| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08730391B2 |
Adaptive control of LCD display characteristics based on video content
Determining video content type of a video displayed on a LCD and triggering adjustment in drive power of the LCD based on the video content type. The video content type indicates relative content motion of the video. A video content type detection module is one or combination of a software and a hardware and directs the LCD to be driven relative slower or faster based upon video content. The module independently or in conjunction with another module identifies an active window from a plurality of windows corresponding to a plurality of applications running on the host device and sets the drive power of the LCD based on speed of a video displayed on the active window. The module may also adapt LCD drive power based upon user input and/or remaining battery life. |
| US08730387B2 |
Scan stand system for image capture
Embodiments of scan stand systems or kits for positioning a document or other object to be imaged or scanned in relation to an imaging device are described. Also described are embodiments of systems for video conferencing/telephony/scanning and optical projection functions. |
| US08730385B2 |
Method of economizing power in image pickup system and image pickup system using the method
A method of operating an image pickup system includes generating a first control signal in response to a long duration exposure mode selectively input by a user, setting circuits to process image data associated with modes other than long duration exposure mode to a standby mode in response to the first control signal, generating a second control signal when the standby mode has been established, opening a shutter in response to the second control signal, and performing a long duration exposure to accumulate a charge corresponding to an optical signal incident on an image sensor of the image pickup system when the shutter is open. |
| US08730383B2 |
System and method for controlling illumination in a vision system
This invention provides a system and method for enabling control of an illuminator having predetermined operating parameters by a vision system processor/core based upon stored information regarding parameters that are integrated with the illuminator. The parameters are retrieved by the processor, and are used to control the operation of the illuminator and/or the camera during image acquisition. In an embodiment, the stored parameters are a discrete numerical or other value that corresponds to the illuminator type. The discrete value maps to a corresponding value in look-up table/database associated with the camera that contains parameter sets associated with each of a plurality of values in the database. The data associated with the discrete value in the camera contains the necessary parameters or settings for that illuminator type. In other embodiments, some or all of the actual parameter information can be stored with the illuminator and retrieved by the camera processor. |
| US08730378B2 |
Optical apparatus
An optical apparatus includes: a first focus detection unit that detects a focusing condition of an image forming optical system through a first focus detection method and outputs a first focus detection signal; a second focus detection unit that detects the focusing condition of the image forming optical system through a second focus detection method different from the first focus detection method and outputs a second focus detection signal; a focus adjustment unit that executes focus adjustment for the image forming optical system based upon either the first focus detection signal or the second focus detection signal; and a notification unit that alters a focus detection method notification in correspondence to the focus adjustment that the focus adjustment unit executes. |
| US08730376B2 |
Lens barrel and imaging device
The lens barrel is a lens barrel for forming an optical image of a subject on an imaging element, comprising a first lens unit, a second lens unit, a focus lens unit, a zoom mechanism, and a focus actuator. The focus lens unit is movably supported by the second lens unit in the optical axis direction. The operating force inputted to the zoom control is mechanically transmitted to at least one of the first lens unit and the second lens unit. The focus actuator is fixed to the second lens unit and electrically drives the focus lens unit relative to the second lens unit in the optical axis direction. The second lens unit or the focus lens unit is disposed nearest to the image plane in the optical system including the first lens element, the second lens element, and the focus lens. |
| US08730373B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels at least part of which form a plurality of focus detection pixel pairs, each receiving light rays passing through different pupil areas of an image forming optical system; a detection unit configured to detect a defocus amount, based on a phase difference between signals output from the focus detection pixel pairs in a focusing area; a judging unit configured to determine if a subject corresponds to a predetermined pattern, based on the signals output from the pixels other than the focus detection pixel pairs around the focus detection pixel pairs in the focusing area; and a focus control unit configured to drive the image forming optical system to be in an in-focus state based on the detected defocus amount. The judging unit changes focus control, performed by the focus control unit, based on the determination result. |
| US08730372B2 |
Partially lit sensor
An image sensing system for an electronic device. The image sensing system includes a lens and an image sensor. The image sensor includes a indirectly lit area of pixels and a directly lit area of pixels. The lens is in optical communication with the directly lit area of pixels. |
| US08730368B2 |
Light transmittance adjusting device, image apparatus including the same, and method of fabricating the light transmittance adjusting device
A light transmittance adjusting device is provided, including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a first elastomer layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. A light transmittance of the first elastomer layer is variable depending on a voltage applied thereto. |
| US08730361B2 |
Photoelectric conversion device and camera with gate-electrode covering film
A photoelectric conversion device including a pixel region having a photoelectric converter, and a transfer MOS transistor for transferring charges in the photoelectric converter to a floating diffusion, comprises a first insulating film continuously arranged to cover the photoelectric converter, and a first side surface and a first region of an upper surface of a gate electrode of the transfer MOS transistor while not arranged on a second region of the upper surface, the first insulating film being configured to function as an antireflection film, a contact plug connected with the floating diffusion, and a second insulating film continuously arranged to cover a periphery of the contact plug on the floating diffusion, and the second side surface and the second region while not arranged on the first region, the second insulating film being configured to function as an etching stopper in forming the contact plug. |
| US08730360B2 |
Color imaging apparatus having color imaging element, method of controlling operation of same and image sensing system
When a central pixel having a red component is generated by interpolation, mixing is performed using red-component pixels lying along the diagonal directions thereof. When a central pixel having a green component is generated by interpolation, mixing is performed using green-component pixels located above, below and to the left and right thereof. When a central pixel having a blue component is generated by interpolation, no mixing processing is executed. A reduction in image size is performed at the same time as pixel interpolation. |
| US08730359B2 |
Image processing
Image processing apparatus comprises a demosaic processor for receiving a video signal comprising pixel data from an array of photosensors each having a respective color filter so as to restrict the sensitivity of that photosensor to a primary color range selected from a set of three or more primary color ranges, the array being such that the photosensors in alternate rows are sensitive to a first primary color range, and photosensors in intervening rows are sensitive to the other primary color ranges. The pixel data including pixel data from a first subset of the rows sensitive to the first primary color range, the first subset being the same from image to image of the video signal; and pixel data from a second subset of the rows of photosensors sensitive to the other primary color ranges, the second subset changing from image to image of the video signal. |
| US08730354B2 |
Overlay video content on a mobile device
Methods, systems, and devices are described for providing overlay content to be placed over captured video content for display on a mobile device. In one embodiment, a system includes a video display, such as a TV, that displays video content. A mobile device with an integrated video camera and display may capture video data which includes the video content from the video display. The location of the video content within the captured video data may be tracked. The mobile device may access overlay content, and display the accessed overlay content over the tracked video content. |
| US08730353B2 |
Method of controlling adaptive auto exposure based on adaptive region weight
Provided is a method of controlling adaptive auto exposure. In the method, a digital photograph captured from an object and a background is divided into an object region where the object is mainly located and a background region where the background is mainly located. Average luminances of the object and background regions are calculated, and a luminance difference between the average luminances of the object and background regions is calculated. If the luminance difference is within a predetermined range, an average luminance of the entire photograph is calculated by applying a weight to the average luminance of the object region, and exposure is controlled based on the calculated average luminance of the entire photograph so as to emphasize the object region. |
| US08730352B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus and an image processing method that enable suitable contrast adjustment are provided. The image processing apparatus includes a region detection unit configured to detect predetermined first luminance level detection region and second luminance level detection region in a human face as a target to be photographed, a luminance amount calculation unit configured to calculate an absolute value of a difference between a luminance level of the first luminance level detection region and a certain reference luminance level as a high luminance amount and calculate an absolute value of a difference between a luminance level of the second luminance level detection region and the reference luminance level as a low luminance amount, and a determination unit configured to determine whether a difference or a ratio between the high luminance amount and the low luminance amount falls within a certain range. |
| US08730348B2 |
Recording apparatus and control method thereof
A recording apparatus is disclosed that records information data and file system information for managing a file containing the information data in accordance with a predetermined file system to a recording medium having a plurality of blocks including an alternative block for a defect block, wherein a first threshold and a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold are set, and recording of the information data to the recording medium is inhibited if an alternative block remaining amount in the recording medium is less than or equal to the first threshold, and an update of the file system information recorded in the recording medium is inhibited if the alternative block remaining amount is less than or equal to the second threshold. |
| US08730343B2 |
Color processing apparatus and method for performing color conversion using a color appearance model
There is provided a color processing apparatus that performs color reproduction in accordance with the brightness of a subject at the time of photographing. An acquisition unit acquires image data. A setting unit sets viewing environment parameters for a plurality of luminance ranges based on a luminance histogram of the image data that is acquired. A processing unit performs color conversion processing using a color appearance model, using the viewing environment parameters that are set in accordance with the luminance of pixels of the image data that is acquired. |
| US08730342B2 |
Method and apparatus for robust image processing
A method is provided for taking a digital picture of an image. The method can include: recording a first plurality of pixel values representing the image; generating a first compressed image data file based on the first plurality of pixel values; recording a second plurality of pixel values representing the image; generating a second compressed image data file based on the first plurality of pixel values; and processing the first and second plurality of pixel values in a compressed domain to generate a third plurality of pixel values, wherein processing includes combining the first and second compressed image data files by replacing portions of the second compressed image data file with corresponding portions of the first compressed image data file. |
| US08730337B2 |
Portable information device, imaging apparatus and information acquisition system
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging portion that takes an image of a subject, a position information acquisition portion that acquires position information of an imaging position, and an orientation information acquisition portion that acquires orientation information representing an imaging direction at the imaging position. |
| US08730333B2 |
Image stabilization system
An image stabilization system includes: a region vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector of each of a plurality of regions in an image; a reliability determination unit configured to determine reliability of the motion vector of each of the regions; a region indicator configured to indicate, to the region vector detection unit, a new detection target region instead of a region whose motion vector is determined to have low reliability; an image vector computing unit configured to compute a motion vector of the entire image using a motion vector determined to have high reliability; and a stabilization unit configured to move an entire image to be output according to the motion vector of the entire image to compensate for sway of the image. |
| US08730330B2 |
Image sensors with dark pixels for real-time verification of imaging systems
An imaging system may include an array of image pixels. The array of image pixels may be provided with one or more rows and columns of optically shielded dark image pixels. The dark image pixels may be used to produce verification image data that follows the same pixel-to-output data path of light-receiving pixels. The output signals from dark pixels may be continuously or intermittently compared with a set of expected output signals to verify that the imaging system is functioning properly. In some arrangements, verification image data may include a current frame number that is encoded into the dark pixels. The encoded current frame number may be compared with an expected current frame number. In other arrangements, dark pixels may be configured to have a predetermined pattern of conversion gain levels. The output signals may be compared with a “golden” image or other predetermined set of expected output signals. |
| US08730328B2 |
Frame buffer format detection
In an example, a method includes generating a test frame of video data having a first format, and rendering the test frame of video data to a frame buffer, wherein the frame buffer is configured to store video data in a second format. The method also includes reading, from the frame buffer, a return frame of video data, wherein the return frame of video data comprises the video data of the test frame formatted in the second format, and determining the second format based on a comparison of the test frame having the first format and the return frame having the second format. |
| US08730327B2 |
System and method for video quality parametric tests
A method for measuring the amount of noise in a video image includes receiving a signal from an imaging device; extracting a luma component from a color image; applying a filter to compute the second derivatives of the extracted luma component; determining a ratio of noise pixels to total pixels in the second derivative; and comparing the ratio to a pre-determined ratio. |
| US08730326B2 |
Driving attention amount determination device, method, and computer program
A driving attention amount determination apparatus includes: an electroencephalogram measurement section for measuring an electroencephalogram signal of a driver; a central stimulation presentation section for presenting a visual stimulation in a central visual field of the driver; a peripheral stimulation presentation section for presenting a visual stimulation in a peripheral visual field of the driver; a threshold setting section for setting a determination threshold for attention amount determination from a distribution of amplitude of an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on a point of presenting the stimulation in the central visual field as a starting point; and an attention amount determination section for determining an attention amount through a comparison between the determination threshold and an amplitude of an event-related potential in the electroencephalogram signal based on a point of presenting the stimulation in the peripheral visual field as a starting point. |
| US08730325B2 |
Traveling lane detector
A traveling lane detector according to the present invention includes: an imaging unit mounted on a vehicle to take a road surface image; and an image processor performing image processing on the image to detect lane marks on the road surface. The image processor judges whether the vehicle is crossing the lane marks, and, when the vehicle is not crossing any of the lane marks, defines first and second windows, in the image, for detecting the lane marks located respectively on left and right parts of a road surface in front of or behind the vehicle, performs image processing on the image in each of the windows to detect the lane marks, and, when the vehicle is crossing any of the lane marks, defines a third window including the currently-crossed lane mark in the image, performs image processing on the image in the third window to detect the lane mark. |
| US08730324B1 |
Integrated antenna system for imaging microsatellites
Examples of imaging microsatellites are described that have an imaging system and antenna system disposed within the microsatellite body when the microsatellite is in a non-deployed state. The properties of the antenna system can be adjusted such that the antenna system does not impact, contact, or displace the imaging system when the microsatellite is in the non-deployed state. The properties of the antenna system can be adjusted such that the antenna system does not contact or impact the body of the microsatellite or any other structure when the microsatellite transitions to a deployed state. The antenna system can be configured to achieve a desired gain and/or data transmission rate by adjusting properties of the antenna system based on the radiation pattern of an antenna feed and geometric constraints imposed by the imaging system. Examples of methods for designing such imaging microsatellites are provided. |
| US08730320B2 |
Lighting apparatus
Irradiation light LA and irradiation light LB, which are to be projected toward an irradiation target object from a plurality of irradiation light projection units, respectively, are corrected so as to be ached with outlines of the irradiation target object, which are viewed individually from the irradiation light projection units. In such a way, a surface of the irradiation target object is coated with irradiation light LA′ and irradiation light LB′, which are narrower in range than the irradiation light LA and the irradiation light LA. In such a way, the irradiation target object having an arbitrary shape is coated with the plural pieces of irradiation light with high accuracy. |
| US08730319B2 |
Display device, image data generating device, image data generating program, and display method
According to one embodiment, a display device includes an image data generating unit and a display unit. The image data generating unit generates image data on an image. The display unit presents a video including the image data to an image viewer on a moving body to superimpose the video on an actual outside scene. The image data includes a first display object and a second display object. The first display object includes a lower part object. The lower part object has a lower part, an upper right part and an upper left part. A length of the lower part along a normal direction is longer than lengths of the upper right and upper left parts. The second display object is disposed in the image with reference to a display position of the first display object. The second display object includes information on the moving body. |
| US08730316B2 |
Cable apparatus
A cable apparatus is provided and includes a cable to assume discrete positions, an actuator operably coupled to the cable and including a power source and a cable unit, which, when activated, causes the cable to translate and draws power from the power source and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable translation and a housing operably disposed along the cable and including a first element that rotates and translates with respect to the cable and a second element fixed to the cable, the first element being configured to cause the second element to rotate. |
| US08730311B2 |
Manufacturing device of a film patterned retarder for a three dimensional display device
The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing device of a film patterned retarder for a three dimensional display devices. The present disclosure suggests a device for manufacturing a film patterned retarder comprising: a light source configured to irradiate an ultra violet light to an exposure area; a left polarizer and a right polarizer disposed in neighboring on a same leveled plane within the exposure area; a left pattern mask overlapping with the left polarizer and a right pattern mask overlapping with the right polarizer; and a film roller configured to rotate with a constant speed, to contact a base film on its surface and to move the base film with the constant speed. The manufacturing process is very simple and the cost for manufacturing the film patterned retarder according to the present disclosure is saved. |
| US08730310B2 |
Reproducing device, reproduction control method and program
A reproducing device includes a reproducing section that reproduces a two-dimensional video and a three-dimensional video recorded on a predetermined video recording medium, and a reproduction controller that controls to reproduce a three-dimensional test video for confirmation of stereovision by a viewer before reproducing the three-dimensional video, when the video reproduced by the reproducing section is switched from the two-dimensional video to the three-dimensional video. |
| US08730306B2 |
3-D projection full color multimedia display
Methods and systems are described herein which produce polarization-independent full color images suitable for rear-projection television sets and other multimedia displays. The system uses illumination with R, G, B light from two different light sources for each color. A viewer wears glasses with narrowband optical filters, preferably holographic filters. The R, G, B light from the light sources is slightly offset at each of the 3 emission wavelengths, with one set of R, G, B light being filtered by the holographic filter in front of the left eye of the, and the other set of R, G, B light being filtered by the holographic filter in front of the viewer's right eye. |
| US08730305B2 |
Digital photographing apparatus having common angle of view display function, method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and medium for recording the method
A digital photographing apparatus includes a plurality of image pickup units that capture a plurality of images, a first image processing unit that generates a single input image from the plurality of images, a second image processing unit that generates a display image comprising common angle of view information in which the angle of view information of each of the plurality of image pickup units with respect to the single input image overlap, and a display unit that displays the display image. Each of the plurality of images shows a different parallax with respect to a subject, and each of the plurality of image pickup units have angle of view information. |
| US08730301B2 |
Service linkage to caption disparity data transport
A method of processing disparity data for closed captions for three dimensional video involves receiving closed caption data including closed caption text within a service block having a service number in the range of 1-6; mapping the service number to a corresponding mapped extended service having a service number in the range of 7 through 63; parsing the disparity data from the closed caption data appearing in the mapped extended service; receiving closed caption text data; and processing the caption text and disparity data to produce an output suitable for defining a rendering of a three dimensional image on a display of the caption text at a z-axis position defined by the disparity data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08730295B2 |
Audio processing for video conferencing
Methods, systems, and computer program products for enhancing transmitted audio signals for a video conference call are disclosed. Facial recognition technology and audio processing techniques determine a position of a speaking member of a party on a video conference. Based on the determined position of the speaking member, the directionality of the received audio signals can be adjusted towards the speaking member. The video conference system can transmit the adjusted audio signals. |
| US08730294B2 |
Internet protocol television audio and video calling
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive an audio call or a video call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the audio call or video call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer one of the audio call or the video call. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the audio call through a speaker of a presentation device when an audio call is answered. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08730289B2 |
Light emission apparatus, optical scanning apparatus including the light emission apparatus, and image forming apparatus including the optical scanning apparatus
In a light emission apparatus which is connected to a board to which a VCSEL is bonded, and to a laser holder and which is configured to bring the VCSEL on the board into contact with a contact portion provided on the laser holder, through elastic deformation, the board is deformed due to fluctuations in the state of elastic deformation of a connection member, and electrical connection with the VCSEL is cut off by this deformation wherein a plate spring configured to press the connection member toward the laser holder side is provided. |
| US08730287B2 |
Ribbon drive assembly
A ribbon drive assembly for optimizing the tension across a ribbon supply in a thermal transfer printer comprising a supply spindle and a take up spindle operable for cooperating with each other such that the ribbon supply is fed from the supply spindle through a print station and metered onto the take up spindle. Each spindle is provided with and connected to a motor, a plurality of gears, and a rotary encoder such that the spindles may be independently controlled by a control processor. The control processor is operable for monitoring, detecting, and controlling the operation of the motors and spindles. During operation and in order to maintain a constant ribbon tension, the torque on the motors are continuously adjusted in accordance with various data provided by the printer's processor. |
| US08730286B2 |
Thermal head manufacturing method, thermal head, and printer
A method of manufacturing a thermal head, including: forming a concave being, which is open on one surface of a support-substrate made of an alumina material; forming an intermediate-layer made of a glass paste by printing the glass paste made of a first-glass-material on the one surface of the support-substrate and baking the glass paste; bonding an upper-substrate to the one surface of the support-substrate by arranging the upper-substrate on the intermediate-layer formed on the one surface of the support-substrate in a laminated state and heating the upper-substrate at a temperature of an annealing point thereof or higher and a softening point thereof or lower, the upper-substrate being made of a second-glass-material having a softening point lower than a softening point of the first-glass-material; and forming a heat generating resistor on a surface of the upper-substrate bonded to the support-substrate at a position opposed to the concave portion. |
| US08730284B2 |
Printing apparatus and control method thereof
A printing apparatus includes an ink ribbon on which a plurality of color inks are arranged frame-sequentially, a printing unit configured to be able to print by a predetermined length by transferring the plurality of color inks onto roll paper by one cycle of the ink ribbon, and a print control unit configured to control the printing apparatus to successively print two calendar sheets in case that the printing apparatus is instructed to print a calendar sheet having a length larger than the predetermined length. The calendar sheet includes an image area corresponding to the predetermined length and a date area having a length not larger than substantially 0.5 times of the predetermined length. The print control unit controls the printing apparatus to rotate, through 180°, one of the two calendar sheets to be successively printed, and print. |
| US08730283B2 |
Credential substrate feeding in a credential processing device
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to credential processing devices and methods of feeding credential substrates in a credential processing device. One exemplary embodiment of the credential processing device includes a processing path, a print head, a transport mechanism, a first motor, a substrate input and an input feed mechanism. The print head is configured to print to a surface of a credential substrate that is fed along the processing path. The transport mechanism comprises one or more transport feed rollers that are configured to feed individual credential substrates along the processing path. The first motor is configured to drive the one or more transport feed rollers. The substrate input comprises an input feed roller configured to feed individual substrates from a supply to the transport mechanism. The input feed mechanism has an activated state, in which the input feed roller is mechanically coupled to the motor, and a deactivated state, in which the input feed roller is mechanically decoupled from the motor. |
| US08730281B2 |
Image display device
The invention provides an image display device that has an especially satisfactory display quality for animated images, and sufficiently suppresses the irregularities of display quality among pixels. The image display device includes a light emitting drive means that drives a light emitting means, based on an analog display signal inputted to the pixels, and a light emitting control switch for controlling a light-on or light-off of the light emitting means on one end of the light emitting drive means in each pixel. |
| US08730277B2 |
Driving device, driving method, image display device, television receiver, display monitor device, program and record medium
A driving device of a embodiment of the invention for driving a pixel array section includes a generation device (weighted average calculation section) for generating pixel values of driving signals of at least one color for pixels of the at least one color among driving signals of colors to be supplied sequentially to the pixel array section, the generation device being configured to generate the pixel values for each pixel of the at least one color on (i) a pixel value of the pixel in a current frame of the color of the pixel and (ii) a pixel value of the pixel in a previous of the same. This makes it possible to create a subframe appropriate in display position and luminance, thereby realizing an image display signal device, driving method, image display device, television receiver, and display monitor device, in which color breaking is effectively alleviated. |
| US08730276B2 |
Display device
A display device which effectively reduces the occurrences of a false contour is provided. A driver digitally drives each pixel by obtaining a plurality of bit data from pixel data for one pixel to assign the plurality of bit data to a corresponding subframe; configuring one frame with a predetermined number of unit frames; and supplying corresponding bit data in each unit frame to each pixel. Specifically, an analyzing circuit 5-5 predicts a probability of occurrence of a false contour in one screen of the video signal based on the presence or absence of a true contour. A display method based on the video signal is set in accordance with an analysis result. |
| US08730271B2 |
Method and device for controlling power of active matrix organic light-emitting diode
A method and device for controlling power of an active matrix organic light-emitting diode are provided. The method for controlling power of an active matrix organic light-emitting diode includes: calculating a frame data rate, which is a ratio of a light emitting pixel quantity representing a specific color in an image data to be displayed; determining a luminance reducing amount mapped to the frame data rate; and controlling and displaying an entire luminance of an image according to the luminance reducing amount. |
| US08730258B1 |
Anti-aliasing of straight lines within a map image
A graphics or image rendering system, such as a map image rendering system, receives image data from an image database in the form of vector data that defines various image objects, such as roads, boundaries, etc., which are to be rendered as straight lines within an image. The imaging rendering system renders the image objects by applying an anti-aliasing technique that determines varying pixel color values at or near the edges of each straight line to be rendered on the image, so as to obtain a pleasing visual effect when rendering a road or other boundary in any orientation on the image screen. The anti-aliasing technique determines a scaling vector having values dependent on the location of a particular pixel in the image along the normal to the straight line forming a road and determines a pixel color value at each pixel location associated with the road based on this scaling vector, such that the pixel color value at each pixel in or near the line is proportional to a component of the scaling vector. This technique produces a more gradual transition in pixel color values from a non-road location to a road location in the image, and thus provides a non-aliased rendering of the road regardless of the orientation or direction in which the road is being rendered in the image. |
| US08730255B2 |
Video signal processing circuit, video signal processing method used in same, and image display device using same
There is provided a video signal processing method for performing predetermined signal processing on an input video signal to transmit an output video signal in a form of a specified transmission format through a video signal line including invalid bit polarity setting processing to be performed by an invalid bit polarity setting unit, wherein, when there exists an invalid bit having no data corresponding to data making up the input video signal in the specified transmission format of the output video signal, to count the number of low and high levels of gray-level data of the input video signal to compare a numerical size between the number of low levels and the number of high levels for judgment and to set a polarity of the invalid bit based on the judgment result. |
| US08730252B1 |
System, method and computer program product for bump mapping
A system, method and computer program product are provided for bump mapping in a hardware graphics processor. Initially, a first set of texture coordinates is received. The texture coordinates are then multiplied by a matrix to generate results. A second set of texture coordinates is then offset utilizing the results. The offset second set of texture coordinates is then mapped to color. |
| US08730251B2 |
Switching video streams for a display without a visible interruption
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates driving a display in a computer system. During operation, the system receives an input video stream from a graphics source. The system directs the input video stream through a front memory buffer and a back memory buffer to produce an output video stream. While directing the input video stream through the set of memory buffers, the system writes a video frame from the input video stream into the back buffer, and concurrently drives the output video stream from a preceding video frame in the front buffer. When the writing of the video frame completes, the system switches buffers so that the back buffer becomes the front buffer, which drives the output video stream, and the front buffer becomes either a spare buffer or the back buffer, which receives a subsequent frame from the input video stream. |
| US08730250B2 |
Image processor and command processing method
An image processor includes a video input unit that counts the number of input pixel data and a command fetch/issue unit calculates, when a command including information concerning a relative position register in which a delay amount from input of pixel data until execution of a command is stored is fetched, a pixel position of processing target pixel data based on the delay amount and a count result and determines, based on the calculated pixel position, whether signal processing should be performed or specifies an operand used in arithmetic operation. |
| US08730249B2 |
Parallel array architecture for a graphics processor
A parallel array architecture for a graphics processor includes a multithreaded core array including a plurality of processing clusters, each processing cluster including at least one processing core operable to execute a pixel shader program that generates pixel data from coverage data; a rasterizer configured to generate coverage data for each of a plurality of pixels; and pixel distribution logic configured to deliver the coverage data from the rasterizer to one of the processing clusters in the multithreaded core array. A crossbar coupled to each of the processing clusters is configured to deliver pixel data from the processing clusters to a frame buffer having a plurality of partitions. |
| US08730248B2 |
Multi-graphics processor system, graphics processor and data transfer method
A multi-graphics processor system includes a CPU; a first GPU connected to the CPU via an input/output interface; and a second GPU connected to the first GPU via a second-GPU interface. The first GPU is provided with a second-GPU bus for communicating the CPU and the second GPU via the second-GPU interface. The CPU communicates with the second GPU via the second-GPU bus after receiving a signal indicating the timing of the data communication. |
| US08730247B2 |
Multi-graphics processor system, graphics processor and rendering method
A first GPU is provided with a digital video output terminal (Vout terminal) for connection to an external source. A digital video signal output from the Vout terminal is provided to a display device via a HDMI. The first GPU and a second GPU are connected to each other via a data bus for bidirectional data exchange. The second GPU applies a predetermined rendering process on data provided from the first GPU via a data input and output interface. The rendered data is returned to the first GPU via the data input and output interface. The first GPU processes the data returned from the second GPU as necessary and outputs a digital video signal via the Vout terminal and the HDMI. |
| US08730243B2 |
Systems, methods, and user interfaces for displaying waveform information
A system for displaying physiological information. The system includes a graph module that is configured to provide a two-dimensional virtual graph having a time dimension and a signal dimension. The virtual graph includes time indicators that are spaced along the time dimension and signal indicators that are spaced along the signal dimension. The system also includes a waveform module that is configured to obtain physiological signals as a function of time. The waveform module is configured to plot a waveform based upon the physiological signals onto the virtual graph. A user interface is configured to display the waveform and the virtual graph in a viewable area. The time and signal indicators of the virtual graph shift along the time dimension at a recording speed as the waveform is plotted. The plotted waveform has a fixed relationship with respect to the time and signal indicators and shifts at the recording speed. |
| US08730241B2 |
Techniques for drawing curved edges in graphs
A system and method for drawing curved edges in graphs is disclosed. The system and method implement a heuristic algorithm to draw curved edges in graphs using Bezier curves. The algorithm assumes that every pair of nodes has a unique edge between them. It also assumes that the graph is “leveled,” which means the nodes can be grouped such that all the nodes in a group are laid out at the same y location in a vertical layout. Any generic graph can be converted to a leveled graph, so the techniques described in the algorithm are applicable to any graph. |
| US08730233B2 |
Mesh estimation of terrain
A method for generating a three dimensional grid of terrain includes receiving data representing a three-dimensional point cloud and generating a plurality of slices of the data. The method evaluates the slices using a swarm intelligence algorithm. The method is able to identify both terrain and objects. The terrain can also be identified as traversable terrain. |
| US08730228B2 |
Driving circuit for light emitting diode
A pulse modulator generates a first pulse signal having a duty ratio which is adjusted such that a detection voltage which indicates the electrical state of an LED string to be driven matches a predetermined reference voltage. A first pulse signal is applied to a primary coil of a pulse transformer. A DC/DC converter includes a switching element the ON/OFF operation of which is controlled according to a signal that originates at a secondary coil of the pulse transformer. The DC/DC converter stabilizes an input voltage Vdc, and supplies the input voltage Vdc thus stabilized to the anode of the LED string. |
| US08730225B2 |
Electro-wetting display device
An electro-wetting display device includes a polar fluid layer, a pixel electrode, a non-polar black fluid layer, a driving electrode, and a color fluid layer. The non-polar black fluid is deformed by a voltage difference between a voltage applied to the pixel electrode and a voltage applied to the polar fluid layer. the non-polar color fluid is deformed by a voltage difference between a voltage applied to the driving electrode and a voltage applied to the polar fluid layer. The driving electrode receives a voltage having a voltage level varied according to a display mode. |
| US08730224B2 |
Stereoscopic image display device and driving method thereof
