| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08976552B2 |
Power supply with integrated linear high voltage multiplier and capacitors therefor
A high voltage power supply for use in small diameter spaces such as in oil well logging devices includes an AC voltage source which provides an AC voltage to a voltage multiplier circuit that converts the AC voltage to a high DC voltage. A parallel or combination parallel-series multiplication circuit is used, rather than a series multiplication circuit, to reduce the reverse voltage across each semiconductor rectifier in the multiplication circuit. A plurality of parallel capacitors is constructed using an elongate common capacitor electrode with individual capacitors formed from individual capacitor electrodes spaced along and separated from the common electrode by a layer of dielectric material. The layer of dielectric material can be tapered along the common electrode, and additional dielectric material can be positioned between edges of adjacent individual electrodes. A high voltage end individual electrode can be made wider to increase its capacitance. |
| US08976551B2 |
Power converter
A power converter includes an inverter unit that includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements constituting upper and lower arms and converts DC power into AC power; a gate driving unit that outputs, to the inverter unit, a gate signal used to drive gates of the plurality of semiconductor switching elements; a driving control unit that supplies the gate driving unit with a switching control signal used for the gate driving unit to output the gate signal; a first abnormality detection unit that performs over voltage detection of the DC power and over current detection of the AC power and temperature detection of the upper and lower arms; and a second abnormality detection unit that detects abnormality of the plurality of semiconductor switching elements of the upper arm and lower arms, wherein the driving control unit includes a first protection circuit and a second protection circuit. |
| US08976550B2 |
Power supply having a surge protection circuit
A power supply having a power protection circuit has a rectification circuit and a converter. An input terminal of the rectification circuit is connected with the AC mains. A first voltage dependent resistor is connected with the AC mains. The converter has a transformer. A primary side of the transformer is connected with an output terminal of the rectification circuit, and the secondary side is connected to a power output terminal and a ground terminal. A Y capacitor is connected between the primary side of the transformer and the ground terminal. A surge protection module is connected between the first voltage dependent resistor and the Y capacitor. When a surge occurs between the primary and secondary sides of the transformer, a surge current is shunted by the surge protection module to the ground terminal through the Y capacitor without damaging internal components or circuits inside the power supply. |
| US08976549B2 |
Startup circuit including first and second Schmitt triggers and power converter employing the same
A startup circuit with reduced power dissipation, method of operating the same and a power converter employing the startup circuit. In one embodiment, the startup circuit for a controller includes a charge accumulation circuit having a resistor series-coupled to a capacitor and a first Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to the capacitor. The startup circuit also includes a second Schmitt trigger having an input coupled to an output of the first Schmitt trigger and configured to provide a bias voltage for the controller via the capacitor when an input voltage thereto exceeds a trip voltage. |
| US08976546B2 |
Control integrated circuit of a switch power supply and a switch power supply using the same
A control integrated circuit for controlling a switch power supply, including: a voltage collecting module, configured to collect a feedback voltage based on an output voltage of the switch power supply; an error amplifying module, configured to compare the feedback voltage with a reference voltage and generate an error voltage; a time collecting module, configured to obtain a degaussing time signal based on the feedback voltage; and a constant voltage and current module, configured to collect a peak current feedback signal of a switch transistor, generate a control signal based on the error voltage, the degaussing time signal and the peak current feedback signal, wherein the control signal is for controlling an operating frequency and a duty ratio of the switch transistor, and control the switch transistor according to the control signal. |
| US08976545B2 |
Current resonance power supply for detecting overcurrent based on an output from a current compensation unit
A current resonance power supply includes a current detecting unit detecting a current flowing through a primary side of a transformer and a current compensating unit compensating the current detected by the current detecting unit in accordance with a variation in voltage input into the primary side of the transformer. The current resonance power supply detects overcurrent on the basis of an output from the current compensating unit. |
| US08976540B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body; and a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly mounted to the terminal body. The PCB assembly includes a first PCB, a first electronic device mounted on the first PCB, a second PCB spaced from the first PCB in a first direction, a second electronic device mounted on the second PCB. The first electronic device is disposed to overlap the second electronic device in the first direction. A first shield can may be mounted on the first PCB so as to cover the first electronic device, and configured to shield Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) between the first electronic device and the outside. A shield block may be disposed at a space between the first and second PCBs, accommodating therein the first and second electronic devices, and shielding EMI between the first electronic device and the outside, and between the second electronic device and the outside. |
| US08976535B2 |
Card key for vehicle and making method of the same
Provided are a vehicle card key and a method of manufacturing the same. The vehicle card key is used to lock/unlock a vehicle door or start an engine in wireless communication with a vehicle. The vehicle card key includes a lower cover, a circuit board stacked on and coupled to a top of the lower cover, and an upper cover coupled to the lower cover as one body to cover an upper side of the circuit board. The lower cover and the upper cover are formed of a thermo-hardening resin. |
| US08976531B2 |
Translating equipment rack system
A method and apparatus for an accessible equipment rack system. A mounting frame having a set of transport elements and a translation mechanism is connected to a translating equipment rack. The translation mechanism moves the translating equipment rack to enable access to said translating equipment rack from an exterior area. |
| US08976528B2 |
Fasteners and dual-thickness thermal stages in electronic devices
The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates heat transfer in an electronic device. The system includes a heat pipe configured to conduct heat away from a heat-generating component in the electronic device. The system also includes a thermal stage disposed along a thermal interface between the heat-generating component and the heat pipe, wherein the thermal stage applies a spring force between the heat-generating component and the heat pipe. The thermal stage includes a first thickness to accommodate the heat pipe and a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness to increase a spring force between the heat-generating component and the heat pipe. Finally, the system includes a set of fasteners configured to fasten the thermal stage to a surface within the electronic device and form a thermal gap between the heat pipe and an enclosure of the electronic device. |
| US08976527B2 |
Force and heat spreading PCB for LCD protection and interconnection
The described embodiment relates generally to the manufacture of display assemblies. More particularly the use of alternative back plates for a display assembly is discussed. By using a printed circuit board (PCB) in lieu of a metal backer heat can be evenly spread across the backer by applying a layer of copper configured to normalize a spread of heat across the printed circuit board. The configuration of the copper layer can be configured based on a tested or simulated heat map that accounts for proximate heat producing elements. The PCB can also advantageously act as an interconnection layer between other electrical components disposed within the electronic device. |
| US08976526B2 |
Providing a cooling system for a medium voltage drive system
In an embodiment, a medium voltage drive system includes a transformer, multiple power cubes each coupled to the transformer, and a manifold assembly. Each power cube includes cold plates each coupled to a corresponding switching device of the cube, an inlet port in communication with a first one of the cold plates and an outlet port in communication with a last one of the cold plates. The manifold assembly can support an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit and further support first and second connection members to enable blind mating of each of the first connection members to the inlet port of one of the power cubes and each of the second connection members to the outlet port of one of the power cubes to enable two phase cooling of the plurality of power cubes. |
| US08976524B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device including a first body, a rotating base and a transmission module is provided. The rotating base has a first ventilation opening. The rotating base is pivoted on the first body and suitable for rotating between a using position and a retracted position in relative to the first body. When the rotating base is located at the retracted position, the first ventilation opening is exposed from the first body. When the rotating base is located at the using position, the first ventilation opening is retracted in the first body. The transmission module is connected to the rotating base for outputting a mechanical force to actuate the rotating base. |
| US08976522B2 |
Portable electronic device and docking device thereof
A docking device for connection to a touch display device is provided. The docking device includes a docking body, a pivot unit and a frame. The pivot unit is connected to the docking body. The frame is connected to the pivot unit and pivoted relative to the docking body, wherein the touch display device is detachably disposed on the frame. |
| US08976520B2 |
Removable hard disk drive holder
A removable hard disk drive holder made of a plastic unit enveloping a metallic unit comprises a bracket, a plate and a handle. The bracket has a front panel and two side plates. The two side plates extend toward the same direction perpendicularly from the opposite edge of the front panel. The front panel has a front panel pivot portion arranged over one edge thereof. The plate slidably engages with the front panel and has a latch fastening portion. The handle has a handle pivot portion and the handle fastening portion conforming to the latch fastening portion. The handle pivot portion is arranged over one edge of the handle and pivotally connected to the front panel pivot portion. The removable hard disk drive is structurally firm, light and thin and minimizing associated members. |
| US08976516B2 |
Wireless devices with flexible monitors and keyboards
A portable device (e.g., a wireless device such as a cell phone) is provided with a flexible keyboard and a flexible display screen. Such flexible components may be stored in the housing of the portable device when not in use. The flexible display screen and flexible keyboard may be expanded from the housing when the flexible components are utilized by a user. Non-flexible display and input components may be provided on the exterior of the portable device such that the device may be used, in some form, while the flexible components are stored. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) may be utilized when the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) is stored in said first housing. |
| US08976511B1 |
Protective enclosure for model vehicle
The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module. |
| US08976501B2 |
Magnetically movable objects over a display of an electronic device
In one implementation, the present disclosure provides a method for imparting motion to a magnetically movable object. The method includes disposing the magnetically movable object over a display of an electronic device. The method further includes imparting motion to the magnetically movable object by adjusting a magnetic field that is produced by a magnetic field source, the magnetic field being applied to the magnetically movable object through the display of the electronic device. The adjusting the magnetic field can be based on a location of the magnetically movable object over the display. Furthermore, the display can be a touch sensitive display and the adjusting the magnetic field can be based on touch input of the touch sensitive display. The imparting motion can include moving the magnetically movable object around the display. |
| US08976495B2 |
Safety relay and safety-related communication system
A safety-related communication system includes a safety relay with signal inputs of an input signal current circuit that connect the safety relay to a control device for monitoring the input signal circuit. The safety relay also includes at least two load outputs of a load current circuit for connecting to a load. Switching elements are connected in parallel and configured to switch the load current circuit on or off based on an activation signal at the input signal current circuit. A diagnostic device monitors faults in the load current circuit and/or the safety relay. A signaling device connected to the signal inputs provides an impedance for the input signal circuit. The impedance is tuned to the control device during a fault-free state and is detunable upon detection of a fault so as to signal the detected fault to the control device via the input signal current circuit. |
| US08976492B1 |
Magnetic head having two domain control layers for stabilizing magnetization of the hard bias layer
In one embodiment, a magnetic head includes a lower shield, a read element positioned above the lower shield at a media-facing surface of the magnetic head, the read element having a free layer, an upper shield positioned above the read element, a first domain control layer having a direction of magnetization in a predetermined direction, the first domain control layer being configured to control a direction of magnetization of the free layer toward the predetermined direction, and a second domain control layer configured to have a magnetization in a same direction as the direction of magnetization of the first domain control layer, the second domain control layer being positioned above the first domain control layer, wherein the first domain control layer is a hard magnetic layer, and wherein the second domain control layer is a soft magnetic layer. |
| US08976491B1 |
Disk drive head suspension distal non-op shock limiter with branched arms
A head suspension assembly for a disk drive includes a load beam extending from a load beam supported end to a load beam distal end, and a laminated flexure supported by the load beam. The laminated flexure includes a structural layer having a head mounting tongue, a conductive layer having a plurality of patterned traces, and a dielectric layer between the structural layer and the conductive layer. The structural layer of the laminated flexure includes a distal limiter that has a first limiter arm and a second limiter arm adjoining at a distal apex. The distal apex is disposed closer to the load beam distal end than is the head mounting tongue. Each of the first and second limiter arms splits into a plurality of branches. |
| US08976489B2 |
Noble metal surrounded magnetic lip and heat sink for heat assisted magnetic recording head
The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a magnetic head having a magnetic lip. The vertical sides and the bottom of the magnetic lip are covered by one or more conductive layers. In one embodiment, the bottom of the magnetic lip is covered by a first conductive layer and the vertical sides of the magnetic lip are covered by a second conductive layer. The conductive layers are made of a material that would not react with oxygen, thus no oxide films are formed on the vertical sides and the bottom of the magnetic lip during the manufacturing of the magnetic head. |
| US08976488B1 |
Re-enforced motor hub flange
A hub for a disk drive assembly including an upper member formed of a first material; and a lower member formed from a second material that supports and reinforces the upper member. The second material has a rigidity greater than the rigidity of the first material. Additionally, a disk drive assembly may be performed by combining a hub, a disk media mounted to the hub and a clamping mechanism attached to the hub and providing a clamping force to the disk media. |
| US08976487B2 |
Rotating device with reduced thickness and driving unit with improved base strength
A rotating device comprises: a hub on which a magnetic recording disk is to be mounted; a base configured to rotatably support the hub via a bearing; a shaft configured such that it extends along the rotational axis of the hub; and a chassis arranged such that it faces the magnetic recording disk, and configured to have a Young's modulus that is smaller than that of the base. A base hole is provided to the upper face of the chassis that faces the magnetic recording disk such that it extends along the rotational axis. Furthermore, the base is fitted into the base hole, thereby fixedly mounting the base on the chassis. |
| US08976485B1 |
Rotating device
A rotating device includes a retained assembly including a spherical retained member with a spherical encircled face, and an encircling member that includes an annular end face which encircles the spherical retained member and which extends outwardly in a radial direction, a retainer assembly including a retainer member which includes an encircling face encircling the encircled face and which retains thereinside a part of the spherical retained member, and a facing member that faces the encircling member in an axial direction, the retainer assembly supporting the retained assembly in a freely and relatively rotatable manner, and forming a fluid dynamic bearing mechanism, and a thrust dynamic pressure generating groove formed in at least either one of a surface of the encircling member and a surface of the facing member, which surfaces face with each other in the axial direction. |
| US08976475B1 |
Systems and methods for large sector dynamic format insertion
Systems and method relating generally to data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for segmenting a data set and recovering the segmented data set. In one case, a system is disclosed that includes: a data transfer preparation circuit, a transfer characteristic determination circuit, and a a format insertion circuit. The data transfer preparation circuit is operable to receive a user data set and to generate an output data set based upon the user data set; the transfer characteristic determination circuit is operable to determine a distance between a first servo data wedge on a storage medium and a second servo data wedge on the storage medium; and the format insertion circuit is operable to dynamically augment the output data set with formatting information at a location selected based at least in part on the distance between the first servo data wedge and the second servo data wedge. |
| US08976472B1 |
Vibration cancellation for data storage
Methods and apparatus for vibration cancellation are disclosed. Vibration data from one or more vibration detectors associated with a storage device is collected. The vibration data represents vibrations experienced by the storage device. In response to the vibration data from the one or more vibration detectors, one or more movements for respective ones of one or more counter-vibration actuators to at least partially cancel of the vibrations experienced by the storage device is calculated. The one or more counter-vibration actuators perform the one or more movements. |
| US08976471B1 |
Systems and methods for two stage tone reduction
Systems and method relating generally to data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for tone reduction in relation to data transmission. In one case, a data processing system is disclosed that includes: a two stage tone reduction circuit including a first stage circuit and a second stage circuit; and a polarity change circuit operable to change a polarity of the second stage output to yield a tone reduction output. |
| US08976470B2 |
Tape cleaner drive arrangement for a tape library
A tape cartridge library that is equipped with a cleaning device is described. The tape cartridge library essentially includes a plurality of tape cartridges each possessing recording tape media. A plurality of tape drives that read and write data to and from each of the tape cartridges. A tape cleaning drive incapable of transferring data to and from the recording tape media which is independent of the tape drives, the tape cleaning drive disposed entirely within the tape cartridge library. The tape cleaning drive automatically receives one of the tape cartridges and cleans its respective recording tape medium when a predetermined reason for cleaning the tape cartridge is justified. |
| US08976468B2 |
Endoscope objective optical system
Provided is an endoscope objective optical system 1 including, in order from an object side, a first lens 2 composed of a negative single lens, a second lens 3 composed of a positive single lens, an aperture stop 4, a third lens 5 composed of a positive single lens, and a fourth lens 6 composed of a positive combined lens, wherein the third lens 5 has a meniscus shape having a convex surface facing the image side. The endoscope objective optical system (1) satisfies the following conditions: 0.3 |
| US08976465B2 |
Multi-ring optical filter assembly allowing independent adjustment of rotation angle of each lens thereof
The present invention is to provide a multi-ring optical filter assembly, which includes a positioning frame having one end threadedly connected with a front side of a camera lens, a first rotatably connecting frame fixedly provided therein with a first lens (e.g., an ND filter or a polarizer) and provided with a first curved surface adjacent to the other end thereof and extending in an axial direction, an adapter frame provided with a second curved surface adjacent to one end thereof and rotatably connected with the first curved surface, and a second rotatably connecting frame fixedly provided therein with a second lens (e.g., an ND filter or a polarizer) and having one end rotatably connected with the other end of the adapter frame. Thus, the two lenses can be rotated with respect to the camera lens, respectively, for achieving the independent adjustment of the rotation angle of each lens. |
| US08976458B2 |
Inner focus lens system, interchangeable lens apparatus and camera system
An inner focus lens system comprising a first lens unit and subsequent lens units, wherein an aperture diaphragm is provided, the first lens unit is: fixed with respect to an image surface in focusing; and composed of five or more lens elements including a first positive lens element located closest to the object side and a second positive lens element, the subsequent lens units include at least a first focusing lens unit located closest to the object side and a second focusing lens unit, at least one of the first focusing lens unit and the second focusing lens unit is composed of two or less lens elements, at least one lens element is provided on the image side relative to the aperture diaphragm, and the condition: NF1≦NF2 (NF1, NF2: the number of lens elements constituting the first, second focusing lens unit) is satisfied. |
| US08976455B2 |
Variable-magnification projection optical system and projection display device
A variable-magnification projection optical system substantially consists of a negative first lens group that is disposed at the most enlargement-side position and is fixed during magnification change, a positive last lens group that is disposed at the most reduction-side position and is fixed during magnification change, and a plurality of lens groups that are disposed between the first lens group and last lens group and are moved during magnification change. The most enlargement-side lens group (the second lens group) of the lens groups that are moved during magnification change has a negative refractive power. Predetermined conditional expressions relating to a back focus of the entire system on the reduction side at the wide-angle end, a focal length of the entire system at the wide-angle end, a focal length of the second lens group and a focal length of the last lens group are satisfied. |
| US08976453B2 |
Light reflecting member, light beam extension device, image display device, and optical device
An image display device includes an image generating device, a light guide unit which includes a light guide plate and first and second deflection sections, and a light beam extension device which extends light incident from the image generating device, along a Z direction when an incident direction of light incident on the light guide plate is set to be an X direction and a direction of propagation of light in the light guide plate is set to be a Y direction, and emits the light to the light guide unit, wherein the light beam extension device includes a first reflecting mirror on which light from the image generating device is incident, and a second reflecting mirror which emits light incident from the first reflecting mirror to the light guide unit, and each of the first and second reflecting mirrors has a light reflecting surface having a sawtooth-shaped cross-sectional shape. |
| US08976452B2 |
Virtual image display device
A virtual image display device has a light guide device in which the half mirror layer (the semi-transmissive reflecting film) of the light guide member is formed on the partial area of the first junction surface, and the second junction surface of the light transmitting member is bonded to the first junction surface in at least the exceptional area. Therefore, it is possible to increase the bonding strength of the first junction surface and the second junction surface, namely the strength of the light guide device composed of the light guide member and the light transmitting member combined with each other even in the case in which the attachment force of the half mirror layer (the semi-transmissive reflecting film) with respect to the first junction surface is not sufficiently strong. |
| US08976451B2 |
Lens array module
A lens array module includes an arrayed optical element including a light blocking frame and a lens unit, and a light sensor array unit. The light blocking frame includes a bottom plate with multiple through holes, a surrounding wall, and a partition wall integrally connected to and cooperating with the bottom plate and surrounding walls to define multiple optical channels. The lens unit includes a substrate abutting against the bottom plate and including multiple lens elements that are aligned respectively with the through holes, and a plurality of upper positioning walls integrally connected to the substrate. The light sensor array unit includes multiple light sensing components respectively aligned with the lens elements. |
| US08976447B2 |
Broadband dispersion-free optical filter cavities based on dielectric mirrors with complementary dispersion
A substantially dispersion-free optical filter cavity includes a first multilayer mirror and a second multilayer mirror, wherein each mirror includes layers of a less-refractive material and layers of a more-refractive material, the more-refractive material having a higher index of refraction than the less-refractive material. The mirrors are separated by a spacing, and the thickness of a plurality of the layers in the second multilayer mirror differ from corresponding layers in the first multilayer mirror to provide the cavity with complementary group-delay dispersion across the cavity with a phase difference within, e.g., ±0.015 rad across a range of wavelengths spanning at least, e.g., 50 nm. |
| US08976446B2 |
Efficient extended shift monolithic raman fiber laser
A system and method for producing Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) is disclosed. A single optical fiber or Raman oscillator is optically pumped by a pump laser of sufficient power to generate SRS to generate several Stokes shifts of energy. This generates a multi-wavelength output or a single wavelength with several stokes energy shifts from the pump wavelength. A selective, monolithic-coated Raman fiber oscillator laser is utilized to increase the efficiency of frequency shifting by providing frequency-specific feedback at both facets of a free space coupled optical fiber oscillator. Frequencies that lie several bands away from the primary pump frequency may be efficiently achieved in a fiber oscillator by re-circulating the required stokes-shifted frequencies via selective high-reflection coatings. By re-circulating the intra-band stokes frequencies, the required intensities in each respective frequency will be increased, thereby dropping the respective Raman threshold in the optical fiber. |
| US08976445B1 |
Optical tunable tapped-delay-lines using wavelength conversion and chromatic dispersion based delays
Methods, systems and devices implement optical tapped delay lines. In one aspect, a device includes an optical tapped delay (TDL) including a wavelength conversion element, and a dispersive element, coupled with the wavelength conversion element, to impose a relative delay to an optical signal. The optical TDL can include a nonlinear element to combine signals in a phase coherent manner. The wavelength conversion element can include an optical nonlinear device such as a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) or a highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) with a high nonlinear coefficient and a low dispersion slope to effect four-wave mixing (FWM). The dispersive element can have a low dispersion slope, and the delays effected by the optical TDL can be tunable. |
| US08976443B2 |
System producing true colors using a digital micromirror device projector and method for controlling same
The present invention is directed to a method of utilizing a digital micromirror device (DMD) to spectrally matching a standard or device-independent color. DMD can be fitted on an integrated chip and can provide more than one thousand (1,000) color primary channels for low metameric color matching producing a spectrally matched batch color. This represents a two orders of magnitude improvement in color matching. |
| US08976439B2 |
Mirror assembly for vehicle
An interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing and a prismatic reflective element. The mirror casing is a unitarily molded mirror casing having at least one attachment surface. The prismatic reflective element includes a glass substrate having a front surface and a rear surface and a perimeter edge about a periphery of the glass substrate. A mirror reflector is established at the rear surface of the glass substrate. The perimeter edge of said glass substrate has a generally rounded surface disposed between the front surface and the mirror casing. The prismatic reflective element is attached at the attachment surface of the mirror casing. The perimeter edge of the glass substrate is exposed to and is viewable by the driver of the vehicle when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. |
| US08976436B2 |
Controlled diffuse scattering for displays
A display device comprising a pixel, where the pixel includes: (a) a polar fluid that is at least one of colored and black, (b) a non-polar fluid that is at least one of transparent and translucent, (c) a first substrate, (d) a second substrate arranged relative to the first substrate to define a channel occupied by the polar fluid and the non-polar fluid, wherein at least one of the polar fluid and the non-polar fluid is visible, (e) a reflector having a plurality of features, comprising at least one of concavities and projections, that alter an angle of reflected light from a specular reflection to provide the appearance of a diffuse reflection, the display device also including a plurality of electrodes configured to cause repositioning of the polar fluid in the channel to displace at least a first portion of the non-polar fluid and a voltage source. |
| US08976435B2 |
Light quantity adjustment apparatus and image pickup apparatus
A light quantity adjustment apparatus includes a pair of substrates having a light-path aperture; a plurality of diaphragm blades disposed between the pair of substrates; a driving ring that opens and closes the plurality of diaphragm blades; and a driving device. The plurality of diaphragm blades is supported by the substrate via a first guide plate made of a resin film. The substrate and the first guide plate are provided with guide grooves fitted into protrusions formed in the plurality of diaphragm blades to guide the blades. Guide grooves of the substrate are formed of concave grooves. Guide grooves of the first guide plate are formed of through holes. The through holes of the first guide plate have a narrower width than the concave grooves of the substrate to engage in the protrusions of the diaphragm blades and to guide the diaphragm blades in the open and close direction. |
| US08976430B2 |
Document reader
Generation of shading correction data is started before an instruction to start reading of the document is input in a case in which time to generate shading correction data corresponding to a document reading mode is longer than time since the instruction to start reading of the document is received until the document is fed to reach a reading point, and generation of shading correction data is started after an instruction to start reading of the document is input in a case in which time to generate shading correction data corresponding to a document reading mode is shorter than time since the instruction to start reading of the document is received until the document is fed to reach a reading point. |
| US08976426B2 |
Light source driving circuit, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
A light source driving circuit that drives a light source includes a driving electric current generator that generates a driving electric current including a predetermined electric current, a first auxiliary current, and a second auxiliary current; and a controller that sets values of the first and second auxiliary currents by using first and second lighting pattern signals, wherein each of the first and second lighting pattern signals is for controlling supply of the predetermined electric current to the light source. After setting a first value of the first auxiliary current, a second value of the second auxiliary current is set by using the second lighting pattern signal that defines a time period for stopping supply of the predetermined electric current to be shorter than a time period for stopping the supply of the predetermined electric current that is defined by the first lighting pattern signal. |
| US08976425B2 |
Image scanning apparatus and image forming apparatus
According to one embodiment, an image scanning apparatus includes a document table on which an original document is stacked; a substrate; plural first light emitting elements located on one surface of the substrate, the first light emitting elements each emitting light for irradiating the original document on the document table with direct light not reflected by a reflection member; and plural second light emitting elements located on the other surface of the substrate, the second light emitting elements each emitting light for irradiating the original document on the document table with indirect light reflected by the reflection member. The reflection member includes a first reflection member and a second reflection member, and the first reflection member and the second reflection member are located in positions opposed to each other across a reflection optical path of light reflected by the original document on the document table. |
| US08976423B2 |
Optical scanning system and imaging apparatus for using same
A scanning system includes a scanning member having at least one reflective surface and at least one light source for emitting at least one light beam to be incident on the at least one reflective surface of the scanning member during a scanning operation. At least one curved synchronization mirror deflects and focuses at least a portion of the at least one light beam that is deflected by the scanning member to indicate at least one of a start and an end of a scan line operation of the scanning operation. A sensor receives the at least one light beam deflected and focused by the at least one curved synchronization mirror. |
| US08976421B2 |
Document feeding device and image forming device and image forming method
A document feeding device has: a document placement stand on which documents of different sizes can be placed; a conveying section separating, one-by-one, documents of a document stack placed on the document placement stand, and conveying a separated document to a discharging section; a first document width sensing unit sensing a maximum document width of the document stack placed on the document placement stand; a second document width sensing unit sensing a document width of a document separated from the document placement stand by the conveying section; and a controller that, in a case in which a mixed size document mode that permits conveying of documents of different sizes is not set, causes the conveying section to restartably interrupt conveying of the document when the maximum document width sensed by the first document width sensing unit and the document width sensed by the second document width sensing unit differ. |
| US08976419B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method and storage medium for designating image formation on a sheet
In an image forming apparatus and a control method thereof according to this invention, in a case that a received print job designates image formation on a surface of a sheet on which an image has been formed, whether image formation on the sheet based on the print job is possible is determined based on at least image information of the sheet acquired by reading the image of the sheet. If it is determined that image formation on the sheet based on the print job is impossible, the image formation on the sheet is stopped. If it is determined that the image formation on the sheet based on the print job is possible, an image is formed on the sheet in accordance with the image information of the print job. |
| US08976415B2 |
Method for generating relief prints
A method is provided for processing a rasterized relief image, comprising customary color channels for indicating a color of each pixel and a height channel for indicating a height of each pixel into several pass images that are printed using a printer with several colorants including a white colorant. For each pixel a relief part, a white part and a skin part are discriminated in order to combine the demands for height and color variation across the surface of the image. The skin part comprises pixels for which a colorant composition based on the color channels of the rasterized relief image is established. In order to print a color in the skin part that is independent of a height of the pixel and independent of the colorant composition of a neighboring pixels, pass images are composed that include only neighboring pass pixels that do not disturb the color forming of a pass pixel contributing to a skin part. |
| US08976413B2 |
Color processing for converting an input color gamut into an output color gamut in accordance with a set combination of ink droplet diameters
A color processing apparatus includes an obtaining unit, a setting unit, and a color converting unit. The obtaining unit obtains a predetermined corresponding relationship between total amount limit information regarding limitation of a total amount of inks of colors, and a combination in which, among droplet diameters of inks of colors ejectable to satisfy the total amount limit information, droplet diameters of at least two or more inks are made uniform, and the types of droplet diameters of inks of the colors are two or fewer types. The setting unit sets the combination of droplet diameters corresponding to the accepted ink total amount limit information, on the basis of the obtained corresponding relationship. The color converting unit converts a color in an input color gamut reproducible by an input device into a color in an output color gamut in accordance with the set combination of droplet diameters. |
| US08976411B2 |
Image processing in correspondence with each pixel of an image
An image processing device includes a first and a second image processing module including an image processing unit, and a connection module that is connected to the first and second image processing modules, and moves an image data from one image processing module to the other image processing module. At least one of the image processing modules includes a weighted average processing unit that calculates, based on a weighting coefficient included in an attribute value, a weighted average of a pixel value of the input image data and a image processed pixel value, and an output unit which outputs at least one of the image processed pixel value and the weighted-averaged pixel value. |
