |
| US08638654B2 |
Method for transmitting downlink control channel in a mobile communication system and a method for mapping the control channel to physical resource using block interleaver in a mobile communication system
A method for transmitting a downlink control channel in a mobile communication system and a method for mapping the control channel to physical resources using a block interleaver are provided. In order to transmit a downlink control channel in a mobile communication system, information bits are modulated to generate one or more modulation symbols according to a specific modulation scheme, the modulation symbols are interleaved using a block interleaver, and the interleaved modulated symbols are mapped to resource elements allocated for transmission of at least one control channel in a subframe, thereby transmitting the at least one control channel. |
| US08638653B2 |
Adaptive transmissions for optimized application delivery in wireless networks
Methods and devices of the invention relate to sending information over a wireless communications channel using an adaptive frame structure (AFS) having unequal error protection. Unequal error protection relates to a first data region of the frame being modulated with a first modulation and coding scheme (MCS) and a second data region of the frame being modulated with a different MCS typically with a higher modulation order. The first data region, modulated with a lower order MCS, may include critical data such as error checking and header/router information while the second region may include data payload for loss tolerant applications such as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). |
| US08638652B2 |
Signal transmission with fixed subcarrier spacing within OFDMA communication systems
A station is disclosed that is configured for signal transmission in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system. The station includes a processor configured to fix a subcarrier spacing to a predetermined value for one or more subframes in all available bandwidths. The station further includes a transmitter configured to transmit a signal having the fixed subcarrier spacing, regardless of a frame structure of the one or more subframes. According to certain embodiments, the predetermined value may be divided evenly by at least one channel raster. The predetermined value may be 12.5 KHz, according to certain embodiments. Alternatively, the predetermined value is 6.25 KHz for one or more low mobility mobile stations, and/or the predetermined value is 25 KHz for one or more high mobility mobile stations. The station may be a mobile station or a base station configured for uplink and downlink transmission. |
| US08638650B2 |
Information storage medium, reproducing method, and recording method
A machine readable information storage medium, a reproducing method and apparatus which reproduces data from the storage medium, and a recording method and apparatus for recording data on the storage medium. The information storage medium includes a control area which stores within a data structure information usable by the recording or reproducing apparatus to record or reproduce the data on or from the storage medium. The information stored within the data structure includes a version corresponding to a specification, a revision number of recording speed, and an extended part version field. |
| US08638647B2 |
Adaptive high fidelity reproduction system
Audio is adaptively associated with speakers, depending on the speaker configuration that is present. Each speaker it receives an audio assignment based on its individual spectral characteristics. As more speakers are added, content is adaptively associated with that you speaker, and taken away from the previous. |
| US08638645B1 |
Thermally assisted magnetic head slider having plasmon unit formed with a recess
A write element for a thermally assisted magnetic head slider includes an air bearing surface facing to a magnetic recording medium; a first magnetic pole, a second magnetic pole, and coils sandwiched between the first and the second magnetic poles; a waveguide for guiding light generated by a light source module mounted on a substrate; and a plasmon unit provided around the first magnetic pole and the waveguide, which has a near-field light generating surface for propagating near-field light to the air bearing surface. The near-field light generating surface of the plasmon unit is apart from the air bearing surface with a first predetermined distance to form a first recess, and the first recess is filled in with a protective layer. The thermally assisted magnetic head slider can prevent the plasmon unit from protruding over the air bearing surface, thereby improving the performance of thermally assisted magnetic head. |
| US08638644B2 |
Acoustic radiating membrane for a music box or striking watch
The acoustic radiating membrane (1) is for assembly in a music box or a striking watch. The membrane includes a first sheet (2) having a certain number of cells (5), which is secured to a first face of a second sheet (3) which has no cells. The membrane may also include a third sheet (4) having a certain number of cells (6) which is fixed to a second face of the second sheet (3). The shape and dimension of the cells are adapted according to the type of material and the note or notes to be radiated by the membrane with uniform amplification within the audible frequency band. The cells (5, 6) of the first and third sheets are configured in a honeycomb arrangement to occupy most of the surface of the membrane, for the uniform amplification and efficient radiation of the note or notes produced. |
| US08638641B2 |
Real-time robust method for determining the trajectory of one or more cetaceans by means of passive acoustics, using a laptop computer
The trajectory of at least one marine animal emitting sound signals in the form of series of clicks, such as a cetacean, is passively determined. During successive processing time windows, raw analog signals are acquired from a plurality of hydrophones disposed in a marine environment and converted into digital data. Digital data filtering eliminates spurious noises and keeps the data, for each pair of hydrophones and each processing window, that corresponds to potential values (TDOAs) for the time-difference of arrival of the sound signals at two different hydrophones. For each hydrophone pair, the consistency of the TDOAs is checked and a number of filtered and mutually-consistent TDOAs are selected. Based on the filtered and mutually-consistent TDOAs, the successive instantaneous positions of the click sources are determined by means of nonlinear regression, and the trajectory of at least one marine animal in the environment is deduced in real time. |
| US08638634B2 |
Apparatus and method to measure energy capacity of a backup power supply without compromising power delivery
A device includes a backup power supply configured to provide power to an external system upon loss of primary system power, the backup power provided by at least one capacitor; logic to create, while the capacitor is available as the backup power supply to the external system, a transient elevation of the capacitor's stored potential above a upper predetermined operating potential of the capacitor; logic to obtain measurements of the capacitor's output voltage during the transient elevation of the capacitor's stored potential; and logic to determine a capacitance of the capacitor from the measurements; the device comprising multiple capacitors in series; logic to discharge each capacitor in series individually from the others; and logic to monitor for overcharging of any of the capacitors in series, and, during charging of the capacitors in series, to operate the discharge logic for any capacitor in the series that is in danger of overcharging. |
| US08638631B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has an antifuse element and a measurement unit. The antifuse element stores information according to whether the antifuse element is in the broken or unbroken state. The measurement unit determines a resistance value related to the resistance value of the broken antifuse element. |
| US08638630B2 |
Semiconductor device having hierarchical bit line structure
A device includes a plurality of restoring circuits each provided for an associated one of local bit lines, remaining one or ones of the restoring circuits other than the restoring circuit provided for the selected one of the local bit lines being configured to receive, through remaining one or ones of the local bit lines, data that is or are read out from a memory cell or cells connected to the remaining one or ones of the local bit lines, and restore, through the remaining one or ones of the local bit lines, the data into the memory cell or cells connected to the remaining one or ones of the local bit lines. |
| US08638625B2 |
Semiconductor device having redundant bit line provided to replace defective bit line
Disclosed herein is a device that responds to mat selection information, which is used to select one of memory mats, and selects at least one defective address from a plurality of defective addresses which are stored, for example, in a fuse circuit. When the access address information is coincident with a selected defective address, a redundant memory cell is accessed for reading or writing data in place of a normal memory cell. In a refresh operation, on the other hand, a column addressing, including the above replacement of a normal memory cell with a redundant memory cell, is deactivated. |
| US08638624B2 |
Architecture and method for memory programming
Methods of programming a memory, memory devices, and systems are disclosed, for example. In one such method, each data line of a memory to be programmed is biased differently depending upon whether one or more of the data lines adjacent the data line are inhibited. In one such system, a connection circuit provides data corresponding to the inhibit status of a target data line to page buffers associated with data lines adjacent to the target data line. |
| US08638619B2 |
High speed interface for multi-level memory
A memory chip includes a plurality of storage elements. A method of controlling the memory chip includes receiving a plurality of target values from a memory controller. Each target value of the plurality of target values received from the memory controller corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of storage elements. The method further includes, for each storage element of the plurality of storage elements, adjusting a measurable parameter of the storage element until the measurable parameter of the storage element reaches the target value corresponding to the storage element received from the memory controller. |
| US08638616B2 |
Nonvolatile storage device having a plurality of plate electrodes
A nonvolatile storage device includes: a plurality of memory mats each including a plurality of memory cells; a plurality of plate electrodes each provided for every individual one of the memory mats and each used for applying a voltage to the memory cells; a power-supply section configured to apply a voltage to each of the plate electrodes; a switch circuit having a plurality of switches provided between the power-supply section and each of the plate electrodes and between the plate electrodes; and a control section configured to control the switch circuit in order to disconnect the plate electrodes from the power-supply section and to connect the plate electrodes to each other in order to carry out electrical charging and discharging operations among the plate electrodes. |
| US08638612B2 |
Automatic selective slow program convergence
Apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed, including those to improve program voltage distribution width using automatic selective slow program convergence (ASSPC). One such method may include determining whether a threshold voltage (Vt) associated with a memory cell has reached a particular pre-program verify voltage. In response to the determination, a voltage applied to a bit-line coupled to the memory cell may be automatically incremented at least twice as the program voltage is increased, until the cell is properly programmed. Additional embodiments are also described. |
| US08638611B2 |
Vertical nonvolatile memory devices and methods of operating same
Integrated circuit memory devices include a plurality of vertically-stacked strings of nonvolatile memory cells having respective vertically-arranged channel regions therein electrically coupled to an underlying substrate. A control circuit is provided, which is configured to drive the vertical channel regions with an erase voltage that is ramped from a first voltage level to a higher second voltage level during an erase time interval. This ramping of the erase voltage promotes time efficient erasure of vertically stacked nonvolatile memory cells with reduced susceptibility to inadvertent programming of ground and string selection transistors (GST, SST). |
| US08638608B2 |
Selected word line dependent select gate voltage during program
Methods and devices for operating non-volatile storage are disclosed. One or more programming conditions depend on the location of the word line that is selected for programming, which may reduce or eliminate program disturb. The voltage applied to the gate of a select transistor of a NAND string may depend on the location of the selected word line. This could be either a source side or drain side select transistor. This may prevent or reduce program disturb that could result due to DIBL. This may also prevent or reduce program disturb that could result due to GIDL. A negative bias may be applied to the gate of a source side select transistor when programming at least some of the word lines. In one embodiment, progressively lower voltages are used for the gate of the drain side select transistor when programming progressively higher word lines. |
| US08638607B2 |
Disturb verify for programming memory cells
Apparatuses and methods for disturb verify for programming operations are described. Programming memory cells can include applying a number of programming pulses to a first memory cell, performing a disturb verify operation on a second memory cell adjacent to the first memory cell, and inhibiting the first memory cell from further programming in response to the second memory cell failing the disturb verify operation. Other apparatuses and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08638606B2 |
Substrate bias during program of non-volatile storage
A programming technique which reduces program disturb in a non-volatile storage system is disclosed. A positive voltage may be applied to a substrate (e.g., p-well) during programming. Biasing the substrate may improve boosting of channels of unselected NAND strings, which may reduce program disturb. The substrate may be charged up during the programming operation, and discharged after programming. Therefore, for operations such as verify and read, the substrate may be grounded. In one embodiment, the substrate is charged just prior to applying a program pulse, then discharged prior to a program verify operation. In one embodiment, the substrate is charged while unselected word lines are ramped up to a pass voltage. The substrate bias may depend on program voltage, temperature, and/or hot count. |
| US08638603B2 |
Data storage system having multi-level memory device and operating method thereof
A method for a data storage system is disclosed. The method includes providing a memory cell array, and providing N blocks in a first region of the memory cell array, N being an integer greater than 1. Each cell of each block of the N blocks is configured to store no more than N−1 bits of data. The method further includes providing a block in the second region of the memory cell array. Each cell of the block in the second region is configured to store N bits of data. The method additionally includes configuring the data storage system so that when data is programmed to the memory cell array, N pages of the data are initially stored in N respective blocks of the first region of the memory cell array, and then the N pages of the data are stored in the block of the second region. |
| US08638597B2 |
Bit line charge accumulation sensing for resistive changing memory
A memory array includes a plurality of magneto-resistive changing memory cells. Each resistive changing memory cell is electrically between a source line and a bit line and a transistor electrically between the resistive changing memory cell and the bit line. The transistor has a gate electrically between a source region and a drain region and the source region being electrically between the r magneto-resistive changing memory cell and the gate. A word line is electrically coupled to the gate. A bit line charge accumulation sensing for magneto-resistive changing memory is also disclosed. |
| US08638595B2 |
Global bit select circuit with write around capability
A global to local bit line interface circuit for domino static random access memory (SRAM) devices includes a pair of complementary global write bit lines in selective communication with an array of SRAM cells through corresponding local write bit lines, the complementary global write bit lines configured to write a selected SRAM cell with write data presented on a pair of complementary write data input lines; a pair of complementary global read bit lines in selective communication with the array of SRAM cells through corresponding local read bit lines, the complementary global read bit lines configured to read data stored in a selected SRAM cell and present the read data on a pair of complementary read data output lines; and write-around logic configured to directly couple the write data presented on the complementary global write bit lines to read data output circuitry associated with the complementary global read bit lines. |
| US08638593B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having an SRAM macro which has a power-off function and facilitates a design associated with a change in storage capacity is provided. The semiconductor device has plural layout units each including a memory array having plural memory cells in an SRAM, a first peripheral circuit that writes data into the memory array and reads the data from the memory array, and a switch group that disconnects the memory array and the first peripheral circuit, and power wires. |
| US08638592B2 |
Dual port static random access memory cell
An SRAM has at least two sets of pass transistors for coupling at least two sets of bit lines to true and complement data nodes of an SRAM cell based on the assertion of at least two word lines. The cell includes two pull up transistors and two pull down transistors coupled to the true and complement data nodes. None of the pass transistors are implemented in an active area that includes a pull up transistor or a pull down transistor of the cell. |
| US08638589B2 |
Operating method for non-volatile memory unit
An operating method for a memory unit is provided, wherein the memory unit includes a well region, a select gate, a first gate, a second gate, an oxide nitride spacer, a first diffusion region, and a second diffusion region. The operating method for the memory unit comprises the following steps. During a programming operation, a breakdown voltage is coupled to the second diffusion region through a first channel region formed under the select gate. A programming voltage is sequentially or simultaneously applied to the first gate and the second gate to rupture a first oxide layer and a second oxide layer, wherein the first oxide layer is disposed between the first gate and the well region, and the second oxide layer is disposed between the second gate and the well region. |
| US08638587B2 |
Magnetic shift register memory device
In one embodiment, the invention is a magnetic shift register memory device. One embodiment of a memory cell includes a magnetic column including a plurality of magnetic domains, a reader coupled to the magnetic column, for reading data from the magnetic domains, a temporary memory for storing data read from the magnetic domains, and a writer coupled to the magnetic column, for writing data in the temporary memory to the magnetic domains. |
| US08638581B2 |
Inverter capable of providing reactive power
In an inverter includes two input lines for connection to a DC voltage source, two half-bridges connecting the two input lines, and two output lines for connection to an alternating current load or an AC power grid. Each half-bridge includes two pulse-operated switches with reverse connected diodes, each output line is connected to a center point of one of the half-bridges via an inductance, and the two output lines are connected to the same one of the input lines via a further pulse-operated switch behind the inductance with respect to the associated half-bridge. |
| US08638579B2 |
Method for controlling a conversion structure for converting direct current to alternating current
The invention relates to a control method applicable to structures for converting direct current/alternating current, dc/ac, especially for photovoltaic systems. The control method according to the invention enables the switching losses of the semiconductors to be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the conversion structure. The invention can also be applied to other fields of energy, such as the generation of energy by means of electrochemical cells or wind energy. |
| US08638572B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting a change in output voltage of an isolated power converter
A power converter controller includes a drive circuit coupled to control switching of a power switch coupled to an energy transfer element and an input of the power converter. An output voltage sensor including first and second pulse sampler circuits is coupled to capture first and second peak voltages, respectively, that are representative of a second peak of a ringing voltage of a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. The first pulse sampler circuit is coupled to capture the first peak voltage at a first time in the feedback signal. The second pulse sampler circuit is coupled to capture the second peak voltage at a second time in the feedback signal. The drive circuit is coupled to receive a change signal from the output voltage sensor in response to the first and second peak voltages. |
| US08638567B2 |
Circuit manufacturing and design techniques for reference plane voids with strip segment
Manufacturing circuits with reference plane voids over vias with a strip segment interconnect permits routing critical signal paths over vias, while increasing via insertion capacitance only slightly. The transmission line reference plane defines voids above (or below) signal-bearing plated-through holes (PTHs) that pass through a rigid substrate core, so that the signals are not degraded by an impedance mismatch that would otherwise be caused by shunt capacitance from the top (or bottom) of the signal-bearing PTHs to the transmission line reference plane. In order to provide increased routing density, signal paths are routed over the voids, but disruption of the signal paths by the voids is prevented by including a conductive strip through the voids that reduces the coupling to the signal-bearing PTHs and maintains the impedance of the signal path conductor. |
| US08638566B2 |
Method of forming an assembly for tool-less backplane retention for computer hardware
A method of forming an assembly for tool-less backplane retention and insertion thereof into a housing including a housing mating device through which an installation path for an assembly is defined with a space in which a first part is positioned is provided. The method includes coupling a hub and a backplane body having opposing faces on which a second part and a backplane mating device are respectively disposed. The coupling includes inserting a backplane mating device protruding from one of the opposing faces of the backplane body through a hub mating device defined in the hub. The method further includes forcing a first stage of a two-stage mating device, which includes first and second elastically coupled stages and which extends from the hub, to elastically hook onto the backplane body during a near-completion of the insertion. |
| US08638564B2 |
Dye-based circuit mount testing
An apparatus may include a housing forming an enclosure having an edge seatable on a printed circuit board (PCB). The enclosure edge may include an edge portion. The housing may be configured to transfer a force applied to the housing to a surface mount component mounted on the PCB to dismount the surface mount component. The apparatus may include a dye inlet formed by the housing and configured to conduct a dye into the enclosure. Another apparatus may include at least one gasket mounted to the enclosure edge to contact the major surface of the PCB adjacent to the surface mount component for forming a seal with the PCB. A method may include enclosing a surface mount component in an enclosure formed in a nozzle apparatus, introducing a dye into the enclosure, and applying a force to the nozzle apparatus to dismount the surface mount component. |
| US08638563B2 |
Electronic device with pivotable arm
An exemplary electronic device includes a case, an inner body and a pivotable arm pivotally connected on the inner body by a pivot. The case defines an opening at a first lateral side thereof and a latching hole at a second lateral side thereof adjacent to the opening. The inner body is inserted in the case through the opening. The pivotable arm includes a frame engaged in the latching hole of the case, a latching member pivotally connected to the frame by the pivot, and a resilient member. The latching member includes an inner end and an outer end at opposite sides of the pivot. The outer end of the latching member is engaged in the latching hole. The resilient member abuts against the inner end of the latching member such that the inner end of the latching member biases the inner body. |
| US08638556B2 |
Electronic device including a front bezel operable to secure the device together
In some aspects, a portable electronic device is provided having a slidable upper housing movable relative to a lower housing between an open position and a closed position, and a front bezel. The front bezel holds the components of the portable electronic device together and covers up at least some of the fasteners used to attach components of the portable electronic device. |
| US08638553B1 |
Rack system cooling with inclined computing devices
A data center includes one or more racks, one or more computing devices coupled to at least one of the racks, and one or more air moving devices. The computing devices include heat producing components. The computing devices may be inclined in the rack such that the lower ends of the computing devices are at a lower elevation than the higher ends of the computing devices. The air moving devices can move air from the lower end of the inclined computing devices to the higher end of the inclined computing devices such that heat is removed from heat producing components in the inclined computing devices. |
| US08638551B2 |
Card reader having communicating function
The present invention relates to a card reader having communicating function which includes: a top cover; a bottom cover having a first open slot at one side; a printed circuit board; a first memory insertion slot allowing a first removable memory card to be inserted; a processor for controlling the access of first removable memory card; a wireless communication module; a card reader controller; a connector; a charging circuit; a rechargeable battery; and a voltage regulation circuit; such that a portable electronic device is able to access the data in the first removable memory card with a wireless means, or a mainframe is able to access the data in the first removable memory card through the connector. |
| US08638545B2 |
Electrode structure, capacitor, battery, and method for manufacturing electrode structure
An electrode structure which provides adhesiveness between an aluminum material, as a base material, and a dielectric layer, and adhesiveness between the dielectric layers, and enables a high capacitance, even with a thick dielectric layer. An interposing layer is formed in at least one part of a region of the surface of the aluminum material between the aluminum material and the dielectric layer and includes aluminum and carbon. The dielectric layer includes dielectric particles including valve metal, and an organic substance layer formed on at least one part of a surface of the dielectric particle. A mixture layer of dielectric particles, including the valve metal and a binder, is formed on a surface of the aluminum material, and thereafter, the aluminum material is heated in a state where the aluminum material is placed in a space including a hydrocarbon-containing substance. |
| US08638535B2 |
Vertical mount transient voltage suppressor array
A system comprises a package with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of high-power transient voltage suppressors arranged within the package, and a robust lead frame. Each of the transient voltage suppressors has first and second major surfaces substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The lead frame comprises leads connected to the major surfaces of the transient voltage suppressors. Each of the leads has a thickness greater than about 0.015 inches (or 0.381 mm) in a mounting portion, in order to dissipate heat from the transient voltage suppressors and to resist vibration-induced stress on the package. |
| US08638533B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first node receiving an external voltage, a second node receiving a grounding voltage, a protection circuit, and a device to be protected coupled in parallel between the first and second nodes, in which the protection circuit includes a lateral IGBT having an emitter coupled to the second node and an avalanche diode having an anode coupled to the collector of the lateral IGBT and a cathode coupled to the first node, and a clamp driving circuit coupled between the first and second nodes, and coupled to the gate of the lateral IGBT. |
| US08638532B2 |
System and method for programming and controlling over current trip point limits in voltage regulators
A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator. |
| US08638531B2 |
Hybrid bi-directional DC contactor and method of controlling thereof
A hybrid DC contactor includes contacts that provide a first current path between a DC power source and a load, an electromagnetic coil to position the contacts, a semiconductor switch in parallel with contacts that, when turned on, provides a second parallel current path that diverts current away from the contacts when the main contacts are being opened in either direction. A controller is provided to terminate power to the electromagnetic coil to open the contacts, detect an arc voltage across the contacts as the contacts open, provide a gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on for a pre-determined period of time to route current to the semiconductor switch, measure a current through the contacts and, if current is present through the contacts, then provide another gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on again so as to route current thereto. |
| US08638529B1 |
Method and system for providing a magnetic read transducer having a bilayer magnetic seed layer
A method and system for providing a magnetic read transducer is described. The magnetic read transducer includes a bilayer magnetic seed layer, an antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, and a read sensor. The bilayer magnetic seed layer includes a Ni1-xFex layer and a Ni1-yFey layer on the Ni1-xFex layer, where x is at least 0.3 and not more than 1 and where y is not more than 0.19. The AFM layer resides on the bilayer magnetic seed layer. The read sensor is on the AFM layer. |
| US08638528B2 |
Slider air bearing for mobile drives
Embodiments of the present invention include a head slider for a magnetic disk drive. The head slider comprises a first recess on the air bearing surface of the head slider. The head slider further comprises a second recess on the air bearing surface, wherein the first recess is deeper than the second recess and is closer to the leading edge than the second recess and wherein the second recess is closer to the trailing edge than the first recess. |
| US08638526B2 |
Rotating device
In a rotating device, a housing includes a cylindrical outer surface facing an inner surface of a through hole and a guiding surface arranged on the underside of the outer surface, the diameter of the guiding surface being less than the diameter of the outer surface. Glue has an interface in an end space. In at least a part of the end space where the glue does not exist, conductive resin seamlessly is applied from the guiding surface to the inner surface of the through hole. With regard to a portion of the inner surface of the through hole that radially faces the guiding surface, the length, in the axial direction, of the portion that touches the conductive resin is greater than the length, in the axial direction, of the portion that touches the glue. |
| US08638523B2 |
Enabling partial write during a tape skew
A system provides tape having at least one longitudinal data track and a tape head operative to move along a single axis line lateral to the data track. The storage tape moves across the tape head. The tape head moves along the axis line such that a write element of the tape head intersects the data track and writes data to a section of the data track. A controller determines that the storage tape is skewed. In response to determining that the storage tape is skewed, the controller determines a position along the axis line and a time to move the tape head such that the read elements intersects the section of the data track. At the determined time, the tape head pauses writing of data and moves to the position along the axis line. The tape head reads the section of the data track to verify the written data. |
| US08638518B2 |
Bias techniques for magnetic tape media
The disclosure is directed to a method for creating a remnant magnetization on a magnetic tape medium. The magnetic tape is first substantially demagnetized, e.g., erased, by an erasure unit having multiple magnetic elements of alternating polarity. The erased magnetic tape is then passed by a bias magnet that creates a remnant magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remnant magnetized magnetic tape is then passed through a servo write head that writes servo patterns to the remnant magnetized magnetic tape. The bias magnet may be housed within the erasure unit or within a bias unit, and the distance between the bias magnet and the tape path of the magnetic tape may be adjustable to create the desired remnant magnetization on the magnetic tape. The remnant magnetization created on the magnetic tape may be greater than 20 percent to reduce defects in the servo pattern written to the magnetic tape. |
| US08638516B2 |
System and method for improved free fall detection
An information handling system includes a free fall sensing system having an amplifier and sampling circuit, a sampling data analyzer, a sampling clock duration controller, and a sampling clock generator. The amplifier and sampling circuit is configured to sample data signals from the free fall sensor based on an initial sampling signal and based on a variable sampling signal. The sampling data analyzer is configured to compare a magnitude of sampled data point to a predetermined magnitude, to output an alert signal when the magnitude of the sampled data point is below the predetermined magnitude. The sampling clock duration controller is configured to vary a duration and a frequency of a sampling signal control in response to the alert signal. The sampling clock generator is configured to send a variable sampling signal to the amplifier and sampling circuit in response to the variation of the duration and the frequency of the sampling signal control. |
| US08638511B2 |
Reflector array optical device and display device using the same
A reflector array optical device includes two dihedral corner reflector array optical elements each having a substrate and a plurality of prism bodies arranged regularly on and each protruding from one main surface of the substrate. Each prism body includes at least two sides of orthogonal planes. The two optical elements are adhered so that top faces of the prism bodies are directly confronted respectively so as to make two coplanar planes in which the two orthogonal planes exist respectively. |
| US08638510B2 |
Voice coil motor, coil block for voice coil motor, method of manufacturing the coil block, and voice coil motor having the coil block
A VCM (voice coil motor) is disclosed, the VCM including: a rotor including a lens-fixing hollow holed bobbin including a coil discharge unit formed from a peripheral upper end to a peripheral bottom end facing the peripheral upper end, and a coil block arranged at a periphery of the bobbin and including a cylindrically wound coil; a stator including a magnet facing the coil block and a yoke fixing the magnet; a case including a bottom case arrange with the bobbin and an upper case coupled to the bottom case and having an opening at a portion corresponding the bobbin; and an elastic member elastically supporting an upper end of the bobbin and a bottom end facing the upper end of the bobbin, wherein a distal end of the coil arranged at an upper end of the coil block employs the coil discharge unit to be discharged to a bottom end of the bobbin. |
| US08638506B2 |
Photographic optical system and image pickup apparatus equipped with the same
A photographic optical system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit having positive refractive power, a second lens unit having negative refractive power configured to move in an optical axis direction to perform focusing, and a third lens unit having positive or negative refractive power, wherein the position of an optical element (A) satisfies a predetermined condition. |
| US08638504B2 |
Emitting and negatively-refractive focusing apparatus, methods, and systems
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide emitting and negatively-refractive focusing of electromagnetic energy. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes negatively-refractive focusing from an interior field region with an axial magnification substantially greater than one. In some approaches the negatively-refractive focusing includes negatively-refractive focusing with a transformation medium, where the transformation medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a metamaterial. |