A stereoscopic image display device comprises: a display panel including thin film transistors (TFTs) formed at crossings of data lines and gate lines and m×n (m and n are positive integers) number of pixels divided into main subpixels and auxiliary subpixels; a data driving circuit supplying a data voltage of a two-dimensional (2D) image to the data lines in a 2D mode and supplying a data voltage of a three-dimensional (3D) image to the data lines in a 3D mode; and a gate driving circuit simultaneously supplying gate pulses to a pair of gate lines including neighboring gate lines in the 2D mode and simultaneously supplying gate pulses to even-numbered gate lines in the 3D mode. |
| US08730223B2 |
Source driver and display device having the same
A source driver includes a gamma reference voltage generating unit and a gamma signal supplying unit. The gamma reference voltage generating unit generates a plurality of gamma reference voltages in response to a gamma control signal. The gamma signal supplying unit is integrated into a display panel and provides a gamma signal to data lines of the display panel using the gamma reference voltages. |
| US08730222B2 |
Display capable of improving frame quality and method thereof
A display capable of improving frame quality includes a display panel, a timing controller, and a source driver. The timing controller is used for generating a scan start signal, and generating at least one control signal in a blanking time of the display panel according to polarity of a last datum before the blanking time and polarity of a first datum after the blanking time. The source driver is used for generating at least one datum synchronized with the at least one control signal according to the polarity of the last datum before the blanking time, a voltage of the first datum after the blanking time and the at least one control signal. The source driver does not change a last datum of the at least one datum after the at least one control signal in the blanking time. |
| US08730220B2 |
Display device
To provide a display device in which reliability of a driver circuit can be improved by suppressing shift of the threshold voltage of a TFT. The minimum power supply voltage that is optimal for driving a transistor used in the driver circuit is found by actually changing voltage applied to a gate of the transistor. Specifically, voltage that is output from an output circuit included in the driver circuit when a value of power supply voltage applied to a shift register is changed is monitored. Then, a value of the power supply voltage is found such that a value of the voltage output from the output circuit satisfies a value enough to operate a pixel portion, and the driver circuit is operated using the power supply voltage. |
| US08730218B2 |
Ambient light-compensated reflective display devices and methods related thereto
Various embodiments include devices, methods, data structures, and software that allow a reflective display device to, among other things, determine color components of a first image, detect an ambient light color composition, and weight one or more of the color components of the first image to provide a compensated image for display on the reflective display device. In one embodiment, the weighting compensates for a difference between the detected ambient light color composition and a specified color balance. |
| US08730209B2 |
Method for resolving blind spots associated with proximity sensors
A method for resolving blind spots associated with a proximity sensor provides an optical guide in cooperation with an isolator wall that separates a transmitting section and a receiving section of the proximity sensor. Additionally, a specific guide angle of the optical guide directs, towards a receiver, more light rays reflected off an external object than light rays transmitted from a light source in the transmitting section. |
| US08730208B2 |
Touch screen apparatus and driving method thereof
A touch screen apparatus and a driving method thereof are provided. The touch screen drive circuit performs a setup operation for selecting Tx lines to be supplied with the drive signal and Rx lines to receive the voltages of the touch sensors, a sensing operation for supplying a drive signal to the Tx lines and receiving and sampling touch sensor voltages through the Rx lines, an ADC operation for converting the sampled voltages into digital data, a coordinate detection operation for analyzing the digital data by a preset touch detection algorithm and estimating the coordinates of a touch input position, and a data transmission operation for transmitting touch coordinate data comprising the coordinates to an external system. At least two operations among the setup operation, the sensing operation, and the ADC operation are performed in parallel. |
| US08730207B2 |
Method of driving and detection for capacitive touch screen and device thereof
A method of driving and detection for a capacitive touch screen and a device thereof are provided. The method includes: sending, from a driving side, excitation signals through a plurality of channels simultaneously during the same driving and detection time period; receiving, by each of receiving channels at a receiving side, a charge signal generated from the excitation signals through coupling capacitances at corresponding touch detection points, and performing detection, which includes: converting and amplifying the charge signal into a voltage signal, and performing signal demodulation and analog-to-digital conversion on the voltage signal; and storing digital signals obtained from the analog-to-digital conversion, and analyzing the digital signals by a controller to obtain a detection result. This can achieve rapid scan, increase frame rate in detection, and meet the rapidity requirement for performing display driving and touch detection at different time slots. |
| US08730206B2 |
Display device including a touch sensor
A display device includes: a first insulation substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface; a transparent conductive layer disposed on the upper surface of the first insulation substrate; a gate line disposed on the lower surface of the first insulation substrate; a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line; a semiconductor layer disposed on the gate insulating layer; a data line disposed on the semiconductor layer and connected to a source electrode and a drain electrode facing the source electrode; and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode, where the gate line, the gate insulating layer, the semiconductor layer and the data line are sequentially disposed on the lower surface of the first insulation substrate. |
| US08730204B2 |
Systems and methods for signaling and interference detection in sensor devices
An input device processing system comprises a sensor module that transmits a first transmitter signal with a transmitter electrode and receives a resulting signal with a receiver electrode. The first transmitter signal comprises a first transmitter frequency, and the resulting signal comprises effects corresponding to the first transmitter signal. A demodulation module demodulates the resulting signal to produce a first signal (e.g., an upper sideband signal) and a second signal (a lower sideband signal), selectably determines a first measurement of a change in capacitive coupling between the transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode based on at least one of the first and second signals, and determines positional information for an input object based on the first measurement. |
| US08730199B2 |
Capacitive control panel
A control panel for proximity and force sensing, includes a cover layer, a first electrode layer including a first force sensor electrode, a second force sensor electrode positioned in a second electrode layer or on a support layer, and a dielectric substrate at least a portion of which is compressible and is positioned between the first and second force sensor electrodes. The support layer is positioned to support at the vicinity of the second force sensor electrode support location so that compression of the dielectric substrate and the separation of the first and second force sensor electrodes depends on the magnitude of a force applied to the cover layer. Touch sensor electrodes are positioned on one or more of the electrode layers such that their capacitance depends on proximity of an object such as a finger. Controllers measure the capacitance of the force and touch sensor electrodes respectively and output force and touch proximity signals. |
| US08730195B2 |
Touch-sensitive device and touch-sensitive display device
A touch-sensitive device includes a transparent substrate, a touch-sensing structure, a decorative layer, a trace layer, a passivation layer and a sheltering layer. The touch-sensing structure is disposed on the transparent substrate and located in a touch-sensitive region. The decorative layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and located in a non-touch-sensitive region, and the trace layer is disposed on the decorative layer. The passivation layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and at least covers the touch-sensing structure and the trace layer. The sheltering layer is disposed at least on the passivation layer and located in the non-touch-sensitive region. |
| US08730191B2 |
Touch screen panel protected against failure due to static electricity
A touch screen panel comprises a plurality of first sensing cells connected along a first direction on a transparent substrate, and a plurality of second sensing cells disposed between respective first sensing cells and connected along a second direction. A plurality of first connection patterns connects the first sensing cells along the first direction and a plurality of second connection patterns connects the second sensing cells along the second direction A plurality of static electricity induction patterns are connected to the first or second sensing cells and extend in a direction toward a sensing cell adjacent to a sensing cell to which each of the static electricity induction patterns is connected so that its end portion overlaps the neighboring sensing cell. A first insulating layer is interposed between the first and second patterns, and between the static electricity induction patterns and the neighboring sensing cell. |
| US08730188B2 |
Gesture input on a portable electronic device and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling an electronic device, including a touch-sensitive display, includes detecting a gesture associated with a gesture character entry mode and determining a direction of the gesture on the touch-sensitive display, determining ones of a plurality of characters associated with the gesture based on the direction, and adding the ones of the plurality of characters to candidate character strings. |
| US08730185B2 |
User interface with annular touch sensor array
Provided is a user interface comprising a substrate having a through-hole, an annular touch sensor array located on the substrate and at least partially surrounding the through-hole, and a display device in alignment the through-hole. |
| US08730180B2 |
Control of input/output through touch
A mobile terminal including a speaker configured to output sound data, a microphone configured to receive voice data, a sensing unit configured to sense a touching operation of at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) a neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone, and a controller configured to control a volume of the speaker or the microphone based on the sensed touching operation of said at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) the neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone. |
| US08730179B2 |
Integrated touch sensor and solar assembly
Integrated touch sensor and solar panel stack-up configurations that may be used on portable devices, particularly handheld portable devices such as a media player or phone are disclosed. The solar cell stack-up configurations may include one or more touch sensor layers and one or more solar cell layers. By integrating both the touch sensors and the solar cell layers into the same stack-up, surface area on the portable device may be conserved. The solar panel may be mounted face down or otherwise obstructed by a touch sensor or other component. In this configuration, the device may include light channels that allow light into the device and direct the light around the component and to the solar panel. A parabolic reflector may be used to direct the light. |
| US08730178B2 |
Touch screen
A touch screen includes a liquid crystal layer, an upper transparent conductive layer, a lower transparent conductive layer, an upper transparent plate, a lower transparent plate, an upper polarizing plate, a lower polarizing plate and a circuit unit. The upper transparent conductive layer, the upper transparent plate, the circuit unit and the upper polarizing plate are disposed on the liquid crystal layer in the above-mentioned order from one side of the liquid crystal layer. The lower transparent conductive layer, the lower transparent plate and the lower polarizing plate are disposed under the liquid crystal layer in the above-mentioned order from another side of the liquid crystal layer. |
| US08730176B2 |
Handheld electronic device including automatic preferred selection of a punctuation, and associated method
A method of enabling input on a handheld electronic device, which includes an input apparatus having a number of input members that are capable of being actuated, wherein at least one of the input members has a plurality of selectable output alternatives, includes detecting as a first input an actuation of an input member, generating a first output, detecting as a second input an actuation of an input member having a plurality of selectable output alternatives comprising at least a primary punctuation and a secondary punctuation, determining that said first output has a predetermined characteristic, preferring as a second output said secondary punctuation, and outputting said second output. |
| US08730172B2 |
Electronic device utilizing a text input method
A character input method is implemented in a device with a plurality of keys. If a key is activated by a first operation matching a first input pattern, a first route is selected to traverse a plurality of characters corresponded by the key during presentation of the plurality of characters. If the first key is activated by a second operation matching a second input pattern, the plurality of characters corresponded by the first key are orderly retrieved and presented according to a second route in response to operations on the first key. The order for presenting two characters corresponded by the first key in the first route is reversed in the second route. |
| US08730170B2 |
Ergonomic computer mouse
A healthcare mouse is a computer mouse with a keypad that has an operational direction of horizontal back-and-forth movement, which is different from the vertical up-and-down movement of a traditional mouse's keypad. The healthcare mouse includes a shell, a keypad on the shell with an inner rod, a core circuit board inside the shell, and a click switch that is inside the shell and contacts the inner rod of the keypad through its touch top. The click switch and the core circuit board are electrically connected to each other. The keypad is disposed on the stand-up part of the front end of the shell in a way that enables it to move only fore and aft. The technical configuration of the healthcare mouse allows the user's finger to stay in a completely natural and relaxed flexuous or straight state while the healthcare mouse is not being clicked. |
| US08730168B2 |
Contaminant-resistant optical mouse and cradle
A contaminant-neutralizing cradle comprises a base and a support surface configured to removably receive a coherently-illuminated mouse. A neutralizing element is disposed on the support surface for alignment with at least one exposed surface of an optics module of the mouse and is configured to neutralize the optical effect of a contaminant on the at least one exposed surface. A method of neutralizing contaminants for an optical mouse comprises providing a mouse containing an optics module having at least one surface exposed to an opening of the mouse and interposing a barrier in the mouse between a contaminant and the at least one exposed surface. A method of detecting contaminants comprises aligning an optics module of a mouse with an imaging surface, obtaining a first image of the imaging surface, via application of coherent illumination from the optics module to the imaging surface, analyzing the first image to identify an interference pattern associated with a contaminant, alerting a user if a parameter of the interference pattern exceeds a threshold value. |
| US08730164B2 |
Gesture recognition apparatus and method of gesture recognition
A gesture recognition apparatus (200) which controls a display device (101) based on a gesture operation performed by a user in a vicinity of a screen (101a) includes: a picture obtainment unit (201) which obtains a picture of the vicinity of the screen (101a); a direction determination unit (204) which determines, based on position information indicating a direction from the screen (101a) or the picture obtainment unit (201) toward the user, an operational direction which is a direction of a movement to be recognized as the gesture operation; a gesture recognition unit (205) which recognizes, as the gesture operation, a movement of whole or part of a body of the user in the operational direction determined by the direction determination unit, with reference to the obtained picture; and a display control unit (206) which controls the display device (101) based on the recognized gesture operation. |
| US08730163B2 |
Flat panel display
A flat panel display including a first substrate comprising an emission region and a non-emission region, a light emission unit on the emission region, a first sensing unit on the non-emission region, and a second sensing unit on the non-emission region, wherein the first and second sensing units are arranged to allow determination of a tilt angle of the flat panel display using light intensities measured by the first and second sensing units. |
| US08730161B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a reception section which receives contact position information indicating a contact position of an operating tool on a contact surface, a cursor position control section which decides pre-movement position information indicating a position on a display surface of a cursor before being moved based on the contact position information. The reception section further receives an operating tool-movement vector indicating a direction in which and a distance by which the operating tool moves on the contact surface from the contact position while being in contact with the contact surface. The cursor position control section calculates a cursor-movement vector based on the operating tool-movement vector, and decides post-movement position information indicating a position of the cursor after being moved on a basis of the pre-movement position information and in accordance with the cursor-movement vector. |
| US08730160B2 |
Retention mechanism for a navigation tool
A retention mechanism for a navigation tool of a mobile device includes a base member and a retainer member. The base member is adapted for insertion into a cutout of a support structure of the mobile device. The retainer member is configured for mating engagement with the base member. A navigation tool is retained between the base member and the retainer member, and a portion of the navigation tool extends through an aperture of the retainer member. A support structure of the mobile device can form a cutout corresponding to the base member to receive the retention mechanism. The base member can protrude through cutout so a bottom of the base member extends a distance beyond a bottom surface of the support structure, thereby allowing for the implementation of navigation tool on a mobile device without significantly altering the profile of the mobile device. |
| US08730159B2 |
Input device, terminal equipped with the same, and inputting method
An input device includes an input section having a detection section which detects a force transmitted via a human body when a trailing operation is performed on a part of the body contacting the input device, and outputs the force as detection data “a”; a timer management control unit which generates a timing for converting the detection data “a” into time-series data and outputs the timing as timing data “c”; an input information specifying unit which converts the detection data “a” into time-series data based on the timing data “c”, compares the time-series data with stored data “b” in a database which has been set beforehand, to thereby specify an input operation and output the input operation as input information specifying data “d”; and an information presenting unit which, upon receiving the input information specifying data “d”, displays a function assigned to the input operation. |
| US08730155B2 |
Operation device having features to assist a user in properly manipulating buttons thereof
Provided is an operation device to be held by a user with one hand when used. The operation device includes: a recessed portion formed at a position at which at least one of a thumb and fingers is placed when the user holds the operation device; and a main button which is disposed at a bottom of the recessed portion and has a top surface adjacent to a rim portion forming a side surface of the recessed portion. |
| US08730152B2 |
System and method for reinitializing a screen controller of an electronic display device
A system for and method of reinitializing a screen controller of an electronic display device, such as an electrophoretic display, are disclosed. The system may comprise at least one computer processor associated with a screen controller of an electrophoretic display device, where the at least one computer processor may be configured to initialize screen controller registers, loading a waveform into the screen controller of the electrophoretic display device, copying previously stored screen image data stored in direct memory access to current storage of the screen controller; and executing an update process to efficiently reinitialize the screen controller of the electrophoretic display after panel power to the electrophoretic display is provided by at least one power source of the electrophoretic display. |
| US08730150B2 |
Backlight module
A backlight module capable of dynamically adjusting brightness is proposed. According to the present invention, a backlight module comprises a light guide plate for guiding light, a first light source unit, and a second light source unit. A ridge-shaped groove is disposed on the middle of the bottom surface of the light guide plate. The first light source unit and the second light source unit are respectively disposed at the opposite sides of the light guide plate. Both of the first light source unit and the second light source unit comprises at least one light source. Each of the light sources of the first light source unit is symmetrically arranged with each of the light sources of the second light source unit on a one-on-one basis. The ridge-shaped groove divides the backlight module into two independent luminance domains, each dividing into multiple subdomains. Actual luminance of each subdomain is adjustable based on its predetermined brightness and distributions, reducing power consumption and enhance an image contrast. |
| US08730147B2 |
Backlight control circuit, backlight device, and liquid crystal display including the same
A backlight control circuit includes a shift register, first and second dividers, a counter/decoder, data registers and control signal generators. The shift register stores digital video data based on a transmission clock signal. The first and second dividers divide the transmission clock signal to generate first and second clock signals, respectively. The counter/decoder counts a number of pulses of the first clock signal and outputs a decoding signal. The decoding signal is used to set an output timing of the digital video data stored in the shift register. The data registers receive and store the digital video data stored in the shift register based on the decoding signal. The control signal generators generate brightness control signals based on the second clock signal in response to the digital video data stored in the data registers to locally control a brightness of light sources of a plurality of light sources. |
| US08730144B2 |
Driving circuit for display apparatus
A driving circuit includes a plurality of stages driven in response to a start signal. Each normal stage outputs a gate signal and a carry signal, increases an electric potential of a node in response to a previous carry signal of a previous stage, and decreases the gate signal to a first voltage in response to a carry signal from a next stage. Each stage applies a second voltage lower than the first voltage to the node in response to receipt of a carry signal from a second next stage. A first dummy stage outputs a first dummy carry signal to the last two normal stages in response to a last carry signal from the last normal stage and the start signal, and a second dummy stage outputs a second dummy carry signal to the last normal stage in response to the first dummy carry signal and the start signal. |
| US08730143B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for driving the same
A liquid crystal display device capable of reducing power consumption of a gate driving circuit and a method for driving the same are discussed. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel including pixel regions defined by gate lines and data lines, a timing controller for outputting a plurality of data control signals, a plurality of clock pulses and a start pulse, a time-divisional switching unit for time-dividing the plurality of clock pulses and outputting time-divisional clock pulses, a data driving unit for driving the data lines according to the plurality of data control signals, and a gate driving unit including a plurality of stages for sequentially outputting scan pulses according to the start pulse and the plurality of time-divisional clock pulses, wherein the stages receive the time-divisional clock pulses in units of blocks and each of the time-divisional clock pulses supplied to the blocks is different. |
| US08730142B2 |
Gate line drive circuit
A gate line drive circuit includes: X level shift circuits configured to convert first address signals into second address signals; and a logic circuit configured to drive a selection gate line of N gate lines of a display unit based on the second address signals by supplying a first driving voltage to the selection gate line and by supplying a second driving voltage to non-selection gate lines of the N gate lines other than the selection gate line. X is an integer of 1 or more. N is equal to 2 raised to a power X. The first address signals includes X voltages each of which is a first voltage or a second voltage. The second address signals includes X driving voltages each of which is the first driving voltage or the second driving voltage. |
| US08730132B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method of operating the same
An organic light emitting display (OLED) device having a demultiplexer and a method of operating the OLED are disclosed. In the OLED device, each pixel column is provided two data lines, and each data line is connected to odd or even row pixels of the column. Accordingly, a data signal can be supplied to one of the data lines during one scan period, and transmitted to the corresponding pixels during a next scan period. Thus, because the data driver is only driving half the pixels of the column, the driving time is reduced. |
| US08730130B1 |
System and method for automatically aligning immersive displays
A system and method for automatically aligning immersive displays, including helmet-mounted displays, such displays creating composite images from at least one image source. A gimbal-mounted camera/rangefinder apparatus is used to create a high resolution three-dimensional (3D) map of the screen surface which, in turn, is used to generate geometric corrections of projected image segments. The rangefinder is typically a laser rangefinder and the laser element thereof can draw display channel outlines of the screen. The gimbal-mounted camera/rangefinder is used to automatically analyze a test pattern projected onto the screen, typically without geometric correction. Each defined point of the test pattern may then be “moved” to its proper location on the 3D screen map. Video signal processing, performed either in software or hardware, accomplishes geometric correction, edge blending, color (e.g., gamma) correction and intensity matching. Unique polygonal blend regions are used for edge blending. |
| US08730129B2 |
Advanced immersive visual display system
The present invention discloses an improved method and device for the immersive display of three-dimensional images with visual accommodation. An improved method for manufacturing a visual display incorporating a scanned light source and an improved method of presenting visual information are disclosed. A complete, immersive display environment is also presented. |
| US08730123B2 |
Antenna apparatus
A wireless communication module is arranged such that a radio frequency circuit board stands vertically on a first earth plate. The radio frequency circuit board includes first and second radio frequency transmission and reception circuits at both end portions, respectively. The radio frequency circuit board includes a second earth plate serving as a grounding electric potential of the radio frequency transmission and reception circuits. Feed lines from the radio frequency transmission and reception circuits are connected to the first earth plate, respectively. Ground lines of the feed from the radio frequency transmission and reception circuits, respectively, are connected to the second earth plate. Thus, vertical exciting currents flow at both end portions of the second earth plane, enabling transmission and reception of vertical polarization waves. |
| US08730113B2 |
Transmitting power and data
Apparatus, systems and methods to transmit power and data are provided. A particular apparatus includes a transmission component. The transmission component includes at least one first frequency selective surface (FSS) layer, at least one second FSS layer, and a dielectric layer separating the at least one first FSS layer and the at least one second FSS layer. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus also includes a first coupler coupled to the dielectric layer to send a signal along the transmission component. |
| US08730109B2 |
Radio frequency transmitting/receiving antenna with modifiable transmitting-receiving parameters
Radio transmitting and receiving slot antenna, comprising a transmitting and receiving portion, means for connection to a transmitting and/or receiving circuit, said transmitting and receiving portion being formed of two volumes of liquid delimiting a slot, and means to modify the shape of said volumes of liquid and to modify the width of the slot, said means to modify the shape of said volume of liquid using electrostatic forces, the liquid being electrically conductive, and a control unit controlling the means to deform the volumes of fluid. |
| US08730108B2 |
Multi-band antenna
A multi-band antenna includes a base portion, a substantially lying U-shaped first radiating portion, a substantially lying L-shaped second radiating portion and a third radiating portion. A rear edge of the base portion extends rearward to form a ground portion with a ground point being defined thereon. A top of the base portion defines a feeding point. The first radiating portion of which one end is connected with a first side edge of the base portion and the mouth faces to the first side edge of the base portion. The second radiating portion is connected with a second side edge of the base portion. The third radiating portion tortuously extends downward from a front edge of the base portion, then extends transversely, and further circuitously extends rearward to be located substantially near under a free arm of the second radiating portion. |
| US08730103B2 |
Dual antenna transfer switch system, method and apparatus
A system, methods, and apparatus for dual antenna transfer switching are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a dual antenna system includes antennas, antenna control units, a transfer switch, and a modem. For example, the transfer switch may transfer a connection between antennas based on changing satellite visibility, upon entering a preprogrammed blockage zone or an unexpected loss of satellite visibility. The transfer switch may receive GPS data from an external GPS unit and/or the antenna control units and buffer the GPS data to a modem. The transfer switch may provide a modem receive-lock signal to retarget a line of sight. The transfer switch may transfer the connection between the antennas based on satellite visibility including signal reception quality and/or a modem receive-lock status. The transfer switch may, based on a difference in antenna uplink transmission power, attenuate a higher power antenna to be balanced with a lower power antenna. |
| US08730096B2 |
Electronic scanning type radar device and method for estimating direction of reception wave
An electronic scanning type radar device mounted on a moving body includes: a transmission unit transmitting a transmission wave; a reception unit comprising a plurality of antennas receiving a reflection wave of the transmission wave from a target; a beat signal generation unit generating a beat signal from the transmission wave and the reflection wave; a frequency resolution processing unit frequency computing a complex number data; a target detection unit detecting an existence of the target; a correlation matrix computation unit computing a correlation matrix from each of a complex number data of a detected beat frequency; a target consolidation processing unit linking the target in a present detection cycle and a past detection cycle; a correlation matrix filtering unit generating an averaged correlation matrix by weighted averaging a correlation matrix of a target in the present detection cycle and a correlation matrix of a related target in the past detection cycle; and a direction detection unit computing an arrival direction of the reflection wave based on the averaged correlation matrix. |
| US08730095B1 |
Super-angular and range-resolution with phased array antenna and multifrequency dither
An electromagnetic transmitter arrangement includes an antenna line array or subarray defining at least first and second ends, and including first, second, third, fourth, and fifth antenna elements, arranged with the first antenna element at the first end, the fifth element at the second end, the third element at the center, the second element between the first and third elements, and the fourth element between the third and fifth elements. Multiple (N) corresponding radio frequency sources are provided, each source communicating with a respective antenna element along a given radio-frequency signal path extending from the given signal source to the given antenna element, and where a first signal source generates signals at frequency f0, and each of the N−1 additional sources generate signals at frequencies of f0±(N−1)Δf, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 5. |
| US08730094B2 |
Method for determining the distance of a vehicle from a radio beacon and radio beacon for this purpose
A method and a radio beacon for determining a distance of a vehicle passing a radio beacon of a road toll system, from beacon. The vehicle is equipped with an onboard unit, which emits a signal with a known curve of its frequency over time. The method includes receiving the signal in the radio beacon during passage of the vehicle and recording a curve of its frequency over time in relation to the known frequency curve; detecting a change in the recorded frequency curve exceeding a predetermined threshold value; looking for two far regions in the frequency curve lying before and after the detected change in time and showing a frequency change below a threshold value; scaling the recorded frequency curve in such a manner that the far regions assume predetermined values; and determining the said distance from a gradient of the scaled frequency curve in an inflection point thereof. |
| US08730092B2 |
Multistatic target detection and geolocation
Aspects of this invention are directed to the substantially improved detection and geolocation accuracy of targets (stationary or moving) by using the coherent data received at multiple airborne sensors. Further aspects are directed to aligning the (unknown) time-delayed and Doppler-shifted signals received at the multiple sensors relative to an arbitrary reference sensor, which depend on the unknown target position. This results in the target position and velocity vectors being simultaneously estimated and the detection peak enhanced by obtaining near coherent gain. Still further aspects are directed to the coherent generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and the minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) statistic for multistatic radar systems, conditioned on estimation of certain parameters that render the system coherent. Analytical and computer simulation results are presented to show substantially enhanced detection and geolocation of moving targets in clutter. |
| US08730089B2 |
Vehicle radar system
There are provided an object distinguishing unit that distinguishes an object every predetermined calculation cycle; and a state determination unit that determines a relative state between the object distinguished by the object distinguishing unit and a vehicle and that performs switching control in which based on the result of the determination, there is performed switching from one of a first angle detection unit and a second angle detection unit to the other in the next calculation cycle, and the value of an incident angle is inputted to the object distinguishing unit. |
| US08730087B2 |
Passive radar for presence and motion detection
A passive detector (10) includes a receiver (11) configured to collect passive radiation (12) in an environment, where detailed information about a portion of the passive radiation is estimated as a baseline of the passive energy. The passive energy is generated by a passive source unrelated to the detector. A monitor (24) is configured to measure a fluctuation in the baseline. A decision module (34) is coupled to the monitor to determine whether the fluctuation represents a presence or motion in the environment. Detection methods are also disclosed. |
| US08730085B2 |
Spot restoration for GPR image post-processing
A method and system for detecting the presence of subsurface objects within a medium is provided. In some embodiments, the imaging and detection system operates in a multistatic mode to collect radar return signals generated by an array of transceiver antenna pairs that is positioned across the surface and that travels down the surface. The imaging and detection system pre-processes the return signal to suppress certain undesirable effects. The imaging and detection system then generates synthetic aperture radar images from real aperture radar images generated from the pre-processed return signal. The imaging and detection system then post-processes the synthetic aperture radar images to improve detection of subsurface objects. The imaging and detection system identifies peaks in the energy levels of the post-processed image frame, which indicates the presence of a subsurface object. |
| US08730083B2 |
Analog-digital converter with calibration and receiver including the converter
According to an embodiment, there are provided a capacitor DAC for generating an output signal in accordance with a connection state of a capacitor element, a reference voltage generation circuit for supplying a reference voltage to the capacitor DAC, a comparator for outputting a comparison result in accordance with the output signal, a successive approximation register for outputting a digital signal in accordance with the comparison result, and a control circuit for controlling a connection state of the capacitor element in accordance with the comparison result and comparing an ideal code with a digital signal obtained by sampling a predetermined voltage, thereby correcting an error of the digital signal. |
| US08730078B2 |
Signal sensing circuit
A signal sensing circuit converts a received current input into a voltage output and provides the voltage output to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to generate a digital output signal. The voltage output is associated with a circuit having a first reference impedance, and a reference voltage of the ADC is associated with a circuit having a second reference impedance, wherein the circuit having the first reference impedance and the circuit having the second reference impedance are formed by the same material, so that the ratio between the changes in the current input and the changes in the value of the digital output signal is a constant. |
| US08730076B2 |
Spur reduction circuit
A circuit for modulating an input signal including a dither signal generator configured to generate a first dither signal having a maximum amplitude, a deamplifier configured to reduce the amplitude of said input signal so as to generate a deamplified input signal having a maximum amplitude that is comparable to the maximum amplitude of the dither signal, and a summer configured to sum the dither signal with the deamplified input signal. |
| US08730075B2 |
Apparatus and system to suppress analog front end noise introduced by charge-pump through employment of charge-pump skipping
An apparatus, comprising: a charge-pump; a sampler that samples an optical signal, including: a black sampler; a video sampler; and an analog to digital converter. The first aspect further provides a single clock that is coupled to and provides clocking signals to: a) the charge-pump logic that is coupled to the charge-pump; and b) the sampler logic that is coupled to the sampler that samples the optical signal, wherein if the clock for the charge pump is running faster than an analog front end (“AFE”) video sampling clock, a state-machine control is configured to: skip the charge pump clock period right before a video sample signal falling edge, thereby recovering to a normal operation the next charge-pump clock period, wherein this duty cycle modulation of charge pump clock will not substantially impact charge pump output. |
| US08730073B1 |
Pipelined analog-to-digital converter with dedicated clock cycle for quantization
A method for digitizing an analog signal through a pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) may include pipelining a sample sub-stage, a quantization sub-stage and an amplification sub-stage to an ADC lane. Within a first of multiple pipelined stages, clock phases may be assigned to the ADC lane, including a sample clock phase, a quantization clock phase, and an amplification clock phase such that the quantization clock phase is non-overlapping with the sample clock phase and the amplification clock phase. The non-overlapping feature may be facilitated by generating multiple reference clock phases for the sub-stages of multiple ADC lanes, and interleaving assignment of the sample clock phase, the quantization clock phase, and the amplification clock phase to the reference clock phases among the multiple lanes. |
| US08730070B2 |
Decoding method and decoder for unary/kth order exponential Golomb codes
A decoding method for unary/kth order exponential Golomb (UEGk) codes is provided. The first step is a receiving step: receiving N bits from an input stream and updating a bit count. If the N bits are all one, the receiving step is re-performed. If the N bits includes zero, a searching step is performed to find a first value based on the bit count. Subsequently, according to the bit count and a threshold value, a remaining bit number M is calculated. A second value is generated based on M remaining bits received from the input stream. Then, the first value and the second value are added, so as to generate an index. |
| US08730065B2 |
System and method for tactile presentation of information