| US08976410B2 |
Temporarily reducing throughput of a printing system
According to one example, there is provided a method of controlling a printing system. The method comprises: obtaining a print job to print on a substrate; obtaining a value of a factor material to an undesirable condition occurring; determining a quantity of printing fluid to be deposited on a substrate when printing a portion of the print job; determining, based on the obtained value and the determined quantity of printing fluid to be deposited, whether the undesirable condition is likely to occur whilst printing the portion of the print job; and temporarily reducing the throughput of the printing system whilst printing the portion of the print job where it is determined that the undesirable condition is likely to occur whilst printing the portion of the print job. |
| US08976406B2 |
Print control apparatus, control method, and storage medium where program is stored for printing image data on sheet, controlling a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets without staple, and adjusting the printing area of the image data to be printed when performing of the binding process
A print control apparatus performs a print process for printing image data on a sheet, controls a binding process for binding a plurality of sheets without a staple, and adjusts the printing area of the image data to be printed when performance of the binding process is designated. |
| US08976405B2 |
Printing apparatus and control method therefor
A printing apparatus comprising a storage unit having a driving unit, determines whether or not access to the storage device is required with reception of data; determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed after transition to a first operation state; in a case where the predetermined period of time has elapsed, obtains, as an estimation time, a period of time until next reception of data that requires access to the storage device based on history information; and causes the printing apparatus to transition from the first operation state to a second operation state in a case where the estimation time exceeds a threshold of a period of time decided based on an amount of power consumption for when the driving unit is driven, and maintain the printing apparatus in the first operation state in a case where the estimation time does not exceed the threshold. |
| US08976394B2 |
Printing system and control method using first and second user interfaces
The present invention provides a printing system provided with a printing apparatus and a post-processing apparatus, and a control method thereof, wherein, when an instruction is given to execute an off-line job in which a post-process by the post-processing apparatus is performed without printing by the printing apparatus (S11), a screen for selecting an off-line job using the post-processing apparatus can be displayed by the second user interface of the post-processing apparatus and the off-line job can be selected (S12), and, in response to an instruction to start the off-line job from the first user interface of the printing apparatus (S16), the off-line process is executed (S17 and S18). |
| US08976391B2 |
Information processing device and information processing method for determining a closest image forming device
A mobile terminal is connected to a server and an image forming device that store image forming device information in such a manner that the mobile terminal can communicate with the server and the image forming device. The mobile terminal acquires image forming device information from the selected server and/or image forming device. When the acquired image forming device information includes duplication of an image forming device, an image forming device list is generated by removing the duplication. Information of an image forming device to be used is displayed on a user interface of the mobile terminal. A usable image forming device is selected and presented to a user. |
| US08976384B1 |
Secure, server-less print release
A print release environment includes a client computing device, an imaging device and an active directory. The client stores an imaging job on a local hard disk. The client registers itself with the active directory indicating an existence of the job. Upon a user logging in to the imaging device to retrieve an imaged media corresponding to the imaging job, the imaging device queries the active directory for possible clients. The imaging device contacts client(s) and retrieves a list of jobs available to the user. The user selects their job and the client releases it direct to the imaging device. The client deletes the imaging job upon successful imaging of the media and undoes its registration with the active directory, unless further imaging jobs exist for the user. Encryption techniques are contemplated to secure the data of the imaging job end-to-end from the client to the imaging device. |
| US08976382B2 |
Apparatus for managing output of encoded image-added document, control method thereof, and storage medium
In a digital multifunction peripheral having a function of preventing unauthorized duplication, a situation is prevented in which a document to which encoded images having contradictory contents are added is created. An apparatus having a control unit configured to perform detection processing of an encoded image for a document image and add a different encoded image to a document image form which an encoded image is detected by the detection processing and output the document image, characterized in that the control unit does not perform output of a document image to which the different encoded image is added upon receipt of an instruction not to perform the detection processing from a user. |
| US08976377B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method of image forming apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium
An image forming apparatus including a first power supply state, a second power supply state, and a third power supply state includes a receiving unit configured to receive a job, a determination unit configured to determine whether the image forming apparatus is shifted from the first power supply state to the second power supply state, or from the first power supply state to the third power supply state based on a type of the received job, and a control unit configured to shift the power supply state of the image forming apparatus based on the determination result of the determination unit. |
| US08976374B2 |
Peripheral device control system and method
A method used in first and second information processing apparatuses in communication with an image forming apparatus. The method includes a transfer step of transferring print setting information for controlling the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus to the second information processing apparatus, an acquisition step of acquiring the print setting information transferred in the transfer step from the second information processing apparatus, an input step of inputting the print setting information acquired in the acquisition step into a printer driver in a form that can be identified by the printer driver; and a print control step of controlling a printing operation by using the print setting information inputted in the input step. |
| US08976373B2 |
Image processing apparatus, computer-readable storage medium storing program and image processing method
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus includes a plurality of control sections each of which performs analysis processing of analyzing data of page description language form to generate intermediate language data and rendering processing of generating rendering data based on the intermediate language data generated by the analysis processing, the plurality of control sections capable of performing the analysis processing and the rendering processing parallelly with each other; and a storage section which stores the intermediate language data and the rendering data, and at least any one of the plurality of control sections obtains information with regard to a vacant capacity of the storage section, and at least any one of the control sections discontinues the analysis processing being performed by at least any one control section and performs the rendering processing based on the information with regard to the vacant capacity of the storage section and a predetermined set value. |
| US08976371B2 |
Sheet loading unit having face connecting portion with upper edge and inclined edge
The present disclosure includes a pair of cursor members movable in a width direction, and guide grooves configured to guide the cursor member to move in the width direction. The cursor member includes a cursor base, a cursor rising portion being in contact with or in proximity to an end of the sheet, and a connecting portion. The cursor base has a cursor plane extending in parallel to a sheet loading face with a difference of step with respect to the sheet loading face. An edge in the width direction of the cursor base extends linearly. The connecting portion extends from the sheet loading face side to a reverse side via the guide groove at a portion in the feeding direction of the inside edge of the cursor base. The connecting portion has a face connecting portion which connects the sheet loading face with the cursor plane smoothly. |
| US08976370B2 |
Measuring apparatus, imprint system, measuring method, and device manufacturing method
An measuring apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store a relationship, regarding an irradiation condition predetermined based on a correlation between a characteristic of each of beams of reflected light obtained from a plurality of patterns different from one another in a thickness of a residual layer in a recessed portion and the thickness of the residual layer of each of the plurality of patterns, between the characteristic of the reflected light from each pattern and the thickness of the residual layer of the pattern; and a processing unit configured to, based on a characteristic of reflected light from a pattern formed on a substrate irradiated with light under the irradiation condition and the relationship stored in the storage unit, obtain a thickness of a residual layer in a recessed portion of the pattern formed on the substrate. |
| US08976368B2 |
Optical grid enhancement for improved motor location
Methods for performing a scheme that results in a refined measurement pattern within an optical grid are provided. Physically adjusting spacing of elements within an optical grid to achieve enhanced resolution is historically unfeasible, as reduction of the spacing causes light sensors of the optical grid to pick up false signals when reading light beams. Technology introduced by the present invention generates a virtual reduced spacing of the elements within the optical grid by using two signals that are slightly different. These slightly different signals can accomplish, at least, quarter-grid spacing resolution within the optical grid. Additionally, the enhanced resolution derived from the virtual reduced spacing is employed to govern movement of a motor. The motor movement is in response to one or more changes of direction such that the motor is operating in its linear range. Advantageously, the virtual reduced spacing allows for substantial movement in a non-linear phase, while only limited movement in a linear phase is necessary to locate accurately a target within the optical grid. |
| US08976364B2 |
Optical gyroscope
A microfabricated optical gyroscope that utilizes a linear array of micron scale optical ring resonators closely spaced to allow evanescent coupling of electromagnetic fields in adjacent resonators. Within each resonator, the optical Sagnac effect produces a phase difference between clockwise and counterclockwise propagating light that is proportional to the inertial rotation rate perpendicular to the plane of the resonator. The disclosure enhances the overall sensitivity to rotations by varying the strengths of the evanescent coupling between resonators and/or the circumferences of the resonators. The size and coupling strengths control the optical interference between resonators. By using periodically alternating coupling strengths and/or linearly chirped resonator circumferences, the gyroscope transmission has extremely narrow transmission resonances with slopes, corresponding to the responsivity to inertial rotations, that are large enough to yield shot noise limited sensitivities sufficient for inertial navigation in a device size less the 1 mm2 in size. |
| US08976362B2 |
System, apparatus and method for emittance control and suppressing stray light
A system, apparatus and method employing carbon nanotubes on substrates such as silicon, titanium, copper, stainless steel and other substrates, where the carbon nanotubes are blacker than existing paints and coatings, thereby providing an exponential increase in stray light suppression depending on the number of bounces of such treated surfaces. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better absorb and radiate unwanted energies. Further, the alternate substrates offer strength of material for numerous components and in numerous physical applications. The present invention is also directed to techniques for improving the adhesion of the nanotubes to the alternate substrate materials and also extending the wavelength of operation from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared portion of the spectrum (0.2 microns to 120 microns wavelength). |
| US08976358B2 |
Collisional broadening compensation using real or near-real time validation in spectroscopic analyzers
Validation verification data quantifying an intensity of light reaching a detector of a spectrometer from a light source of the spectrometer after the light passes through a validation gas across a known path length can be collected or received. The validation gas can include an amount of an analyte compound and an undisturbed background composition that is representative of a sample gas background composition of a sample gas to be analyzed using a spectrometer. The sample gas background composition can include one or more background components. The validation verification data can be compared with stored calibration data for the spectrometer to calculate a concentration adjustment factor, and sample measurement data collected with the spectrometer can be modified using this adjustment factor to compensate for collisional broadening of a spectral peak of the analyte compound by the background components. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described. |
| US08976355B2 |
Method of applying a pattern to a substrate, device manufacturing method and lithographic apparatus for use in such methods
A substrate is loaded onto a substrate support of a lithographic apparatus, after which the apparatus measures locations of substrate alignment marks. These measurements define first correction information allowing the apparatus to apply a pattern at one or more desired locations on the substrate. Additional second correction information is used to enhance accuracy of pattern positioning, in particular to correct higher order distortions of a nominal alignment grid. The second correction information may be based on measurements of locations of alignment marks made when applying a previous pattern to the same substrate. The second correction information may alternatively or in addition be based on measurements made on similar substrates that have been patterned prior to the current substrate. |
| US08976349B2 |
Method of manufacturing particle-based image display
A method of manufacturing a particle-based image display having a plurality of imaging cells is disclosed. The method includes filling the plurality of imaging cells with a plurality of first particles, identifying a defect associated with one or more of the imaging cells, and repairing the defect within a unit corresponding to part of the plurality of imaging cells. |
| US08976348B2 |
Wafer inspection system
Wafer inspection method to perform wafer inspection based on photo map information. The wafer inspection method may include: detecting a sample center location on a wafer; compensating the detected sample center location to a compensated center location based on photo map information; and detecting defective dies included in the wafer based on the compensated center location. |
| US08976345B2 |
Fitting tip with relay lens for fiber-optic connector endface inspector
A fitting tip of fiber-optic connector endface inspection microscope for inspecting angled connector endfaces includes a relay lens fixed inside its internal channel and is designed such that when it is received in an intended connector adapter and mounted to the inspection microscope, the normal line to the connector endface forms an acute angle γ with the optical axis of the relay lens; the ray exiting from the relay lens and conjugate to the ray along the normal line is aligned with the optical axis of the inspection microscope; and as a result the connector endface is imaged on an imaging plane within the focusing adjustment range of the inspection microscope. The best image of the connector endface is obtained when the angle γ is half of the inclined angle of the angled connector endface. |
| US08976338B2 |
Range sensor and range image sensor
A photogate electrode has a planar shape of a rectangular shape having first and second long sides opposed to each other and first and second short sides opposed to each other. First and second semiconductor regions are arranged opposite to each other with the photogate electrode in between in a direction in which the first and second long sides are opposed. Third semiconductor regions are arranged opposite to each other with the photogate electrode in between in a direction in which the first and second short sides are opposed. The third semiconductor regions make a potential on the sides of the first and second short sides higher than a potential in a region located between the first and second semiconductor regions in a region immediately below the photogate electrode. |
| US08976337B2 |
Method of measuring mark position and measuring apparatus
A method and an apparatus are provided to measure a position of a mark with a less measurement error caused by a variation in a wafer process condition. The mark is illuminated with light and an image of the mark is formed, via an optical system, in a light receiving surface of a sensor. The image of the mark is sensed and image data thereof is acquired by the sensor. Correction data of a fundamental frequency and a high harmonic of the image data is set based on information associated with a shape of the mark, an imaging magnification of the optical system, and an imaging area of the sensor. The image data is corrected using the correction data, and the position of the mark is calculated using the corrected image data. |
| US08976334B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A liquid supply system for an immersion lithographic apparatus provides a laminar flow of immersion liquid between a final element of the projection system and a substrate. A control system minimizes the chances of overflowing and an extractor includes an array of outlets configured to minimize vibrations. |
| US08976330B2 |
Transparent liquid crystal display panel and transparent liquid crystal display
The present disclosure provides a transparent liquid crystal display panel and a transparent liquid crystal display. The transparent liquid crystal display panel includes a backlight module, a color filter substrate and a TFT array substrate which are cell-assembled. Liquid crystal is filled between the color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate. Each pixel unit of the color filter substrate includes a sub-pixel unit and a transparent pixel unit. A region on the TFT array substrate that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is transparent. A region between the color filter substrate and the TFT array substrate that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is provided with a transparent resin spacer. A region in the backlight module that corresponds to the transparent pixel unit is a transparent region. |
| US08976328B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a thin film transistor (TFT) in each pixel region, a first inorganic protective film on the first substrate including the TFT, color filters on the first inorganic protective film in each pixel region excluding the TFT, a common electrode on the color filters, a second protective film over the entire first inorganic protective film including the common electrode, a pixel electrode on the second inorganic protective film with the pixel electrode connected to a drain electrode of the TFT exposed by selective removal of the first and second inorganic protective films, the pixel electrode forming a fringe field with the common electrode such that the second inorganic protective film is interposed between the pixel electrode and the common electrode, and a column spacer on the second inorganic protective film with the column spacer covering the TFT. |
| US08976322B2 |
Active matrix organic light-emitting diode display and method of controlling display thereof
An Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode (AMOLED) display and a method of controlling a display thereof are provided. The AMOLED display includes an input unit, a controller, a display unit for displaying a low power mode screen, by enabling the controller to turn off an AMOLED and to turn on a cholesteric Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in a low power mode, and for displaying a high picture quality mode screen, by enabling the controller to turn on the AMOLED and to turn off the cholesteric LCD in a high picture quality mode. When used in an indoor environment, the AMOLED display can operate in the high picture quality mode, and when used in an outdoor environment or as an e-book reader, the AMOLED display can operate in the low power mode. |
| US08976320B2 |
Backlight module, manufacture method for such backlight module, and liquid crystal display device
A backlight module includes a back frame, a light guide plate disposed in the back frame, a plurality of semiconductor light sources, a plurality of light source circuit boards, and a plurality of attachment members. Part of each of the light source circuit boards is disposed between the back frame and the light guide plate, and the other part of each of the light source circuit boards is exposed outside the side edge of the light guide plate, and each of the semiconductor light sources is disposed on the light source circuit boards which are exposed outside the side edge of the light guide plate. The number of the light source circuit boards, the semiconductor light sources, and the attachment members are all at least two. Besides, an LCD device including the backlight module and a manufacturing method for the backlight module are also disclosed. |
| US08976316B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A lighting device configured to produce light in a substantially uniform overall color includes a plurality of light source boards and a plurality of point light sources. The point light sources are mounted on the light source boards. An average color of the point light sources is in an equivalent color range. The equivalent color range is defined by a square with two sides that are opposed sides each having an X-axis coordinate length of 0.015 and two sides that are opposed sides each having a Y-axis coordinate length of 0.015 in the CIE 1931 color space chromaticity diagram. |
| US08976313B2 |
Outdoor display apparatus
Provided is an outdoor display apparatus having an improved configuration to effectively prevent deterioration of a panel included therein. The outdoor display apparatus includes: a casing body having an air inlet and an air outlet; first and second display panel modules in the casing body to display images on front and rear surfaces of the casing body, respectively; transparent members fitted respectively to the front surface and the rear surface of the casing body to protect the first and second display panel modules; an air suction unit to suction the air into the casing body through the inlet and to discharge the air through the outlet; and an air distribution unit to distribute the air discharged from the air suction unit to at least one of the first display panel module and the second display panel module. |
| US08976311B2 |
Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit adapted to implement enhanced light efficiency and uniform brightness is disclosed. The backlight unit includes a plurality of light sources arranged at fixed intervals, a diffusion plate disposed on the plurality of light sources, prism patterns formed on one surface of the diffusion plate, and micro-lens patterns formed on the other surface of the diffusion plate. The vertex angle of each prism pattern is in a range of about 64°˜76°. |
| US08976306B2 |
Shutter glasses and related 3D display system
The present invention discloses shutter glasses and a 3D display system. The shutter glasses include a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a normally-white LCD panel, and a normally-black LCD panel. A thickness of the normally-white LCD panel is not the same as a thickness of the normally-black LCD panel, and an optical compensation film is installed between the first polarizer and the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel and/or between the second polarizer and the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel in order to compensate for a dispersion occurred when the liquid crystal layer of the normally-black LCD panel is in a dark mode. In this way, the present invention can not only shorten the response time of the shutter glasses to reduce the power consumption, but also reduce the 3D crosstalk. |
| US08976304B2 |
Display device and television receiver device
A liquid crystal display device 10 of the present invention includes: LEDs 22; LED substrates 24 to which the LEDs 22 are attached; a liquid crystal panel 11 where display is performed using light from the LEDs 22; a light guide plate 16 that is arranged so as to overlap the side of the liquid crystal panel 11 opposite to the display surface, the edge faces of the light guide plate facing the LEDs 22; a chassis 14 arranged on the side of the light guide plate 16 opposite to the liquid crystal panel 11; a frame 13 arranged on the display surface side of the liquid crystal panel 11 and housing the LEDs 22, LED substrates 24, liquid crystal panel 11, and light guide plate 16 between the chassis 14 and the frame itself; and heat dissipating members 18 with heat dissipating characteristics that are respectively arranged abutting the LED substrates 24 and that are held between the frame 13 and the chassis 14. |
| US08976303B2 |
Presenting snapshot of controlled device display on display of remote commander to facilitate control of the controlled device by user who cannot see controlled device
A system includes a controlled device presenting on a device display an image including a native user interface (UI) and a remote commander (RC) communicating with the controlled device to receive the image and present it on an RC display, so that a user may manipulate the RC looking at the RC display to control the controlled device using the native UI even if the user cannot see the display of the controlled device. |
| US08976299B2 |
Scene boundary determination using sparsity-based model
A method for determining a scene boundary location dividing a first scene and a second scene in an input video sequence. The scene boundary location is determined responsive to a merit function value, which is a function of the candidate scene boundary location. The merit function value for a particular candidate scene boundary location is determined by representing the dynamic scene content for the input video frames before and after candidate scene boundary using sparse combinations of a set of basis functions, wherein the sparse combinations of the basis functions are determined by finding a sparse vector of weighting coefficients for each of the basis functions. The weighting coefficients determined for each of the input video frames are combined to determine the merit function value. The candidate scene boundary providing the smallest merit function value is designated to be the scene boundary location. |
| US08976298B2 |
Efficient 2D adaptive noise thresholding for video processing
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques for performing video denoising (VDN). An adaptive noise threshold is dynamically determined and used to distinguish between frame to frame differences in pixel values that relate to image motion from those differences that relate to noise. The disclosed techniques enable the noise threshold to be continuously updated, for example as frequently as once per frame, so that the noise threshold may closely track to varying levels of noise in the input video data. The techniques may be implemented in, for example, a video format conversion apparatus. Advantageously, the techniques may be incorporated in programmable logic devices (PLD's) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA's) configurable to perform video format conversion, while adding only modest additional computational demands on the apparatus. |
| US08976297B2 |
Windows management in a television environment
Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed. |
| US08976296B2 |
Broadcasting and communication receiver apparatus
A digital receiver including: a receiver; a decoder; and a display controller, with a display having a first display zone displaying at least a part of the title included in program information and a second display zone displaying an entirety of the title, under control of the display controller; wherein the display controller includes an input data amount calculator calculating an amount of input data for the first display zone inputted from memory, and a comparator to compare the amount calculated with an amount of displayable data, and when the amount of the input data is larger than the amount of the displayable data, a part of the title and a symbol indicative of omission are displayed, and when the first display zone is selected, an entirety of the title in the selected first display zone is displayed in the second display zone. |
| US08976295B2 |
Method of linkage-viewing TV broadcasting program between mobile communication apparatus and digital TV, and mobile communication apparatus and digital TV thereof
A method of linkage-viewing a TV broadcasting program between a mobile communication apparatus and a digital TV, the method includes inputting a TV linkage-viewing command in order to successively view a TV broadcasting program which is being viewed on the mobile communication apparatus, on the digital TV; transmitting data information from the mobile communication apparatus to the digital TV according to the input of the TV linkage viewing command; and selecting a TV channel in the digital TV which is the same as a current channel which is being viewed on the mobile communication apparatus and changing to the selected TV channel based on the data information which the digital TV has received. |
| US08976294B2 |
Multiple-sensor image acquisition system
Each of a first and second image acquisition device includes: a circuit for providing a primary clock signal and a frequency synthesizing circuit capable of generating at least one secondary clock signal from said primary clock signal. The frequency synthesizing circuit in each image acquisition device has a fractional phase-locked loop configuration. A synchronization comparison circuit in each image acquisition device functions to compare sync between an external sync signal and an internal sync signal. An adjustment of the fraction phase lock loop operation is made in response to the sync comparison. |
| US08976290B2 |
Positionable mechanism with an optical image stabilizing unit
A positionable mechanism includes a base unit, a frame unit, an optical image stabilizing (OIS) unit and a positioning unit. The frame unit and the OIS unit are mounted on the base unit. The frame unit is retractable with respect to the base unit between a storage position and a working position, and has a first surface. The OIS unit includes a movable carrier that has a second surface facing the first surface, an optical element that is mounted on the movable carrier, and a driving element that is operable to drive the movable carrier to move with respect to the base unit. The positioning unit is disposed between the first surface and the second surface, and is configured to position the movable carrier with respect to the frame unit when the frame unit is at the storage position. |
| US08976289B2 |
Imaging device
An imaging device of an aspect of the invention, when reading, as voltage signals, signal charges output from a first pixel receiving a light on a partial area biased to a predetermined direction from a light axis of a light flux passing an exit pupil of an imaging optical system and a second pixel arranged so as to be adjacent to the first pixel and receiving a light on a partial area biased to an opposite direction to the predetermined direction from the light axis, combines and reads the signal charges of adjacent first-number pixels with respect to the first pixel and the second pixel, and calculates an arithmetic mean of adjacent second-number voltage signals with respect to the combined and read voltage signals of the first pixel and the second pixel. |
| US08976287B1 |
Scanning zoom system
A method and apparatus comprising a sensor array, a primary lens, and a moveable lens array. The sensor array comprises sensors arranged in an array in which the sensors are configured to generate image data. The primary lens is configured to direct light towards the sensor array. The moveable lens array comprises a number of lenses. The moveable lens array is moveable to a plurality of positions between the primary lens and the sensor array. Each lens in the number of lenses is configured to focus the light. |
| US08976285B2 |
Photographing device and methods thereof
A photographing device includes a photographing unit which generates a photographing data by performing photographing with a photographing component, a display unit which displays an image which is photographed in the photographing unit, a sensor unit which senses whether the photographing device rotates, and a control unit which changes a reading order of the photographing component according to a rotation direction and a rotation degree when the photographing device rotates in a recording stand-by mode state, and controls the photographing unit in order to generate the photographing data by maintaining the reading order if the photographing device rotates in a recording mode state. |
| US08976284B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and camera system
A solid-state imaging device and a camera system are provided. The solid-state imaging device capable of performing an intermittent operation includes a pixel unit and a pixel signal readout unit for reading out a pixel signal from the pixel unit in units of a plurality of pixels for each column. The pixel signal readout circuit includes a plurality of comparators and a plurality of counters whose operations are controlled by outputs of the comparators. Each of the comparators includes an initializing switch for determining an operating point for each column at a start of row operation, and is configured so that an initialization signal to be applied to the initializing switch is controlled independently in parallel only a basic unit of the initialization signal used for a horizontal intermittent operation, and the initializing switch is held in an off-state at a start of non-operating row. |
| US08976282B2 |
Solid-state image sensor, method of manufacturing the same and camera
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer having first and second faces, and a wiring structure arranged on a side of the first face, wherein photoelectric converters are arranged in the semiconductor layer and light is incident on the second face. The wiring structure includes reflection portions having reflection regions and arranged for at least some of the photoelectric converters, absorbing portions arranged around the reflection regions, an insulator portion arranged to surround the absorbing portions, and an interlayer insulating film arranged between the first face and a group of the reflection portions, the light absorbing portions, and the insulator portion, and a reflectance of the light absorbing portions is smaller than a reflectance of the reflection regions, and a light transmittance of the light absorbing portions is smaller than a light transmittance of the insulator portion. |
| US08976281B2 |
Image pickup device and evaluation value generating device
An image pickup device may include an image capturing unit that includes a solid-state image pickup device having a plurality of pixels arrayed in a matrix form, the image capturing unit sequentially outputting a plurality of image capturing signals each of which corresponds to one of a plurality of pixel signals output from the solid-state image pickup device, and an evaluation value generating unit to which the plurality of image capturing signals output from the image capturing unit are sequentially input, the evaluation value generating unit generating an evaluation value based on the input image capturing signals. The evaluation value generating unit may include a horizontal decimation unit, a vertical decimation unit, a vertical evaluation value generating unit, and a horizontal evaluation value generating unit. |
| US08976278B2 |
Digital domain accumulative CMOS-TDI image sensor with low power consumption
The present invention relates to the field of design of analog digital hybrid integrated circuit. The object of the invention is to reduce ADC conversion rate thus further reducing power consumption of the sensor while not reducing line frequency of the CMOS-TDI. To this end, a digital domain accumulative CMOS-TDI image sensor with low power consumption is provided. It includes a pixel array of n+k lines multiplied m columns, a column parallel signal pre-processing circuit, a column parallel successive approximation (SAR) ADC, a column parallel digital domain accumulator, a column parallel divider, a timing control circuit and an output shift register, wherein n+k+1 coarse quantification memory units are provided to the column parallel digital domain accumulator for storage of coarse quantification results; and memory units for storage of n times of fine quantification results are also provided, thus realizing n stages of TDI signal accumulation after accumulation of n times of fine quantification results. The invention is generally used in hybrid integrated circuit design. |
| US08976274B2 |
Apparatus and method for image pickup and correction
An image pickup apparatus and method which reduces fixed pattern noise appearing in multiple exposure shooting and which can obtain a high-quality multiple exposure image. Multiple pieces of exposure image data are obtained by exposing an image pickup device. The multiple pieces of exposure image data are subjected to image processing. The multiple pieces of image processed exposure image data are synthesized to generate synthesized exposure image data. Multiple pieces of dark image data are obtained by shielding the image pickup device from light. Each of the multiple pieces of dark image data is subjected to image processing equivalent to image processing performed on a corresponding one of the multiple pieces of exposure image data. The multiple pieces of image processed dark image data that are synthesized to generate synthesized dark image data. The synthesized exposure image data is corrected on the basis of the synthesized dark image data. |
| US08976273B2 |
Multiplexed read-out architecture for CMOS image sensors
This invention targets improvement in CMOS sensors using a multiplexed read-out architecture in which pixels are output at the pixel VN level instead of the line/reference amplifier level. The pixel signal voltage VN and offset voltage VNS are read sequentially, eliminating the differential structure. Interference rejection, usually achieved by a differential signal, is obtained by using a CDS (Correlated Double Sampler) in the same way as in the prior art. |
| US08976272B2 |
Imaging apparatus which corrects effects of flash
In an imaging apparatus, unevenness in brightness in screen due to flash is eliminated and video with secured continuity as a moving image can be obtained. In the imaging apparatus (1), signals of fields affected by flash among video signals acquired by imaging are treated with adding or adding and averaging to equalize effects of flash which appear unevenly on a screen. |
| US08976271B2 |
Optical system and image pickup apparatus
The optical system capable of performing zooming includes a first lens unit and a second lens unit and satisfies conditions of |(ΔTMyu+ΔTMyl)/(ΔWMyu+ΔWMyl)|<0.67 and 0.75<|(ΔWMyu+ΔWMyl)|/2P<16.0. ΔWMyu represents a lateral aberration amount for a d-line of a 70 percent upper ray reaching an 80 percent image height at a wide-angle side middle focal length, ΔWMyl represents a lateral aberration amount for the d-line of a 70 percent lower ray reaching the 80 percent image height at the wide-angle side middle focal length, ΔTMyu represents a lateral aberration amount for the d-line of the 70 percent upper ray reaching the 80 percent image height at a telephoto side middle focal length, ΔTMyl represents a lateral aberration amount for the d-line of the 70 percent lower ray reaching the 80 percent image height at the telephoto side middle focal length, and P represents a pixel pitch of the image sensor. |