| US08638502B2 |
Liquid meniscus lens with non-spherical meniscus wall
The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, a cross section of which is non-spherical. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens. |
| US08638496B2 |
Variable power optical system
Liquid lens cells are used in a compound variable power optical system that forms an intermediate image between the object and the final image. A first variable power optical component is located between the object and an intermediate real image. The first variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the intermediate real image. A second variable power optical component is located between the intermediate real image and the final image. The second variable power optical component varies power to change the magnification of the final image. At least one of the first and second variable power optical components is stationary on the optical axis and comprises at least two liquids with different refractive properties and at least one variable shape contact surface between the two liquids, with variations in the shape of the contact surface producing a change of optical power in the optical system. |
| US08638494B2 |
Reflective optical element and method of manufacturing the same
A reflective optical element e.g. for use in EUV lithography, configured for an operating wavelength in the range from 5 nm to 12 nm, includes a multilayer system with respective layers of at least two alternating materials having differing real parts of the refractive index at the operating wavelength. The material having the lower real part of the refractive index is a nitride or a carbide. “Alternatively, the material having the lower real part of the refractive index is thorium, uranium or barium and the material having the higher real part of the refractive index is boron or boron carbide. |
| US08638487B2 |
Electrochromic devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories. |
| US08638478B2 |
Image reading apparatus, moving body fixing structure, and electronic equipment
An image reading apparatus includes: a moving body on which a catch receiving portion is formed and which is movable in a predetermined direction; a fixing body on which a catching portion is formed to catch the catch receiving portion, and which is movable in a direction substantially orthogonal to the predetermined direction; a first position retaining portion for engaging a projected portion, formed on either one of a housing and the fixing body, with a first recessed portion formed on the other so that the fixing body can be retained in a position in which the catching portion catches the catch receiving portion; and a second position retaining portion for engaging the projected portion with a second recessed portion, formed on either the housing or the fixing body on which the first recessed portion is formed. |
| US08638476B2 |
Method and device for marking and method for identifying a document using unique imprint derived from unique marking variations characterized using frequency analysis
A process for securing a document including a step of printing a distribution of dots on said document, said printing, as a result of unanticipated unknowns in printing, causing an unpredictable variation, dot by dot, of at least one geometric characteristic of the printed dots and prior to said print step, a step generating said distribution of dots so that at least half the dots of said distribution are not laterally juxtaposed to four other dots of said dot distribution, and at least one dimension of at least one part of the dots of said distribution of dots is of the same order of magnitude as the average for the absolute value of said unpredictable variation. In embodiments, during the step generating the dot distribution, more than half the dots do not touch any other dot of said distribution. In embodiments, during the step of generating the dot distribution, dots are produced of which at least one geometric characteristic is variable, the geometric amplitude of the generated variation having the order of magnitude of the average dimension of at least one part of the dots. |
| US08638474B2 |
Image processing apparatus and color conversion table generating method
An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of color conversion tables for color-separation-limited printing. Using a color conversion table for color-separation-limited printing, a piece of input color information corresponding to chromatic color within a specified applying hue range for a specified specific color is converted into a piece of output color information corresponding to color having hue of the specific color, and a piece of the input color information corresponding to color outside of the applying hue range is converted into a piece of the output color information corresponding to gray color. Each of the color conversion tables for color-separation-limited printing is configured such that color values corresponding to saturation and lightness of the output color information are reduced at least in gradation from a maximum saturation part to a low-lightness part. |
| US08638473B2 |
Method of manufacturing imaging optical elements and optical scanning apparatus using imaging optical elements manufactured by the method
Provided is a method of manufacturing imaging optical elements which cause a plural light beams to enter a deflection unit, and guide those beams to corresponding surfaces to be scanned, the imaging optical elements being arranged optically at the same position, having the same optical performance, the method including: measuring, with respect to the imaging optical elements having the same optical performance, the optical performance at each of a plurality of positions of the different light beam passing states; calculating a correction shape of an optical functional surface of the imaging optical element based on a deviation amount from a design value of the optical functional surface of the imaging optical element; performing correction processing on a shape of a mirror-finish insert of a mold for molding based on the correction shape of the optical functional surface; and performing molding by using the mirror-finish insert subjected to the correction processing. |
| US08638472B2 |
Image processing device and computer readable medium
A color space converting section of an image processing device waits to output when acquiring partial data including gray prior to partial data including a chromatic color. After starting to wait, when acquiring partial data including a chromatic color, the converting section outputs multi-color converted data as the converted data expressing gray by a combination of densities of the multiple colors with respect to the partial data its output has been waited. While, when the acquisition of the image data was completed without acquiring any partial data including a chromatic color, the converting section outputs a single black color converted data as the converted data expressing gray by a density of a single color black with respect to the partial data its output has been waited. When acquiring partial data including a chromatic color, then the converting section converts partial data acquired thereafter into the multi-color converted data. |
| US08638470B2 |
Efficient banded hybrid rendering
Disclosed is a method of band rendering an image. The method comprises receiving (201) object data of the image in the page description language. From this the method determines a plurality of buckets (bucket #1-#3, FIG. 14) by which the object data is to be divided. The method then assigns (FIG. 3, 350) object data of each object in the image to one of the buckets based on an initial visibility of the object in the image. Then, for each band of the image, in a band sequential fashion (900, 920), the method identifies (1016-1024) object data visible within a band from a subset of the buckets active for the band. Then, the method analysis (FIGS. 10(i)-(iii); 1028-1052) the identified object data within the band and selects at least one rendering method (RCCR, PCR) from a plurality of rendering methods by which the band is to be rendered. Then the method renders (960,970) the identified object data into the band from the object data using the selected at least one rendering method. |
| US08638468B2 |
Resolution conversion using deviation direction of a pixel value of an image
An image processing apparatus includes: a reception unit that receives an image in gray-level representation with respect to a pixel; a determination unit that determines a deviation direction of a pixel value of the pixel in the image received by the reception unit; and a processing unit that performs processing on the image received by the reception unit based on the deviation direction determined by the determination unit. |
| US08638467B2 |
Print data generating apparatus a print data generating method
A designator is operable to designate image data indicative of an image. A setting provider is operable to provide a print size condition determining a print size of the image and a first image quality condition determining a first print image quality of the image. A first generator is operable to generate print data indicative of a printed image which is obtained by subjecting the image data to processing corresponding to 1) magnification of the image based on the print size condition, and 2) execution of image processing on the image based on the first image quality condition, which are executed in a predetermined order. A specifier is operable to specify at least one part of the image. A second generator is operable to generate trial print data indicative of at least one trial printed image which is obtained by subjecting the image data to processing corresponding to 1) trimming of the part of the image, 2) magnification of the image based on the print size condition, and 3) execution of image processing on the image based on the first image quality condition. An order that the magnification and the image processing are executed by the second generator is the same as the predetermined order. |
| US08638466B2 |
Method of placing an order for photographic printing
In an image network system used for network print service which receives an order for printing or the like by using a communication network such as the Internet, there are provided a center server capable of providing service which is different depending upon points given to a customer according to an order track record, at a time of using the system, capable of suitably setting a storage capacity and a storage period of an image for a user without placing a burden on the user while importance is placed on an operational efficiency of the system, capable of allowing a user to upload images as many as possible in an album, and useful for prompting an order, and an image network system including the center server. |
| US08638464B2 |
Collecting history information of an image forming device while the image forming device is in a power saving mode
A management apparatus according to the present invention controls whether history information is requested when it is specified that an image forming apparatus as an acquisition target of the history information is in a power saving state. When a return notification from the power saving state is issued after the image forming apparatus as the target requests previous history information, even in the power saving state of the image forming apparatus, the request is issued. The request is not issued when the image forming apparatus does not issue the return notification after the image forming apparatus as the target requests previous history information. |
| US08638460B2 |
Data transfer device, image processing apparatus, and recording medium
A data transfer device includes a serial interface including plural transmission paths and carrying out a data transfer operation with plural operating frequencies, transfer requesting units issuing a data transfer request to the serial interface, a request monitoring unit, a condition setting unit setting a set transmission path condition including at least one of a number of the transmission paths and an operating frequency used when the data transfer requests are issued to switch statuses of the data transfer requests to statuses of switching data transfer requests, a use transmission path condition determining unit determining the set transmission path condition corresponding to the status of the switching data transfer request as a use transmission path condition when the status of switching data transfer request corresponds to the status of data transfer request by comparing the statuses, and a switching unit switching to the use transmission path condition. |
| US08638457B2 |
Method of managing exchangeable part information of an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus, a network system including the same and a management method of parts information of the same capable of matching specific information of an exchangeable part with specific information of the image forming apparatus when the specific information of the exchangeable part is not identical that of the image forming apparatus, is provided. It is determined whether the specific information of the image forming apparatus is identical to that of the exchangeable part. If the specific information of the image forming apparatus is not identical to that of the exchangeable part, at least one specific information of the image forming apparatus or the exchangeable part is changed such that the specific information is identical. |
| US08638456B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus communicatable with other image processing apparatus, determines whether the other image processing apparatus has image data corresponding to application data and whether the image data is processible itself. If the apparatus determines the other apparatus has the image data and the data is processible itself, the apparatus acquires the image data from the other apparatus. If the image processing apparatus determines the other apparatus does not have the image data or the data is not processible, the apparatus acquires the application data from the other apparatus. When the application data is acquired, the image processing apparatus converts the data into image data of a printable data format. Then, the converted image data or the acquired image data is printed. |
| US08638454B2 |
Image forming apparatus having a determination section
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a reading section configured to read an original document, a printing section configured to perform duplex printing including printing N sheets on first sides thereof and subsequently printing M sheets on second sides thereof when printing an image of the original document read by the reading section, wherein M is equal to or smaller than N, a determination section configured to calculate a preparation time required to generate print data based on a copy setting which affects the preparation time, and configured to determine the value of N, wherein the determination section determines a smaller value as the value of N, as the preparation time is longer, and a control section configured to control the printing section to perform the duplex printing in accordance with the value of N determined by the determination section. |
| US08638453B2 |
Pipe diameter measurement device
A measurement system comprising an elongated member, a distal member connected to an end of the elongated member, the distal member having one or more register members to define a reference point(s), and a beam measurement device mounted to the distal member and configured to generate a beam at least a portion of the beam having a first axis essentially perpendicular to the reference point(s), the beam measurement device determining distance data based on the reflection of at least a portion of the beam. |
| US08638449B2 |
Measuring device having multiple light emitting sources
A measuring device comprising a light source unit for projecting a pulsed distance measuring light, a projecting light optical system, a light receiving optical system for receiving a reflected pulsed distance measuring light, a light receiving part having a single photodetector, and a control unit for measuring a distance by measuring time from light emission of the pulsed distance measuring light to receipt of the reflected pulsed distance measuring light is disclosed. The light source unit has a plurality of light emitting sources arranged in a known relation and a driving unit for driving the light emitting sources at a predetermined time interval. The light receiving part has a reduced optical system arranged at position conjugate to the light emitting source for guiding the reflected pulsed distance measuring light to the photodetector. The control unit is designed to identify a photodetection signal by matching it with the light emitting source. |
| US08638448B2 |
Method and apparatus for imaging three-dimensional structure
An apparatus for determining surface topology of a portion of a three-dimensional structure is provided, that includes a probing member, an illumination unit, a light focusing optics, a translation mechanism, a detector and a processor. |
| US08638442B2 |
Substrate of target substance detection element to be used in apparatus for detecting target substance by utilizing surface plasmon resonance and detection element and detection apparatus using same
A substrate of a target substance detection element to be used for a detection apparatus for detecting a target substance, utilizing surface plasmon resonance, comprises a base and a metal structure arranged on the surface of the base in a localized manner or a metal film having an aperture and arranged on the surface of the base, the metal structure or the aperture, whichever appropriate, having at least either of a loop section and a crossing section. |
| US08638437B2 |
System and method of aligning a sample
A system and method of use thereof that enables determining and setting sample alignment based on the location of, and geometric attributes of a monitored image formed by reflection of an electromagnetic beam from a sample and into an image monitor, which beam is directed to be incident onto the sample along a locus which is substantially normal to the surface of the sample. |
| US08638435B2 |
Magnetic particle-based bioassays
The disclosure relates to bioassays, as well as related devices and methods for detecting targets. The targets may be molecules and/or biological products that a user is interested in analyzing to determine information such as their presence and/or concentration in a sample. |
| US08638433B1 |
Visual spectrophotometer
A spectrophotometer including a light tube having a spectrophotometer head mounted to one end of the light tube and a diffraction grating head mounted to the opposite end. The spectrophotometer head having a bore therethrough for receiving incoming light from a light source providing a light path through the spectrophotometer head and light tube; Further, a slit is disposed in the light path and a vial of colored liquid is suspended halfway through the light path. The diffraction grating includes a bore aligned with the light path and includes a focusing lens and a diffraction grating disposed in the light path. The diffraction grating displaying a spectrum with an upper half displaying the spectrum of the light transmitted through the colored liquid and the lower half displaying the spectrum of the light source. |
| US08638432B2 |
Methods of using laser optical devices
In a method of spatially detecting the chemical composition of nonmetallic components on a surface which is subsequently to be coated with a metallic and/or ceramic and/or organic layer, a laser optical device is provided. The turbine part is irradiated with monochromatic irradiation at a first wavelength (λin) with the laser optical device. Radiation is detected which is emitted by the surface at a second wavelength (λout) which is longer than the first wavelength (λin). |
| US08638429B2 |
Defect inspecting method and defect inspecting apparatus
Provided are a defect inspecting method and a defect inspecting apparatus, wherein defect detecting sensitivity is improved and also haze measurement is performed using polarization detection, while suppressing damages to samples. The defect inspecting apparatus is provided with a light source which oscillates to a sample a laser beam having a wavelength band wherein a small energy is absorbed, and two independent detecting optical systems, i.e., a defect detecting optical system which detects defect scattered light generated by a defect, by radiating the laser beams oscillated by the light source, and a haze detecting optical system which detects roughness scattered light generated due to roughness of the wafer surface. Polarization detection is independently performed with respect to the scattered light detected by the two detecting optical systems, and based on the two different detection signals, defect determination and haze measurement are performed. |
| US08638426B2 |
Sea clutter identification with a laser sensor for detecting a distant seaborne target
There is provided a system for detecting distant seaborne objects by an airborne vehicle, including a seeker head having an axis in the direction of flight, a sensor mounted on the seeker's head, the sensor being operative to transmit towards the sea surface a laser radiation beam of selected wavelength and to receive from the sea water surface radiation reflected from the sea water surface and from a seaborne object, and a computing unit for differentiating between the reflection received from the sea water surface and from the seaborne object. A method for detecting distant seaborne objects by an airborne vehicle is also provided. |
| US08638421B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and method of cleaning a lithographic apparatus
An immersion lithographic apparatus is described in which an inlet is provided to provide cleaning fluid to a space between an object, such as a substrate, positioned on a substrate table and the substrate table. |
| US08638416B2 |
Device manufacturing apparatus, including coolant temperature control, and method of manufacturing device
A device manufacturing apparatus includes a driving unit configured to perform driving for processing an object, a conduit through which a coolant that recovers heat generated by the driving unit flows, a cooler configure to cool the coolant that flows through the conduit, a heater configured to heat the coolant cooled by the cooler so that the driving unit cooled by the heated coolant has a target temperature, and a controller configured to heighten a target temperature of the coolant cooled by the cooler, if it is determined, based on control information to control the driving unit, that a heat amount to be generated by the driving unit decreases. |
| US08638413B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate, a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix on the substrate where each pixel includes a switching element, a plurality of gate lines that are connected to the switching elements and extend in a row direction, and a gate driver that is connected to the gate lines and is formed on the substrate as an integrated circuit. In the liquid crystal display, the gate driver includes a first region and a second region that is not aligned with the first region. |
| US08638411B2 |
Transparent liquid crystal display device
Disclosed is a transparent liquid crystal display device provided with a compensation film of a liquid crystal panel to change the polarizing state of light in an image mode thereby enhancing a viewing angle characteristic, and the transparent liquid crystal display device may include a liquid crystal panel; a light source disposed at one side of a lower portion of the liquid crystal panel to emit light; a first polarizing plate for polarizing the light emitted from the light source; a light guide plate disposed at a lower portion of the liquid crystal panel to totally reflect the light polarized to an axis by the first polarizing plate to a lateral surface thereof and supply to the liquid crystal panel, and transmit natural light entered from a lower direction therethrough; a second polarizing plate disposed at an upper portion of the liquid crystal panel to control the amount of polarized light transmitting the liquid crystal panel; and a first positive A-film disposed at a lower portion of the liquid crystal panel to change the polarized state of the light outputted from the light guide plate and supplied to the liquid crystal panel, wherein the horizontal direction phase difference value (Re) is 120 nm. |
| US08638407B2 |
Liquid crystal display (LCD) system and method
A liquid crystal display (LCD) system is provided. The LCD system includes a light-passable plate, an LCD panel and a controller. The light-passable plate is configured to allow natural light to pass through the light-passable plate; and the LCD panel is coupled to the light-passable plate and is configured to receive the natural light passing through the light-passable plate. Further, the controller is coupled to the LCD panel to control the LCD panel such that the natural light passing through the light-passable plate is used as backlight for operation of the LCD panel. The light-passable plate structurally supports the LCD panel in addition to providing the natural light to the LCD panel. |
| US08638406B2 |
Backlight module and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight module and a liquid crystal display device having the same, it comprises a LED light bar, a heat dissipating piece and a back plate. By using fixing elements, the LED light bar is fixed on the heat dissipating piece, and the heat dissipating piece is fixed on the back plate. It further comprises a stopping piece, and the LED light bar is fixed on the heat dissipating piece by the fixing elements going through the stopping piece. |
| US08638405B2 |
Backlight module with breakable section for replacement
A backlight module is disclosed, which includes an outer frame having a sidewall and a hole formed on the sidewall, an inner frame disposed inside of the outer frame, and an adhesive device. The inner frame includes a block wall and a support. The block wall has an inner surface, an outer surface, and a breakable section. The outer surface is in contact with the sidewall, and the breakable section is disposed corresponding to the hole. The adhesive device is disposed on the support. |
| US08638404B2 |
Planar light source device and liquid crystal display device using the same
A planar light source device including: a light source; an optical sheet that emits light incident from the light source; a rear frame that is disposed to support the optical sheet; and a reflection sheet, which is included inside the rear frame, and which includes the optical sheet, wherein the reflection sheet has a positioning portion including a notch portion and a bent portion, and wherein the optical sheet has a shape fitting to the positioning portion. The shape of the optical sheet may be not point-symmetrical and may be not line-symmetrical viewing from a light emitting direction. |
| US08638403B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device is provided which has a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, in which liquid crystal molecules are vertically aligned with respect to the substrates when no voltage is applied between the substrates and the liquid crystal molecules tilt in a plurality of directions to be almost parallel to the substrates by applying a voltage between the substrates. In the liquid crystal layer, when the voltage is applied, a proportion of a region where the liquid crystal molecules tilt in a direction of 0 degrees to 180 degrees is different from a proportion of a region where the liquid crystal molecules tilt in a direction of 180 degrees to 360 degrees with the angle being defined counterclockwise with the right direction on a screen being 0 degrees. |
| US08638396B2 |
System and apparatus for receiving digital television signals
Apparatus and methods to receive and display digital television signals are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus to receive digital television signals comprises an antenna assembly coupled to the signal processing circuitry and comprising a first antenna positioned to maximize reception in a first direction and a second antenna positioned to maximize reception in a second direction, different from the first direction, and a processor coupled to the antenna assembly and comprising a selection logic module to select an antenna to receive a digital television signal for a specific channel, and a tuning logic module to configure the antenna assembly to receive a signal via a selected antenna. |
| US08638394B2 |
Electronic apparatus, electronic apparatus control device and electronic apparatus control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes an information display module, a change instruction receiver, and an information display controller. The information display module is configured to display output information at start-up time of the electronic apparatus. The change instruction receiver is configured to receive an instruction to change the displayed output information. The information display controller is configured to control the information display module to change display of the output information in accordance with the change instruction when the electronic apparatus in a standby state receives the change instruction. |
| US08638390B2 |
Camera body and imaging apparatus including an unlocking mechanism
A camera body to which an image pickup unit including an optical system, an image pickup device, and an image-pickup-unit connector is detachably attached, includes a recess to which the image pickup unit is freely detachably attached and which includes a back wall, an upper wall, and a side wall to be opened on a lower side, a lateral side, and a front side of the camera body. The back wall faces a rear of the image pickup unit, the upper wall is located on an upper side of the camera body in a normal use state. The camera body includes a locking mechanism to control a movement of the image pickup unit placed in the recess in a direction in which the image pickup unit moves away from the side wall, a first unlocking mechanism provided to be exposed from the camera body and configured to unlock a locked state made by the locking mechanism in response to an unlocking manipulation, and a second unlocking mechanism provided to be enclosed inside the camera body and configured to unlock the locked state made by the locking mechanism in response to an unlocking manipulation. |
| US08638389B2 |
Power supply circuit, integrated circuit device, solid-state imaging apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A power supply circuit includes: a comparison unit that compares a reference voltage and an input voltage and outputs a voltage difference signal; an output voltage generating unit that generates an output voltage based on the voltage difference signal; an input voltage generating unit that generates the input voltage based on the output voltage; a current output unit that outputs a reference current; a resistor that generates the reference voltage in accordance with the reference current; and a capacitor that is connected to the resistor in parallel and is charged by the reference current, wherein the current output unit allows the reference current at the time of startup to be lower than the reference current during an operation. |
| US08638388B2 |
Lens apparatus and image pickup system having an image aberration correcting feature
The lens apparatus is detachably attachable to a camera apparatus. The lens apparatus includes an image taking optical system, a memory configured to store aberration correction data being used for image correction processing corresponding to aberration of the image taking optical system, the image correction processing being performed on an image captured by the camera apparatus through the image taking optical system, and a data sending part configured to send the aberration correction data to the camera apparatus. The data sending part is configured to select partial data that is part of the aberration correction data depending on one of a position and a state of an optical adjustment member included in the image taking optical system and information on an image pickup element provided in the camera apparatus, and to send the partial data to the camera apparatus. |
| US08638382B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device with a layout in which one sharing unit includes an array of photodiodes of 2 pixels by 4×n pixels (where, n is a positive integer), respectively, in horizontal and vertical directions. |
| US08638381B2 |
Backside illumination image sensor, manufacturing method thereof and image-capturing device
A backside illumination image sensor equipped with a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional pattern, includes: image-capturing pixels; and focus detection pixels. |
| US08638373B2 |
Imaging device that resets an exposure by feedback control, method for controlling imaging device and program product
An imaging device includes an imaging element which obtains an image, and an imaging sensor processing unit which resets an exposure of the imaging element by a feedback control based on an image data obtained by the imaging element. The imaging sensor processing unit continuously executes, by pipeline processing, the following processing of setting an exposure time of the imaging element in a first frame just after start-up of the imaging device, making the imaging element accumulate light with an exposure time set at a former frame in a second frame, and outputting the image data by applying a gain set by the second frame in a third frame. |
| US08638369B2 |
Back panel for a portable electronic device with different camera lens options
A portable electronic device includes a digital imaging subsystem with a lens having an optical axis. A case encloses and supports the digital imaging subsystem in a first defined positional relationship to the case. A removable panel is coupled to the case and held in a second defined positional relationship to the case that covers the digital imaging subsystem without the removable panel being directly connected to the digital imaging subsystem. An optical component is supported by the removable panel such that the optical component is aligned with the optical axis and alters optical characteristics of the digital imaging subsystem. The device may include a power supply and an electronic control system coupled to the digital imaging subsystem and the power supply enclosed in and supported by the case. Electrical connectors may couple the power supply and the electronic control system to an electrical component on the removable panel. |
| US08638367B1 |
Television image golf green fall line synthesizer
A television signal and image processing system that superimposes an indicator of the fall line of a golf green adjacent the hole on the green image to be televised to the viewer. This process is achieved by generating and storing typographical maps of the greens on a golf course and generating and storing the locations of the holes on those greens, the locations of the holes are then merged with topography of the individual greens, and then the high (above the hole) and low (below the hole) fall lines are calculated in xyz coordinates, and synthesized arrows having the same coordinates are then applied to the merged topography with one arrow on the high side of the hole point downwardly on the fall line in three dimensions and a second arrow on the low side of the hole also pointed downwardly. |
| US08638366B2 |
In-ground camera
An apparatus and method is provided for a unique camera experience, wherein the camera is placed in an in-ground position permitting recording or broadcast of a camera perspective that is along the surface of or above the surface of the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the in-ground camera is secured within the surface of a racetrack. |
| US08638363B2 |
Automatically capturing information, such as capturing information using a document-aware device
A system and method for automatically changing the operation of a mobile device in response to a presence of information is described. In some examples, the system determines an information capture device is proximate to text, automatically changes operation of the capture device to a certain mode, captures the text, and performs an action associated with the captured text. |
| US08638362B1 |
Acoustic video camera and systems incorporating acoustic video cameras
An acoustic video camera system uses acoustic data acquisition systems to produce digital video imagery capable of interfacing with host equipment that operates using standard video formats compatible with video images obtained using optical systems. The acoustic video camera comprises an Acoustic Imager, a Digital Image Compression Component, an I/O and Processing component, and, optionally, an Image Analytics Component. System analytics may provide automated target identification and tracking. All of these components may be incorporated in a submersible acoustic imaging unit having communications capability for interfacing with a host display and control system. |
| US08638360B2 |
Process of real time adjustment of the sensitivity of a video image sensor of a videoendoscopic probe
A method adjusts the sensitivity of an image sensor, and includes: adjusting an integration duration of the image sensor between a minimum duration and an image frame duration, receiving from the image sensor a frame signal, and amplifying the frame signal by applying an adjusted amplification gain between different minimum and maximum gain values. For each frame of the frame signal, if an integration duration, calculated as a function of an average value of the frame signal, is comprised between the minimum duration and a maximum duration equal to several times the frame duration, the method establishes the integration duration at the integration duration calculated and maintains the amplification gain at a fixed value, otherwise it maintains the integration duration at the minimum or maximum duration and adjusts the amplification gain between the minimum and maximum values as a function of the average value. |
| US08638359B2 |
Display apparatus and method of driving the same