A system for tactile presentation of information to a pilot of an aircraft. The system comprises a pilot seat, a plurality of tactors, and a controller configured to control the plurality of tactors to tactually present the threat information to the pilot by producing one or more tactile stimuli based on situational awareness information. The tactors in the plurality of tactors are physically coupled to the pilot seat and the threat information is indicative of a threat to the aircraft. In some embodiments, at least one pressure sensor may be physically coupled to the pilot seat and the plurality of tactors may be configured to tactually present the threat information to the pilot based at least in part on data obtained by the at least one pressure sensor. |
| US08730058B2 |
Analyte monitoring system having an alert
Described herein are analyte monitoring systems including a receiver or data processing component that is configured to automatically issue a first alert notification when a first predetermined number of consecutive data packets are not received from the sensor/sensor electronics, and automatically issue a second alert notification when a second predetermined number of consecutive data packets are not received by the sensor/sensor electronics. The receiver may also be configured to enable a user to disenable alert or alarm notifications that are triggered based on detected events. |
| US08730055B2 |
Display device of work vehicle
A display device for a work vehicle having a work apparatus operated by an actuator, the device comprising: a flow rate limit setting unit for variably setting a maximum flow rate level of hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator by operating an operating member; and a display unit for displaying the maximum flow rate level of the hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator; wherein the hydraulic oil whose flow rate corresponds to a manipulated variable of the operating member is supplied to and drained from the actuator within a range defined by the maximum flow rate level that is set by the flow rate limit setting unit to cause the work apparatus to operate, with an operating member symbol for indicating the operating member being displayed in the display unit; and the maximum flow rate level of the hydraulic oil supplied to and drained from the actuator by operating the operating member is displayed in accordance with the operating member symbol. |
| US08730051B1 |
Method and apparatus for concealing sensors in urban and industrial environments
The present invention provides a method of monitoring the position of a vehicle, vessel, rail car, barge, tanker truck that is loaded with bulk or hazardous material. A G.P.S unit is set to send a signal to a radio transmitter if the unit moves beyond a maximum permissible distance (for example, 50 feet or more). An oxygen sensor can be used to send a signal to a radio transmitter if oxygen levels fall below a selected minimum concentration. The radio transmitter can send the message to a tugboat crew, police department, fire department, company headquarters, civil defense office or other personnel if either of the unit has moved beyond the selected maximum travel distance or if oxygen levels fall below a minimum concentration. In addition to the radio transmission of oxygen concentration data and/or G.P.S position data, visible or audible alarms can be used such as strobe light, horn or the like. Also disclosed is a system for concealment of chemical and/or biological sensors in a building for urban or industrial environments. |
| US08730049B2 |
Water sensing electrode circuit
A water sensing electrode circuit comprises a voltage source; first electrode; second electrode; first resistor; second resistor; and an inverting comparator with an internal reference voltage, Vc; wherein: said voltage source, first electrode, second electrode, first resistor and second resistor are connected in series; and the negative input of said voltage comparator is attached to the junction of said first and second resistor. |
| US08730045B2 |
Isolating and RFID-based sensor from environmental interference
An RFID-based sensor is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The antenna is adapted to receive energy from an RF field and produce a signal. The sensor also includes a sensing material electrically connected to the antenna and having an electrical property which varies in the presence of an environmental factor. The sensor is further provided with a dielectric spacer material and a ground element which is adapted to at least partially isolate the sensing material from the environmental factor. |
| US08730043B1 |
Credit card holding device with security system
A card holding device featuring a housing with a plurality of slots in the top panel that allow passage of credit cards. Card holding mechanisms are disposed in the housing, which engage the credit cards. The card holding mechanisms can store the cards or eject the cards when activated. The card holding mechanisms can be locked and unlocked via a biometric scanner. Disposed on the housing is a display adapted to display the names or icons of each credit card stored in the device. When a user presses the icon, the card holding mechanism is activated and ejects that specific credit card from the housing. |
| US08730031B2 |
Communication system using an implantable device
The system of the present invention includes an implantable device that can detect high and low frequency current signature. The implantable device can communicate with a communication device that includes a conductive element, an electronic component, and a partial power source in the form of dissimilar materials. Upon contact with a conducting fluid, the communication device is activated. |
| US08730026B2 |
Vehicular lamp
The vehicular lamp of the present disclosure includes a lamp control unit configured to control the lighting state of the lamp, the sound generating device configured to generate an alarm sound from the lamp when the device is driven, and a sound generating control unit configured to control the sound generating device. The lamp control unit is configured such that a normal operation of the lamp control unit itself becomes impossible so as not to turn ON the lamp unit normally when a remodeling is performed to the sound generating control unit cutting off, for example, a power source line VW, a control line CW, and a driving line MW which are connected to the sound generating unit. |
| US08730024B1 |
Universal removable fuel tank indicator
A removable fuel tank indicator having a housing, wherein the housing is removable and universal to all automobiles and wherein the housing attaches to an automobile connection point located within the interior of the automobile; a removable arm temporarily attached to the housing, wherein the removable arm signals which side of the automobile a fuel tank is located; a means for attaching the housing to the automobile connection point wherein the automobile connection point is located within the interior of the automobile and said connection point is capable of attaching to the housing; the fragrance cartridge adapted for insertion into the opening and locking into the cavity of the housing, wherein where the cartridge is properly inserted into the opening and cavity of the housing. |
| US08730020B2 |
System and method for producing an audible alert for a vehicle
A method for controlling a vehicle to emanate an audible alert. The method includes determining when the vehicle is operating, and controlling a speaker system in the vehicle to emanate the audible alert outside of the vehicle for a period of time when the vehicle is operating. The audible alert has a sound profile that includes a simultaneous emanation of a first audible frequency component at a first sound pressure level and a second audible frequency component at a second sound pressure level, with the first and second sound pressure levels being greater than a sound pressure level of the sound profile at all other frequencies. The method further includes modulating the first sound pressure level of the first audible frequency component. |
| US08730019B2 |
Pull station
A pull station for an alarm includes a housing having an actuator mounted for movement with respect thereto. The actuator has a standby (i.e., normal) position and an alarm position. The actuator has a contoured actuation surface configured such that downward pressure on the actuation surface moves the actuator from the standby position to the alarm position. The actuator may be rotatably or slidably coupled to the housing. The actuation surface may extend beyond the front face of the housing when in the standby position. In some embodiments, the actuation surface is cup-shaped. In other embodiments, the actuation surface is v-shaped, with first and second angled portions forming oblique angles with respect to a lateral axis of the housing. Thus arranged, the actuator can be operated by a disabled who may not have complete hand or finger dexterity. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08730015B2 |
Duplication detection for non-cryptographic RFID tags using encrypted traceability information
A duplication detection module may be configured to determine if data on a RFID tag is encoded. If the data on the RFID tag is not encoded, the duplication detection module may determine that the RFID tag is a duplicate RFID tag and that an item associated with the duplicate RFID tag is counterfeit. If the data on the RFID tag is encoded, the duplication detection module may cause the decoder to decode the data on the RFID tag using a private key of a receiving party as a decoding parameter. The module may check for an item identifier and a sender identifier as a part of the encoded data, determine whether the item identifier has previously been read to determine if the RFID tag was duplicated during transport and compare the sender identifier with an expected sender identifier to determine if the RFID tag was duplicated during transport. |
| US08730014B2 |
System and method for monitoring objects, people, animals or places
An improved system and method for monitoring objects, people, animals, or places uses a passive Modulating Reflector (MR) tag where a characteristic of an antenna is modified according to a time-varying pattern by a modulating network thereby causing the reflective characteristics of the antenna to vary in accordance with the time-varying pattern. When an interrogator transmits an RF waveform that impinges on the antenna, the return signal reflecting off the antenna is modulated in accordance with the time-varying pattern allowing a remote receiver to demodulate information from the modulated return signal. The antenna is embedded in a dielectric material. The MR tag can be used with a wide variety of tag-interrogator configurations employing monostatic and/or bistatic radar techniques to allow monitoring, locating, and/or tracking of objects, people, animals, or place with which MR tags are associated. |
| US08730012B2 |
Enabling identification token for a timed period
In accordance with some embodiments, an apparatus includes: a support structure; a storage circuit mounted in or on the support structure, the storage circuit for storing data; an antenna mounted in or on the support structure and coupled to the storage circuit for selectively transmitting the data; a switch mounted in or on the support structure, the switch being for initiating a time period in which the apparatus is enabled; and a timing circuit mounted in or on the support structure, the timing circuit being responsive to the switch for setting an end point to the time period; wherein the apparatus is operative to perform data exchange with a reader via the antenna only during the time period. In accordance with some embodiments, a method of operating an identification token includes detecting actuation of a switch on the identification token; in response to the detected actuation of the switch: enabling the identification token; and initiating a time period; determining an end point of the time period; and disabling the identification token if the end point of the time period is reached. |
| US08730010B2 |
Method of receiving a disaster warning message using a paging message in mobile communication system
A method of receiving a warning message in a mobile communication system. The method includes receiving a paging message from a network, wherein the paging message includes information related to the warning message. The information is a warning message indication representing a presence of the warning message. The warning message is an Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) message. If the warning message indication is included in the received paging message, the method includes receiving the warning message through a downlink channel according to scheduling information contained in a system information block (SIB). |
| US08730008B2 |
Authentication method
A method of controlling an apparatus including a display and a sensor for obtaining biometric data of a user, the sensor being movable to take a plurality of angular positions with respect to the apparatus, includes storing a plurality of sets of reference information in association with the positions of the sensor, respectively, determining which one of the angular positions which the sensor is currently taking, displaying on the display a direction as to which one of bodily parts is to be used in accordance with the current angular position of the sensor to urge a user to input biometric data of the one of the bodily parts by the sensor, and carrying out authentication of the user by comparing the inputted biometric data with one of the sets of reference information corresponding to the current angular position of the sensor. |
| US08730007B2 |
Image processing apparatus, method for controlling the same, and storage medium
A method for controlling an image processing apparatus configured to output image data includes accepting, from a user, selection about whether to permit inputting biometric information, and performing control such that outputting the image data is permitted in a case where the selection for permitting inputting the biometric information is made, and the outputting the image data is prohibited in a case where the selection for permitting inputting the biometric information is not made. |
| US08730004B2 |
Method and system for permitting remote check-in and coordinating access control
Methods, systems, and devices for controlling access within a multi-facility room are provided. More specifically, a guest of the multi-room facility is allowed to remotely confirm reservations to the facility as well as bypass the front desk of the multi-room for check-in purposes. At a location within the facility, the guest is allowed to confirm their arrival, check-in, and have their access credential written with personalized access data that may be useable for the duration of the guest's stay. |
| US08729987B2 |
Magnetic switch device and electronic device having the same
A magnetic switch device and an electronic device having the same are disclosed. The electronic device includes an upper case which includes a first element and a lower case. The magnetic switch device includes a switch part and a driving part, wherein the switch part is mounted on the lower case and includes a second element that can be attached to the first element through magnetic force. The driving part is mounted on the lower case, such that when the driving part is moved, the switch part is enabled by the driving part to make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case to attach to the lower case; or the switch part is disabled by the driving part to not make the second element correspond to the first element, allowing the upper case not to attach to the lower case. |
| US08729984B2 |
Magnetic actuator with more than one air gap in series
Systems and methods provide a magnetic actuator having more than one air gap. After the trip unit is triggered, a first armature is accelerated to quickly close a first air gap and then mate with a second armature. The first and second armature then move toward a core to close a second air gap and reach the final combined armature position, causing a contact to open. A faster reaction time is provided, yet without increasing the number of turns of the trip coil winding, and provides a more efficient actuator. |
| US08729982B2 |
Cross-coupling filter elements in resonant structures with bulk waves having multiple harmonic resonances
The elementary filter of the HBAR type includes two resonators (20, 22) of the HBAR type which are each formed by a transducer (8) and a substrate (12) which are coupled in a suitable manner by electroacoustic waves. The first resonator (20), the second resonator (22) and the coupling element (28) by way of evanescent waves include the same monobloc acoustic substrate (12) which is arranged facing and coupled to the piezoelectric transducer (8) by waves having the same longitudinal or transverse vibration mode through the same reference electrode (10). |
| US08729979B2 |
Input/output coupling structure for dielectric waveguide
Dielectric waveguide comprising a circular input/output electrode on its bottom surface and surrounded by an exposed dielectric portion thereof around which a conductor film is disposed. A short stub crosses through the exposed dielectric portion to couple the electrode and film together. The printed circuit board has a front surface formed with a generally-circular island-shaped electrode surrounded by a front surface-side ground pattern in a spaced-apart relation thereto, and a back surface formed with a strip line surrounded by a back surface-side ground pattern in spaced-apart relation thereto. An approximate center of the island-shaped electrode and one end of the strip line are coupled together, and the front surface-side ground pattern and the back surface-side pattern are coupled together. The input/output electrode of the dielectric waveguide and the island-shaped electrode of the printed circuit board are coupled together. |
| US08729978B2 |
Quartz-crystal controlled oscillator
An atmosphere temperature at which a quartz-crystal oscillator and an oscillation circuit are placed is controlled in high accuracy, and an output frequency with high stability is obtained. If oscillation outputs of first and second quartz-crystal oscillators are set to f1 and f2, and oscillation frequencies of the oscillation outputs at a reference temperature are set to f1r and f2r, respectively, {(f2−f1)/f1}−{(f2r−f1r)/f1r} is calculated by a frequency difference detection unit. A digital value can be obtained by representing this value by 34-bit digital value, corresponding to a temperature. Therefore, this value is treated as a temperature detection value, a difference with a temperature set value is supplied to the loop filter, and the digital value therefrom is converted into a direct-current voltage to control a heater. |
| US08729976B2 |
Methods and apparatus for calibration and temperature compensation of oscillators having mechanical resonators
Methods and apparatus for calibration and temperature compensation of oscillators having mechanical resonators are described. The method(s) may involve measuring the frequency of the oscillator at multiple discrete temperatures and adjusting compensation circuitry of the oscillator at the various temperatures. The compensation circuitry may include multiple programmable elements which may independently adjust the frequency behavior of the oscillator at a respective temperature. Thus, adjustment of the frequency behavior of the oscillator at one temperature may not alter the frequency behavior at a second temperature. |
| US08729972B2 |
Phase-shift keying demodulators and smart cards including the same
A phase-shift keying (PSK) demodulator and a smart card including the same are disclosed. The PSK demodulator includes a delay circuit and a sampling circuit. The delay circuit generates a plurality of clock signals by delaying the input signal. The sampling circuit samples the input signal in response to the clock signals, and generates output data. |
| US08729968B2 |
Built-in self-test circuit for voltage controlled oscillators
A built-in self-test circuit for testing a voltage controlled oscillator comprises a voltage controlled oscillator, a buffer having an input coupled to an output of the voltage controlled oscillator and a radio frequency peak detector coupled to the output of the buffer. The radio frequency peak detector is configured to receive an ac signal from the voltage controlled oscillator and generate a dc value proportional to the ac signal at an output of the radio frequency peak detector. Furthermore, the output of the radio frequency peak detector generates a dc value proportional to an amplitude of the ac signal from the voltage controlled oscillator when the voltage controlled oscillator functions correctly. On the other hand, the output of the radio frequency peak detector is at zero volts when the voltage controlled oscillator fails to generate an ac signal. |
| US08729966B2 |
Variable gain amplifier circuit
A variable gain amplifier circuit with a small-sized configuration can accurately adjust the gain without causing a transmission loss of an input signal. A plurality of amplification portions are connected with each other between an amplification coupling line and a grounding line in parallel. The amplification portion includes a switching device and an amplification transistor, which induces a current corresponding to an input signal to flow between the amplification coupling line and the grounding line via the switching device when the switching device is in the on state. The amplitude gain is varied by, according to a gain control signal, separately switching on and off the switching devices of the respective amplification portions. |
| US08729963B2 |
Asymmetrical transformer output demultiplexing (atodem) circuit
An asymmetrical transformer output demultiplexing (ATODEM) circuit is disclosed. The ATODEM circuit of the present disclosure includes N input windings, wherein N is a natural number. Each of the N input windings have input terminals that couple to output terminals of N PAs. The ATODEM further includes M output ports wherein M is a natural number, each of the M output ports having N series coupled windings coupled between a load terminal and a return terminal. The physical attributes of the N input windings, and the N series coupled windings of the M output ports are asymmetrical such that in an Nth operation mode an Nth PA first-load line impedance matches an output impedance of an Nth PA coupled to the input terminals. |
| US08729957B2 |
Battery management system with MOSFET boost system
A boost converter for driving the gate of n-channel MOSFET power devices is described. The boost converter includes a monitoring circuit and a kick start circuit to quickly bring the boost converter online when required to drive the MOSFET on. |
| US08729953B2 |
Method and system for reduction of off-current in field effect transistors
A method for reducing an off-current of a field effect transistor in which two electrodes of the field effect transistor have fixed voltage values and the rest electrode has an alternating voltage value by an AC voltage pulse generator to form an off-stress near source and drain junctions in turn. |
| US08729951B1 |
Voltage ramp-up protection
Systems and methods for voltage ramp-up protection. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, a method may include monitoring at least one of a first node or a second node, the first node configured to receive a first voltage greater than a second voltage present at a second node, and, in response to a slew rate of the first voltage creating a sneak condition between the first node and the second node, counteracting the sneak condition. For example, the sneak condition may favor an excess current to flow from the first node to the second node. In some cases, counteracting the sneak condition may include maintaining the second voltage below at or below a predetermined value. |
| US08729950B2 |
High voltage clamp circuit
This document discloses, among other things, a voltage clamp circuit where an output voltage equals an input voltage for at least a portion of a first range of input voltages, and where the output voltage is less than the input voltage for at least a portion of a second range of input voltages. |
| US08729948B2 |
High frequency switch
There is provided a high frequency switch which is satisfactory in terms of both insertion loss characteristics and harmonic characteristics. The high frequency switch includes: a common port outputting a transmission signal to an antenna; a plurality of transmission ports each having the transmission signal input thereto; and a plurality of switching units each connected between the plurality of transmission ports and the common port to conduct or block the transmission signal from each of the transmission ports to the common port, wherein each of the switching units includes a plurality of series-connected MOSFETs formed on a silicon substrate, the plurality of MOSFETs are any one of body contact-type FETs and floating body-type FETs, and each of the switching units includes both of the body contact-type FETs and the floating body-type FETs. |
| US08729940B2 |
Delay locked loop circuit and semiconductor device having the same
A semiconductor device includes a delay line configured to delay a source clock by a delay equal to a first number of delay units in response to a delay control code and to generate a delayed source clock; a delay amount sensing unit configured to sense whether the delay amount of the delay line reaches a delay amount limit; a clock cycle measuring unit configured to measure the cycle of the source clock by counting a sampling clock in response to an output signal of the delay amount sensing unit, wherein a cycle of the sampling clock is equal to a second number of delay units; and a delay amount controlling unit configured to change the delay amount of the delay line in response to the measured cycle of the source clock as determined from an output signal of the clock cycle measuring unit. |
| US08729938B2 |
Phase locked loop and semiconductor device using the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a phase locked loop in which a voltage signal input to a voltage controlled oscillator after a return from a stand-by state becomes constant in a short time and power consumption is reduced. A transistor including a semiconductor layer formed using an oxide semiconductor material is provided between an input terminal of a voltage controlled oscillator and a capacitor of a loop filter. The transistor is turned on in a normal operation state and turned off in a stand-by state. |
| US08729937B2 |
Coarse lock detector
A coarse lock detector for a delayed locked loop (DLL) is disclosed. The coarse lock detector includes multiple detection cells. Each detection cell receives a delayed clock phase and an output of a previous detection cell as inputs. To increase time for the output of the previous detection cell to propagate, the detection cells are arranged in groups such that the output from the previous detection cell is generated by a detection cell which is more than one detection cell previous. |
| US08729936B2 |
Power switch module, voltage generating circuit and power control method for electronic device
A power switch module for an electronic device includes a flip-flop circuit, a first current path for coupling a voltage source to the flip-flop circuit, and a second current path for coupling the voltage source to the flip-flop circuit. In response to a user power-on event, an output of the flip-flop circuit is at a first logic state for normally powering on the electronic device. In response to a user power-off event, the output of the flip-flop circuit is at a second logic state for normally powering off the electronic device. When the voltage source is suddenly interrupted, the output of the flip-flop circuit is kept at the first logic state but the electronic device is abnormally powered off. After the voltage source is resumed, the output of the flip-flop circuit kept at the first logic state reboots the abnormally powered-off electronic device. |
| US08729933B2 |
Frequency multiplier circuit with function of automatically adjusting duty cycle of output signal and system thereof
A frequency multiplier circuit with a function of automatically adjusting a duty cycle of an output signal includes an input terminal, a first detecting unit, a second detection unit, a duty cycle adjusting unit and a ground terminal; wherein the frequency multiplier control unit includes a first buffer, an AND gate, a first NOR gate and a second NOR gate; wherein the first detecting unit includes an inverter, a first resistance and a first capacitance; wherein the second detecting unit includes a second buffer, a second resistance and a second capacitance; wherein the duty cycle adjusting unit includes a comparator connected to the first resistance, the first capacitance, the second resistance, the second capacitance and the first buffer. The present invention also provides a frequency multiplier system thereof. The present invention is capable of automatically adjusting a duty cycle of an output signal to 50%. |
| US08729932B2 |
Frequency multiplier
A frequency multiplier for generating an output signal having a frequency N times the input signal, with N equal to or greater than 3, the frequency multiplier including a phase splitter circuit responsive to the input signal for generating N signals with phase differences, and a mixer circuit responsive to the N signals of the phasor circuit for providing an output signal having a frequency N times the input signal. |
| US08729926B2 |
Output signal circuit for use in a receiver
According to one embodiment, an output signal circuit for use in a receiver is provided. The output signal circuit is provided with first and second transistors of an insulated gate field effect type, and a backgate bias generator. A source of the first transistor is capable of receiving an input signal. A source of the second transistor is capable of generating an output signal. A backgate bias generator produces a backgate bias voltage which is applied to backgate of the first and second transistors commonly. |
| US08729924B2 |
Single ended configurable multi-mode driver
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a single-ended configurable multi-mode driver. An embodiment of an apparatus includes an input to receive an input signal, an output to transmit a driven signal generated from the input signal on a communication channel, a mechanism for independently configuring a termination resistance of the driver apparatus, and a mechanism for independently configuring a voltage swing of the driven signal without modifying a supply voltage for the apparatus. |
| US08729922B2 |
Licensing programmable hardware sub-designs using a host-identifier
Methods and apparatuses for enforcing terms of a licensing agreement between a plurality of parties involved in a particular hardware design through the use of hardware technologies. According to one embodiment, a hardware sub-design includes a license verification sub-design that is protected from user modification by encryption. In one embodiment, a license is generated based on a trusted host identifier within an external hardware device. In one embodiment, each trusted host identifier is unique, and no two integrated circuits share the same trusted host identifier. In another embodiment, the integrated circuit is a field programmable gate array or an application specific integrated circuit. In one embodiment, a license determines how long the hardware sub-design will operate when the hardware sub-design is implemented within an integrated circuit having a trusted host identifier. |
| US08729921B2 |
Terminal discriminating apparatus and terminal discriminating method using the same
A terminal discriminating apparatus and a terminal discriminating method using the same are provided. The terminal discriminating apparatus includes: a measurement unit for measuring a pull-up voltage and a pull-down voltage of each of candidate terminals to be discriminated; a discriminating unit for comparing the pull-up voltages, pull-down voltages, and the differences between the pull-up voltages and pull-down voltages for the candidate terminals to discriminate the types of the candidate terminals; and an output unit for outputting results of the discrimination of the candidate terminals transferred from the discriminating unit. The types of the candidate terminals can be discriminated by comparing the pull-up voltage, the pull-down voltage, and the differences between the pull-up voltages and the pull-down voltages for the candidate terminals. |
| US08729920B2 |
Circuit and method for RAS-enabled and self-regulated frequency and delay sensor
Circuits and methods are provided for a reliability, availability and serviceability (RAS) enabled and self-regulated frequency and delay sensor of a semiconductor. A circuit for measuring and compensating for time-dependent performance degradation of an integrated circuit, includes at least one critical functional path of the integrated circuit, and Wearout Isolation Registers (WIR's) connected to boundaries of the critical functional path. The circuit also includes a feedback path connected to the WIR's, and a sensor control module operable to disconnect the critical functional path from preceding and succeeding functional paths of the integrated circuit, connect the critical functional path to the feedback path to form a critical path ring oscillator (CPRO), and enable the CPRO to generate an operating signal. A delay sensor module is operable to measure a frequency of the operating signal to determine and compensate for a degradation of application performance over a lifetime of a semiconductor product. |
| US08729917B2 |
Inspection device with vertically moveable assembly
The inspection of semiconductors or like substrates by the present mechanism minimizes deflection in the checkplate and probe card. An inspection device including a housing, a toggle assembly within the housing, an objective lens assembly attached within the toggle assembly including an objective coupled within an objective focus, wherein the objective focus is deflectable along an optics axis, and a cam assembly including a rotary cam and a window carrier, wherein the window carrier is moveable along the optics axis with rotation of the rotary cam, wherein the cam assembly is coupled to the toggle assembly with the objective and window are aligned along the optics axis. |
| US08729915B2 |
Current monitor for sensing the current in a current path and corresponding control device
A current monitor for sensing the current in a current path includes a resistive sensing element in a section of the current path and a current mirror circuit having a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device. Both semiconductor devices electrically interconnect with each other for copying the current in the second semiconductor device to the first semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device is electrically connected to an electric reference potential and to a current input side of the section via a resistive equivalence element in a first current branch. The second semiconductor device is electrically connected to the electric reference potential and to a current output side of the section in a second current branch. The current monitor further includes a constant current source for keeping the current in the second current branch independent from the potential difference between the potential of the current output side of the section and the reference potential. |
| US08729912B2 |
Displacement sensor
A linear capacitance displacement transducer (1) comprising first (2) and second (3) fixed capacitor plate and a dielectric structure (5) moveable longitudinally within a space (4) between the first (2) and second (3) capacitor plates, the dielectric structure (5) being operatively coupled to a moveable element (8). The capacitor plates and the dielectric material may be cylindrical and disposed coaxially and concentrically. The transducer (1) enables a displacement sensor that is capable of monitoring liquid levels in a syringe type drug reservoir (101) with sufficient sensitivity as to allow detection of erroneous drug delivery. The sensor is inexpensive to manufacture and provides reliable performance through robust design. |
| US08729908B2 |
Static noise margin monitoring circuit and method
A monitoring circuit and method, wherein a voltage waveform having a linear falling edge is applied to a first node of at least one test memory cell (e.g., a plurality of test memory cells connected in parallel). The input voltage at the first node is captured when the output voltage at a second node of the test memory cell(s) rises above a high reference voltage during the falling edge. Then, a difference is determined between the input voltage as captured and either (1) the output voltage at the second node, as captured when the input voltage at the first node falls below the first reference voltage during the falling edge, or (2) a low reference voltage. This difference is proportional to the static noise margin (SNM) of the test memory cell(s) such that any changes in the difference noted with repeated monitoring are indicative of corresponding changes in the SNM. |
| US08729907B2 |
Resistance-capacitance calibration circuit without current mismatch and method thereof
A resistor-capacitor (RC) calibration circuit includes: a current source, providing a current to a first node; a first switch, coupled between the first node and a second node; a second switch, coupled between the first node and a third node; a resistor, coupled between a reference terminal and the second node; a variable capacitor, coupled between the reference terminal and the third node; a third switch, coupled between the third node and the reference terminal; a comparator, comprising a first input coupled to the second node and a second input coupled to the third node; and a logic controller, coupled between an output of the comparator and the variable capacitor for outputting an adjusting signal according to an output signal of the comparator to adjust a capacitance of the variable capacitor. |
| US08729906B2 |
Monitoring partial discharge in high voltage systems
A method and device for monitoring partial discharges in high voltage electrical or power systems is provided. A low trigger level and a high trigger level electrical pulse amplitude levels are defined. At least one phase of the electrical system is monitored for an occurrence of a pulse within a defined minor time frame. A peak amplitude of a pulse occurring in the electrical system within the minor time frame is detected. It is determined if the detected peak amplitude of the pulse exceeds the lower and higher trigger levels. A pulse number is assigned to the pulse if the peak amplitude of the pulse exceeds the trigger levels. The pulse is captured if the pulse number associated with the pulse is less than a predetermined pulse number threshold in the minor time frame. The captured pulses are stored in a memory. |
| US08729903B2 |
Method for remote identification and characterization of hydrocarbon source rocks using seismic and electromagnetic geophysical data
Method for assessing hydrocarbon source rock potential of a subsurface region without well log information. The method uses surface electromagnetic (121) and seismic (122) survey data to obtain vertical profiles of resistivity and velocity (123), which are then analyzed in the same way as well log data are analyzed by the well known Delta Log R method (124). |
| US08729900B1 |
Locatable fiber optic cable
A communication cable, such as a fiber optic cable, can comprise a conductive tape that extends along the cable and that facilitates locating the cable from a remote location, for example when the cable is buried under ground. The tape can comprise a low resistance for transmitting a locate signal along the length of the cable that can be detected remotely by a detector without exposing the cable. The conductive tape can be circumferentially applied around the core of the cable under the cable's jacket. Thus, the conductive tape can be accessed without exposing the core. The cable can include one or more buffer tubes for housing optical fibers. The buffer tubes and/or the jacket can comprise an antioxidant for preventing degradation associated with contact with copper or other metal of the conductive tape. |
| US08729893B2 |
Nuclear magnetic resonance 1H and 13C multiphase flow measurements, estimating phase selected flow rates from velocity distributions, volume fractions, and mean velocity
A method and apparatus for estimating a flow rate of a phase of a multiphase fluid is disclosed. A first velocity distribution is obtained for a first set of nuclei in the fluid from a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) signal received for the fluid in response to a first NMR excitation signal. A second velocity distribution is obtained for a second set of nuclei in the fluid from an NMR signal received for the fluid in response to a second NMR excitation signal. A velocity of the phase is estimated from the first velocity distribution and the second velocity distribution. The flow rate of the phase is estimated using the estimated velocity of the phase and an estimated volume fraction of the phase. |
| US08729892B2 |
Differential magnetic field sensor structure for orientation independent measurement
A differential magnetic field sensor that enables operation that is independent of sensor-to-target orientation is presented. The differential magnetic field sensor is provided with at least two differential channels. Each differential channel includes a pair of magnetic field sensing elements and has a respective sensing axis defined by those magnetic field sensing elements. The sensing axes are not aligned with respect to each other. One sensing axis is positioned relative to a reference axis of a target profile to define an orientation angle between the sensing axis and the reference axis. The differential magnetic field sensor includes circuitry to produce differential signals associated with the differential channels and use those differential signals to produce a single differential signal having an amplitude that is independent of the orientation angle. |
| US08729890B2 |
Magnetic angle and rotation speed sensor with continuous and discontinuous modes of operation based on rotation speed of a target object
A magnetic field sensor and a method used therein provide an output signal in angle units representative of an angle of rotation of a target of and also an output signal in speed units representative of a speed of rotation of the target object. A power control circuit can cycle a magnetic field sensor on and off in accordance with a sensed rotation speed of the object. |
| US08729888B2 |
Magnetic transducer configuration for magnet-based position sensors having improved geometry for more precise position detection
A magnetic transducer configuration may include a permanent magnet element magnetized in its longitudinal direction having a pole transition. The permanent magnet element has a cross section in the pole transition section, which is larger than the cross section of the permanent magnet element in an area outside of the pole transition section. A magnetic position sensor may include a magnetic field sensor array and magnetic transducer configuration. The magnetic field sensor array and the magnetic transducer configuration are situated displaceably in the longitudinal direction in a plane-parallel manner. The magnetic field sensor array has at least one magnetic field sensor lying in a path along which the permanent magnet element moves during displacement of the magnetic transducer configuration. |
| US08729876B2 |
Voltage regulator and related voltage regulating method thereof
A voltage regulator includes: a first comparator for comparing a first reference voltage with a feedback voltage to generate a first comparing result accordingly; a first transistor for controlling an output voltage at an output node in response to the first comparing result; a second transistor for adjusting the output voltage at the output node in response to a control signal; a feedback block, for providing the feedback voltage according to the output voltage; and a control block, for receiving the output voltage and providing the control signal according to the output voltage. |
| US08729871B2 |
Circuit and method for controlling the power supply of a consumer with current pulses having steep flanks