| US08976269B2 |
Compressive sensing based bio-inspired shape feature detection CMOS imager
A CMOS imager integrated circuit using compressive sensing and bio-inspired detection is presented which integrates novel functions and algorithms within a novel hardware architecture enabling efficient on-chip implementation. |
| US08976268B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method for performing image synthesis
An image processing apparatus capable of properly synthesizing a strobe-illuminated image and non-strobe-illuminated images, irrespective of a condition for illuminating a photographic subject. A sensitivity of strobe emission photographing is set to be lower than a sensitivity of non-strobe emission photographing, and a strobe-illuminated image and plural sheets of non-strobe-illuminated images are continuously photographed with the set sensitivities. The strobe-illuminated image is gain-processed with a gain amount, and positional deviations of the plural sheets of non-strobe-illuminated images relative to the strobe-illuminated image are corrected. An averaged image obtained by synthesizing the gain-processed image and the images after the positional deviation correction is synthesized with the strobe-illuminated image, while taking account of amounts of strobe illumination in the strobe-illuminated image, thereby obtaining a synthesized image. |
| US08976266B2 |
Picture locating method and system based on navigation function of mobile terminal
Examples of the present disclosure provide a method and system for locating a picture, based on navigation functions of a mobile terminal. The method includes the follows. During a process of utilizing a photographic device to take a picture, current time information and geographical location information of current track point may be obtained and recorded by a mobile terminal, by using navigation functions carried by the mobile terminal. Picture shooting time carried by the picture taken and the time information obtained by the mobile terminal may be associated with each other, such that geographical location information where the picture is taken may be determined. Time of the photographic device is synchronous with time of the mobile terminal. |
| US08976264B2 |
Color balance in digital photography
A technique for generating a digital photograph comprises blending two related images, each sampled according to a different illumination environment. The two related images are blended according to a blend surface function that includes a height discontinuity separating two different blend weight regions. Color consistency between the two related images is achieved by spatial color correction prior to blending. The technique enables a digital camera to generate a strobe image having an appearance of consistent color despite discordant strobe and ambient scene illumination. |
| US08976263B2 |
Three-dimensional imaging using a single camera
The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth. |
| US08976262B2 |
Methods of connecting network-based cameras to video stations, and corresponding video surveillance systems, video stations, and network-based cameras
Methods of connecting network-based cameras to video station such that the ownership between the network-based camera with the respective connected socket can be locked, such that at any time, each of the at least one socket can lock ownership of only one network-based camera, and receives video from the only one network-based camera with ownership locked by the respective socket. As the socket of the current invention can now engage into “locking” relationship with only one network-based camera with camera-identification tag acceptable to the video station, and preferably with the lock key, the chance of spoofing can be substantially reduced. |
| US08976261B2 |
Object recognition apparatus, object recognition method and object recognition program
There is a need for an object recognition apparatus for identifying multiple objects separately or collectively and a method therefor. An object recognition apparatus is configured to include: an image output section acquiring multiple object images and outputting an image; a detection section detecting the multiple object images in the image; a first identification section identifying the detected multiple object images; and a second identification section identifying the detected multiple object images collectively. |
| US08976260B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus obtains moving image data having a pixel array of a Bayer structure, transmits the obtained moving image data in accordance with a transmission method of transmitting image data having a pixel array different from the Bayer structure and auxiliary data indicating transparency of a plurality of pieces of color data included in the image data by using a plurality of channels, and controls image data of predetermined one of a plurality of colors where the number of pixels corresponding to the predetermined color is larger than that of other color of the plurality of colors, by using a channel for transmitting the auxiliary data. |
| US08976259B2 |
Methods and systems for modified wavelength diversity image compensation
Imaging methods and systems providing wavelength diversity compensation to images distorted by turbulence includes capturing a subject image set in a single image frame, with the images in the set being captured at diverse wavelengths. The compensation includes using an error metric insensitive to variation in object brightness between a region of interest of an image and a corresponding region of interest in a second image in the set that is at a diverse wavelength. |
| US08976258B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image capturing apparatus, and program
An exemplary image processing apparatus generates an interpolation frame to be inserted between a first frame and a second frame of a moving picture contiguous with each other. The image processing apparatus includes: a repetitive pattern detection section configured to detect whether a repetitive pattern is present in at least one of the first and second frames; a motion vector calculation section configured to calculate a motion vector of an object in the first and second frames; and an interpolation frame generation section configured to compare a repetition cycle of the repetitive pattern in a first direction with a magnitude of the motion vector in the first direction so as to generate the interpolation frame through a process performed based on a result of the comparison. |
| US08976256B2 |
Remote sensing of hidden objects
An apparatus and method are provided for creating an indirect image of an object. The apparatus includes a light source and an imaging system. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by a first non-specular surface toward the object. Light reflected by the object is further reflected by a second non-specular surface toward the imaging system. The imaging system is configured to create the indirect image from the reflected light. |
| US08976255B2 |
Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a first and a second imaging unit, a clipping unit, an image processing control unit. The first imaging unit is provided on a front face of an apparatus main body. The second imaging unit is provided on a back face of the apparatus main body. The clipping unit clips image data of the second main subject from the second acquired image data. The image processing control unit combines the first acquired image data with the image data of the second main subject clipped by the clipping unit to meet combining conditions determined by the first image data. |
| US08976254B2 |
Temporal aliasing reduction and coding of upsampled video
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for upsampling a video sequence for coding. According to the method, an estimate of camera motion may be obtained from motion sensor data. Video data may be analyzed to detect motion within frames output from a camera that is not induced by the camera motion. When non-camera motion falls within a predetermined operational limit, video upsampling processes may be engaged. In another embodiment, video upsampling may be performed by twice estimating image content for a hypothetical new a frame using two different sources as inputs. A determination may be made whether the two estimates of the frame match each other sufficiently well. If so, the two estimates may be merged to yield a final estimated frame and the new frame may be integrated into a stream of video data. |
| US08976250B2 |
Lens inspection system
A lens testing system may have a test pattern source that generates a test pattern of light. A lens may have a lens surface that reflects the test pattern of light. A digital camera system may capture an image of the reflected test pattern of light. Computing equipment may perform image processing operations to evaluate the captured image of the reflected test pattern. The test pattern may contain a known pattern of test elements such as a rectangular array of spots or test elements of other configurations. During image processing operations, the computing equipment may analyze the reflected version of the spots or other test elements to measure characteristics of the lens such as radius of curvature, whether the lens contains flat regions, pits, or bumps, lens placement in a support structure, and other lens performance data. The computing equipment may compare the measured lens data to predetermined criteria. |
| US08976249B2 |
IR signal capture for images
Technologies and implementations for capturing images from IR signals are generally disclosed. |
| US08976247B1 |
Rear vision system for a vehicle
A camera vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup video camera operable to capture video images rearward of the vehicle during a rear backup maneuver of the vehicle. A display device is operable to display video images captured by the rear backup video camera when the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear and the display continues during short term forward movement of the vehicle. An overlay is displayed with the video images to assist the driver during the rear backup maneuver. The display device is operable to display video images with a display intensity greater than 200 candelas/sq. meter. A control includes an image processor that image processes video images to detect objects that are within the rearward field of view of the rear backup video camera. The image processing by the image processor of captured video images includes use of an edge detection algorithm. |
| US08976246B1 |
Gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer hitch alignment and safety system
The gooseneck or fifth wheel trailer hitch alignment and safety system includes a reverse camera and at least one proximity sensor to provide alignment of a hitch to a hitch ball located inside of a truck bed. The reverse camera is positioned on or around a third brake light, and is aimed at the truck bed so as to provide visualization inside of the truck bed. The proximity sensor(s) detects the presence of a respective hitch located inside of the truck bed, and emits different colored alarms that in concert with the visualization of the reverse camera provide alignment means to a respective driver of said truck. |
| US08976244B2 |
Personal mobile surveillance systems and methods
An exemplary method includes a mobile user device subsystem 1) acquiring, during operation in a normal surveillance mode, a first set of surveillance data, 2) transmitting, during operation in the normal surveillance mode, the first set of surveillance data to a server subsystem, 3) detecting, during operation in the normal surveillance mode, a trigger event, 4) transitioning, in response to the detecting of the trigger event, from operation in the normal surveillance mode to operation in an enhanced surveillance mode, 5) acquiring, during operation in the enhanced surveillance mode, a second set of surveillance data; and 6) transmitting, during operation in the enhanced surveillance mode, the second set of surveillance data to the server subsystem, wherein the second set of surveillance data comprises an enhanced set of data compared to the first set of surveillance data. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08976243B2 |
Camera for use in a digital network
The present disclosure relates to a camera for use in a digital network, in particular as a surveillance camera in a working device, including an integrated router having at least two ports for communication with further network components, in particular having a first port for communication with a terminal and having a second port for communication with a further camera. |
| US08976240B2 |
Spatially-varying spectral response calibration data
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with producing spatially varying spectral response calibration data are described. One example method includes controlling a digital camera to capture characteristic data arrays from light sensors in the digital camera in response to the digital camera being exposed to light stimuli from a multi-spectral reference display. The data arrays will be acquired multiple times at multiple locations in multiple stimuli provided from the multi-spectral reference display. The method also includes controlling a calibration logic to manipulate characteristic data arrays to produce spatially varying spectral response calibration data as a function of using characteristic data arrays and known wavelengths of the light in light stimuli. The method may also include providing the spatially varying spectral response calibration data to a downstream consumer (e.g., correction process, quality control process), displaying the data, or storing the data. |
| US08976239B2 |
System and apparatus for color correction in transmission-microscope slides
The present invention concerns a system and method for calibration and adjustment of the pixel color values represented within a digital image of a sample by a transmission microscope. Furthermore the present invention is directed to providing sufficient color information in order to generate a color mapping matrix that allows for the creation of a synthetic image to depict the sample under a desired illumination. The system and method provides a solution that generates a destination-device independent image that is configurable to any calibrated display device. |
| US08976236B2 |
Surgical light and video control system and method of use
A system for illuminating and recording an image of an operative field during a medical procedure is presented. The system includes a first light source assembly, a second light source assembly, and a controller. The first and second light source assemblies include a light source operable to illuminate the operative field, a camera operable to record the image of the operative field, and a sensor operable to detect motion from the light source assemblies. The controller is in communication with the first and second light source assemblies. The controller is configured to send operational commands to the light source assemblies based on feedback from the sensors. One of the operational commands is a recording command. The controller is configured to send the recording command to either the camera in the first or second light source assembly. |
| US08976235B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a controller which generates a control signal based on at least one of a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional stereoscopic image inputted from an outside, a panel including a plurality of pixels, where the plurality of pixels is arranged along a first direction and along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction and displays the three-dimensional stereoscopic image having a plurality of viewpoints different from each other in each frame, a lens part including a plurality of lens units, where the plurality of lens units is disposed over the panel overlapping the pixels along the first direction and having a plurality of focal points which shifts in each frame, and a light source which supplies light to the panel. |
| US08976232B2 |
Device and method for adjusting parallax, imaging apparatus, and image reproduction device
A distance determining section increases a convergence point distance by a distance proportionate to an operation of an up key. The distance determining section reduces the convergence point distance by a distance proportionate to an operation of a down key. A target convergence point distance is incremented by 1 m per pressing operation of the up key. The target convergence point distance is decremented by 1 m per pressing operation of the down key. A shift amount setting section converts the target convergence point distance into a shift amount that corresponds to the target convergence point distance. The shift amount is set to an image shifting section. The image shifting section shifts each cut out region by the shift amount from a reference position and cuts out viewpoint images with the cut out regions from original left and right viewpoint images. Thus, the parallax-adjusted viewpoint images are produced. |
| US08976229B2 |
Analysis of 3D video
An image analysis apparatus for processing a 3D video signal comprising successive pairs of images representing different respective views of a scene to generate an image depth indicator comprises a correlator configured to correlate image areas in one of the pair of images with image areas in the other of the pair of images so as to detect displacements of corresponding image areas between the two images; a graphics generator configured to generate a graphical representation of the distribution of the displacements, with respect to a range of possible displacement values, across the pair of images; and a display generator for generating for display the graphical representation in respect of a current pair of images and in respect of a plurality of preceding pairs of images, so as to provide a time-based representation of variations in the distribution of the displacements. |
| US08976226B2 |
Generating an animated preview of a multi-party video communication session
A system and method for generating an animation based at least in part on video content associated with a multi-party video communication session are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a video receiver module, a video sampler module, a conversion module, a request receiver module and an animation display module. The video receiver module receives video content of a multi-party video communication session including video content of each of one or more participating devices. The video sampler module generates a plurality of video frames based on the video content. The conversion module generates a plurality of images each image based on one of the plurality of video frames and generates an animation file based on the plurality of images. The request receiver module receives a request from a user. The animation display module, based on the request, provides for display textual content, the animation file, and a connection. |
| US08976225B2 |
Method, computer program and device for managing media stream in video conferencing
A method for managing media streams including at least video data and audio data in a multi-party video conference involving one or more groups of one or more nodes respectively receiving a media stream from each of a plurality of associated endpoints is provided. In each of the one or more nodes of each of the one or more groups, the loudest audio of the media streams received from the respective plurality of associated endpoints is determined. An indication of the volume of the determined loudest audio and an identification of the node is transmitted to a decision maker. The highest received volume and the associated identification is determined. The node of the identification is instructed to transmit the received media stream of the endpoint to one of: all nodes in the one or more groups and to a proxy. |
| US08976221B2 |
Adaptable identification of relevant regions in live streams
Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting when a video stream embedded within a region of another video stream contains copyrighted material. In one implementation, a computer system receives a first video stream and determines that the first video stream comprises a second video stream within a region of the first video stream, using metadata that identifies a set of geometric properties of the region. The computer system obtains the second video stream from the first video stream based on the set of geometric properties of the region, and determines whether the second video stream contains copyrighted material. |
| US08976217B2 |
Integrated module for wireless network and videoconference
A wireless network and videoconference includes a circuit board, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a videoconference interface, and a transmission interface. The WALN interface is placed on the circuit board and electrically connected thereto. The videoconference interface is placed on the circuit board and electrically connected thereto. The transmission interface is electrically connected to the WLAN interface, the videoconference interface, and a mother board. |
| US08976216B2 |
Light source unit, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
A light source unit includes a surface-emitting laser array including light emitting units; and an apertured member provided on a light path of light beams emitted from the surface-emitting laser array, the apertured member including an aperture. In at least one direction, an intensity distribution of interference patterns caused by the light beams passing through the aperture includes an equal number of crests and troughs. |
| US08976215B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of forming image thereof, and scanning unit usable in image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photosensitive media, a light source unit which comprises a plurality of light sources, a polygon mirror which deflects a plurality of beams output from the plurality of light sources into the plurality of photosensitive media using a plurality of reflective surfaces, a beam detector which receives beams reflected from the polygon mirror during a rotating process of the polygon mirror, and outputs a beam detection signal, and a horizontal sync signal generator which receives the beam detection signal and counts beam reflecting times during which the beams are reflected from the plurality of reflective surfaces, and compares the plurality of counted beam reflecting times with the compensation values calculated for the reflective surfaces, respectively, generates a horizontal sync signal for a corresponding reflective surface, and provides the horizontal sync signal to the light source unit. |
| US08976213B2 |
Image forming apparatus and control method thereof
An apparatus comprises an accommodation unit which accommodates a continuous printing sheet; a conveyance unit which conveys the printing sheet; a printing unit which performs image forming processing on the conveyed printing sheet; a cutting unit which cuts the printing sheet after completion of the image forming processing; and a processing unit which executes, when a printing sheet remaining on a conveyance path is detected, processing for removing the remaining printing sheet, the processing unit controls the conveyance unit to convey the printing sheet to detect a leading end, compares a first distance from the leading end to a portion located at a curl correction unit with a second distance from the leading end, which distance is required for image forming processing set, and sets a larger distance as a cutting position of the remaining printing sheet. |
| US08976212B2 |
Printhead adjustment mechanism for edge justified printer
The present invention discloses a printer, specifically an edge justified printer, having a housing. The printer further comprises a mounting assembly that holds printable media and a printhead assembly. The printhead assembly of the present invention has a printhead cantilevered to a mounting member by a bracket. The printer further comprises a plurality of adjusting devices wherein each of the adjustive devices includes an adjusting member. The adjusting member(s) allows for pressure to be applied at the end or edge of the printhead and less pressure at the other end or edge of the printhead. |
| US08976208B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method thereof
A display device which includes pixels, a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines, a gate driver configured to drive the plurality of gate lines, a data driver configured to drive the plurality of data lines, and a timing controller configured to control the gate driver and the data driver. The timing controller receives a first image signal and outputs a second image signal to the data driver. The timing controller sequentially outputs a boosting signal and the first image signal as the second image signal. The boosting signal is based on the first image signal and the previous first image signal. |
| US08976207B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronic device
To suppress deterioration of quality of a still image displayed with a reduced refresh rate. A liquid crystal display device includes a display portion that is controlled by a driver circuit and includes normally white mode (or normally black mode) liquid crystals, and a timing controller for controlling the driver circuit. The timing controller is supplied with an image signal for displaying a moving image and an image signal for displaying a still image. The absolute value of a voltage applied to the liquid crystals in order to express black (or white) in an image corresponding to the image signal for displaying the still image is larger than that of a voltage applied to the liquid crystals in order to express black (or white) in an image corresponding to the image signal for displaying the moving image. |
| US08976197B1 |
Solution generating devices and methods
Solution generating devices and methods are provided herein. Exemplary devices may execute logic via one or more processors, which are programmed to capture a view with an image capturing device, evaluate the view to determine a task within the view, generate a solution for the task, and display the solution via a display device. |
| US08976195B1 |
Generating clip state for a batch of vertices
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a batch clip state stored in clip state machine (CSM) associated with a batch of vertices. Per-vertex clip state is generated for each vertex in the batch of vertices based on the position of each vertex relative to each clip plane. For a given vertex, per-vertex clip state indicates whether the vertex is inside or outside each of the one or more clip planes. The per-vertex clip states of all the vertices in the batch of vertices are coalesced into a batch clip state by determining whether each vertex in the batch of vertices is inside every clip plane, each vertex is outside at least one clip plane or neither. The batch clip state is stored in the CSM associated with the thread group that processes the batch of vertices that can be accessed by further stages of the graphics pipeline. |
| US08976190B1 |
Method and system for rule based display of sets of images
The invention provides, in some aspects, a system for implementing a rule derived basis to display image sets. In various embodiments of the invention, the selection of the images to be displayed, the layout of the images, as well as the rendering parameters and styles can be determined using a rule derived basis. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user is presented with images displayed based on their preferences without having to first manually adjust parameters. |
| US08976189B2 |
Drawing operations using multiple graphics interfaces
Various embodiments provide techniques for enabling multiple graphics interfaces to be accessed to perform graphics-related operations. In at least some embodiments, techniques determine if the multiple graphics interfaces can share a memory resource for performing graphics operations. If the multiple graphics interfaces can share the memory resource, a coalescing graphics element is provided that can be used by applications to perform multiple graphics operations. |
| US08976186B2 |
Image processing apparatus and method thereof
This invention provides an image processing apparatus and an image processing method. By calculation of the pixel difference that is the difference of each corresponding pixels between the current image and the previous image with its neighbor pixel difference, this invention can determine the blending value. Furthermore, the image processing apparatus comprises a pixel buffer unit for storing the current image and the previous image; a pixel difference calculating unit for calculating a plurality of pixel differences; a moving judgment unit, coupled to the pixel difference calculating unit, for determining the pixel moving or static according to by the plurality of pixel differences; a blending value determining unit, coupled to the moving judgment unit, for determining a new blending value when the pixel is static; and an output unit, coupled to the blending value determining unit, for generating an output image by adding the pixels belonging to the same positions pixels on the current image and the previous image with a weighting according to the blending value. |
| US08976185B2 |
Method for handling state transitions in a network of virtual processing nodes
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for executing an operation once work associated with a version of a state object has been completed. The method includes receiving the version of the state object at a first stage in a processing pipeline, where the version of the state object is associated with a reference count object, determining that the version of the state object is relevant to the first stage, incrementing a counter included in the reference count object, transmitting the version of the state object to a second stage in the processing pipeline, processing work associated with the version of the state object, decrementing the counter, determining that the counter is equal to zero, and in response, executing an operation specified by the reference count object. |
| US08976184B2 |
System and method for controlling animation by tagging objects within a game environment
A game developer can “tag” an item in the game environment. When an animated character walks near the “tagged” item, the animation engine can cause the character's head to turn toward the item, and mathematically computes what needs to be done in order to make the action look real and normal. The tag can also be modified to elicit an emotional response from the character. For example, a tagged enemy can cause fear, while a tagged inanimate object may cause only indifference or indifferent interest. |
| US08976182B2 |
Facial sketch creation device, configuration information generation device, configuration information generation method, and storage medium
A facial sketch creation device, a configuration information generation device, a configuration information generation method, and a storage medium that stores a computer program, which acquires position information for characteristic points that pertain to facial features within a facial image of a user, acquires a classification result in which the facial image has been classified as a facial type, using the position information for the characteristic points and based on relative positions of the facial features, and generates configuration information by taking an initial configuration that is based on the position information for the characteristic points and performing modification of the initial configuration by enhancing characteristics that indicate the classified facial type. |
| US08976181B2 |
Software system and method for wastewater treatment control and interpretation using ORP
A method for controlling and optimizing the treatment of wastewater in a batch reactor using the calculation and manipulation of ORP readings. |
| US08976169B1 |
Rendering terrain patches
Systems, methods, and computer storage mediums are provided for blending custom terrain patches onto a terrain of a virtual three-dimensional environment. A method includes accessing terrain data that describes a mesh representing the surface of the terrain of the three-dimensional environment. The mesh is constructed of primitives that are defined by a terrain altitude at each vertex. A surface grid is determined from the primitives such that each point in the surface grid includes the terrain altitude where the point falls on the mesh. Custom terrain data is also accessed that includes a custom grid of terrain altitudes. A patch grid is determined from the custom grid such that each point in the patch grid includes a terrain altitude derived from the custom grid. The patch and surface grids are blended such that each terrain altitude in the patch grid modifies its corresponding terrain altitude in the surface grid. |
| US08976168B2 |
Mesh generation from depth images
Systems and methods for mesh generation from depth images are provided. According to one aspect, a method executable by a compression device for sending compressed depth information is provided. The method may comprise, at a compression module executed on the compression device, receiving a depth image of a scene from a depth camera. The depth image may include a matrix of pixels, each pixel in the matrix including a depth value indicating a depth of an object in the scene observed at that pixel. The method may further comprise compressing the depth image into a tree data structure, and sending the tree data structure via a communication path to a rendering device for generating a mesh of the scene at the rendering device. |
| US08976167B2 |
Driving circuit and driving controller capable of adjusting internal impedance
A driving circuit includes a power supply, a plurality of conductive paths and a plurality of driving controller. The power supply is configured for providing a predetermined voltage. The conductive paths are connected to the power supply to receive the predetermined voltage. The driving controllers are connected to the conductive paths correspondingly. A first driving controller of the driving controllers has a first internal circuit configured for employing an internal voltage to perform functions provided by the first driving controller, and a resistance adjustment unit. The resistance adjustment unit is connected between a special conductive path and the first internal circuit. The second driving controller has a second internal circuit configured for employing a second internal voltage to perform functions provided by the second driving controller. A resistance value of the resistance adjustment unit is adjustable to make the first internal voltage same to the second internal voltage. |
| US08976161B2 |
Systems and methods for image processing
The present disclosure relates generally systems and methods for image data processing. In certain embodiments, a method for transferring the image data may include processing the image data in an image sensor by correcting one or more defective pixels in the image data based on a one-dimensional defective pixel correction algorithm; horizontally demosaicing the image data based on a one-dimensional horizontal demosaic algorithm; or a combination thereof. After processing the image data, the method may include horizontally downscaling the processed image data in the image sensor and vertically downscaling the horizontally downscaled image data in an image signal processor to be displayed for viewing on a display device. |
| US08976160B2 |
User interface and authentication for a virtual mirror
A method for operating a mirror-display including: operating the system in idle mode wherein image is displayed on the monitor and the processor awaits the presence of a user in front of the camera; once a user presence is identified, switching the operation of the mirror-display into mirror mode, wherein the camera continuously sends captured images to the processor, the processor flips the captured images to reverse right and left sides and applies transformation mapping to generate modified images that appear to mimic reflection of a mirror, and displaying the modified images on the monitor. During idle mode the camera continuously sends background images to the processor, and the user presence is identified by the processor detecting changes in the background images. The processor performs face recognition process on the captured image and interrogates a database to determine whether an account corresponding to the user exists in the database. |
| US08976155B2 |
Semiconductor device and driving method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a photodiode, a first transistor, a second transistor, and a third transistor. The second transistor and the third transistor have a function of retaining a charge accumulated in a gate of the first transistor. In a period during which the second transistor and the third transistor are off, a voltage level of a voltage applied to a gate of the second transistor is set to be lower than a voltage level of a source of the second transistor and a voltage level of a drain of the second transistor, and a voltage level of a voltage applied to a gate of the third transistor is set to be lower than a voltage level of a source of the third transistor and a voltage level of a drain of the third transistor. |
| US08976153B2 |
Touch panel device detecting water
A touch panel device includes: an electrostatic capacitance touch panel of mutual capacitance type which includes transmission-side electrodes and reception-side electrodes; a detecting unit which detects a contact with the electrostatic touch panel and outputs contact information; and a detection signal variation calculating unit which calculates and outputs detection signal variations of the transmission-side electrodes and the reception-side electrodes based on the contact information. The touch panel device further includes: a variation distribution calculating unit which calculates and outputs a variation distribution of the detection signals based on the detection signal variations; and a determining unit which determines that an object contacting the electrostatic touch panel is a drop of water when a peak value of the variation distribution of the detection signals is a predetermined negative threshold or less. |
| US08976149B2 |
Capacitance sensing apparatus and method, and touch screen apparatus
There is provided a capacitance sensing apparatus including: a driving circuit unit sequentially applying a driving signal to each of a plurality of first electrodes; a sensing circuit unit including a first integrating circuit detecting a first change in capacitance generated in a plurality of second electrodes by the driving signal and a second integrating circuit connected to another first electrode adjacent to the first electrode to which the driving signal is applied; and an operating unit connected to the sensing circuit unit to determine a touch input, wherein the second integrating circuit detects a second change in capacitance generated due to noise in the another first electrode, and the operating unit determines the touch input based on the first and second changes in capacitance. |
| US08976148B2 |
Touch sensing apparatus and data processing method thereof
There are provided a data processing method and a touch sensing apparatus. The data processing method includes (a) obtaining a plurality of pieces of sensing data according to one or more touch inputs; (b) selecting one or more pieces of temporary reference data having the minimum difference value between adjacent other pieces of sensing data; (c) calculating difference values between the one or more pieces of temporary reference data; (d) calculating an N number of difference values between the N number of pieces of sensing data obtained from the nodes included in the Kth row and an N number of pieces of sensing data obtained from nodes included in the K-1th row; and (e) determining the temporary reference data having a relatively small representative value as reference sensing data of the Kth row. |
| US08976144B2 |
Touch panel and electronic device equipped with touch panel
A touch panel 10, which has first and second metal resistive thin films (movable transparent electrode 12 and fixed transparent electrode 13) formed respectively on opposing surfaces of two layers of film or glass (movable glass 11 and fixed glass 14) disposed opposite each other at a predetermined space, is configured such that a predetermined radio frequency signal can be inputted/outputted to/from the movable transparent electrode 12, and ground required for detecting an operation position in the touch panel 10 is connected via an inductive circuit of coils L3, L4 and the like, thereby providing a configuration in which radio waves inputted/outputted to/from the movable transparent electrodes 12 are not grounded in terms of radio frequency. |
| US08976140B2 |
Touch input processor, information processor, and touch input control method
A touch coordinate acquisition unit acquires the coordinate position of a touch point on a touch panel. An area determination unit determines whether or not the coordinate position of a touch point is present within an enlarging operation area provided in part of the touch panel. A drag determination unit determines if a touch point has been dragged. When the coordinate position of a touch point is present within the enlarging operation area and the touch point has been dragged, an operation mode switching unit switches the operation mode for touch inputs from a normal operation mode to an enlarging operation mode. When the operation mode is switched to the enlarging operation mode, a touch coordinate transformation unit transforms the coordinates of an actual touch point within the enlarging operation area into the coordinates of a virtual touch point for the whole area of the touch panel. |