In a display apparatus and a driving method thereof, a detector determines whether a timing controller is operated in a three-dimensional (3D) mode or a two-dimensional (2D) mode to output a first or second mode signal according to a result of the determination. A compensator compensates for a gamma value of a 3D image to be increased in response to a first mode signal when the 2D mode is converted to the 3D mode and decreases an increased gamma value to a gamma value for a 2D image in response to a second mode signal when the 3D mode is converted to the 2D mode. |
| US08638356B2 |
Communication system
A computer-implemented system and method are described for improving the QoE of real-time video sessions between mobile users. For example, a method according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: configuring one or more servers on the perimeter of a service provider network; receiving a request from a first mobile device to establish a real-time communication session with a second mobile device; providing the first and second mobile devices with networking information for connecting to the servers; and establishing the real-time communication session through the server. |
| US08638355B2 |
Method for creating a videoconferencing displayed image
A user can design their own custom composed view for a videoconference depending on the users' individualized needs. The view can include segments (windows) in which participating conferees' video images are presented and accessory elements such as window borders, text, icons, and the like. The content of the accessory elements can be linked to events within the conference or the content of other objects within the view. A custom composed view for a video conference can be designed off-line by a user, loaded into a videoconferencing device, and executed to generate the custom composed view. The videoconferencing device can synchronize the content of accessory elements with the content of other objects presented in the view. |
| US08638354B2 |
Immersive video conference system
A preferred embodiment of a video conferencing system that may employ a video camera capable of capturing a view approximating 360 degrees, a viewing screen positioned to allow natural eye contact between conference participants, and a processing module capable of receiving and processing multiple data streams from video and audio capturing devices as well as data streams from other sources. In some embodiments, the video camera may be mounted above or below the viewing screen to capture an approximately 360 degree view of all locally appearing participants as well as the surrounding conference environment. The video conferencing system allows multiple participants participating from a single location to communicate easily and maintain natural eye contact with one another while maintaining eye contact with persons appearing from remote locations. |
| US08638353B2 |
Video processing in a multi-participant video conference
Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant video conferences. This architecture has a central distributor that receives video images from two or more participants. From the received images, the central distributor generates composite images that the central distributor transmits back to the participants. Each composite image includes a set of sub images, where each sub image belongs to one participant. In some embodiments, the central distributor saves network bandwidth by removing each particular participant's image from the composite image that the central distributor sends to the particular participant. In some embodiments, images received from each participant are arranged in the composite in a non-interleaved manner. For instance, in some embodiments, the composite image includes at most one sub-image for each participant, and no two sub-images are interleaved. |
| US08638351B2 |
Thermal printer and energizing control method therefor
A thermal printer having a thermal head with a heat element that heats a recording medium and forms a print dot by energizing the heat element generates a first energizing pulse that energizes continuously during a first period for forming a print dot when the recording medium conveyance speed is greater than a specific threshold value; and generates a second energizing pulse that alternates during the first period between energizing for a second period that is shorter than the first period and de-energizing for a third period when the recording medium conveyance speed is less than or equal to the threshold value. |
| US08638350B2 |
Thermal marking system
One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus. |
| US08638346B2 |
Source line driver circuit and display apparatus including the same
A source line driver circuit and a display apparatus including the same are provided. The source line driver circuit includes a logic block configured to receive serialized image data, to change the number of bits of the image data, and to output image data having the changed number of bits, and a source channel driver unit configured to receive the image data having the changed number of bits and to provide at least one analog voltage corresponding to the received image data to source lines. Accordingly, the number of necessary switches may be reduced, and therefore, the required area and/or current consumption may also be reduced. |
| US08638338B2 |
Adjusting color attribute of an image in a non-uniform way
Some embodiments of the invention provide an image-editing process that non-uniformly adjusts at least one particular color attribute (e.g., saturation level) of pixels in an image. Specifically, the image-editing process of these embodiments uniformly adjusts the particular color attribute of pixels with a first set of values and non-uniformly adjusts the color attribute of pixels with a second set of values. In this manner, some embodiments provide a vibrancy process that non-uniformly adjusts saturation levels of an image in order to preserve saturation levels for skin tones appearing within the image. |
| US08638337B2 |
Image frame buffer management
Disclosed are methods and systems for tracking which data tiles have changed within an image frame. In an embodiment, each cell of a tile change list buffer may contain a frame number and updated when a tile is received from encoder. The frame number may be used as a base pointer for a particular frame buffer. When a frame is decoded, the contents of the tile change list buffer may be copied from the current tile change list buffer to the next buffer. This process may reduce memory traffic because the unchanged tile data does not have to be copied from frame to frame. |
| US08638336B2 |
Methods and systems for remoting three dimensional graphical data
Systems and methods for remotely displaying three dimensional graphical data, include a local computing machine that communicates with a remote computing machine via a connection. An application executing on the local computing machine, generates three dimensional graphics commands which are intercepted and transferred to either the remote computing machine or a computing element on the local computing machine. Determining where to transfer the three dimensional graphics commands requires: an analysis of the application to obtain application specific characteristics; an analysis of the remote computing machine to obtain the capabilities of the remote computing machine; an analysis of the local computing machine to obtain the capabilities of the local computing machine; and an analysis of the connection to determine characteristics of the connection. A determination is made in response to obtaining the application characteristics, the remote computing machine capabilities, the local computing machine capabilities and the connection characteristics. |
| US08638333B2 |
Modifying and formatting a chart using pictorially provided chart elements
Methods and systems are provided for modifying a chart. Chart elements are provided to a user pictorially. Each picture represents a chart modification. The chart elements are used to modify the formatting of a standard chart according to user preferences. The modified chart document is then displayed to the user including user desired formatting. |
| US08638325B2 |
Apparatus and method for automatic display control in mobile terminal
An apparatus and method for automatically controlling screens displayed on two display units installed in a mobile terminal are provided, in which, an event is identified, if an event occurs, and on and off states of the display units are controlled, if the event is identified as a control operation of the display units corresponding to a user's key input. If the event is identified as a control operation of the display units corresponding to an operation of a sensor, the display units are automatically controlled corresponding to rotation of the mobile terminal. |
| US08638324B2 |
Display device and driving method thereof
In a display device, a line inversion driving chip inverts an image data to a data voltage having a positive polarity and a data voltage having a negative polarity based on positive and negative gammas alternately applied at every period, and alternately outputs a first data voltage having a first polarity and a second data voltage having a second polarity at a period less than or equal to a 1H period. A display panel includes a plurality of pixels receiving the first and second data voltages from the line inversion driving chip to display an image. Each pixel row includes first and second pixel groups receiving the first and second data voltages, respectively, and the first and second pixel groups are alternately arranged in each pixel row. Thus, the display device may be driven in a dot inversion method. |
| US08638323B2 |
System and method for correcting gamma
Disclosed is a system and method for correcting a gamma for shortening a gamma correction time period and improving gamma correction efficiency and reliability thereof, and simplifying a gamma correction device for reducing a production cost of image display devices. |
| US08638320B2 |
Stylus orientation detection
Stylus orientation detection is disclosed. In an example, the orientation of a stylus relative to a contacting surface, e.g., a touch panel, can be detected by detecting a capacitance at one or more locations on the stylus relative to the surface, and then using the capacitance(s) to determine the orientation of the stylus relative to the surface. In another example, the orientation of a stylus relative to a contacting surface, e.g., a touch panel, can be detected by first detecting the orientation of the stylus relative to a reference, detecting the orientation of the contacting surface relative to the reference, and then calculating the orientation of the stylus relative to the contacting surface using the two detected orientations. |
| US08638308B2 |
Haptic interface for palpation simulation
A method for interfacing a user with a computer running an application program, the computer generating a graphical environment comprising a graphical object and a graphical representation of at least a portion of a living body, comprises providing an object in communication with the computer, controlling the graphical object in relation to manipulation of at least a portion of the object by the user, and outputting a haptic sensation to the user when the graphical object interacts with a region within the graphical representation to provide the user with haptic feedback related to a simulated palpation of the region. |
| US08638306B2 |
Touch-based user interface corner conductive pad
A touch sensor employing capacitive sensing technology in which a series of conductive pads enabling the detection of levels of capacitance imparted to each of the conductive pads as a result of the close proximity of a tip of a digit of a user, in which adjacent pairs of the conductive pads form slider controls, in which one of the conductive pads is a corner-type conductive pad at which two adjacent slider controls formed by the corner-type conductive pad and each of two adjacent conductive pads forms a corner in the series of slider controls, and in which the series of slider controls perhaps forms a rectangular ring shape loop of slider controls in which there are four of the corner-type conductive pads at which four different pairs of slider controls meet at right angles. |
| US08638297B2 |
Portable electronic device and method therefor
An electronic device includes an object sensor for detecting motion of an object, such as a stylus or finger, relative to device and during a period of contactless object movement. A motion sensor, such as an accelerometer, detects device motion during the period of contactless object movement. A processor determines a gesture that corresponds to the movement of the object and to movement of the device. This device, and the associated method, results in a more accurate determination of an intended gesture, such as a three-dimensional gesture. For example, the processor, or gesture determinator, can compensate for movement of the device when determining the gesture corresponding to detected contactless movement of the object. |
| US08638294B2 |
Method and apparatus for displaying state of apparatus
A method of displaying a state of an apparatus having a user interface which includes generating state display information indicating the state of the apparatus and displaying the generated state display information in the user interface. The state display information indicates the state of the apparatus through a metaphorical indicator. |
| US08638292B2 |
Terminal apparatus, display control method, and display control program for three dimensional perspective display
A terminal apparatus includes a display displaying a plurality of display elements representing options on a display screen, an image-capturing section capturing an image of an operator who is viewing the display screen, a face position detector detecting the position of a facial image of the operator in a captured image, and a controller controlling the display to move the plurality of display elements in a predetermined direction on the display screen and to sequentially update and display the display elements when it is detected that the facial image of the operator in the captured image is outside of a predetermined range, and to stop the movement of the plurality of display elements when it is detected that the facial image falls within the predetermined range. |
| US08638289B2 |
Driving method and color sequential electro-optical apparatus with varied wait periods between scanning ANS irradiation
A driving method includes: dividing a unit period into a plurality of sub-frame periods corresponding to the primary colors; writing a primary color component in each sub-frame period by a first scan executed on the plurality of pixels; irradiating, in each sub-frame period, the plurality of pixels with the corresponding primary color of light by the irradiation unit at a timing that is after the first scan and before the first scan of a subsequent sub-frame period; and waiting a wait period that is from when the first scan of one primary color component among the at least three colors ends until when the irradiation unit starts irradiating the one primary color of light, the wait period for the one primary color being different from wait periods for the other colors. |
| US08638283B2 |
Timing controller, image display device, timing signal generating method, and image display control method
A timing controller is provided which is capable of achieving normal image display at a time of reverse scanning in upward and downward directions and right and left directions. In an image display device having a plurality of scanning line driving ICs (Integrated Circuits), a valid line counting section counts a count of valid driving lines based on a DE (Data Enable) signal and DCK (Dot Clock) signal. A cascade signal counting section counts up a total count of outputs from a count of VCK (Vertical Clock) signals including a VSP (Vertical Start Pulse) 2 output signal up to a VSP1 cascade outputting signal VSP1. A calculating section calculates an excessive output of a scanning line driving IC from a difference between the count of valid driving lines and the total count of outputs. A VSP generating section generates and outputs a VSP2 signal at a time shifted from a reference VSP generating time by time being equivalent to the excessive output calculated by the calculating section thus enabling reverse scanning. |
| US08638282B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
In one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention includes a plurality of pixels, each including first and second subpixels. When a predetermined grayscale tone is displayed continuously through four or more consecutive even number of vertical scanning periods, the first and second subpixels have different luminances in at least two of the even number of vertical scanning periods, first polarity periods that are included in the vertical scanning periods and that maintain a first polarity are as long as second polarity periods that are also included in the vertical scanning periods and that maintain a second polarity for each of the first and second subpixels, and in each of the first and second polarity periods, the difference between the average of effective voltages applied to the liquid crystal layer of the first subpixel and that of effective voltages applied to the liquid crystal layer of the second subpixel is substantially equal to zero. |
| US08638275B2 |
Incandescent light source display and method for making the same
An incandescent light source display includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrode down-leads, a plurality of second electrode down-leads and a plurality of heating units. The plurality of first electrode down-leads are located on the substrate in parallel to each other and the plurality of second electrode down-leads are located on the substrate in parallel to each other. The first electrode down-leads cross the second electrode down-leads and corporately define a grid having a plurality of cells. Each of the incandescent light sources is located in correspondence with each of the cells. Each incandescent light source includes a first electrode, a second electrode and an incandescent element. The incandescent element includes a carbon nanotube structure. |
| US08638273B2 |
Antenna seal assembly and method of making the same
An antenna and method of making the same is disclosed wherein the antenna includes a seal assembly comprising a seal plate to prevent material used to form a seal around the conductor element from entering into the air gap of the antenna body. |
| US08638269B2 |
Non-planar ultra-wide band quasi self-complementary feed antenna
A non-planar, ultra-wide band, quasi-self-complementary feed antenna is disclosed. The antenna provides an invariant phase center location over its entire frequency band, is compact and includes a low profile, and includes input matching better than is currently available over a decade of frequency bandwidth. The very compact feed couples dual polarization electromagnetic energy to a transmitter from free space or air with minimum losses and mismatches over a very wide frequency band. |
| US08638268B2 |
Coil antenna and antenna structure
The disclosure describes a compact coil antenna that can operate even if the coil antenna is arranged closely to its conductor plate, and that has a high degree of coupling with a target antenna. A lower coil conductor part and an upper coil conductor part each have a substantially rectangular and spiral form, and the inner end of the lower coil conductor part connects to the inner end of the upper coil conductor part to be connected in series to the inner end of the upper coil conductor part. In the lower coil conductor part and the upper coil conductor part, the arrangement interval in parallel-to-axis parts including segments that are parallel to the direction of the axis of a magnetic-material core is shorter than the arrangement interval of segments in orthogonal-to-axis parts that are orthogonal to the axis of the magnetic-material core. |
| US08638267B2 |
Parabolic antenna
Provided is a parabolic antenna that suppresses leakage of radio waves with a simpler configuration. The parabolic antenna includes a horn that transmits and receives signals; a feed that supports the horn and relays the signals the horn transmits and receives; a reflector that reflects the received signals to focus the received signals on the horn and reflects the signals from the horn to transmit the signals; a reflecting mirror supporting member that supports the reflector; and a feed fitting adapter that enables the feed to be fitted into the reflecting mirror supporting member. A choke groove is formed in at least one of a joint area between the reflecting mirror supporting member and the reflector and a joint area between the reflecting mirror supporting member and the feed fitting adapter, which suppresses propagation of radio waves traveling through the gap of the joint area. |
| US08638264B2 |
Pivot radar
A radar antenna system comprises a base. A center support is coupled to the base on a first end. A radar array is pivotally coupled to a second end of the center support. At least two actuators are provided for pivoting the radar array about the center support, altering its azimuth position. |
| US08638263B2 |
Platform enhancements for planar array antennas
A technique to extend antenna coverage pattern of a planar antenna array. In one instance a reflector is disposed above the planar antenna array and in another instance a lens element is disposed above the planar antenna array. The reflection or refraction of RF signals allows antenna coverage pattern to be extended in a horizontal direction parallel to the planar surface of the antenna array and beyond a coverage pattern that is typically not available, without such reflection or refraction of the RF signal. |
| US08638262B2 |
Apparatus for wireless communication comprising a loop like antenna
Apparatus (20) comprising: an antenna (12) connectable to a first terminal (38) and to a second terminal (40) and comprising a first conductive part (34) and a second conductive part (36), the first conductive part being configured electrically in parallel with the second conductive part, the first conductive part (34) being configured to have a first electrical length and the second conductive part (36) being configured to have a second electrical length together providing a common resonant mode having a first operational frequency band, the second conductive part (36) substantially providing a common resonant mode having a second operational frequency band and the first conductive part (34) substantially providing a differential resonant mode having a third operational frequency band. |
| US08638258B2 |
Method and system for a virtual wide area GNSS reference network
A GNSS enabled mobile device receives GNSS assistance data in a determined format from a central processing station communicatively coupled to a wide area reference network (WARN). The WARN comprises a first plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which usable signals are received by the central processing station, and a second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from which unusable or no signals are received by the central processing station. The central processing station generates the GNSS assistance data using a complete set of GNSS reference feeds of the WARN. The complete set of GNSS reference feeds comprises actual GNSS reference feeds from the first plurality of GNSS tracking stations and virtual GNSS reference feeds derived for the second plurality of GNSS tracking stations from processed actual GNSS reference feeds. The generated GNSS assistance data is reformatted into a determined format and is communicated to the GNSS enabled mobile device, accordingly. |
| US08638255B2 |
System for reading information transmitted from a transponder
A reader device (110) for reading information transmitted from a transponder (130) via a backscatter signal (132) generated by the transponder (130) in response to a stimulus signal (112) generated by the reader device (110), the reader device (110) comprising a first power estimation unit (114) adapted for estimating a first power value indicative of the power of the stimulus signal (112) at a position of the transponder (130) by evaluating a power information included in the backscatter signal (132), a second power estimation unit (116) adapted for estimating a second power value indicative of the power of the backscatter signal (132) at a position of the reader device (110), and a distance estimation unit (118) adapted for estimating a distance (d1) between the reader device (110) and the transponder (130) based on the first power value and the second power value. |
| US08638253B1 |
Vibrating radar sensor
Embodiments disclosed herein include a radar sensor device for detecting movement and velocity of external objects within or around a particular radar sensor field. The radar sensor field can use an array or cluster or radar sensors, including compact (portable by hand) radar sensors that function as network nodes within a wireless, low-energy ad hoc network. Radar sensor devices can use vibration as a means of communicating power status, functionality, and progress of installation of a particular radar unit. Such a vibration can be executed at a particular predefined cadence, rhythm, or other pattern, to indicate a powered-on state, active network connectivity, and other device states. Such a radar sensor device provides silent and non-visible status indication for quick and efficient deployment. |
| US08638252B2 |
Low power high speed A/D converter
An analog-to-digital converter comprises a first set of comparators configured for generating a coarse digital measurement of an analog input signal, and a second set of comparators for performing a fine digital measurement of the analog input signal. The second set comprises a plurality of dynamic comparators, wherein each dynamic comparator is configurable for being activated by a clock signal. An activation circuit processes the coarse measurement and an input clock signal for generating a set of activation signals, which activate a subset of the dynamic comparators to generate the fine digital measurement. |
| US08638247B2 |
Method and device for buffer-based interleaved encoding of an input sequence
A method for encoding an input sequence of symbols. The method includes, sequentially, for each symbol in the input sequence, determining an estimated probability for that symbol based on a context model, identifying a codeword associated with a sequence of symbols resulting from appending that symbol to a previous sequence of symbols associated with that estimated probability, using an encoding tree associated with that estimated probability, and storing the codeword in a buffer element of a first-in-first-out buffer, wherein the buffer element is associated with the estimated probability. Stored codewords are output from the buffer in a first-in-first-out order. |
| US08638246B2 |
Encoding and decoding methods and devices using a secondary codeword indicator
A method for encoding an input sequence of symbols as a plurality of codewords including primary codewords and secondary codewords, and a method of decoding the plurality of codewords. The codewords are output as a bitstream including an associated codeword type indicator, which specifies whether its associated plurality of consecutive codewords includes at least one secondary codeword and, if so, the location of the first of the at least one secondary codewords. The decoder selects between a primary codeword decoding tree and a secondary codeword decoding tree, and decodes one of the plurality of codewords using the selected decoding tree. |
| US08638240B2 |
Airport taxiway collision alerting system
Systems and methods for alerting a flight crew if a taxiing collision condition exists. An exemplary system on a host vehicle determines one or more first protection zones around other vehicles on the ground based on the received information about the other vehicles, determines a second protection zone around the host vehicle based on the stored information about the host vehicle and the sensor information and generates an alert, if any of the first protection zones occupies at least a portion of the same geographic area as the second protection zone. The received information includes position, ground speed, vehicle type information and heading or track information. The protection zones include a width dimension that is based on vehicle size information, a base length dimension that is based on the size information, and a variable component of the length dimension that is based on the ground speed. |
| US08638239B2 |
System and method for managing audio warning messages in an aircraft
The present invention relates to a system (1) and an associated method for managing audio warning messages in an aircraft.The system (1) comprises a plurality of monitoring systems (10, 20) capable of detecting the establishment of at least one warning condition (CA), and comprises a central broadcasting module (40), to which each of the monitoring systems is connected and which is capable of broadcasting an audio message (SIG) corresponding to a detected warning condition.In particular, in this system (1), the said central broadcasting module (40) comprises means (402, 420) for determining at least one priority warning condition among the warning conditions detected by the monitoring systems, and means (410, 430) for generating at least one audio message (SIG) corresponding to the at least one determined priority warning condition, in order to broadcast it. |
| US08638238B2 |
Parking space detection device and method thereof
A parking space detection device and method thereof, wherein, firstly, store a plurality of border data relating to moved distance of a vehicle, and distance between vehicle and an obstacle for reverse transmission of ultrasonic waves; then determine if said border data satisfy evaluation conditions, such that it is in a first detecting parking space then obstacle state, or in a first detecting obstacle then parking space state. Wherein, in case that any of evaluation conditions is satisfied, start to calculate a first difference between each of said border data and their average, to determine if it is grater than a standard deviation; in case that answer is positive, fetch at least two data points, a first data point and a second data point, corresponding to border data, then calculate their difference to adjust weights of first data point and second data point, in obtaining a highly accurate parking space. |
| US08638237B2 |
Vehicle awareness system
A vehicle awareness system for alerting the driver of a motor vehicle the approaching from the rear side of a motorcycle, and for reporting to the rider of the motorcycle that the driver of the motor vehicle has been alerted. The system comprises (a) a motorcycle unit, located on the motorcycle, for transmitting signals toward the traveling lane of that motorcycle; (b) a car unit, located in the motor vehicle, for receiving signals transmitted from the motorcycle unit, and accordingly supplying one or more output signals indicative of the approach of the motorcycle; (c) first warning means, activated by the output signals, for alerting the driver of the motor vehicle regarding the approach of the motorcycle from the rear side; and (d) second warning means, activated by the same output signals, for signaling the driver of the motorcycle that the first warning means are active. |
| US08638236B2 |
Methods and apparatus for applying tactile pressure sensors
A method of wireless communication includes transmitting configuration information to a tactile pressure sensor apparatus, receiving pressure sensor data from the tactile pressure sensor apparatus based on the configuration information, and providing the received tactile pressure sensor data to a user. |
| US08638229B2 |
Swim watch
A watch device for use by a swimmer while swimming in a body of water. The watch device may generally comprise a housing, a location determining component disposed within the housing and operable to receive one or more satellite signals to determine a current geographic location of the housing, and a processing system. The processing system may synchronize the location determining component with the swimmer's arm movement so that the location determining component can determine the current geographic location of the housing. |
| US08638227B2 |
Input device, input method and application of electronic combination lock
The invention provides an input device of the electronic combination lock and a corresponding input method thereof, wherein a signal device produces combination input information and converts said information into two groups of electrical pulse signals; a measurement and control device measures the electrical pulse signals, decides the order of the electrical pulse signals and calculates correspondingly such that said signals are converted into character sequences including the combination elements, and decides whether the current combination elements are confirmed to be inputted or not and decides whether the input of all the combination elements is completed or not; a confirmation device produces a conformation signal for inputting the combination elements; and a display device displays said character sequences and preset prompt information in a rolling and refreshing manner. The invention also provides a door lock handle and a panel of the combination lock for the chests and bags applying the above said input device of the electronic combination lock. In said input device of the electronic combination lock and the application thereof, the operation parts do not contact with the circuit, the reliability and the security protection performance have been improved significantly. Furthermore, the operation for inputting the combination and the operation for changing the combination are very convenient and intuitional. |
| US08638218B2 |
Wireless takeover of an alarm system
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for wireless takeover of wired alarm system components. Embodiments of the invention can be used to bridge hardwired alarm zones for use with a wireless alarm controller. Wired sensors are wired to a takeover module that converts communication from the wired sensors into wireless communication that can be compatibly processed at an alarm controller that accepts wireless signals. Power and ground connections from an existing wired alarm controller can be used with the takeover module to facilitate wireless takeover of wired alarm sensors. |
| US08638216B2 |
Systems and methods for direct current system digital carried message conveyance
The systems and methods of the present invention provide for conductive emissions communication without requiring dedicated communications wires. The systems and methods have the capability to send digital messages over the same wires that are used to power DC systems. Hardware filter circuits are combined with advanced algorithms in a communications control chip to permit the elimination of the dedicated wires, thereby needing zero additional wires to accomplish the task of digital control. |
| US08638215B2 |
System and method for high-sensitivity sensor
A sensor unit that includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition is described. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature. |
| US08638211B2 |
Configurable controller and interface for home SMA, phone and multimedia
A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Embodiments of the present invention further provide for remote access to the configurable controller, thereby providing for remote monitoring of the state of a dwelling and for remote control of home automation. |
| US08638208B2 |
Method for generating turn-signal sound of vehicle and device using the same
There is provided a method for generating turn-signal sound of a vehicle and a device using the method which can output from a speaker the turn-signal sound close to operating sound of a mechanical relay. The method outputs a pulse signal for turn-signal sound having varying frequency and duty ratio from a PPG port of a CPU, integrates the pulse signal for turn-signal sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for turn-signal sound which is outputted to a speaker. The method also outputs a pulse signal for alarm having the constant frequency and duty ratio, integrates the pulse signal for alarm sound using an integration circuit to convert into an analog signal for alarm sound. Then the analog signals for turn-signal sound and for alarm sound are summed up and outputted to the speaker to produce simultaneously the turn-signal sound and the alarm sound. |
| US08638205B2 |
Device for preventing a collision of a pivoting element of a vehicle
A device is provided for preventing a collision between a pivoting element of a vehicle, with an obstacle located in its pivoting area, with a control unit which controls the pivoting movement of the vehicle pivoting element and with a lighting device which is coupled to the pivoting movement and emits light into the pivoting area. Depending on the reflection of the emitted light on the obstacle the control units intervenes in the pivoting movement. |
| US08638202B2 |
Keyfob proximity theft notification
A method of providing a notification following a passive, keyless start of a vehicle when a keyfob for the vehicle is not within a passenger compartment of the vehicle. Where a motor is started using a passive keyless start (PKS) system having a keyfob transceiver within the keyfob and a vehicle transceiver (VT) within the vehicle, the absence of the keyfob may be determined by the failure to receive an accurate response signal from the keyfob transceiver following the transmission of a vehicle challenge signal from the vehicle transceiver. Upon this determination, a notification may be provided directly or indirectly to the vehicle user via a wireless carrier system. |
| US08638198B2 |
Universal remote control systems, methods, and apparatuses
An exemplary method includes a universal remote control device detecting user input requesting that the universal remote control device be operated in a learning mode, initiating, in response to the user input, operation of the universal remote control device in the learning mode, receiving, during the operation of the universal remote control device in the learning mode, a device code via an inter-device communication, and automatically configuring, in response to the receiving of the device code via the inter-device communication, the universal remote control device for remotely controlling a target device associated with the device code. Corresponding systems, methods, and apparatuses are also disclosed. |