The present invention concerns a circuit for operating a consumer comprising a current source to provide a power supply for a consumer and a first switch connected in parallel with the consumer, in which through opening and closing of the first switch the power is transmitted to the consumer in the form of square wave current pulses. Here, a second switch is connected in parallel to the first switch and in series to the consumer which is opened and closed in anti-phase manner to the first switch, and a load with high load voltage is connected in parallel to the first switch and in series to the consumer. Furthermore, the present invention concerns a method for operating a circuit. |
| US08729866B2 |
Sulfide-based all-solid-state lithium secondary battery system
In an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery provided with a sulfide-based electrolyte-containing layer, the production of hydrogen sulfide is effectively inhibited without deteriorating battery characteristics. A battery system (100) is provided with: an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery (1) using a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material; and a reducing device (2, 3, 5) for reducing a charge-discharge amount of the all-solid-state lithium secondary battery if a temperature in an inside of the all-solid-state lithium secondary battery reaches a first threshold value. |
| US08729863B2 |
Battery and energy management circuit with temporal storage mode
An energy management circuit (100) for use with one or more rechargeable cells (201) is capable of prohibiting discharge in response to temporal or other inputs. In one embodiment, a control circuit (102) applies a control signal to a discharge control node (105) when a charging current is applied for less than a charging duration threshold. The control signal causes a discharge disconnect switch (202) to open. In another embodiment, the control circuit (102) applies the control signal to the discharge control node (105) after failing to detect a charging current for at least a non-charging duration threshold. Discharge can again be allowed by applying a charging current for at least a reset duration. |
| US08729862B2 |
Controlled regeneration of solid electrolyte interface for prolonged cycling of lithium batteries
A system implements a first charging method or a second charging method during one or more charge cycles of a battery. The first charging method includes a first voltage charging level and the second charging method includes a second voltage charging level that is higher than the first charging level. |
| US08729861B2 |
Power storage system
It is an object to provide a battery system whose life can be extended. A cell pack having at least one lithium secondary battery that uses a manganese-based cathode material and a control unit that controls charging and discharging of the cell pack are provided, and the control unit controls charging and discharging within a low-degradation voltage range that is set on the basis of a target cell degradation rate. |
| US08729854B2 |
Slot-type induction charger
A slot-type induction charger having light, thin, short and small characteristics is disclosed to include a power base holding therein a control module and a power-supplying coil module in a base member thereof for inducing an electric current, and an induction charging receiver set in the base member for receiving the induced electric current by electromagnetic induction from the power base for charging an electromagnetic device being connected to an electrical connector thereof. The power-supplying coil module and the power-receiving coil module each includes a magnetic conductor and a series of coils being alternatively and reversely wound around the magnetic conductor. |
| US08729853B2 |
Wireless charging device for portable electronic device
Disclosed is a wireless charging device for portable electronic device. The portable electronic device has a circuit device that includes a battery. The wireless charging device includes: a wireless transmission unit and a logic control unit, a step-up/step-down unit, first and second reverse current protectors, and at least a supercapacitor electrically connected between the circuit device and the wireless transmission unit. The first and second reverse current protectors function to prevent reverse current and to switch. The step-up/step-down unit controls step-up conversion in discharging and step-down conversion in charging. The logic control unit detects if a load exists on an opposite side of the wireless transmission unit and controls the operations of the step-up/step-down unit and the first and second reverse current protectors. The supercapacitor absorbs surge occurring in each charging operation to prevent accumulated damage caused by the charging operations. |
| US08729849B2 |
Motor control circuit and servo device provided with the same
When a servo device receives the frequency setting signal as a control signal through the receiver from the transmitter, it select the information in conformity with the received frequency setting signal among the driving frequency setting information as stored in advance. When the handling signal is input as the control signal by the transmitter, the servo device is configured to transform the difference data taken synchronously with the difference data timing signal from the pulse width comparison part into the selected driving frequency. The servo device is configured to generate the driving signal from the transformed difference data signal of the desired corresponding count value range, and to perform drive control the driving feature. |
| US08729847B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for generating current commands used to control operation of an electric machine
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, systems and apparatus for mapping torque to current to generate current commands used to control operation of an electric machine. Based on a DC input voltage, lookup tables (LUTs) are selected. Each of the selected LUTs includes a plurality (B) of first entries that correspond a particular input value of an angular rotation speed of the electric machine, and a set of coefficients are output from each of the selected LUTs that can be applied within a first polynomial function to generate a plurality of first polynomial functions each having a different sets of coefficients. A plurality of particular output values for a first current command are generated via the plurality of first polynomial functions. The particular output values for the first current command can be interpolated to generate a final output value for the first current command. |
| US08729845B2 |
Method and device for controlling an electric motor
A method and device for controlling an electric motor, in particular a machine tool drive, wherein during a sensorless open-loop control mode of operation of the electric motor the speed and the torque are determined from the motor current and the motor voltage, and the moment of inertia of the electric motor torque are determined from the determined motor current and the determined motor voltage, wherefrom then a control torque is determined, which is then associated with an open-loop torque control value and supplied as the torque setpoint value to a control element for setting the motor current and/or the motor voltage in the open-loop mode of operation. As long as the speed is below a minimum speed, the control element receives as input variable a control or pilot control torque generated from a predefined moment of inertia for a sensorless closed-loop control mode of operation of the electric motor. |
| US08729844B2 |
Power converter with asymmetric phase shift autotransformer for alternating current (AC) motor
An AC-AC power converter supplies AC power to an AC motor having a plurality of motor windings and a case connected to a ground. The AC-AC power converter architecture includes an asymmetric phase shift autotransformer/rectifier unit (ATRU) that converts an AC input to a DC output, wherein the asymmetric phase shift ATRU generates a common-mode AC voltage across the asymmetric phase shift ATRU. The common mode voltage is diverted to ground through motor case parasitic capacitance via a common-mode voltage pull-down circuit connected between each phase of the ATRU AC input and the ground. |
| US08729842B2 |
Supply architecture for inductive loads
Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a process for supplying unidirectional current to a load, controlling a reverse electromotive force (REMF), capturing inductive energy from the load, and supplying the captured inductive energy to the load. In an illustrative example, an operating cycle may include a sequence of operations. First, inductive energy captured from the load on a previous cycle may be supplied to the load. Second, energy may be supplied to the load from an external power source. Third, a REMF voltage may be substantially controlled upon disconnecting the power source from the load. Fourth, the load current may be brought to zero by capturing the inductive energy for use on a subsequent cycle. In some embodiments, a single power stage may supply a DC inductive load, or a pair of power stages may be operated to supply bidirectional current to an AC load. |
| US08729840B2 |
Sensorless control unit for brushless DC motor
When a forced commutation mode ends, a switchover to a sensorless control mode is made. The sensorless control mode immediately after the switchover to the sensorless control mode is executed with a power source current maximum value set at a value higher than a rated current value of a motor. The sensorless control mode immediately after the switchover is executed only over a predetermined period of time, and, after a lapse of the predetermined period of time, a steady sensorless control mode is executed. In the steady sensorless control mode, the power source current maximum value is set at a value equal to the rated current value of the motor. |
| US08729839B2 |
Driving apparatus for sensorless fan motor
A BEMF detection circuit generates a rotation detection signal indicating a comparison result between electromotive force voltages VU through VW which occur at a terminal of respective multiple coils and an intermediate-point voltage VCOM. A rotor position detection circuit generates a rotor position detection signal indicating a stopped rotor position An internal start-up synchronization signal generating unit generates a predetermined-frequency forced synchronization signal. Upon receiving a fan motor start-up instruction, a driving signal synthesizing circuit generates a driving control signal based upon the rotor position detection signal. Thus, (1) when back electromotive force voltage occurs, a sensorless driving operation is started based upon the rotation detection signal; (2) when it does not occur, the driving control signal is generated based upon the forced synchronization signal. Subsequently, when it occurs, the sensorless driving operation is started based upon the rotation detection signal. |
| US08729838B2 |
Current control for an electric actuator
A controller for an electric actuator includes a reference model that generates position and speed reference signals in response to a position command signal and employs a feed forward model that accounts for dynamic loading of the electric actuator. The feed forward model receives the position and speed reference signals provided by the reference model, and in response generates feed forward signals that account for mechanical characteristics of the electric actuator. |
| US08729832B2 |
Programmable luminaire system
A system comprising a luminaire, a computerized device, and a docking member establishing electrical communication between the luminaire and the computerized device is disclosed. The luminaire may include an optic, a light source, a controller operably coupled to the light source, and an electrical connector configured to couple with the dock. The light source may be operable to emit light having a variety of characteristics, such as luminous intensity, color, color temperature, and any other characteristics of light. The controller may be programmable by a signal received from the computerized device via the dock. |
| US08729825B2 |
Active enclosure for computing device
A computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing having an illuminable portion. The computing device also includes a light device disposed inside the housing. The light device is configured to illuminate the illuminable portion. |
| US08729819B2 |
Multi-output current-balancing circuit
The present invention relates to a multi-output current-balancing circuit, which in one embodiment can include: (i) a transformer having a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, where the primary winding receives an AC input current; (ii) a plurality of first and second rectifier circuits and a plurality of first current balancing components, where each of the first and second rectifier circuits and the first current balancing components is coupled to a corresponding secondary winding, where each the first current balancing component is configured for current balancing between each of the first and second rectifier circuits of the corresponding secondary winding; and (iii) at least one second current balancing component, where each second current balancing component is coupled to a pair of the second rectifier circuits that correspond to different secondary windings, where the second current balancing components are configured for current balancing between different the secondary windings. |
| US08729813B2 |
Switching power supply device and light-emitting diode lighting device
Implemented are a switching power supply device and a light-emitting diode lighting device in which a variation in load current can be suppressed against a wide range of variation in AC voltage. The configuration of the switching power supply device and the light-emitting diode lighting device includes: a rectifier unit which rectifies AC input voltage and outputs pulsating-current voltage; a power converting unit which receives the pulsating-current voltage and supplies a predetermined load current to a load; a current detecting unit which detects the load current; a drive control unit which controls the power converting unit to regulate the load current to a constant level; and an input voltage detecting unit which detects a variation in the AC input voltage. The drive control unit controls the power converting unit depending on the variation in the AC input voltage detected by the input voltage detecting unit. |
| US08729811B2 |
Dimming multiple lighting devices by alternating energy transfer from a magnetic storage element
A single magnetic storage element is used to provide power to multiple lighting devices, which may be strings of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) of different color. A switching circuit controls alternating application of energy among the multiple lighting devices and another switching circuit may charge the primary winding to different energy levels to control the intensity of the multiple lighting devices. In particular, the multiple lighting devices may be controlled to provide a desired color profile while dimming the lighting devices, while requiring only a single magnetic storage element for supplying energy to the lighting devices. |
| US08729807B2 |
Light emitting diode driving circuit
The present disclosure provides a light emitting diode driving circuit, comprising: a power conversion module having an input end, a control end and an output end, wherein the input end receives a voltage, the control end controls the regulation of the duty cycle signal therein according to a received control signal, and the output end outputs a DC voltage having a constant current and a variable voltage value; an overcurrent protection circuit having a switch module and a first resistor connected in series, wherein the overcurrent protection circuit and a LED load connected in series with each other are connected to the power conversion module, so as to turn off the electrical channel between the LED load and the power conversion module when overcurrent occurs; and an overvoltage protection circuit for outputting the control signal when overvoltage occurs and thereby protecting the LED load. |
| US08729806B2 |
RF-driven ion source with a back-streaming electron dump
A novel ion source is described having an improved lifetime. The ion source, in one embodiment, is a proton source, including an external RF antenna mounted to an RF window. To prevent backstreaming electrons formed in the beam column from striking the RF window, a back streaming electron dump is provided, which in one embodiment is formed of a cylindrical tube, open at one end to the ion source chamber and capped at its other end by a metal plug. The plug, maintained at the same electrical potential as the source, captures these backstreaming electrons, and thus prevents localized heating of the window, which due to said heating, might otherwise cause window damage. |
| US08729805B2 |
Plasma generator and discharge device and reactor using plasma generator
A plasma generator has a first member 2 containing a dielectric material, and an electrode group composed of a plurality of electrodes and including a first assembly 6 partially including a plurality of electrodes and a second assembly 7 partially including a plurality of electrodes. In accordance with an AC voltage, the first assembly 6 generates a plasma in a first space 23 contacting the first member 2. In accordance with a DC voltage, the second assembly 7 generates an electric field in a second space 24 contacting the first member 2 and communicating with the first space 23. At least one or more electrodes of a portion of the first assembly 6 and at least one or more electrodes of a portion of the second assembly 7 are provided on the surface of or in the inside of the first member 2. |
| US08729804B2 |
Switching module of adjusting a visual angle and related backlight system
A switching module capable of adjusting a visual angle is disclosed. The switching module includes an edge-type optical substrate, a light source disposed by a side of the edge-type optical substrate, and an optical modulating component disposed between the light source and the edge-type optical substrate. The edge-type optical substrate has an emitting surface. The light source includes a plurality of light units. Each light unit can emit a beam to the edge-type optical substrate according to a predetermined angle. The optical modulating component can modulate divergence of the beam emitted from the light unit, so that the beam can be guided out of the edge-type optical substrate via the emitting surface according to the predetermined angle. |
| US08729799B1 |
Low-workfunction photocathodes based on acetylide compounds
A low-workfunction photocathode includes a photoemissive material employed as a coating on the photocathode. The photoemissive material includes AnMC2, where A is a first metal element, the first element is an alkali metal, an alkali-earth element or the element Al; n is an integer that is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; M is a second metal element, the second metal element is a transition metal or a metal stand-in; and C2 is the acetylide ion C22−. The photoemissive material includes a crystalline structure or non-crystalline structure of rod-like or curvy 1-dimensional polymeric substructures with MC2 repeating units embedded in a matrix of A. |
| US08729798B2 |
Anti-reflective nanoporous silicon for efficient hydrogen production
Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of anti-reflective nanoporous silicon for efficient hydrogen production by photoelectrolysis of water. A nanoporous black Si is disclosed as an efficient photocathode for H2 production from water splitting half-reaction. |
| US08729793B2 |
Organic light-emitting display apparatus
An organic light-emitting display apparatus for selectively realizing circular polarization according to external light conditions, including a substrate; an organic light-emitting device on the substrate; a sealing member on the organic light-emitting device; a phase retardation layer on a surface of the substrate, the organic light-emitting device, or the sealing member; and a linear polarization layer on another surface of the substrate, the organic light-emitting device, or the sealing member, wherein the linear polarization layer is located to be closer to a source of external light than the phase retardation layer, and wherein the linear polarization layer comprises a photochromic material. |
| US08729792B2 |
Sign board
Provided is a high-quality sign board including an organic light emitting device (OLED) which can be easily adapted to various designs applied by users to the sign board. The sign board includes a substrate, a plurality of first conductive lines disposed on the substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes electrically connected with the first conductive lines, an intermediate layer comprising a light emitting layer disposed on the pixel electrodes, and a face electrode disposed on the intermediate layer. In another embodiment, the sign board further includes a plurality of second conductive lines, each of which connects at least two of the first conductive lines to each other. In still another embodiment, the plurality of pixel electrodes includes a plurality of first pixel electrodes electrically connected with the first conductive lines, and a plurality of second pixel electrodes that are not electrically connected with the first conductive lines. |
| US08729789B2 |
Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus, which has both high light-emission efficiency and good display performance. The display apparatus includes multiple pixels, each of the multiple pixels including an organic light-emitting device including a first electrode, a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode, the multiple pixels including an optical unit for allowing a part of light emitted from the light-emitting layer to exit to outside while changing an exiting direction thereof, in which, in the multiple pixels including the optical unit, an optical distance between the light-emitting layer and the first electrode or an optical distance between the light-emitting layer and the second electrode is set to a predetermined value. |
| US08729777B2 |
Piezoelectric oscillator
A piezoelectric crystal unit includes a package including a concave portion; a piezoelectric element having a protruding electrode and disposed within the package; and an electrically conductive adhesive contained in the concave portion. The piezoelectric element is fixed to the package with the protruding electrode embedded in the concave portion of the package. |
| US08729774B2 |
Multiple arm smart material actuator with second stage
An actuator apparatus comprising a smart material device, a compensator, a movable supporting member, at least three mechanical webs, at least three actuating arms, and a second stage assembly is disclosed wherein the mechanical webs comprise a first resilient member attached to the compensator and a second resilient member attached to said movable supporting member. A piezoelectric or smart material device is affixed between the first mounting surface and the compensator. The actuating arms comprise a first actuating arm end attached to one mechanical web and a second actuating arm end attached to the second stage assembly. The second stage assembly comprises resilient strips having a first end attached to the actuating arm and a second end attached to a second stage attachment surface. Application of an electrical potential causes the smart material device to expand, thereby urging the movable supporting member away from the compensator and causing the first and second resilient members to flex. This in turn causes the actuating arms to move. The resilient strips urge the second stage attachment surface in a direction substantially parallel to the smart material device. |
| US08729772B1 |
Swept sideband PZT driver circuit
A swept sideband driver circuit has a boost converter followed by a buck converter obtaining near unity power factor. A full wave bridge powered from the buck converter circuit drives the PZT output load. The output of the buck converter circuit is controlled by a power level control circuit. The analog power level control circuit receives a sample of the output load current and a sample of the output load voltage from which it produces a product. The product signal is compared with manually adjusted pot signal. A difference signal results and used to adjust the output voltage of the buck converter circuit thereby increasing or decreasing the power to the load to drive the error signal to zero. A swept sideband modulation circuit modulates the frequency of the full wave bridge with a harmonic rich signal thereby imposing side bands on the voltage to the PZT load. |
| US08729767B2 |
Electric machine
An electric machine (1), particularly used as an electric motor, has a rotor (2) comprising a plurality of disks (4). A disk (4) of the rotor (2) is divided in a circumferential direction (5) into a plurality of disk sectors (6, 7, 8) between which magnetic pockets (9, 10) are designed. Furthermore, the disk (4) has an inner fastening collar (15) and connecting members (20, 23, 24) connecting the disk sectors (6, 7, 8) to the fastening collar (15). Such a connecting member (20) comprises a main web (21), a side arm (30) branching off the main rib (21) in the circumferential direction (5), and a side arm (31) branching off the main web (21) opposite to the circumferential direction (5). High mechanical stability of the disk (4) can thus be ensured, wherein magnetic flow losses are reduced. |
| US08729765B2 |
Field coil for an electric machine
A field coil segment for an electric machine including a rotor and a stator includes a first wire element having a first cross sectional area electrically connected in parallel with a second wire element having a second cross sectional area greater than the first cross sectional area. |
| US08729763B2 |
Rotor and IPM motor
Disclosed are a rotor and an IPM motor capable of avoiding concentration of flux on a corner area of a magnet on the stator side, leading to reduction in demagnetizing field and accordingly reduction in a required coercive force, and reduction in the usage amount of dysprosium or the like and accordingly reduction in manufacturing cost. In a slot bored in a rotor core of a rotor making up a motor, at least one of a slot face on a center side of the rotor core and a slot face facing this slot face is formed a protrusion or a concave groove and the magnet to be inserted in the slot includes at least one of a concave groove and a protrusion to be engaged with the protrusion or the concave groove of the slot face at a position corresponding to the protrusion or the concave groove formed in the slot. Then, these concave groove and protrusion are engaged to form an engagement part. This engagement part aligns and fixes the magnet in the rotor, and a flux barrier is formed between a lateral side face of the magnet and a slot face, the flux barrier having a same thickness as a thickness of the magnet. |
| US08729756B2 |
Canned motor pump and method for filling filling member into stator chamber thereof
A canned motor pump, wherein a motor stator is housed in a stator chamber that is a space between a tubular stator can for housing a motor rotor and a tubular stator band disposed coaxially with the stator can. The stator chamber is closed by annular end plates at the cylindrical ends between the stator can and the stator band. The stator chamber is filled with a filler. The filler is produced from spherical inorganic material particles filled into the stator chamber and resin for causing the particles to stick to each other. Consequently, the heat release performance of the stator of the canned motor pump is improved. |
| US08729755B2 |
Intermediate connection member, stator and motor
An intermediate connection member which electrically connects an output terminal of a bus bar installed inside a motor case with an external connection terminal located in a distance from the output terminal. The intermediate connection member preferably includes both of a terminal member which is connected to the output terminal and a connecting line which is connected to the external connection terminal. The connecting line is defined by binding a plurality of wire rods together. |
| US08729751B2 |
Heat transfer assembly for electric motor rotor
A motor driven assembly comprises a motor shaft, a rotor, a passage, and a corrugated fin heat transfer structure. The motor shaft is mounted for rotation about a rotational axis. The rotor is located radially about the shaft. The passage extends through the rotor alongside the motor shaft. The corrugated fin heat transfer structure is disposed within the passage radially aligned with the rotor. |
| US08729747B2 |
Method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction
A method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting are disclosed. Embodiments of the subject invention utilize the non-resonant chaotic behavior of a free-rolling magnet to generate power. In one embodiment, the magnet can be spherical, cylindrical, or elliptical. The magnet can roll about a linear, cylindrical, helical, or cage-like track. The changing magnetic flux due to the magnet rolling about the track induces current in surrounding coils. The coils can be provided around the track using a continuous winding placement, segmented winding placement, or fractional winding placement. Multiple coil phases are also possible. For embodiments utilizing multiple magnets, spacers can be used to maintain a separation between magnets. |
| US08729746B2 |
Linear vibration device
The present invention provides a linear vibration device in which a PCB is coupled to a bracket having an extension piece protruding at a peripheral portion thereof to transfer an external electrical signal to a coil and a yoke of a stator is installed on an upper surface of the PCB to be coupled to the coil, in order to maximally generate an electromagnetic force in one direction. In addition, an upper plate and a lower plate are configured to concentrate a magnetic field of a magnet configured to create a magnetic field corresponding to an electromagnetic force of the yoke formed by the coil to one direction. Accordingly, a vibrating body includes a vibrator which is operated upward and downward in response to an electromagnetic force concentrated by the yoke, increasing vibration feelings due to the upward and downward movement thereof. |
| US08729742B2 |
Energy borrowing to reduce system voltage drop
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first section having a sinking component sinking excessive current. A second section includes at least one sourcing component that, in operation, stores energy. A structure is provided to provide the stored energy from the at least one sourcing component to the sinking component, the stored energy being utilized by a load component included within the second section. |
| US08729739B2 |
Bi-directional circuit breaker
A circuit breaker comprising first and second JFETs, each comprising a gate, drain and source connection, the JFETs sources being operatively connected to each other to form a common-source connection and adapted to be connected to and operating to open an external circuit when the current flowing through the JFETs exceeds a predetermined threshold, the JFETs' gates, and common-source connection being operatively connected to a gate driver circuit which causes the JFETs to turn off when the predetermined threshold is exceeded; whereupon the current flows through the common-source connection into the second gate and into the gate driver circuit which causes the gate driver circuit to turn off the first and second JFETs and open the circuit breaker. Also claimed is a method of sensing an overloaded circuit comprising leading and trailing JFETs in a circuit that open the circuit and prevent current flow when a predetermined threshold is exceeded. |
| US08729736B2 |
Wireless power feeder and wireless power transmission system
Power is fed from a feeding coil L2 to a receiving coil L3 by magnetic resonance. An oscillator 202 alternately turns ON/OFF switching transistors Q1 and Q2 to cause AC current IS of drive frequency fo to flow in a transformer T2 primary coil Lb. The AC current IS causes AC current I1 to flow in an exciting coil L1 and causes AC current I2 to flow in the feeding coil L2. |
| US08729735B2 |
Wireless power feeder, wireless power receiver, and wireless power transmission system
Power is fed from a feeding coil L2 to a receiving coil L3 by magnetic resonance. A VCO 202 alternately turns ON/OFF switching transistors Q1 and Q2 at a drive frequency fo, whereby AC power is fed to the feeding coil L2, and then the AC power is fed from the feeding coil L2 to the receiving coil L3. A phase detection circuit 114 detects a phase difference between the current phase and voltage phase, and the VCO 202 adjusts the drive frequency fo such that the phase difference becomes zero. When load voltage is changed, the detected current phase value is adjusted with the result that the drive frequency fo is adjusted. |
| US08729726B2 |
Petroleum-alternative power plant
The present disclosure includes a petroleum-alternative power plant system harvesting wind, solar, and thermal energies. The system may include at least one two-wind-turbine power tower building where the outside surface of the building is divided into a number of sections. Each section forms a funnel- shaped duct to guide and accelerate the wind streams toward the vanes of the first wind turbine; then wind streams accelerated further and guided toward the vanes of a second wind turbine. The system may also include solar receptors, solar tower, and thermal receptors to harvest more energy. A management control subsystem is provided to combine electricity, and selectively delivering electricity to any electric load, a non-fossil fuel production subsystem, and the power grid. |
| US08729722B2 |
Wind turbine and method for monitoring the gap length between a rotor and a stator of the wind turbine generator
Wind turbine comprising a generator section with a generator rotor and a generator stator. A first air gap is defined between a first surface of the generator rotor and the stator, and magnets and electro conductive windings are provided at opposite sides of the first air gap to create a magnetic field over the first air gap during operation. The wind turbine comprises distance measurement means arranged to measure the radial length of a second air gap defined between a second surface of the generator rotor and a stationary part of the generator section. The second air gap is located at a radial distance from the first air gap at a position where there is no interference of a magnetic field generated by the magnets over the first air gap, and the length of the second air gap corresponds directly to the length of the first air gap. This enables accurate measurement and monitoring of the air gap length. A method for monitoring the gap length between a rotor and a stator of a wind turbine generator is also disclosed. |
| US08729720B1 |
Efficient energy producing system
A system for generating output energy with minimal input energy is disclosed. The system's components include a crankshaft, a speed multiplier, a first electrical generator, a transformer, and a fluid power circuit. The speed multiplier is coupled to the crankshaft by way of a low-speed shaft. The first electric generator is coupled to the speed multiplier by way of a high-speed shaft. The transformer is configured to receive electricity produced by the first electrical generator. The transformers output electricity is used to power the fluid power circuit. The fluid power circuit is reciprocally coupled to the crankshaft, such that operation of the fluid power circuit sets the crankshaft in motion. The fluid power circuit may be an oleo-hydraulic circuit or a pneumatic circuit. A rotor and fluid-propelled turbine may also be affixed to the crankshaft in order to set the crankshaft into motion. |
| US08729718B2 |
Thermomagnetic generator
A thermomagnetic generator is provided, including a switch valve, a plurality of magnetic circuit units, a coil, and a plurality of inlet pipes connecting the magnetic circuit units to the switch valve. Each of the magnetic circuit units includes a magneto-caloric member. The switch valve repeatedly and alternatively switches at a predetermined frequency to guide hot and cold fluids to the magnetic circuit units, such that the magneto-caloric members are magnetized and demagnetized, respectively, by the cold and hot fluids. The coil is coupled to at least one of the magnetic circuit units for obtaining an induced voltage. |
| US08729717B2 |
Turbocompound free piston linear alternator
A free piston linear alternator including a pair of pistons, each piston axially opposed from the other and generating electric current when linearly translating within the cylinder, a combustion chamber disposed between the pistons, a return mechanism configured to return the pistons to respective first positions from respective second positions after combustion; and an exhaust system fluidly coupled to the combustion chamber and including a power turbine transforming exhaust gas feedstream pressure into a mechanical output. |
| US08729716B2 |
Alignment accuracy mark
An alignment accuracy (AA) mark is described, including N (N≧3) pattern sets defined by N exposure steps respectively. The N exposure steps are performed also to a device area disposed on a wafer together with the AA mark. The i-th (i=1, 2 . . . N−1) pattern set surrounds the (i+1)-th pattern set. Each pattern set includes a 1st set of x-directional linear patterns, a 2nd set of x-directional linear patterns arranged opposite to the 1st set of x-directional linear patterns in the y-direction, a 1st set of y-directional linear patterns, and a 2nd set of y-directional linear patterns arranged opposite to the 1st set of y-directional linear patterns in the x-direction, wherein each set of x- or y-directional linear patterns include at least three separate parallel linear patterns. |
| US08729714B1 |
Flip-chip wafer level package and methods thereof
An electronic package includes a flip-chip component having a first die coupled to a flip-chip substrate, second die stacked on the first die, an encapsulation compound formed around the first die and the second die, a set of through encapsulant vias (TEVs) providing a set of electrical connections from a first side of the electronic package to a second side of the electronic package through the encapsulation compound to the flip-chip substrate, and a redistribution layer electrically connecting a set of contacts on the second die to the set of TEVs on the first side of the electronic package. |
| US08729711B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first surface being an element formation surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a through-hole formed to penetrate the semiconductor substrate from the first surface to the second surface; an insulating film formed on an inner wall of the through-hole; a barrier film formed on the inner wall of the through-hole with the insulating film interposed therebetween; and a conductive portion formed to fill the through-hole provided with the insulating film and the barrier film. A gettering site is formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate around the through-hole at least near a side of the first surface. |
| US08729709B2 |
Semiconductor device
This invention provides a multi-pin semiconductor device as a low-cost flip-chip BGA. In the flip-chip BGA, a plurality of signal bonding electrodes in a peripheral area of the upper surface of a multilayer wiring substrate are separated into inner and outer ones and a plurality of signal through holes coupled to a plurality of signal wirings drawn inside are located between a plurality of rows of signal bonding electrodes and a central region where a plurality of bonding electrodes for core power supply are located so that the chip pad pitch can be decreased and the cost of the BGA can be reduced without an increase in the number of layers in the multilayer wiring substrate. |
| US08729706B2 |
Semiconductor structure having a permeable hard mask layer sealing an air gap
A method for forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate. A first dielectric layer is formed over the sacrificial layer. A plurality of conductive structures are formed within the sacrificial layer and the first dielectric layer. The sacrificial layer is treated through the first dielectric layer, at least partially removing the sacrificial layer and forming at least one air gap between two of the conductive structures. A surface of the first dielectric layer is treated, forming a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer, after the formation of the air gap. A third dielectric layer is formed over the second dielectric layer. At least one opening is formed within the third dielectric layer such that the second dielectric layer substantially protects the first dielectric layer from damage by the step of forming the opening. |
| US08729702B1 |
Copper seed layer for an interconnect structure having a doping concentration level gradient
A trench is opened in a dielectric layer. The trench is then lined with a barrier layer and a metal seed layer. The metal seed layer is non-uniformly doped and exhibits a vertical doping gradient varying as a function of trench depth. The lined trench is then filled with a metal fill material. A dielectric cap layer is then deposited over the metal filled trench. Dopant from the non-uniformly doped metal seed layer is then migrated to an interface between the metal filled trench and the dielectric cap layer to form a self-aligned metal cap. |
| US08729701B2 |
Copper diffusion barrier
The invention concerns a method of forming a copper portion surrounded by an insulating material in an integrated circuit structure, the insulating material being a first oxide, the method having steps including forming a composite material over a region of the insulating material where the copper portion is to be formed, the composite material having first and second materials, annealing such that the second material reacts with the insulating material to form a second oxide that provides a diffusion barrier to copper; and depositing a copper layer over the composite material by electrochemical deposition to form the copper portion. |
| US08729698B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device and multilayer wafer structure
Grooves are formed on the front surfaces of first and second semiconductor wafers each including an aggregate of a plurality of semiconductor chips. The grooves each extend on a dicing line set between the semiconductor chips and to have a larger width than the dicing line. Thereafter the first and second semiconductor wafers are arranged so that the front surfaces thereof are opposed to each other, and the space between the first semiconductor wafer and the second semiconductor wafer is sealed with underfill. Thereafter the rear surfaces of the first and second semiconductor wafers are polished until at least the grooves are exposed, and a structure including the first and second semiconductor wafers and the underfill is cut on the dicing line. |
| US08729696B2 |
Testing device for laser diode
In a testing method for an LD, an LD die is held. Then, electric current increasing with a fixed increment and having a sequence of current values is supplied to the LD die to drive the LD die to emit light and a sequence of voltage values across the LD die and corresponding to the sequence of current values, respectively, is metered. A sequence of power values corresponding to the sequence of current values, respectively, is also metered. Next, an electro-optical property of the LD die is determined according to the sequence of current values, the sequence of voltage values, and the sequence of power values. Finally, if the LD die is determined to be qualified based upon the electro-optical property of the LD die, the LD die is packaged into the LD. |
| US08729694B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming conductive vias with trench in saw street