| US08976134B2 |
Character input device and character input method
According to an aspect, a character input device includes: a touch panel capable of detecting touches on a plurality of points; and a control unit for displaying a plurality of buttons on the touch panel and determining whether a first touch gesture in which a touch position with respect to the touch panel is continuously changed occurs. When detecting occurrence of a second touch gesture being a further touch on a different area from an area where the first touch gesture occurs while the first touch gesture occurs in the area where the buttons are displayed, the control unit is configured to receive, as an input, a character corresponding to the button corresponding to the touch position of the first touch gesture when the second touch gesture occurs. |
| US08976133B2 |
Devices and methods for improving image quality in a display having multiple VCOMs
Methods and devices for improving image quality in a display having multiple common voltage layers (VCOMs) are provided. In one example, a method may include maintaining a deactivation signal on pixels of the display after programming a frame of data onto the pixels of the display, but before a touch sequence. The method may also include supplying a first data signal to each pixel of a first set of pixels coupled to a first VCOM while maintaining the deactivation signal. The method may include supplying a second data signal to each pixel of a second set of pixels coupled to a second VCOM while supplying the first data signal. The first data signal is supplied to each pixel of the first set of pixels and the second data signal is supplied to each pixel of the second set of pixels to inhibit image distortion during the touch sequence. |
| US08976132B2 |
Touch-sensing display apparatus
A touch-sensing display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of touch sensing structures, and a display medium. The first substrate has a plurality of pixels and scan lines, and a read-out line. Each touch sensing structure includes a sensing active device, a sensing space, and a bridge electrode. Each sensing active device is disposed on the first substrate and includes a bottom gate, a channel, a source, a sensing electrode, and a top gate. The top gate has an opening to form a first electrode and a second electrode that are electrically isolated. When pressed, the bridge electrode contacts the top gate to electrically connect to the first and second electrodes, so that control of the channel is transformed from one of the top gate and the bottom gate to both the top and the bottom gates, thereby forming a sensing current in the sensing electrode. |
| US08976123B2 |
Display device and electronic unit
The display device with high detection accuracy includes: display pixel electrodes; a common electrode; a display function layer; a display control circuit performing image display control by applying a pixel voltage to each of the display pixel electrodes and applying a common drive voltage to the common electrode, the common drive voltage inverting in synchronization with a drive cycle of the image display control; a touch detection electrode cooperating with the common electrode to form a capacitor; and a touch detection circuit detecting an external proximity object, based on a detection signal obtained from the touch detection electrode in response to the common drive voltage applied to the common electrode. The touch detection circuit corrects the detection signal based on a gray scale of the image signal at the time of acquisition of the detection signal, and performs the detection operation. |
| US08976119B2 |
Electronic display board apparatus, method of controlling electronic display board apparatus, and electronic display board apparatus control system
An electronic display board apparatus configured to provide an operation key, includes a display with a touch panel function on which an application image is displayed; a mode change accepting unit which accepts an operation mode for the touch panel function, the operation mode including a simple operation mode; an image analyzing unit which detects an operational image associated with an operational function from the application image displayed on the display at the simple operation mode; a key allocation unit which allocates the operation key to the operational image detected by the image analyzing unit so that an operation of the allocated operation key is treated as an operation to the operational image at the simple operation mode; and a touch panel control unit which suppresses the touch panel function of at least a part where the operational image is displayed at the simple operation mode. |
| US08976110B2 |
Power management in an eye-tracking system
A personal computer system includes a visual display, an imaging device adapted to provide eye-tracking data by imaging the face of a viewer of the visual display, and an input device for accepting eye-tracking control data and other input data. The imaging device is switchable between at least an active mode, a ready mode and an idle mode, and the switching time from the idle mode to the active mode is longer than the switching time from the ready mode to the active mode. The eye-tracking data provided in the ready mode may include eye position but not eye orientation. The system may include a dedicated input device for forcing the imaging device into active mode by directly triggering an interrupt; alternatively, the dedicated input device forces it permanently into idle mode. |
| US08976107B2 |
Display element and electrical device using the same
A display element (10) includes an upper substrate (first substrate) (2), a lower substrate (second substrate) (3), and a conductive liquid (16) that is sealed in a display space (S) formed between the upper substrate (2) and the lower substrate (3) so as to be moved toward an effective display region (P1) or a non-effective display region (P2). The conductive liquid (16) is colored black. The non-effective display (P2) is defined by a black matrix (light-shielding layer) (11s) provided on the upper substrate (2), and the effective display region (P1) is defined by a color filter (aperture) (11r) formed in the black matrix (11s). The size of the black matrix (11s) is determined based on the size of each of ribs (14a, 14b) and a gap size (H) between the upper substrate (2) and the lower substrate (3). |
| US08976103B2 |
Display apparatus, driving method for display apparatus and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus, including, a pixel section, a plurality of scanning lines, a plurality of signal lines, and a driving circuit. |
| US08976100B2 |
Liquid crystal display having a transition from splay alignment to bend alignment and driving method thereof
According to one embodiment, a display includes pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix, gate lines extending along rows, signal lines extending along columns, storage capacitance lines extending along the rows to superpose a voltage on the pixel electrodes, a counterelectrode opposed to the pixel electrodes, a driver to drive the gate lines, the signal lines, and the storage capacitance lines, and a controller to control the driver. The controller sequentially drives the gate lines to write from the signal lines to the pixel electrodes and, after the write to the pixel electrodes, changes a potential of each of the storage capacitance lines to cause alignment of the liquid crystal layer to make a transition from splay alignment to bend alignment. |
| US08976091B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and driving method thereof
A display including multiple OLED pixels is provided. Each OLED pixel includes and OLED, a driving transistor, a switch transistor, a first compensation block and a second compensation block. The driving transistor has a first terminal coupled to an anode of the OLED, a second terminal for receiving an operating voltage, and a control terminal for receiving a data voltage. The switch transistor has a first terminal coupled to the control terminal of the driving transistor, a second terminal for receiving the data voltage, and a control terminal for receiving a first control signal. The first compensation block is coupled to the first terminal and the control terminal of the driving transistor. The second compensation block is coupled to the first terminal of the driving transistor, and receives the first control signal and the data voltage. |
| US08976089B2 |
Pixel circuit and display device, and a method of manufacturing pixel circuit
The display device including a pixel circuit has a first line, a transistor, a light emitting element, and a second line. The transistor is located between the second line and an electrode of the light emitting element. Either the first line or the second line is wired in a region that overlaps a light emitting region of the light emitting element in a lamination direction of layers. The second line intersects the first line outside of the light emitting region and overlaps a non-light emitting region of the light emitting element. |
| US08976082B2 |
Method and system for synchronizing mark on electronic map and recording medium using the same
A synchronizing method and a system for marks on electronic maps and a recording medium using the same are provided. In the present synchronizing method, an input signal is received by a first electronic device, so as to draw a mark on the electronic map displayed thereon. The mark is then converted into positioning information of a plurality of positioning points on the electronic map and transmitted to a second electronic device via a wireless transmission network, wherein the positioning information is used for drawing the positioning points on the electronic map displayed on the second electronic device so as to reconstruct the mark. Accordingly, the mark on the electronic map of both communication ends can be synchronized. |
| US08976081B2 |
Integration of displays
An integrated display panel (IDP) is created by integrating two or more modified component display panels. Each of the two or more modified component display panels include an active region, which may be extended until at least one of the edges. A first set of layers of a first modified component display panel and a second set of layers of the second modified is removed along an edge while manufacturing the first and second modified component display panels. The first and the second modified component display panels are overlapped along the edge to form a junction. At the junction, the back light from a lower layer is allowed to pass through until it reaches a top layer of the IDP. The graphics is displayed, seamlessly, in an active area of the IDP without forming a dark band at the junction of the first and the second modified component display panel. |
| US08976077B2 |
Widebrand adaptable artificial impedance surface
A tunable impedance surface, the tunable surface including a plurality of elements disposed in a two dimensional array; and an arrangement of variable negative reactance circuits for controllably varying negative reactance between at least selected ones of adjacent elements in the aforementioned two dimensional array. |
| US08976075B2 |
Antenna device and method of setting resonant frequency of antenna device
In antenna device, a coil conductor of an antenna coil module and a conductor layer at least partially overlap. A current flows in the conductor layer to block a magnetic field generated by a current flowing in the coil conductor. A current, which flows around the periphery of an opening of the conductor layer, flows along the periphery of a slit and around the periphery of the conductor layer due to a cut-edge effect. Since magnetic flux does not pass through the conductor layer, magnetic flux attempts to bypass the conductor layer along a path in which the conductor opening of the conductor layer is on the inside and the outer edge of the conductor layer is on the outside. As a result, the magnetic flux generates relatively large loops that link the inside and the outside of a coil conductor of an antenna on a reader/writer side. |
| US08976070B2 |
Broadcasting antenna for vehicle and shark fin antenna apparatus having the same
A broadcasting antenna for a vehicle and a shark fin antenna apparatus having the same are provided. The broadcasting antenna includes a main board on which a feeder circuit and a ground plane are formed, a helical radiation unit which includes a plurality of helical radiators that are electrically connected to the feeder circuit and the ground plane of the main board, that are formed in a first direction, and that are coupled apart from each other by a predetermined interval, and which has a coupling feed structure, and an extended radiation unit which includes a plurality of top loaders that are electrically connected to ends of the plurality of helical radiators, respectively, that are formed in a second direction, and that are coupled to each other. |
| US08976069B2 |
Multilevel antennae
An apparatus includes an internal, multiband antenna element concealed within a portable communication device. The antenna element operates in at least three frequency bands and includes geometric elements arranged to define empty spaces in the antenna element to provide at least three winding current paths through the antenna element which circumvent the empty spaces, the at least three winding current paths respectively corresponding to the at least three frequency bands to provide the antenna element with multi-band behavior, wherein each of two or more of the geometric elements is traversed by the at least three winding current paths. The apparatus further includes a ground plane, with the antenna element being electrically coupled to the ground plane. The geometric elements are arranged such that the antenna element does not comprise a group of single band antennas that respectively operate in the at least three frequency bands. |
| US08976066B2 |
Beam-forming antenna with amplitude-controlled antenna elements
A beam-forming antenna for transmission and/or reception of an electromagnetic signal having a given wavelength in a surrounding medium includes a transmission line electromagnetically coupled to an array of individually controllable antenna elements, each of which is oscillated by the signal with a controllable amplitude. The oscillation amplitude of each of the individual antenna elements is controlled by a switch. The antenna elements are arranged in various shapes such as a parabolic arc, a circular arc, a cylindrical surface or a conic surface. The antenna elements have various spacing such as uniform, parabolic, circular, or raised cosine. |
| US08976062B2 |
Portable biometric monitoring devices having location sensors
Assisted-GPS for a portable biometric monitoring device is provided. The portable biometric monitoring device may obtain updated ephemeris data from an associated secondary device via a short-range, low-power communication protocol. The secondary device may be a computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Various rules may control when the ephemeris data is updated. The ephemeris data may be used in the calculation of the global position of the portable biometric monitoring device. Additionally, the portable biometric monitoring device may communicate downloaded position fixing data to the associated secondary device. The associated secondary device may then calculate the global position from the position fixing data. |
| US08976061B2 |
Radar system and method of manufacturing same
A radar system (100) is described including a transmitting assembly (10), a receiving assembly (20), a control unit (30) and a signal processing unit (40). The transmitting assembly (10) receives an input signal (31) and transmits an incident radar signal (2). The transmitting assembly (10) includes a Rotman lens (12) having a lens cavity (74), a plurality of beam ports (60), a plurality of array ports (62) and a patch antenna assembly (14). The lens cavity (74) has a lens gap (h) between 10 microns to 120 microns, and preferably 40 microns to 60 microns. The patch antenna assembly (14) includes a plurality of antenna arrays (130) operable to receive a plurality of time-delayed, in-phase signals from the Rotman lens (12) and to transmit the incident radar signal (2) towards a target (4). The receiving assembly (20) receives a reflected radar signal (6) and produces an output signal. The signal processing unit (40) compares the input signal (31) to the output signal and implements an algorithm determining the range, velocity and position of the target (4). |
| US08976058B2 |
Vechicle-mounted radar apparatus
A vehicle-mounted radar apparatus for transmitting radar waves toward the outside of a vehicle mounting the apparatus thereon and receiving the radar waves reflected from an object to thereby acquire information about the object. In the apparatus, a target detection unit transmits and receives the radar waves to detect positions of targets. An object position determination unit determines a position of the object reflecting the radar waves on the basis of the positions of the targets. A representative target selection unit selects a representative target from the targets detected by the target detection unit. A same-object target selection unit selects targets belonging to the same object as the representative target. A large-vehicle determination unit determines whether or not an extent of the targets selected by the same-object target selection unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value for large-vehicle determination. |
| US08976052B2 |
Multiple data rate counter, data converter including the same, and image sensor including the same
A counter includes a buffer unit and a ripple counter. The buffer unit generates at least one least significant signal of a count by buffering at least one clock signal until a termination time point. The ripple counter generates at least one most significant signal of the count by sequentially toggling in response to at least one of the least significant signal. The counter performs multiple data rate counting with enhance operation speed and reduced power consumption. |
| US08976049B2 |
Methods and systems for storing sequence read data
The present invention generally relates to storing sequence read data. The invention can involve obtaining a plurality of sequence reads from a sample, identifying one or more sets of duplicative sequence reads within the plurality of sequence reads, and storing only one of the sequence reads from each set of duplicative sequence reads in a text file using nucleotide characters. |
| US08976045B2 |
Tactile force sense presenting device, electronic device terminal applied with tactile force sense presenting device, and tactile force sense presenting method
A tactile force sense presenting device of the present invention includes: an operation unit which includes an operation lever to be operated by an operator, and a movement guide surface which guides an input of a slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and an input of a push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction at a specific position on the XY-plane; a detection unit which detects the input of the slide motion of the operation lever in the XY-planar direction and the input of the push-in motion of the operation lever in the Z-axis direction; a calculation control unit which calculates a force corresponding to an operation of the operation lever, based on detection results of the detection unit; and a drive transmission unit which includes a driving unit including at least one actuator, and which causes, based on calculation results of the calculation control unit, the driving unit to generate a resistive force of the operation lever with respect to the input of the slide motion in the XY-planar direction and an adjusting force of the operation lever with respect to the input of the push-in motion in the Z-axis direction. |
| US08976044B2 |
Transit station geographical location sign with handicap access
A transit stop destination sign is provided that communicates wirelessly with a central transit system server over a wireless network, determines its GPS location and provides the same to the central transit system server, and provides both an updated visual destination sign display as well as an audio button for visually impaired that provides updated destination information in a natural language. |
| US08976043B2 |
Illuminated sidestick controller, such as an illuminated sidestick controller for use in aircraft
A system and method for illuminating one or more sidestick controllers within a cockpit of an aircraft is described. In some embodiments, the system includes a sidestick controller having lighting components that display lighting behaviors representing the movement and/or control of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the system illuminates various different lighting components on a sidestick controller based on information received from aircraft control systems, cockpit lighting systems, and other systems associated with an aircraft. |
| US08976033B2 |
Controller coupled to visual indicator
Techniques for providing the status of a port to a controller are provided. A port may have a visual indicator indicating the status of the port. A controller may have an input for receiving a signal. The visual indicator of the port may be coupled to the input of the controller to determine the operational status of the port. |
| US08976032B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-readable media for identifying an anonymous patient
The present invention provides a system, a method and a computer program product for, identifying an anonymous patient in a health care location, when the anonymous patient requires medical attention. A health parameter data of the patient is acquired by a sensor unit, and transmitted to a gateway module associated with the patient. In an event the acquired health parameter data transgresses preconfigured limits or preconfigured pattern(s); an alert is generated by the gateway module, and transmitted to a context server. The context server is configured to validate the alert; instruct the gateway module to emit a colored light corresponding to the color code and transmit the gateway identifier, the color code and a location of a nearest connector, to a medical agent for the purpose of locating the patient. |
| US08976030B2 |
Point of sale (POS) based checkout system supporting a customer-transparent two-factor authentication process during product checkout operations
A checkout system is provided for carrying out a two-factor authentication process where coded products are purchased and theft activity might be pursued. The system typically includes an identification code reader for reading product identification codes (e.g. UPC bar code symbols or EPC-encoded RFID tags) on products that are passed through the point of sale (POS) and a security code detector/reader for automatically detecting/reading a security code (e.g. implemented as an EAS tag or an RFID tag) at the POS. During product checkout operations, the identification code reader reads identification codes, and the security code detector/reader detects or reads security codes applied to products. Collected identification and security data is automatically processed using identification and security data stored in a database to determine whether or not each product being purchased at the POS is in compliance or not in compliance with a two-factor authentication process supported by the checkout system. |
| US08976026B2 |
Electronic anti-theft protection system
The invention relates to an electronic system for anti-theft protection of goods. The system comprises: a unit for detecting a metallic material in a first detection zone; a unit for detecting a magnetic or magnetizable material in a second detection zone; and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving information from the units for detecting metallic and magnetic material when the one or both of these units detect(s) a metallic or a magnetic material, respectively, in the respective detection zones. The control unit is further programmable to the effect that the control unit can be programmed to emit a signal which depends on whether it receives information about the detection of metallic and/or magnetic material. |
| US08976021B2 |
Remote patient management device and method
The present invention relates to a remote patient management device (1) and method (1000) which facilitates to particularly follow up chronic diseases and keep them under control and enables to transfer measurement results, which should be made by people with these diseases and transmitted to healthcare personnel properly, in an easy and safe way automatically. |
| US08976020B2 |
Wireless communication system
A wireless communication system may include a wireless communication unit configured to wirelessly receive vital data from a sensing terminal, a storage unit configured to store comparison vital data, a comparison unit configured to compare the wirelessly received vital data with the comparison vital data, and a control unit configured to control the wireless communication unit to transmit an instruction for stopping wireless transmission of the vital data to the sensing terminal that has wirelessly transmitted the vital data based on a comparison result of the comparison unit. |
| US08976017B1 |
Method for inspecting down hole drilling systems for flaws using ultrasonics
A method for inspecting down hole drilling systems for identifying indications of flaws in material. The method can include removing particulate, disposing a wave coupling medium on an area of interest, attaching a probe to a sound carrying wedge, engaging the sound carrying wedge over the wave coupling medium, transmitting inspection signals to the area of interest, manipulating the probe to produce detection signals, transmitting the detection signals to a data storage, presenting the detection signals and a known reference level to a user, and comparing the detection signals to the known reference level to determine if the detection signals are within a standard deviation of the known reference level. The method can include adapting a sound carrying wedge to form-fittingly couple to an area of interest of a down hole drilling system. |
| US08976014B2 |
Vehicular security system with configurable immobilization features
A control module provides for immobilization of a vehicle. The control module includes an intelligent control disposed within a housing of the control module, a plurality of discrete inputs and a plurality of discrete outputs operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one network interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, at least one user interface operatively connected to the intelligent control, and software stored for execution by the intelligent control, the software providing instructions to control functions of a vehicle associated with the control module, the functions including vehicle immobilization functions. |
| US08976009B2 |
Voice recognizing digital messageboard system and method
Provided is a system and method of updating a message displayed on an electronic screen via wireless communications device or remote website. Messages are entered into the communications device (input terminal) or web interface via verbal commands or entered text. The input is then transmitted to one or more electronic screens, where the message is displayed. Thus, users can update an electronic display without directly manipulating the display screen. Each electronic screen is in enabled to wirelessly communicate over cellular networks and via BlueTooth connections. These connection methods enable pairing of multiple electronic screens to a single wireless communications device, as well as allowing multiple communications devices to manipulate any given screen directly or via web interface. |
| US08976007B2 |
Systems and methods for providing biofeedback information to a cellular telephone and for using such information
The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for a wearable band adapted to be worn by a user. The wearable band may include one or more biometric sensors such as a pulse monitor adapted to monitor a pulse of the user, and a transmitter adapted to wirelessly transmit pulse information from the pulse monitor to a mobile device such as a cellular telephone or PDA. The wearable band does not include a display for the biometric information. Numerous additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08976006B2 |
Wall console diverse commands to barrier operators
Disclosed are alternate embodiments of various components of a barrier operator system. and methods of operation, including of the mechanical drive subsystem with segmented and self-locking rail unit, rail mounting supports, belt and chain drive tensioning, and drive assembly carriage and interface; the electronics and software routines for controlled operation of the various barrier operator functions; wall console communications with the barrier operator; encryption and decryption of access codes; establishment and monitoring of travel limits and barrier speed and force profiles; thermal protection of barrier operator drive motors; and establishment and control of communications from the barrier operator to accessories by way of a wireless adapter. |
| US08975999B2 |
Transformer using symmetrical printing pattern
Disclosed is a transformer using a symmetrical printing pattern which includes: a substrate; a plurality of first printing lines printed at predetermined distances on the substrate; a plurality of second printing lines printed at predetermined distances on the substrate; first bonding wires connecting the first printing lines; and second bonding wires connecting the second printing lines, in which the first printing lines and the second printing lines are printed in a symmetrical printing pattern, respectively, on the substrate, and the first bonding wires and the second bonding wires are formed symmetrically, respectively. |
| US08975995B1 |
Coupled inductors with leakage plates, and associated systems and methods
A coupled inductor includes a ladder magnetic core, a first common leakage plate formed of a magnetic material, and N windings, where N is an integer greater than one. The ladder magnetic core includes first and second rails and N rungs, where each of the N rungs connects the first and second rails. Each of the N windings includes a respective first portion. Each of the N windings is wound around a respective one of the N rungs, and at least two of the N windings are wrapped at least partially around the first common leakage plate such that a first portion of the winding is disposed between an outer surface of the first rail and an outer surface of the first common leakage plate. |
| US08975994B2 |
Inductor with thermally stable resistance
An inductor includes an inductor body having a top surface and a first and second opposite end surfaces. There is a void through the inductor body between the first and second opposite end surfaces. A thermally stable resistive element positioned through the void and turned toward the top surface to forms surface mount terminals which can be used for Kelvin type sensing. Where the inductor body is formed of a ferrite, the inductor body includes a slot. The resistive element may be formed of a punched resistive strip and provide for a partial turn or multiple turns. The inductor may be formed of a distributed gap magnetic material formed around the resistive element. A method for manufacturing the inductor includes positioning an inductor body around a thermally stable resistive element such that terminals of the thermally stable resistive element extend from the inductor body. |
| US08975991B2 |
Cover
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device. |
| US08975989B2 |
Contact switching device
An object of the present invention is to provide a contact switching device having a smaller height dimension. For this, there is provided a contact switching device in which a movable iron core (142) provided at one end portion of a movable shaft (145) is attracted to a fixed iron core (138), based on excitation and degauss of an electromagnet portion, by which the movable shaft (145) reciprocates in a shaft center direction, and a movable contact (148a) of a movable contact piece (148) arranged at another end portion of the movable shaft (145) contacts and departs from a fixed contact (133a). Two coil springs (147a, 147b) different in length and diameter are put on the movable shaft (145), and one of the coil springs (147a) is arranged inside the other coil spring (147b). |
| US08975981B2 |
Impedance matching circuits with multiple configurations
Reconfigurable impedance matching circuits with multiple configurations are disclosed. A reconfigurable impedance matching circuit may be implemented with a set of reactive elements (e.g., inductors and/or capacitors) and a set of switches. Different configurations may be obtained with different settings of the switches and may be associated with different impedance tuning curves. This may enable the reconfigurable impedance matching circuit to provide better impedance matching for a load circuit (e.g., an antenna). In an exemplary design, the reconfigurable impedance matching circuit includes at least one variable reactive element configured to tune the impedance of the reconfigurable impedance matching circuit in order to provide better impedance matching. In an exemplary design, the reconfigurable impedance matching circuit may include at least one reconfigurable reactive element, each of which can be connected as a series element or a shunt element. |
| US08975977B2 |
Low noise and low power voltage controlled oscillators
LC tank and ring-based VCOs are disclosed that each include a differential pair of transistors for steering a tail current generated by a current source responsive to a bias voltage. A biasing circuit generates the bias voltage such that a transconductance for the transistors in the differential pairs is inversely proportional to a resistance. |
| US08975976B2 |
Multi-power mode reference clock with constant duty cycle
A power management apparatus and method for maintaining a substantially constant duty cycle of a reference clock signal in a multi-power oscillator, includes a first output power transistor in electrical parallel with a series arrangement of a second output power transistor and a switch, and a crystal oscillator capacitively coupled to a common gate of the first and second output power transistors, wherein a level of the reference clock signal power output is a normal power level when the switch is open and the level of the reference clock signal power output is a higher power level when the switch is closed to operate the second output power transistor in parallel with the first output power transistor. |
| US08975974B2 |
Low voltage, wide frequency range oscillator
A wide frequency, low voltage oscillator includes multiple delay elements, in which each delay element includes two inverters coupled through a latching element into a differential-type configuration. Two current-source PMOS devices bias the latching element in a high-gain region at low-voltage. By coupling these current-source PMOS devices into the delay elements, the start-up voltage of the latching element is reduced. Each delay element is also biased using a replica bias circuit that scales the supply/control voltage of the oscillator and provides the scaled supply/control voltage to control the lower rail of oscillation amplitude. By coupling the replica bias circuit to the lower rail, the lower rail of the oscillation amplitude follows the changes to the supply/control voltage. |
| US08975970B2 |
Producing a desired frequency using a controlled oscillator with known temperature sensitivity
A controlled oscillator is tuned to produce a desired, temperature independent frequency. A first frequency ratio is determined between a first frequency of the output signal generated by the controlled oscillator and a frequency of an output signal from another oscillator. The first frequency is determined based on a sensed temperature. A desired frequency of the output signal of the controlled oscillator is used to determine a desired frequency ratio between the desired frequency and the frequency of the output signal from the other oscillator. The controlled oscillator is tuned and the frequency ratio measured until the tuning has caused the desired frequency ratio to be achieved, thereby causing the controlled oscillator to provide the desired frequency. |
| US08975968B2 |
Amplifiers with improved isolation
Amplifiers with improved isolation are disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus (e.g., a wireless device, an integrated circuit, etc.) includes an amplifier having a gain transistor, first and second cascode transistors, and a shunt transistor. The gain transistor receives an input signal and provides an amplified signal. The first cascode transistor is coupled between the gain transistor and an intermediate node and receives the amplified signal. The second cascode transistor is coupled between the intermediate node and an output node and provides an output signal. The shunt transistor is coupled between the intermediate node and circuit ground. The first and second cascode transistors are enabled to provide the output signal. The shunt transistor is (i) disabled when the cascode transistors are enabled and (ii) enabled to short the intermediate node to circuit ground when the cascode transistors are disabled. |
| US08975967B2 |
Antenna LNA filter for GNSS devices
A low-noise amplifier (LNA) filter for use with global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices is disclosed. A first LNA stage, which is configured to connect to an antenna configured to receive GNSS signals, includes an LNA. A second LNA stage, which is connected to the output of the first LNA stage, has a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter and an LNA. A third LNA stage, which is connected to the output of the second LNA stage, also has a SAW filter and an LNA. |
| US08975965B2 |
Differential signal correction circuit
A differential signal correction circuit is disclosed. The differential signal correction circuit may comprise a first single-ended-to-differential converter and a second single-ended-to-differential converter. Each one of the two converters may comprise an input port and two output ports. The converters may be configured to perform a first phase correction for a pair of differential signals and output a first output signal and a second output signal. The first output signal is fed back to the first converter through one of the output ports of the first converter, and the second output signal is fed back to the second converter through one of the output ports of the second converter so as to perform phase correction and amplitude correction for the first output signal and the second output signal. |
| US08975964B2 |
BEMF monitor gain calibration stage in hard disk drive servo integrated circuit
A high performance digitalized Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA). In prior art circuit, a dual-ladder DAC is employed for gain control, the back gate leakage of NMOS resistors in the fine ladder conquers fine ladder nominal current and it produces non-monotonic gain scallop. Two new art design techniques: (1) adaptively control the fine ladder; and (2) use dummy PMOS brunch device leakage compensates for the NMOS resistor device leakage, are proposed so that the non-monotonic scallops are substantially eliminated and 13-bit resolution/accuracy PGA has been achieved. |
| US08975962B2 |
Slew-enhanced operational transconductance amplifier
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to improving the slew rate of an amplifier as the amplifier charges or discharges a capacitive load. In one embodiment, the amplifier is coupled to a slew-enhancing circuit which uses a control signal from the amplifier to aid the amplifier when charging or discharging the load. For example, the control signal may be an internal voltage used by the amplifier to control circuit elements within the amplifier. By routing the control signal to the slew-enhancing circuit, the control signal biases the circuit elements within the slew-enhancing circuit to source a boost current when charging the capacitive load or sink the boost current when discharging the capacitive load. |
| US08975961B2 |
Power amplifier control circuits
Circuits for reducing power consumption in power amplifier circuits are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a circuit for power control in the transmitter includes a coupling circuit, a first power amplifier circuit and a second power amplifier circuit. The coupling circuit includes a primary winding inductively associated with a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding. The coupling circuit provides a signal at output terminals of the first secondary winding and the second secondary winding in response to a signal at the primary winding. A first power amplifier circuit is coupled with output terminals of the first secondary winding, and a second power amplifier is coupled with output terminals of the second secondary winding. The first power amplifier circuit and second power amplifier circuit are configured to be enabled or disabled based on a bias voltage. |
| US08975959B2 |
Monotonic conversion of RF power amplifier calibration data