| US08638196B2 |
Adapting coil voltage of a tag to field strength
In a data carrier (1) for contactless communication with a base station (2) across an electromagnetic field (HF) generated by the base station (2), coil voltage control means (16) are arranged for controlling the unmodulated coil voltage (US) of the received signal (ES), the coil voltage control means (16) being arranged for control in response to an essentially decreasing coil voltage (US) when the field strength of the electromagnetic field (HF) increases. |
| US08638193B2 |
Electronic UHF radiofrequency identification for a constraining environment
The invention relates to electronic radiofrequency identification in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range for marking an article (4) that is to be identified in a constraining environment. For this purpose, an electronic device (2) comprises: a dielectric substrate (12) having a peripheral edge face (13) and a ground face (15); an electronic chip (16); and a curved and short-circuited antenna (9) (PIFA) that presents a radiating area defined by at least two dipoles (19, 20). The antenna (9) on a transmission surface (14) of the substrate (12) is connected by a short-circuiting element (17) presenting a short-circuiting area presenting an area in projection on the edge face (13) that is of the order of 3% to 5% of the radiating area of the curved antenna (PIFA). |
| US08638188B2 |
Fusible link unit
A fusible link unit includes a retaining portion that retains a frame portion of a battery. The frame portion is located at a corner portion of the battery. The retaining portion has a pair of leg portions which abut against two side surfaces forming the corner portion of the battery. |
| US08638181B2 |
Wideband balun using re-entrant coupled lines and ferrite material
A Guanella type balun with a conductive enclosure (for example, a re-entrant box) between its coupled lines and the magnetic material enclosing its coupled lines. Some embodiments use coupled strip lines. Some embodiments have dielectric material, such as printed circuit board material inside the re-entrant box along with the coupled strip lines. Preferably, the magnetic material is ferrimagnetic. Some preferred magnetic materials are non-conductive. |
| US08638177B2 |
Optical module for atomic oscillator and atomic oscillator
An optical module for an atomic oscillator using a quantum interference effect includes a light source adapted to emit light including a fundamental wave having a predetermined wavelength, and sideband waves of the fundamental wave, a wavelength selection section receiving the light from the light source, and adapted to transmit the sideband waves, a gas cell encapsulating an alkali metal gas and irradiated with light transmitted through the wavelength selection section, and a light detection section adapted to detect an intensity of light transmitted through the gas cell, and the wavelength selection section including an optical filter section adapted to transmit light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range, and an optical filter characteristic control section adapted to vary the wavelength range of light to be transmitted by the optical filter section. |
| US08638169B2 |
Power supply method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for providing a power supply for an amplifier is provided. The power conversion is achieved using synchronous rectifiers in a regulated half bridge power supply, taking the sum of the positive and negative rails as feedback, in order facilitate energy transfer between positive and negative output rails. This minimizes the effects of off side charging and rail sag, as well as achieving good line regulation, while allowing use of very small, low value output capacitors. |
| US08638167B2 |
Operational amplifier
An operational amplifier includes an input stage, an output stage, an output enable switch, an internal capacitor, a coupling effect reduction circuit. The input stage provides an intermediate signal according to an input signal. The output stage, including an output node, provides a driving signal according to the intermediate signal. The output enable switch is turned on during an output enable period, having a start time point, to drive a load with the driving signal. The internal capacitor is coupled between the input stage and the output stage. The coupling effect reduction circuit, coupled between the internal capacitor and the output node or between the internal capacitor and the input stage, is turned off during an operational period starting from the start time point, to prevent coupling charge generated when the output enable switch is turned on from affecting operational voltage levels of the input stage. |
| US08638166B2 |
Apparatus and methods for notch filtering
Apparatus and methods for notch filtering are provided. In certain implementations, an amplifier includes amplification stages for providing signal amplification, chopper circuitry for generating a chopped signal by chopping an amplified signal associated with the amplification stages at a chopping frequency, and a time-interleaved finite impulse response (FIR) notch filter for notching frequency components of the chopped signal near the chopping frequency. The time-interleaved FIR notch filter includes a plurality of FIR filters configured to sample the chopped signal at a sampling rate of about twice the chopping frequency. The FIR filters are interleaved in time to reduce sampling error. Additionally, the time-interleaved FIR notch filter includes an infinite impulse response (IIR) filter configured to average samples taken by respective ones of the FIR filters and to integrate the averaged samples to generate the time-interleaved FIR notch filter's output signal. |
| US08638155B2 |
Level-shifter circuit
A level-shift circuit, comprising: an input, for receiving a first voltage; an output, for outputting a second voltage; a resistor array comprising one or more resistors connected in series to the input; a current sink for providing a current that is independent of the first voltage; a switch arrangement comprising a plurality of switch connections for establishing a selected one from a plurality of force paths between the current sink and the input, the selected force path comprising a selected number of the one or more resistors of said resistor array; and at least one connection between the output and the resistor array that provides a sense path between the resistor array and the output that does not comprise any of the switch connections used to establish each of the plurality of force paths. |
| US08638153B2 |
Pulse clock generation logic with built-in level shifter and programmable rising edge and pulse width
Systems and methods for generating pulse clocks with programmable edges and pulse widths configured for varying requirements of different memory access operations. A pulse clock generation circuit includes a selective delay logic to provide a programmable rising edge delay of the pulse clock, a selective pulse width widening logic to provide a programmable pulse width of the pulse clock, and a built-in level shifter for shifting a voltage level of the pulse clock. A rising edge delay for a read operation is programmed to correspond to an expected read array access delay, and the pulse width for a write operation is programmed to be wider than the pulse width for a read operation. |
| US08638137B2 |
Delay locked loop
A semiconductor device includes a delay unit configured to delay an inputted clock to generate a delay clock, a selection unit configured to select and output one of the inputted clock and the delay clock, a delay locked loop configured to perform a delay locking operation using a signal delivered from the selection unit, and a selection control unit configured to control the selection unit in response to a comparison of one period of the inputted clock and a maximum delay value of the delay locked loop. |
| US08638136B2 |
Start-up system and method for switching voltage regulator
A switching voltage regulator system and method for providing a start-up mode. An on-chip voltage regulator can be integrated with an on-chip digital logic circuit to provide a core supply voltage to the on-chip digital logic circuit along with an off-chip inductor and capacitor. A clock less start-up circuit automatically operates the on-chip voltage regulator in a start-up mode in order to maintain an equilibrium voltage supply with respect to the on-chip digital logic circuit. Such clock less start-up circuit provides soft start-up operation with respect to the on-chip voltage regulator without a clock signal. |
| US08638135B2 |
Integrated circuit having latch-up recovery circuit
An integrated circuit includes first and second transistors, a switch, and a power-on reset (POR) circuit. The first transistor has a first current electrode, a second current electrode, and a control electrode. The second transistor has a first current electrode coupled to the second current electrode of the first transistor, a second current electrode, and a control electrode. The switch is for coupling the first and second transistors to receive a power supply voltage in response to an asserted bias control signal. The POR circuit has a latch-up detection circuit coupled to receive the power supply voltage and to a control terminal of the switch. The latch-up detection circuit is for detecting a low voltage condition of the power supply voltage, and in response, deasserting the bias control signal to decouple the first and second transistors from the power supply voltage. |
| US08638134B2 |
Gate drive circuit and power semiconductor module
A gate drive circuit capable of operating at high speed and with low loss without erroneously operating the switching element is provided with a small number of components and a simple and easy circuit configuration. A primary side of a transformer is connected to an output terminal of a low-side gate drive circuit, and a secondary side of the transformer is connected to a gate input side of a high-side switching element. As a positive gate drive voltage is output from the low-side drive circuit, a negative voltage is applied between the gate and source of a high-side switching element, and a gate voltage is suppressed to be equal to or lower than a threshold value. Therefore, the high-side switching element maintains a turn-off state when the low-side switching element is turned on. |
| US08638133B2 |
Method and circuit for driving an electronic switch
Disclosed is an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a transistor having a control terminal to receive a drive signal, and a load path between a first and a second load terminal. A voltage protection circuit is coupled to the transistor, has a control input, is configured to assume one of an activated state and a deactivated state as an operation state dependent on a control signal received at the control input, and is configured to limit a voltage between the load terminals or between one of the load terminals and the control terminal. A control circuit is coupled to the control input of the voltage protection circuit and is configured to deactivate the voltage protection circuit dependent on at least one operation parameter of the transistor and when a voltage across the load path or a load current through the load path is other than zero. |
| US08638132B2 |
Transmission channel for ultrasound applications
A transmission channel includes at least one high voltage buffer block having buffer transistors and respective buffer diodes, being electrically coupled between respective voltage reference terminals, these buffer transistors being also coupled to a clamping block, in turn including clamping transistors connected to at least one output terminal of this transmission channel through diodes coupled to prevent the body diodes of the clamping transistors from conducting. The transmission channel includes at least one reset circuit having diodes and being electrically coupled between circuit nodes of the high voltage buffer block and of the clamping block, these circuit nodes being in correspondence with conduction terminals of the transistors comprised into the high voltage buffer block and into the clamping block. |
| US08638125B2 |
Low voltage differential signal driver with reduced power consumption
A low voltage differential signal (LVDS) driver circuit with reduced power consumption. A pre-driver stage, implemented as a differential current mode amplifier, is driven by the differential input signal and provides a corresponding differential drive signal, which drives the output stage, implemented as a differential voltage mode amplifier, which, in turn, provides the differential output signal for the load. Total current consumption equals the load current, which is provided by the output stage, plus a much smaller current used by the pre-driver stage. |
| US08638116B2 |
Probe card having configurable structure for exchanging or swapping electronic components for impedance matching and impedance matching method therefore
A probe card having a configurable structure for exchanging/swapping electronic components for impedance matching and an impedance method therefore are provided. In the probe card, an applied force is exerted on the electronic component so as to make the electronic component electrically connected with at least one conductive contact pad of a supporting unit. The supporting unit is a circuit board or a space transformer. In order to facilitate the exchange or swap of the electronic component, the applied force can be removed. The probe card includes a pressing plate which can be moved between a pressing position and a non-pressing position. The pressing plate has a pressing surface which is contacted with the top end of the electronic component while the pressing plate is in the pressing position. Therefore, the applied force can be generated or removed by changing the positioning of the pressing plate. |
| US08638112B2 |
Input device based on voltage gradients
An input device is disclosed, including a first drive electrode comprising a resistive material and a first sense electrode disposed proximate to the first drive electrode. The input device further includes a processing system which is coupled with the first drive electrode and the first sense electrode. In one embodiment, the processing system is configured for electrically driving a first end of the first drive electrode and electrically driving a second end of the first drive electrode to cause a change in a voltage gradient along a length of the first drive electrode. In such an embodiment, the change in the voltage gradient generates a first electrical signal in the first sense electrode. The processing system also acquires a first measurement of the first electrical signal and determines positional information along the length of the first drive electrode based upon the first measurement, wherein the positional information is related to an input object. |
| US08638100B2 |
Surface coil for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus with interchangeable operating elements and a simultaneously mechanical and electrical locking element
An assembly for mounting and unmounting a surface coil of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus includes an upper part, a lower part, a locking element to fix the upper part and the lower part to one another, and contact elements at the upper part and at the lower part. The contact elements at the upper part can be brought into an electrically conductive connection with contact elements at the lower part and the upper part and the lower part can be fixed to one another by a movement of the locking element. |
| US08638099B2 |
Method for reducing magnetic resonance temperature measurement errors in a magnetic resonance monitored HIFU treatment
A method for reducing magnetic resonance temperature measurement errors, which is used for the high-intensity focused ultrasound device for monitoring magnetic resonance imaging includes obtaining a magnetic resonance phase diagram as a reference image before the high-intensity focused ultrasound device heats the heating area; obtaining another magnetic resonance phase diagram as a heating image during or after the heating process of the high intensity focused ultrasound device; calculating the temperature changes in the heating area according to said heating image and reference image. The method further includes measuring the magnetic field changes caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer of said high-intensity focused ultrasound device, and then compensating for the temperature changes according to said magnetic field changes. The present invention can significantly reduce the temperature errors caused by the position changes of the ultrasonic transducer. |
| US08638094B2 |
Method and magnetic resonance device for imaging of particles
In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus for imaging a particle that is located in an examination subject, a pulse sequence is emitted that includes an excitation pulse that generates a transverse magnetization of the examination subject from a magnetization appearing in a basic magnetic field, so the particle causes a magnetic interference field in the applied basic magnetic field in a magnetic resonance measurement. After the excitation pulse, at least one spectrally selective refocusing pulse is generated in a non-resonant frequency range at the generation of a spin echo. |
| US08638092B2 |
Current sensor
This disclosure is directed to current sensing techniques for use within a magnetic current sensor. According to one aspect of the disclosure, a current sensing device includes a magnetic core, and a magnetic field sensor positioned substantially within a cavity formed by an air gap interface of the magnetic core and configured to sense a magnetic field induced by an electrical current that is conducted through a conductor passing through a central opening of the magnetic core. |
| US08638088B2 |
Load detection for switched-mode power converters
In one embodiment, a method for detecting a load in a switched-mode power converter is provided. The switched-mode power converter includes high and low-side power switches which are configured to be driven respectively by high and low-side drive signals to provide a switching voltage. The high and low-side drive signals include a plurality of dead-time periods. The method includes monitoring a waveform of the switching voltage and at least one of the high and low-side drive signals. The monitored waveform of the switching voltage is compared to the monitored waveform of the at least one of the high and low-side drive signals to determine whether the switching voltage is high or low during at least one of the dead-time periods. A current measurement of the load is determined based on whether the switching voltage is high or low during the at least one of the dead-time periods. |
| US08638082B2 |
Control circuit for step-down and boost type switching supply circuit and method for switching supply circuit
A control circuit for a switching supply, include: a first control circuit that selects one of a first signal to switch a boost mode and a step-down mode and a second signal to control an on-period of a switch based on an input voltage, the switch provided between a terminal to which the input voltage is applied and an inductor; and a second control circuit that controls the switching supply based on an output voltage and the selected one of the first signal and the second signal. |
| US08638081B2 |
Active droop current sharing
Point-of-load (POL) regulators may be configured as multiphase POL DC-to-DC (direct current to direct current) converters, operating in a multiphase configuration in order to boost the total current available to a system. Current balancing may be performed by utilizing an active low bandwidth current sharing algorithm that uses matched artificial line resistance (droop resistance) while maintaining multi-loop stability during both steady-state and dynamic transient states. The current sharing algorithm may be facilitated through digital communication between the devices, where the digital bus may be a single wire bus, a parallel bus or a clock-and-data bus. |
| US08638079B2 |
Pulse modulation control in a DC-DC converter circuit
In a device, a pulse modulation switching logic is provided to generate switching signals of a pulse modulator so as to generate a pulse modulated signal with a first pulse modulation control parameter and a second pulse modulation control parameter. The first pulse modulation control parameter is controlled on the basis of a first control signal, and the second pulse modulation control parameter is controlled on the basis of a second control signal. A first control loop is provided to generate the first control signal from an output signal derived from the pulse modulated signal. A second control loop is provided to generate the second control signal on the basis of the output signal. The first and second control signals are applied to concurrently control the first and second pulse modulation control parameters. |
| US08638077B2 |
Method for regulating an output voltage of a pulsed-width modulated switching converter
A method for regulating the output voltage of a power supply. A boost PWM switching converter adjusts the gate drive signals to a switching transistor and a pass transistor so that the power supply has an operating frequency, Fs, based on a comparison between a parameter and a reference. The parameter may be a ratio of an input voltage to an output voltage, a difference between the output voltage and the input voltage, or the value of an input voltage. In accordance with the comparison between the parameter and the reference, the switching control circuit linearly decreases the operating frequency of the power supply. By changing the operating frequency, the output and input voltages of the power regulator may be almost equal to each other when operating with a control signal having a low duty cycle while maintaining a low output voltage ripple and a low inductor current ripple. |
| US08638072B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing charging current
An apparatus may comprise first circuitry arranged to draw current from a charging source at multiple current levels and second circuitry arranged to determine a charging current capacity of the charging source using the first circuitry. |
| US08638071B2 |
Electronic device, control method and program
Reduction of wasteful power consumption is envisaged. A power supply function-equipped electronic apparatus (10) is configured to be capable of supplying power to a battery device (20) incorporating a battery (21) by use of a cable (30) connecting the apparatus (10) with the device (20). A detection section (13) detects whether charging of the battery (21) incorporated in the battery device (20) is complete through the cable (30). When charging of the battery (21) is detected to be complete, a power control section (12) turns off power of the power supply function-equipped electronic apparatus (10). This invention can be applied illustratively to gaming machines and the like each composed of a gaming machine body and its controller. |
| US08638069B2 |
Bidirectional polyphase multimode converter including boost and buck-boost modes
A charging method using a multiphase line voltage for charging an energy storage system (ESS) using a polyphase motor drive circuit communicated to a polyphase motor, the polyphase motor drive circuit including a plurality M of driver stages, one driver stage for each phase of the polyphase motor with each driver stage coupled across the energy storage system. |
| US08638065B2 |
Battery pack and battery pack system
A battery pack usable as a power source of an electric device, is disclosed, in which battery modules are in series; each battery module is configured to include battery cells in series; a discharge controller controls discharge power which is supplied from the battery modules to the electric device; a modulator modulates a voltage of each module between a high voltage and a low voltage which is higher than zero and lower than the high voltage; the high voltage and the low voltage are set to allow a load device of the electric device to operate by the high voltage, and to allow the load device not to operate by the low voltage; and the discharge controller operates by the battery modules, irrespective of whether each module outputs the high voltage or the low voltage. |
| US08638060B2 |
Solar panel assemblies for attachment to a boat trailer
Solar panel assemblies herein are configured to couple to a boat trailer in order to charge a battery in a boat secured on top of the trailer. The solar panel assemblies can be configured to have means for 360 rotation to allow efficient sunlight capture and to allow for a more aerodynamic profile when the trailer is being towed. The assemblies herein include a solar panel housing that can include downwardly slanting sides to protect the one or more solar panels mounted within the housing from road debris. |
| US08638059B2 |
Control for multi-phase induction motor
A method for controlling operation of a multi-phase induction motor may include transmitting a high-speed operation signal by a master computer for high-speed operation of the motor; receiving the signal by a control signal board, and in response to the signal, the control signal board may sense that the master computer is not simultaneously transmitting a low-speed operation signal, and in response to receiving the high-speed operation signal and not simultaneously receiving the low-speed operation signal, closing delta-to-wye contactors and closing contactors in a power section to transmit power to the motor for high-speed operation, whereby the motor is connected to a source of multi-phase power and operates at high-speed; and the control signal board transmitting a first feedback signal to the master computer that the motor is connected to the source of multi-phase power and is running at high speed. |
| US08638056B2 |
Control panel for an adjustable ergonomic control console
A control console to remotely control medical equipment is disclosed having a base with an ergonomically adjustable pedal system. The base further has an opening to receive the pedal system. The pedal system includes a moveable pedal tray with a pedal base. The tray includes a first left pedal assembly and a first right pedal assembly, and an upper tier having a second left pedal assembly and a second right pedal assembly respectively in alignment with and elevated above the first left pedal assembly and the first right pedal assembly. Rollers are rotatable coupled to the moveable pedal tray to allow it roll over a floor. A drive assembly is coupled between the moveable pedal tray and the base. The drive assembly applies a force to the to roll the moveable pedal tray over the floor within the opening of the base. |
| US08638054B2 |
Sensorless lost/found rotor detection for permanent magnet motors
Various methods of detecting a found rotor, a lost rotor, a locked rotor and a caught rotor after a power disruption using flux estimates are disclosed. Also disclosed are permanent magnet motor controllers and assemblies suitable for performing one or more of these methods. |
| US08638052B2 |
Method and control system for controlling a synchronous electric machine
A method of controlling an electric synchronous machine having a stator and a moving part includes operating the machine with a deceleration moment so that a speed of the moving part of the machine is reducing, monitoring the movement of the moving part of the machine, and, upon detection of a direction reversal or a speed of the moving part of approximately zero, transitioning to a holding mode by impressing at least one current pattern of string currents in the stator of the machine. The method also includes maintaining the current pattern until a stable equilibrium of moments between the external moment and a braking moment of the machine is established. |
| US08638051B2 |
DC-DC converter and driving device of light source for display device using the same
A DC-DC converter includes a plurality of boost circuits and a controller. The boost circuits are coupled to another in parallel. The boost circuits receive a DC voltage and boost the DC voltage. The controller drives the boost circuits with a duty ratio of less than 50% and different phases. |
| US08638050B2 |
DC power supply unit and LED lighting apparatus
In one embodiment, a DC power supply unit includes a DC power supply source; a load circuit connected to an output end of the DC power supply source; a load state detection device to detect a load voltage or an electric quantity corresponding to the load voltage; and a control device to receive the detected output of the load state detection device. The control device controls a maximum output voltage of the DC power supply source so that the voltage difference between the maximum output voltage of the DC power supply source and the load voltage at the time of normal operation falls within a predetermined range in which arc discharge is suppressed. |
| US08638048B2 |
Circuit for determining an average value
A circuit for determining an average value of a quasiperiodic signal may include an integrator, a sample and hold circuit coupled to an output of the integrator, wherein the sample and hold circuit includes a sample and hold circuit output, a feedback path coupled to the sample and hold circuit output and configured to feedback the signal provided at the sample and hold circuit output as a feedback signal, a subtractor configured to form a difference signal representing the difference between the quasiperiodic signal and the feedback signal, wherein an output of the subtractor is coupled to an input of the integrator to thereby provide the difference signal to the input of the integrator. |
| US08638047B2 |
Two-terminal current controller and related LED lighting device
A two-terminal current controller having a current limiting unit and an adjusting unit regulates a first current flowing through a load according to a load voltage. When the load voltage does not exceed a first voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a first mode for conducting a second current associated a rectified AC voltage, thereby limiting the first current to zero and adjusting the second current accordingly. When the load voltage is between the first voltage and a second voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a second mode for conducting the second current, thereby limiting the first current to zero and limiting the second current to a constant value larger than zero. When the load voltage exceeds the second voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a third mode for turning off the current limiting unit. The adjusting unit can adjust the predetermined value and the second voltage. |
| US08638043B2 |
Two-terminal current controller and related LED lighting device
A two-terminal current controller having a current limiting unit and an adjusting unit regulates a first current flowing through a load according to a load voltage. When the load voltage does not exceed a first voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a first mode for conducting a second current associated a rectified AC voltage, thereby limiting the first current to zero and adjusting the second current accordingly. When the load voltage is between the first voltage and a second voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a second mode for conducting the second current, thereby limiting the first current to zero and limiting the second current to a constant value larger than zero. When the load voltage exceeds the second voltage, the two-terminal current controller operates in a third mode for turning off the current limiting unit. The adjusting unit can adjust the predetermined value and the second voltage. |
| US08638041B2 |
Light-emitting element drive circuit system, and electronic device
A light-emitting element drive circuit system for driving a light-emitting element includes a current circuit section that drives the light-emitting element at a preset drive current value, and a current value setting section. The current value setting section sets the drive current value so that the drive current value is changed during a preset transition period from a first current value to a second current value that is not equal to the first current value, and changed during a preset transition period from the second current value to a third current value that is not equal to both the first current value and the second current value. |
| US08638029B2 |
Spark plug for internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing the spark plug
A spark plug includes a center electrode, a ground electrode, and a noble metal tip. The noble metal tip is joined to an object member of at least one of two electrodes via a fusion zone. A projected overlap region of the noble metal tip and the fusion zone accounts for 70% or more of a projected region of the noble metal tip. The object member contains at least Si out of Al and Si such that the amount of Si is 0.4% by mass or higher and such that the total amount of Al and Si is 0.5% by mass. Multi-fusion spots exist on the surface of the fusion zone. Segments of a baseline which pass through the respective multi-fusion spots have a total length of a predetermined percentage of the length of the baseline. Joining strength to the noble metal tip can thereby be greatly improved when the member to be joined contains Si. |
| US08638028B2 |
LED illumination device and conduction structure thereof
A conduction structure includes a cooling plate and conductive members. A circuit board and a lamp panel are fixed at two sides of the heat cooling plate. The circuit board forms conductive areas. The cooling plate forms conductive areas and first holes with conductive inner faces. The lamp plate defines second holes. The lamp plate forms conductive areas around the second holes on the side away from the heat cooling plate. The conductive areas of the cooling plate contact with the corresponding conductive areas of the circuit board. Each conductive member includes a head and a rod. The rod engages in a corresponding first hole and a corresponding second hole in a transitional fit manner. The head electrically contacts the conductive area of the lamp plate. An LED illumination device using the same conduction structure is also provided. |
| US08638027B2 |
Lighting armature
The invention relates to a lighting armature or light generator, comprising a housing, a light source and drive electronics for driving the light source, wherein the having cooling fins made of a plastic composition having an orientation averaged thermal conductivity of at least 2.0 W/m·K. |
| US08638026B2 |
Stage drive device
A stage comprises a linear guide rail (2) for guiding a movable table (4), a driven bar (12), a linear drive actuator in contact with the driven bar (12) to transmit driving force to the driven bar (12), and parallel plate springs (30) for holding opposite ends of the driven bar (12). A drive transmitting surface of the linear drive actuator is provided so as to be separated from the movable table (4), and this prevents the accuracy of positioning from being reduced. Also, the parallel springs (30) reduce deforming forces applied to sections supporting the driven bar (12), and this prevents the driven bar from being damaged. The configuration makes the stage highly accurate and highly reliable. |
| US08638023B2 |
Ultrasonic oscillating device with a detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly
An ultrasonic oscillating device with a detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly is mounted inside a case having a detachable lid and applied in a humidifier. The ultrasonic oscillating device has a circuit board, a supporting board, a connecting structure and the ultrasonic oscillating assembly. The detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly is placed between the supporting board and the lid. The connecting structure is mounted on a bottom of the lid and electrically connected to the ultrasonic oscillating assembly and the circuit board. When the ultrasonic oscillating assembly is broken, users easily replace the broken ultrasonic oscillating assembly by the detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly and the detachable lid of the case, so other unbroken parts remain useful. |
| US08638021B2 |
Rotating electrical machine
A rotating electrical machine includes a rotor and a stator including an annular stator core formed by helically stacking a plurality of core pieces that are connected to each other by connecting portions, the rotor being disposed inside an inner periphery of the stator core. The connecting portions are linearly arranged along a stacking direction of the stator core so that grooves that extend in the stacking direction of the stator core are formed in an outer peripheral surface of the stator core at positions where the connecting portions are provided. |
| US08638019B2 |
Electric motor
An electric motor includes a stator made up of individual segments disposed in the circumferential direction, each individual segment including a core stack around which a winding is provided and at whose axial terminal regions end caps are provided, the winding being produced by a winding wire, an end cap including at least one dome, in particular for delimiting the region of the winding, a wire inlet duct for rerouting the winding wire being provided in the base region of the dome, grooves being provided on the end cap, the distance of one groove with respect to the radially following groove and the diameter of the curvature of the respective groove being smaller than the diameter of the winding wire. |
| US08638016B2 |
Electromagnetic structure having a core element that extends magnetic coupling around opposing surfaces of a circular magnetic structure
An electromagnetic structure comprises a rotor assembly having at least one circular magnetic structure. The structure has opposing first and second surfaces that extend around a peripheral boundary region. A plurality of emission regions are disposed along said peripheral boundary region, with each emission region presenting poles having opposite polarities of a first polarity and a second polarity on the opposing first and second surfaces of the circular magnetic structure. Adjacent emission regions have alternating pole orientations such that each emission source having the first polarity is between two emission sources having the second polarity and each emission source having the second polarity is between two emission sources having the first polarity. A rotational element rotates the at least one circular magnetic structure about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the opposing first and second surfaces. |