A semiconductor wafer has a plurality of semiconductor die separated by a peripheral region. A trench is formed in the peripheral region of the wafer. A via is formed on the die. The trench extends to and is continuous with the via. A first conductive layer is deposited in the trench and via to form conductive TSV. The first conductive layer is conformally applied or completely fills the trench and via. The trench has a larger area than the vias which accelerates formation of the first conductive layer. A second conductive layer is deposited over a front surface of the die. The second conductive layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers can be formed simultaneously. A portion of a back surface of the wafer is removed to expose the first conductive layer. The die can be stacked and electrically interconnected through the TSVs. |
| US08729692B2 |
Power module package
Disclosed herein is a power module package including: a first heat dissipation plate including a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path which are sequentially formed, the first flow path and the third flow path being formed to have a step therebetween; and a second heat dissipation plate formed under the first heat dissipation plate, having one face and the other face, having a semiconductor device mounting groove formed in the one face thereof, and including a fourth flow path having one end connected to the second flow path and the other end connected to the third flow path, wherein a cooling material introduced through the first flow path is distributed to the third flow path and the fourth flow path based on the second flow path. |
| US08729691B2 |
Distributed semiconductor device methods, apparatus, and systems
Some embodiments include a device having a number of memory cells and associated circuitry for accessing the memory cells. The memory cells of the device may be formed in one or more memory cell dice. The associated circuitry of the device may also be formed in one or more dice, optionally separated from the memory cell dice. |
| US08729690B2 |
Assembly having stacked die mounted on substrate
Metal rerouting interconnects at one or more sides of a die or multiple die segments can form edge bonding pads for electrical connection. Insulation can be applied to surfaces of the die or multiple die segments after optional thinning and singulation, and openings can be made in the insulation to the electrical connection pads. After being placed atop one another in a stack, vertically adjacent die or die segments can be electrically interconnected using a flexible bond wire or bond ribbon attached to an electrical connection pad exposed within such opening, the bond wire or ribbon protruding horizontally, and an electrically conductive polymer, or epoxy, filaments or lines can be applied to the stack. |
| US08729689B2 |
Stacked semiconductor package
Provided is a stacked semiconductor package. The stacked semiconductor package of the present invention comprises: a substrate unit, which includes a connection substrate electrically connecting a first substrate having a contact pad and a second substrate having a contact pad; a first chip laminate at which a plurality of first semiconductor chips are stacked in multi-steps on the first substrate; a second chip laminate at which a plurality of second semiconductor chips are stacked in multi-steps on the second substrate; a first conductive wire which electrically connects a first bonding pad of the first semiconductor chip and the contact pad of the first substrate, a second conductive wire which electrically connects a second bonding pad of the second semiconductor chip and the contact pad of the second substrate, and a bonding unit which has a contact adhesive layer having a certain thickness, which is disposed between the first semiconductor chip in the top layer of the first chip laminate and the second semiconductor chip in the top layer of the second chip laminate, and which vertically stacks and bonds the first chip laminate and the second chip laminate. |
| US08729688B2 |
Stacked seminconductor package
Provided is a stacked semiconductor package. The stacked semiconductor package of the present invention comprises: a substrate including at least one contact pad; an external chip laminate which includes a plurality of semiconductor chips mounted on the substrate, and which is stacked in multi-steps such that the ends at one side of the plurality of semiconductor chips alternately protrude in opposite directions to expose bonding pads which are formed on the up-face surface; at least one internal chip which is disposed in a mounting space formed between the external chip laminate and substrate so as to be electrically connected to the substrate; and a conductive wire electrically connecting the bonding pad of the semiconductor chip and the contact pad of the substrate. |
| US08729687B2 |
Stackable integrated circuit package system
A stacked integrated circuit package-in-package system is provided including forming a first external interconnect; mounting a first integrated circuit die below the first external interconnect; stacking a second integrated circuit die over the first integrated circuit die in an offset configuration not over the first external interconnect; connecting the first integrated circuit die with the first external interconnect; and encapsulating the second integrated circuit die with the first external interconnect and the first integrated circuit die partially exposed. |
| US08729684B2 |
Interposer chip, multi-chip package including the interposer chip, and method of manufacturing the same
An interposer chip may include a substrate, a plurality of upper terminals, a plurality of lower terminals, a first conductive pattern that electrically connects the first upper terminal to a first set of one or more lower terminals, a second conductive pattern that electrically connects the second upper terminal to a second set of one or more lower terminals and a cut test pattern disposed between the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern, the test pattern used for testing electrical characteristics of the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern. |
| US08729682B1 |
Conformal shield on punch QFN semiconductor package
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a punch quad flat no leads (QFN) semiconductor package including a leadframe wherein the leads of the leadframe are selectively half-etched so that only one or more prescribed leads may be electrically connected to a conformal shield applied to the package body of the semiconductor package. The conformal shield may be electrically connected to the exposed lead(s) alone, or in combination with one or more tie bars of the leadframe. In one embodiment, outer end portions of the top surfaces of the leads of the semiconductor package are alternately exposed and non-exposed, with the non-exposed leads including a top side half-etch which causes the same to be effectively covered by the package body of the semiconductor package. |
| US08729681B2 |
Package structure and LED package structure
A package structure includes a base unit, a pin unit and a housing unit. The base unit has a carrier member and a through hole penetrating through the carrier member, and at least one annular structure is formed in the through hole. The pin unit has a plurality of conductive pins disposed beside the carrier member. The housing unit has an annular housing encircling the carrier member to envelop one part thereof and connecting to the pin unit, and the annular housing is partially filled into the through hole to cover the annular structure. Therefore, the instant disclosure can increase the bonding force between the carrier member and the annular housing and retard external moisture to permeate through slits between the carrier member and the annular housing to intrude into the chip-mounting region, thus the reliability and the usage life are increased. |
| US08729676B2 |
Silicon epitaxial wafer and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention includes a method for manufacturing a silicon epitaxial wafer having a silicon homoepitaxial layer formed on a surface of a silicon single crystal wafer, including the steps of: preparing the silicon single crystal wafer such that a plane orientation of the silicon single crystal wafer is tilted at an angle in the range from 0.1° to 8° in a <112> direction from a {110} plane; and growing the silicon homoepitaxial layer on the prepared silicon single crystal wafer. According to the present invention, a silicon epitaxial wafer using the {110} substrate with improved surface quality, such as Haze and surface roughness and a method for manufacturing the silicon epitaxial wafer are provided. |
| US08729672B2 |
Method for growing group 13 nitride crystal and group 13 nitride crystal
To grow a gallium nitride crystal, a seed-crystal substrate is first immersed in a melt mixture containing gallium and sodium. Then, a gallium nitride crystal is grown on the seed-crystal substrate under heating the melt mixture in a pressurized atmosphere containing nitrogen gas and not containing oxygen. At this time, the gallium nitride crystal is grown on the seed-crystal substrate under a first stirring condition of stirring the melt mixture, the first stirring condition being set for providing a rough growth surface, and the gallium nitride crystal is subsequently grown on the seed-crystal substrate under a second stirring condition of stirring the melt mixture, the second stirring condition being set for providing a smooth growth surface. |
| US08729669B2 |
Bipolar transistor and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a bipolar transistor includes forming a first epitaxial layer on a semiconductor substrate, forming a second epitaxial layer on the first epitaxial layer, forming an oxide layer on the second epitaxial layer, etching the oxide layer to form an opening in which the second epitaxial layer is exposed, and forming a third epitaxial layer in the opening. The first and third epitaxial layers have a first-type conductivity, and the second epitaxial layer has a second-type conductivity. |
| US08729668B2 |
Adjustable resistor
An adjustable resistor formed on a first insulating layer of a substrate, including: a first polysilicon layer covered with a second insulating layer of a first thickness, except in a region where the first polysilicon layer is covered with a thin insulator layer of a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; a second polysilicon layer covering the second insulating layer and the thin insulator layer; on each side of the second insulating layer and at a distance from it, a first and a second conductive vias providing access to the terminals of the resistor on the first polysilicon layer; and a third conductive via providing access to a contacting area on the second polysilicon layer. |
| US08729667B2 |
Non-volatile memory device and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a second electrode layer is formed on first structures where a first electrode layer and a first memory cell layer sequentially stacked above a substrate are patterned in a line-and-space shape extending in a first direction and a first interlayer insulating film embedded between the first structures. Etching is performed from the second electrode layer to a predetermined position in an inner portion of the first memory cell layer by using a first mask layer having a line-and-space pattern extending in a second direction, so that a first trench is formed. A first modifying film is formed on a side surface of the first trench, anisotropic etching is performed on the first memory cell layer by using the first mask layer, and after that, isotropic etching is performed. |
| US08729666B2 |
Ultra-low voltage coefficient capacitors
A capacitor has first and second conducting plates and a dielectric region between the plates, wherein the dielectric region comprises two dielectric materials for each of which the variation of capacitance with voltage can be approximated by a polynomial having a linear coefficient and a quadratic coefficient, and wherein the quadratic coefficients of the two dielectric materials are of opposite sign. The capacitor comprises for example a first capacitor (42) and a second capacitor (44) that one connected in an anti-parallel manner. The insulating layer (18) of the first capacitor comprises silicon nitride and the insulating layer (16) of the second capacitor comprises silicon dioxide. |
| US08729660B2 |
MEMS integrated chip with cross-area interconnection
The present invention discloses a MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) integrated chip with cross-area interconnection, comprising: a substrate; a MEMS device area on the substrate; a microelectronic device area on the substrate; a guard ring separating the MEMS device area and the microelectronic device area; and a conductive layer on the surface of the substrate below the guard ring, or a well in the substrate below the guard ring, as a cross-area interconnection electrically connecting the MEMS device area and the microelectronic device area. |
| US08729655B2 |
Etching narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures from a dielectric layer
Methods of forming isolation structures are disclosed. A method of forming isolation structures for an image sensor array of one aspect may include forming a dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. Narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may be formed from the dielectric layer. The narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures may have a width that is no more than 0.3 micrometers and a height that is at least 1.5 micrometers. A semiconductor material may be epitaxially grown around the narrow, tall dielectric isolation structures. Other methods and apparatus are also disclosed. |
| US08729653B2 |
Integrated die-level cameras and methods of manufacturing the same
An integrated die-level camera system and method of making the camera system include a first die-level camera formed at least partially in a die. A second die level camera is also formed at least partially in the die. Baffling is formed to block stray light between the first and second die-level cameras. |
| US08729648B2 |
Magnetic body device and manufacturing method thereof
A magnetic body device has a stacked structure comprising an underlying layer, a magnetic body layer, and a cap layer. The material for the underlying layer is different from that for the cap layer. The magnetic body layer has a free magnetization region having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and a first characteristic change region and a second characteristic change region situated on both sides of the free magnetization region in a first in-plane direction. The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy of the first characteristic change region and the second characteristic change region is at a level lower than that of the free magnetization region. An external magnetic field containing a component in the first in-plane direction is applied to the free magnetization region. Further, a current in the first in-plane direction is supplied to the free magnetization region. |
| US08729644B2 |
Programmable III-nitride semiconductor device
A III-nitride semiconductor device which includes a charged gate insulation body. |
| US08729643B2 |
Cross-coupled transistor circuit including offset inner gate contacts
A first conductive gate level feature forms a gate electrode of a first transistor of a first transistor type. A second conductive gate level feature forms a gate electrode of a first transistor of a second transistor type. A third conductive gate level feature forms a gate electrode of a second transistor of the first transistor type. A fourth conductive gate level feature forms a gate electrode of a second transistor of the second transistor type. A first contact connects to the first conductive gate level feature over an inner non-diffusion region. The first and fourth conductive gate level features are electrically connected through the first contact. A second contact connects to the third conductive gate level feature over the inner non-diffusion region and is offset from the first contact. The third and second conductive gate level features are electrically connected through the second contact. |
| US08729642B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising a gate electrode having an opening
A semiconductor device comprises an active region formed in a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode formed on the active region via a gate insulating film formed on a surface of the active region. A peripheral portion of the gate electrode and a peripheral portion of the active region overlap each other at a position where the active region is not divided by the gate electrode when viewed in plan view, thus forming an overlap region. |
| US08729641B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first, second, and third MIS transistors of a first conductivity type respectively including a first, second, and third gate electrodes on a first, second, and third active regions of a semiconductor substrate with a first, second, and third gate insulating films interposed therebetween. The first gate insulating film is formed of a first silicon oxide film and a first high-k insulating film on the first silicon oxide film. The second gate insulating film is formed of a second silicon oxide film and a second high-k insulating film on the second silicon oxide film. The third gate insulating film is formed of a third silicon oxide film and a third high-k insulating film on the third silicon oxide film. The second silicon oxide film has a same thickness as the first silicon oxide film, and a greater thickness than the third silicon oxide film. |
| US08729640B2 |
Method and structure for radiation hardening a semiconductor device
Semiconductor devices can be fabricated using conventional designs and process but including specialized structures to reduce or eliminate detrimental effects caused by various forms of radiation. Such semiconductor devices can include the one or more parasitic isolation devices and/or buried guard ring structures disclosed in the present application. The introduction of design and/or process steps to accommodate these novel structures is compatible with conventional CMOS fabrication processes, and can therefore be accomplished at relatively low cost and with relative simplicity. |
| US08729639B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a gate electrode formed on a substrate with a gate insulation film interposed therebetween, and a source region of a first conductivity type and a drain region of a second conductivity type reverse to the first conductivity type, which are formed so as to hold the gate electrode therebetween within the substrate. The work function of a first region on the source region side within the gate electrode is shifted toward the first conductivity type as compared to the work function of a second region on the drain region side within the gate electrode. |
| US08729637B2 |
Work function adjustment by carbon implant in semiconductor devices including gate structure
A device including a p-type semiconductor device and an n-type semiconductor device on a semiconductor substrate. The n-type semiconductor device includes a gate structure having a high-k gate dielectric. A carbon dopant in a concentration ranging from 1×1016 atoms/cm3 to 1×1021 atoms/cm3 is present at an interface between the high-k gate dielectric of the gate structure for the n-type semiconductor device and the semiconductor substrate. Methods of forming the aforementioned device are also disclosed. |
| US08729636B2 |
Integrated circuit and method for manufacturing an integrated circuit
Integrated circuit comprising a substrate carrying at least one transistor comprising an alternating grid (1) of source and drain regions (D, S) separated by a grid (14) of gate regions, e.g. a checkerboard pattern of source and drain regions. The source regions (S) are vertically connected to a first metal layer and the drain regions (D) are vertically connected to a second metal layer. At least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer comprises a metal grid (30, 40) of a plurality of interconnected metal portions (32, 42) arranged such that said grid comprises a plurality of gaps (34, 44) for connecting respective substrate portions to a further metal layer. Method for manufacturing such an integrated circuit. |
| US08729632B2 |
Semiconductor structure with low resistance of substrate and low power consumption
A semiconductor structure comprising a semiconductor unit, a first conductive structure, a first conductive plug, and a second conductive structure is provided. The semiconductor unit has a substrate on a first side of the semiconductor unit. The substrate has at least a hole. The first conductive plug is in the hole and the hole may be full of the conductive plug. The first conductive structure is on the surface of the semiconductor unit. The surface is at the first side of the semiconductor unit. The second conductive structure is on a surface at a second side of the substrate of the semiconductor unit. |
| US08729630B1 |
Double diffused metal oxide semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention discloses a double diffused metal oxide semiconductor (DMOS) device and a manufacturing method thereof. The DMOS device includes: an isolation structure for defining device regions; a gate with a ring-shaped structure; a drain located outside the ring; and a lightly doped drain, a source, and a body electrode located inside the ring. To increase the sub-threshold voltage at the corners of the gate, the corners are located completely on the isolation structure, or the lightly doped drain is apart from the corners by a predetermined distance. |
| US08729629B2 |
Enhanced HVPMOS
A p-channel LDMOS device with a controlled n-type buried layer (NBL) is disclosed. A Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) oxidation is defined, partially or totally covering the drift region length. The NBL layer, which can be defined with the p-well mask, connects to the n-well diffusion, thus providing an evacuation path for electrons generated by impact ionization. High immunity to the Kirk effect is also achieved, resulting in a significantly improved safe-operating-area (SOA). The addition of the NBL deep inside the drift region supports a space-charge depletion region which increases the RESURF effectiveness, thus improving BV. An optimum NBL implanted dose can be set to ensure fully compensated charge balance among n and p doping in the drift region (charge balance conditions). The p-well implanted dose can be further increased to maintain a charge balance, which leads to an Rdson reduction. |
| US08729621B2 |
Memory devices comprising word line structures, at least one select gate structure, and a plurality of doped regions
Disclosed is a method of forming memory devices employing halogen ion implantation and diffusion processes. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes forming a plurality of word line structures above a semiconducting substrate, each of the word line structures comprising a gate insulation layer, performing an LDD ion implantation process to form LDD doped regions in the substrate between the word line structures, performing a halogen ion implantation process to implant atoms of halogen into the semiconducting substrate between the word line structures, and performing at least one anneal process to cause at least some of the atoms of halogen to diffuse into the gate insulation layers on adjacent word line structures. |
| US08729620B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
It is an object to provide a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device having excellent writing property and charge-retention property. A semiconductor layer including a channel forming region between a pair of impurity regions which are formed to be apart from each other is provided. In an upper layer portion thereof, a first insulating layer, a floating gate, a second insulating layer, and a control gate are provided. The floating gate has at least a two-layer structure, and a first layer in contact with the first insulating layer preferably has a band gap smaller than that of the semiconductor layer. Furthermore, by setting an energy level at the bottom of the conduction band of the floating gate lower than that of the channel forming region of the semiconductor layer, injectability of carriers and a charge-retention property can be improved. |
| US08729619B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabricating method of the same
Openings are formed by lithography and subsequent dry etching at the portions of a first protective film which correspond to connecting holes of second plugs which will be described later, namely at the portions thereof which align with first plugs, wherein the openings have a diameter greater than that of connecting holes by about 0.4 μm. |
| US08729618B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a first layer on an impurity diffusion region in a semiconductor substrate by a selective epitaxial growth method, forming a second layer on the first layer by the selective epitaxial growth method, forming a contact hole penetrating an interlayer insulating film in a thickness direction thereof and reaching the second layer, and filling a conductive material into the contact hole to form a contact plug including the first and second layers and the conductive material. |
| US08729603B2 |
GaN-based semiconductor element
A GaN-based semiconductor element includes a substrate, a buffer layer formed on the substrate, including an electrically conductive portion, an epitaxial layer formed on the buffer layer, and a metal structure in ohmic contact with the electrically conductive portion of the buffer layer for controlling an electric potential of the buffer layer. |
| US08729601B2 |
Nanotube semiconductor devices
Semiconductor devices are formed using a thin epitaxial layer (nanotube) formed on sidewalls of dielectric-filled trenches. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is formed in a first semiconductor layer having trenches and mesas formed thereon where the trenches extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the first semiconductor layer. The semiconductor device includes semiconductor regions formed on the bottom surface of the mesas of the first semiconductor layer. |
| US08729600B2 |
Insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) with hole stopper layer
A semiconductor device has a first conductivity-type semiconductor substrate, second conductivity-type channel regions, and second conductivity-type thinning-out regions. The channel regions and the thinning-out regions are formed adjacent to a substrate surface of the semiconductor substrate. Further, a hole stopper layer is formed in each of the thinning-out regions to divide the thinning-out region into a first part adjacent to the substrate surface and a second part adjacent to a bottom of the thinning-out region. The hole stopper layer has an area density of equal to or less than 4.0×1012 cm−2 to permit a depletion layer to punch through the hole stopper layer, thereby to restrict breakdown properties from being decreased. |
| US08729599B2 |
Semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes the following steps. First, a semiconductor substrate is provided, and a first region, a second region and a third region are defined thereon. Then, a first well having a first conductive type is formed in the semiconductor substrate of the first region and the second region, respectively. A semiconductor layer partially overlapping the first well of the second region is formed. Furthermore, a second well having a second conductive type is formed in the semiconductor substrate of the third region and the first well of the second region respectively, where the second well of the second region is disposed underneath the semiconductor layer. |
| US08729598B2 |
Light-emitting diode, method for manufacturing the same, and light-emitting diode lamp
The present invention provides a light-emitting diode that includes two electrodes provided on a light-emitting surface, and exhibits high light extraction efficiency and high-brightness. The present invention relates to a light-emitting diode (1) including: a compound semiconductor layer (2) including a light-emitting portion (7) containing a light-emitting layer (10); and a transparent substrate (3), wherein the compound semiconductor layer (2) and the transparent substrate (3) are bonded, and a first electrode (4) and a second electrode (5) are provided on the side of a main light-emitting surface (2a) of the compound semiconductor layer (2), wherein the transparent substrate (3) includes: an upper surface (3A) bonding to the compound semiconductor layer (2); a bottom surface (3B) having smaller dimensions than dimensions of the upper surface (3A); and a side surface including at least inclined surface (3b) inclined from the side of the upper surface toward the side of the bottom surface, wherein the first and second electrodes (4) and (5) are disposed within a region in which the bottom surface (3B) is projected when viewed from the top of the light-emitting diode. |
| US08729597B2 |
Control method for device using doped carbon-nanostructure and device comprising doped carbon-nanostructure
Provided is a method for controlling a device using a doped carbon-nanostructure, and a device including the doped carbon-nanostructure, in which the method for controlling the device selectively controls the mobility of electrons or holes using N-type or P-type doped carbon-nanostructure; the N-type or P-type impurities-doped carbon-nanostructure can selectively control the transport of electrons or holes according to a doped material; and also since the doped carbon-nanostructure limits the transport of charge that is the opposite charge to the transport facilitating charge, it can improve the efficiency of device by adding to a functional layer of device or using as a separate layer in the electrons or holes-only transporting device. |
| US08729595B2 |
Light emitting device having vertical structure and package thereof
A light emitting device having a vertical structure and a package thereof, which are capable of damping impact generated in a substrate separation process, and achieving an improvement in mass productivity. The device and package include a sub-mount, a first-type electrode, a second-type electrode, a light emitting device, a zener diode, and a lens on the sub-mount. |
| US08729593B2 |
Substrate with wavy surface to control specular visibility for electronic device and electronic device using same
Provided is an electronic device having a long life and a large effective area. Furthermore, provided is an optical device capable of controlling specular visibility. And provided is a substrate for the optical device, which includes a scattering layer having excellent scattering properties and having a desired refractive index while retaining surface smoothness. Further, there is provided a substrate for the electronic device, which includes a substrate having first and second main surfaces facing each other and an electrode pattern formed on the first main surface of the substrate, in which the first main surface of the first and second main surfaces is a surface which forms waviness made up of curved faces, the waviness of the surface has a wavelength Rλa of greater than 50 μm and a ratio Ra/Rλa of waviness roughness Ra of the surface which forms waviness to the wavelength Rλa of the waviness is from 1.0×10−4 to 3.0×10−2. |
| US08729587B2 |
Nitride semiconductor element and manufacturing method therefor
An exemplary nitride-based semiconductor device includes: a nitride-based semiconductor multilayer structure 20 which has a p-type GaN-based semiconductor region whose surface 12 is inclined from the m-plane by an angle of not less than 1° and not more than 5° or the principal surface has a plurality of m-plane steps; and an electrode 30 that is arranged on the p-type GaN-based semiconductor region. The electrode 30 includes a Mg alloy layer 32 which is formed from Mg and metal selected from a group consisting of Pt, Mo, and Pd. The Mg alloy layer 32 is in contact with the surface 12 of the p-type GaN-based semiconductor region of the semiconductor multilayer structure 20. |
| US08729586B2 |
Light-emitting diode device
A light-emitting diode device includes: a substrate; an upper metal film disposed on an upper surface of the substrate, and including a chip-mounting region and a plurality of conductive pad regions; two first light-emitting chips and two second light-emitting chips disposed on the chip-mounting region, the first and second light-emitting chips being disposed alternately, two of the first and second light-emitting chips being opposite to each other; a fluorescent layer coated on the first light-emitting chips; and a lens disposed on the substrate to cover the first and second light-emitting chips and the fluorescent layer. |
| US08729584B2 |
Lighting system
The present invention relates to a light emitting device (1) comprising a light emitter (10) and a support (13) to which a plurality of protruding fibers (11) are attached. The light emitter (10) and the protruding fibers (11) are arranged to interact with light emitted from the light emitter (10) so that the light may be diffused. The plurality of protruding fibers comprises fibers (11) which are inclined or perpendicular in relation to the support (13). |
| US08729582B2 |
Optoelectronic device with light directing arrangement and method of forming the arrangement
An optoelectronic device (20) comprises a body (14) of an indirect bandgap semiconductor material having a surface (16) and a photon active region (12) on one side of the surface. A fight directing arrangement (22) is formed integrally with the body on an opposite side of the surface. |
| US08729580B2 |
Light emitter with metal-oxide coating
A light emitting device based on a AlInGaN materials system wherein a coating is used to improve the extraction of light from a device. A coating has a very low optical loss and an index of refraction greater than 2. In a preferred embodiment the coating is made from Ta2O5, Nb2O5, TiO2, or SiC and has a thickness between about 0.01 and 10 microns. A surface of a coating material may be textured or shaped to increase its surface area and improve light extraction. A surface of the coating material can also be shaped to engineer the directionality of light escaping the layer. A coating can be applied directly to a surface or multiple surfaces of a light emitting device or can be applied onto a contact material. A coating may also serve as a passivation or protection layer for a device. |
| US08729579B2 |
Nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting element, lighting device, liquid crystal display device, and method for producing lighting device
An illuminating device includes at least first and second nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting elements each having a semiconductor chip with an active layer region. The active layer region is at an angle of 1° or more with an m plane, and an angle formed by a normal line of a principal surface in the active layer region and a normal line of the m plane is 1° or more and 5° or less. The first and second nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting elements have thicknesses of d1 and d2, respectively, and emit the polarized light having wavelengths λ1 and λ2, respectively, where the inequalities of λ1<λ2 and d1 |
| US08729578B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and a light emitting layer. The second semiconductor layer is provided on a [0001]-direction side of the first semiconductor layer. The light emitting layer includes a first well layer, a second well layer and a first barrier layer. An In composition ratio of the barrier layer is lower than that of the first well layer and the second well layer. The barrier layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion has a first region and a second region. The first region has a first In composition ratio higher than that of the first portion. The second region is provided between the first region and the first well layer. The second region has a second In composition ratio lower than the first In composition ratio. |
| US08729572B2 |
Light emitting diode package having a voltage stabilizing module consisting of two doping layers
A light emitting diode package includes an electrically insulated base, first and second electrodes, an LED chip, a voltage stabilizing module, and an encapsulative layer. The base has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The first and second electrodes are formed on the first surface of the base. The LED chip is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The voltage stabilizing module is formed on the first surface of the base, positioned between and electrically connected to the first and second electrodes. The voltage stabilizing module connects to the LED chip in reverse parallel and has a polarity arranged opposite to that of the LED chip. The voltage stabilizing module has an annular shape and encircles the first electrode. The encapsulative layer is formed on the base and covers the LED chip. |
| US08729570B2 |
Mask frame assembly for thin film deposition, organic light-emitting display device using the same, and method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device
A mask frame assembly for thin film deposition, an organic light-emitting display device using the same, and a method of manufacturing the organic light-emitting display device. The organic light-emitting display device includes a first electrode and a second electrode patterned on a substrate to face each other, and a plurality of organic layers formed between the first and second electrodes. The plurality of organic layers include at least a plurality of stripe-shaped organic layers and a plurality of discontinuous dot-shaped organic layers. |
| US08729569B2 |
Light-emitting chip, print head and image forming apparatus
The light-emitting chip includes: a substrate; plural light-emitting thyristors each having a pnpn structure formed of a first stacked-semiconductor layer in which at least 4 semiconductor layers having different conductivity types and including the substrate are stacked on the substrate; a lower wiring that is formed of a second stacked-semiconductor layer in which at least 3 semiconductor layers having different conductivity types and including the substrate are stacked on the substrate, and that has a semiconductor layer between the substrate and an uppermost semiconductor layer of the second stacked-semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer having a fixed potential so that any one of p-n junctions between the substrate and the uppermost semiconductor layer is reversely biased with respect to potentials respectively applied to the substrate and the uppermost semiconductor layer; and an upper wiring provided on the lower wiring so as to intersect with the lower wiring through an isolation layer. |
| US08729567B2 |
Silicon carbide semiconductor device
A silicon carbide semiconductor device includes a silicon carbide substrate, and a contact electrode. The silicon carbide substrate includes an n type region and a p type region in contact with the n type region. The contact electrode forms contact with the silicon carbide substrate. The contact electrode includes a first region containing TiSi, and a second region containing Al. The first region includes an n contact region in contact with the n type region and a p contact region in contact with the p type region. The second region is formed to contact the p type region and the n type region, and to surround the p contact region and the n contact region. Accordingly, there can be provided a silicon carbide semiconductor device including an electrode allowing ohmic contact with both a p type impurity region and an n type impurity region formed at a silicon carbide substrate. |
| US08729563B2 |
Solid state lighting devices with selected thermal expansion and/or surface characteristics, and associated methods
Solid state lighting (SSL) devices and methods are disclosed. A particular method includes forming an SSL formation structure having a CTE, selecting a first material of an interlayer structure to have a first material CTE greater than the substrate CTE, and selecting a second material based at least in part on the second material having a CTE less than the first material CTE. The intelayer structure is formed over the SSL formation structure e.g., with a first layer of the first material over the SSL formation structure, a portion of the second material over the first material, and a second layer of the first material over the second material. The CTE difference between the first and second materials can counteract a force placed on the formation structure by the first material. Particular formation structures can have an off-cut angle with a non-zero value of up to about 4.5 degrees. |
| US08729557B2 |
Electroluminescence display device
Disclosed is an electroluminescence device having a substrate, a thin film transistor over the substrate, an insulating film over the thin film transistor, an electroluminescence element over the insulating film, a passivation film over the electroluminescence element, and a counter substrate over the passivation film. The electroluminescence element is configured to emit light through the counter substrate, and a space between the substrate and the counter substrate is filled with a filler. The electroluminescence device is featured by the tapered side surface of a gate electrode of the thin film transistor. |
| US08729550B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to reduce the manufacturing cost of a semiconductor device. An object is to improve the aperture ratio of a semiconductor device. An object is to make a display portion of a semiconductor device display a higher-definition image. An object is to provide a semiconductor device which can be operated at high speed. The semiconductor device includes a driver circuit portion and a display portion over one substrate. The driver circuit portion includes: a driver circuit TFT in which source and drain electrodes are formed using a metal and a channel layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor; and a driver circuit wiring formed using a metal. The display portion includes: a pixel TFT in which source and drain electrodes are formed using an oxide conductor and a semiconductor layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor; and a display wiring formed using an oxide conductor. |
| US08729548B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
The present invention supplies a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device, which includes a non-contact inspection process capable of confirming if a circuit or circuit element formed on an array substrate is normally performed and can decrease a manufacturing cost by eliminating wastes to keep a defective product forming.An electromotive force generated by electromagnetic induction is rectified and shaped by using primary coils formed on a check substrate and secondary coils formed on an array substrate, whereby a power source voltage and a driving signal are supplied to circuits or circuit elements on a TFT substrate so as to be driven. |
| US08729547B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
To provide a method by which a semiconductor device including a thin film transistor with excellent electric characteristics and high reliability is manufactured with a small number of steps. After a channel protective layer is formed over an oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn, a film having n-type conductivity and a conductive film are formed, and a resist mask is formed over the conductive film. The conductive film, the film having n-type conductivity, and the oxide semiconductor film containing In, Ga, and Zn are etched using the channel protective layer and gate insulating films as etching stoppers with the resist mask, so that source and drain electrode layers, a buffer layer, and a semiconductor layer are formed. |
| US08729542B2 |
Organic electroluminescence element
Providing an organic electroluminescence element that can reduce the unevenness of the brightness and can improve the external quantum efficiency. The organic electroluminescence element includes a substrate 10, a first electrode 20, a second electrode 40, a functional layer 30 interleaved between the first electrode 20 the second electrode 40 and including a light emission layer 32, and a conductive layer 50. The resistivities of the first electrode 20 and the second electrode 40 are less than the resistivity of transparent conductive oxide. The second electrode 40 has an opening for light extraction. The functional layer 30 includes, as the outermost layer on the second electrode 40 side, a carrier injection layer 34. The conductive layer 50 is optically transparent and is in contact with the second electrode 40 and the functional layer 30. The carrier injection layer 34 has a recess in the projection domain of the opening. |