Circuitry, which includes data memory and processing circuitry, is disclosed. The data memory is used to store look-up table (LUT)-based radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) calibration data. The processing circuitry converts at least a portion of the LUT-based RF PA calibration data to provide monotonic response curve-based data. As such, a magnitude of an envelope power supply control signal is determined based on a magnitude of an RF input signal using the monotonic response curve-based data. |
| US08975956B2 |
Digital amplifier
A digital amplifier comprises: a switching unit that amplifies a signal input to the digital amplifier by performing a switching operation; a driving unit that turns the switching unit on and off; an input signal detection unit that detects an input signal to the digital amplifier; and a first control unit that performs control such that the switching unit starts a switching operation by starting driving of the driving unit, when the digital amplifier is changed to a signal input state and the input signal detection unit detects an input signal, and performs control such that the switching unit stops the switching operation by stopping the driving of the driving unit, when the digital amplifier is changed to a no signal input state and the input signal detection unit does not detect an input signal. This configuration enables to reduce power consumption when no signal is input. |
| US08975955B2 |
Analysis of Doherty amplifiers
An analysis technique for (Doherty) amplifiers having a main amplifier branch and at least one peak amplifier branch. For a given input power level and assumed amplifier impedance levels, an output power level and phase response are obtained for each active device using appropriate load-pull data based on the impedance levels. The performance of the amplifier is analyzed based on the impedance levels, output power levels, and phase responses to generate updated impedance levels. The analysis is repeated until the updated impedance levels converge on steady state values. The analysis can be repeated for different input power levels. Main and peak output matching networks for the amplifier can be designed by iteratively adjusting impedance levels for the networks using appropriate load-pull contours. For the design and analysis phases, the load-pull contours include Class-AB data for the main amplifier device and Class-C data for the peak amplifier device. |
| US08975949B2 |
Integrated clock gater (ICG) using clock cascode complimentary switch logic
Inventive aspects include an integrated clock gater (ICG) circuit having clocked complimentary voltage switched logic (CICG) that delivers high performance while maintaining low power consumption characteristics. The CICG circuit provides a small enable setup time and a small clock-to-enabled-clock delay. A significant reduction in clock power consumption is achieved in both enabled and disabled modes, but particularly in the disabled mode. Complimentary latches work in tandem to latch different voltage levels at different nodes depending on the voltage level of the received clock signal and whether or not an enable signal is asserted. An inverter takes the voltage level from one of the nodes, inverts it, and outputs a gated clock signal. The gated clock signal may be active or quiescent depending on the various voltage levels. Time is “borrowed” from an evaluation window and added to a setup time to provide greater tolerances for receiving the enable signal. |
| US08975948B2 |
Wide common mode range transmission gate
A transmission gate self-biases its transistors to provide a constant gate biasing that provides a consistent path for an input signal to be cleanly passed to the gate's output and protects the transistors' gate oxide in cases of high input signals. An array of matched transistors are arranged to be biased by a voltage input node and with a current source configured to provide a bias current across individual transistors of the array of matched transistors. A current sink is configured to sink the bias current across the individual transistors to set a bias voltage at a voltage input node to a multiple of a gate-to-source voltage for the individual transistors of the array of matched transistors. A different set of transistors is configured to provide a signal path for an analog input signal. |
| US08975945B2 |
Input and output device and system including the same
An I/O device comprises a driving unit coupled between a first voltage and a second voltage, and configured to receive a first signal so as to drive a second signal for swing with a second swing range narrower than a first swing range between the first voltage and the second voltage and supply the second signal to a transmission line. The driving unit includes a first stabilizer coupled between the first voltage and the transmission line and a second stabilizer coupled between the second voltage and the transmission line. |
| US08975943B2 |
Compact level shifter
Embodiments of the present invention provide a device for level shifting an input signal. The device includes an output buffer that has: an output node, a p-FET coupled to a high reference voltage, and an n-FET coupled to a low reference voltage. The device also includes two latches. The first latch has a first latch output that drives a gate of the p-FET via an inverting circuit element. The second latch has a second latch output that drives a gate of the n-FET via a non-inverting circuit element. The device also includes a reset signal pulse generator that receives the input signal and generates a reset signal pulse in response to a transition in the input signal. Both of the latches are placed in a reset state by the reset signal pulse. |
| US08975940B2 |
Semiconductor device
The semiconductor device includes a power transistor that is disposed between a first signal line, which is coupled to a first external terminal, and a second signal line, which is coupled to a second external terminal. A gate electrode of the power transistor is coupled to a third signal line. The semiconductor device further includes a clamp circuit that clamps a voltage between the first signal line and the third signal line, a first resistive element that is disposed between the third signal line and the second signal line, and a monitoring section that monitors a voltage between the third signal line and the second signal line. The clamp circuit is configured so that a clamp voltage can be changed. The monitoring section exercises control to decrease the clamp voltage when the voltage between the third signal line and the second signal line exceeds a predefined threshold value. |
| US08975939B2 |
Voltage clamp circuit and integrated circuit incorporating same
A voltage clamp circuit includes a power supply, a first element connected with the power supply to output a constant current, a third element configured to allow a current to pass through when a voltage of a predetermined value or more is applied; and a second element configured to output a voltage according to a voltage generated by the first and third elements. |
| US08975935B1 |
Analog pulse delay circuit with multiple output potential
A delay circuit includes a first flip flop (FF), a transistor connected to the FF, a first resistor capacitor circuit (RCC) coupled to the transistor and between a voltage and a ground, a first comparator for comparing an output of the first RCC and a voltage reference, gate logic coupled to the input line and to an output of the first FF and to a second FF, a second transistor coupled to the second FF, a second RCC coupled to the second transistor and between the voltage and ground, a second comparator for comparing an output of the second RCC and the voltage reference and coupled to the first FF, and output logic coupled to the first and second comparators. |
| US08975934B2 |
Low leakage retention register tray
A particular method includes receiving a retention signal. In response to receiving the retention signal, the method includes retaining state information in a non-volatile stage of a retention register and reducing power to a volatile stage of the retention register. The non-volatile stage may be powered by an external voltage source. The volatile stage may be powered by an internal voltage source. |
| US08975928B1 |
Input-output buffer circuitry with increased drive strength
Input-output (IO) buffer circuitry is provided that is operable to drive signals off an integrated circuit. The input-output circuitry may include an input-output driver having an asymmetric transistor and/or a low-threshold voltage transistor. The asymmetric transistor may include a first source-drain region at a first dopant concentration level and a second source-drain region at a second dopant concentration level. The first dopant concentration level and the second dopant concentration level may be different. The IO buffer circuitry may be able to prevent issues with regards to hot carrier injection when driving signals with elevated voltages. The IO buffer circuit may also be manufactured without increasing the overall cost. |
| US08975925B2 |
Electronic safety device for a protection barrier
An electronic safety device for a protection barrier includes a transponder, a transceiver device for receiving a return signal from the transponder, the transponder being movable with respect to the transceiver and adapted to be placed at a current distance, an electric circuit which is switched when the distance is lower or higher than a reference distance and a control and switching system. The transceiver device processes the return signal to generate a control signal with an electric parameter variable in function of the distance. The control signal is a periodic signal with a frequency and has a first spectrum with a middle interval and a second spectrum with lateral intervals shifted with respect the middle interval when the distance is higher than the reference distance, the parameter being associated to a frequency value that comprises either into the middle interval or into one of the lateral intervals. |
| US08975922B2 |
Method and apparatus for simultaneous processing of multiple functions
Electronic logic gates that operate using N logic state levels, where N is greater than 2, and methods of operating such gates. The electronic logic gates operate according to truth tables. At least two input signals each having a logic state that can range over more than two logic states are provided to the logic gates. The logic gates each provide an output signal that can have one of N logic states. Examples of gates described include NAND/NAND gates having two inputs A and B and NAND/NAND gates having three inputs A, B, and C, where A, B and C can take any of four logic states. Systems using such gates are described, and their operation illustrated. Optical logic gates that operate using N logic state levels are also described. |
| US08975921B1 |
Synchronous clock multiplexer
A synchronous clock multiplexer circuit detects the presence of an input clock signal whenever an input select signal changes state to select the input clock signal, and generates an output select signal, which is then used instead of the input select signal for selecting an input clock signal as an output clock signal. The output select signal stays in a logic high state to select a second input clock signal when the input select signal transitions from high to low to select a first input clock signal but the first input clock signal is not present. The output select signal stays in a logic low state to select the first input clock signal when the input select signal transitions from low to high to select the second input clock signal but the second input clock signal is not present. |
| US08975919B1 |
Dual row I/O with logic embedded between rows
The present invention provides for a method and circuit of an integrated circuit (IC) having dual row input/output (I/O). The circuit having a plurality of dual I/Os including an upper row of I/O and a lower row of I/O, with logic arranged in communication between the upper and the lower rows of the dual row I/O. The connectivity with the logic circuits of the present invention therefore provides for improving reliability and performance through more similar and uniform pathway connections. Advantageously, the present invention also provides for the reallocation of valuable footprint space as the logic is embedded within the dual row I/O thereby creating additional footprint space for further performance and other beneficial gain where interconnects as between the physical layer (PHY) logic and I/O cells are generally similar in length. |
| US08975916B1 |
Self-modulated voltage reference
A self-modulated voltage reference circuit may generate a reference voltage by receiving an internal reference voltage of a programmable device at a first input of a comparator block of the programmable device, receiving a feedback voltage at a second input of the comparator block, generating a pulse density modulated (PDM) signal based on a difference between the reference voltage and the feedback voltage, outputting the PDM signal at a digital output pin of the programmable device, and filtering the PDM signal to generate the output reference voltage. |
| US08975915B2 |
Driver circuit for a digital signal transmitting bus
A driver circuit for a digital signal transmitting bus includes a main switch. The main switch is connected to the bus, is controllable by the digital signal to be transmitted, and has one on-switching state in which it has maximum electrical conductivity, one off-switching state in which it has minimum electrical conductivity and at least one intermediate switching state with an electrical conductivity between the minimum and maximum conductivity. The digital signal has a first logic state and a second logic state, the first logic state controls the main switch to be in the on-switching state and the second logic state controls the main switch to be in the off-switching state. The main switch is in the intermediate switching state during switching from the on-switching state to the off-switching state and/or vice versa. |
| US08975910B2 |
Through-silicon-via with sacrificial dielectric line
A TSV structure, method of making the TSV structure and methods of testing the TSV structure. The structure including: a trench extending from a top surface of a semiconductor substrate to a bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate, the trench surrounding a core region of the semiconductor substrate; a dielectric liner on all sidewalls of the trench; and an electrical conductor filling all remaining space in the trench, the dielectric liner electrically isolating the electrical conductor from the semiconductor substrate and from the core region. |
| US08975907B2 |
Photodiode self-test
A photodetector array includes a plurality of photodetector cells such as avalanche photodiodes and readout circuits. An array self-tester tests a dark count or other performance characteristic of the cells. The test is performed in connection with the manufacture of the array or following the installation of the array in a detection system. |
| US08975903B2 |
Proximity switch having learned sensitivity and method therefor
A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having learned sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Also included is sense control circuitry processing the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The switch further includes sensitivity control circuitry learning a user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensor and controlling the sensitivity of one or more proximity switches. |
| US08975884B2 |
Two-phase transformer-coupled boost converter
Various embodiments provide two-phase boost converters. One two-phase boost converter includes a node configured to be coupled to an input voltage and a transformer coupled to the node. The transformer includes primary and secondary windings, an inductor coupled in series with the primary winding, and an inductor coupled in series with the secondary winding. Another two-phase boost converter includes an inductor configured to be coupled to an input voltage, a node coupled to the inductor, and a transformer coupled to the node. The transformer includes primary and secondary windings, an inductor coupled in series with the primary winding, and an inductor coupled in series with the secondary winding. Yet another two-phase boost converter includes a transformer coupled to first and second external inductors. The transformer includes primary and secondary windings, an inductor coupled in series with the primary winding, and an inductor coupled in series with the secondary winding. |
| US08975881B2 |
Boost converter circuit
A boost converter circuit includes a first boost module, a first detecting unit, a second boost module and a first detecting unit. The first boost module includes a first comparing control unit. The first detecting unit is coupled to the first boost module, and the first detecting unit adjusts a first input signal of the first comparing control unit according to a first signal of the first boost module. A second boost module is connected in parallel to the first boost module, and the second boost module includes a second comparing control unit. The second detecting unit is coupled to the second boost module, and the first detecting unit adjusts a second input signal of the second comparing control unit according to a second signal of the second boost module. |
| US08975876B2 |
Method of controlling rotating main field converter
A generator system includes a generator having a stationary portion and a rotating portion. An exciter field winding and a main armature winding are disposed on the stationary portion. An exciter armature winding and a main field winding are disposed on the rotating portion. A frequency demodulator is configured to extract a frequency modulated control signal from the exciter armature winding and to demodulate the frequency modulated control signal to generate a demodulated control signal. The generator includes a main field rotating power converter to selectively control current in the main field winding in response to the demodulated command signal. The generator system includes a generator control unit in electrical communication with the generator to monitor the output voltage at the main armature winding and to output an exciter current including the frequency modulated control signal to the exciter field winding based on the output voltage. |
| US08975875B2 |
Power management systems
A power management system includes a first switch, a second switch, and a controller coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch has a first transfer terminal. The second switch has a second transfer terminal. The controller controls power conversion by turning on a third switch periodically. The first and second transfer terminals and a third transfer terminal of the third switch are coupled to a common node. The resistance between the first transfer terminal and the common node, the resistance between the second transfer terminal and the common node, and the resistance between the third transfer terminal and the common node are substantially equal to zero. |
| US08975865B2 |
Wireless electrical charging system resonator housing
A source resonator includes a housing having a convex shape. The source resonator is associated with a vehicular electrical charging system used to electrically charge an energy storage device disposed on a vehicle. The source resonator is adapted for attachment to a ground surface with the convex shaped cover extending outwardly away therefrom. The convex shaped cover of the source resonator, when disposed beneath an undercarriage of a vehicle, fills a space intermediate the source resonator and the undercarriage of the vehicle such that animals, such as a dog or a cat, are discouraged from overlyingly residing thereon. External surface segments of the convex shaped cover depend or slope away from a peak point of the convex shaped cover so that foreign objects, like a soda can or a tool that engage the convex shaped cover, may passively slide off of the housing to ensure optimal performance of the source resonator. |
| US08975864B2 |
Wireless charging system for an electric vehicle, and charging method for same
The present invention relates to a wireless charging system for an electric vehicle and to a charging method for same, in which electric power is wirelessly supplied to the electric vehicle through a plurality of wireless transceiving panels to charge a battery, and only the wireless transceiving panel that is opposite the electric vehicle at an optimum condition in consideration of the type and parked position of the vehicle selectively operates to perform a wireless transceiving operation, thereby maximizing wireless charging efficiency. For this purpose, the present invention provides a wireless charging system for an electric vehicle and a charging method for same, wherein the wireless charging system comprises: a power control device installed in a wireless charging station to control each wireless power-transmitting device; a wireless power-transmitting device and a ground near field wireless communication module, which are installed in a parking area; a plurality of wireless power-transmitting devices installed on the ground of the parking area to select and operate a portion of wireless transmitting panels opposite the vehicle in accordance with electric vehicle charging information; a plurality of wireless receiving panels installed in the lower portion of the electric vehicle such that the panels are movable in the upward and downward directions; and a wireless power receiver, a wireless charging terminal, a near field communication module and a charge controller installed within the electric vehicle, thereby performing optimized wireless charging in accordance with the selection of a driver made via the wireless charging terminal. |
| US08975859B2 |
Energy storage system
In an energy storage system, power from at least one of a solar cell, a commercial AC power source, and a storage battery is supplied to load devices. In the daytime, under the condition that an amount of power generated by the solar cell is less than an amount of power consumed by the load device, the discharge from the storage battery to the load device is permitted or prohibited if the charge level of the storage battery is higher or is not higher than the reference charge level. The discharge from the storage battery which makes the charge level of the storage battery lower than the reference level is permitted at night. |
| US08975857B2 |
Inverter apparatus and inverter control method
An inverter apparatus basically includes an inverter, a rotational speed detecting component and a control component. The inverter includes a plurality of pairs of switching elements. The control component controls an on-off status of the switching elements to convert a direct current from a direct current power source into alternating current by alternately executing first and second controls when a rotational speed of a motor connected to the switching elements is larger than a prescribed rotational speed. The first control turns on the switching elements that are directly connected to a positive electrode of the power source, and turns off the switching elements that are directly connected to a negative electrode of the power source. The second control turns on the switching elements that are directly connected to the negative electrode and turns off the switching elements that are directly connected to the positive electrode. |
| US08975854B1 |
Variable torque control of a stepper motor
A stepper motor may be controlled by a controller to provide extended revolution of a motor shaft while operating in a first mode and to allow a user to manually intervene with an intended position or rotation of the motor shaft while operating in a second mode. In some embodiments, the controller may adjust a torque applied to the stepper mode during operation of the stepper motor. The controller may reduce a torque applied by the stepper motor to a lower torque while the user intervenes with the intended position or rotation of the motor and increase the torque to a holding torque after the user intervention has ended. Thus, the controller may dynamically adjust a torque of the stepper motor in response to detection of the user intervention. |
| US08975853B2 |
Methods and systems for improving positioning accuracy
A human-operated system comprises a positioning system and an input shaper. The positioning system moves an object from one location to another. The positioning system includes a computing device that controls the movement of the positioning system responsive to receiving a user command. The input shaper is coupled to the computing device of the positioning system. The computing device estimates an overtravel of the positioning system and determines an overtravel constraint that is factored into the movement of the positioning device. The computing device moves the positioning system based on the overtravel constraint in a manner that limits the overtravel, deflection and vibration of the object as the object is moved from one location to another. The human-operated system includes a predictive element that represents a predictor location responsive to the user command provided by the human operator, which aids the human operator position the positioning system. |
| US08975850B2 |
Driving control device of opening and closing body for vehicle
There is provided a driving control device of an opening and closing body, which drives the opening and closing body in a closed state by a motor through an idling section thereof. The device includes a calculation section for calculating a rotation speed difference between a rotation speed of the motor in the idling section and a current rotation speed of the motor; and an insertion detection section for detecting insertion of a foreign member based on the calculated rotation speed difference and a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value monotonously decreases according to an increase in the rotation amount of the motor to coincide with a fully-closed state threshold value at a predetermined rotation amount of the motor within an error range of the rotation amount corresponding to the fully-closed state, and to maintain the fully-closed state threshold value to a maximum rotation amount in the error range. |
| US08975844B2 |
Motor driving apparatus
There is provided a motor driving apparatus capable of stably performing operation conversion between a normal mode and a sleep mode by counting a duty of the PWM signal according to a preset clock signal, the motor driving apparatus including: a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generating unit providing a PWM signal for driving a motor; a driving unit operating normally in a normal mode and waiting for operation in a sleep mode according to a control, and driving the motor in response to the PWM signal of the PWM signal generating unit; and a driving controlling unit counting a duty of the PWM signal according to a preset clock signal to determine an operation mode of the driving unit. |
| US08975839B2 |
Vehicle, and control method for vehicle
A control device includes a PWM control unit that executes PWM control over an alternating-current motor mounted on a vehicle. The PWM control unit includes an alarm sound generation processing unit that executes an alarm sound generating process of generating an alarm sound from the motor for informing a pedestrian, or the like, of the approach of the vehicle by intentionally varying phase current flowing through the motor by periodically adding a variation value (ΔV) to a d-axis voltage command value (Vd) at a predetermined interval. At the time of executing the alarm sound generating process, the alarm sound generation processing unit adjusts the variation value (ΔV) such that the d-axis voltage command value (Vda) resulting from the alarm sound generating process (the sum of Vd and ΔV) falls within a range in which it is possible to suppress occurrence of an overcurrent in the motor. |
| US08975835B2 |
Backlight dimmer circuit and backlight dimming method
The present invention relates to a backlight dimmer circuit and a backlight dimming method. The backlight dimmer circuit includes a PLL dimming module, which detects a rising edge of a 3D synchronous signal to generate multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal in phase with the 3D synchronous signal; a phase delay module, which generates time-divided outputs of the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal according to a delay set value; an external dimming module, which receives an external dimming signal to generate a 2D mode dimming signal; and a trigger, which receives the 2D mode dimming signal and the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal and determines whether to output the 2D mode dimming signal or the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal according to a 2D/3D conversion signal. |
| US08975829B2 |
RF induction lamp with isolation system for air-core power coupler
An induction RF fluorescent lamp includes a lamp envelope with a re-entrant cavity both covered on a partial vacuum side with phosphor and filled with a working gas mixture; an air-core power coupler on the non-vacuum side of said re-entrant cavity comprising a coil composed of at least one turn of an electrical conductor; an electronic ballast, wherein the ballast converts mains frequency voltage and current to a power coupler frequency voltage and current, the electronic ballast providing the voltage and current to the power coupler through at least two of a plurality of electrical terminals of the electronic ballast; and a capacitor electrically connected between the air-core power coupler and at least one of the plurality of electrical terminals of the electronic ballast, wherein the magnitude of the impedance of the capacitor is high at the mains frequency and the magnitude of the impedance of that same capacitor is low at the operating frequency of the RF fluorescent lamp. |
| US08975828B2 |
DC boost topology circuit for backlight driving
The present invention provides a DC boost topology circuit for backlight driving, which includes a coupling inductor including a primary coil having an end connected to a DC voltage input terminal and an opposite end connected to a secondary coil and a field-effect transistor that has an end grounded. An energy storage module includes a first capacitor and a first diode. The secondary coil has an end connected to the first capacitor and an opposite end connected to an opposite end of the primary coil and the first diode of which an opposite end connected to an opposite end of the first capacitor. A circuit protection unit has an end connected to a common terminal of the first diode and the first capacitor and an opposite end connected to a DC voltage output terminal. The topology circuit has an output voltage that is multiple times of that of known circuits. |
| US08975825B2 |
Light emitting diode driver with isolated control circuits
A light emitting diode (LED) driver circuit that generates current for driving an LED load includes a voltage converter circuit configured to supply a drive current to the LED load in response to a control signal, a control circuit that generates the control signal, and a bias voltage generating circuit that generates the bias voltage for the control circuit. The bias voltage generating circuit is galvanically isolated from a power supply voltage and from the LED load. The voltage converter circuit regulates a level of the drive current supplied to the LED load in response to the control signal. |
| US08975823B2 |
LED control apparatus
Provided is an LED control apparatus for controlling a color temperature of at least one LED light module, and the LED control apparatus includes an LED driver electrically connected to the LED light modules; a power conversion module; and a microcontroller unit electrically connected to the power conversion module to control a current output ratio of the LED driver; the microcontroller unit comprises a first control point connected to the LED driver and second and third control points connected to the LED modules; wherein the second and third control points are electrically connected to current controllers for controlling a current therethrough. By using the microcontroller connected to the LED driver to control the current outputs to the LED light modules, the current ratio of the LED light modules can be effectively controlled in order to change the color temperatures of the LED light modules. |
| US08975822B2 |
Portable lighting devices
A flashlight having a locking mechanism for securing a head skirt to a head assembly is disclosed. A circuit for temporarily remember the mode of operation of the flashlight is also disclosed. |
| US08975819B2 |
Light sensor device and light control device
Sensor devices (1) are provided with trigger signal generators (2) for repeatedly generating trigger signals and light detectors (12) for detecting light parameters such as intensities and colors and color temperatures and patterns and fluctuations of light (43) at a location and transmitters (9) for, in response to trigger signals, transmitting control signals based on detections to control devices (20) for controlling light sources (40) to influence the light (43) at the location. The sensor devices (1) may further comprise theme code generators (3), location code generators (4), processors (5), scanners (10), and position detectors (6). The control devices (20) comprise receivers (27) for receiving the control signals from the sensor devices (1) and controllers (26) for, in response to the control signals, controlling the light sources (40) and may further comprise theme code detectors (21) and/or processors (22) and/or location code detectors (23) and/or setting detectors (24) and/or communicators (28) for communication with scanners (10) and/or transmitters (29) and/or arbiters (25). |
| US08975815B2 |
Method for making an electronic display device covered by a protection plate
The invention relates to a method for making an electronic display device (1) having a screen (3) covered by a protection plate, and to a substrate (2) covered by said screen for obtaining such a device. The method comprises the following steps: a) applying glue (10) at the non cross-linked state substantially on the entire surface of the screen and/or the assembling surface (11a) of the plate (11) following a deposit on the screen connection area (5) of at least one organic layer (15) for protecting the connection area from the glue; applying the assembling surface against the screen via the glue; c) emitting a radiation through the plate for cross-linking the glue; and d) removing a portion of the plate covering the connection area so that the latter can be electrically accessible, the protection layer being removed from the connection area upon said removal or during a further surface processing step. According to the invention, the protection layer contains at least one organic compound selected from the group comprising compounds derived from diamines and organometallic complexes with heterocycles. |
| US08975813B2 |
Light emitting device
The luminance of different colors of light emitted from EL elements in a pixel portion of a light emitting device is equalized and the luminance of light emitted from the EL elements is raised. The pixel portion of the light emitting device has EL elements whose EL layers contain triplet compounds and EL elements whose EL layers contain singlet compounds in combination. The luminance of light emitted from the plural EL elements is thus equalized. Furthermore, a hole transporting layer has a laminate structure to thereby cause the EL elements to emit light of higher luminance. |
| US08975812B2 |
Polarization structure, method of manufacturing a polarization structure and organic light emitting display device having a polarization structure
A polarization structure for a display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the structure includes a retardation layer, a first polarizing layer, a first uniaxial optical compensation layer, a second polarizing layer and a second uniaxial optical compensation layer. The retardation layer may be configured to create a phase difference between two polarization components of an incident light. The first polarizing layer may be disposed on the retardation layer. The first uniaxial optical compensation layer may be disposed on the first polarizing layer. The second polarizing layer may be disposed on the first uniaxial optical compensation layer. The second uniaxial optical compensation layer may be disposed between the first polarizing layer and the first uniaxial optical compensation layer or between the first polarizing layer and the second polarizing layer. |
| US08975809B2 |
Spark plug
An ignition plug having a ceramic insulator with an axial bore, a metallic shell provided around the ceramic insulator, and a terminal electrode having a leg portion inserted into a rear end portion of the axial bore and a head portion projecting from the rear end of the ceramic insulator, wherein the length L of a portion of the ceramic insulator projecting from the rear end of the metallic shell is not less than 28 mm but not greater than 34 mm. The thickness t of the thinnest portion of the ceramic insulator is 1.0 mm or greater within a region which extends 5.5 mm from the rear end of the ceramic insulator toward the forward end side with respect to the direction of the axis. |
| US08975806B2 |
Bulb-type lamp
A lens includes a first lens section and a second lens section, which are integrally formed. The first lens section is formed in a hemispherical shell shape including a first recess opened toward one side of an optical axis direction in which light from a light source is made incident. The second lens section is formed in a hemispherical shell shape including a second recess opened toward the other side of the optical axis direction. |
| US08975805B2 |
Electrical energy generator
According to an example embodiment, an electrical energy generator includes at least one piezoelectric structure, a semiconductor layer and a contact layer. The at least one piezoelectric structure includes a material having piezoelectric characteristics. One surface of each piezoelectric structure forms a p-n junction with the semiconductor layer. The other end of each piezoelectric structure contacts the contact layer that is formed of a material having metal-insulator transition (MIT) characteristics. The piezoelectric structure may be an elongated member, such as a nanowire. |
| US08975801B2 |
Thermionic solar converter
Thermionic solar converter with a linear arrangement of the components, suitable for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy and the combined generation of heat and energy, in the form of an elongated transparent vacuum tube comprising: a cathode (5) and at least one anode (6), said cathode and anode being arranged longitudinally alongside each other along the tube: grid electrodes (10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16) for generating electric fields; means (18) for directly cooling the at least one anode; means (7) for electrically connecting the electrodes from the inside to the outside; an optical access window (4) along the surface area of the tube; wherein: the cathode is made of conductive refractory material, is suspended centrally inside the tube with an elongated form and forms the element for capturing the solar energy, on which the sunlight is directly focused in order to perform the thermionic conversion, without any intermediate heat transfer means; the electrical connection means form a longer path and have a form which is able to compensate for the heat expansion; the cathode and the at least one anode have a relative arrangement with a view factor of between 0.001 and 0.5, more preferably between 0.001 and 0.3, more preferably between 0.001 and 0.1, more preferably between 0.001 and 0.05, even more preferably between 0.001 and 0.03; said converter comprising further a radiation shield (9) which is positioned along the inner surface of the tube. |
| US08975792B2 |
Electric machine module cooling system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module. The module can include a housing, which can define a machine cavity. In some embodiments, a coolant jacket can be at least partially positioned within the housing. In some embodiments, a plurality of coolant apertures can be disposed through at least a portion of the housing to fluidly connect the coolant jacket and the machine cavity. The coolant apertures can include a first group configured and arranged to direct a first volume from the coolant jacket. The coolant apertures can include a second group configured and arranged to direct a second volume from the coolant jacket. In some embodiments, the first volume can be greater than the second volume. |
| US08975791B2 |
Patterned electret structures and methods for manufacturing patterned electret structures
A patterned electret structure (21) on a substrate (10) comprises a dielectric structure comprising at least one non-patterned dielectric layer (22), and a charge pattern (14) in the dielectric structure and/or at a surface of a dielectric layer that is part of the dielectric structure and/or at an interface between dielectric layers that are part of the dielectric structure. By the presence of the non-patterned dielectric layer (22), the influence of the presence of a conductive substrate (10) on the charges (14) of the electret structure (21) is alleviated, hence increasing the charge stability over time. Moreover, in embodiments of the present invention, the charge stability is substantially independent of the width (W1, W2, W3) of the charge pattern. A method for manufacturing such patterned electret structure (21) is also provided. |
| US08975790B2 |
AC mains filter and power supply system