| US08638014B2 |
Brushless DC motor with bearings
A brushless DC motor including a rotor, a magnet provided to the rotor, a pair of bearings to rotatably support the rotor, a stator assembly that at least partly surrounds the rotor and magnet thereof and adapted to control movement of the rotor, and a bearing tube having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines a tube interior. The stator assembly is provided along the exterior surface of the tube and the bearings are provided along the interior surface of the tube to support the rotor and magnet within the tube interior. The motor has sample application for use in PAP devices for delivery of positive airway pressure therapy for users or patients. |
| US08638011B2 |
Portable power manager operating methods
Various aspects of invention provide portable power manager operating methods. One aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a power manager having a plurality of device ports for connecting with external power devices and a power bus for connecting with each device port. The method includes: disconnecting each device port from the power bus when no external power device is connected to the device port; accessing information from newly connected external power devices; determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus without power conversion; if not, determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus over an available power converter; and if so, configuring the available power converter for suitable power conversion. |
| US08638010B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for providing backup power to a load
Systems, devices, and methods for providing backup power to a load are disclosed. A power converter may comprise a capacitor array comprising a plurality of capacitors and configured to store a charge from an input during a charge mode of operation and provide a charge to an output during a discharge mode of operation. Further, the power converter may comprise a controller configured to selectively couple the capacitor array to the input during a portion of the charge mode of operation and selectively couple the capacitor array to the output during a portion of the discharge mode of operation. |
| US08638008B2 |
380 volt direct current power distribution system for information and communication technology systems and facilities
A method and a modular direct current power distribution system. A distribution panel may receive alternating current power with a voltage range between 200 volts and 15000 volts. A modular rectifier may convert the alternating current power from the distribution panel to direct current power with a range of 250 volts to 600 volts. An end feed box may receive alternative energy power from an alternative energy power source. A power pathway module may distribute the direct current power from the modular rectifier to a set of information and communication technology equipment. An electrical protection system may guard against electrical damage. |
| US08638006B2 |
Semiconductor apparatus and method of trimming voltage
A semiconductor apparatus includes: a master chip and at least one slave chip configured to be stacked one on top of another; and a through-silicon via (TSV) configured to penetrate and electrically couple the master chip and the at least one slave chip, wherein the at least one slave chip receives a reference voltage generated from the master chip via the TSV and independently trims the reference voltage and then generates an internal voltage with the trimmed reference voltage. |
| US08638005B2 |
Power supply system
A power supply system, particularly to be used in maritime oil/natural gas production includes at least one data transfer/voltage conversion unit arranged above sea level and one electrical means such as a choke, gate valve, production tree, power control/communication unit and the like arranged below sea level, which are electrically connected via a cable connection at least for power supply.To improve such a power supply system in a manner that this system has a simple structure and each data transfer/voltage conversion unit can also provide higher powers over a predetermined period of time or during continuous operation, a plurality of data transfer/voltage conversion units are arranged modularly, and one additional power supply module can be connected thereto to increase the power supply, and the electrical power, respectively. |
| US08638003B2 |
Inverter generator
In an inverter generator having a first, second and third inverters, a first, second and third controllers adapted to control turning ON/OFF of switching elements thereof and to operate the first inverter as a master inverter and the second and third inverters as slave inverters, a three-phase output terminal, a single-phase output terminal, and an engine control section adapted to send an output of a selector switch to the first controller and so on, thereby outputting three-phase or single-phase AC through control of turning ON/OFF of the switching elements, so that the outputs from the first, second and third inverters become in the three-phase or single-phase AC in response to the output of the selector switch making the output from the first inverter as a reference. |
| US08638001B2 |
Adhesive sheet for producing semiconductor device
An object of the present invention is to provide an adhesive sheet that can capture cations mixed in from outside during various processes of manufacturing a semiconductor device to prevent deterioration in electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device to be manufactured and to improve product reliability. It is an adhesive sheet for producing a semiconductor device, in which when 2.5 g of the adhesive sheet is soaked in 50 ml of an aqueous solution containing 10 ppm of copper ions, and the solution is left at 120° C. for 20 hours, the concentration of copper ions in the aqueous solution is 0 to 9.9 ppm. |
| US08637999B2 |
Low-noise flip-chip packages and flip chips thereof
A low-noise flip-chip package, comprising: a carrier substrate having first and second opposing main faces; and a flip-chip substrate connected in a face-down manner onto the first main face of the carrier substrate via a connection array, wherein: the flip-chip substrate comprises at least first and second circuitry portions spaced apart from one another; the flip-chip substrate comprises a substrate-contact boundary located between the first and second circuitry portions; and each of the first circuitry portion, the second circuitry portion and the substrate-contact boundary has its own separate signal-reference connection extending via a respective connection of the connection array through the carrier substrate to a respective electrical contact at the second main face of the carrier substrate for connection to a common signal-reference element in an external circuit. |
| US08637993B2 |
3D integrated circuit system with connecting via structure and method for forming the same
A method of forming an integrated circuit device includes providing a substrate including an active device, forming a through silicon via into the substrate, forming a device contact to the active device, forming a conductive layer over the through silicon via and the device contact, and forming a connecting via structure for electrically connecting the conductive layer with the through silicon via. An integrated circuit device includes a through silicon via formed into a substrate silicon material, a conductive layer formed over the through silicon via, and a connecting via structure formed between the conductive layer and the through silicon via for electrically connecting the conductive layer with the through silicon via. The connecting via structure comprises a first series of via bars intersected with a second series of via bars. |
| US08637990B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a word line, a bit line crossing the word line, an active region arranged in an oblique direction at the word line and the bit line, and a contact pad contacting the active region, where the contact pad extends in the oblique direction. |
| US08637989B2 |
Semiconductor chip having via electrodes and stacked semiconductor chips interconnected by the via electrodes
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a via electrode. The via electrode has a first portion on the substrate and extends towards the substrate and has a plurality of spikes that extends from the first portion into the substrate, each of the spikes being spaced apart form one another. |
| US08637988B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of testing the same
There is provided a semiconductor device comprising, a first metal pattern formed at a first metal level and extending in a first direction, a second metal pattern formed at the first metal level, extending in a second direction that is different than the first direction, and disposed on a side of the first metal pattern to be separated from the first metal pattern, a first via structure formed on the first metal pattern, a third metal pattern formed at a second metal level that is different than the first metal level and electrically connected to the first metal pattern by the first via structure, and a first pad electrically connected to the first metal pattern and a second pad electrically connected to the third metal pattern. |
| US08637987B2 |
Semiconductor assemblies with multi-level substrates and associated methods of manufacturing
Various embodiments of semiconductor assemblies with multi-level substrates and associated methods of manufacturing are described below. In one embodiment, a substrate for carrying a semiconductor die includes a first routing level, a second routing level, and a conductive via between the first and second routing levels. The conductive via has a first end proximate the first routing level and a second end proximate the second routing level. The first routing level includes a terminal and a first trace between the terminal and the first end of the conductive via. The second routing level includes a second trace between the second end of the conductive via and a ball site. The terminal of the first routing level and the ball site of the second routing level are both accessible for electrical connections from the same side of the substrate. |
| US08637984B2 |
Multi-chip package with pillar connection
A semiconductor device has a substrate having a first plurality of substrate bonding pads disposed on a bonding surface thereof. A plurality of semiconductor dice is disposed on the substrate. Each die of the plurality of dice has a first plurality of die bonding pads arranged along at least one first edge thereof. A plurality of bonding pillars extends substantially vertically from the substrate bonding pads. Each bonding pillar electrically connects one of the first plurality of substrate bonding pads to a corresponding one of the first plurality of die bonding pads. A method of assembling a semiconductor device is also described. |
| US08637980B1 |
Adhesive applications using alkali silicate glass for electronics
An assembly includes an integrated circuit die coupled to another component of the assembly with an alkali silicate glass material. The alkali silicate material may include particles for modifying the thermal, mechanical, and/or electrical characteristics of the material. |
| US08637977B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of packaging a semiconductor device with a clip
A method and apparatus of packaging a semiconductor device with a clip is disclosed. The clip defines a first contact region and a second contact region on a same face of the at least one clip. The chip defines a first face, and a second face opposite to the first face, the first contact region being attached to the first face of the chip and the second contact region being located within a same plane with the second face of the clip. |
| US08637975B1 |
Semiconductor device having lead wires connecting bonding pads formed on opposite sides of a core region forming a shield area
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die. The semiconductor die includes a first bond pad having a plurality of connection points, the first bond pad arranged on a first portion of the semiconductor die, wherein the first portion corresponds to an outer periphery of the semiconductor die, and a second bond pad and a third bond pad arranged within a second portion of the semiconductor die, wherein the second portion is within the outer periphery of the semiconductor die. A lead external to the semiconductor die is configured to provide a voltage potential to the semiconductor die. A first lead wire is connected between the lead and a first connection point. A second lead wire is connected between the second bond pad and a second connection point. A third lead wire is connected between the third bond pad and a third connection point. |
| US08637972B2 |
Two-sided substrate lead connection for minimizing kerf width on a semiconductor substrate panel
A semiconductor die substrate panel is disclosed including a minimum kerf width between adjoining semiconductor package outlines on the panel, while ensuring electrical isolation of plated electrical terminals. By reducing the width of a boundary between adjoining package outlines, additional space is gained on a substrate panel for semiconductor packages. |
| US08637971B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a housing made of a thermoplastic resin and having an internal space that is opened on one side and an inner wall portion that has an inner peripheral surface defining the internal space; and a core portion engaged in the internal space of the housing. The core portion includes a substrate, a semiconductor element mounted on the substrate, a wire electrically connecting the substrate and the semiconductor element, and a mold resin sealing the substrate, the semiconductor element and the wire. The core portion has a side surface provided with a convex portion that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the inner wall portion. Accordingly, a semiconductor device allowing a lengthened life and improved productivity, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device can be provided. |
| US08637968B2 |
Stacked microelectronic assembly having interposer connecting active chips
A microelectronic assembly can include first and second microelectronic elements each embodying active semiconductor devices adjacent a front surface thereof, and having an electrically conductive pad exposed at the respective front surface. An interposer of material having a CTE less than 10 ppm/° C. has first and second surfaces attached to the front surfaces of the respective first and second microelectronic elements, the interposer having a second conductive element extending within an opening in the interposer. First and second conductive elements extend within openings extending from the rear surface of a respective microelectronic element of the first and second microelectronic elements towards the front surface of the respective microelectronic element. In one example, one or more of the first or second conductive elements extends through the respective first or second pad, and the conductive elements contact the exposed portions of the second conductive element to provide electrical connection therewith. |
| US08637966B2 |
Semiconductor device
In a QFP with a chip-stacked structure in which a lower surface of a die pad is exposed from a lower surface of a sealing member, a semiconductor chip having a BCB film, which is made of a polymeric material containing at least benzocyclobutene in its backbone as an organic monomer and formed on its surface, is mounted at a position (second stage) that is away from the die pad. As a result, even when moisture invades through the interface between the die pad and the sealing member, it is possible to prolong the time required for the moisture to reach the semiconductor chip, and subsequently to make moisture absorption defect less likely to occur. |
| US08637963B2 |
Radiation-shielded semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is disclosed including an electromagnetic radiation shield. The device may include a substrate having a shield ring defined in a conductance pattern on a surface of the substrate. One or more semiconductor die may be affixed and electrically coupled to the substrate. The one or more semiconductor die may then be encapsulated in molding compound. Thereafter, a metal may be plated around the molding compound and onto the shield ring to form an EMI/RFI shield for the device. |
| US08637958B2 |
Structure and method for forming isolation and buried plate for trench capacitor
A structure and method for forming isolation and a buried plate for a trench capacitor is disclosed. Embodiments of the structure comprise an epitaxial layer serving as the buried plate, and a bounded deep trench isolation area serving to isolate one or more deep trench structures. Embodiments of the method comprise angular implanting of the deep trench isolation area to form a P region at the base of the deep trench isolation area that serves as an anti-punch through implant. |
| US08637955B1 |
Semiconductor structure with reduced junction leakage and method of fabrication thereof
A semiconductor structure is formed with a NFET device and a PFET device. The NFET device is formed by masking the PFET device regions of a substrate, forming a screen layer through epitaxial growth and in-situ doping, and forming an undoped channel layer on the screen layer through epitaxial growth. The PFET device is similarly formed by masking the NFET regions of a substrate, forming a screen layer through epitaxial growth and in-situ doping, and forming an undoped channel layer on the screen layer through epitaxial growth. An isolation region is formed between the NFET and the PFET device areas to remove any facets occurring during the separate epitaxial growth phases. By forming the screen layer through in-situ doped epitaxial growth, a reduction in junction leakage is achieved versus forming the screen layer using ion, implantation. |
| US08637949B2 |
Camera module and manufacturing method thereof
A method includes forming a wafer assembly of a semiconductor wafer and a light transmissible optical wafer which are fixed to each other, cutting the wafer assembly at a spacer unit to individually divide the wafer assembly into a plurality of camera modules each comprising a sensor chip and a lens chip bonded to each other by a spacer, forming a light shieldable mask film to determine a lens aperture of each of plural lens units on the light transmissible optical wafer; forming a groove in the light transmissible optical wafer that reaches the spacer unit and filling the groove with a light shieldable resin to form a light shieldable resin layer; and cutting the light shieldable resin layer at a width less than the groove to individually divide the camera modules in each of which the light shieldable resin layer is provided at a side of the lens chip. |
| US08637948B2 |
Photovoltaic device
A photovoltaic device including a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; a first passivation layer on the first surface; and a second passivation layer on the second surface, wherein each of the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer comprises an aluminum-based compound, is disclosed. A method of preparing a photovoltaic device, the method including: forming a semiconductor substrate to have a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite to the first surface; forming an emitter region and a back surface field (BSF) region at the second surface; and forming a first passivation layer on the first surface and a second passivation layer on the second surface, wherein the first passivation layer and the second passivation layer are formed concurrently, is also disclosed. |
| US08637946B2 |
Spin MOSFET and reconfigurable logic circuit
A spin MOSFET includes: a first ferromagnetic layer provided on a semiconductor substrate, and having a fixed magnetization direction perpendicular to a film plane; a semiconductor layer provided on the first ferromagnetic layer, including a lower face opposed to the upper face of the first ferromagnetic layer, an upper face opposed to the lower face, and side faces different from the lower and upper faces; a second ferromagnetic layer provided on the upper face of the semiconductor layer, and having a variable magnetization direction perpendicular to a film plane; a first tunnel barrier provided on the second ferromagnetic layer; a third ferromagnetic layer provided on the first tunnel barrier; a gate insulating film provided on the side faces of the semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode provided on the side faces of the semiconductor layer with the gate insulating film being interposed therebetween. |
| US08637941B2 |
Self-aligned contact employing a dielectric metal oxide spacer
A dielectric liner is formed on sidewalls of a gate stack and a lower contact-level dielectric material layer is deposited on the dielectric liner and planarized. The dielectric liner is recessed relative to the top surface of the lower contact-level dielectric material layer and the top surface of the gate stack. A dielectric metal oxide layer is deposited and planarized to form a dielectric metal oxide spacer that surrounds an upper portion of the gate stack. The dielectric metal oxide layer has a top surface that is coplanar with a top surface of the planarized lower contact-level dielectric material layer. Optionally, the conductive material in the gate stack may be replaced. After deposition of at least one upper contact-level dielectric material layer, at least one via hole extending to a semiconductor substrate is formed employing the dielectric metal oxide spacer as a self-aligning structure. |
| US08637936B2 |
Metal gate transistor with resistor
A resistor is disclosed. The resistor is disposed on a substrate, in which the resistor includes: a dielectric layer disposed on the substrate; a polysilicon structure disposed on the dielectric layer; two primary resistance structures disposed on the dielectric layer and at two ends of the polysilicon structure; and a plurality of secondary resistance structures disposed on the dielectric layer and interlaced with the polysilicon structures. |
| US08637934B2 |
Semiconductor device having vertical channels and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which can prevent leakage current caused by gate electrodes intersecting element isolation layers in a major axis of an active region, and which further has vertical channels to provide a sufficient overlap margin, and a semiconductor device manufactured using the above method. The device includes gate electrodes formed on element isolation layers that are disposed between active regions and have top surfaces that are higher than the top surfaces of the active regions. Since the gate electrodes are formed on the element isolation layers, leakage current in a semiconductor substrate is prevented. In addition, the gate electrodes are formed using a striped shape mask pattern, thereby obtaining a sufficient overlap margin compared to a contact shape or bar shape pattern. |
| US08637932B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor integrated circuit sandwiched between a pair of a first impact resistance layer and a second impact resistance layer, an impact diffusion layer is provided between the semiconductor integrated circuit and the second impact resistance layer. By provision of the impact resistance layer against the external stress and the impact diffusion layer for diffusing the impact, force applied to the semiconductor integrated circuit per unit area is reduced, so that the semiconductor integrated circuit is protected. The impact diffusion layer preferably has a low modulus of elasticity and high breaking modulus. |
| US08637925B2 |
Nickel-silicide formation with differential Pt composition
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming nickel-silicide. The method may include depositing first and second metal layers over at least one of a gate, a source, and a drain region of a field-effect-transistor (FET) through a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, wherein the first metal layer is deposited using a first nickel target material containing platinum (Pt), and the second metal layer is deposited on top of the first metal layer using a second nickel target material containing no or less platinum than that in the first nickel target material; and annealing the first and second metal layers covering the FET to form a platinum-containing nickel-silicide layer at a top surface of the gate, source, and drain regions. |
| US08637923B2 |
Transistor having recess channel and fabricating method thereof
A transistor includes a substrate including a trench, an insulation layer filled in a portion of the trench, the insulation layer having a greater thickness over an edge portion of a bottom surface of the trench than over a middle portion of the bottom surface of the trench, a gate insulation layer formed over inner sidewalls of the trench, the gate insulation layer having a thickness smaller than the insulation layer, and a gate electrode filled in the trench. |
| US08637918B2 |
Method and device employing polysilicon scaling
A memory and method of manufacture employing word line scaling. A layered stack, including a charge trapping component and a core polysilicon layer, is formed on a core section and a peripheral section of a substrate. A portion of the layered stack, including the core polysilicon layer is then removed from the peripheral section. A peripheral polysilicon layer, which is thicker than the core polysilicon layer of the layered stack, is next formed on the layered stack and the peripheral section. The layered stack is then isolated from the peripheral polysilicon layer by removing a portion of the peripheral polysilicon layer from the core section, and polysilicon lines are patterned in the isolated layered stack. |
| US08637913B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a channel vertically extending from a substrate and comprising a first region that is doped with first impurities and a second region that is disposed under the first region, a plurality of memory cells and a selection transistor stacked over the substrate along the channel, and a diffusion barrier interposed between the first region and the second region, wherein a density of the first impurities is higher than a density of impurities of the second region. |
| US08637893B2 |
Light emitting device package, method of manufacturing the same, and lighting system
The light emitting device package includes a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer partially formed under the first conductive semiconductor layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer under the active layer, an insulating layer disposed on lateral surfaces of the active layer and the second conductive semiconductor layer, an electrode disposed under the first conductive semiconductor layer and electrically insulated from the active layer and the second conductive semiconductor layer by the insulating layer, and a metallic support layer disposed under the second conductive semiconductor layer, the insulating layer, and the electrode and including a first conductive region electrically connected to the electrode, a second conductive region electrically connected to the second conductive semiconductor layer, and an insulating region disposed between the first and second conductive regions and insulating the first conductive region from the second conductive region. |
| US08637890B2 |
Light emitting device
According to one embodiment, a light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element, a mounting member, a first wavelength conversion layer, and a first transparent layer. The semiconductor light emitting element emits a first light. The semiconductor light emitting element is placed on the mounting member. The first wavelength conversion layer is provided between the semiconductor light emitting element and the mounting member in contact with the mounting member. The first wavelength conversion layer absorbs the first light and emits a second light having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the first light. The first transparent layer is provided between the semiconductor light emitting element and the first wavelength conversion layer in contact with the semiconductor light emitting element and the first wavelength conversion layer. The first transparent layer is transparent to the first light and the second light. |
| US08637888B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element, light emitting device using semiconductor light emitting element, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a semiconductor light emitting element (1), which includes: an n-type semiconductor layer (140); a light emitting layer (150), which is laminated on one surface of the n-type semiconductor layer (140) such that a part of the surface is exposed, and which emits light when a current is carried therein; a p-type semiconductor layer (160) laminated on the light emitting layer (150); a multilayer reflection film (180), which is configured by alternately laminating low refractive index layers (180a) and high refractive index layers (180b) that have a refractive index higher than that of the low refractive index layers (180a) and also have transparency with respect to light emitted from the light emitting layer (150), and which is laminated on the exposed portion of the n-type semiconductor layer (140), the exposed portion being on one side of the n-type semiconductor layer; an n-conductor portion (400), which is formed by penetrating the multilayer reflection film (180), and which has one end thereof connected to the exposed portion of the n-type semiconductor layer (140); and an n-electrode (310), which is laminated on the multilayer reflection film (180), and which has the other end of the n-conductor portion (400) connected thereto. Thus, light extraction efficiency is improved in the semiconductor light emitting element mounted by flip-chip bonding. |
| US08637884B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, light emitting apparatus, and lighting system
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a conductive substrate; a reflective layer on the conductive substrate; an etching protective layer on a peripheral portion of a top surface of the conductive substrate; and a light emitting structure, which is formed on the reflective layer and the etching protective layer such that the etching protective layer is partially exposed and includes a first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer and an active layer between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers, wherein the etching protective layer includes a first refractive layer having a first refractive index and a second refractive layer having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index. |
| US08637882B2 |
Method for producing a light emitting diode arrangement, and light emitting diode arrangment
A method for producing a light emitting diode arrangement. A plurality of LED modules (110, 120, 130) are provided, which in each case comprise at least one radiation emitting semiconductor component (1000) on a carrier body (1300). At least one separately fabricated connection carrier (200) is provided. The LED modules are arranged in such a way that they are adjacent to one another in pairs. A mechanically stable and electrically conductive connection between the carrier bodies of two LED modules is produced by means of the connection carrier. Furthermore, a light emitting diode arrangement is disclosed. |
| US08637880B2 |
Three dimensional light emitting diode systems, and compositions and methods relating thereto
A flexible layered structure is disclosed having a flexible top conductive layer, a flexible bottom heat sink layer and a flexible dielectric middle layer. The combination has a longitudinal axis and a plurality of defined positions spaced along the longitudinal axis. The defined positions can be used for aligning a circuit and/or for the placement of LED lights. The flexible layered structure can be easily bent to form a LED substrate for shining light in more than one direction while efficiently removing heat arising from the LEDs. |
| US08637877B2 |
Remote phosphor light emitting devices
A substrate including phosphor is remotely illuminated by an LED. Optical radiation that emerges through the substrate is measured. Portions of the substrate, such as raised features on the substrate, are then selectively removed responsive to the measuring, so as to obtain a desired optical radiation. In removing portions of the substrate, holes may be drilled through the substrate to provide a separate path for light from the LED that does not pass through the phosphor. Alternatively, a separate LED may be provided outside the dome. |
| US08637876B2 |
Light emitting device and light emitting device package having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package having the same. The light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting cells including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer; a first electrode layer connected to the first conductive semiconductor layer of a first light emitting cell of the plural light emitting cells; a plurality of second electrode layers under the light emitting cells, a portion of the second electrode layers being connected to the first conductive semiconductor layer of an adjacent light emitting cells; a third electrode layer disposed under a last light emitting cell of the plural light emitting cells; a first electrode connected to the first electrode layer; a second electrode connected to the third electrode layer; an insulating layer around the first to third electrode layers; and a support member under the insulating layer. |
| US08637873B2 |
Package and high frequency terminal structure for the same
According to one embodiment, provided is a package and high frequency terminal structure for the same including: a conductive base plate; a semiconductor device disposed on the conductive base plate; a metal wall disposed on the conductive base plate to house the semiconductor device; a through-hole disposed in input and output units of the metal wall; a lower layer feed through inserted into the through-hole and disposed on the conductive base plate; and an upper layer feed through disposed on the lower layer feed through, and adhered to a sidewall of the metal wall. The lower layer feed through is surrounded by the metal wall. |
| US08637871B2 |
Asymmetric hetero-structure FET and method of manufacture
An asymmetric hetero-structure FET and method of manufacture is provided. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate and an epitaxially grown semiconductor layer on the semiconductor substrate. The epitaxially grown semiconductor layer includes an alloy having a band structure and thickness that confines inversion carriers in a channel region, and a thicker portion extending deeper into the semiconductor structure at a doped edge to avoid confinement of the inversion carriers at the doped edge. |
| US08637867B2 |
Electrostatic discharge device and organic electro-luminescence display device having the same
An electrostatic discharge device and an organic electro-luminescence display device having the same are provided. The organic electro-luminescence display device includes an electrostatic discharge device including a metal pattern having an island shape on a substrate, an insulating layer on the metal pattern, a semiconductor pattern on the insulating layer, the semiconductor pattern corresponding to the metal pattern, a first electrode overlapping one end of the semiconductor pattern, and a second electrode overlapping the other end of the semiconductor pattern, and spaced from the first electrode, thereby preventing a current leakage, a signal distortion and a signal cross-talk to improve the reliability. |
| US08637864B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A miniaturized transistor is provided with high yield. Further, a semiconductor device which has high on-state characteristics and which is capable of high-speed response and high-speed operation is provided. In the semiconductor device, an oxide semiconductor layer, a gate insulating layer, a gate electrode layer, an insulating layer, a conductive film, and an interlayer insulating layer are stacked in this order. A source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are formed in a self-aligned manner by cutting the conductive film so that the conductive film over the gate electrode layer and the conductive layer is removed and the conductive film is divided. An electrode layer which is in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer and overlaps with a region in contact with the source electrode layer and the drain electrode layer is provided. |
| US08637862B2 |
Device housing and method for making the same
A device housing is provided. The device housing includes a substrate, a silicon dioxide film formed on the substrate, and a zinc oxide film formed on the silicon dioxide film. The silicon dioxide film has micrometer sized structures. The zinc oxide film has nanometer sized structures. A method for making the device housing is also described there. |
| US08637861B2 |
Transistor having oxide semiconductor with electrode facing its side surface
Provided is a semiconductor device for high power application including a novel semiconductor material with high productivity. Alternatively, provided is a semiconductor device having a novel structure in which the novel semiconductor material is used. Provided is a vertical transistor including a channel formation region formed using an oxide semiconductor which has a wider band gap than a silicon semiconductor and is an intrinsic semiconductor or a substantially intrinsic semiconductor with impurities that serve as electron donors (donors) in the oxide semiconductor removed. The thickness of the oxide semiconductor is greater than or equal to 1 micrometer, preferably greater than 3 micrometer, more preferably greater than or equal to 10 micrometer. |
| US08637858B2 |