| US08729541B2 |
Phenanthrene compound and organic light emitting device using the same
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device having high light emission efficiency. The organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode and an organic compound layer which is sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, wherein the organic compound layer contains a phenanthrene compound represented by the following general formula [1]: wherein R1 to R3 each represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Ar is a substituent selected from any in the group consisting of aryl groups represented by the following formulae [2a] to [2h]: |
| US08729540B2 |
Electroluminescent organic transistor
The present invention relates to a field effect electroluminescent ambipolar organic transistor in which there are two couples of control electrodes, a layer of ambipolar organic semiconductor in direct contact with the source and the drain electrode and two separate dielectric layers, and wherein said dielectric layers are each arranged between the ambipolar organic semiconductor layer and a couple of control electrodes. |
| US08729539B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus
Provided is a light-emitting apparatus which, without using an insulating film for separating pixels, inhibits leakage current between adjacent pixels and which accommodates higher resolution. By providing a groove in an insulating layer along an edge of a first electrode, the thickness of a first charge transport layer is reduced to inhibit leakage current between adjacent pixels. |
| US08729530B2 |
Material for light-emitting device and light-emitting device
The present invention provides a light emitting device material which enables a light emitting device having high efficiency and excellent chromatic purity and durability using a light emitting device material containing a pyrene compound represented by formula (1), wherein any one of R1 to R10 is a group represented by formula (2), or 1 to 4 substituents is/are group(s) represented by formula (3), and a light emitting device using the same. |
| US08729526B2 |
Optical semiconductor device and method of manufacturing optical semiconductor device
An optical semiconductor device includes a substrate; and an active layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the active layer includes a first barrier layer containing GaAs, a quantum dot layer, which is disposed on the first barrier layer, which includes a quantum dot containing InAs, which includes a side barrier layer which covers at least a part of the quantum dot and a side surface of the quantum dot, and having an elongation strain inherent therein, and a second barrier layer disposed on the quantum dot layer. |
| US08729525B2 |
Opto-electronic device
The present application relates to an opto-electronic device. The opto-electronic device includes an n-cladding layer, a p-cladding layer and a multi-quantum well structure. The multi-quantum well structure is located between the p-cladding layer and the n-cladding layer, and includes a plurality of barrier layers, a plurality of well layers and a barrier tuning layer. The barrier tuning layer is made by doping the barrier layer adjacent to the p-cladding layer with an impurity therein for changing an energy barrier thereof to improve the light extraction efficiency of the opto-electronic device. |
| US08729520B2 |
Memory devices and formation methods
A method includes forming an electrical insulator material over an integrated circuit having a metal-containing conductive interconnect and activating a dopant in a semiconductor material of a substrate to provide a doped region. The doped region provides a junction of opposite conductivity types. After activating the dopant, the substrate is bonded to the insulator material and at least some of the substrate is removed where bonded to the insulator material. After the removing, a memory cell is formed having a word line, an access diode, a state-changeable memory element containing chalcogenide phase change material, and a bit line all electrically connected in series, the access diode containing the junction as a p-n junction. A memory device includes an adhesion material over the insulator material and bonding the word line to the insulator material. |
| US08729517B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a first interconnect, a second interconnect and a resistance change layer. The first interconnect extends in a first direction on a major surface of a substrate. The second interconnect extends in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. The resistance change layer includes a conductive nanomaterial, the resistance change layer located between the first interconnect and the second interconnect and being capable of reversibly changing between a first resistance state and a second resistance state by a voltage applied or a current supplied through the first interconnect and the second interconnect. The resistance change layer has a density varied along a third direction generally perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. |
| US08729516B2 |
Method and device for detecting metals in a fluid
A method detects metallic atoms in a fluid. The method includes: placing, in a zone sheltered from light, a photodiode comprising a photosensitive surface in contact with a fluid to analyze; heating the photosensitive surface of the photodiode to a temperature sufficient to allow metallic atoms deposited on the photosensitive surface to migrate through this surface; acquiring a signal relative to the lighting of the photodiode; and determining, from the acquired signal, a measurement representative of a contamination status by metallic atoms of the photodiode. |
| US08729515B2 |
Pinned contact, oscillating liquid-liquid lens and imaging systems
An oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and including a chamber. The liquid drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid drop, and the liquid lens further includes a driver for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel. |
| US08729508B2 |
Beam transport system for a hadron therapy facility
A beam transport system for a hadron therapy facility comprises: a main beam transport line; secondary beam transport lines branching off from the main beam transport line for delivering the hadron beam into the patient treatment stations; and switching electromagnets for deviating the hadron beam from the main beam transport line into the secondary beam transport line. A discharge circuit associated with each switching electromagnet comprises a discharge accelerating circuit capable of generating a voltage opposing the counter electromotive force induced in the electromagnet coil of the switching electromagnet when the energization of the electromagnet coil producing the hadron beam deviation is interrupted, wherein this voltage stays substantially constant or increases as the current induced in the electromagnet coil decreases. |
| US08729502B1 |
Simultaneous, single-detector fluorescence detection of multiple analytes with frequency-specific lock-in detection
Microfluidics has made great progress in integrating many aspects of biological analysis and testing into the microscale. One aspect which has proven challenging to miniaturize has been fluorescence testing, as a complete fluorescence system requires an integrated light source, detector and filters to filter out the excitation light (from the light source) from the detector. Here we demonstrate that with polarization filtering of the excitation light and multiple dye sources modulated at different frequencies, a high-sensitivity, multi-dye system with one detector can be realized. Simultaneous detection and quantition of a mixture of two different dyes is demonstrated with no physical change in the measurement setup. The degree of interaction of the dyes is measured. This system is readily adaptable to integrated lab-on-a-chip microfluorescence. |
| US08729501B2 |
Ultraviolet irradiation device for implants
Disclosed herein is an ultraviolet irradiation device for removing organic contaminants from implants using ultraviolet rays. In the present invention, the implants can be easily and smoothly put into or pulled out of a processing chamber, and the implants can be reliably prevented from being recontaminated after the ultraviolet irradiation process has finished. For this, the ultraviolet irradiation device includes a housing provided with an openable door, an ultraviolet lamp installed in the housing, a carriage provided in the housing so as to be extractable, and an implant mount unit placed on the carriage in such a way that the implant mount unit can be disposed facing the ultraviolet lamp in the housing. The implant mount unit includes a mounting board removably placed on the carriage, and an implant support removably placed on the mounting board. |
| US08729498B2 |
High throughput UV curing systems and methods of curing a plurality of articles
High throughput UV curing systems for mass curing of a plurality of articles without compromising product quality. The systems comprise a plurality of UV banks, each bank comprising a plurality of fluorescent UV lamps, thereby creating a consistent blanket of UV energy. A plurality of coated articles are positioned between pairs of banks such that the UV exposure or dosage is evenly distributed for each article. The fluorescent UV lamps use proportionally lower energy per unit and generate less heat than standard UV lamps, while sufficiently curing the coating on each article. Throughput is increased compared to currently available systems because the systems are easier to maintain requiring less downtime, can cure significantly more articles per cycle, and reduce the number of rejected products. |
| US08729491B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus
The present invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus which is provided with a tilting deflector which is disposed between a charged particle source and an objective lens and tilts a charged particle beam, wherein a first optical element includes an electromagnetic quadrupole which generates dispersion to suppress the dispersion which is generated by deflection by the tilting deflector, and a second optical element is composed of a deflector for deflecting the charged particle beam which enters the first optical element or an electromagnetic quadrupole which causes the charged particle beam to generate a dispersion different from the dispersion generated by the first optical element. |
| US08729490B2 |
Method of energy spectrum analysis for sodium iodide (NaI) detector
The present invention relates to a method of energy spectrum analysis for sodium iodide (NaI) detector, by which an energy spectrum characteristic obtained from a sodium iodide (NaI) detector is analyzed and used for establishing a system capable of qualitative nuclide identification and activity determination that can be adapted in applications of waste clearance management. |
| US08729488B2 |
Assaying of waste
A method for investigating a volume of material at an investigation location for radioactive material includes: detecting signals from a first detector caused by the interaction of one or more types of emission from the radioactive material with the first detector; detecting signals from a second detector caused by the interaction of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays with the second detector; processing the signals from the first detector to provide information on the amount of radioactive material associated with the volume of material; processing the signals from the second detector to provide information on the amount of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays incident on the investigation location; and correcting the information on the amount of radioactive material associated with the volume of material using the amount of cosmic rays and/or one or more types of particle generated by cosmic rays incident on the investigation location, thereby providing corrected information on the amount of radioactive material associated with the volume of material. |
| US08729487B2 |
Neutron detector and method of making
A neutron detector comprises at least two conductive cathode sheets lying parallel to one another and coated with neutron reactive material on at least one side thereof; dielectric material separating the cathode sheets and covering less than about 80% of their surface area; and a plurality of anode wires lying generally parallel to the cathode sheets and separated from them by the dielectric, with the distance between adjacent anode wires being no more than twenty times the distance between said cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be flat or curved; they may be separate plates or they may be successive folds or windings of a single folded or spiral-shaped metal sheet. Related methods for building the detector are disclosed. |
| US08729485B2 |
Parallel mode readout integrated circuit for X-ray image sensor
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for parallel readout for an X-ray image sensor module having a pixel array. Specifically, among other things, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented infrastructure comprising: generating a pixel data for each pixel within a respective pixel row of the pixel array based on a photon count; receiving a first serial pixel data, wherein the first serial pixel data comprises pixel data from a plurality of pixels of a first column; receiving a second serial pixel data, wherein the second serial pixel data comprises pixel data from a plurality of pixels of a second column; and shifting the first serial pixel data from the first column register to the second column register. |
| US08729484B2 |
Radiographic imaging device and radiographic imaging system
There is provided a radiographic imaging device including: an imaging panel at which sensor portions, that detect radiation or light converted from radiation, are formed at a detection region, and that captures a radiographic image expressed by radiation or light converted from radiation; a light illuminating section at which light-emitting portions, that can individually illuminate light for erasing residual images, are provided per sectional region obtained by dividing the detection region into the sectional regions; a storage section that stores imaging actual results information that expresses past actual results of imaging carried out by the imaging panel; and a control section that, in accordance with at least one of actual results of imaging and imaging conditions, controls absence/presence of illumination of, light amount of, and illumination time period of light from the respective light-emitting portions of the light illuminating section. |
| US08729480B2 |
Tomography scanner with axially discontinuous array
A tomography scanner has intentionally designed, well defined gaps between detector rings with image reconstruction obtained with the use of conventional tomography data processing. The scanner is particularly advantageous as a small animal PET scanner. |
| US08729473B2 |
Infrared light transmissivity for a membrane sensor
In conventional membrane infrared (IR) sensors, little to no attention has been paid toward transmissivity of IR near metal traces. Here, because the substrate of an integrated circuit carrying the sensor is used as a visible light filter, reflection of IR radiation back into the substrate can affect the operation and reliability of the IR sensor. As a result, an arrangement is provided that reduces the area occupied by metal lines by reducing the pitch and compacting the routing so as to reduce the effects from the reflection of IR radiation by metal traces. |
| US08729469B1 |
Multiple sample attachment to nano manipulator for high throughput sample preparation
An improved method for extracting and handling multiple samples for S/TEM analysis is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a micromanipulator that attaches multiple samples at one time in a stacked formation and a method of placing each of the samples onto a TEM grid. By using a method that allows for the processing of multiple samples, the throughput of sample prep in increased significantly. |
| US08729468B2 |
Microelectronic substrate inspection equipment using helium ion microscopy
Microelectronic substrate inspection equipment includes a gas container which contains helium gas, a helium ion generator which is disposed in the gas container and converts the helium gas into helium ions and a wafer stage which is disposed under the gas container and on which a substrate to be inspected is placed. The equipment further includes a secondary electron detector which is disposed above the wafer stage and detects electrons generated from the substrate, a compressor which receives first gaseous nitrogen from a continuous nitrogen supply device and compresses the received first gaseous nitrogen into liquid nitrogen, a liquid nitrogen dewar which is connected to the compressor and stores the liquid nitrogen, and a cooling device that is coupled to the helium ion generator. The cooling device is disposed on the gas container, and cools the helium ion generator by vaporizing the liquid nitrogen. Related methods are also disclosed. |
| US08729458B2 |
Encoder
A detection head includes a plurality of detection array portions that are arranged in a direction along which the head is relatively displaceable. Position signals indicating a position of the detection head are calculated from output signals output from the detection array portions. In order to combine the position signals with one another and determine the position of the detection head with respect to the scale, weighting according to a level of the output signal is performed on the position signal of each of the detection array portions, and the weighted position signals are averaged. |
| US08729456B2 |
Frequency selective electromagnetic detector
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective electromagnetic detector. In particular, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector includes a nanowire array constructed from a plurality of nanowires of different compositions. At least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction is formed between the nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector is a frequency selective optical detector that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the nanowire array is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te). |
| US08729450B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing solid-state imaging device, and imaging apparatus
There is provided a solid-state imaging device including a semiconductor substrate having an effective region in which a photodiode performing a photoelectric conversion is formed and, an optical black region shielded by a light shielding film; a first film which is formed on the effective region and in which at least one layer or more of layers having a negative fixed charge are laminated; and a second film which is formed on the light shielding region and in which at least one layer or more of layers having a negative fixed charge are laminated, in which the number of layers formed in the first film is different from the number of layers formed in the second film. |
| US08729447B2 |
Microchannel plate and its manufacturing method
A microchannel plate (1) having an array of channels (5),includes a substrate (2) and, deposited on the substrate, a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film (3) having a thickness ranging between 50 μm and 200 μm, preferably between 80 μm and 120 μm, the film including the array of channels (5). Preferably, the substrate (2) is an integrated circuit having an internal electronic readout circuit and pixilated collection electrodes (8), and the film (3) is integrated on the substrate (2). The channels (5) may be formed by a Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) process. |
| US08729445B2 |
Load-matched photo-voltaic power unit
Load-matched photo-voltaic power units incorporating a plurality of photo-voltaic cells for delivery of electrical power are described. A photo-voltaic system incorporates temperature and solar irradiance sensors, whose outputs are used to estimate the photo-voltaic system maximum power output voltage. Appropriate numbers of cells are suitably interconnected to assemble at least one photo-voltaic power unit intended to both satisfy the electrical requirements of a load and enable operation of the unit at an efficiency of 90% or greater of its maximum efficiency. In an embodiment, voltage-to-voltage convertors may be used to better match the photo-voltaic power unit capabilities to the load requirements. In another embodiment an alert is issued if the photo-voltaic power unit delivers a voltage which differs by a predetermined amount from an estimated maximum power voltage. |
| US08729443B2 |
Projectile and method that include speed adjusting guidance and propulsion systems
Some embodiments pertain to a projectile and method that includes a flight vehicle and a propulsion system attached to the flight vehicle. The propulsion system includes a plurality of motors that propel the projectile. A guidance system is connected to the propulsion system. The guidance system ignites an appropriate number of the motors to adjust the speed of the projectile based on the location of the projectile relative to a desired destination for the flight vehicle. In some embodiments, the flight vehicle is a kinetic warhead. The projectile may be an interceptor that includes a first propulsion stage, a second propulsion stage and a third propulsion stage that includes the third propulsion system. The number of booster motors that will be ignited by the guidance system depends on the speed that the projectile needs to be adjusted to in order to maneuver the projectile to a desired location. |
| US08729441B2 |
High-frequency heating apparatus
There is provided a high-frequency heating apparatus including a heating chamber that houses an object to be heated, a rotating turntable provided on a bottom surface of the heating chamber, on which the object to be heated is rotatably mounted; a high-frequency heating section (21) that heats the object to be heated which is housed in the heating chamber, a convection heater (27) for heating the heating chamber, a circulating fan (28) for supplying the heating chamber with heat of the convection heater (27) as hot air, and a grill heater (33) for heating the object to be heated, wherein the convection heater (27) and the grill heater (33) are separately disposed on an upper surface of the heating chamber, thereby allowing reduction in size of an external shape of the heating apparatus without sacrificing grill cooking performance and oven cooking performance. |
| US08729440B2 |
Applicator and method for RF heating of material
A radio frequency heater is disclosed including a vessel for containing material to be heated and a radio frequency radiating surface. The vessel has a wall defining a reservoir. The radio frequency radiating surface at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The radiating surface includes two or more circumferentially spaced petals that are electrically isolated from other petals. The petals are positioned to irradiate at least a portion of the reservoir, and are adapted for connection to a source of radio frequency alternating current. A generally conical tank or tank segment having a conically wound radio frequency applicator is also contemplated. Also, a method of heating an oil-water process stream is disclosed. In this method a radio frequency heater and an oil-water process stream are provided. The process stream is irradiated with the heater, thus heating the water phase of the process stream. |
| US08729436B2 |
Drying process and apparatus for ceramic greenware
A method and system for drying a honeycomb structure having an original liquid vehicle content includes exposing the honeycomb structure to a first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 20% and about 60% of the original liquid vehicle content, exposing the honeycomb structure to a second electromagnetic radiation source different from the first electromagnetic radiation source until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content, and exposing the honeycomb structure to convection heating until the liquid vehicle content is between about 0% and about 30% of the original liquid vehicle content. |
| US08729434B2 |
Induction cooking device
An induction cooking device includes a heating coil performing induction heating of a cooking container placed on a top plate, an inverter circuit supplying high frequency current to the heating coil, an infrared sensor detecting an amount of infrared light radiated from the cooking container and outputting a detection signal based on the detected amount, a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the cooking container by thermal conduction through the top plate, and a control unit controlling an output of the inverter circuit so that the outputs of the infrared and temperature sensors do not exceed the respective control temperature. The control unit judges whether or not the infrared sensor is normally detecting the temperature of the cooking container, and when it is judged that the infrared sensor is normally detecting the temperature of the cooking container, the control unit raises the control temperature of the temperature sensor. |
| US08729433B2 |
Electrical heating device and method for the production thereof
An electrical heating device includes an open housing in which a layer structure is held under tension. The layer structure includes at least one radiator element and at least one heat emitting element with at least one PTC heating element. The layer structure further includes at least one spring element holding the layer structure in the housing under tension. The spring element is provided adjacent to a spring counter element. Spring tongues, formed on the spring element, interact with matching receptacles on the spring counter element. Displacement of the spring element in a direction essentially parallel to the planes of the layer structure stresses the layer structure within the housing. A method of assembling an electrical heating device is also disclosed. |
| US08729432B2 |
Capacitance sensing switch module
A capacitance sensing switch module is provided. The capacitance sensing switch module for controlling a cooktop includes a plate, at least one key, an insulating pad, a circuit board and at least one foil. The plate is disposed in a side of the cooktop and has at least one hole passing through the plate. The key is disposed in the hole. The insulating pad is disposed between the key and the plate. The key and the plate are separated by the insulating pad. The circuit board is disposed under the plate. The foil is disposed on the circuit board and on the position corresponding to the key. There is an insulation gap between the foil and the key. |
| US08729430B2 |
Seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor combination
A combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor comprises a heater network and a capacitive sensing network. The heater network includes a heating element (10) connected between a first node (21) and a second node (22) to dissipate heat. The capacitive sensing network is connected to the heating element to apply an oscillating current thereto and to derive a capacitive load of the heating element from the voltage resulting on the heating element. The heater network comprises a common mode choke (16) connecting the first and the second node to a third (23) and a fourth (24) node, respectively. The capacitive sensing network further comprises means to sustain the oscillating current in or to drive the oscillating current into the heating element as well as a high-impedance amplifier (32) having an input node operatively connected to the heating element to probe the resulting voltage, and an output node (44) to provide an output signal indicative of the voltage. |
| US08729429B2 |
Method of storing and displaying heated food
A heated food storage and display cabinet including a flow inducer and heater arranged in an upper region thereof, the flow inducer being operable to draw air from an upper portion of the cabinet, to direct the air over the heater, and subsequently urge the heated air down the rear wall of the cabinet and across the floor of the cabinet towards the open front of the cabinet. The heated air is subsequently directed upwardly and rearwardly across the open front of the cabinet by an airflow direction member of the cabinet so as to provide a heated air curtain across the open front of the cabinet, and a portion of the heated air is also passed into the cabinet as the heated air moves down the rear wall and across the floor so as to pass over and around packs of food stored therein. |
| US08729428B1 |
Welding rod expander assembly
One embodiment of a welding rod expander assembly is useful for expanding a welding rod to a remote location. The welding rod expander assembly may include a first attachment member, a second attachment member, at least one elongated member and a welding rod holder. The second attachment member may be pivotally carried by the first attachment member. Further the at least one elongated member may have an external threaded end portion and a connecting end portion. The welding rod holder may be carried by the second attachment member. The welding rod holder may include a holding unit carried by the second internal threaded portion. The holding unit may be capable of receiving the welding rod. The welding rod holder may further include a clamping unit disposed on the second internal threaded portion. Further, the welding rod secured in the holding unit may be capable of expanding to the remote location. |
| US08729424B2 |
Hybrid welding with multiple heat sources
A method of welding a joint includes directing a first output from a high energy density heat source, such as a laser, against a first side of the joint. The method further includes directing a second output from an arc welding heat source, such as a gas metal arc welding torch, against a second side of the joint. The first output produces a keyhole surrounded by a molten metal pool which extends from the first side of the joint toward the second side of the joint. In some embodiments a third output from a second arc welding heat source may also be directed at the first side of the joint. A second molten metal pool produced by the arc welding heat source joins with the first molten metal pool and the third molten metal pool to form a common molten metal pool which solidifies to form the weld. |
| US08729423B2 |
System and method for supplying fluids to a plasma arc torch
A system for supplying fluids to a plasma arc torch includes a single-gas power supply for regulating electrical power to the torch and for regulating supply of a first fluid to the torch, a flow regulator for regulating supply of a second fluid to the torch, and a first pressure-actuated valve disposed between the flow regulator and the torch. The valve shuts off supply of the second fluid to the torch when the first valve is closed and allows the second fluid to be supplied when the first valve is open. The first valve is opened by pressure of the first fluid supplied to the torch and closed when the first fluid is not supplied to the torch. A second pressure-actuated valve may be provided in the supply line for the first fluid, which is opened by pressure of the second fluid being supplied to the torch. |
| US08729420B2 |
Machining condition adjusting device for electric discharge machine
Machining state information is acquired for each predetermined period by performing test machining by an electric discharge machine, and the acquired machining state information is compared with reference machining state information, whereby whether a machining state is satisfactory or not is determined. If the machining state is determined to be unsatisfactory, set items of a machining condition are adjusted. Thereafter, test machining is actually performed again, and the machining condition is adjusted by changing the set items if the machining state is determined again to be unsatisfactory. Thus, the acquisition of the machining state information, determination of the machining state, and adjustment of the machining condition are repeated so that satisfactory machining is finally determined. |
| US08729416B2 |
Circuit breaker remote tripping
A circuit breaker module (which may also be termed an interrupter) including circuit breaker contacts which are opened and closed by an electrically-activated magnetic actuator and capable of interrupting fault currents. The magnetic actuator is stable in either a breaker-closed state or a breaker-open state without requiring electrical current flow through the magnetic actuator. An externally-connectable mechanical drive is linked to the magnetic actuator in a manner such that movement of the externally-connectable mechanical drive can destabilize the breaker-closed state to open the circuit breaker contacts. An external actuator activated by an external condition is connected to said externally-connectable mechanical drive so as to cause said circuit breaker contacts to open upon occurrence of the external condition. |
| US08729414B2 |
Button assembly with inverted dome switch
A portable electronic device may have an inverted dome switch assembly. The switch assembly may have an inverted dome that has a base and a conductive underside. The base may be attached to a button member. Two electrical contacts in the button member may face the conductive underside. Corresponding conductive traces may be connected to the contacts. The dome may bear against a housing member. The button member may be movable with respect to the housing member from an unactuated position to an actuated position. The dome switch may form a footprint based upon the dome base area. The housing member may extend into a portion of the footprint and not into the remaining portion of the footprint allowing that space to be otherwise utilized. |
| US08729402B2 |
Polyimide precursor composition, use of the of the same, and production method of the same
An object of the present invention is to provide (i) a polyimide precursor composition which is curable at a low temperature (not more than 250° C.) and which has a low viscosity despite having a high concentration, and a production method thereof, (ii) a polyimide coating film obtained from the polyimide precursor composition and having good properties, and a production method thereof, (iii) a photosensitive resin composition prepared by use of the polyimide precursor composition, and a production method thereof. The object of the present invention can be attained by a polyimide precursor composition containing an imidized tetracarboxylic acid having a specific structure and an isocyanate compound having a specific structure, or optionally a diamine. |
| US08729400B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board
An IC chip for a high frequency region, particularly a packaged substrate in which no malfunction or error occurs even if 3 GHz is exceeded. A conductive layer on a core substrate is formed at a thickness of 30 μm and a conductor circuit on an interlayer resin insulation layer is formed at a thickness of 15 μm. By thickening the conductive layer, the volume of the conductor can be increased and resistance can be reduced. Further, by using the conductive layer as a power source layer, the capacity of supply of power to an IC chip can be improved. |
| US08729393B2 |
Uncrosslinked polyethylene composition for power cable
The present invention is an uncrosslinked linear medium-density polyethylene resin composition for a power cable, which is applicable to an insulating layer, a semi-conducting layer or a sheath layer. Specifically, the uncrosslinked polyethylene composition includes: 100 parts by weight of a polymer having a linear medium-density polyethylene resin having an α-olefin having 4 or more carbon atoms as a comonomer and having a melt index of 0.6-2.2 g/10 min (at 190° C. under a load of 5 kg), a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) enthalpy of 130-190 joule/g and a molecular weight distribution of 2-30; and 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of one or more additive(s) selected from a flame retardant, an oxidation stabilizer, a UV stabilizer, a heat stabilizer and a process aid. |
| US08729386B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device is provided, which comprises a first electrode, crystalline semiconductor particles, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode. The crystalline semiconductor particles of which adjacent particles are fusion-bonded, the crystalline semiconductor particles have a first conductivity type, and the semiconductor layer has a second conductivity type which is different from the first conductivity type. |
| US08729385B2 |
Collector grid and interconnect structures for photovoltaic arrays and modules
A interconnected arrangement of photovoltaic cells is readily and efficiently achieved by using a unique interconnecting strap. The strap comprises electrically conductive fingers which contact the top light incident surface of a first cell and extend to an interconnect region of the strap. The interconnect region may include through holes which allow electrical communication between top and bottom surfaces of the interconnect region. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive surface of the fingers is in electrical communication with an electrically conductive surface formed on the opposite side of the strap through the through holes of the interconnect region. The interconnection strap may comprise a laminating film to facilitate manufacture and assembly of the interconnected arrangement. |
| US08729382B2 |
Photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system
A photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system is provided, in which an electrode for optical power generation and an electrode for charging and discharging generated electrical energy are integrated into a single cell structure, and the potential difference between the electrodes is systematically controlled, thus maximizing the conversion efficiency of optical energy, maximizing the utilization rate of cell energy, and extending the life span of the battery. Thus, the photovoltaic-charged secondary battery system may include a transparent electrode capable of transmitting light; a PN semiconductor layer formed on the transparent electrode and generating a current by incident light; and a secondary battery layer, formed on the PN semiconductor layer, in which the current generated by the PN semiconductor layer is charged. |
| US08729380B2 |
Use of porous metallic materials as contact connection in thermoelectric modules
In the thermoelectric module composed of p- and n-conductive thermoelectric material legs which are connected to one another alternately via electrically conductive contacts, at least some of the electrically conductive contacts on the cold and/or the warm side of the thermoelectric module are formed between, or embedded into, the thermoelectric material legs composed of porous metallic materials. |
| US08729372B2 |
Adjuster for string instruments
An adjuster with a frame attachable to the front end portion of an instrument tailpiece, a lever member with a base portion and a front plate portion swingably supported by the frame, a mounting portion with an adjusting screw positioned therein, an anchoring portion extending from the lever member that projects through an anchor hole to the surface side of the tailpiece to removably anchor a string of the instrument, and a swing transmitting member provided to the frame so as to be interposed between the adjusting screw and the lever member. The swing transmitting member is swingably supported by the frame and includes one or more transmitting levers extending along the string. When the adjusting screw is screwed into the mounting portion, one end of the transmitting lever is pushed down and another end pushes up the lever member, and the anchoring portion is swung to stretch the string. |
| US08729368B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X08A153
A novel maize variety designated X08A153 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A153 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A153 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A153, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A153. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A153. |
| US08729363B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV672639
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV672639. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV672639, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV672639 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV672639 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV672639. |
| US08729362B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV431223
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV431223. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV431223, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV431223 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV431223 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV431223. |
| US08729359B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH661125
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH661125. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH661125, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH661125 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 CH661125. |
| US08729358B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH098773
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH098773. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH098773, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH098773 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 CH098773. |
| US08729356B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH213992
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH213992. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH213992, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH213992 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 CH213992. |
| US08729355B2 |
Soybean cultivar S110128
A soybean cultivar designated S110128 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110128, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110128, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110128, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110128. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110128. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110128, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S110128 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08729348B1 |
Soybean variety XBP37008
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP37008 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP37008, cells from soybean variety XBP37008, plants of soybean XBP37008, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP37008. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP37008 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP37008, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP37008, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP37008. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP37008 are further provided. |
| US08729343B2 |
Type of lettuce and methods of production
The present invention relates to an iceberg lettuce having one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. The invention further relates to methods for producing iceberg lettuce varieties containing one or more romaine lettuce characteristics. |
| US08729337B2 |
Production of polyunsaturated fatty acids, novel biosynthesis genes, and novel plant expression constructs