A power supply system with a filter with at least a first and second connector, wherein the first connector is connected to a power source and the second connector is connected to a power supply. A power supply system with a first filter with at least a first and second connector, a second filter with at least a third and fourth connector, wherein the first connector is connected to a power source, wherein the first filter is connected to the second filter, and the fourth connector is connected to a power supply. A filter with a housing, a male connector, and a female connector. |
| US08975789B2 |
Electrical connectivity within architectural glazing frame systems
A system for providing an electrical interface across a sealed boundary may include a frame in sealed engagement with at least a portion of a substrate. The substrate may be in communication with an electrochromic device. The system may further include first and second conduits. The first conduit may be on a first side of the substrate and a second conduit may be on a second side of the substrate. The second conduit may be in communication with the first conduit through at least one of the seal, a space between the seal and the frame, and a space between the seal and the substrate. |
| US08975783B2 |
Dual-loop dynamic fast-tracking MPPT control method, device, and system
A converter unit to improve the response dynamics and overall recovered power in a photovoltaic array configuration. Each photovoltaic panel in the photovoltaic array may be coupled to a respective converter unit, which may include a controller to sense an output voltage and output current produced by the solar panel, and control operation of a power converter to output modified voltage and current corresponding to the solar panel onto a bus coupling the converter units. The controller may operate as an analog or (digital) firmware control system to regulate the input voltage of each power converter unit under indirect guidance of a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller to optimize and regulate the resultant power, and achieve very fast dynamic response to environmental transients. Input voltage and output voltage management may be achieved by way of a fast inner control loop and a corresponding MPPT control system configured as an outer guidance loop providing a reference signal to the inner control loop. |
| US08975780B2 |
Appliance having an auxiliary power input
An appliance including an electrically-powered system, a primary power input, and an auxiliary power input is provided. The electrically-powered system is disposed within a housing. The primary power input is configured to supply electrical energy to the electrically-powered system. However, the housing generally hampers access to the primary power input after installation of the appliance. Therefore, the auxiliary power input, which is also configured to supply electrical energy to the electrically-powered system, is readily accessible relative to the primary power input after installation of the appliance. |
| US08975775B2 |
Fail protected pulse generator and system
A power distribution system comprises a power supply, a plurality of loads connected to one of the power supply and ground and a plurality of pulse generators, each pulse generator connected to each of the plurality of loads, configured to generate pulses to connect the plurality of loads to the other one of the power supply and ground at predetermined frequencies. |
| US08975771B2 |
Wind power device with dynamic sail, streamlined cable or enhanced ground mechanism
An improved wind power device for wind energy conversion or vehicle propulsion. Among many possibilities contemplated, the device may have a moving sail with tethered wings (101), moving in elliptical trajectory, utilize separate sheave (503) and cable drum (505), use a block and tackle (411), attached to the tether and utilize a cable having a flexible jacket with aerodynamically streamlined cross section (603). |
| US08975770B2 |
Wind power turbine electric generator and wind power turbine equipped with an electric generator
A wind power turbine electric generator, the electric generator having a tubular first supporting structure extending about an axis of rotation; a second supporting structure extending about the axis of rotation, substantially coaxial with the first supporting structure, and fitted to the first supporting structure to rotate about the axis of rotation; first active parts fitted to the first supporting structure; second active parts fitted to the second supporting structure, facing the first active parts, and separated from the first active parts by an annular gap; and a radial tensioning device configured to adjust the shape of the first supporting structure about the axis of rotation. |
| US08975763B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes an electrical terminal disposed in a first side; a first surface including a first part, a second part, and a third part, a mark of the semiconductor memory device being printed in the first part, the second part being disposed in a second side, the second side being opposite side of the first side, the third part being disposed around the first part, a first surface roughness of the first part being higher than a second surface roughness of the third part. |
| US08975762B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a substantially rectangular semiconductor chip having an obverse surface, a first long side, a second long side opposite the first long side, a first short side and a second short side, and a plurality of bump electrodes. A wiring substrate has a main surface, a first side disposed outside of the semiconductor chip and extending substantially parallel with the first long side, a second side disposed outside of the semiconductor chip and extending substantially parallel with the second long side, and a plurality of wiring groups, each including a plurality of wirings. A semiconductor chip is mounted on the wiring substrate such that the obverse surface of the semiconductor chip is faced to the main surface of the wiring substrate and the first long side is located between the first side of the wiring substrate and the second long side, in a plan view. |
| US08975757B2 |
Lead-free solder connection structure and solder ball
Solder used for flip chip bonding inside a semiconductor package was a Sn—Pb solder such as a Pb-5Sn composition. Lead-free solders which have been studied are hard and easily form intermetallic compounds with Sn, so they were not suitable for a flip chip connection structure inside a semiconductor package, which requires stress relaxation properties. This problem is eliminated by a flip chip connection structure inside a semiconductor package using a lead-free solder which is characterized by consisting essentially of 0.01-0.5 mass percent of Ni and a remainder of Sn. 0.3-0.9 mass percent of Cu and 0.001-0.01 mass percent of P may be added to this solder composition. |
| US08975748B1 |
Semiconductor device having features to prevent reverse engineering
An electronic device includes: a base layer; a first layer located at least partially over the base layer; a second layer located at least partially over the first layer; a first metal layer located at least partially over the second layer, wherein one or more signal outputs of the electronic device are formed in the first metal layer; and a second metal layer located at least partially over the first metal layer, wherein one or more gate connection is formed in the second metal layer, wherein removing a portion of the second metal layer disrupts at least one gate connection and deactivates the device. |
| US08975745B2 |
Packaged microelectronic devices recessed in support member cavities, and associated methods
Packaged microelectronic devices recessed in support member cavities, and associated methods, are disclosed. Method in accordance with one embodiment includes positioning a microelectronic device in a cavity of a support member, with the cavity having a closed end with a conductive layer, and an opening through which the cavity is assessable. The microelectronic device can have bond sites, a first surface, and a second surface facing opposite from the first surface. The microelectronic device can be positioned in the cavity so that the second surface faces toward and is carried by the conductive layer. The method can further include electrically coupling the bond sites of the microelectronic device to the conductive layer. In particular embodiments, the microelectronic device can be encapsulated in the cavity without the need for a releasable tape layer to temporarily support the microelectronic device. |
| US08975742B2 |
Printed wiring board
A printed wiring board includes a substrate, a first buildup formed on a first surface of the substrate and including the outermost conductive layer, and a second buildup layer formed on a second surface of the substrate and including the outermost conductive layer. The outermost layer of the first buildup has pads positioned to connect a semiconductor component, the first buildup has a component mounting region directly under the component such that the outermost layer of the first buildup has a portion in the region, the outermost layer of the second buildup has a portion directly under the region, and the portions satisfy the ratio in the range of from 1.1 to 1.35, where the ratio is obtained by dividing a planar area of the portion of the second buildup by a planar area of the portion of the first buildup. |
| US08975740B2 |
Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module has a metallic base plate; an insulated circuit board fixed on the metallic base plate; a semiconductor element mounted on the insulated circuit board; a resin case to house the semiconductor element, and having an upper surface with an opening; a terminal exposed from the opening of the resin case to an outer portion in a vertical direction; and an insulating holding piece having a triangular or a rectangular cross-section and one surface contacting the terminal. The terminal has a projecting portion disposed inside the resin case to restrict a movement of the terminal in the vertical direction. The resin case has a first recess portion to fit the projecting portion and a second recess portion disposed on the upper surface of the resin case so that the holding piece pushes the projecting portion on the terminal toward the first recess portion for insertion. |
| US08975739B2 |
Package structure and method for manufacturing thereof
The invention provides an electronic device package and method for manufacturing thereof. The electronic device package includes a substrate, an electronic chip, a bonding pad, a first passivation layer, a conductive layer, a second passivation layer, and a solder ball. The conductive layer has a first side end and a second side end, and the solder ball is positioned on the first side end of the conductive layer. The second passivation layer contacts with both the upper surface and the sidewall of the second side end of the conductive layer, and the first passivation layer contacts with the lower surface of the second side end of the conductive layer, so as to completely encapsulate the second end of the conductive layer. The electronic device package accordingly prevents the moisture penetration and to enhance the reliability of the electronic device. |
| US08975735B2 |
Redistribution board, electronic component and module
A redistribution board includes a first conductive layer including a redistribution structure for low voltage signals, a second conductive layer including a redistribution structure for high voltage signals, and a non-conductive layer. The second conductive layer is spaced apart from the first conductive layer by the non-conductive layer. The redistribution board further includes a conductive connector extending from a mounting surface of the redistribution board to the second conductive layer. The conductive connector is surrounded by a low voltage trace of the first conductive layer. |
| US08975726B2 |
POP structures and methods of forming the same
A device includes a top package bonded to a bottom package. The bottom package includes a molding material, a device die molded in the molding material, a Through Assembly Via (TAV) penetrating through the molding material, and a redistribution line over the device die. The top package includes a discrete passive device packaged therein. The discrete passive device is electrically coupled to the redistribution line. |
| US08975724B2 |
Anti-fuse device
An electrically programmable gate oxide anti-fuse device includes an anti-fuse aperture having anti-fuse links that include metallic and/or semiconductor electrodes with a dielectric layer in between. The dielectric layer may be an interlayer dielectric (ILD), an intermetal dielectric (IMD) or an etch stop layer. The anti-fuse device may includes a semiconductor substrate having a conductive gate (e.g., a high K metal gate) disposed on a surface of the substrate, and a dielectric layer disposed on the conductive gate. A stacked contact can be disposed on the dielectric layer and a gate contact is disposed on an exposed portion of the gate. |
| US08975721B2 |
Integrated circuit having an edge passivation and oxidation resistant layer and method
An integrated circuit having a semiconductor component arrangement and production method is provided. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor material region having a surface region and being laterally subdivided into a central region and into an edge region. The integrated circuit includes a passivation layer region, an oxide layer, and a VLD zone. The passivation layer region is formed on the surface region in the edge region and is configured to realize a field distribution at the edge of the semiconductor component arrangement. The oxide layer region is provided as a protection against oxidation on and in direct contact with the surface region of the semiconductor material region in the edge region. The oxide layer region or a part of the oxide layer region is formed in direct contact with a channel stopper region formed in the edge region. |
| US08975719B2 |
Process for forming a planar diode using one mask
A planar diode and method of making the same employing only one mask. The diode is formed by coating a substrate with an oxide, removing a central portion of the oxide to define a window through which dopants are diffused. The substrate is given a Ni/Au plating to provide ohmic contact surfaces, and the oxide on the periphery of the window is coated with a polyimide passivating agent overlying the P/N junction. |
| US08975714B2 |
Capacitive pressure sensor and method of manufacturing the same
A capacitive pressure sensor includes: a semiconductor substrate having a reference pressure chamber formed therein; a diaphragm which is formed in a front surface of the semiconductor substrate and has a ring-like peripheral through hole penetrating between the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and the reference pressure chamber and defining an upper electrode and a plurality of central through holes; a peripheral insulating layer which fills the peripheral through hole and electrically isolates the upper electrode from other portions of the semiconductor substrate; and a central insulating layer which fills the central through holes. |
| US08975710B2 |
Semiconductor device having a thick gate insulating film covering bird's beak region
By covering ends of a field insulating film in a region where a MOS transistor having a relatively thin gate insulating film is formed with a relatively thick gate insulating film, a channel region of the MOS transistor having the relatively thin gate insulating film is set apart from an inversion-preventing diffusion layer formed under the field insulating film so as not to be influenced by film thickness fluctuation of the field insulating film, etching fluctuation of the relatively thick gate insulating film, and impurity concentration fluctuation at both sides of the channel due to the inversion-preventing diffusion layer. |
| US08975708B2 |
Semiconductor device with reduced contact resistance and method of manufacturing thereof
A method (and semiconductor device) of fabricating a semiconductor device provides a filed effect transistor (FET) with reduced contact resistance (and series resistance) for improved device performance. An impurity is implanted in the source/drain (S/D) regions after contact silicide formation and a spike anneal process is performed that lowers the schottky barrier height (SBH) of the interface between the silicide and the lower junction region of the S/D regions. This results in lower contact resistance and reduces the thickness (and Rs) of the region at the silicide-semiconductor interface. |
| US08975706B2 |
Gate stacks including TaXSiYO for MOSFETS
Provided are field effect transistor (FET) assemblies and methods of forming thereof. An FET assembly may include a dielectric layer formed from tantalum silicon oxide and having the atomic ratio of silicon to tantalum and silicon (Si/(Ta+Si)) of less than 5% to provide a low trap density. The dielectric layer may be disposed over an interface layer, which is disposed over a channel region. The same type of the dielectric layer may be used a common gate dielectric of an nMOSFET (e.g., III-V materials) and a pMOSFET (e.g., germanium). The channel region may include one of indium gallium arsenide, indium phosphate, or germanium. The interface layer may include silicon oxide to provide a higher energy barrier. The dielectric layer may be formed using an atomic layer deposition technique by adsorbing both tantalum and silicon containing precursors on the deposition surface and then oxidizing both precursors in the same operation. |
| US08975705B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first planar silicon layer, first and second pillar-shaped silicon layers, a first gate insulating film, a first gate electrode, a second gate insulating film, a second gate electrode, a first gate line connected to the first and second gate electrodes, a first n-type diffusion layer, a second n-type diffusion layer, a first p-type diffusion layer, and a second p-type diffusion layer. A center line extending along the first gate line is offset by a first predetermined amount from a line connecting a center of the first pillar-shaped silicon layer and a center of the second pillar-shaped silicon layer. |
| US08975700B2 |
Semiconductor device having a trench isolation structure
The invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises: a substrate which comprises a base layer, an insulating layer on the base layer, and a semiconductor layer on the insulating layer; and a first transistor and a second transistor formed on the substrate, the first and second transistors being isolated from each other by a trench isolation structure formed in the substrate. Wherein at least a part of the base layer under at least one of the first and second transistors is strained, and the strained part of the base layer is adjacent to the insulating layer. The semiconductor device according to the invention increases the speed of the device and thus improves the performance of the device. |
| US08975699B2 |
Semiconductor device
Improvements are achieved in the characteristics of a semiconductor device including SRAM memory cells. Under an active region in which an access transistor forming an SRAM is disposed, a p-type semiconductor region is disposed via an insulating layer such that the bottom portion and side portions thereof come in contact with an n-type semiconductor region. Thus, the p-type semiconductor region is pn-isolated from the n-type semiconductor region, and the gate electrode of the access transistor is coupled to the p-type semiconductor region. The coupling is achieved by a shared plug which is an indiscrete conductive film extending from over the gate electrode of the access transistor to over the p-type semiconductor region. As a result, when the access transistor is in an ON state, a potential in the p-type semiconductor region serving as a back gate simultaneously increases to allow an increase in an ON current for the transistor. |
| US08975698B2 |
Control fin heights in FinFET structures
A device includes a substrate, an isolation region at a top surface of the substrate, and a semiconductor fin over the isolation region. The semiconductor fin has a fin height smaller than about 400 Å, wherein the fin height is measured from a top surface of the semiconductor fin to a top surface of the isolation region. |
| US08975691B2 |
Trenched power MOSFET with enhanced breakdown voltage and fabrication method thereof
A trenched power semiconductor device with enhanced breakdown voltage is provided. The trenched power semiconductor device has a first trench penetrating the body region located between two neighboring gate trenches. A polysilicon structure with a conductivity type identical to that of the body region is located in a lower portion of the first trench and spaced from the body region with a predetermined distance. A dielectric structure is located on the polysilicon structure and at least extended to the body region. Source regions are located in an upper portion of the body region. A heavily doped region located in the body region is extended to the bottom of the body region. A conductive structure is electrically connected to the heavily doped region and the source region. |
| US08975688B2 |
Semiconductor device with voltage compensation structure
A voltage compensation structure includes a first semiconductor or insulating material disposed along one or more sidewalls of a trench formed in a doped epitaxial semiconductor material. The first semiconductor or insulating material has a dopant diffusion constant which is at least 2× different for n-type dopant atoms than p-type dopant atoms. The voltage compensation structure further includes a doped second semiconductor material disposed in the trench so that the first semiconductor or insulating material is interposed between the doped second semiconductor material and the doped epitaxial semiconductor material. The doped second semiconductor material has a different dopant diffusion constant than the first semiconductor or insulating material so that a lateral charge separation occurs between the doped second semiconductor material and the doped epitaxial semiconductor material. |
| US08975684B2 |
Methods of forming non-volatile memory devices having air gaps
Disclosed are non-volatile memory devices and methods of manufacturing the same. The non-volatile memory device includes device isolation patterns defining active portions in a substrate and gate structures disposed on the substrate. The active portions are spaced apart from each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The gate structures are spaced apart from each other in the second direction and extend in the first direction. Each of the device isolation patterns includes a first air gap, and each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the first air gap has a wave-shape in a cross-sectional view taken along the second direction. |
| US08975682B2 |
Integrated circuit comprising a capacitor with HSG metal electrodes
An integrated circuit (IC) includes at least one capacitor with metal electrodes. At least one of the electrodes (10 or 30) is formed from at least surface-silicided hemispherical grain silicon or silicon alloy. A fabrication process for obtaining such a capacitor with silicided metal electrodes is also provided. |
| US08975680B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method manufacturing semiconductor memory device
A highly integrated gain cell-type semiconductor memory is provided. A first insulator, a read bit line, a second insulator, a third insulator, a first semiconductor film, first conductive layers, and the like are formed. A projecting insulator is formed thereover. Then, second semiconductor films and a second gate insulating film are formed to cover the projecting insulator. After that, a conductive film is formed and subjected to anisotropic etching, so that write word lines are formed on side surfaces of the projecting insulator. A third contact plug for connection to a write bit line is formed over a top of the projecting insulator. With such a structure, the area of the memory cell can be 4 F2 at a minimum. |
| US08975679B1 |
Single-poly non-volatile memory cell
A single-poly NVM cell includes a substrate having an isolation region separating a first OD region from a second OD region, a read transistor within the first OD region, and a coupling capacitor within the second OD region. A first ion well completely overlaps with the first oxide define region. The read transistor includes a drain region, a source region, a channel region, a single-poly floating gate overlying the channel region, and a gate dielectric layer between the floating gate and the channel region. The coupling capacitor includes a shallow ion well, a heavily-doped, ultra-shallow dopant region in the shallow ion well, a single-poly charge-storage floating gate overlying the heavily-doped, ultra-shallow dopant region, and a gate dielectric layer under the charge storage floating gate. The shallow ion well has a junction depth that is substantially equal to or shallower than a trench depth of the isolation region. |
| US08975676B2 |
Image pickup device and camera
An object is to provide a solid state image pickup device and a camera which do not worsen a sensor performance in terms of an optical property, a saturated charge amount and the like. A solid state image sensor including a pixel region having a plurality of pixels includes at least a photodiode and an amplifying portion amplifying photocharges outputted from the photodiode in the pixel region, and further includes a well electrode for taking well potential of a well region in which the amplifying portion is arranged. Between the well electrode and the photodiode, no element isolation regions by an insulation film are arranged. Moreover, on the surface of a first semiconductor region in which the photodiode stores the charges, a second semiconductor layer of a conductivity type reverse to that of the first semiconductor region is arranged. |
| US08975672B2 |
Metal oxide semiconductor transistor and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a MOS transistor, including a substrate, a gate oxide, a gate, a source/drain region and a silicide layer. The gate oxide is disposed on the substrate and the gate is disposed on the gate oxide. The source/drain region is disposed in the substrate at two sides of the gate. The silicide layer is disposed on the source/drain region, wherein the silicide layer includes a curved bottom surface. The present invention further provides a manufacturing method of the MOS transistor. |
| US08975670B2 |
Semiconductor device and structure for heat removal
A semiconductor device, including: a semiconductor substrate with a first layer including first transistors; a shield layer overlaying the first layer; a second layer overlaying the shield layer, the second layer including second transistors; wherein the shield layer is a mostly continuous layer with a plurality of regions for connections between the first transistors and the second transistors, and where the second transistors include monocrystalline regions. |
| US08975669B2 |
Micromechanical sensor apparatus with a movable gate, and corresponding production process
A micromechanical sensor apparatus has a movable gate and a field effect transistor. The field effect transistor has a drain region, a source region, an intermediate channel region with a first doping type, and a movable gate which is separated from the channel region by an intermediate space. The drain region, the source region, and the channel region are arranged in a substrate. A guard region is provided in the substrate at least on the longitudinal sides of the channel region and has a second doping type which is the same as the first doping type and has a higher doping concentration. |
| US08975666B2 |
MOS transistor and process thereof
A MOS transistor includes a gate structure on a substrate, and the gate structure includes a wetting layer, a transitional layer and a low resistivity material from bottom to top, wherein the transitional layer has the properties of a work function layer, and the gate structure does not have any work function layers. Moreover, the present invention provides a MOS transistor process forming said MOS transistor. |
| US08975663B2 |
Semiconductor device
There is provided a semiconductor device such that it is possible to average the temperatures of a plurality of semiconductor chips simply by providing gate resistors. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor module wherein a plurality of circuit substrates on which are mounted one or more semiconductor chips having a gate terminal and a gate resistor connected to the gate terminal are disposed in parallel, wherein the disposition distance of the gate resistor from the semiconductor chip is set based on the temperature of the semiconductor chip. |
| US08975659B2 |
Chip on board light emitting diode device having dissipation unit array
A chip on board light emitting diode (LED) device includes a LED device, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a dissipation unit array. The LED device includes a LED substrate, a first contact pad and a second contact pad above the LED substrate and a thermal layer formed on top surface of the LED device. The thermal layer includes a thermal conductive material. A printed circuit board (PCB) includes a PCB substrate with a thermal projection extending from surface of the PCB substrate, and a first and a second electrode pads above the PCB substrate. The thermal projection and the PCB substrate include the thermal conductive material. The dissipation unit array includes a plurality of dissipation units each disposed between the LED device and the PCB. The thermal layer is thermally coupled to the thermal projection via at least one dissipation unit. Each of the first and second contact pads is electrically coupled to the corresponding electrode pad via at least one dissipation unit. |
| US08975655B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light-emitting device, and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor light-emitting device includes a first electrode layer, an insulating layer, a second electrode layer, a second semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a first semiconductor layer that are sequentially stacked on a substrate, a first contact that passes through the substrate to be electrically connected to the first electrode layer, and a second contact that passes through the substrate, the first electrode layer, and the insulating layer to communicate with the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer by filling a contact hole that passes through the second electrode layer, the second semiconductor layer, and the active layer, and the insulating layer surrounds an inner circumferential surface of the contact hole to insulate the first electrode layer from the second electrode layer. |
| US08975647B2 |
Lighting device
For integration of light-emitting elements and for suppression of a voltage drop, plural stages of light-emitting element units provided over a substrate having an insulating surface and each including a plurality of light-emitting elements which is connected in parallel are connected in series. Further, besides a lead wiring with a large thickness, a plurality of auxiliary wirings with different widths and different thicknesses is used, and the arrangement of the wirings, electrodes of the light-emitting elements, and the like is optimized. Note that in the lighting device, light emitted from the light-emitting element passes through the substrate having an insulating surface and then is extracted. |
| US08975643B2 |
Silicon carbide single-crystal substrate and method for manufacturing same
A silicon carbide single-crystal substrate includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral edge portion sandwiched between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of grinding traces are formed in a surface of the peripheral edge portion. A chamfer width as a distance from an outermost peripheral end portion of the peripheral edge portion to one of the plurality of grinding traces which is located on an innermost peripheral side of the peripheral edge portion in a direction parallel to the first surface is not less than 50 μm and not more than 400 μm. Thereby, a silicon carbide single-crystal substrate capable of suppressing occurrence of a crack, and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided. |
| US08975639B2 |
Substrate for epitaxial growth
A surface of a substrate consists of a plurality of neighboring stripes. Longer edges of the flat surfaces are parallel one to another and planes of these surfaces are disoriented relatively to the crystallographic plane of gallium nitride crystal defined by Miller-Bravais indices (0001), (11-22) or (11-20). The disorientation angle of each of the flat surfaces is between 0 and 3 degrees and is different for each pair of neighboring flat surfaces. The substrate according to the invention allows epitaxial growth of a layered AlInGaN structure by a MOCVD or MBE method which allow to obtain a non-absorbing mirrors laser diode emitting a light in the wavelength from 380 to 550 nm. |
| US08975638B2 |
High-performance active matrix substrate with high signal quality
The active matrix substrate is provided with: first and second scan lines (20a, 20b) that extend in a first direction; first and second signal lines (30a, 30b) that extend in a second direction; first and second pixels (10a, 10b) that are arranged adjacent to each other along the second direction; an auxiliary capacitor line (40); first and second pixel electrodes (60a, 60b); a first TFT (50a); a second TFT (50b); an auxiliary capacitor electrode (42) that is connected to the auxiliary capacitor line (40) and extends below the first and second pixel electrodes (60a, 60b); a first auxiliary capacitor counter electrode (62a) that is connected to the first pixel electrode (60a); and a second auxiliary capacitor counter electrode (62b) that is connected to the second pixel electrode (60b). |
| US08975632B2 |
Semiconductor device
Semiconductor elements deteriorate or are destroyed due to electrostatic discharge damage. The present invention provides a semiconductor device in which a protecting means is formed in each pixel. The protecting means is provided with one or a plurality of elements selected from the group consisting of resistor elements, capacitor elements, and rectifying elements. Sudden changes in the electric potential of a source electrode or a drain electrode of a transistor due to electric charge that builds up in a pixel electrode is relieved by disposing the protecting means between the pixel electrode of the light-emitting element and the source electrode or the drain electrode of the transistor. Deterioration or destruction of the semiconductor element due to electrostatic discharge damage is thus prevented. |
| US08975631B2 |
Array substrate, manufacturing method, and display device thereof
An array substrate, a manufacturing method, and a display device thereof are disclosed. The array substrate comprises a plurality of pixel units, each of the pixel units comprises a first transparent conductive layer and a second transparent conductive layer (2), the first transparent conductive layer forms a pixel electrode (1), the second transparent conductive layer (2) forms a common electrode (201), and the second transparent conductive layer (2) is disposed on a surface of the pixel unit, an insulating protective layer (131) is provided between the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer (2); wherein a detecting portion (102) is extended from the pixel electrode (1) of each pixel unit; a detecting plate (202) corresponding to the detecting portion (102) is formed of the second transparent conductive layer (2), the detecting plate (202) and the common electrode (201) are transversely separated from each other, and a portion of the insulating protective layer (131) located between the detecting plate (202) and the detecting portion (102) is provided with at least one via hole (3), through which the detecting plate (202) is electrically connected with the detecting portion (201). With the array substrate, the pixel electrode (1) of each pixel unit can be detected individually, thereby improving the detection accuracy. |
| US08975630B2 |
Organic light emitting diodes display
An organic light emitting diodes display includes: a switching thin film transistor and a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor, wherein the driving thin film transistor includes a driving semiconductor layer section, a first gate insulating layer covering the driving semiconductor layer section, a floating gate electrode disposed on the first gate insulating layer, a second gate insulating layer covering the floating gate electrode, and a driving gate electrode disposed on the second gate insulating layer and at a position corresponding to the floating gate electrode, wherein the second gate insulating layer has a permittivity in the range of about 10 to about 100. |
| US08975628B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel
The present invention relates to a thin film transistor array panel including: a substrate; gate lines formed on the substrate; and a gate driver formed on the substrate to apply gate signals to the gate lines. The gate driver includes a first wire and a second wire to transmit different signals, and at least one of the first wire and the second wire includes a static electricity preventing structure to prevent static electricity from accumulating between the first wire and the second wire. |
| US08975626B2 |
Flexible semiconductor device
There is provided a flexible semiconductor device. The flexible semiconductor device of the present invention comprises a metal layer comprising a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode; a metal oxide film made from a metal which constitutes the metal layer and formed over a surface region of the metal layer; and a semiconductor layer formed above the gate electrode via the metal oxide film. In the flexible semiconductor device, uncovered portions, each of which is not covered with the metal oxide film, are locally formed in the surface region of the metal layer; and also electrical connections are formed between the source electrode and the semiconductor layer and between the drain electrode and the semiconductor layer via the uncovered portions. |
| US08975625B2 |
TFT with insert in passivation layer or etch stop layer
Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to thin film transistors with one or more trenches to control the threshold voltage and off-current and methods of making the same. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device can include a substrate comprising a surface with a thin film transistor formed thereon, a first passivation layer formed over the thin film transistor, a trench formed within the first passivation layer and a second passivation layer formed over the first passivation layer and within the trench. |
| US08975620B2 |
Organic semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An organic semiconductor device includes a carrier, a source, a drain, an organic semiconductor single-crystalline channel layer, an organic insulation layer and a gate. The source and the drain are disposed on an upper surface of the carrier. The source and the drain are disposed in parallel and a portion of the carrier is exposed between the source and the drain. The organic semiconductor single-crystalline channel layer is disposed on the upper surface of the carrier and covers a portion of the source, a portion of the drain and the portion of the carrier exposed by the source and the drain. The organic insulation layer covers the carrier, the source, the drain and the organic semiconductor single-crystalline channel layer. The gate is disposed on the organic insulation layer and corresponds to a position of the portion of the carrier exposed by the source and the drain. |
| US08975619B2 |
Silicate-based phosphor
The invention relates to co-activated silicate based phosphors. The invention further relates to the method of preparing these phosphors and to the use of these phosphors in electronic and electrooptical devices, in particular in light emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. The invention further relates to illumination units comprising said phosphors. |
| US08975616B2 |
Quantum efficiency of multiple quantum wells
Improved quantum efficiency of multiple quantum wells. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an article of manufacture includes a p side for supplying holes and an n side for supplying electrons. The article of manufacture also includes a plurality of quantum well periods between the p side and the n side, each of the quantum well periods includes a quantum well layer and a barrier layer, with each of the barrier layers having a barrier height. The plurality of quantum well periods include different barrier heights. |
| US08975615B2 |
Method of fabricating optical devices using laser treatment of contact regions of gallium and nitrogen containing material
A method for forming optical devices includes providing a gallium nitride substrate having a crystalline surface region and a backside region. The backside is subjected to a laser scribing process to form scribe regions. Metal contacts overly the scribe regions. |
| US08975613B1 |
Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics
Resistive-switching memory elements having improved switching characteristics are described, including a memory element having a first electrode and a second electrode, a switching layer between the first electrode and the second electrode, the switching layer comprising a first metal oxide having a first bandgap greater than 4 electron volts (eV), the switching layer having a first thickness, and a coupling layer between the switching layer and the second electrode, the coupling layer comprising a second metal oxide having a second bandgap greater the first bandgap, the coupling layer having a second thickness that is less than 25 percent of the first thickness. |
| US08975612B2 |
Integrated circuits with magnetic core inductors and methods of fabrications thereof
In one embodiment, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first inductor coil within and/or over a substrate. The first inductor coil is formed adjacent a top side of the substrate. First trenches are formed within the substrate adjacent the first inductor coil. The first trenches are filled at least partially with a magnetic fill material. At least a first portion of the substrate underlying the first inductor coil is thinned. A backside magnetic layer is formed under the first portion of the substrate. The backside magnetic layer and the magnetic fill material form at least a part of a magnetic core region of the first inductor coil. |
| US08975610B1 |
Silicon based selector element
Control elements that can be suitable for nonvolatile memory device applications are disclosed. The control element can have low leakage currents at low voltages to reduce sneak current paths for non-selected devices, and high leakage currents at high voltages to minimize voltage drops during device switching. The control element can be based on multilayer dielectric stacks. The control element can include a titanium oxide-silicon-titanium oxide multilayer stack. Electrode materials may include one of ruthenium, titanium nitride, or carbon. The control element can include a silicon nitride-silicon-silicon nitride multilayer stack. Electrode materials may include titanium nitride. |
| US08975608B2 |
Apparatus and system for reading out X-ray information stored in storage phosphor plates
An apparatus and a corresponding system for reading out X-ray information stored in a storage phosphor plate includes a reading device for irradiating the storage phosphor plate with stimulation light and for detecting emitted light excited thereby in the storage phosphor plate, and a transport device for transporting the storage phosphor plate relative to the reading device and having a roller drive and at least one roller that can be set rotating about the axis of rotation thereof by the roller drive. In order to simplify the design of the apparatus and of the system while providing as reliable a transport of the storage phosphor plate as possible, the roller includes at least one magnetic area that has a helical progression. |
| US08975606B2 |
Finger-mounted illuminating device
A finger-mounted illuminating device is disclosed. This device specifically addresses the problem of maintaining hands-free capability in a low or no light environment. This embodiment is a compact structure made of sturdy plastic or other material, which is mounted to the finger(s) and contains various types of illumination output, power source, thumb activated button(s), and circuits to manipulate the illumination needs as required by the operator. |
| US08975605B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a high level of disinfection in air and surfaces
This specification relates to an improved method, process and apparatus for disinfecting and sterilizing all types of surfaces and indoor air and room air contaminated with microorganisms. The improved apparatus consists of a multi-wavelength narrow spectral width UV source that is more effective than mercury based 254 nm germicidal lamps for destroying the DNA and outer shell or membrane of virus, bacteria, spores and cists. |
| US08975603B2 |
Systems and methods for plasma doping microfeature workpieces
Systems and methods for plasma doping microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of implanting boron ions into a region of a workpiece includes generating a plasma in a chamber, selectively applying a pulsed electrical potential to the workpiece with a duty cycle of between approximately 20 percent and approximately 50 percent, and implanting an ion specie into the region of the workpiece. |
| US08975600B2 |
Treatment delivery control system and method of operation thereof
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for control of a charged particle cancer therapy system. A treatment delivery control system is used to directly control multiple subsystems of the cancer therapy system without direct communication between selected subsystems, which enhances safety, simplifies quality assurance and quality control, and facilitates programming. For example, the treatment delivery control system directly controls one or more of: an imaging system, a positioning system, an injection system, a radio-frequency quadrupole system, a ring accelerator or synchrotron, an extraction system, a beam line, an irradiation nozzle, a gantry, a display system, a targeting system, and a verification system. Generally, the control system integrates subsystems and/or integrates output of one or more of the above described cancer therapy system elements with inputs of one or more of the above described cancer therapy system elements. |
| US08975597B2 |
Multi-level markers
The present invention is in the field of product marking and identification, more in particular to methods of differentiating products or product versions and to methods of product authentication. The present invention further relates to marker systems for product authentication, to a kit of parts for applying a marker system to a product and identifying the marked product, in particular seed, to seed coating compositions and to coated seed. |
| US08975596B1 |
Water purifying drink containers
Water purifying drink containers include a liquid container, a cap assembly removably coupled to the liquid container, and a purification assembly that emits ultraviolet (UV) light in the germicidal spectrum to purify a volume of drink liquid held in the liquid container. In some embodiments, the purification assembly includes a UV bulb positioned within a recess of the cap assembly facing the internal compartment of the liquid container. In some embodiments, the UV bulb further emits light in the visible spectrum and the drink container includes an indicator that becomes illuminated with visible light to indicate to a user when the UV bulb is emitting UV light. |
| US08975591B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and method of manufacturing the same, radiological imaging apparatus and method of manufacturing the same, and method of testing solid-state imaging device
A solid-state imaging device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of signal output units. Each of the plurality of signal output units includes an input terminal electrode group including terminal electrodes for inputting a reset signal, a hold signal, a horizontal start signal, and a horizontal clock signal and an output terminal electrode for providing an output signal. The solid-state imaging device further includes common lines that are provided across the plurality of signal output units. A terminal electrode for the reset signal and a terminal electrode for the hold signal are connected to the corresponding common lines through the corresponding switches. |
| US08975586B2 |
Diffusing measurement window for near and mid IR multichannel sensor
A diffuse reflector of radiation in the near and mid infrared regions includes (i) an assembly that has a reflecting element and a diffusing element that is made of one or more layers of calcium fluoride, sapphire, or alumina; or (ii) a diffusively reflective surface configured as a metallic layer with a rough surface. The diffuse reflector can be incorporated into systems for measuring properties of sheet materials and particularly into optical sensors that include a measurement window configured with one or more of the diffuse reflectors that cause incident radiation from a sensor light source to be diffused and reflected a plurality of times within a layer of material before being detected by the sensor receiver. |
| US08975583B2 |
3D stacked uncooled IR sensor device and method
A 3D wafer-integration uncooled infrared (IR) microbolometer focal plane array (FPA) sensor includes a first die with an FPA of uncooled IR microbolometers, a second die signal-processing layer. The dies are vertically aligned, stacked with 3D wafer bonding, and interconnected. Interconnection include vertical electrical interconnects. Separate optimized manufacturing processes are used for die, so that additional processing costs of the FPA die are leveraged and 3D integration is completed at wafer level, minimizing total device cost and maximizing die count per wafer. |
| US08975578B2 |
Asymmetric field ion mobility in a linear geometry ion trap
A linear ion trap is disclosed wherein an asymmetric voltage waveform is applied to electrodes forming the ion trap which causes ions to become radially separated according to their differential ion mobility. An axial potential barrier is arranged at the exit of the ion trap such that ions having a first differential ion mobility and a first radial displacement are retained axially within the ion trap but ions having a second differential ion mobility and a second radial displacement are ejected axially from the ion trap. |
| US08975572B2 |
Compact, thermally stable fiber-optic array mountable to flow cell
Various embodiments of an optical system for directing light for optical measurements such laser-induced fluorescence and spectroscopic analysis are disclosed. In some embodiments, the optical system includes a thermally conductive housing and a thermoelectric controller, a plurality of optical fibers, and one or more optical elements to direct light emitted by the optical fibers to illuminate a flow cell. The housing is configured to attach to a flow cell. |
| US08975571B2 |
Off-axial three-mirror system
An off-axial three-mirror system includes a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, a tertiary mirror, and an image sensor. The secondary mirror is located on a reflective optical path of the primary mirror. The tertiary mirror is located on a reflective optical path of the secondary mirror. The image sensor is located on a reflecting optical path of the tertiary mirror. The primary mirror and the tertiary mirror are formed as one piece. The surface type of both the primary mirror and the tertiary mirror is a freeform surface. The primary mirror is a convex mirror, and the tertiary mirror is a concave mirror. |
| US08975564B2 |
Aeroheating of sensor protected by integrating device seeker (Aspids)
This invention advances the related state-of-the-art by eliminating the physical EO window used by electro-optical imaging infrared seekers for tactical missiles and high-altitude endo-atmospheric interceptors, widely employed in integrated defense systems. This invention increases the probability of intercepting exo-atmospheric ballistic warheads by exo-atmospheric interceptors, and eliminates the existing altitude “gap” of interception, as well as the geographical limitations posed by the mesospheric Noctilucent Clouds. The problem of protecting an imaging EO sensor from aeroheating is solved in this invention by a special purpose device which is enabled immediately after the nose cone ejection event. The role of said device is to augment the sensor fixed sunshade and cavity lengths in the forward direction, and by doing so, the resulting new cavity enables the optimal injection of an optically inert gas into the new extended cavity in front of the sensor, thus effectively blocking the entry of the compressed hot air into the sensor cavity, while simultaneously avoiding any adverse effects of inducing flow instabilities in the flow as well as the disturbance of the injected gas flow on sensor structures. Having a greater length for the hot gas to penetrate, eliminates also the penetration of suspended particles in oncoming air stream. |
| US08975562B2 |
Over the range microwave safety door
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a safety door of an oven having glass therein with a plastic laminate. The safety door retains glass within the door in order to prevent glass from falling or being forced outside of the oven, which may cause injury. |
| US08975548B2 |
Retaining structure for maintaining factory settings of gang-style linkage for high voltage dead tank breaker while operating mechanism is removed
Linkage structure is connected between an operating mechanism and an actuating assembly of a circuit breaker for opening and closing an electrical contact of a pole assembly. The linkage assembly includes a lever to connect with the actuating assembly. A connection rod is coupled to one end of the lever and is associated with a close spring for closing the electrical contact. A spring structure is coupled to another end of the lever. The spring structure includes an open spring providing a spring force on the lever for opening the electrical contact. The open spring places the connection rod in tension. Retaining structure is associated with the lever and the spring structure to ensure that the spring force of the open spring, exerted on the lever, is directed to the retaining structure so that tension on the connection rod is removed, enabling the connection rod to be serviced. |
| US08975547B2 |
Keyswitch and keyboard including the same
A keyswitch, disposed on a base plate, includes a keycap and a scissors-like supporting structure. The scissors-like supporting structure is disposed on the base plate and supports the keycap. The scissors-like supporting structure includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member. The first supporting member includes a first engaging shaft and a second engaging shaft respectively engaged with the base plate and the keycap. The second supporting member is pivotally connected to the first supporting member and includes a third engaging shaft and a fourth engaging shaft respectively engaged with the base plate and the keycap. A line connected between the centers of gravity of the first and second engaging shaft is not perpendicular to the first and second engaging shaft. A line connected between the centers of gravity of the third and fourth engaging shaft is not perpendicular to the third and fourth engaging shaft. |
| US08975545B2 |
Circuit interrupter including indicator circuit
A circuit interrupter includes an enclosure; a first terminal; a second terminal; separable contacts electrically connected between the first and second terminals; an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts; and an indicator circuit electrically interconnected with the second terminal The indicator circuit is structured to indicate occurrence of a signal at the second terminal. The signal has a frequency substantially greater than a power line frequency. |
| US08975543B2 |
Electrical terminal module
An electric terminal module includes a plurality of electric contact elements configured to connect to electric conductors and a housing including an opening in at least one side wall thereof. A printed circuit board is disposed in the housing. The printed circuit board includes a circuit arrangement having a plurality of electric components configured to perform a specific function and a mount. An adjusting device is operable to change at least one electric characteristic quantity of the circuit arrangement. The adjusting device is mounted directly onto the printed circuit board on the mount and is operable from outside the housing through the opening so as to swivel or turn. |
| US08975542B2 |
Pressing-type input device
A switching substrate on which switching portions are mounted is attached at an angle to a case. The length in the pressing direction of a first push button of a push button unit is larger than the length in the pressing direction of a second push button. A first contact portion about which the push button unit rotates when the first push button is pressed and a second contact portion about which the push button unit rotates when the second push button is pressed are at substantially the same height from the surface of the switching substrate. Therefore, the rotation angle when a first operating surface is pressed can be made equal to the rotation angle when a second operating surface is pressed. |
| US08975541B2 |
Weight-measuring device for vehicle lifting platforms
A weight-measuring device (1) for vehicle lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a height-adjustable supporting element (15) and a vehicle which is to be lifted, wherein an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) form a cavity (12) which is filled with a hydraulic fluid (13) and/or with a gas and generates in the cavity (12), by means of a load (19, 20) lying on top, a hydraulic or gas pressure which is measured and/or indicated with a pressure gauge and/or indicator device (4) which is at least partially integrated in the upper part (2) and/or in the lower part (3), with the upper part (2) being composed of rubber and/or of plastic and/or of some other elastic material. |
| US08975536B2 |
Wiring structure, display panel, and display device
Provided is a wiring structure that can prevent circuit elements from breaking due to static electricity. The disclosed wiring structure includes: a transparent substrate 11; wiring lines 14 that are formed on the transparent substrate 11; and dummy wiring lines 17 that are formed on the transparent substrate 11 and to which a static electricity absorbers 18 are connected. Prescribed sections of the dummy wiring lines 17 are provided closer to an outer edge 11a of the transparent substrate 11 than the wiring lines 14, and the prescribed sections of the dummy wiring lines 17 are shaped so as to extend towards the outer edge 11a side of the transparent substrate 11. |
| US08975535B2 |
Many-up wiring substrate, wiring substrate, and electronic device
In a many-up wiring substrate including a base substrate having dividing grooves formed as part of main surfaces thereof, along boundaries of a plurality of wiring substrate regions, the plurality of wiring substrate regions being arranged in a matrix, when seen in a transparent plan view, dividing grooves of the main surface and dividing grooves of an opposite main surface are formed to be deviated in one direction of transverse direction or longitudinal direction, and a distance between bottoms of the dividing grooves of one main surface and bottoms of the dividing grooves of the opposite main surface is smaller than a distance between the bottoms of the dividing grooves of the one main surface and the opposite main surface and a distance between the bottoms of the dividing grooves of the opposite main surface and the one main surface. |
| US08975528B2 |
Electronic device, wiring substrate, and method for manufacturing electronic device
Even in an electronic device where electrodes are coupled electrically using a solder, sections to which electrodes of an electronic component are coupled are switched by a method other than changing circuits of the electronic component or changing circuits of a wiring substrate.The electronic device includes: a wiring substrate having two or more first electrodes over one surface thereof; and an electronic component having, over one surface thereof, two or more second electrodes arranged corresponding to the two or more first electrodes, respectively. At least one of the first electrodes is a specific electrode divided into two or more divided portions, and the divided portions are coupled to different wirings, respectively. Further, at least one of the divided portions is coupled to a corresponding second electrode through a solder. |
| US08975526B2 |
Touch panel
The present disclosure provides a touch panel, including at least a plurality of first electrode axes, a plurality of second electrode blocks. Each first electrode axis and corresponding second electrode block are disposed at the same level, staggered and electrically isolated from each other. Each first electrode axis is an uninterrupted structure. The touch panel of the present disclosure provides a new electrode pattern, and since all electrodes are disposed at the same level, therefore the electrodes can be formed simultaneously, thereby decreasing the cost of manufacturing process. |
| US08975525B2 |
Corles multi-layer circuit substrate with minimized pad capacitance
A multi layer interconnecting substrate has at least two spaced apart metal layers with a conductive pad on each one of the metal layers. Two different types of insulating layers are placed between the metal layers. The placement is such that one of the two different types of insulating layers is placed between the conductive pads and the other type of insulating layer is placed between the two spaced apart metal layers. |
| US08975520B2 |
Ground loop isolator for a coaxial cable
A ground loop isolator for a coaxial cable, for example that blocks DC current but which allows a desired band of RF through the ground loop isolator, and which is small enough to fit in the areas where coupling of the desired electronic equipment is to occur. Embodiments may include an outer area allowing for easier manual coupling of the coaxial cable connector nut to electronic devices. |
| US08975519B2 |
Adjustable bracket for steel stud
An electrical box assembly includes an electrical box and a primary bracket. The primary bracket includes a first end panel for securing to a first surface of a stud; a second end panel for securing to a second surface of the stud and in a substantially parallel orientation to the first end panel; and mounting panel, joined to a first surface of the electrical box and located between the first end panel and the second end panel, the mounting panel having a length corresponding to a first stud depth. The primary bracket also includes an adaptation panel, between the mounting panel and the rear panel, having a length corresponding to a difference between the first stud depth and a second larger stud depth. The adaptation panel is selectively manipulated to position the front panel and the rear panel to accommodate either the first stud depth or the second stud depth. |
| US08975515B2 |
Tower of a wind energy installation with current conduction means
A tubular tower (11), of a wind energy plant (10) with a current conduction means system (25, 35) for transmitting electrical power from a generator on the tower (11), to a power module at the base of the tower. The current conduction means system (25, 35) has three electrical conductors (27.1, 27.2, 27.3; 37.1, 37.2, 37.3; 45.1, 45.2, 45.3) arranged next to one another. A housing (26, 36, 46) is connected to the inner tower wall at predetermined distances using connecting devices which have electrical cross-sections conducting with the tower wall. The distances between the connecting devices in the longitudinal extent of the tower (11) and the cross-sections of the connecting devices between the housing (26, 36, 46) and the tower wall are dimensioned such that during a fault, the voltage drop between the tower wall and the housing (26, 36, 46) does not exceed a predetermined touch voltage. |
| US08975510B2 |
Foil-based interconnect for rear-contact solar cells
A rear-contact solar cell interconnect is disclosed. The rear-contact solar cell interconnect includes a first conductive foil with an opening and a second conductive foil. The first conductive foil is arranged to be electrically connected to a first polarity contact of a solar cell. The second conductive foil is arranged to be electrically connected to a second polarity contact of the solar cell through the opening of the first conductive foil. The solar cell includes a first surface arranged to receive solar irradiation and a second surface substantially opposite the first surface. The first polarity contact and the second polarity contact are provided on the second surface of the solar cell. |
| US08975509B2 |
Photovoltaic devices with multiple junctions separated by a graded recombination layer
A recombination layer with a gradient work function is provided which increases the power-conversion efficiency of multijunction photovoltaic devices by reducing the energy barrier to charge carriers migrating between pairs of photovoltaic junctions thereby facilitating the optimal recombination of opposing electron and hole currents generated when the photovoltaic is illuminated. |
| US08975506B2 |
Solar cell module and photovoltaic power generator using the same
A surface electrode (5) is installed on the light receiving surface of a solar cell element, the surface electrode (5) comprises three bus bar electrodes (5a) for extracting light-produced at the solar cell element to the outside and collecting finger electrodes (5b) connected to these bus bar electrodes (5a), and the bus bar electrodes (5a) are not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 2 mm in width and the finger electrodes (5b) are not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 0.1 mm in width. A high-efficient solar cell module can be obtained with substantially lowered resistance by increasing the number of bus bar electrode (5a) and thereby decreasing the lengths of the finger electrodes (5b). |
| US08975505B2 |
Concentrated solar thermoelectric power system and numerical design model
The invention, the Concentrated Solar Thermoelectric Power System, herein abbreviated as C-STEPS, is a thermo-optical system configuration for the purpose of achieving a high solar energy-to-electricity conversion efficiency based on thermoelectric (TE) devices that use the Seebeck effect. It does so by implementing a system for concentrated solar energy using a design that combines a dual-function reflector/radiator component with an active or passive heat convection mechanism to ensure that TE module operation is maintained in a safe elevated temperature range with respect to the ambient temperature. Unsafe module temperatures are avoided by automatically adjusting the TE module hot side temperature directly or indirectly by regulating the TE cold side temperature using a variety of passive or active mechanisms, including the reflector/radiator component, phase change material, or convection/conduction mechanisms. A Numerical Design Model is used to optimize the configuration geometry and performance in various terrestrial and space applications and it is a central feature of the invention. |
| US08975504B2 |
Embedded optical element package module using a thermocouple
An embedded optical element package module uses a thermocouple, which increases the optical output efficiency of an optical element, dissipates high-temperature heat generated by the optical element having high output to prevent degradation, converts waste heat into electrical energy, and supplies the electrical energy as a power source for the optical element to reutilize resources, thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the optical element and minimizing costs. |
| US08975499B1 |
Wind instrument training device
A wind instrument training device is provided having a housing with a mouthpiece opening in one end and an air exit opening in an opposite end. The device also has two sliding members movable within the housing, each having an air passage and each extending through opposite side openings in the housing. The sliding members are connectable to each other by a biasing means. When the training device is inserted in a wind player's mouth with the sliding members placed against the sides of the player's mouth, air blown from the player's mouth is prevented from flowing through the device. When the wind player tightens muscles against the sliding members, the sliding members move inward and air blown from the player's mouth flows through the mouthpiece opening, the air passages, and the air exit opening. |
| US08975498B2 |
Musical instrument shoulder strap support
A device and method of supporting a stringed musical instrument such as a ukulele or guitar in a stable hands-free playing position on the user by means of a shoulder strap comprising a single adjustable closed loop including a one-half twist which follows a specific novel path under the strings and about the instrument and the user's body. |
| US08975497B2 |
Vibration transmission adapter for a string musical instrument
A vibration transmission adapter for the transmission of vibrations from strings of a string musical instrument to a sound reverberator device equipped with at least one spring is presented herein to enhance the sound generated by the instrument. The strings are supported in contact with a bridge saddle of the instrument. The vibration transmission adapter includes a rigid metallic member shaped to define a saddle connecting section and an integrally formed spring connecting section. The saddle connecting section is engageable into the bridge saddle and is shaped to extend between and spaced from at least two adjacent strings of a pair of strings. The spring connecting section extends in a rearward direction from a top end of the saddle connecting section and has a spring connecting free end. |
| US08975490B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X7H246
A novel maize variety designated X7H246 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 maize variety X7H246 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7H246 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7H246, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7H246. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7H246. |
| US08975483B2 |
Soybean variety DLL1143
The soybean variety DLL1143 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety DLL1143 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of DLL1143 and to plants of DLL1143 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from DLL1143. |
| US08975481B1 |
Soybean variety XBP22005
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP22005 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP22005, cells from soybean variety XBP22005, plants of soybean XBP22005, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP22005. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP22005 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP22005, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP22005, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP22005. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP22005 are further provided. |
| US08975480B2 |
Soybean variety XB26AU13
A novel soybean variety, designated XB26AU13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB26AU13, cells from soybean variety XB26AU13, plants of soybean XB26AU13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB26AU13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB26AU13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB26AU13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB26AU13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB26AU13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB26AU13 are further provided. |
| US08975479B1 |
Soybean variety XB34F13
A novel soybean variety, designated XB34F13 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB34F13, cells from soybean variety XB34F13, plants of soybean XB34F13, and plant parts of soybean variety XB34F13. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB34F13 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB34F13, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB34F13, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB34F13. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB34F13 are further provided. |
| US08975478B1 |
Soybean variety XBP48009
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP48009 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP48009, cells from soybean variety XBP48009, plants of soybean XBP48009, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP48009. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP48009 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP48009, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP48009, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP48009. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP48009 are further provided. |
| US08975473B2 |
Stress tolerance and delayed senescence in plants
The novel constructs and methods of this invention improve tolerance in plants to environmental stresses and senescence. Nucleic acids encoding a plant farnesyl transferase are described, as are transgenic plants and seeds incorporating these nucleic acids and proteins. Also provided are non-naturally occurring mutations in the gene encoding farnesyl transferase which enhance drought tolerance in the plants, improve resistance to senescence and modify growth habit. |
| US08975472B2 |
Compositions and methods for altering alpha- and beta-tocotrienol content using multiple transgenes
Preparation and use of isolated nucleic acids useful in altering the oil phenotype of plants are described. Isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides are described that alter the content of alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, or both, in transformed seeds and oil obtained from the transformed seeds. Expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants are described that contain the foregoing nucleic acids. |
| US08975470B2 |
Introducing DNA into plant cells
The present invention provides means and methods for simple and efficient introduction of foreign genetic material into the plant cell. Particularly, the present invention combines seed priming and virus-based DNA constructs for efficient introduction of heterologous DNA into plants. |
| US08975467B2 |
Green transgenic fluorescent ornamental fish
The present invention relates to transgenic green ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing. |
| US08975466B2 |
Absorbent article including a plurality of longitudinally extending channels
An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region. |
| US08975458B2 |
Carbon-based durable goods and renewable fuel from biomass waste dissociation
Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure. |
| US08975455B2 |
Method for producing pentafluoroethane
The present invention aims in a method wherein tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is reacted with HF in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), to reduce production of undesirable by-products and maintain a catalytic activity at a high level over a long period of time while achieving a high conversion ratio of PCE and suppressing deterioration of the catalyst.In a method for producing pentafluoroethane wherein tetrachloroethylene is reacted with HF in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pentafluoroethane, characterized in that chromium oxyfluoride is disposed in a reactor as the catalyst, and oxygen is fed into the reactor together with tetrachloroethylene and HF, at a amount of 0.4-1.8% by mole with respect to tetrachloroethylene. |
| US08975446B2 |
Alkoxylation processes and catalysts therefor
A process of contacting an alkylene oxide with 2-methoxy-1-propanol (PM1) in the presence of an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex catalyst is disclosed. Further, a process involving contacting an alkylene oxide with an alkyl alcohol using an oligomeric Schiff base metal complex as a catalyst is also disclosed. Additionally, novel compositions which can be used as catalysts in processes involving the contacting of an alkyl alcohol with an alkylene oxide are also disclosed. |
| US08975445B2 |
Process for the manufacture of functional PFPE derivative
A process for the manufacture of a functional (per)fluoropolyether derivative comprising at least one triazole group, such process comprising: (1) reacting a (per)fluoropolyether hydroxyl derivative having at least one hydroxyl group [derivative (PFPE-OH)] with an activating agent, to yield an activated (per)fluoropolyether hydroxyl derivative comprising at least one activated hydroxyl group [derivative (a-PFPE-OH)];(2) reacting said activated (per)fluoropolyether hydroxyl derivative [derivative (a-PFPE-OH)] with at least one azide salt to yield a functional (per)fluoropolyether derivative comprising at least one azido group [derivative (PFPE-N3)] ; and (3) reacting said functional (per)fluoropolyether derivative comprising at least one azido group [derivative (PFPE-N3)] with a hydrocarbon compound having a terminal alkyne group to yield a functional (per)fluoropolyether derivative comprising at least one triazole group [derivative (PFPE-azole)]. |
| US08975443B2 |
Phosphine ligands for catalytic reactions
The disclosure is directed to: (a) phosphacycle ligands; (b) catalyst compositions comprising phosphacycle ligands; and (c) methods of using such phosphacycle ligands and catalyst compositions in bond forming reactions. |
| US08975440B2 |
Method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid
The invention relates to a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid, comprising the steps of A) reacting a carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid to produce a hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile, B) hydrolysis of the hydroxycarboxylic acid nitrile obtained in step A) in the presence of a catalyst comprising manganese dioxide, wherein a molar excess of carbonyl compound is used in relation to the hydrocyanic acid to react the carbonyl compound with hydrocyanic acid according to step A), and the reaction mixture obtained in step A) is not purified by distillation before the hydrolysis according to step B) is carried out. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing alkyl(meth)acrylates from polymers, moulding compounds and moulded bodies, wherein a method for producing a carboxylic acid amide from a carbonyl compound and hydrocyanic acid is carried out in accordance with the method described above. |
| US08975438B2 |
Process for the preparation of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid derivatives
A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): which is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of pharmaceutically active compounds. |
| US08975435B2 |
Methylidene malonate process
An improvement in the production of methylidene malonates is attained by use of specific reaction phase and/or separation phase polymerization inhibitors and combinations thereof. |
| US08975434B2 |
Method for producing cyclopentanone compound, and intermediate compound
In order to provide a novel method for producing a cyclopentanone compound, the present invention is a method for producing a cyclopentanone compound represented by the formula (I). The method includes the steps of: substituting the group represented by Y by a hydrogen atom by allowing a compound represented by the formula (III) or an intermediate compound obtained from the compound represented by the formula (III) to react with a catalyst or a halogenating agent; and substituting, by hydrogen atoms, (i) the group or the atom represented by Z1 and (ii) the group or the atom represented by Z2, by reducing the compound represented by the formula (III) or the intermediate compound obtained from the compound represented by the formula (III). |
| US08975433B2 |
2-cyanoacrylate-purifying method
Provided is a 2-cyanoacrylate-purifying method for decoloring a 2-cyanoacrylate which has been colored, and preventing further coloring of the 2-cyanoacrylate thus decolored. The 2-cyanoacrylate-purifying method includes the steps of: (a) adding a specific polyhydric aromatic compound to the 2-cyanoacrylate which has been colored; and (b) storing, at a temperature in a range of 0° C. to 40° C. for 0.5 day or more, the resulting mixture obtained in the step (a), and then subjecting the mixture to reduced pressure distillation. |
| US08975431B2 |
Process for preparing an ortho-substituted 5-halophenol and a synthesis intermediate thereof
A process for preparing a 5-halophenol, ortho-substituted by an electron-donating group, is described. Also described, is a process for preparing a sulphonic ester of an ortho-substituted phenol, which is the synthesis intermediate for the ortho-substituted 5-halophenol. The process for preparing a phenol ortho-substituted by an electron-donating group and protected in the form of a sulphonic ester can include reacting a phenol ortho-substituted by an electron-donating group with a sulphonylating agent in the presence of a Lewis acid. The process for preparing a 5-halophenol ortho-substituted by an electron-donating group can include a first step of preparing a phenol ortho-substituted by an electron-donating group and protected in the form of a sulphonic ester, as described above; a second step of halogenating the protected phenol intermediate obtained in the preceding step, in the position para to the electron-donating group; and a third step of deprotecting the sulphonic ester function to hydroxyl. |
| US08975429B2 |
Method of producing cyclohexasilane compounds
A method of preparing a cyclohexasilane compound from trichlorosilane is provided. The method includes contacting trichlorosilane with a reagent composition to produce a compound containing a tetradecahalocyclohexasilane dianion, such as a tetradecachlorocyclohexasilane dianion. The reagent composition typically includes (a) tertiary polyamine ligand; and (b) a deprotonating reagent, such as a tertiary amine having a pKa of at least about 10.5. Methods of converting the tetradecahalocyclohexasilane dianion-containing compound to cyclohexasilane or a dodecaorganocyclohexasilane are also provided. |
| US08975427B2 |
Synthesis of alkyl cyclopentadiene compounds
A method of synthesizing an alkyl cyclopentadiene compound is disclosed. The method includes contacting at least one cyclopentadienyl anion source and at least one alkyl group source to form at least one alkyl cyclopentadiene compound. The method further includes extracting the alkyl cyclopentadiene compound with a hydrocarbon solvent. The alkyl cyclopentadiene compound may be converted to a metallocene catalyst compound. |