Tandem white OLED
Organic electroluminescent devices and components containing the organic electroluminescent devices are provided herein. The organic electroluminescent devices include a substrate, a first light emitting unit, a second light emitting unit, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The light emitting units are positioned between the first and second electrode. The light emitting units have light emitting regions containing various emitter materials. |
| US08637857B2 |
Substituted carbazole derivatives and use thereof in organic electronics
An organic light-emitting diode, organic solar cell or switching element comprising at least one substituted carbazole derivative of the general formula (I), (II) or (III) in which X is NR4, O, S or PR4; Y is NR5, O, S or PR5; where at least one of the symbols X and Y is NR4 or NR5; substituted carbazole derivatives of the formula (I), (II) or (III); a light-emitting layer comprising at least one substituted carbazole derivative of the general formula (I), (II) or (III) and at least one emitter material; the use of substituted carbazole derivatives of the general formula (I), (II) or (III) as matrix material, hole/exciton blocker material and/or electron/exciton blocker material and/or hole injection material and/or electron injection material and/or hole conductor material and/or electron conductor material in an organic light-emitting diode, an organic solar cell or in a switching element, and a device selected from the group consisting of stationary visual display units, mobile visual display units, illumination units, keyboards, garments, furniture and wallpaper comprising at least one inventive organic light-emitting diode. |
| US08637855B2 |
Organic light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
An organic light emitting device having a light emitting unit that includes an anode layer, a second wire, an insulating layer, first and second organic light emitting layers and a cathode layer is provided. The anode layer includes first and second sub-electrodes and a first wire connecting the first and second sub-electrodes that are arranged in a first direction. The second wire is disposed between the first and second sub-electrodes. The insulating layer is disposed on the first and second sub-electrodes and the second wire, and has a plurality of openings to expose the first sub-electrode, the second sub-electrode and the second wire. The first and second organic light emitting layers are disposed in two openings. The cathode layer is disposed on the first and second organic light emitting layers, and the cathode layer fills another opening to electrically connect to the second wire through the another opening. |
| US08637853B2 |
Optoelectronic device
The present invention relates to an opto-electronic device comprising a first layer and a second layer on a substrate, characterized in that the first layer comprises an electrode material containing fluorine-containing groups and the second layer comprises a polymer containing fluorine-containing groups, where an adhesive fluorine-fluorine interaction exists between some of the fluorine-containing groups of the first layer and of the second layer. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the opto-electronic device and to a process for the production of the opto-electronic device according to the invention. |
| US08637851B2 |
Graphene device having physical gap
Disclosed herein is a graphene device having a structure in which a physical gap is provided so that the off-state current of the graphene device can be significantly reduced without having to form a band gap in graphene, and thus the on/off current ratio of the graphene device can be significantly increased while the high electron mobility of graphene is maintained. |
| US08637850B2 |
Transport conduits for contacts to graphene
An apparatus comprises at least one transistor. The at least one transistor comprises a substrate, a graphene layer formed on the substrate, and first and second source/drain regions spaced apart relative to one another on the substrate. The graphene layer comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being in contact with the first source/drain region and the second portion being in contact with the second source/drain region. One or more cuts are formed in at least one of the first and second portions of the graphene layer. The apparatus allows for lowered contact resistance in graphene/metal contacts. |
| US08637844B2 |
Method for fabrication of crystalline diodes for resistive memories
The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of producing a PN junction the method including at least the steps of providing a Si-containing substrate; forming an insulating layer on the Si-containing substrate; forming a via through the insulating layer to expose at least a portion of the Si-containing substrate; forming a seed layer of the exposed portion of the Si containing substrate; forming amorphous Si on at least the seed layer; converting at least a portion of the amorphous Si to provide crystalline Si; and forming a first dopant region abutting a second dopant region in the crystalline Si. |
| US08637836B1 |
High aspect ratio sample holder
An elongated member is formed which has a frontal and a distal end, and a length axis. The frontal end satisfies vacuum sealing and maneuverability specifications of a sample holder for a particle beam microscope. The elongated member includes a tubular section defining an axial cavity along the length axis, and having an orifice toward the distal end of the elongated member. The resulting device is characterized as being a sample holder for use in particle beam microscopes. The sample holder enables the examination of high aspect ratio samples by accommodating them in its axial cavity. The examination can take place without prior modification of the high aspect ratio samples. |
| US08637832B2 |
Radiographic image detector and control method therefor
A flat panel detector has an imaging area, in which pixels are arrayed in a matrix and signal lines for reading out electric signals from the pixels are provided, to detect an image of a subject from x-rays which are incident on the imaging area after penetrating the subject. Detective elements are arranged in the imaging area, to output electric signals corresponding to incident x-rays. Based on previously stored sensitivity data on the detective elements, high-sensitivity elements are selected from among the detective elements. The start of radiation and the end of radiation of x-rays toward the imaging area are detected by monitoring the electric signals from the selected high-sensitivity elements, to control operation of the imaging device on the basis of the detected start and end of radiation. |
| US08637828B2 |
Radiation detection element
The present invention provides a radiation detection element that allows repairing of a defect portion, and that minimizes the number of pixels from which charges cannot be read out when repaired. Namely, in two adjacent pixels that are connected to a signal line having a defect portion where a defect has occurred and that are adjacent to the defect portion, the signal lines and the parallel lines are short-circuited to configure a parallel circuit parallel to the defect portion. |
| US08637827B2 |
Radiation monitor and method for checking operation of the same
A sensor section is provided with a detection element sensitive to light and radiation so that normal operation of the sensor section can be confirmed. The function for confirming operation of the sensor section using an optical pulse signal from a light emitting element is controlled from a monitor module section for connection with the sensor section. When the optical pulse for confirming operation of the detection element is generated, output from the sensor section is excluded from operation at the monitor module section so that confirmation of operation by an optical pulse is not affected. Furthermore, a configuration for stopping the sensor operation confirmation function when the output from the sensor section is high counting rate is provided over both the sensor section and the monitor module section. |
| US08637826B2 |
Radiation detection system including a scintillating material and an optical fiber and method of using the same
A radiation detection system can include optical fibers and a material disposed between the optical fibers. In an embodiment, the material can include a fluid, such as a gas, a liquid, or a non-Newtonian fluid. In another embodiment, the material can include an optical coupling material. In a particular embodiment, the optical coupling material can include a silicone rubber. In still another embodiment, the optical coupling material has a refractive index less than 1.50. In still another embodiment, the radiation detection system can have a greater signal:noise ratio, a light collection efficiency, or both as compared to a conventional radiation detection system. Corresponding methods of use are disclosed that can provide better discrimination between neutrons and gamma radiation. |
| US08637818B2 |
Magnetic field control method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system
The invention comprises a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Novel design features of a synchrotron are described. Particularly, turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, flat surface incident magnetic field surfaces, and extraction elements are described that minimize the overall size of the synchrotron, provide a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduce the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allow continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron. |
| US08637806B2 |
Combined sonic/pulsed neutron cased hole logging tool
A through casing formation evaluation tool string 1000, 2000, 3000 including a conveyance string 100, a sonic array tool 200, a pulsed neutron tool 400 and one or more downhole memory modules 160, 540, 550. A method of through casing formation evaluation and casing and cementing integrity evaluation includes lowering a tool string into a cased wellbore; concurrently collecting data with the sonic array tool and pulsed neutron tool and transmitting at least a portion of the collected data via a conveyance string to a CPU located at the surface of the earth; storing a portion of the collected data in a memory module disposed in the tool string; removing the tool string from the wellbore; processing the collected data in the CPU to obtain selected rock property data about the one or more of the geologic formations and/or cement integrity. |
| US08637804B2 |
Rotary position encoder
A rotary position encoder for determining a rotary position of a shaft includes a rigid substrate having a planar surface and mounted on the shaft to rotate with the shaft; an optical disk having at least a transparent polycarbonate layer and a reflective layer on the transparent polycarbonate layer, affixed to the planar surface of the substrate, the optical disk having a first circumferential track encoded therein having binary data; an optics assembly for interrogating the optical disk and providing an output signal indicative of data received from the interrogation of the optical disk; and a tracking motor for driving the optics assembly radially with respect to the optical disk. |
| US08637801B2 |
Driver assistance system for a vehicle
A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imager and a control having an image processor. The imager is disposed at or proximate to an in-cabin portion of a windshield of a vehicle and has a forward field of view to the exterior of the vehicle through the vehicle windshield. The driver assistance system identifies objects in the forward field of view of the imager via processing of captured image data by the image processor. At least in part responsive to processing of captured image data by the image processor, a determination is made that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment. Responsive to the determination that the vehicle is being operated in an urban environment, operation of a driver assistance function of the vehicle is inhibited. |
| US08637800B2 |
Image sensor with hybrid heterostructure
An image sensor architecture provides an SNR in excess of 100 dB, without requiring the use of a mechanical shutter. The circuit components for an active pixel sensor array are separated and arranged vertically in at least two different layers in a hybrid chip structure. The top layer is preferably manufactured using a low-noise PMOS manufacturing process, and includes the photodiode and amplifier circuitry for each pixel. A bottom layer is preferably manufactured using a standard CMOS process, and includes the NMOS pixel circuit components and any digital circuitry required for signal processing. By forming the top layer in a PMOS process to optimized for forming low-noise pixels, the pixel performance can be greatly improved, compared to using CMOS. In addition, since the digital circuitry is now separated from the imaging circuitry, it can be formed using a standard CMOS process, which has been optimized for circuit speed and manufacturing cost. By combining the two layers into a stacked structure, the top layer (and any intermediate layer(s)) acts to optically shield the lower layer, thereby allowing charge to be stored and shielded without the need for a mechanical shutter. |
| US08637799B2 |
Imaging apparatus with lens array having densely arranged lens surfaces without a gap
An imaging apparatus is realized which enables a thin finger vein authentication apparatus having a thickness installable in a portable information device. A light beam emitted from an object passes through a visible light cut-off filter 20 and enters a pre-focus lens array 11. The pre-focus lens array 11 focuses the light beam on an opening of a micro aperture array 15. The light beam passed through the micro aperture array 15 diverges, but it is focused with the post-focus lens array 13 on the light detection device 30. With this structure, a thin imaging apparatus can be obtained with maintained resolution, and a finger authentication apparatus installable in a portable information device can be realized. |
| US08637797B2 |
Radio frequency identification controlled heatable objects
A temperature controlled heatable object is provided in which a temperature sensor is connected to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is located within the handle of the object, and the temperature sensor is placed in contact with the object. In a first embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is partially imbedded within the object via a notch located in the side of the object. In a second embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is imbedded within a tunnel drilled within the base of the object. In a third embodiment, a temperature sensor is imbedded between the bottom of the object and a slab attached to the bottom of the object. The sensor can be located in a slot formed in either the slab or the bottom or the object. Handles and receivers for mounting the handles to the temperature controllable objects are also provided. |
| US08637791B2 |
Thermal insulation energy saver device
A heating system for heating an interior room may include a radiator member for generating heat, a wall member being positioned in a space relationship to the radiator member and a device member being positioned between the radiator member and the wall member. The device member will have two inner radiant barriers of silver aluminized material protected by paint or lamination. The device member may include an attachment member to attach the device member to the wall member, and the device member may include an inclined surface. The device member may include a horizontal surface, and the device member may include an inclined surface and a horizontal surface. The inclined surface may extend to an edge of the horizontal surface, and the device member may include a substantially flat back surface. The attachment member may be a layer of adhesive, and the attachment member may cover the perimeter of the back surface of the device member. The attachment member may only cover a portion of the back surface of the panel member. The device member may encapsulate air for insulation. |
| US08637790B2 |
Freeze prevention mobile equipment system
A transportable heating assembly for converting a fluid bearing structure on a vehicle into a heatable fluid bearing structure is provided with a relay system for receiving power and distributing electrical currents, a power system for supplying power to the relay system, and at least one heating cable for receiving electrical currents distributed from the relay system. |
| US08637787B1 |
Electrochemical device components having weld regions
Formation of an electrochemical device includes removing a layer of a metal oxide from battery components so as to define a weld region and an exposed region on the components. A surface of the weld region includes the metal oxide and a surface of the exposed region includes the metal oxide at a lower concentration than the weld region. The method also includes arranging the components such that a seam is defined between the components with weld regions positioned on opposing sides of the seams. The method further includes contacting at least one of the weld regions with a laser while laser welding the components together along the seam. |
| US08637785B2 |
Wire-cut electric discharge machine having workpiece measuring mechanism
A machining program used for machining a workpiece with a wire-cut electric discharge machine is used for measuring a shape of the workpiece. A wire electrode moved in a direction away from the workpiece by an offset command for machining is moved close to the workplace in workplace measurement after the machining. In other words, the wire electrode is moved in an opposite direction to an offset direction for the machining. Then, an end face position of the machined workpiece detected by a position of the wire electrode when the wire electrode comes in contact with the workpiece. |
| US08637784B2 |
Method for improving residual stress in tubular body
An object is to provide a method and an apparatus for improving a residual stress in a tubular body, which are enabled to improve the residual stress reliably by clearly defining controlling rage for treatment conditions without depending on an installation state and configuration of the tubular body. When a cylindrical tubular body (2) is improved in its residual stress by locally irradiating an outer-circumferential surface of a welded portion (C) of the tubular body (2) with laser beams (5a) and by moving an irradiation area (s) in an circumferential direction, a plurality thermocouples (9) are installed on the tubular body (2) to be improved, a temperature history of the outer surface of the tubular body (2) by the irradiation of the laser beam (5a) is managed by measuring the temperature history itself. |
| US08637783B2 |
Determining disposition of undeliverable as addressed mail
Some embodiments include a machine-readable medium including instructions which when executed by a machine causes the machine to perform operations. The operations include sorting mail. The sorting of the mail includes reading an encoded value located on the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes decoding the encoded value to determine a delivery point for the mail piece, an identification of a sender of the mail piece, an identification of a recipient of the mail piece, an identification of a class of the mail piece and an identification of a service type of the mail piece. The sorting of the mail includes determining whether the mail piece is a candidate undeliverable as addressed mail piece using the identification of the recipient of the mail piece within the encoded value and the identification of a delivery point for the mail piece within the encoded value. |
| US08637779B2 |
Electronic component including micro balls
A system of micro balls is disclosed for coupling an electronic component to a printed circuit board. The micro balls have a small diameter, and each contact pad may include an array of two or more micro balls. An example of a micro ball may include a polymer core, surrounded by a copper layer, which is in turn surrounded by a layer of solder. |
| US08637777B2 |
Power module substrate having heatsink, method for manufacturing the same, power module having heatsink, and power module substrate
A power module substrate having a heatsink, includes: a power module substrate having an insulating substrate having a first face and a second face, a circuit layer formed on the first face, and a metal layer formed on the second face; and a heatsink directly connected to the metal layer, cooling the power module substrate, wherein a ratio B/A is in the range defined by 1.55≦B/A≦20, where a thickness of the circuit layer is represented as A, and a thickness of the metal layer is represented as B. |
| US08637766B2 |
Dye-sensitized solar cell
This invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell ensuring high photoelectric conversion efficiency.The dye-sensitized solar cell comprises a photoelectrode and a counter electrode, which are oppositely disposed with an electrolyte layer interposed therebetween, wherein: (1) the photoelectrode is structured such that a semiconductor layer containing a dye sensitizer is formed on a titanium or titanium alloy substrate having an opening structure, (2) the photoelectrode comprises a light condenser that is disposed on the titanium or titanium alloy substrate. |
| US08637762B2 |
High transmission glass ground at edge portion(s) thereof for use in electronic device such as photovoltaic applications and corresponding method
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a glass substrate that is patterned and may be at least partially ground down at edge portion(s) thereof, for use as a light incident glass substrate in electronic devices such as photovoltaic devices or the like. In certain example embodiments, the glass may be a low-iron type glass which may be highly oxidized thereby permitting the glass to realize a combination of high visible transmission (Lta or Tvis), high infrared (IR) transmission, and/or high total solar (TS) transmission. In certain example embodiments, edge portion(s) of the patterned side of the glass may be ground down so that a seal may be more securely and/or efficiently attached to device so as to at least partially encapsulate at least part of the electronic device including the front glass substrate thereof. |
| US08637761B2 |
Solar cells fabricated by using CVD epitaxial Si films on metallurgical-grade Si wafers
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a solar cell. The method includes: melting a metallurgical-grade (MG) Si feedstock, lowering a single-crystalline Si seed to touch the surface of the molten MG-Si, slowly pulling out a single-crystal Si ingot of the molten MG-Si, processing the Si ingot into single crystal Si wafers to form MG-Si substrates for subsequent epitaxial growth, leaching out residual metal impurities in the MG-Si substrate, epitaxially growing a layer of single-crystal Si thin film doped with boron on the MG-Si substrate, doping phosphor to the single-crystal Si thin film to form an emitter layer, depositing an anti-reflection layer on top of the single-crystal Si thin film, and forming the front and the back electrical contacts. |
| US08637759B2 |
Notch filter for triple junction solar cells
A solar cell and method for producing same is disclosed. The solar cell includes a multijunction solar cell structure and a notch filter designed to reflect solar energy that does not contribute to the current output of the multijunction solar cell. By reflecting unused solar energy, the notch filter allows the solar cell to run cooler (and thus more efficiently) yet it still allows all junctions to fully realize their electrical current production capability. |
| US08637749B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH357331
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH357331. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH357331, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH357331 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH357331. |
| US08637744B1 |
Soybean variety XB47T12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB47T12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB47T12, cells from soybean variety XB47T12, plants of soybean XB47T12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB47T12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB47T12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB47T12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB47T12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB47T12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB47T12 are further provided. |
| US08637742B1 |
Soybean variety XB47U12
A novel soybean variety, designated XB47U12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB47U12, cells from soybean variety XB47U12, plants of soybean XB47U12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB47U12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB47U12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB47U12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB47U12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB47U12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB47U12 are further provided. |
| US08637741B1 |
Soybean variety XR33AQ12
A novel soybean variety, designated XR33AQ12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XR33AQ12, cells from soybean variety XR33AQ12, plants of soybean XR33AQ12, and plant parts of soybean variety XR33AQ12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XR33AQ12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XR33AQ12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XR33AQ12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XR33AQ12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XR33AQ12 are further provided. |
| US08637734B2 |
Use of plants with reduced levels of de-esterified homogalacturonan in the cell wall or portions thereof for improving the saccharification of plant biomasses
The present invention relates to expression in plants of pectinolytic enzymes and of pectin methylesterase inhibitors for increasing the degradability of plant tissues through enzymatic digestion, thus improving saccharification efficiency. |
| US08637729B2 |
F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis race 1,2-resistant melons
Methods for conveying Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis (FOM) race 1,2 resistance into non-resistant melon germplasm are provided, in some embodiments, the methods include introgressing FOM race 1,2 resistance into a non-resistant melon using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted selection among melon lines to be used in a melon breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to FOM race 1,2 resistance. Also provided are quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with resistance to FOM race 1,2; isolated and purified genetic markers associated with FOM race 1,2 resistance; melon plants, seeds, and tissue cultures produced by any of the disclosed methods; fruit and seed produced by the disclosed melon plants; and compositions including amplification primer pairs capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase on melon nucleic acid templates to generate melon marker amplicons. |
| US08637724B2 |
Process for the regeneration of a copper, zinc and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition
The invention relates to a process for the regeneration of a copper-, zinc- and zirconium oxide-comprising adsorption composition after use thereof for the adsorptive removal of carbon monoxide from substance streams comprising carbon monoxide and at least one olefin, in which the adsorption composition is heated to a temperature in the range from 160 to 400° C. and a regeneration gas is passed through the adsorption composition, wherein the regeneration gas comprises 1000 to 3000 ppm of oxygen in an inert carrier gas. |
| US08637722B2 |
Ethylene oligomerization catalyst and use thereof
Ethylene is oligomerized with a catalyst in which nickel is supported on a support containing silica and alumina. The catalyst has little deterioration over long periods and affords oligomers with high productivity.The ethylene oligomerization catalyst includes a support and a nickel compound supported on the support, the support including silica and alumina, and the amount of nickel supported is in the range of 0.0001 to 1 wt % based on the weight of the support, and the molar ratio of silica to alumina in the support (SiO2/Al2O3) is in the range of 100 to 2000. In a process of the invention, ethylene is oligomerized with use of the catalyst. |
| US08637721B2 |
Catalyst composition and process for di-, tri- and/or tetramerization of ethylene
The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a process for di-, tri- and/or tetramerization of ethylene, wherein the catalyst composition comprises a chromium compound, a ligand of the general structure (A) R1R2P—N(R3)—P(R4)—N(R5)—H or (B) R1R2P—N(R3)—P(R4)—N(R5)—PR6R7, or any cyclic derivatives of (A) and (B), wherein at least one of the P or N atoms of the PNPN-unit or PNPNP-unit is member of a ring system, the ring system being formed from one or more constituent compounds of structures (A) or (B) by substitution and a co-catalyst or activator. |
| US08637720B2 |
Processes for the reduction of alkylation catalyst deactivation utilizing stacked catalyst bed
Alkylation systems and methods of minimizing alkylation catalyst regeneration are discussed herein. The alkylation systems generally include a preliminary alkylation system adapted to receive an input stream including an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and contact the input stream with a first preliminary alkylation catalyst disposed therein to form a first output stream. The first preliminary alkylation catalyst generally includes a Y zeolite. The systems further include a first alkylation system adapted to receive the first output stream and contact the first output stream with a first alkylation catalyst disposed therein and an alkylating agent to form a second output stream. |
| US08637716B2 |
Processes for production of isobutene and tertiary butanol
An object of the present invention is to provide, for the production of isobutene, a high-yielding, highly-selective, and long-term stable production process of isobutene from TBA. With respect to the production of TBA, an object of the present invention is to provide a TBA production process in which, through long-term stable maintenance of a high reaction activity, long-term continuous operation is enabled and the productivity is improved. The present invention discloses a process for producing isobutene that employs a dehydration temperature of from 200 to 450° C. in use of an alumina catalyst that contains a Na content of 0.6% by weight or less in terms of NaO2 and a Na content of 0.4% by weight in terms of NaO2, and has a specific surface area of from 200 to 600 m2/g. |
| US08637715B2 |
Catalysts comprising secondary noble metals and process for producing ethanol
The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising platinum, tin and a secondary noble metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium, palladium, gold and iridium. The catalyst may be on a support. In some embodiments, the support may comprise calcium. The catalyst is used for converting acetic acid to ethanol. |
| US08637713B2 |
Process for preparation of optically active compounds using transfer hydrogenation
A catalytic process for the preparation of optically active compounds and their conversion thereafter to desired drug substances. In particular, the process relates to the preparation of (S)-3-(1-Dimethylamino-ethyl)-phenol using asymmetric catalytic reduction and transfer hydrogenation, thereby providing an improved route to forming drug substances such as rivastigimine and rivastigimine hydrogen tartrate. |
| US08637712B2 |
Prevention of precipitation from nitrated aromatic crude products
Precipitations of nitrohydroxyaromatic salts out of the nitrated crude products obtained in the nitration of aromatic compounds after alkaline scrubbing, for example mononitrotoluenes, are prevented by contacting the nitrated crude products with an acidic ion exchanger. The nitrated crude products are preferably selected from a feedstream to a distillation column, a bottoms circulation stream of a distillation column and a feedstream to a vaporizer. |
| US08637711B2 |
Selective and specific preparation of discrete PEG compounds
Aspects of the present invention are directed to novel methods for making discrete polyethylene compounds selectively and specifically to a predetermined number of ethylene oxide units. Methods which can be used to build up larger dPEG compounds (a) containing a wider range of utility to make useful homo- and heterofunctional and branched species, and (b) under reaction configurations and conditions that are milder, more efficient, more diverse in terms of incorporating useful functionality, more controllable, and more versatile then any conventional method reported in the art to date. In addition, the embodiments of the invention allow for processes that allow for significantly improving the ability to purify the intermediates or final product mixtures, making these methods useful for commercial manufacturing dPEGs. Protecting groups and functional groups can be designed to make purification at large scale a practical reality. The novel dPEG products form the compositional and material basis for making other novel compounds of valuable application in the fields of diagnostics and therapeutics, amongst others. |
| US08637709B2 |
Process for the preparation of primary amines by homogeneously catalyzed alcohol amination
Preparing a primary amine by alcohol amination of alcohol with ammonia and elimination of water includes reacting, in a homogeneously catalyzed reaction, a mixture of alcohol, ammonia, nonpolar solvent, and catalyst, in a liquid phase, to obtain a product mixture. The process then includes phase separating the product mixture into a polar product phase and a nonpolar product phase, and separating off the nonpolar product phase. At least some of the nonpolar phase returns to the homogenously catalyzed reaction. The process further includes separating off amination product from the polar product phase. At least some of the catalyst is in the nonpolar phase, and the catalyst accumulates in the nonpolar phase. |
| US08637707B2 |
Method for producing aminobiphenylene
The present invention relates to a process for preparing substituted 2-aminobiphenyls and to a process for preparing (Het)arylamides of such 2-aminobiphenyls. |
| US08637706B2 |
Nuclear receptor binding agents
The present invention relates to a novel class of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). The SERM compounds are applicable for use in the prevention and/or treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including prevention and treatment of cancers such as prostate and breast cancer, osteoporosis, hormone-related diseases, hot flashes or vasomotor symptoms, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and obesity. |
| US08637704B2 |
Polymorphs of N-malonyl-bis(N′-methyl-N′-thiobenzoylhydrazide)
At least 70% by weight of Compound 1 is the single crystalline form, Form A, Form C, or Form D, of the compound. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, and compound 1, wherein at least 70% by weight of the compound is the single crystalline form, Form A, Form C, or Form D, of the compound. A method of treating a subject with cancer comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of compound 1 or the pharmaceutical composition. |
| US08637701B2 |
Method for producing (meth) acrylic acid
A method for efficiently producing (meth)acrylic acid by crystallization using a plurality of crystallizers to purify (meth)acrylic acid and a refrigerator for supplying both of a cooling medium and a heating medium, while the refrigerator is stably operated for supplying media having a proper temperature and the temperature of the crystallizers is maintained. |
| US08637700B2 |
Method for preparing (3S,4S)-4-((R)-2-(benzyloxy)tridecyl)-3-hexyl-2-oxetanone and novel intermediate used therefor
The present invention relates to a high-yield method for preparing highly pure (3S,4S)-4-((R)-2-(benzyloxy)tridecyl)-3-hexyl-2-oxetanone using a metal salt of (2S,3S,5R)-2-hexyl-3,5-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid as an intermediate. |
| US08637699B2 |
Process for the manufacture of acetic acid
The disclosure relates to a process in which methanol is carbonylated in a reaction zone in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a reaction mixture (A) comprising acetic acid, hydrogen iodide, methyl iodide, water and the catalyst. At least a part of the reaction mixture (A) is separated in a flash zone to obtain a vapor stream (BV) which comprises acetic acid, hydrogen iodide, methyl iodide and water. The vapor stream (BV) is withdrawn from the flash zone, and the withdrawn vapor stream is then reacted with at least one alkylimidazole to obtain a composition (C) from which acetic acid is separated. By reacting the vapor stream (BV) with the alkylimidazole at least parts of the hydrogen iodide and methyl iodide contained in (BV) are bound in form of iodide salts which significantly facilitates the separation of crude acetic acid from the vapor stream (BV) and the further purification of the crude acetic acid. |
| US08637696B2 |
Methods for preparing amides and amino acids
The invention provides novel compounds and methods to carry out organocatalytic Michael additions of aldehydes to nitroethylene catalyzed by a proline derivative to provide α-substituted-γ-nitroaldehydes. The reaction can be rendered enantioselective when a chiral pyrrolidine catalyst is used, allowing for Michael adducts in nearly optically pure form (e.g., 96-99% e.e.). The Michael adducts can bear a single substituent or dual substituents adjacent to the carbonyl. The Michael adducts can be efficiently converted to protected γ2-amino acids, which are essential for systematic conformational studies of γ-peptide foldamers. |
| US08637694B2 |
Antimicrobial compounds
The invention relates to cationic siloxane derivatives for use especially as fungicides and/or antiadhesives. The cationic siloxane derivatives have the formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R4′, R5 and n are as defined in the description. |