The present invention relates to a method for the production of unsaturated fatty acids with at least two double bonds. The invention furthermore relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 5, 9, and 11 encoding polypeptides having desaturase or elongase activity in the method and for generating a transgenic organism, preferably a transgenic plant or a transgenic microorganism, with an increased content of fatty acids, oils or lipids with unsaturated C18-, C20-, or C22-fatty acids, and to their homologs or derivatives, to gene constructs encompassing these genes, and to their use alone or in combination with biosynthesis genes of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The invention also relates to multiexpression cassettes for seed-specific expression, and to vectors or organisms which encompass a desaturase gene alone or in combination with further desaturases and/or elongase genes or homologs using said expression cassettes. |
| US08729336B2 |
Protein mixtures for maize insect control
Embodiments of the present invention relate to insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1 and Cry2 polypeptides. Methods for using the polypeptides and nucleic acids of embodiments of the invention to synergistically enhance resistance of plants to insect predation are encompassed in embodiments of the present invention. |
| US08729333B2 |
Absorptive article
An absorptive article 1 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 20, a liquid impermeable back sheet 30, and an absorber 50 disposed between the top sheet 20 and the back sheet 30. The absorber 50 has a layered structure including an upper absorbent layer 511 disposed on the side of the top sheet 20 and a lower absorbent layer 512 disposed on the side of the back sheet 30. The upper absorbent layer 511 is composed of virgin pulp and virgin polymer, and the lower absorbent layer 512 contains recycled pulp and recycled polymers. |
| US08729330B2 |
Hydroprocessing of diesel range biomolecules
Non-hydrotreated biocomponent feeds can be mixed with mineral feeds and processed under catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions. The catalytic isomerization/dewaxing conditions can be selected to advantageously also substantially deoxygenate the mixed feed. Diesel fuel products with improved cold flow properties can be produced. |
| US08729327B2 |
Process for cooling the stream leaving an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation reactor
The present invention is a process for the production of styrene monomer from ethylbenzene comprising the steps of: a) catalytically dehydrogenating said ethylbenzene in the presence of steam thereby catalytically producing a dehydrogenation effluent gas containing essentially unreacted ethylbenzene, styrene monomer, hydrogen, steam and divinylbenzene; b) quenching said effluent gas with an aqueous reflux in at least a quenching column to cool said effluent gas, and thereby obtaining a gas at the overhead and in the bottom a liquid stream warmer than the aqueous reflux; c) condensing said overhead gas thereby producing a liquid organic phase, an aqueous phase and a gaseous phase; d) using a portion or the whole of said aqueous phase of step c) as reflux for said step b) of quenching; e) sending to a decanter the liquid stream obtained at step b) to recover an aqueous phase and an organic phase. |
| US08729322B2 |
Hydrotreating carbohydrates
Conversion of renewable hydrocarbons to transportation fuels is required to reduce carbon emission, limit the use of fossil fuels, and develop renewable energy sources. Sorbitol, xylitol and trehelose are polyalcohols generated from the liquefaction of various sugars and carbohydrates in biomass from algae, corn, sugarcane, switchgrasses, and biological wastes. Mixtures of aqueous polyols and fuel feedstocks are catalyzed over metal catalysts to produce hexanes, pentanes, and lighter hydrocarbons. By managing the catalyst, reaction conditions and sulfur content, the octane value of the product fuel is dramatically increased. |
| US08729321B2 |
Fluoroalkyl iodide and its production process
A process for producing a fluoroalkyl iodide as a telomer Rf(CF2CF2)nI (wherein Rf is a C1-10 fluoroalkyl group, and n is an integer of from 1 to 6) by telomerization from a fluoroalkyl iodide represented by the formula RfI (wherein Rf is as defined above) as a telogen and tetrafluoroethylene (CF2CF2) as a taxogen, which comprises a liquid phase telomerization step of supplying a homogeneous liquid mixture of the telogen and the taxogen from the lower portion of a tubular reactor, moving the mixture from the lower portion towards the upper portion of the reactor in the presence of a radical initiator over a retention time of at least 5 minutes while the reaction system is kept in a liquid phase state is under conditions where no gas-liquid separation will take place, so that the taxogen supplied to the reactor is substantially consumed by the reaction in the reactor, and drawing the reaction product from the upper portion of the reactor. |
| US08729314B2 |
Process for the preparation of bronopol
The invention provides a process for preparing bronopol, which process comprises charging a reaction vessel with water, bromopicrin, nitromethane and paraformaldehyde, gradually feeding a base into said reaction vessel under stirring, bringing the reaction to completion and separating bronopol from the aqueous reaction mixture. |
| US08729312B2 |
Derivatives of novel peroxides, method of preparation thereof and use thereof in human medicine as well as in cosmetics for the treatment or prevention of acne
Compounds of the following general formula (I): are described. Also described, are methods of preparing the compounds and their use in therapeutics. |
| US08729300B2 |
Method for preparing metal salt of valproic acid
The present invention provides a simple, safe and more efficient process for preparing metal salts of valproic acid. The process includes steps of: (i) mixing valproic acid and a metal hydroxide (either dry solid or aqueous solution) in a drier to form a reaction mixture; and (ii) removing water, which is produced during the step of mixing the valproic acid and the metal hydroxide, from the reaction mixture to obtain the desired metal salts of valproic acid. |
| US08729299B2 |
Processes for the production of acrylic acids and acrylates
In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of reacting a reaction mixture comprising an alkanoic acid, an alkylenating agent, and oxygen over a catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude acrylate product. Preferably, the reaction mixture comprises from 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % oxygen. The crude acrylate product comprises acrylate product and alkylenating agent. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude product to form at least one alkylenating agent stream and at least one purified acrylate product stream. The purified acrylate product stream comprises acrylate product. |
| US08729297B2 |
Mannich condensation products useful as sequestering agents
The present invention is directed to Mannich condensation product sequestering agents or mixtures of Mannich condensation product sequestering agents for use in fuels and lubricating oils. The present invention is also directed to a process for preparing the Mannich condensation product sequestering agents. The present invention is also directed to a product formed by combining, under reaction conditions, a polyisobutyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound, an aldehyde, an amino acid or ester thereof, and an alkali metal base to form the Mannich condensation product sequestering agent. The present invention is also directed to a lubricating oil composition, a lubricating oil concentrate, a fuel composition, and a fuel concentrate having the Mannich condensation product sequestering agents of the present invention. |
| US08729296B2 |
Generation of peroxycarboxylic acids at alkaline pH, and their use as textile bleaching and antimicrobial agents
The present disclosure provides methods for generating percarboxylic acid compositions and/or peroxycarboxylic acid compositions formed external to a point of use in non-equilibrium reactions for use in certain bleaching and antimicrobial applications, in particular laundry applications. The compositions are generated external to a point of use, at alkaline pH levels, viz. greater than about pH 12, and optionally suitable for use with detergents and/or surfactants for synergistic bleaching efficacy. Methods of bleaching and/or disinfecting are further provided. |
| US08729294B2 |
Process for producing optically active 3-substituted-3-formyl-2-hydroxypropanoic acid compound
The present invention provides a production method of optically active 3-substituted-3-formyl-2-hydroxypropanoic acid compound (4), which includes a step of reacting glyoxylic acid compound (1-1) or (1-2) with aldehyde (2) in the presence of optically active pyrrolidine compound (3); wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification. |
| US08729292B2 |
Method for regeneration of raw ester
The invention relates to a raw ester of an esterification reaction catalyzed by a metal-containing esterification catalyst generated by a) mixing the raw ester at a temperature T of more than 100° C. under a pressure p that is equal to or greater than the vapor pressure of water at the temperature T with an aqueous base, b) relaxing the ester-base mixture and evaporating water, c) mixing the obtained fluid phase with water forming a water-in-oil emulsion, d) distilling water out of said emulsion and e) filtering the ester. Said method results in esters having low acid value and residues accrue in easily filterable form in the solid catalyst residues. |
| US08729286B2 |
Platinum compounds as treatment for cancers, and related methods, kits, and compositions
The present invention is a platinum(II) compound comprising a beta-diketonate ligand represented by the following general formula: Or general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl optionally substituted, heteroalkyl optionally substituted, and aryl optionally substituted; R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of ammonia, an optionally substituted heterocycle including at least one nitrogen, and an optionally substituted amine, or R3 and R4 can be joined together to form a bidentate ligand Z and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of O and S, provided at least one of Z and Y is S; and X— is a counterion. These compounds are useful in the treatment of cancer. |
| US08729282B2 |
Process for the manufacture of a 1,2-epoxide
The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a 1,2-epoxide by catalytic oxidation of a terminal olefin with hydrogen peroxide wherein the catalytic oxidation is performed in a biphasic system comprising an organic phase and an aqueous reaction medium, wherein a water-soluble manganese complex is used as oxidation catalyst, wherein a terminal olefin is used with a solubility at 20° C. of at least 0.01 to 100 g in 1 liter water, and wherein the molar ratio of terminal olefin to hydrogen peroxide is in the range of from 1:0.1 to 1:2. |
| US08729281B2 |
Production of hydroxymethylfurfural
The invention provides a process for making hydroxymethylfurfural comprising exposing a saccharide, e.g. glucose or fructose, to a metal complex of an N-heterocyclic carbene. |
| US08729280B2 |
Five crystal forms, methods of preparation, pharmaceutical compositions and applications of XLF-III-43
This invention discloses that the five crystal forms of XLF-III-43 can be used as crude drugs. The invention also relates to the preparation methods of the five crystal forms of XLF-III-43 as crude drugs, to the applications of the sterling of the five crystal forms of XLF-III-43 and mixed crystals in different proportions as medicinally active components to develop various kinds of medicines and compound medicines. In addition, this invention also relates to applying the crystal samples of XLF-III-43 as crude drugs to treat kidney dysfunction, cardiocerebral vessel diseases, hypertension, type II diabetic mellitus, complications of hypertension and diabetic mellitus, tumor, precancerosis, edema, and achieves therapeutic effects by enhancing blood drug levels resulted from effects of crystal forms in the processes of treating all kinds of diseases. |
| US08729276B2 |
Cyanine compound for labeling biomolecule and preparation method thereof
Disclosed are a novel cyanine compound, represented by the following Formula 1, for labeling biomolecules, and a method for preparing the same. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, B, m and n are defined as above. |
| US08729273B2 |
Compounds effective as xanthine oxidase inhibitors, method for preparing the same, and pharmaceutical composition containing the same
The present invention relates to novel compounds which are effective as an inhibitor for xanthine oxidase, a process for preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the same. |
| US08729270B2 |
Anti-cancer compounds, synthesis thereof, and methods of using same
Embodiments relate to the field of chemistry and biochemistry, and, more specifically, to anti-cancer compounds, synthesis thereof, and methods of using same. Disclosed herein are various heterocyclic compounds and methods of using the novel anti-cancer compounds to inhibit the growth of a cancer cell, for instance a leukemia, non-small cell lung, central nervous system (CNS), skin, ovarian, renal, prostate, breast, or colon cancer cell. Other embodiments include methods of treating cancer in a subject, such as using the disclosed heterocyclic anti-cancer agents. |
| US08729266B2 |
Preparation of N-alkylated opiates by reductive amination
The present invention is directed to the reduction of an N-imine moiety or a hemiaminal moiety of a morphinan in the presence of a ruthenium, rhodium, or iridium asymmetric catalyst and a hydrogen source. |
| US08729263B2 |
1,4-disubstituted pyridazine analogs there of and methods for treating SMN-deficiency-related conditions
The present invention provides a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition. |
| US08729262B2 |
Reverse-turn mimetics and method relating thereto
Conformationally constrained compounds that mimic the secondary structure of reverse-turn regions of biologically active peptides and proteins are disclosed. Such reverse-turn mimetic structures have utility over a wide range of fields, including use as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Libraries containing the reverse-turn mimetic structures of this invention are also disclosed as well as methods for screening the same to identify biologically active members. The invention also relates to the use of such compounds for inhibiting or treating disorders modulated by Wnt-signaling pathway, such as cancer, especially colorectal cancer, restenosis associated with angioplasty, polycystic kidney disease, aberrant angiogenesis disease, rheumatoid arthritis disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Alzheimer's disease, excess hair growth or loss, or ulcerative colitis. |
| US08729257B2 |
Hybrid lipid compounds based on pentaerythritol, intermediates, preparation methods and use thereof
This invention relates to a novel class of hybrid lipid compound based on pentaerythritol, their intermediates, preparation methods and uses thereof. Different kinds of functional groups such as alkyl chain, siloxane group, azobenzene, porphyrins, cholesterol, benzene ring and carboxyl were introduced into the four hydroxyl groups of pentaerythritol through chemical reaction to obtain the final hybrid lipid compounds based on pentaerythritol. Cerasomes prepared from such lipids have uniform size, silicate network surface, good stability and biocompatibility, and the leakage of drugs is not easy. The present liposome can be used as functional materials such as drugs or drug carriers, or used for optical storage and molecular devices, simulation, design and synthesis of artificial systems, nano-composite membrane materials and the removal of organic pollutants, etc., in addition, the preparation method of the present invention is simple, and it is easy for industrial production. |
| US08729256B2 |
Isomerization of sugars
Disclosed are processes for isomerizing saccharides. Also disclosed are processes for converting saccharides to furan derivatives. Also disclosed are processes for converting starch to furan derivatives. |
| US08729254B2 |
Derivative of glucose and vitamin F, compositions comprising it, uses and preparation process
An O-acyl product derived from glucose which may be obtained by partial or total esterification of glucose and of vitamin F, comprising a mixture of esters, for example, monoesters, of glucose and of at least one acid chosen from linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid, compositions, for example, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions, comprising this novel derivative, and their use for improving the condition of head hair and/or other hairs, and, for example, for reducing and/or impeding the loss of head hair and/or other hairs, and/or for inducing and/or stimulating hair growth, as well as a process for preparing O-acyl derivatives mainly in position 6 of glucose, comprising preparing a mixed anhydride by reacting a carboxylic acid with a trimethylacetyl halide, followed by reacting said mixed anhydride formed with glucose. |
| US08729251B2 |
Parallel preparation of high fidelity probes in an array format
The present invention provides massively parallel oligonucleotide synthesis and purification for applications that utilize large collections of defined high-fidelity oligonucleotides (e.g., from about 101 to about 105 different sequences, generally between 25-160 bases in length). |
| US08729246B2 |
Agent delivery system capable of selectively releasing an agent
The present invention provides a composition for selectively delivering an active agent to a portion of an organism. The composition comprises first and second polymer portions, having first and second functional groups attached as a side-chain thereto, respectively. The first and second functional groups form cross-links between the first and second polymer portions. The cross-links are capable of being broken by a substance of the organism, thereby resulting in release of the active agent. The composition provides a novel means for controlling the selective release of the active agent in the organism. |
| US08729245B2 |
Recombinant butyrylcholinesterases and truncates thereof
Isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that exhibit butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity are disclosed, along with molecular criteria for preparing such nucleic acids, including codon optimization. Methods of preparing modified and/or truncated BChE molecules having selected properties, especially selective formation of monomers, are also described. Vectors and cells containing and/or expressing the nucleic acids are also disclosed. |
| US08729244B2 |
Method for purifying factor B
The invention relates to a method for purifying factor B, comprising the steps consisting in: (i) obtaining a blood plasma fraction containing factor B; (ii) subjecting the fraction obtained in step (i) to a heparin-like affinity chromatography; (iii) subjecting the factor B-enriched fraction obtained in step (ii) to a cation exchange chromatography; (iv) subjecting the factor B-enriched fraction obtained in step (iii) to an anion exchange chromatography, (v) eluting the factor B. |
| US08729237B1 |
Polypeptide adjuvant composition with thermostability and manufacture thereof
The present invention provides a polypeptide adjuvant composition with thermostability, which is designed from wild-type chicken interleikin-1β to construct a new chicken interleikin-1β, named CP-interleikin-1β. The CP-interleikin-1β having improved heat resistance keeps the original biological activity, and which helps to develop protein adjuvant with high efficiency and uses in medical application. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing such polypeptide adjuvant composition. |
| US08729236B2 |
Selection and characterization of novel plant-derived recombinant human interferons with broad spectrum activity
Methods to derive novel hybrid type 1 interferons that are broadly active against highly pathogenic viruses of biodefense significance are described. Libraries of hybrid interferon genes were produced using gene shuffling, the proteins were expressed, and screened for activity against viruses of interest. Sequences of several broadly active hybrid interferons are described. |
| US08729226B2 |
Cancer therapy method
This invention describes a method for treating cancer by increasing the nuclear localization of the COMMD1 protein, which is associated with decreasing or blocking the proliferation of the cancer cell. The invention is also related to the use of agents that increase nuclear localization of the COMMD1 protein, in the manufacture of a medicament for cancer therapy. These agents can be peptides or proteins, among other compounds. The invention is also related to the optimization of a peptide, coming from the sequence HARIKPTFRRLKWKKYKGKFW, to increase the nuclear localization of the protein COMMD, and thus, to increase the antitumor effect of this peptide. |
| US08729225B2 |
Glycogen synthase kinase heteropolyligand polypeptide
The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands and polyligands that modulate GSK3 activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands and polyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands. |
| US08729222B2 |
Organic thin-film transistors
A thin-film transistor comprises a semiconducting layer comprising a semiconducting material selected from Formula (I) or (II): wherein X, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 a, b, and n are as described herein. Semiconducting compositions of Formula (I) or (II) are also described. |
| US08729221B2 |
Conjugated copolymers chiral side chain for organic thin film transistors
Embodiments of the invention include polymers comprising a regioregular conjugated main chain section having an enantiopure or enantioenriched chiral side chain, as well as methods and materials for producing such polymers. Illustrative methods include regioselectively preparing a monomer that includes an enantiopure or enantioenriched chiral side group, and then reacting these monomers to produce a polymer that comprises a regioregular conjugated main chain section having an enantiopure or enantioenriched chiral side chains. In illustrative embodiments of the invention, the regioregular conjugated main chain section can contain a repeat unit that includes a dithiophene and a pyridine. |
| US08729216B2 |
Multifunctional sulfur-containing polymers, compositions thereof and methods of use
Disclosed are multifunctional sulfur-containing polymers that are the reaction products of a sulfur-containing diol, a polyol containing at least three hydroxyl groups per polyol molecule, and an aldehyde, a ketone, or a combination thereof. Sealant compositions comprising the multifunctional sulfur-containing polymers are also disclosed. |
| US08729213B2 |
Benzylated polyamine curing agents
A curing agent composition including at least one benzylated polyamine compound. The benzylated polyamine compound is a reaction product of a benzaldehyde compound or benzyl halide compound and a polyamine according to the following formula: H2N—CH2-A-CH2-NH2 where A is a phenylene group or a cyclohexylene group. A method for making the curing agent composition and an amine-epoxy composition are also disclosed. |
| US08729212B2 |
Polymer compositions and devices
Bioresorbable or biodegradable polymers formed from the monomers including sulphonyl diphenol, hydroxybenzoic acid and dicarboxylic acid. The dicarboxylic acid can include aliphatic dicarboxylic acid or a mixture of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and aromatic dicarboxylic acid. Between 25 and 85 molar percent of the polymer is formed from the hydroxybenzoic acid, between 7.5 and 37.5 molar percent of the polymer is formed from the sulphonyl diphenol, and between 7.5 and 37.5 molar percent of the polymer is formed from the dicarboxylic acid. Polymers can be used for manufacturing fibers and composite devices. |
| US08729211B2 |
Perfluoropolyether urethane additives having (meth)acryl groups and hard coats
Fluorocarbon- and urethane-(meth)acryl-containing additives and hardcoats. The hardcoats are particularly useful as a surface layer on an optical device. |
| US08729210B2 |
Prepolymers based on di- or polyisocyanates and formamide-terminated low molecular weight compounds, processes for preparing the same and uses thereof
Prepolymers, which are accessible from formamides of low molecular weight di- or triamines (formamide-terminated low molecular weight compounds) and di- or polyisocyanates, of the general formula (II): X—[—N(CHO)—CO—NH—R1—NCO]n (II) wherein X represents a linear or branched aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic and/or aromatic structural unit having 2 to 40 carbon atoms, and which is optionally further substituted and/or optionally comprises one or more heteroatoms, wherein R1 represents an organic radical which may optionally contain one or more heteroatoms and which may further contain one or more additional free isocyanate groups and/or one or more urethane, biuret, carbodiimide, isocyanurate, allophanate, iminooxadiazinedione and/or uretdione structural units, and wherein n≧2; processes for making the same; compositions containing the same; and uses thereof. |
| US08729208B2 |
Curable composition
A curable composition is provided. A cured product showing excellent light extraction efficiency, crack resistance, hardness, thermal shock resistance and adhesive strength after a curing, as well as showing excellent processability and workability is provided. Also, surface stickiness may be prevented in the cured product without causing turbidity etc. |
| US08729207B2 |
Types of polyester-modified organopolysiloxanes
The invention relates to new types of polyester-polysiloxane block copolymers, to processes for their preparation and to their use. |
| US08729205B2 |
Flowability improver for engineering plastics, thermoplastic resin compositions containing the same and molded articles of the compositions
A flowability improver for engineering plastics which comprises a polymer (A) comprising of 50 to 99.5% by mass of aromatic vinyl monomer units (a1), 0.5 to 50% by mass of (meth)acrylate monomer units (a2) having an ester group of phenyl or substituted phenyl group, and 0 to 40% by mass of other monomer units (a3) (with the proviso that the total of the units (a1) to (a3) is 100% by mass) and having a weight average molecular weight of 5000 to 150000. The flowability improver can improve engineering plastics in melt-flow characteristics (processability in molding) and chemical resistance without impairing the plastics in heat resistance, exfoliation resistance, and transparency. |
| US08729202B2 |
Biocompatible polymer compositions for dual or multi staged curing
The present invention provides a biocompatible polymer composition for use in biomedical applications comprising a base molecule, a linker molecule and at least one initiator compound, said base molecule having at least two differing functionalities, and said linker molecule having a functionality reactive with at least one functionality of said base molecule, the first of said at least two functionalities of said base molecule enabling a first curing stage of said polymer composition by reaction with said linker molecule, and the second and any further functionality of said base molecule enabling second and further curing stages of said polymer composition, said first, second and any further curing stages being capable of activation simultaneously or independently of each other as required. |
| US08729201B2 |
Process for polymerizing an olefin monomer and catalyst therefor
The present invention generally relates to a process that polymerizes an olefin monomer, and a precatalyst and catalyst useful in such process. |
| US08729198B2 |
Compositions comprising thiol-terminated polymers and sulfur-containing ethylenically unsaturated silanes and related cured sealants
Disclosed are compositions that include: a) a thiol-terminated polymer; and b) a sulfur-containing ethylenically unsaturated silane. Related products, such as sealants, that include polymers derived from such compositions, are also disclosed. |
| US08729197B2 |
Epoxy structural adhesive
Room temperature curing epoxy adhesives that show good adhesion to plastic substrates are described. The adhesives contain an epoxy resin component comprising a first epoxy resin and a second epoxy resin; a first amine curing agent having an equivalent weight of at least 50 grams per mole of amine equivalents; a second amine curing agent having an equivalent weight of no greater than 45 grams per mole of amine equivalents; an acetoacetoxy-functionalized compound; a metal salt catalyst; and a multifunctional acrylate. |
| US08729190B2 |
Particular water-absorbent agent having water-absorbent resin as main component
A particulate water-absorbent agent containing a polyacrylate salt-type water-absorbent resin. The agent has an absorption capacity without load of 28 g/g or higher and has a diffusion absorption index of 1.40 to 10.0 g/g min. The amount of water-soluble components in the agent, with stirring, is 15-60% by mass. The difference between this amount and the amount of water-soluble components, without stirring, is 15-50% by mass. Also disclosed is a method of making the above-identified agent. |
| US08729183B2 |
Silicone emulsions and method for producing same
Aqueous emulsions of high viscosity organopolysiloxanes can be prepared having a very low content of cyclic siloxanes by condensing low molecular weight alkoxy-functional organopolysiloxanes in aqueous emulsion with an alkylphosphate emulsifier and at least one selected polyoxyethylene non-ionic surfactant. |
| US08729180B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition and formed product thereof
In a polycarbonate resin composition containing a polycarbonate resin and a polycarbosilane compound, the use of the polycarbosilane compound modifies the surface properties of the polycarbonate resin composition without adversely affecting the intrinsic characteristics of the polycarbonate resin, such as transparency, heat resistance, and mechanical properties, e.g., impact resistance. A polycarbonate resin composition containing 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin, 0.001 to 1 part by mass of a metal salt compound, and 0.005 to 5 parts by mass of a polycarbosilane compound has significantly improved flame resistance and high transparency and causes markedly reduced outgassing and mold fouling, without losing impact resistance and heat resistance. |
| US08729176B2 |
Polyricinoleate composition and process for producing the same
A process is disclosed wherein ricinoleic acid from petroleum alternative vegetable castor oil that has a hydroxyl group at the 12-position or a derivative thereof (an ester or a hydrogenated compound thereof) is polymerized in the presence of a synthetic zeolite and an immobilized lipase at around normal temperature without using any harmful polymerization catalysts or organic solvents which can cause environmental pollution whereby a polyester useful in the industry that has a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 or more is obtained. This high-molecular weight polyester is crosslinked to give a crosslinked elastomer that is comparable to synthetic rubbers. |
| US08729175B2 |
Fluoroelastomer gels
Fluoroelastomeric gel having the following properties: appearance: transparent gelatinous solid; water content between 10% and 90% by weight; density between 1.1 and 2.1 g/cm3; said gel satisfies the following test: dried in a stove at 90° C. until a constant weight gives curable fluoroelastomers. |
| US08729174B2 |
Energy absorbing composition and impact and sound absorbing applications thereof
A substantially non-elastic incompressible composition, which substantially does not quickly self-level under standard operating conditions, includes: a suspending agent which reacts substantially as a solid when subjected to forces below a critical force, and which becomes substantially flowable when subjected to forces above said critical force; ceramic microparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent; flexible-walled microparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent; and celled macroparticulates dispersed within the suspending agent. The composition provides an incident energy absorbing property. The incident energy may include sound energy, and the microparticulates and macroparticulates may convert some of the sound energy into heat, or may diffract the sound energy. |
| US08729172B2 |
High performance engineering plastics and additive for use in engineering plastics
The present invention relates to engineering plastics having a high flame retardancy and a good compound processability, where the engineering plastics comprises microsilica as a flame retardant additive and as a processing aid. |
| US08729166B2 |
Polymer composition for microelectronic assembly
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass polymer compositions that act as both a tack agent and a fluxing agent for the assembly of microelectronic components onto a variety of substrate materials. Such polymer compositions embodiments encompass a sacrificial polymer, a carrier solvent, a thermal acid generator and, optionally, formic acid. |
| US08729160B2 |
Admixture for hydraulic binder
A method includes adding at least one copolymer or a salt thereof acting as a plasticizer, blocking agent, or both a plasticizer and a blocking agent, to a calcium sulphate-based hydraulic binder. The copolymer includes an acrylic acid or a poly(oxy)alkylene copolymer. |
| US08729158B2 |
Fumed silica of controlled aggregate size and processes for manufacturing the same
The invention provides fumed silica comprising aggregates that have an aggregate size and a surface area that satisfy particular formulas relating aggregate size to surface area, as well as aggregates that exhibit particular viscosity, power law exponent index, and/or elastic modulus characteristics when dispersed in liquid media. The invention also provides processes of preparing such fumed silica by combining a silica precursor with a stream of combustible gas, combusting the stream, and producing a stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles, wherein dopants are introduced, the time/temperature profile, or history, of the stream of combusted gas and fumed silica particles is adjusted to allow for post-quench aggregate growth, and/or additional silica precursor is introduced into the stream of combusted gas. |
| US08729156B2 |
Polyhydroxyalkanoate composition exhibiting improved impact resistance at low levels of impact modifier
The invention provides a composition exhibiting improved impact resistance at low levels of impact modifier. The composition comprises a polyhydroxyalkanoic acid and: (A) an elastomeric compound of core-shell type wherein the amount of (A) is from 0.1 to 6% by mass of the composition; and (B) and an olefinic copolymer comprising an ethylenic monomer bearing an epoxy function; wherein the amount of (B) is from 0.01 to 0.6% by mass of the composition and the mass ratio of (A)/(B) is from 85/15 to 99.5/0.5. |
| US08729153B2 |
Aqueous pigment dispersion for ink-jet ink and ink-jet ink composition
An aqueous pigment dispersion which contains C.I. Pigment Yellow 74, a styrene-acrylic-based resin with an acid number of 100 to 250, and a basic compound, wherein the styrene-acrylic-based resin includes at least styrene-based monomer units, acrylic acid monomer units, and methacrylic acid monomer units as component monomer units, and the weight average molecular weight of the resin is within a range from 7,000 to 15,000. |
| US08729151B2 |
Artificial marble and methods
There is provided an artificial marble that includes antimicrobial substance, wherein the antimicrobial substance comprises less that about 0.002% (dry weight) of the artificial marble composition. |
| US08729148B2 |
Photocurable dry film, method for preparing same, patterning method and film for protecting electric and electronic parts
Disclosed herein is a photocurable dry film including a structure having a photocurable resin layer sandwiched between a support film and a protective film, the photocurable resin layer being formed of a photocurable resin composition including ingredients (A) to (D):(A) a silicone skeleton-containing polymer compound having the repeating units represented by the following general formula (1) wherein X and Y, respectively, a divalent organic group represented by the following general formula (2) or (3) (B) a crosslinking agent selected from formalin-modified or formalin-alcohol-modified amino condensates and phenolic compound having on average two or more methylol groups or alkoxymethylol groups in one molecule; (C) a photoacid generator capable of generating an acid by decomposition with light having a wavelength of 190 to 500 nm; and (D) a solvent. |
| US08729141B2 |
Method for methanol synthesis using synthesis gas generated by combined reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide
Disclosed is a method for methanol synthesis using synthesis gas obtained from reforming of natural gas with carbon dioxide. First, synthesis gas is obtained from steam carbon dioxide reforming of methane, in which steam reforming of natural gas is carried out simultaneously with carbon dioxide reforming of methane, by using a catalyst (Ni/Ce/MgAlOx, or Ni/Ce—Zr/MgAlOx) and processing condition capable of maintaining a predetermined ratio of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen [H2/(2CO+3CO2)=0.85-1.15]. Next, methanol synthesis is carried out by using the obtained synthesis gas and a catalyst system suitable for methanol synthesis with minimum byproduct formation (a catalyst system including a Cu—Zn—Al oxide containing CuO, ZnO, and Al2O3 at a predetermined ratio in combination with a cerium-zirconium oxide obtained by a sol-gel process). In addition, unreacted synthesis gas remaining after the operation of methanol synthesis is recycled efficiently to improve the carbon availability (methane and CO2 availability) and energy efficiency in the overall process. |
| US08729140B2 |
Process for regenerating a catalyst
A process for regenerating one or more deactivated cobalt comprising Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particle(s), comprising the steps of: (i) oxidizing the catalyst particle(s) at a temperature between 20 and 400° C.; (ii) treating the catalyst particle(s) for more than 5 minutes, (iii) drying the catalyst particle(s); and (iv) optionally reducing the catalyst particle(s) with hydrogen or a hydrogen comprising gas. This process may be preceded by a step in which Fischer-Tropsch product is removed from the catalyst particle(s). The treatment is performed using carbon dioxide and a liquid comprising ammonia. |
| US08729137B2 |
Cleansing bar
A cleansing bar comprising at least one member chosen from clay and talc, wherein a total amount of clay and talc is present in an amount that is greater than any other material in the cleansing bar, at least one cleanser chosen from soap and surfactant, and a binder present in an amount to structure the cleansing bar into a bar. |
| US08729135B2 |
Glutaraldehyde composition
This invention relates to a stabilized aqueous glutaraldehyde solution including 0.005% to 45% m/v, suitably 10% to 45% m/v solution of glutaraldehyde, an alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant, a buffer and a sufficient amount of a pH modifier to bring the pH of the solution to 6.0 to 8.5. The glutaraldehyde and the alcohol ethoxylate non-ionic surfactant are chemically bound together, suitably by complexing. These stable solutions can be stored for a period of at least six months without the glutaraldehyde polymerizing or the pH dropping below 5.0. |
| US08729132B2 |
Agomelatine hydrobromide hydrate and preparation thereof
The present invention relates to an agomelatine hydrobromide hydrate of formula I wherein X is Br, preparation and use thereof, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing it. The agomelatine hydrobromide hydrate obtained through the present method has significant increased solubility than agomelatine, and therefore is more suitable for manufacturing pharmaceutical formulations. In addition, the product enjoys higher stability and purity. Using the present method, product of high purity can be obtained through a simple process, free of any complicated steps. |
| US08729130B2 |
Methods of using novel solid forms of tacedinaline
Novel solid forms of tacedinaline (4-(acetylamino)-N-(2-aminophenyl)benzamide), including crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, a novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and amorphous tacedinaline, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystalline tacedinaline Forms A, B, and D, the novel crystalline tacedinaline TFA salt, and/or amorphous tacedinaline, and methods of treating various conditions by administering those novel solid forms, are also disclosed. |
| US08729128B2 |
Lipoxin A4 protection for cornea endothelial cells
Lipoxin A4 and its analogs have been discovered to promote the cell proliferation of cornea endothelial cells, and thus promote the proper functioning of the labile tissue layer of cornea endothelial cells. These lipoxin compounds can be administered alone or in combination with other known compounds as a solution that can be topically administered to decrease the swelling of the cornea or maintain the clarity of the cornea. Lipoxin A4 or its analogs can also be combined with other known nutritive compounds to form a solution for storage of a cornea prior to transplantation. |
| US08729126B2 |
Use of pufas for treating skin inflammation
The present invention provides a compound which is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivative of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof, for use in treating various skin disorders. |
| US08729125B2 |
Ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating eyes
Ophthalmic compositions including compatible solute components and/or polyanionic components are useful in treating eyes, for example, to relieve dry eye syndrome, to protect the eyes against hypertonic insult and/or the adverse effects of cationic species on the ocular surfaces of eyes and/or to facilitate recovery from eye surgery. |
| US08729116B2 |
Triazole compound having pesticidal activities
To provide a triazole compound which has remarkably excellent pesticidal activities. Optically active (+)-1-[2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl)phenyl]-5-amino-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole represented by the following formula (I), which is obtainable by subjecting a racemic modification of 1-[2-fluoro-4-methyl-5-(2,2,2-trifluoroethylsulfinyl)phenyl]-5-amino-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole to optical resolution: |
| US08729115B2 |
Valsartan derivatives carrying nitrogen oxide donors for the treatment of vascular and metabolic diseases
Nitrate esters and diazeniumdiolate derivatives of valsartanamide are described. They have valuable properties in the treatment of vascular and metabolic diseases. |
| US08729113B2 |
4,5-dihydro-oxazol-2yl derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of formula I wherein R1, R2, X, Y, and n are defined in the specification and to pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of manufacture of such compounds. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diseases related to the biological function of the trace amine associated receptors, which diseases are depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stress-related disorders, psychotic disorders, schizophrenia, neurological diseases, Parkinson's disease, neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, migraine, substance abuse and metabolic disorders, eating disorders, diabetes, diabetic complications, obesity, dyslipidemia, disorders of energy consumption and assimilation, disorders and malfunction of body temperature homeostasis, disorders of sleep and circadian rhythm, and cardiovascular disorders. |
| US08729112B2 |
Antimicrobial haloalkyl heterocycle compounds
This application describes compounds useful as anti-microbial agents, including as antibacterial, disinfectant, antifungal, germicidal or antiviral agents. |
| US08729110B1 |
2-thio-1,3,4-oxadiazoles derivatives as sphingosine-1 phosphate receptors modulators
The present invention relates to novel 2-thio-1,3,4-oxadiazoles derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. |
| US08729106B2 |
Pesticidal compositions