| US08637693B2 |
Single walled metal oxide nanotubes
Provided herein are methods for dehydrating single-walled metal oxide nanotubes by heating the SWNT under vacuum at 250-300° C.; methods of dehydroxylating SWNT, comprising heating the SWNT under vacuum at 300-340° C., and methods for maximizing the pore volume of a SWNT, comprising heating the SWNT at 300° C. under vacuum to partially dehydroxylate and dehydrate the SWNT; methods of modifying the inner surface of a single walled aluminosilicate nanotube (SWNT), comprising dehydration or dehydration and dehydroxylation, followed by reacting the SWNT with a derivative under anhydrous conditions to produce a SWNT that is derivatized on its inner surface. The invention also includes single-walled nanotubes produced by the methods of the invention. |
| US08637685B2 |
Schweinfurthin analogues
The invention provides fluorescent schweinfurthin analogs of formula (I) which are useful as probes and for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. |
| US08637682B2 |
3-aminocarbazole compound, pharmaceutical composition containing it and preparation method therefor
The present invention relates to novel benzoyl derivatives of 3-aminocarbazole, to a pharmaceutical composition containing them, to a method for preparing them and to the use of such compounds for the production of a drug that is useful in the treatment or prevention of disturbances associated with the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), for instance inflammatory processes, pain, fever, tumours, Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis. |
| US08637671B2 |
Indole derivatives as CRTH2 receptor antagonists
Compound of formula I are antagonists of the PGD2 receptor, CRTH2, and as such are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of CRTH2-mediated diseases such as asthma. |
| US08637670B2 |
Imidazo [4,5-C]quinoline derivatives and their use in the treatment of tumors and/or inflammation
The present invention provides the compounds of formula (I): The present invention relates to imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline derivatives of formula (I), process for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PBK) and/or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and/or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-oc) and/or interleukin-6 (IL-6), particularly in the treatment of cancer and inflammation. |
| US08637663B2 |
Macrocyclic inhibitors of hepatitis C virus
Inhibitors of HCV replication of formula (I) and the salts and stereoisomers thereof, wherein each dashed line (represented by represents an optional double bond; X is N, CH and where X bears a double bond it is C; R1 is —OR7, —NH—SO2R8; R2 is hydrogen, and where X is C or CH, R2 may also be C1-6alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxyC1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl; n is 3, 4, 5, or 6; R4 is C1-6alkyl or C3-7cycloalkyl; R5 is hydrogen, halo, C1-6alkyl, hydroxy, C1-6alkoxy, polyhaloC1-6alkyl; R6 is hydrogen, C1-6alkoxy, mono- or diC1-6alkylamino; or R5 and R6 may form a 5- or 6-membered unsaturated or partially unsaturated ring, optionally comprising one or two selected from O, N and S; R7 is hydrogen; C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl; R8 is C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl; or —NR8aR8b; R8a and R8b are C1-6alkyl, or both may form a 5- or 6-membered saturated heterocyclic ring; pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds (I) and processes for preparing compounds (I). |
| US08637662B2 |
Isoxazolidine derivatives
Novel glucocorticosteroids that are derivatives of isoxazolidine are useful as anti-inflammatory and antiallergic compounds. |
| US08637658B2 |
Non-fluorescent quencher compounds and biomolecular assays
Bis-diazo, triaryl and aryldiazo-N-arylphenazonium quencher moieties, substituted with electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents which induce polarity in the delocalized aryl/diazo ring systems, are useful as labels when attached to biomolecules such as polynucleotides, nucleosides, nucleotides and polypeptides. The quencher moieties are non-fluorescent and accept energy transfer from fluorescent reporter labels by any energy-transfer mechanism, such as FRET.Fluorescence quencher compositions are useful in preparing quencher labeled biomolecules for various molecular biology assays based on fluorescence detection. |
| US08637656B2 |
Nucleic acid capable of binding to immunoglobulin G and use thereof
The present invention provides a novel aptamer for IgG and a method for utilizing the same and the like. More specifically, the present invention provides an aptamer that binds to an Fc region of IgG (e.g., human IgG); a complex comprising an aptamer and a functional substance bound thereto (e.g., affinity substance, labeling substance, enzyme, drug, toxin, drug delivery vehicle); a solid phase carrier with an aptamer or complex immobilized thereon; medical equipment comprising a solid phase carrier; a method for antibody purification comprising adsorbing an IgG antibody to a solid phase carrier, and eluting the adsorbed IgG antibody with an eluent; a method for producing a purified antibody, comprising preparing an IgG antibody and purifying the prepared IgG antibody with a solid phase carrier and the like. |
| US08637655B2 |
Amelogenin SNP on chromosome X
Disclosed are methods for gender determination in the intron 1 region of the amelogenin locus and a newly discovered single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the X chromosome of the amelogenin locus which can cause allelic dropout. Also disclosed are kits useful in gender determination. |
| US08637654B1 |
Messenger RNA profiling: body fluid identification using multiplex real time-polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR)
This invention relates to a ribonucleic acid (RNA) based assay system for body fluid identification, and in particular to a novel, multiplex, parallel assay system based on messenger RNA expressed in human tissue, and to a method for using the same. |
| US08637650B2 |
Macromolecular nucleotide compounds and methods for using the same
The invention relates to novel classes of nucleotides that can be used as substrates for enzymes, e.g. for labeling nucleic acids. |
| US08637649B2 |
Process for the preparation of (2R,3S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-5-methoxytetrahydrofuran-3-OL and acetylated derivatives thereof, free of pyranose compounds
A method of preparing a ribofuranose derivative essentially free of pyranose compounds includes a step of contacting a solution of MDR containing MDRP as an impurity in a solvent including methanol and/or tetrahydrofuran with at least one alkali metal periodate under conditions sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the MDRP. MDR containing at most 5 wt % of MDRP based on the total weight of MDR and MDRP may be produced. |
| US08637648B1 |
Compositions comprising noribogaine and an excipient to facilitate transport across the blood brain barrier
This invention relates generally to compositions comprising noribogaine and an excipient to facilitate transport across the blood brain barrier. |
| US08637642B2 |
Antibody drug conjugates (ADC) that bind to 191P4D12 proteins
Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to 191P4D12 protein and variants thereof are described herein. 191P4D12 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer. |
| US08637637B2 |
Fc fusion proteins of human growth hormone
Fc fusion proteins of human growth hormone with good biological activities relative to rhGH on a molar basis are disclosed. The hGH-L-vFc fusion protein comprises hGH, a flexible peptide linker of about 20 or fewer amino acids, and a human IgG Fc variant. The Fc variant is of a non-lytic nature and shows minimal undesirable Fc-mediated side effects. A method is also disclosed to make or produce such fusion proteins at high expression levels. Such hGH-L-vFc fusion proteins exhibit extended or prolonged serum half-life and/or good biological activities relative to that of rhGH on a molar basis, leading to improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, thus fewer injections will be needed within a period of time. |
| US08637635B2 |
Peptides that selectively home to heart vasculature and related conjugates and methods
The present invention provides a variety of isolated peptides and peptidomimetics, which can be useful, for example, in constructing the conjugates of the invention or, where the peptide itself has biological activity, in unconjugated form as a therapeutic for treating any of a varirty of cardiovascular diseases as described below. Thus, the present invention provides an isolated peptide or peptidomimetic which has a length of less than 60 residues and includes the amino acid sequence CRPPR (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a peptidomimetic thereof. The invention further provides an isolated peptide or peptidomimetic which has a length of less than 60 residues and includes the amino acid sequence CARPAR (SEQ ID NO: 5) or a peptidomimetic thereof, or amino acid sequence CPKRPR (SEQ ID NO: 6) or a peptidomimtic thereof. |
| US08637632B2 |
Method for producing binder resin, particulate resin dispersion and method for producing same, electrostatic image development toner and method for producing same, electrostatic image developer, and image forming method
A method for producing a binder resin comprises polycondensing a polycondensable monomer by using a polycondensation catalyst that comprises: at least one of compounds of formula (I) or (II); and at least one of compounds represented of formula (III) or (IV), wherein weight ratio of total amount of the compounds of formula (I) or (II) to total amount of the compounds of formula (III) or (IV) is from 5:95 to 95:5: wherein R1 represents a C8-C20 straight-chain alkyl group; R2 represents a monovalent organic group; and number n of substituents R2 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; R3—SO3H (II) wherein R3 represents a C8-C20 straight-chain alkyl group; wherein R4 represents a C8-C20 branched alkyl group; R5 represents a monovalent organic group; and number m of substituents R5 represents an integer of from 0 to 4; and R6—SO3H (IV) wherein R6 represents a C8-C20 branched alkyl group. |
| US08637624B2 |
Compositions having HASE rheology modifiers
A monomer compound that contains at least one polymerizable functional group per molecule, and at least one bicycloheptyl-, bicycloheptenyl-, or branched (C5-C42)alkyl-polyether radical per molecule, wherein the bicycloheptyl- or bicycloheptenyl-polyether radical may optionally be substituted on one or more of the ring carbon atoms by one or two (C1-C6)alkyl groups per ring carbon atom is useful in making polymers, particularly pH responsive polymers. |
| US08637622B2 |
Copolymer including betaine units and hydrophobic and/or amphiphilic units, method for preparing same and uses thereof
The invention relates to a copolymer including betaininc units and hydrophobic and/or amphiphile units. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a copolymer including betaininc units and hydrophobic and/or amphiphile units, by controlled micellar polymerisation. The invention further relates to the uses of the copolymer. The copolymer is particularly used for increasing the viscosity of saline aqueous compositions. |
| US08637619B2 |
Process for preparing high-reactivity isobutene homo- or copolymers
Preparation of high-reactivity isobutene homo- or copolymers with a content of terminal vinylidene double bonds per polyisobutene chain end of at least 50 mol % and a polydispersity of preferably 1.05 to less than 3.5, by polymerizing isobutene or an isobutene-comprising monomer mixture in the presence of an aluminum trihalide-donor complex effective as a polymerization catalyst or of an alkylaluminum halide-donor complex, especially of an aluminum trichloride-donor complex, said complex comprising, as the donor, an organic compound with at least one ether function or a carboxylic ester function. |
| US08637616B2 |
Bridged metallocene catalyst systems with switchable hydrogen and comonomer effects
The present invention provides polymerization processes utilizing an ansa-metallocene catalyst system for the production of olefin polymers. Polymers produced from the polymerization processes have properties that vary based upon the presence or the absence of hydrogen and/or comonomer in the polymerization process. |
| US08637611B2 |
Amide-extended crosslinking compounds and methods for use thereof
The invention is based on the discovery that a remarkable improvement in the performance of maleimide thermosets can be achieved by incorporating amide-extended maleimides into an adhesive formulation. Amide-extended maleimides described herein can be used to toughen bismaleimide thermosetting materials without sacrificing any thermal stability. Amide-extended maleimides are readily prepared by reacting a bismaleimide with an appropriate amine via the well-known Michael addition reaction. Acylation of the resulting secondary amines provides the amide-extended maleimide. The acylating agent can also be used to introduce polymerizable functional groups into the backbones of these thermoset monomers. Amide-extended acrylate and methacrylate monomers can also be prepared. |
| US08637608B2 |
Azide-containing fluoropolymers and their preparation
Fluoropolymers containing one or more azide group wherein the azide group is not a sulfonyl-azide group and processes of preparing them. |
| US08637603B2 |
Polysiloxane resin composition
A polysiloxane resin composition contains: a first polysiloxane having an average compositional formula of R4a(OR5)b(OH)cSiO(4-a-b-c)/2; a second polysiloxane different from the first polysiloxane and selected from cyclic polysiloxane, linear polysiloxane with a weight average molecular weight of less than 3000, and a combination thereof; a white pigment; an inorganic filler; and a catalyst. |
| US08637597B2 |
Rubber tyre composition containing a diester plasticizer
Rubber composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler and one 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate diester plasticizer corresponding to the formula (R hydrocarbon radical): The invention also relates to the use of such a composition in the manufacture of a tire or of a tire semi-finished product made of rubber, in particular of a tire tread exhibiting an improved wet grip, without adversely affecting its other properties; it also relates to the tires and semi-finished products themselves and to a plasticizing system comprising, in combination, the said diester plasticizer and a plasticizing hydrocarbon resin, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of which is greater than 0° C. |
| US08637594B2 |
Tire rubber comprising modified tall oil pitch
A tire rubber composition comprising a rubber compound and a processing oil, wherein the processing oil comprises a modified tall oil pitch, methods of making tires from such compositions, and tires comprising such compositions. |
| US08637590B2 |
Marine antifoulant coating
A protective coating applied to the underwater portion of a marine vessel operable to inhibit the growth of marine foulants. The coating comprises a polymer, a marine biocide, a preservative, an antimicrobial agent, and optionally a coloring agent. In certain embodiments, the marine biocide, preservative, and optional antimicrobial agent are chemically bonded with the polymer thereby significantly reducing the ability of the biocide, preservative, and antimicrobial agent to leach from the coating into the surrounding environment. |
| US08637587B2 |
Release agent partition control in imprint lithography
Release agents with increased affinity toward nano-imprint lithography template surfaces interact strongly with the template during separation of the template from the solidified resist in a nano-imprint lithography process. The strong interaction between the surfactant and the template surface reduces the amount of surfactant pulled off the template surface during separation of a patterned layer from the template in an imprint lithography cycle. Maintaining more surfactant associated with the surface of the template after the separation of the patterned layer from the template may reduce the amount of surfactant needed in a liquid resist to achieve suitable release of the solidified resist from the template during an imprint lithography process. Strong association of the release agent with the surface of the template facilitates the formation of ultra-thin residual layers and dense fine features in nano-imprint lithography. |
| US08637583B2 |
Fiber or foil from polymers with high Tg and process for their manufacture
A process for the manufacture of a fiber or foil comprising at least one optionally functionalized polymer with a high Tg selected from the group consisting of poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES), poly(aryl ether ketone) (PAEK) and aromatic polyimide, comprising the steps of (aa) providing a solution comprising at least 45 wt. % of the polymer, and at least 20 wt. %, of at least one halogen-free organic solvent (S1) for the polymer, both wt % based upon the weight of the solution; (bb) pushing the solution through a nozzle; and (cc) introducing the solution into a coagulation bath comprising: (cc1) at least one liquid (L1) in which the polymer is insoluble, and optionally (cc2) at least one organic solvent (S2) for the polymer, identical to or different from the organic solvent (S1), to form a fiber or foil. A fiber or foil obtained by this process as well as to fibers or foils with specific porosity features and/or mechanical properties. |
| US08637582B2 |
Crosslinked polymer aerogels, polymer aerogel composites and methods for preparing the same
A method of forming a porous material having improved compressive strength, includes forming an aerogel precursor that includes a polymer having a functional group capable of undergoing a crosslinking reaction dispersed in a dispersion medium. The precursor also includes a crosslinking agent. The aerogel precursor is frozen so that the dispersion is solidified, and freeze dried to sublime the dispersion medium and form the porous material. The crosslinking agent is reacted with the functional group to effect crosslinking, thus improving the compressive strength of the porous material. |
| US08637581B2 |
Polyesters for coatings
The present invention relates to polyesters that can be prepared from renewable resources and/or recycled materials and the production process thereof. In particular, hydroxyl-functional or carboxyl-functional polyesters containing moieties of terephthalic acid and/or isophthalic acid, ethylene glycol, a dianhydrohexitol, and of one or more linear chain dicarboxylic acids are provided. Further, the polyesters have a number average molecular weight, as measured by gel permeation chromatography, of from 400 to 15000 daltons, more preferably from 550 to 15000 daltons. The polyesters of the invention can basically be prepared from recycled polyethylene terephthalate and from renewable polyacids and/or polyols. The present invention further provides a process to produce such polyesters via glycolysis of a polyethylene terepthalate and/or a polyethylene isophthalate with a dianhydrohexitol. |
| US08637580B2 |
Process for the preparation of ethanol and higher alcohols
Process for the preparation of ethanol and/or higher alcohols comprising the steps of: (a) providing an alcohol synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a molar ratio of higher than 0.5; (c) adding an amount of methanol and/or higher alcohols to the synthesis gas to obtain a synthesis gas mixture. (d) converting the synthesis gas mixture from step (c) in presence of one or more catalysts catalysing the conversion of the synthesis gas mixture into a ethanol and/or higher alcohols containing product; and (e) withdrawing the product from step (d), wherein the synthesis gas is purified by removing iron and nickel carbonyl compounds prior or after the addition methanol and/or higher alcohols to the synthesis gas and optionally (I) cooling the withdrawn product in step (e); and (g) contacting the cooled product with a hydrogenation catalyst. |
| US08637579B2 |
Process to thicken aqueous compositions by means of organophosphate polymers
A first object of the invention is a process for thickening of an aqueous composition, through the introduction into the said composition for thickening of at least one polymer, characterized in that the said polymer contains at least one anionic monomer, which is an organophosphate monomer. |
| US08637576B2 |
Benzamide derivatives and uses related thereto
Benzamide derivatives of formulae I and II, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, stereoisomers, and prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, are described and have therapeutic utility, particularly in the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and related conditions and disorders: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, and R12 are defined as provided herein. |
| US08637575B2 |
Modulators of protein kinase signaling
The present invention provides new tyrphostin derivatives acting as protein kinase (PK) and receptor kinase (RK) signaling modulators. The invention further provides methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as chemotherapeutic agents for preventions and treatments of PK and RK related disorders such as metabolic, inflammatory, fibrotic, and cell proliferative disorders, in particular cancer. |
| US08637573B2 |
N-acetyl-L-cysteine for the treatment of endometriosis
The invention relates to a new prescription of NAC in the treatment of endometriosis and of indications associated with endometriosis, in a human or mammalian animal patient. In addition an effective dose regimen of NAC in the treatment of endometriosis is proposed. In one embodiment of the present invention the prescribed treatment regimen may be used e.g. in order to control the frequency and the intensity of pain symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and acyclic chronic pelvic pain), to reduce the size of endometriotic lesions eventually up to their disappearance, to reduce recurrences after surgery and/or to improve fertility. Side effects of this treatment are virtually absent and, in particular, this treatment does not hinder pregnancy. |
| US08637572B2 |
Composition for promoting collagen production
Disclosed is a novel composition which has an effect on promoting production of collagen. The composition has high photostability and is free from side effects such as those of retinoids. Specifically disclosed is a composition for promoting collagen production which contains one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of D-aspartic acid, D-alanine, derivatives and/or salts thereof. The composition may be used for the purpose of suppressing and/or improving skin a condition. The skin condition may include but is not limited to photoaging and/or wrinkles. The composition may be used for an external preparation for the skin or food. The composition may be a composition for promoting type I collagen production. |
| US08637567B2 |
Cognitive enhancement and cognitive therapy using glycyl-L-2-methylprolyl-L-glutamic acid
This invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for treating a cognitive disorder or memory disorder in animals that result from aging or other neurodegenerative condition. In particular, compounds of this invention can stimulate neural cell growth, increased amounts of cells containing a key enzyme needed for production of the cholinergic neurotransmitter, and can improve memory and cognitive function in animals who have experienced a loss of memory or cognitive function. |
| US08637566B2 |
Slow infusion of sulcardine and its salts
A composition comprised of an active agent that is 4-methoxy-N-(3,5-bis-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-4-hydroxy benzyl)benzene sulfonamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is intravenously administered to a subject, substantially evenly over a period of greater than about 15 minutes, to avoid disadvantageous hemodynamic effects, including systemic diastolic and systolic hypotension, to can occur with rapid intravenous or even short-term infusion administration of the active agent. |
| US08637562B2 |
Methods for detecting sulfhydryl-containing compounds in a biological test sample
The invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of a compound of formula I in a biological test sample: where R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification; or a salt thereof. |
| US08637559B2 |
Oxazole compound and pharmaceutical composition
The present invention provides a oxazole compound represented by Formula (1), or a salt thereof: wherein R1 is an aryl group which may have one or more substituents; R2 is an aryl group or a nitrogen atom-containing heterocyclic group each of which may have one or more substituents; and W is a divalent group represented by —Y1-A1- or —Y2—C(═O)— wherein Y1 is a group such as —C(═O)—, A1 is a group such as a lower alkylene group, and Y2 is a group such as a piperazinediyl group. The oxazole compound has a specific inhibitory action against phosphodiesterase 4. |
| US08637556B2 |
Linked Myc-max small molecule inhibitors
Provided herein are compounds and compositions for interfering with the association of Myc and Max. These compounds and compositions are useful in methods for inhibiting growth or proliferation of a cell. Methods of inhibiting growth or proliferation of a cell comprise contacting the cell with an amount of a compound that interferes with Myc and Max association effective to inhibit growth or proliferation of the cell. |
| US08637555B2 |
Tetrazole derivatives and methods of treatment of metabolic-related disorders thereof
The present invention relates to certain tetrazole derivatives of Formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which exhibit useful pharmacological properties, for example, as agonists for the RUP25 receptor. Also provided by the present invention are pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds of the invention, and methods of using the compounds and compositions of the invention in the treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, Syndrome-X and the like. In addition, the present invention also provides for the use of the compounds of the invention in combination with other active agents such as those belonging to the class of α-glucosidase inhibitors, aldose reductase inhibitors, biguanides, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, squalene synthesis inhibitors, fibrates, LDL catabolism enhancers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, insulin secretion enhancers and the like. |
| US08637552B2 |
Anthranilamide arthropodicide treatment
This invention pertains to methods for protecting a propagule or a plant grown therefrom from invertebrate pests comprising contacting the propagule or the locus of the propagule with a biologically effective amount of a compound of Formula I, its N-oxide or an agriculturally suitable salt thereof wherein A and B and R1 through R8 are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also relates to propagules treated with a compound of Formula I and compositions comprising a Formula I compound for coating propagules. |
| US08637545B2 |
Piperidine-2, 6-dione derivatives and their use as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors
This invention is directed to derivatives of piperidine-2,6-dione, or their organic or inorganic salts thereof, a methods of synthesis of these derivatives, and their application as active pharmaceutical ingredient as inhibitors of TNFα releasing in cells, the derivative of piperidine-2,6-dione being of the general formula (I): wherein n represents 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; R1 represents from one to four of the same or different substituents selected from F, Cl, Br, C1-4 alkyl, OH, OC1-4 alkyl, NO2, NHC(O)C1-4 alkyl, NH2, NH(C1-4 alkyl), N(C1-4 alkyl)2; R2 represents OR3, NR3R4, N(R3)COR4, O2CR5; R3 and R4 represent independently and at each occurrence H or C1-4 alkyl; R5 represents CHR6NR7R8, CHR6NR9C(O)CHR10NR7R8, a heterocycle W or CHR6NR9C(O)W; R6, R9, R10 represent independently and at each occurrence H, or C1-4 alkyl; R7 and R8 represent independently and at each occurrence H, C1-4 alkyl, or R7 and R8 taken together represent 1,3-propylene, 1,4-butylene, 1,5-pentylene, or 1,6-hexylene; W represents four-membered, five-membered, six-membered, seven-membered, or eight-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocycle. |
| US08637544B2 |
Neurite formation promoter
The invention provides an agent for promoting ocular tissue neuritogenesis, containing N-(1-acetylpiperidin-4-yl)-4-fluorobenzamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and an agent for promoting corneal neuritogenesis and retinal neuritogenesis, containing N-(1-acetylpiperidin-4-yl)-4-fluorobenzamide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The corneal neuritogenesis promoter can be used for the improvement of corneal sensitivity, treatment of dry eye, or treatment of a corneal epithelial disorder. The retinal neuritogenesis promoter can be used for the improvement of a visual dysfunction. |
| US08637542B2 |
Kinase inhibitors and methods of use
The present invention provides chemical entities or compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are capable of modulating lipid kinases such PB kinases, tryosine kinases and protein kinases such as mTOR. Also provided in the present invention are methods of using these compositions to modulate these kinases especially for therapeutic applications. |
| US08637538B1 |
Methods for treatment of pruritis
The present invention relates to methods for treating uremic pruritus with anti-pruritic compositions. |
| US08637531B2 |
Pyrido(3,2-d)pyridmidines useful for treating viral infections
This invention provides pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives represented by the structural formula (I), wherein: R1 is amino, R4 is hydrogen, and R2 and R3 together provide a specific substitution pattern, pharmaceutical acceptable addition salts, stereochemical isomeric forms, N-oxides, solvates and pro-drugs thereof, are useful in the treatment of hepatitis C. |
| US08637530B2 |
8-(3-amino-piperidin-1-yl)-xanthines, their preparation, and their use as pharmaceuticals
The invention relates to 8-[3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-xanthines and the physiologically acceptable salts thereof, particularly the hydrochlorides thereof. |
| US08637527B2 |
Imidazolo-, oxazolo-, and thiazolopyrimidine modulators of TRPV1
Certain TRPV1-modulating imidazolo-, oxazolo-, and thiazolopyrimdine compounds are described. The compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by TRPV1 activity, such as pain, arthritis, itch, cough, asthma, or inflammatory bowel disease. |
| US08637525B2 |
Compounds for the reduction of beta-amyloid production
The present disclosure provides a series of compounds of the formula (I) which modulate β-amyloid peptide (β-AP) production and are useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions affected by β-amyloid peptide (β-AP) production. |
| US08637523B2 |
Compounds for the reduction of beta-amyloid production
Compounds of the formula (I) are provided, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: which modulate β-amyloid peptide (β-AP) production, and are useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions affected by β-amyloid peptide (β-AP) production. |
| US08637516B2 |
Compounds and compositions as TRK inhibitors
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated TRK kinase activity. |
| US08637513B2 |
Heterocycle phenyl amide T-type calcium channel antagonists
The present invention is directed to heterocycle phenyl amide compounds which are antagonists of T-type calcium channels, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of disorders and diseases in which T-type calcium channels are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which T-type calcium channels are involved. |
| US08637512B2 |
Formulations and method of treatment
A sustained release formulation of lamotrigine or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof and methods of treatment and uses thereof. |
| US08637511B2 |
Aminopyrimidines useful as kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising those compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, and disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention. |
| US08637508B2 |
Heterocyclic derivatives and their use in the treatment of neurological disorders
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds of the formula in which all of the variables are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, combinations thereof, and their use as medicaments, particularly for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease or diabetes via inhibition of BACE-1 or BACE-2. |
| US08637506B2 |
Compositions and methods for bone formation and remodeling
The mechanism by which the high bone mass (HBM) mutation (G171V) of the Wnt coreceptor LRP5 regulates the canonical Wnt signaling was investigated. The mutation was previously shown to reduce Dkk protein-1-mediated antagonism, suggesting that the first YWTD repeat domain where G171 is located may be responsible for Dkk protein-mediated antagonism. However, we found that the third YWTD repeat, but not the first repeat domain, is required for DKK1-mediated antagonism. Instead, we found that the G171V mutation disrupted the interaction of LRP5 with Mesd, a chaperon protein for LRP5/6 that is required for the coreceptors' transport to cell surfaces, resulting in less LRP5 molecules on the cell surface. Although the reduction in the level of cell surface LRP5 molecules led to a reduction in Wnt signaling in a paracrine paradigm, the mutation did not appear to affect the activity of coexpressed Wnt in an autocrine paradigm. Together with the observation that osteoblast cells produce autocrine canonical Wnt, Wnt7b, and that osteocytes produce paracrine Dkk1, we believe that the G171V mutation may cause an increase in Wnt activity in osteoblasts by reducing the number of targets for paracrine Dkk1 to antagonize without affecting the activity of autocrine Wnt. |
| US08637499B2 |
Benzoxazepines as inhibitors of PI3K/mTOR and methods of their use and manufacture
The invention is directed to Compounds of Formula (I): the invention provides compounds that inhibit, regulate, and/or modulate P13K and/or mTOR that are useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also provides methods of making the compound methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. For example, cancer in which activity against PI3fC-alph mTOR, or both contributes to its pathology and/or symptomatology include breast cancer mantle cell lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, NPM/ALK-transformed anaplastic large cell lymphoma, diffu large B cell lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, cervic cancer, non small cell lung carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, col cancer, rectal cancer, gastric carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, pancreat cancer, prostate carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, hemangiom glioblastoma, or head and neck cancer. |
| US08637495B2 |
Osteoarthritis diet formulations
Dietary formulations and methods for treating, preventing or delay onset of osteoarthritis in canines and other animals are disclosed. The formulations are enriched in n-3 fatty acids and limited in n-6 fatty acids. |
| US08637488B2 |
Extract obtained from orchidaceae plants, method for producing the extract, and external agent for skin comprising the extract
This invention relates to an extract obtained from a plant of the genus Odontoglossum of the family Orchidaceae, or from a plant derived from a hybrid plant of the genus Odontoglossum and the genus Cochlioda, to a method for preparing the extract, and to an external agent for skin comprising the extract. |
| US08637487B2 |
Nutritional products comprising saccharide oligomers
Indigestible oligosaccharides having a molecular weight of 450 Da to 3700 Da are used for the improvement of insulin resistance, the prevention of post-prandial glycaemic dip, and/or the decrease of the post-prandial glucose response of a meal, which is consumed within 72 hours after the consumption of the first product. The oligo-saccharides are especially galacto-oligosaccharides, and are advantageously administered a few hours prior to having the meal. |
| US08637484B2 |
Modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and insulin-like growth factor expression
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I). The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding growth hormone receptor. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of growth hormone receptor expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of growth hormone receptor and/or insulin-like growth factor-I are provided. Diagnostic methods and kits are also provided. |
| US08637476B2 |
Apoptotic cell-mediated transfection of mammalian cells with interfering RNA
Mammalian host cells for use in a cell-mediated tranfection process, which contain an RNAi molecule and an expression vector for a pro-apoptotic protein. The method includes inducing apoptotic cell (AC) death in mammalian cells that contain an RNAi molecule capable of downregulating a chosen target gene. Living cells expressing the target gene are then exposed to the ACs. The ACs are processed by the living cells, and the RNAi molecule in the ACs downregulates the expression of the target gene in living cells. |
| US08637475B1 |
Modified 2′ and 3′ nucleoside prodrugs for treating flaviviridae infections
2′ and/or 3′ prodrugs of 1′, 2′, 3′ or 4′-branchednucleosides, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives are described. These prodrugs are useful in the prevention and treatment of Flaviviridae infections, including HCV infection, and other related conditions. Compounds and compositions of the prodrugs of the present invention are described. Methods and uses are also provided that include the administration of an effective amount of the prodrugs of the present invention, or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or derivatives. These drugs may optionally be administered in combination or alteration with further anti-viral agents to prevent or treat Flaviviridae infections and other related conditions. |
| US08637471B2 |
Fertilization prediction and promotion
The outcome of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) of a woman in terms of chances of successful pregnancy or the fertility status of a woman is predicted based on nucleotide analysis of the histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) gene or protein analysis of HRG. The proline isoform of HRG or an amino acid fragment thereof can further be used to increases the success of pregnancy of a woman. |
| US08637468B2 |
Synthetic cholesterylamine-linker derivatives for agent delivery into cells
Synthetic cholesterylamine-linkers can include derivatives of cholesterol, cholesteryl, or sitosteryl coupled through the linker to an agent for delivery into cells. The cholesterylamines are thought to mimic cholesterol in the capacity and mechanism for enhanced entry into cells. The configuration of the cholesterylamine-linker that is thought to provide for enhanced entry into cells includes a cholesterylamine that is coupled to a linker from the amine, and which linker includes a negative charge at a spatial distance from the amine of the cholesterylamine. |
| US08637464B2 |
P75NTR screening assay
The present invention provides a method to identify a test compounds capability to modulate p75.sup.NTR induced apoptosis, said method comprising: i. Transfecting a suspension of eukaryotic cells with a vector encoding SEQ ID No.4 OR SEQ ID No.6), ii. Contacting said cells with the compound to be tested, and iii. Determine the apoptotic response in said cells, wherein an alteration in apoptotic response in the presence of said test compound compared to the apoptotic response in the absence of the test compound is an indication of the ability of the test compound to modulate p75.sup.NTR induced apoptosis. |
| US08637462B2 |
Methods for reducing platelet counts and/or platelet adhesion by administering a GC-B receptor agonist
This document relates to methods and materials for treating diseases or disorders associated with elevated platelet counts (e.g., essential thrombocythemia, secondary thrombocytosis, congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, sepsis, or asplenism) as well as methods and materials for treating diseases or disorders associated with elevated platelet adhesion to collagen (e.g., acute coronary syndromes, angina pectoris, chronic atherosclerosis, diabetes, or hypertension). |
| US08637460B2 |
Methods and apparatus for creating particle derivatives of HDL with reduced lipid content
The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for creating derivatives of at least one form of HDL without substantially affecting LDL. These derivatives of HDL are particles with reduced lipid content, particularly reduced cholesterol content. These particles have the capacity to bind cholesterol and are administered to a patient to enhance cellular cholesterol efflux and reduce cholesterol levels in cells, tissues, organs, and blood vessels. The present method is useful for treating atherogenic vascular disease and may be combined with other therapies such as statins, inhibitors of cholesterol absorption, niacin, anti-inflammatories, exercise and dietary restriction. |
| US08637459B2 |
Enhancing a population of insulin releasing cells using GFR-A1 agonists
Provided herein are pharmaceutical and transplant compositions and methods related to the treatment and prevention of diabetes. More specifically, the compositions and methods are related to activation of glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptors or overexpression of the GFR-α1/c-Ret receptor complex in insulin secreting cells so as to promote cell survival and proliferation. |
| US08637445B2 |
Fabric treatment compositions comprising targeted benefit agents
The invention provides a benefit agent delivery particle comprising hydroxylpropyl cellulose. The benefit agent delivery particle may further comprise a non-polysaccharide polymer, preferably an aminoplast polymer. The benefit agent delivery particle may comprise a perfume. The invention also provides a process for the manufacture of the particles in which perfume oil is encapsulated using emulsion polymerization to form core-shell particles, (in the alternative the perfume may be adsorbed later) and, a further polymer layer is formed on the outer surface of the core shell-particles in the presence of the delivery aid. |
| US08637439B2 |
Bathing gel with improved environmental profile
Compositions adapted for use as a bathing (shower or bath) gel for personal cleansing are provided, the compositions containing reduced loadings of relatively harsh anionic surfactants and of fragrance oils, but retaining a spectrum of functional properties perceived by consumers as desirable. The compositions include lower concentrations of anionic surfactants compared to standard bathing gel compositions, but the addition of quantities of a long-chain alkyl, hydroxyalkyl cellulose derivative to the composition preserves or enhances functional properties such as viscosity, skin mildness, foam generation on lathering, subjective perceived cleansing appreciation, and fragrance performance. The bathing gels provide an environmental benefit such as reduced surfactant loading, biodegradability, and aquatic toxicity of wastewater streams when used in the place of standard bathing gels. |
| US08637434B2 |
System for photolithographic synthesis of polymer arrays
The present invention provides novel processes for the large scale preparation of arrays of polymer sequences wherein each array includes a plurality of different, positionally distinct polymer sequences having known monomer sequences. The methods of the invention combine high throughput process steps with high resolution photolithographic techniques in the manufacture of polymer arrays. |
| US08637433B2 |
Method for making a composite high-temperature superconductor
A method for making a composite superconductor and a superconductor made using the method. Superconducting filaments are embedded in a matrix material. Oxygen-containing elements are also embedded in the matrix material, with the oxygen-containing elements preferably being dispersed evenly among the superconducting filaments. A surrounding reinforcement material contains the other elements and preferably seals the superconductor from the surrounding atmosphere. |
| US08637429B2 |
Substrate marking
The invention relates to a method of marking a substrate comprising treating the substrate with a boron compound and a charrable agent, and, irradiating the areas of the substrate to be marked such that those areas change colour. Marked substrates obtainable by this method are also provided. |
| US08637426B2 |
Zoned catalysts for diesel applications
An oxidation catalyst composite, methods and systems for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions from an advanced combustion engine, such as the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon monoxide (CO) and the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from a diesel engine and an advanced combustion diesel engine are disclosed. More particularly, washcoat compositions are disclosed comprising at least two washcoat layers, a first washcoat comprising a palladium component and a second washcoat containing platinum and at least about 50% of the total platinum is located in the rear of the catalyst. |
| US08637414B2 |
Gradient density padding material and method of making same
A gradient density padding material includes a single layer of nonwoven material having at least one surface processed to form a portion of a thickness thereof having a density increased with respect to a remaining portion of the thickness thereof. The single layer of nonwoven material after processing has an airflow resistance within the range of 200-4000 MKS Rayls, wherein said single layer of nonwoven material has an enhanced acoustic performance. A method of making a gradient density padding material having an enhanced acoustic performance includes the steps of providing a single layer of nonwoven material and processing at least one surface of the single layer of nonwoven material to form a portion of a thickness thereof having a density increased with respect to a remaining portion of the thickness thereof. The single layer of nonwoven material after processing has an airflow resistance within the range of 200-4000 MKS Rayls. |
| US08637411B2 |
Plasma activated conformal dielectric film deposition
Methods of depositing a film on a substrate surface include surface mediated reactions in which a film is grown over one or more cycles of reactant adsorption and reaction. In one aspect, the method is characterized by intermittent delivery of dopant species to the film between the cycles of adsorption and reaction. |
| US08637410B2 |
Method for metal deposition using hydrogen plasma
Methods for formation and treatment of pure metal layers using CVD and ALD techniques are provided. In one or more embodiments, the method includes forming a metal precursor layer and treating the metal precursor layer to a hydrogen plasma to reduce the metal precursor layer to form a metal layer. In one or more embodiments, treating the metal precursor layer includes exposing the metal precursor layer to a high frequency-generated hydrogen plasma. Methods of preventing a hydrogen plasma from penetrating a metal precursor layer are also provided. |
| US08637408B2 |
In-situ reclaim of volatile components
Apparatus and methods are provided for efficiently reclaiming solvents used to clean surfaces of semiconductor wafers, etc. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that utilizes condensing mechanisms to reclaim evaporated solvent components. In these embodiments, the condensing can occur within a proximity head itself and/or along a vacuum line running from the proximity head to a vacuum tank. Other embodiments of the present invention provide an in-situ reclaim approach that prevents the evaporation of solvents at the onset by maintaining appropriate equilibrium gas phase concentrations between the liquid chemistries and gases used to process wafer surfaces. |
| US08637406B1 |
Image transfer process employing a hard mask layer
At least one mask layer formed over a substrate includes at least one of a dielectric material and a metallic material. By forming a first pattern in one of the at least one mask layer, a patterned mask layer including said first pattern is formed. An overlying structure including a second pattern that includes at least one blocking area is formed over said patterned mask layer. Portions of said patterned mask layer that do not underlie said blocking area are removed. The remaining portions of the patterned mask layer include a composite pattern that is an intersection of the first pattern and the second pattern. The patterned mask layer includes a dielectric material or a metallic material, and thus, enables high fidelity pattern transfer into an underlying material layer. |
| US08637400B2 |
Interconnect structures and methods for back end of the line integration
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial conductive material layer. The method also includes forming a trench in the sacrificial conductive material layer. The method further includes forming a conductive feature in the trench. The method additionally includes removing the sacrificial conductive material layer selective to the conductive feature. The method also includes forming an insulating layer around the conductive feature to embed the conductive feature in the insulating layer. |
| US08637396B2 |
Dielectric barrier deposition using oxygen containing precursor
A method is provided for depositing a dielectric barrier film including a precursor with silicon, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen with improved barrier dielectric properties including lower dielectric constant and superior electrical properties. This method will be important for barrier layers used in a damascene or dual damascene integration for interconnect structures or in other dielectric barrier applications. In this example, specific structural properties are noted that improve the barrier performance. |
| US08637395B2 |
Methods for photo-patternable low-k (PPLK) integration with curing after pattern transfer
A single damascene or dual damascene interconnect structure fabricated with a photo-patternable low-k dielectric (PPLK) which is cured after etching. This method prevents the PPLK damage and the tapering of the edges of the interconnect structure. In one embodiment, the method of the present invention includes depositing a photo-patternable low-k (PPLK) material atop a substrate. The at least one PPLK material is patterned, creating a single damascene structure. For dual damascene structures, a second PPLK layer is coated and patterned. An etch process is performed to transfer the pattern from the PPLK material into at least a portion of the substrate. A diffusion liner and a conductive material can be deposited after the etch process. The resulting structure is cured anytime after etching in order to transform the resist like PPLK into a permanent low-k material that remains within the structure. |
| US08637393B1 |
Methods and structures for capping a structure with a protective coating
A surface is placed into a deposition chamber. A tin layer is formed on the surface, in which forming the tin layer includes providing a precursor into the deposition chamber for a first time period, wherein the precursor comprises one of tetrakis (dimethylamino) tin (TDMASn) or tin tetrachloride (SnCl4), providing an inert gas into the deposition chamber for a second time period, providing a hydrogen reactant into the deposition chamber for a third time period, and providing the inert gas into the deposition chamber for a fourth time period. The first, second, third, and fourth time periods form one atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycle. The surface may be an exposed surface of a lead free metal. |
| US08637391B2 |
Flip chip semiconductor assembly with variable volume solder bumps
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor chip is disclosed. A die having a plurality of die-pads is attached to a substrate in a semiconductor package which includes a plurality of substrate-pads. The method involves forming conductive column bumps of differing volumes extending from the die-pads; attaching each of the column bumps to a corresponding substrate-pad to form a subassembly; and reflowing the subassembly so that the column bumps form robust electrical and mechanical connections between the die pads and the substrate pads. |
| US08637389B2 |
Resist feature and removable spacer pitch doubling patterning method for pillar structures
A method of making a memory array is provided that includes forming a layer over a substrate, forming features over the layer, forming sidewall spacers on each of the features, filling spaces between adjacent sidewall spacers with filler features, removing the sidewall spacers to leave the features and the filler features, and etching the layer using the features and the filler features as a mask to form pillar shaped nonvolatile memory cells. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US08637388B2 |
Semiconductor device heat dissipation structure
A heat generating component of a semiconductor device is located between two heavily doped semiconductor regions in a semiconductor substrate. The heat generating component may be a middle portion of a diode having a light doping, a lightly doped p-n junction between a cathode and anode of a silicon controlled rectifier, or a resistive portion of a doped semiconductor resistor. At least one thermally conductive via comprising a metal or a non-metallic conductive material is place directly on the heat generating component. Alternatively, a thin dielectric layer may be formed between the heat generating component and the at least one thermally conductive via. The at least one thermally conductive via may, or may not, be connected to a back-end-of-line metal wire, which may be connected to higher level of metal wiring or to a handle substrate through a buried insulator layer. |
| US08637387B2 |
Layout design method and semiconductor integrated circuit
A circuit and a method of layout-designing a circuit based on circuit information. The method includes generating layout information including a core region based on the circuit information, laying out an I/O circuit in a region other than the core region on the layout information based on the circuit information, determining a layout-permitted region of pads, which is included in regions other than the core region and a layout region of said I/O circuit, based on circuit information, and laying out the pads in the layout-permitted region. |
| US08637379B2 |
Device including a semiconductor chip and a carrier and fabrication method
A description is given of a method. In one embodiment the method includes providing a semiconductor chip with semiconductor material being exposed at a first surface of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is placed over a carrier with the first surface facing the carrier. An electrically conductive material is arranged between the semiconductor chip and the carrier. Heat is applied to attach the semiconductor chip to the carrier. |
| US08637377B2 |
Capacitors and methods with praseodymium oxide insulators
Methods of forming and the resulting capacitors formed by these methods are shown. Monolayers that contain praseodymium are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form praseodymium oxide dielectrics. Monolayers that contain titanium or other metals are deposited onto a substrate and subsequently processed to form metal electrodes. Resulting capacitor structures includes properties such as improved dimensional control. One improved dimensional control includes thickness. Some resulting capacitor structures also include properties such as an amorphous or nanocrystalline microstructure. Selected components of capacitors formed with these methods have better step coverage over substrate topography and more robust film mechanical properties. |
| US08637376B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
To reduce dent defects formed in interlayer CMP process on a capacitor array after forming an interlayer insulating film on the capacitor array thicker than the height of a capacitor, the interlayer insulating film on the capacitor array is subjected to a step height reduction etching to form an opening with etching depth Hd, while remaining a first region that is a distance Lr in a horizontal direction from a rising point of a projected portion of the interlayer insulating film periphery to the capacitor array onto a part of the capacitor array, wherein an aspect ratio (Hd/Lr) of the Hd to the Lr is equal to or less than 0.6. |
| US08637374B2 |
Method of fabricating self-aligned nanotube field effect transistor
A self-aligned carbon-nanotube field effect transistor semiconductor device comprises a carbon-nanotube deposited on a substrate, a source and a drain formed at a first end and a second end of the carbon-nanotube, respectively, and a gate formed substantially over a portion of the carbon-nanotube, separated from the carbon-nanotube by a dielectric film. |
| US08637373B2 |
Transistors and methods of manufacturing the same
In a method of manufacturing a transistor, a gate structure is formed on a substrate including silicon. An upper portion of the substrate adjacent to the gate structure is etched to form a first recess in the substrate. A preliminary first epitaxial layer including silicon-germanium is formed in the first recess. An upper portion of the preliminary first epitaxial layer is etched to form a second recess on the preliminary first epitaxial layer. In addition, a portion of the preliminary first epitaxial layer adjacent to the second recess is etched to thereby transform the preliminary first epitaxial layer into a first epitaxial layer. A second epitaxial layer including silicon-germanium is formed in the second recess located on the first epitaxial layer. |
| US08637370B2 |
Integration of trench MOS with low voltage integrated circuits
A high voltage trench MOS and its integration with low voltage integrated circuits is provided. Embodiments include forming, in a substrate, a first trench with a first oxide layer on side surfaces, a narrower second trench, below the first trench with a second oxide layer on side and bottom surfaces, and spacers on sides of the first and second trenches; removing a portion of the second oxide layer from the bottom surface of the second trench between the spacers; filling the first and second trenches with a first poly-silicon to form a drain region; removing the spacers, exposing side surfaces of the first poly-silicon; forming a third oxide layer on side and top surfaces of the first poly-silicon; and filling a remainder of the first and second trenches with a second poly-silicon to form a gate region on each side of the drain region. |
| US08637364B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An amorphous carbon film and an interlayer insulation film are formed in a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region, respectively. An insulating film is formed on the amorphous carbon film and the interlayer insulation film. A portion of the insulating film that corresponds to capacitors on the amorphous carbon film is removed so that lower electrodes of the capacitors are supported from opposite sides of the lower electrodes. An insulating film pattern continuously extends from the memory cell region to the peripheral circuit region wholly covered with the insulating film pattern. Subsequently, the amorphous carbon film is removed to leave the capacitors supported by the insulating film pattern on both sides of the lower electrodes. |
| US08637362B2 |
Memory array with ultra-thin etched pillar surround gate access transistors and buried data/bit lines
A memory array with data/bit lines extending generally in a first direction formed in an upper surface of a substrate and access transistors extending generally upward and aligned generally atop a corresponding data/bit line. The access transistors have a pillar extending generally upward with a source region formed so as to be in electrical communication with the corresponding data/bit line and a drain region formed generally at an upper portion of the pillar and a surround gate structure substantially completely encompassing the pillar in lateral directions and extending substantially the entire vertical extent of the pillar and word lines extending generally in a second direction and in electrical contact with a corresponding surround gate structure at at least a first surface thereof such that bias voltage applied to a given word line is communicated substantially uniformly in a laterally symmetric extent about the corresponding pillar via the surround gate structure. |
| US08637355B2 |
Actuating transistor including single layer reentrant profile
Actuating a semiconductor device includes providing a transistor that includes a substrate and a first electrically conductive material layer, including a reentrant profile, positioned on the substrate. An electrically insulating material layer is conformally positioned over the first electrically conductive material layer and at least a portion of the substrate. A semiconductor material layer conforms to and is in contact with the electrically insulating material layer. A second electrically conductive material layer and third electrically conductive material layer are nonconformally positioned over and in contact with a first portion of the semiconductor material layer and a second portion of the semiconductor material layer, respectively. A voltage is applied between the second electrically conductive material layer and the third electrically conductive material layer and to the first electrically conductive material layer to electrically connect the second and the third electrically conductive material layers. |
| US08637354B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
When a transistor including a conductive layer having a three-layer structure is manufactured, three-stage etching is performed. In the first etching process, an etching method in which the etching rates for the second film and the third film are high is employed, and the first etching process is performed until the first film is at least exposed. In the second etching process, an etching method in which the etching rate for the first film is higher than that in the first etching process and the etching rate for a “layer provided below and in contact with the first film” is lower than that in the first etching process is employed. In the third etching process, an etching method in which the etching rates for the first to the third films are higher than those in the second etching process is preferably employed. |
| US08637353B2 |
Through silicon via repair
Methods and systems for altering the electrical resistance of a wiring path. The electrical resistance of the wiring path is compared with a target electrical resistance value. If the electrical resistance of the wiring path exceeds the target electrical resistance value, an electrical current is selectively applied to the wiring path to physically alter a portion of the wiring path. The current may be selected to alter the wiring path such that the electrical resistance drops to a value less than or equal to the target electrical resistance value. |
| US08637351B2 |
Methods for making micro needles and applications thereof
The invention relates in a general aspect to a method of making vertically protruding elements on a substrate, said elements having a tip comprising at least one inclined surface and an elongated body portion extending between said substrate and said tip. The method comprises an anisotropic, crystal plane dependent etch forming said inclined surface(s); and an anisotropic, non crystal plane dependent etch forming said elongated body portion; combined with suitable patterning processes defining said protruding elements to have a predetermined base geometry. |
| US08637350B2 |
Method of manufacturing chip-stacked semiconductor package
A method of manufacturing a chip-stacked semiconductor package, the method including preparing a base wafer including a plurality of first chips each having a through-silicon via (TSV); bonding the base wafer including the plurality of first chips to a supporting carrier; preparing a plurality of second chips; forming stacked chips by bonding the plurality of second chips to the plurality of first chips; sealing the stacked chips with a sealing portion; and separating the stacked chips from each other. |
| US08637349B2 |
Method and apparatus for integrated-circuit battery devices
A combined battery and device apparatus and associated method. This apparatus includes a first conductive layer, a battery comprising a cathode layer; an anode layer, and an electrolyte layer located between and electrically isolating the anode layer from the cathode layer, wherein the anode or the cathode or both include an intercalation material, the battery disposed such that either the cathode layer or the anode layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer, and an electrical circuit adjacent face-to-face to and electrically connected to the battery. Some embodiments further include a photovoltaic cell and/or thin-film capacitor. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a polymer having a melting point substantially below 700 degrees centigrade. In some embodiments, the substrate includes a glass. For example, some embodiments include a battery deposited directly on the back of a liquid-crystal display (LCD) device. |
| US08637348B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An insulating layer which releases a large amount of oxygen is used as an insulating layer in contact with a channel region of an oxide semiconductor layer, and an insulating layer which releases a small amount of oxygen is used as an insulating layer in contact with a source region and a drain region of the oxide semiconductor layer. By releasing oxygen from the insulating layer which releases a large amount of oxygen, oxygen deficiency in the channel region and an interface state density between the insulating layer and the channel region can be reduced, so that a highly reliable semiconductor device having small variation in electrical characteristics can be manufactured. The source region and the drain region are provided in contact with the insulating layer which releases a small amount of oxygen, thereby suppressing the increase of the resistance of the source region and the drain region. |
| US08637346B1 |
Method for manufacturing graphene nano array and field-effect transistor including the same
The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a graphene nano array. The method includes: preparing a substrate having a graphene sheet disposed thereon; sequentially forming a protective layer, a sacrificial layer and a resist layer on the graphene sheet; forming a hole pattern in a surface of the resist layer; etching the sacrificial layer and the protective layer along the hole pattern to form a trench such that a portion of the protective layer adjacent to the graphene sheet can remain; forming a metal layer of a nanocup pattern along a sidewall of the trench while rotating the trench; removing a lower surface of the metal layer to form a metal layer in a nanotube pattern; removing the resist layer and the sacrificial layer; etching the protective layer and the graphene sheet adjacent to the protective layer along the nanotube pattern; and removing the protective layer and the metal layer, thereby providing a graphene nano array having a large area at low cost. The graphene nano array may be used as channels of a field-effect transistor. |
| US08637344B2 |
Multi-rate resist method to form organic TFT contact and contacts formed by same
A method for forming a thin film electrode for an organic thin film transistor of the invention provides a multi-layer mask on a substrate with an electrode area opening in a top layer of the mask that is undercut by openings in other layers of the mask. A thin film of metal is deposited in the electrode area on the substrate. Removing the multi-layer mask leaves a well-formed thin film electrode with naturally tapered edges. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a method for forming a thin film electrode for an organic thin film transistor. The method includes depositing a first layer of photoresist on a substrate. The photoresist of the first layer has a first etching rate. A second layer of photoresist is deposited on the first layer of photoresist. The photoresist of the second layer has a second etching rate that is lower than the first etching rate. The first and second layer of photoresist are patterned by exposure. Developing the first and second layers of photoresist provides an electrode area on the substrate. An electrode is deposited in the electrode area. Lift-off of the first and second layers is performed. The electrode that is deposited has a tailored, tapered edge. A preferred embodiment thin film electrode in an organic thin film transistor has a tapered edge with a contact angle of approximately +40±4.4°. |
| US08637342B2 |
Phase change memory with threshold switch select device
An ovonic threshold switch may be formed of a continuous chalcogenide layer. That layer spans multiple cells, forming a phase change memory. In other words, the ovonic threshold switch may be formed of a chalcogenide layer which extends, uninterrupted, over numerous cells of a phase change memory. |
| US08637339B2 |
Diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer
An improved diode energy converter for chemical kinetic electron energy transfer is formed using nanostructures and includes identifiable regions associated with chemical reactions isolated chemically from other regions in the converter, a region associated with an area that forms energy barriers of the desired height, a region associated with tailoring the boundary between semiconductor material and metal materials so that the junction does not tear apart, and a region associated with removing heat from the semiconductor. |
| US08637336B2 |
Method for producing semiconductor wafer
A method of producing a semiconductor wafer, which includes: placing a wafer (10) provided with a substrate (11) and a semiconductor layer (20) formed thereon, on a carrier plate (fixing plate) (31) of a grinder via fixing wax (33a and 33b) such that the surface (10a) to be ground faces upward; heating the carrier plate to soften the fixing wax; pressure-contacting the wafer from the side of the surface (10a) to be ground using an air bag such that a portion of the softened fixing wax spreads and protrudes from the peripheral edge of the wafer; cooling the carrier plate while applying pressure to cure the fixing wax and fix the wafer onto the carrier plate; and rotating the surface (10a) to be ground of the fixed wafer while pressure-contacting the surface (10a) to the grinding plate of the grinder, thereby grinding the surface (10a) to be ground. |
| US08637332B2 |
Micro-reflectors on a substrate for high-density LED array
The present invention provides an optical array module that includes a plurality of semiconductor devices mounted on a thermal substrate formed with a plurality of openings that function as micro-reflectors, wherein each micro-reflector includes a layer of reflective material to reflect light. Such material preferably is conductive so as to provide electrical connection for its associated semiconductor device. |
| US08637327B2 |
Method for optimizing automatic fluorescence pattern recognition in immunodiagnosis
The invention relates to a method for optimizing the automatic fluorescence pattern recognition in immunodiagnosis. In this method, in addition to or together with the fluorescence dye, one or more other indicator dyes for the identification of relevant structures are incubated before an image is taken with a camera. |
| US08637324B2 |
Bead incubation and washing on a droplet actuator
The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay. |
| US08637322B2 |
Method for labeling or treating a biological sample containing biological molecules of interest, in particular nucleic acids
The present invention relates to a method for labeling biological molecules of interest contained in a biological sample, consisting in: a) providing a reaction vessel, b) immobilizing capture molecules, which are capable of binding a label of the biological molecules of interest, on a solid support of the vessel, c) introducing the biological sample but also at least one label of the biological molecules of interest into said vessel and optionally any ingredient required for labeling or prelabeling the molecules of interest, d) incubating the vessel content and immobilizing the label which is not reacted with the molecules of interest by binding to the capture molecules, and e) using the labeled molecules of interest for subsequent steps. A method for treating a biological sample is also disclosed.Said invention is preferably used in a manual or automated method for purifying nucleic acids. |
| US08637315B2 |
Process, vectors and engineered cell lines for enhanced large-scale transfection
Processes vectors and engineered cell lines for large-scale transfection and protein production in mammalian cells, especially Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells are described in which transfection efficiencies are realized through the use of a single vector system, the use of functional oriP sequences in all plasmids, the use of codon-optimized Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) constructs the use of a fusion protein between a truncated Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigenen-1c (EBNA1c) protein and a herpes simplex virus protein VP16, the use of a 40 kDa fully deacetylated poly(ethylenimine) as a transfection reagent, the use of co-expression of a fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and/or the use of protein kinase B to potentiate heterologous gene expression enhancement by valproic acid (VPA). |
| US08637311B2 |
Human embryonic stem cells genetically modified to contain a nucleic acid and cultured with fibroblast growth factor
This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy. |
| US08637309B2 |
Microcarriers for stem cell culture
We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 μm and 400 μm, such as about 200 μm. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 μm and 30 μm. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 μm and about 120 μm, for example about 65 μm. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage. A method of propagating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in long term suspension culture using microcarriers coated in Matrigel or hyaluronic acid is also disclosed. We also disclose a method for differentiating stem cells. |
| US08637306B2 |
Production of carrier-peptide conjugates using chemically reactive unnatural amino acids
Provided are methods of making carrier polypeptide that include incorporating a first unnatural amino acid into a carrier polypeptide variant, incorporating a second unnatural amino acid into a target polypeptide variant, and reacting the first and second unnatural amino acids to produce the conjugate. Conjugates produced using the provided methods are also provided. In addition, orthogonal translation systems in methylotrophic yeast and methods of using these systems to produce carrier and target polypeptide variants comprising unnatural amino acids are provided. |
| US08637300B2 |
Magnetic glass particles for use in biogas plants, fermentation and separation processes
A method for treating an organic and/or inorganic substrate utilizing a granular material made of a solid foam as support for an active component, for example a biocatalyst such as a microorganism or an enzyme. The solid foam has a continuous phase in which magnetizable particles are embedded, such that the support with the biologically active component immobilized thereon can be separated from a mixture with a magnetic separation device. |
| US08637296B2 |
Lactobacillus helveticus strains for producing hypotensive peptides
The present invention relates to novel strains of Lactobacillus helveticus that can produce high amounts of hypotensive peptides, in particular IPP, VPP and LPP. It also relates to a fermented milk product containing a mixture of tripeptides IPP-VPP-LPP and a strain of L. helveticus. The invention further relates to the specific peptide mixture consisting of tripeptides IPP, VPP and LPP and the use of the fermented product or mixture of peptides in food products, food supplement or pharmaceutical compositions for reducing or preventing hypertension. |