A pesticidal composition comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one anthranilamide compound represented by the formula (I) or its salt and other pesticide: wherein each of R1a and R1b which are independent of each other, is halogen; each of R2 and R3 is halogen, alkyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or cyano; A is alkyl substituted by Y; Y is C3-4 cycloalkyl which may be substituted by at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl and haloalkyl; n is 0 or 1; and q is an integer of from 0 to 4; provided that R1a and R1b are not simultaneously chlorine nor bromine. |
| US08729105B2 |
Heteroarylmethyl amides
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein A1, A2, A3 and R1 to R8 are defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which can be treated with HDL-cholesterol raising agents, such as particularly dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. |
| US08729104B2 |
Diphenyl substituted alkanes as flap inhibitors
The instant invention provides compounds of formula I which are 5-lipoxygenase activating protein inhibitors. Compounds of formula I are useful as anti-atherosclerotic, anti-asthmatic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective agents. |
| US08729101B2 |
1H-imidazole derivative having CB1, agonistic, CB1 partial agonistic or CB1 antagnistic activity
The present invention relates to a group of novel 1H-imidazole derivatives, to methods for the preparation of these compounds, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds as an active component. These 1H-imidazole derivatives are potent cannabinoid-CB1 receptor agonists, partial agonists or antagonists, useful for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, as well as and other diseases involving cannabinoid neurotransmission. The compounds have the general formula (I), wherein R and R1-R4 have the meanings given in the specification. |
| US08729092B2 |
Rosuvastatin enantiomer compounds
The invention discloses a method for the treatment of diseases, particularly those diseases characterized by diminished or aberrant cellular function, including AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's Disease. The method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of rosuvastatin enantiomer compounds in their (3R,5R), (3S,5R), or (3S,5S) configurations, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Biologically-active rosuvastatin enantiomer compounds with (3R,5R), (3S,5R), and (3S,5S) stereochemistry are also disclosed. |
| US08729089B2 |
Pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidines useful for treating viral infections
Pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives represented by the structural formula (I): wherein: R4 is hydrogen, and R1, 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. |
| US08729087B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibition of the JAK pathway
The invention encompasses compounds having formula I and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases are therapeutically useful. |
| US08729086B2 |
Fibrosis inhibitor
[Object] The main object of the present invention is to provide a fibrosis inhibitor.[Solving Means] The present invention relates to a fibrosis inhibitor containing the heterocyclic derivative represented by the following general formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient; In the formula (1), R1 and R2 are the same or different and each represents an optionally substituted aryl; R3 and R4 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen atom or alkyl; R5 represents hydrogen atom, alkyl or halogen atom; Y represents N or N→O; A represents NR6, and R6 represents hydrogen atom, alkyl, etc.; D represents alkylene or alkenylene which is optionally substituted with hydroxy; E represents phenylene or a single bond; G represents O, S, etc.; and Q represents carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, etc. |
| US08729083B2 |
Pyrazole compounds for controlling invertebrate pests
The present invention relates to pyrazole compounds of formulae I or II and the salts and N-oxides thereof, wherein A is a pyrazole radical of formulae A1, A2 or A3, wherein # denotes the binding site; R41, R42, R43, R51 are H, halogen, CN, NO2, C1-C10-alkyl and the like; R52, R53 are H, halogen, CN, NO2, C1-C10-alkyl, and the like; R61, R62, R63 are H, CN, NO2, C1-C10-alkyl, and the like; T is C(Rt) or N; U is C(Ru) or N; V is C(Rv) or N; W is C(Rw) or N; with the proviso that at least one of the groups T, U, V and W is N; Rt, Ru, Rv, Rw are H, halogen, C1-C4-alkyl and the like; X1 is S, O or NR1a, wherein R1a is selected H, C1-C10-alkyl and the like; X2 is OR2a, NR2bR2c, S(O)mR2d, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2, R2a is C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl and the like, R2b, R2c are H, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl and the like, or R2b and R2c together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound form a heterocycle, and R2d is C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-haloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl and the like; and R1 is H, CN, C1-C10-alkyl and the like. The present invention further relates to a method for controlling invertebrate pests, to a method for protecting plant propagation material and/or the plants which grow therefrom, to plan propagation material, comprising at least one compound according to the present invention, to a method for treating or protecting an animal from infestation or infection by parasites and to an agricultural composition containing at least one compound according to the present invention. |
| US08729081B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating alcohol use disorders, pain and other diseases
The present invention provides compounds which antagonize epsilon protein kinase C (PKCε). These compounds have a structural formula (Ia), (Ic) or (II). The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treating various diseases, conditions, and/or symptoms by using these compounds. |
| US08729080B2 |
Cancer therapy
The subject invention provides for cancer therapy. |
| US08729076B2 |
Secondary 8-hydroxyquinoline-7-carboxamide derivatives
The present invention provides new secondary 8-hydroxyquinoline-7-carboxamide derivatives of general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are useful as antifungal agents. Specifically, these compounds were tested against Tricophyton Rubrum, Tricophyton Mentagrophytes, Aspergillus Niger and Scopulariopsis Brevicaulis. Many of these compounds are active against Candida species such as Candida Albicans and Candida Glabrata. |
| US08729071B2 |
Iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds as BACE inhibitors, compositions and their use
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides certain iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds, including compounds Formula (I): (I) and include stereoisomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds stereoisomers, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R9, ring A, ring B, m, n, p, -L1-, L2-, and L3- is selected independently and as defined herein. The novel iminothiadiazine dioxide compounds of the invention have surprisingly been found to exhibit properties which are expected to render them advantageous as BACE inhibitors and/or for the treatment and prevention of various pathologies related to β-amyloid (Aβ) production. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more such compounds (alone and in combination with one or more other active agents), and methods for their preparation and use in treating pathologies associated with amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, including Alzheimers disease, are also disclosed. |
| US08729069B2 |
Tetrahydropyridine, tetrahydroazepine, and dihydropyrrole derivatives for inflammation and immune-related uses
The invention relates to compounds of structural formula (Ia): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X6, X10, R1, Y, Z, L, and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders. |
| US08729064B2 |
Heteroaromatic and aromatic piperazinyl azetidinyl amides as monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders that are affected by the inhibition of MGL, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, W and are defined herein. |
| US08729062B2 |
Benzyl azetidine derivatives as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel benzyl azetidine derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as pharmaceuticals as modulators of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors. |
| US08729058B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating and preventing viral infections
A method of treating or preventing a systemic viral infection in a mammal by administering a pharmaceutically acceptable composition selected from the group consisting of squalamine, an active isomer thereof, and an active analogue thereof, via a dosing regimen that delivers effective antiviral concentrations of squalamine. Also compositions for achieving the systemic antiviral effect. |
| US08729057B2 |
Testosterone gel and method of use
The present invention relates to an improved transdermal hydroalcoholic testosterone gen formulation that provides, among other things, a desirable pharmacokinetic hormone profile, and methods of use. |
| US08729056B2 |
Preventive and/or therapeutic agent of hand-foot syndrome
The agent for the prevention and/or treatment of Hand-Foot Syndrome comprising a compound with anticholinergic activity can be provided. The agent for the prevention and/or treatment of Hand-Foot Syndrome comprising a compound with anticholinergic activity can be safely administered to the patients with Hand-Foot Syndrome, and has shown the superior preventive and/or treatment effect against Hand-Foot Syndrome. |
| US08729054B2 |
3-desoxy-2-methylene-vitamin D analogs and their uses
This invention discloses 3-desoxy-2-methylene-vitamin D analogs, and specifically (20S)-3-desoxy-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-vitamin D3 and (20R)-3-desoxy-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-vitamin D3 as well as pharmaceutical uses therefor. These compounds exhibit relatively high binding activity and pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to monocytes thus evidencing use as anti-cancer agents especially for the treatment or prevention of osteosarcoma, leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer. These compounds also exhibit relatively high calcemic activity evidencing use in the treatment of bone diseases. |
| US08729052B2 |
Composition for the prevention and treatment of alopecia, or for hair growth
Disclosed is a composition for prevention and treatment of alopecia or for hair growth, comprising a phytosphingosine-1-phosphate derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. Also, a medicine comprising the composition and a quasi-drug comprising the composition are provided. |
| US08729051B2 |
Tri- and tetra-oligo-saccharides suitable as agglutination agents for enteric pathogens
Compositions which include a homotrimer, heterotrimer, homotetramer, and/or heterotetramer of a component such as pentose, hexose, an L or D isomer of a pentose or hexose, a β-form of a pentose or hexose, oxidized derivatives and mixtures of such compounds are disclosed as agglutination agents. The disclosed compositions are useful for agglutination of enteric pathogens and may be used for selectively controlling and regulating the microbial ecosystem in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject. |
| US08729050B2 |
Method for prevention and treatment of reflux injury in the aerodigestive tract and laryngopharynx caused by pepsin
A method for treating or preventing disorders, diseases, and symptom of reflux, that is laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), in the laryngopharynx caused by pepsin comprises orally administering to the laryngopharynx of a patient an effective amount of cellulose powder. A method for treating or preventing damage to the lining membranes of at least some of the aerodigestive tract, the damage caused by pepsin, comprises coating at least some of the lining membranes with an effective amount of a cellulose powder. Upon inhalation of the powder, the powder coats the lining membranes. Upon coating the lining membranes, the powder becomes a gel. The gel prevents the pepsin from binding with the lining membranes, thereby preventing damage caused by pepsin in laryngopharyngeal reflux or in extra-esophageal reflux. |
| US08729049B2 |
Leaven-based mixture
An embodiment is a mixture obtainable by a process comprising the following steps: a) adding a culture comprising sprouted rye grains and water to a rye fine or coarse meal and subjecting the mixture to a process of heating to 30-34° C. within 3 to 5 hours, a strong maltose formation being initiated from enzymatic reactions; b) followed by a further addition of rye fine or coarse meal, water and a bacteriological inoculum from the group of heterofermentative lactic-acid bacteria; c) acidifying the mixture until the metabolic activity of the microorganisms ceases, and optionally pasteurizing at 90-95° C.; d) separating the mixture by centrifugation into a solution and a precipitate, after which the solution is optionally filtered at least once. |
| US08729048B2 |
Methods and materials for assessing responsiveness to PARP inhibitors and platinating agents
This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing responsiveness to PARP inhibitors and platinating agents. For example, methods and materials for using levels of non-homologous end-joining pathway members (e.g., artemis mRNA or polypeptide levels, Ku80 mRNA or polypeptide levels, or DNA-PKcs mRNA or polypeptide levels) to determine if cancer cells that are homologous recombination-deficient are likely to be susceptible or resistant to PARP inhibitors and platinating agents are provided. |
| US08729039B2 |
Use of inhibitory oligonucleotides to treat autoimmune disease
The invention consists of oligonucleotides which inhibit the immunostimulatory activity of ISS-ODN (immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotides) as well as methods for their identification and use. The oligonucleotides of the invention are useful in controlling therapeutically intended ISS-ODN adjuvant activity as well as undesired ISS-ODN activity exerted by recombinant expression vectors, such as those used for gene therapy and gene immunization. The oligonucleotides of the invention also have anti-inflammatory activity useful in reducing inflammation in response to infection of a host with ISS-ODN containing microbes, in controlling autoimmune disease and in boosting host Th2 type immune responses to an antigen. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutically useful conjugates of the oligonucleotides of the invention (including conjugate partners such as antigens and antibodies). |
| US08729038B2 |
Down regulation of the gene expression by means of nucleic acid-loaded virus-like particles
The present invention relates to compositions of virus-like particles for the introduction of RNA-interference (RNAi-) inducing molecules into eukaryotic cells and methods for the cell type-specific transduction of a plurality of eukaryotic cells with RNAi-inducing molecules. The present invention furthermore relates to methods for a diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases or disease states associated with an increased expression rate of at least one endogenous gene, and/or with the undesired expression of at least one endogenous gene and/or foreign nucleic acids, in particular viral nucleic acids. |
| US08729034B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition having virucidal and spermicidal activity
Acaciaside-B (Ac-B) has emerged as a prospective candidate molecule for prevention of HIV infection along with potential for use as/in vaginal contraceptive/formulation. It possesses anti-HIV property at a tolerably low concentration, is non-mutagenic and does not harm the niche of Lactobacilli. Thus Ac-B appears to be a superior ingredient for formulations of a chemical barrier against HIV-1 infection wherein its spermicidal property is superfluous. |
| US08729032B2 |
Self-assembling peptide and peptide gel with high strength
Provide are a peptide gel with practically sufficient mechanical strength and a self-assembling peptide capable of forming the peptide gel. The self-assembling peptide is formed of the following amino acid sequence: a1b1c1b2a2b3db4a3b5c2b6a4 where: a1 to a4 each represent a basic amino acid residue; b1 to b6 each represent an uncharged polar amino acid residue and/or a hydrophobic amino acid residue, provided that at least five thereof each represent a hydrophobic amino acid residue; c1 and c2 each represent an acidic amino acid residue; and d represents a hydrophobic amino acid residue. |
| US08729031B2 |
Compounds
Compounds of formula (IV) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same are described, wherein X1 and X2, R3, L, Ar1, p and Z have the values disclosed herein. |
| US08729025B2 |
Methods for altering MRNA splicing and treating familial dysautonomia by administering kinetin, benzyladenine, and tocotrienols
This invention relates to methods for altering the splicing of mRNA in cells. In particular, this invention also relates to methods for increasing the ratio of wild type to misspliced forms of mRNA and corresponding encoded proteins in cells possessing a mutant gene encoding either the i) misspliced mRNA corresponding to the mutant protein or ii) a component in the splicing machinery responsible for processing the misspliced mRNA. In addition, this invention relates to treating individuals having a disorder associated with a misspliced mRNA, such as Familial Dysautonomia or Neurofibromatosis 1, by administering to such an individual a cytokinin such as kinetin. |
| US08729022B2 |
Stabilised solid compositions of factor VII polypeptides
The invention relates to chemically as well as physically stable compositions comprising Factor VII or a Factor VII-related polypeptide such that these compositions can be stored, handled and used at room temperature. |
| US08729016B2 |
Oral insulin therapies and protocol
Methods for treating impaired glucose tolerance and early and late stage diabetes in mammals, for prophylactically sparing β-cell function, aiding in preventing β-cell death, preventing the onset of overt diabetes in a mammal with type 2 diabetes, treating the current level of glycemic control dysfunction of a mammal with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes, comprising orally administering insulin and a delivery agent that facilitates insulin absorption from the gastrointestinal tract at the time of or shortly before mealtime, e.g., within about 10 minutes prior to ingestion of a meal, on a chronic basis. The methods also comprise, in addition to administering a rapid-acting insulin to provide a first insulin peak, administering a slow acting insulin to provide a second insulin peak occurring at a later time but of a longer duration. These methods achieve improved glycemic control without the risks of hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and weight gain and the need for frequent blood glucose monitoring that are normally associated with insulin therapy. |
| US08729015B2 |
Solid lipid microcapsules containing growth hormone inner core microparticles
The invention relates to growth hormone (GH) formulations having sustained-release properties, in particular human growth hormone (hGH) and methods for their preparation. The growth hormone formulations can be manufactured without denaturing of the protein and can conveniently be administrated to the person in need thereof by using a conventional syringe via a needle having a small diameter. |
| US08729013B2 |
Methods of inhibiting staphylobactin-mediated iron uptake in S. aureus
Methods of inhibiting S. aureus are provided. The methods include inhibition of polypeptides involved in the transport of the siderophore, staphylobactin. |
| US08729012B2 |
Controllable assembly and disassembly of nanoparticle systems via protein and DNA agents
The invention relates to the use of peptides, proteins, and other oligomers to provide a means by which normally quenched nanoparticle fluorescence may be recovered upon detection of a target molecule. Further, the inventive technology provides a structure and method to carry out detection of target molecules without the need to label the target molecules before detection. In another aspect, a method for forming arbitrarily shaped two- and three-dimensional protein-mediated nanoparticle structures and the resulting structures are described. Proteins mediating structure formation may themselves be functionalized with a variety of useful moieties, including catalytic functional groups. |
| US08729007B2 |
Acidic laundry detergent compositions comprising alkyl benzene sulfonate
An acidic laundry detergent composition comprising less than about 20% of a surfactant system comprising surfactants selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and mixtures thereof, wherein the surfactant system has a Hydrophilic Index of greater than or equal to about 9.00 and an organic acidulant at a level such that the ratio of surfactant system to organic acidulant is less or equal to about 3.0 and an alkaline neutralizer added in an amount necessary to raise the neat pH of the detergent composition above or equal to about 2.5 but no higher than or equal to about 3.0. |
| US08729003B2 |
Processes and compositions for cleaning mixing devices to improve polycarbonate production
Processes and compositions for cleaning mixing devices are disclosed that improve the production and quality of polycarbonate resins subsequently produced in the mixing device, while reducing the time needed for cleaning and/or change over. A cleaning mixture comprising polycarbonate resin pellets coated with an alkyl aryl sulfonate salt aqueous solution are used to purge the mixing device. |
| US08729000B2 |
Single use multi-phase care system
A convenient single use multi-phase care system including multiple formulations can be packaged in one dispensing unit. The multi-phase care system is capable of separately dispensing one of the multiple formulations at a time in a sequential order to allow the consumer to dispense a daily care regimen one step at a time. In one embodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phase skin care system. In another embodiment, the daily care regimen is a multi-phase hair care system. |
| US08728995B2 |
Process for the preparation of polyalkenyl succinic anhydrides
A polyalkenyl succinic anhydride is prepared with low amounts of resinous or chlorinated byproducts in a two-step process whereby a polyalkene is first reacted with an unsaturated organic acid in a thermal ene reaction, followed with exposure to a gaseous halogen in presence of an additional amount of the unsaturated organic acidic reagent. The foregoing process produces a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride having a high ratio of succinic anhydride functional groups to polyisobutenyl backbone groups. Such a polyisobutenyl succinic anhydride is particular suitable for the production of oil-soluble hydrocarbyl succinimides that have good dispersant properties when added to lubricating oil compositions. |
| US08728994B2 |
Oil type lubricant for forging, forging method and spray apparatus
An oil type lubricant for forging, which is featured in that the flash point thereof is confined to the range of 70-170° C., the kinematic viscosity thereof at 40° C. is confined to the range of 4-40 mm2/s and that it contains neither water nor an emulsifier. A forging method and a spray apparatus wherein the above-described oil type lubricant is used. |
| US08728993B2 |
Inert wear resistant PTFE-based solid lubricant nanocomposite
A PTFE-based composite material includes a PTFE major phase filled with a metal oxide minor phase. The major phase is intermixed with the metal oxide minor phase, wherein the minor phase includes a plurality of irregularly shaped metal oxide nanoparticles. The irregularly shaped nanoparticles provide substantial reductions in steady state wear rate over otherwise similar nanocomposites. The metal oxide can comprise aluminum oxide. |
| US08728992B2 |
Grease composition and bearing
The invention provides a grease composition containing a thickener, a base oil and an antistatic agent, where the antistatic agent includes at least one selected from the group consisting of Li(CF3SO2)2N and Li(CF3SO2)3C; and a mechanical part where the above-mentioned grease composition is packed. The composition of the invention shows satisfactory results in the antistatic properties and the acoustic property. |
| US08728990B2 |
Phosphate ester oil gellant
A composition and method of fracturing a subterranean formation. The composition includes: about 0.25 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. %, based on a weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of a mixture of phosphate esters, said esters selected from the group consisting of: monoester PO(OR1)(OH)2, PO(OR2)(OH)2; diester PO(OH)(OR1)m(OR2)2−m where m=0, 1, or 2; triester PO(OH)(OR1)n(OR2)3−n where n=0, 1, 2 or 3; and phosphoric acid H3PO4 wherein R1 and R2 each have 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and about 0.2 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. %, based on the weight of the hydrocarbon liquid, of an acidic polynuclear aluminum compound having an Al:Cl mole ratio ranging from about 1.40:1 to about 2.2:1. The composition is added to a hydrocarbon liquid to fracture the subterranean formation with this hydrocarbon liquid. The hydrocarbon liquid containing the composition exhibits a substantially constant viscosity. |
| US08728989B2 |
Oil based concentrated slurries and methods for making and using same
New hydrocarbon based slurry compositions and drilling, fracturing, completion and production fluids including the hydrocarbon based slurry composition are disclosed, where the composition includes a hydrocarbon soluble polymer adapted to decrease particle settling rates of particulate materials present in the fluids and in the case of fluids that include hydratable materials to increase hydration properties of such materials. |
| US08728983B2 |
Phage display vector
The invention relates to a minimized phage display vector comprising at least a cloning cassette, a phage display cassette and a bacterial cassette, said cloning cassette comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide corresponding at least to the intra-domain loop of a constant domain of an antibody. It also relates to their uses for the production of libraries of phages, each phage expressing on its surface a binding protein to be screened for its capacity to bind a binding partner. |
| US08728981B2 |
Collection and methods for its use
The present disclosure enables collections of variable heavy chain and variable light chain pairs comprising, in part, germline protein sequences that are pre-selected for functional properties relevant to developability, wherein the collections may be used to select against any antigen using, for example, phage display. |
| US08728978B2 |
Biocide compositions (IV)
Suggested are biocide compositions, comprising (a) esters based on ketocarboxylic acids, (b) biocides, and optionally (c) oil components or co-solvents and/or (d) emulsifiers. The compositions exhibit an improved stability even if stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period. |
| US08728977B2 |
Herbicidal combinations comprising tefuryltrione for use in rice crops
A description is given of herbicidal compositions comprising A) tefuryltrione and B) at least one additional herbicide. These compositions exhibit a superior action in comparison with the herbicides applied separately. |
| US08728975B2 |
Method of producing a catalyst body containing uranium oxide as active component
A method for producing a uranium oxide catalyst body includes the following steps: UO2+x powder, with x≦0.7, having a purity of at least 50% is sintered in a first sintering process to obtain a UO2+y intermediate, where y≦0.25. Then the UO2+y intermediate is oxidized with oxygen and converted in the process into a U3O8−z powder, with z≦1. The U3O8−z powder is pressed to form a blank having a shape that corresponds with the catalyst body to be produced. The blank is sintered in a second sintering process at a temperature of at least 900° C. in an oxygen-containing sintering atmosphere. |
| US08728970B2 |
Catalyst component for the polymerization of olefins
A solid catalyst component comprising the product of a process comprising (a) reacting a magnesium alcoholate of formula Mg(OR1)(OR2) compound, in which R1 and R2 are identical or different and are each an alkyl radical having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, with titanium tetrachloride carried out in a hydrocarbon at a temperature of 50-100° C., (b) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in (a) to a heat treatment at a temperature of 110° C. to 200° C. for a time ranging from 3 to 25 hours (c) isolating and washing with a hydrocarbon the solid obtained in (b), said solid catalyst component having a Cl/Ti molar ratio higher than 2.5. |
| US08728964B2 |
Glass composition with low coefficient of thermal expansion, and glass fiber produced from same
The present disclosure relates to a glass composition having a low thermal expansion coefficient, specifically, a glass composition comprising about 55 to less than 64 weight percent of silicon oxide, about 15 to about 30 weight percent of aluminum oxide, about 5 to about 15 weight percent of magnesium oxide, about 3 to about 10 weight percent boron oxide, about 0 to about 11 weight percent calcium oxide, and about 0 to about 2 weight percent of alkali oxide, the remainder being trace compounds of less than about 1 weight percent, is provided. Glass fibers and composite articles formed therefrom are also provided. |
| US08728963B2 |
Optical glass
An optical glass that is an oxide glass having a very high refractive index in spite of its low-dispersion property, having excellent glass stability and having less susceptibility to coloring. |
| US08728959B2 |
Textile digital band and fabricating method thereof
The present invention relates to a textile digital band which is capable of providing a high-speed communication path with surrounding computing devices, through easy and convenient attachment thereof to a conventional garment, and a fabrication method thereof. For this purpose, disclosed herein is a textile digital band comprising a plurality of warps formed parallel to each other in the first direction, and a plurality of wefts formed parallel to each other in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the warp includes at least one digital yarn through which electrical currents can flow. |
| US08728958B2 |
Gap fill integration
Novel gap fill schemes involving depositing both flowable oxide films and high density plasma chemical vapor deposition oxide (HDP oxide) films are provided. According to various embodiments, the flowable oxide films may be used as a sacrificial layer and/or as a material for bottom up gap fill. In certain embodiments, the top surface of the filled gap is an HDP oxide film. The resulting filled gap may be filled only with HDP oxide film or a combination of HDP oxide and flowable oxide films. The methods provide improved top hat reduction and avoid clipping of the structures defining the gaps. |
| US08728956B2 |
Plasma activated conformal 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 the following operations: (a) exposing the substrate surface to a first reactant in vapor phase under conditions allowing the first reactant to adsorb onto the substrate surface; (b) exposing the substrate surface to a second reactant in vapor phase while the first reactant is adsorbed on the substrate surface; and (c) exposing the substrate surface to plasma to drive a reaction between the first and second reactants adsorbed on the substrate surface to form the film. |
| US08728955B2 |
Method of plasma activated deposition of a conformal film on a substrate surface
A method of depositing a film on a substrate surface includes providing a substrate in a reaction chamber; selecting a silicon-containing reactant from a precursor group consisting of di-tert-butyl diazidosilane, bis(ethylmethylamido)silane, bis(diisopropylamino)silane, bis(tert-butylhydrazido)diethylsilane, tris(dimethylamido)silylazide, tris(dimethylamido)silylamide, ethylsilicon triazide, diisopropylaminosilane, and hexakis(dimethylamido)disilazane; introducing the silicon-containing reactant in vapor phase into the reaction chamber under conditions allowing the silicon-containing reactant to adsorb onto the substrate surface; introducing a second reactant in vapor phase into the reaction chamber while the silicon-containing reactant is adsorbed on the substrate surface, and wherein the second reactant is introduced without first sweeping the silicon-containing reactant out of the reaction chamber; and exposing the substrate surface to plasma to drive a reaction between the silicon-containing reactant and the second reactant on the substrate surface to form the film. |
| US08728954B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, substrate processing apparatus, and recording medium
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a thin film containing a specific element, oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times. The cycle includes supplying a specific element-containing gas, supplying a carbon-containing gas, supplying an oxidizing gas, and supplying a nitriding gas. The act of supplying the nitriding gas is performed before the act of supplying the specific element-containing gas, and the act of supplying the carbon-containing gas and the act of supplying the oxidizing gas are not performed until the act of supplying the specific element-containing gas is performed. |
| US08728953B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing a semiconductor workpiece
A method of processing a semiconductor workpiece includes placing a back surface of the workpiece on a workpiece support in a chamber so that the front surface of the workpiece faces into the chamber for processing, and the back surface is in fluid communication with a back region having an associated back gas pressure. The method further includes performing a workpiece processing step at a first chamber pressure Pc1 and a first back pressure Pb1, wherein Pc1 and Pb1 give rise to a pressure differential, Pb1−Pc1, and performing a workpiece cooling step at a second chamber pressure Pc2 and a second back pressure Pb2, wherein Pc2 and Pb2 are higher than Pc1 and Pb1, respectively. |
| US08728952B2 |
Coating method of an alignment film
Provided is a coating method of an alignment film, including: providing a board, having a substrate, the substrate forming an alignment liquid coating area thereon; forming a barrier structure around the alignment liquid coating area; coating an alignment liquid in the alignment liquid coating area, wherein the barrier structure blocks the alignment liquid to diffuse outside the alignment liquid coating area; and curing the alignment liquid to form an alignment film. The present invention may assure that the formed alignment film can not affect other areas adjacent to the alignment liquid coating area. |
| US08728950B2 |
Coating method, and organic electroluminescence element
Disclosed are a coating method of forming a coating with a stable thickness from a coating solution with a low viscosity employing a slit-type die coater and an organic electroluminescence element prepared employing the coating method. The coating method employing a slit-type die coater comprises the steps of allowing a lip tip of the slit-type die coater to bring close to the substrate to form a coating solution bead between the lip tip and the substrate, and coating on the substrate a coating solution ejected from a slit outlet at the lip tip while relatively moving the slit-type die coater and the substrate, thereby forming at least two coating layers in the stripe shape, featured in that the lip tip has at least one groove in the coating region in the coating width direction, and a pressure at the slit outlet of the coating solution of the bead is negative or zero. |
| US08728945B2 |
Method for patterning sublithographic features
A method of uniformly shrinking hole and space geometries by forming sidewalls of an ALD film deposited at low temperature on a photolithographic pattern. |
| US08728934B2 |
Systems and methods for producing flat surfaces in interconnect structures
Methods and apparatus for forming a semiconductor device are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a method of forming an interconnect structure that results in the interconnect structure having a co-planar or flat top surface. Another feature is a method of forming an interconnect structure that results in the interconnect structure having a surface that is angled upwards greater than zero with respect to a top surface of the substrate. The interconnect structure can comprise a damascene structure, such as a single or dual damascene structure, or alternatively, can comprise a silicon-through via (TSV) structure. |
| US08728933B1 |
Laser cutting and chemical edge clean for thin-film solar cells
A method of kerf formation and treatment for solar cells and semiconductor films and a system therefor are described. A semiconductor film is backed by a first metal layer and topped by a second metal layer. A reference feature is defined on the film. An ultraviolet laser beam is aligned to the reference feature. A kerf is cut along the reference feature, using the ultraviolet laser beam. The beam cuts through the second metal layer, through the film and through the first metal layer. Cutting leaves debris deposited on walls of the kerf. The debris is cleaned off of the walls, using an acid-based solvent. In the case of solar cells, respective first terminals of the solar cells are electrically isolated by the cleaned kerf, and respective negative terminals of the solar cells are electrically isolated by the cleaned kerf. |
| US08728931B2 |
Multi-layer barrier layer for interconnect structure
A method for forming an interconnect structure includes forming a recess in a dielectric layer of a substrate. An adhesion barrier layer is formed to line the recess. A first stress level is present across a first interface between the adhesion barrier layer and the dielectric layer. A stress-reducing barrier layer is formed over the adhesion barrier layer. The stress-reducing barrier layer reduces the first stress level to provide a second stress level, less than the first stress level, across a second interface between the adhesion barrier layer, the stress-reducing barrier layer, and the dielectric layer. The recess is filled with a fill layer. |
| US08728927B1 |
Borderless contacts for semiconductor transistors
Embodiments of the invention include methods of forming borderless contacts for semiconductor transistors. Embodiments may include providing a transistor structure including a gate, a spacer on a sidewall of the gate, a hard cap above the gate, a source/drain region adjacent to the spacer, and an interlevel dielectric layer around the gate, forming a contact hole above the source/drain region, forming a protective layer on portions of the hard cap and of the spacer exposed by the contact hole; deepening the contact hole by etching the interlevel dielectric layer while the spacer and the hard cap are protected by the protective layer, so that at least a portion of the source/drain region is exposed by the deepening of the contact hole; removing the protective layer; and forming a metal contact in the contact hole. |
| US08728926B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing a semiconductor device
The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device. According to the method provided by the present disclosure, a dummy gate is formed on a substrate, removing the dummy gate to form an opening having side walls and a bottom gate, a dielectric material is formed on at least a portion of the sidewalls of the opening and the bottom surface of the opening, and a pre-treatment is performed to a portion of the dielectric material layer on the sidewalls of the opening, and thus the properties of the dielectric material is changed, and then the pre-treated dielectric material on the sidewalls of the opening is removed by a selective process. The semiconductor device manufactured by using the method of the present disclosure is capable of effectively reducing parasitic capacitance. |
| US08728925B2 |
Method and structure for work function engineering in transistors including a high dielectric constant gate insulator and metal gate (HKMG)
Adjustment of a switching threshold of a field effect transistor including a gate structure including a Hi-K gate dielectric and a metal gate is achieved and switching thresholds coordinated between NFETs and PFETs by providing fixed charge materials in a thin interfacial layer adjacent to the conduction channel of the transistor that is provided for adhesion of the Hi-K material, preferably hafnium oxide or HfSiON, depending on design, to semiconductor material rather than diffusing fixed charge material into the Hi-K material after it has been applied. The greater proximity of the fixed charge material to the conduction channel of the transistor increases the effectiveness of fixed charge material to adjust the threshold due to the work function of the metal gate, particularly where the same metal or alloy is used for both NFETs and PFETs in an integrated circuit; preventing the thresholds from being properly coordinated. |
| US08728920B2 |
Schottky diode with control gate for optimization of the on state resistance, the reverse leakage, and the reverse breakdown
A Schottky diode optimizes the on state resistance, the reverse leakage current, and the reverse breakdown voltage of the Schottky diode by forming an insulated control gate over a region that lies between the metal-silicon junction of the Schottky diode and the n+ cathode contact of the Schottky diode. |
| US08728919B2 |
Non-volatile semiconductor storage device and method of manufacturing the same
A non-volatile semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of memory strings each having a plurality of electrically rewritable memory cells connected in series. Each of the memory strings comprising: a first semiconductor layer including a columnar portion extending in a vertical direction with respect to a substrate; a plurality of first conductive layers formed to surround side surfaces of the columnar portions via insulation layers, and formed at a certain pitch in the vertical direction, the first conductive layers functioning as floating gates of the memory cells; and a plurality of second conductive layers formed to surround the first conductive layers via insulation layers, and functioning as control electrodes of the memory cells. Each of the first conductive layers has a length in the vertical direction that is shorter than a length in the vertical direction of each of the second conductive layers. |
| US08728912B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI wafer
The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer, the method by which treatment that removes the outer periphery of a buried oxide film to obtain a structure in which a peripheral end of an SOI layer of an SOI wafer is located outside a peripheral end of the buried oxide film, and, after heat treatment is performed on the SOI wafer in a reducing atmosphere containing hydrogen or an atmosphere containing hydrogen chloride gas, an epitaxial layer is formed on a surface of the SOI layer. As a result, there is provided a method that can manufacture an SOI wafer having a desired SOI layer thickness by performing epitaxial growth without allowing a valley-shaped step to be generated in an SOI wafer with no silicon oxide film in a terrace portion, the SOI wafer fabricated by an ion implantation delamination method. |
| US08728906B2 |
Reverse tone STI formation
A method includes forming a hard mask over a substrate, patterning the hard mask to form a first plurality of trenches, and filling a dielectric material into the first plurality of trenches to form a plurality of dielectric regions. The hard mask is removed from between the plurality of dielectric regions, wherein a second plurality of trenches is left by the removed hard mask. An epitaxy step is performed to grow a semiconductor material in the second plurality of trenches. |