| US08975425B2 |
Catalytic processes for preparing estolide base oils
Provided herein are processes for preparing estolides and estolide base oils from fatty acid reactants utilizing catalysts. Further provided herein are processes for preparing carboxylic esters from at least one carboxylic acid reactant and at least one olefin. |
| US08975422B2 |
Intermediates for the preparation of analogs of halichondrin B
Intermediates and methods of their use in the synthesis of analogs of halichondrin B are provided. |
| US08975421B2 |
Process for preparation of γ-valerolactone via catalytic hydrogenation of levulinic acid
An industrially viable process for selective preparation of γ- valerolactone using recyclable non noble metal catalyst is provided. This process provides 80-100% conversion to γ-valerolactone, with selectivity in the range of 80-100%. |
| US08975420B2 |
Five-membered cyclocarbonate polysiloxane compound and process for preparation of same
A 5-membered cyclic carbonate polysiloxane compound is represented by the below-described formula (1), and is produced by a process that reacts an epoxy-modified polysiloxane compound with carbon dioxide. wherein A means in which R1 means an alkylene group which has from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and may be linked via an element of O, S or N and/or —(C2H4O)b—, R2 means a direct bond or an alkylene group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 may be linked to an alicyclic group or aromatic group, b stands for a number of from 1 to 300, and a stands for a number of from 1 to 300. |
| US08975416B2 |
Antibacterial compounds
Disclosed are compounds of formula (I), which are of use in the treatment of bacterial diseases and infections, to compositions containing those compounds and to methods of treating bacterial diseases and infections using the compounds. In particular, the compounds are useful for the treatment of infection with, and diseases caused by, Clostridium difficile. |
| US08975415B2 |
Chromane compounds
The present invention provides a compound which is useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition, in particular, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases or conditions associated with and/or mediated by β-secretase activity, hydrolysis of a β-secretase site of a β-amyloid precursor protein, and/or β-amyloid protein accumulation, including a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating diseases including, but not limited to, Glaucoma, MCI (Mild cognitive impairment) or Alzheimer's disease, especially, Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08975412B2 |
Substituted 4-cyano-3-phenyl-4-(pyridin-3-yl)butanoates, processes for preparation thereof and use thereof as herbicides and plant growth regulators
Compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof, in which (R1)m, (R2)n, R3 and R4 as defined in Claim 1 are suitable as herbicides for the control of harmful plants or as plant growth regulators. The compounds can be prepared by the processes of Claim 7. |
| US08975406B2 |
Compound useful for the treatment of degenerative and inflammatory diseases
Novel pyrrazolopyridines according to Formula I, able to inhibit JAK are disclosed, these compounds may be prepared as a pharmaceutical composition, and may be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of conditions in mammals including humans, including by way of non-limiting example, allergy, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, proliferative diseases, transplant rejection, diseases involving impairment of cartilage turnover, congenital cartilage malformations, and/or diseases associated with hypersecretion of IL6 or interferons. |
| US08975403B2 |
Process for producing substituted benzo[F]imidazo[1,2-A]quinoxalin-3(11H)-ones
A simple process for producing v-coelenterazine compounds has been desired. Described is a process for producing a v-coelenterazine compound represented by general formula (II) comprising (1) the step of reacting a compound of general formula (VIII) with a methyltriphenylphosphonium salt in the presence of a base to give a compound represented by general formula (IX), (2) the step of performing a ring-closing metathesis reaction on any one selected from the group consisting of the compound represented by general formula (IX) and a compound of general formula (X) which is the compound of general formula (IX) wherein the amino is protected with R5, and then deprotecting R4 and, if any, R5 to give a v-coelenteramine compound represented by general formula (XIV), and (3) the step of reacting the compound of general formula (XIV) with a compound represented by general formula (XV) to give the compound of general formula (II). |
| US08975400B2 |
2,3-dihydroimidazo[1, 2-c] pyrimidin-5(1 H)-one compounds use as LP-PLA2 inhibitors
Disclosed are 2,3-dihydroimiazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-5(IH)-one compounds that inhibit Lp-PLA2,processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity of Lp-PLA2, for example atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08975399B2 |
Benzenesulfon amide-compound treatment of a pathological condition linked to an excessive effect of TNF
A benzene sulphonamide compound of formula I or one of its addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for its use in a method for treating a pathology linked to an excessive effect of TNF-alpha and for its use in a method for treating the human or animal body as a direct inhibitor of TNF-alpha. |
| US08975398B2 |
NAMPT inhibitors
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of NAMPT, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which NAMPT is expressed. |
| US08975397B2 |
Solid forms
The instant invention relates to novel solid forms of the compound of formula (I) as well as solvates, inclusion complexes with other suitable compounds, processes for their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing these solid forms, and their use as pharmaceuticals. |
| US08975394B2 |
Process for preparation of β-glycoside compounds
The invention provides a process for producing a β-glycoside compound represented by formula (3), characterized in that the process includes causing to react a cyclic alkene compound represented by formula (1) or (2) with a nucleophile in the presence of a transition metal catalyst. |
| US08975392B2 |
Methods for isolating crystalline form I of 5-azacytidine
The invention includes methods for isolating crystalline Form I of 5-azacytidine substantially free of other forms, wherein 5-azacytidine is represented by the formula: The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising Form I of 5-azacytidine. |
| US08975391B2 |
Regulatory elements
The invention concerns novel regulatory elements as well as related vectors and cells. Furthermore, it relates to methods of improving expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes and to the production of various polypeptides in host cells using said novel regulatory elements. Additionally, the invention relates to uses of said novel regulatory elements as insulators, in gene therapy or for improving host cell lines. |
| US08975390B2 |
Methods and compositions of DNA ligands for arthropod-borne pathogen detection and prophylaxis or therapy
Specific DNA ligand sequences for binding various arthropod-borne pathogens including arboviruses, rickettsia and parasites are described. Each of these sequences or their linear, two- and three-dimensional linked sequences can function in varying assay and sensor formats with varying degrees of success. Linkage of the whole or partial DNA sequences (putative binding sites) can be used to enhance specificity and affinity towards complex targets, thereby improving assay selectivity and sensitivity in many instances. In addition, the DNA sequences may bind and neutralize or prevent infection from arthropod-borne viruses, rickettsia and Leishmania or other parasites. |
| US08975389B2 |
Nucleic acid chemical modifications
The present invention provides nucleosides of formula (1) and oligonucleotides comprising at least one nucleoside of formula (2): Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting the expression of a gene in cell, the method comprising (a) contacting an oligonucleotide of the invention with the cell; and (b) maintaining the cell from step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA of the target gene. |
| US08975382B2 |
Amino acid sequences directed against HER2 and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of cancers and/or tumors
The present invention relates to amino acid sequences and Nanobodies that are directed against Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2), as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences. |
| US08975380B2 |
Annexin V variant and its preparation and application
The invention provides the design, preparation methods and applications of the variant of annexin V. The variant of annexin V is the protein with amino acid residue sequence in sequence 1 in the SEQUENCE LISTING, characterized in that it is the protein derived from sequence 1 by one or several amino acid residues of the sequence 1 being substituted, missing or being added and its amino acid residues have the same activity with the sequence of the sequence 1. The variant protein of the annexin V prepared form the preparation methods of the variant of the annexin V has high purity, high productivity, high labeling efficiency and stability, without effect to the biological function of the variant of the annexin V, which is applicable to industrial production and allows for further research of the variant of the annexin V. |
| US08975377B2 |
Cancer treatment using humanized antibodies that bind to EphB4
In certain embodiments, this application provides humanized antibodies that bind to the EphB4 protein as well as uses of the antibodies for therapeutic purposes. |
| US08975374B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition comprising anti-HB-EGF antibody as active ingredient
An anti-HB-EGF antibody having an internalizing activity is disclosed. A cytotoxic substance is preferably bound to the anti-HB-EGF antibody of the present invention. Also provided are an anti-cancer agent and a cell proliferation inhibitor, which comprise the antibody of the present invention as an active ingredient, a method of treating cancer and a method of diagnosing cancer, which comprise the administration of the antibody of the present invention. Cancers that can be treated by the anti-cancer agent of the present invention include pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cervical cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, brain tumors, and hematological cancers. |
| US08975373B2 |
Multi-protein quantitation standard
Provided is a protein quantitation standard having polypeptides of different molecular weights that functions as a mass quantitation standard in one lane of an electrophoretic gel. The protein quantitation standard includes unstained polypeptides having different electrophoretic mobilities that are present in different quantities, such that the bands in the gel have different intensities when visualized. The protein quantitation standard can also contain prestained polypeptides that function as visual molecular weight markers. Also provided are methods of determining the mass of a target polypeptide or protein using the protein quantitation standard. |
| US08975363B2 |
Use, as a shock absorber, of a material formed from branched molecules containing associative groups
A shock absorber is prepared from a material formed from branched molecules comprising associative groups. The branched molecules each contains at least bifunctional fragments and at least trifunctional fragments joined together by ester or thioester bridges alone or in combination with amide or urea bridges. |
| US08975360B2 |
Polycarbonate nanocomposites
Nanocomposites comprising a sulfonated telechelic polycarbonate and an organically modified clay are disclosed. The polycarbonate nanocomposites have improved physical and mechanical properties. |
| US08975358B2 |
Compositions and methods for synthesis of organic-silica hybrid materials
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for synthesis of organic-silica hybrid microparticles and nanoparticles. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods for particle size control during synthesis of organic-silica hybrid microparticles and nanoparticles. |
| US08975357B2 |
Silicone modified fatty acids, method of preparation and usage thereof
The present invention relates to silicone modified fatty carboxylic acid compounds. More specifically, the present invention is derived from low molecular weight, i.e., short chain, silicone modified fatty carboxylic acids, their use and method of making same. The present invention provides for a silicone compound partially derived from a natural product, sapucainha oil, for use in cosmetic formulations. |
| US08975356B2 |
High refractive index polymers
A polymer and a method of forming a polymer are provided. The polymer has the general structure (I): wherein M is a main group element, a transition metal element, or an organic moiety; X is a main group element selected from S, P, As, Se, Te, and Sb; R1 is a direct bond between M and the ethylene group depicted between M and X or a hydrocarbyl linking moiety having between 1 and about 9 carbon atoms; R2 is a hydrocarbyl moiety; R3 is an organic linking group; Y has a value of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; Z has a value of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; YY has a value of 0, 1 or 2; and Y, YY, and Z are such that the total number of moieties bonded to M is 3, 4, 5, or 6. |
| US08975349B2 |
Cationically polymerizable resin composition and cured object obtained therefrom
Disclosed is a cationically polymerizable resin composition which includes an oxetane-ring-containing vinyl ether compound (A) and/or an alicyclic-epoxy-containing vinyl ether compound (B); and an oligomer or polymer (C) having a molecular weight of 500 or more, being liquid at 0° C., and containing at least one of structures represented by following Formulae (1a) to (1f), wherein Rx represents hydrogen atom or methyl group; R1 to R3 each independently represent a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; “a” is an integer of from 0 to 5; and “b” is 1 or 2. This cationically polymerizable resin composition has a low viscosity, is easy to work, cures extremely rapidly upon irradiation with light, and can give a cured object excellent in flexibility, thermal stability, and bendability after heat treatment. |
| US08975347B2 |
Method for manufacturing electronic component
Provided is a method for manufacturing electronic component improved in chip-holding efficiency, pickup efficiency and contamination resistance in a well-balanced manner, the method comprising a semi-cured adhesive layer-forming step of forming a semi-cured adhesive layer on the rear face of a wafer, a fixing step of fixing the semi-cured adhesive layer of the wafer on a ring frame with a cohesive sheet, a dicing step of dicing the wafer into semiconductor chips, a UV-irradiating step of irradiating ultraviolet ray, and a pick-up step of picking up the chips and semi-cured adhesive layers from the cohesive layer, wherein the cohesive sheet has a cohesive layer of a cohesive agent having a particular composition formed on one face of its base film. |
| US08975345B2 |
Thermoplastic polymers comprising oxygen scavenging molecules
The disclosure relates to oxygen scavenging polymer compositions, methods of making the compositions, articles prepared from the compositions, and methods of making the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US08975344B2 |
Polyester/polycarbonate block copolymers via one-pot, neat ring opening polymerization
The instant disclosure describes polyester synthesis processes, including processes for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of cyclic organic monomer components and components comprising a functional group using an organocatalyst system to effect ROP-based block copolymer preparation. |
| US08975343B2 |
Hydroxyl-functional polyester resins
A hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition including the reaction product of (a) a divinylarene dioxide, and (b) at least one dicarboxylic acid; a process for making the hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition; and a curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition made therefrom. The cured product made from the above curable hydroxyl-functional polyester resin composition is thermally stable and offers improved properties such as a lower viscosity and a high heat resistance compared to known cured products prepared from known epoxy resins. |
| US08975336B2 |
Method of melt kneading, extrudate, and transparent resin material
It is an object of the present invention to obtain an optically transparent nano-dispersed polymer blend extrudate and a transparent resin having a microscopic dispersion structure in which incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded, one of resins is formed into a matrix, a size of dispersed phase of the other resin is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less. Extra additive such as a compatibilizer is not added. When the incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded using a high shearing and forming apparatus having an inner feedback type screw under a condition that the screw rotation speed is 600 rpm to 3000 rpm, the rotation speed of the inner feedback type screw is increased, the kneading time is set under constant rotation speed, the high shearing forming condition is adjusted, and a structure in which a size of dispersed phase is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less is formed. |
| US08975331B2 |
Biodegradable and biocompatible waterborne polyurethane
The present invention relates to a waterborne polyurethane containing biodegradable segments and the process for synthesizing the same. The waterborne polyurethane according to the present invention has excellent biodegradable, biocompatible and mechanical characteristics and thus is a useful biomedical material, in particular for making films for medical applications. |
| US08975330B2 |
Coating composition
A coating composition comprising: at least one polyacrylimide polymer (A)] comprising recurring units of formula (I), and further comprising recurring units complying with one or more of the following structures: J, JJ, JJJ, wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, equal to or different from each other are independently H or C1-20 alkyl group, R3 and R8, equal to or different from each other, are independently H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, aryl, heterocyclic C1-36 group, wherein said polymer (A) possesses an imidization degree of less than 80%; a liquid medium; and at least one vinylidene fluoride polymer (F) at least partially dissolved and/or at least partially dispersed in said liquid medium, wherein the amount of polymer (F) ranges from 50 to 90% wt. with respect to the total weight of polymer (A) and polymer (F). |
| US08975328B2 |
Non-thermosensitive medium for analyzing species in a channel and for minimizing adsorption and/or electroosomosic phenomena
An aqueous liquid medium for analyzing, purifying or separating species in an element having walls or for treating the walls of an element. The medium includes at least a polymer consisting of several polymeric segments. The polymer is of the irregular block-copolymer or irregular comb-like polymer type and has on the average at least three junction points between polymeric segments of different chemical or topological nature. The medium may be used in methods for analyzing, purifying or separating species and methods for treating an element to be contacted with a fluid and/or species contained in the fluid during preservation, transport, analysis, purification or separation of the fluid. |
| US08975324B2 |
Tread rubber compounds having improved abrasion resistance using functionalized liquid polybutadiene
A tread rubber composition having improved abrasion resistance is provided. The tread rubber composition comprises a conjugated diene polymer or copolymer, at least one filler, from 2 to 10 phr of liquid polybutadiene, from 2 to 5 phr of zinc oxide and from 1 to 100 phr of process oil. The liquid polybutadiene is functionalized by reaction with unsaturated acid anhydride, has a number average molecular weight of from 3 to 8 kg/mol and an acid number of from 40 to 80. Also provided are methods for preparing the tread rubber composition comprising mixing of the foregoing ingredients by master-batch and final batch steps whereby the abrasion resistance of the tread rubber composition is improved. |
| US08975323B2 |
UV laser markable thermoplastic elastomer compound
A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is disclosed which is markable by a laser operating at an ultra-violet wavelength because of the presence of between about 0.05 and about 0.1 weight percent of titanium dioxide or between about 0.1 and 0.3 weight percent of zinc oxide. |
| US08975321B2 |
Compositions suitable for use as joint compounds and related methods
The invention provides a composition useful as a joint compound comprising water, a filler comprising one or more of calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate dihydrate or calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a binder and/or a biocide, wherein the composition after curing is formaldehyde-free. |
| US08975320B2 |
Flame retardant additive for polymers, free of halogens, antimony oxide and phosphorus containing substances
A flame retardant additive for polymers is disclosed which additive comprises a polyacrylate in combination with a) at least one zinc borate, b) at least one silicone resin, and c) alumina trihydrate or magnesium hydroxide or a mixture thereof, said additive being free of halogens, antimony oxide and phosphorus-containing substances. A flame retardant composition comprising a polymer and a flame retardant additive is also disclosed as well as a method of reducing the flammability of a polymer by mixing said polymer with said flame retardant additive. |
| US08975319B2 |
Method for producing nanocomposite materials with polymeric matrix, and corresponding nanocomposite materials
Described herein is a method for producing a nanocomposite material, including nanofillers dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a starting thermoplastic polymeric material, having a crystalline structure; b) providing one or more precursors of the nanofillers; c) bringing the starting thermoplastic polymeric material into the molten state and dispersing the precursor or precursors therein; d) subjecting the precursor or precursors to in situ thermolysis, thereby generating the nanofillers directly within the melted material; and e) causing solidification of the molten polymeric material including the nanofillers, thereby obtaining the nanocomposite material. The precursor or the precursors are selected from among carbonates and acetylacetonates and the thermoplastic polymeric material is isotactic polypropylene. |
| US08975306B2 |
Viscoelastic foam layer and composition
A viscoelastic foam system is provided having an amine-based polyoxypropylene extended polyol to impart strength, recoverability and endurance to the foam, and an appropriately selected non-amine-based polyol to provide flexibility to the foam. The combination of amine-based propylene oxide extended polyol and non-amine-based polyol provides a viscoelastic semi-rigid foam with excellent impact and recovery properties, recovering to substantially 100% of its initial volume and shape following an impact, yet with sufficient rigidity and stiffness so that it is effective at absorbing multiple impacts. A method of making the above viscoelastic foam is also provided. |
| US08975304B2 |
Production of hydrocarbons
A process for producing hydrocarbons and, optionally, oxygenates of hydrocarbons is provided. A synthesis gas comprises hydrogen, carbon monoxide and N-containing contaminants selected from the group consisting of HCN, NH3, NO, RXNH3-X, R1—CN and heterocyclic compounds containing at least one nitrogen atom as a ring member of a heterocyclic ring of the heterocyclic compound. The N-containing contaminants constitute, in total, at least 100 vppb but less than 1 000 000 vppb of the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is contacted at an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure, with a particulate supported Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst. The catalyst comprises a catalyst support, Co in catalytically active form supported on the catalyst support, and a dopant selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru) and/or rhenium (Re). The dopant level is expressed by a formula. Hydrocarbons and, optionally, oxygenates of hydrocarbons are obtained. |
| US08975299B2 |
Lipid mixture for infant nutrition
The subject invention thus provides a composition comprising at least one triglyceride, at least one phospholipid and at least one poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA); wherein at least about 1% of the LC-PUFA in the composition is conjugated to said at least one phospholipid and uses thereof. |
| US08975295B2 |
Modulation of zinc levels to improve tissue properties
Methods of altering properties of tissues, by providing an effective modifying amount of zinc, which may be in the form of zinc ions. This is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more zinc-containing components such as salts and/or other zinc compounds or complexes, particularly zinc acetate.Altering properties of tissues includes increasing or decreasing fatty tissue, increasing or decreasing epidermal thickness, increasing elastin content, and preventing or treating gum regression or atrophy.Also disclosed is the provision of a contact lens coated with a zinc-containing material, to improve vision by increasing elastin content of the lens of the eye through release of zinc ions. |
| US08975294B2 |
Desferrioxamine-metal complexes for the treatment of immune-related disorders
The present invention relates to methods kits and combined compositions using DFO-metal complexes, specifically, Zinc-desferrioxamine (Zn-DFO), gallium-desferrioxamine (Ga-DFO) complexes and any combinations thereof for preventing, treating, ameliorating or inhibiting an immune-related disorder, specifically, a skin-related inflammatory disorder such as psoriasis, an inflammatory respiratory condition such as asthma, and an autoimmune disease such as diabetes and any immune-related disorder. |
| US08975292B2 |
Method for controlling arthropods comprising the spot-wise application of a gel
The present invention relates to a method for controlling arthropods comprising the application of an aqueous gel which contains an insecticide, an attractant and a thickener, wherein the aqueous gel is applied in the form of spots on fruit trees. The invention further relates to an aqueous gel comprising an insecticide, an attractant, a thickener, a humectant and a feeding stimulant. The invention also relates to a concentrated gel for preparing the aqueous gel. |
| US08975291B2 |
Indoles
Herein are disclosed indoles of formula (I) where the various groups are defined herein, and which are useful for treating cancer. |
| US08975290B2 |
Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response, blocking monocyte migration, amplifying vaccine immunity and inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis
Provided are methods of enhancing an immune response and methods for reducing the recruitment of monocytes to a lymph node by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an antigen. The invention also provides relate methods for amplifying vaccine immunity by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an vaccine. The invention also provides related methods of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by administering to an individual with cancer an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an anti-tumor preparation. In addition, related compositions comprising an ARB or a compound of Formula (I) and an antigen, vaccine, or anti-tumor preparation are provided. |
| US08975285B2 |
P38 MAP kinase inhibitors
There are provided inter alia compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, Ar, L, X, R3 and Q are as defined in the specification for use in therapy, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. |
| US08975278B2 |
8-hydroxy quinoline derivatives
The present invention describes a method for the treatment of a neurological condition in a subject which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effect amount of a compound of the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof. |
| US08975272B2 |
Polymorphic forms of naltrexone
This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations. |
| US08975266B2 |
Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase
Disclosed herein are pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions. |
| US08975263B2 |
Phenylxanthene derivatives
The present invention relates to a compound or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof having an excellent glucose lowering effect.A compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group, each substituent R2 may be the same or different and may each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, R3 represents an optionally substituted pyridyl group or the like, R4 and R5, which are the same or different, each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, R6 and R7, which are the same or different, each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, and n represents 0 to 3. |
| US08975261B2 |
Aryloxmethyl cyclopropane derivatives as PDE10 inhibitors
The present invention is directed to aryloxymethyl cyclopropane derivatives which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders associated with phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10). The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis or Huntington's disease, and those associated with striatal hypofunction or basal ganglia dysfunction. |
| US08975260B2 |
Pyridazinones, method of making, and method of use thereof
Pyridazinone compounds of Formula I including stereoisomers, tautomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, useful for inhibiting Btk kinase, and for treating immune disorders such as inflammation mediated by Btk kinase. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, and treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed. |
| US08975258B2 |
Heterocyclic receptor agonists for the treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorders
Compounds and methods are provided for the treatment of, inter alia, Type II diabetes and other diseases associated with poor glycemic control. The compounds of the invention are orally active. |
| US08975250B2 |
5 oxo-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as CaMKII kinase inhibitors for treating cardiovascular diseases
The present invention relates to 5-oxo-5,8-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives having Formula (I) as defined herein, their preparation and their therapeutic use. |
| US08975246B2 |
Bile acid or bile salt fatty acid conjugates
A method for treating a disease or disorder associated with altered glucose metabolism or insulin action in a subject in need thereof. The method includes administering to the subject a BAFAC (bile acid or bile salt fatty acid conjugate) of general formula II: W-X-G in which G is a bile acid or bile salt radical, which is optionally conjugated in position 24 with a suitable amino acid, W stands for one or two fatty acid radicals, each having from 14-22 carbon atoms, and X is a suitable bonding member or a direct C═C bond between G and each W, said suitable bonding member being selected from the group consisting of NH, O, P and S. The disease or disorder associated with altered glucose metabolism is selected from the group consisting of hyperglycemia, diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity. |
| US08975245B2 |
Anaesthetic formulation
The present invention relates generally to the field of drug delivery systems for neuroactive steroid anaesthetic agents. More particularly, anaesthetic and sedative formulations are provided in the form of host/guest preparations comprising one or more neuroactive steroid anaesthetics and a cyclodextrin. Particular cyclodextrins contemplated include sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrins and modified forms thereof. |
| US08975244B2 |
Process and intermediates for the preparation of abiraterone acetate
The present invention relates to a process for the synthesis of (3beta)17-(3-pyridinyl)androsta-5,16-dien-3-yl acetate (Abiraterone acetate) represented by the structure of formula (1), and salts thereof, especially salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids. The present invention further relates to certain intermediates in such processes. |
| US08975243B2 |
Viscous budesonide for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
Provided herein are methods for preventing or alleviating the symptoms of and inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases and conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, those involving the esophagus. Also provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions useful for the methods of the present invention. |
| US08975242B2 |
Tigecycline compositions and methods of preparation
The present invention relates to novel tigecycline compositions with improved stability in both solid and solution states and processes for making these compositions. These compositions comprise tigecycline, a suitable carbohydrate, and an acid or buffer. |
| US08975240B2 |
Peritoneal dialysis solutions comprising glucose polymers
Peritoneal dialysis solutions including a glucose polymer and methods of using the dialysis solutions are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis solution includes a glucose polymer in an amount to provide an increased ultrafiltration fluid volume for a given amount of carbohydrate absorbed compared to conventional dialysis solutions containing icodextrin as the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The increased ultrafiltration fluid volume for a given amount of carbohydrate absorbed is obtained by providing specific combinations of weight-average molecular weight, polydispersity index and concentration of the glucose polymer in the dialysis solution. |
| US08975239B2 |
Combinations of sapacitabine or CNDAC with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors such as decitabine and procaine
A first aspect of the invention relates to a combination comprising a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and 1-(2-C-cyano-2-dioxy-β-D-arabino-pentofuranosyl)-N4-palmitoyl cytosine, or a metabolite thereof. A second aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical product comprising a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and 1-(2-C-cyano-2-dioxy-β-D-arabino-pentofuranosyl)-N4-palmitoyl cytosine, or a metabolite thereof, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, sequential or separate use in therapy. A third aspect of the invention relates to a method of treating a proliferative disorder, said method comprising simultaneously, sequentially or separately administering a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor and 1-(2-C-cyano-2-dioxy-β-D-arabino-pentofuranosyl)-N4-palmitoyl cytosine, or a metabolite thereof, to a subject. |
| US08975237B2 |
Treatment of fibrotic conditions
Treatment of fibrosis and fibrotic diseases, disorders, and conditions, and associated methods, compositions, formulations and articles. |
| US08975236B2 |
Dietary supplement composition of citrus derivatives
There is disclosed a dietary supplement composition of alkaloids and flavonoids extracted from citrus fruits that exhibits lipolytic and thermogenic activity and increases RMR, while at the same time exhibiting no negative side effects such as increase in blood pressure or heart rate. The composition essentially comprises two components: (A) the protoalkaloids synephrine, tyramine, N-methyltyramine, hordenine and octopamine; and (B) at least one of hesperidin, naringin and mixtures thereof. |
| US08975233B2 |
Methods for renal denervation
Various agents are described to denerve, modulate, or otherwise affect the renal nerves and other neural tissue. Also, various delivery devices are described to deliver an agent locally to the renal nerves. The delivery devices are positioned in the renal artery and penetrate into the wall of the renal artery to deliver the agent to the renal nerves. The delivery devices may be used to deliver the agent according to longitudinal position, radial position, and depth of the renal nerves relative to the renal artery. In addition, various methods are described to denervate, modulate, or otherwise affect the renal nerves and other neural tissue. |
| US08975231B2 |
Bone morphogenic protein binding peptide
A cyclized peptide designated BMP Binding Peptide (BBP) is a synthetic peptide that avidly binds rhBMP-2, as do endogenous forms of BBP, and sequence conservation between species results in a variety of useful BBP compositions. BBP increases the over-all osteogenic activity of rhBMP-2, increases the rate at which rhBMP-2 induces bone formation, and BBP induces calcification alone. Compositions and substrates including BBP, and methods of using BBP are useful in therapeutic, diagnostic and clinical applications requiring calcification and osteogenesis. |
| US08975230B2 |
Method of treating ischemic injury with follistatin-like 1 polypeptide
Described herein are methods and compositions related to the discovery that the Follistatin-like 1 protein (Fstl-1) has metabolic and cardioprotective effects in vivo. Fstl-1 and portions and derivatives or variants thereof can be used to treat or prevent metabolic diseases or disorders and to treat or prevent cardiac damage caused by interrupted cardiac muscle blood supply. |
| US08975229B2 |
Methods for treating a disease caused by choroidal neovascularization
The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical agents and methods for treating or preventing diseases caused by neovascularization in human choroid (neovascular maculopathy). The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines for treating and/or preventing diseases caused by neovascularization in human choroid (neovascular maculopathy), comprising at least one type each of a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from a VEGFR-1 protein and having an activity of inducing cytotoxic T cells, and a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from a VEGFR-2 protein and having an activity of inducing cytotoxic T cells. |
| US08975228B2 |
Use of boswellic acids for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of damage to and/or inflammation of the islets of Langerhans
Disclosed are methods and compositions related to the use of boswellic acids (such as acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, acetyl-9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, α-boswellic acid, acetyl-α-boswellic acid, 11-dehydro-α-boswellic acid, acetyl-9,11-dehydro-α-boswellic acid, lupeolic acid, acetyl lupeolic acid, 12-ursene-2-diketone, incensole, incensole acetate, a derivative, in particular an ester thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a combination thereof, or a preparation containing one or more of these compounds) for the human medical or veterinary prophylaxis and/or treatment of: a) damage to and/or inflammation of the islets of Langerhans and/or b) damage to the B-cells of the islets of Langerhans. |
| US08975225B2 |
Method for inhibiting growth of chondrocytes in a subject by inhibiting IGF-1
The invention relates to peptides useful for inhibiting IGF-1 activity and their use as agents for inhibition of in vitrocell proliferation and for treatment of various diseases. |
| US08975223B2 |
Methods for treating metabolic disorders and obesity with a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 146
Methods are provided for administering an extended half-life GLP-1/GIP coagonist peptide to a patient in need thereof for reducing weight gain, inducing weight loss, treating hyperglycemia, reducing blood glucose levels, or normalizing blood glucose levels in said patient. |
| US08975222B2 |
Stable high lipid liquid formula
The present invention provides a ketogenic diet in the form of a sterile shelf stable ready to use formula, in particular a tube feed, comprising casein and dietary fiber. |
| US08975219B2 |
Fabric cleaning composition comprising hueing agent
A fabric cleaning composition comprising from 1% to 20% by weight of the fabric cleaning composition of an oxygen-based bleaching source and a hueing agent, and wherein the neat composition has a pH between 2.5 and 5.5, and a method of using said fabric cleaning composition. |
| US08975216B2 |
Articles having localized molecules disposed thereon and methods of producing same
Methods of producing substrates having selected active chemical regions by employing elements of the substrates in assisting the localization of active chemical groups in desired regions of the substrate. The methods may include optical, chemical and/or mechanical processes for the deposition, removal, activation and/or deactivation of chemical groups in selected regions of the substrate to provide selective active regions of the substrate. |
| US08975215B2 |
Methods for producing surface bound oligonucleotide on solid substrate and uses thereof
The present invention relates to methods for producing an oligonucleotide on a solid substrate surface and methods for using the same. Some aspects of the invention provide methods for selecting a single DNA molecule reproducibily with an atomic force microscope (AFM). |
| US08975214B2 |
Emulsion adjuvant for herbicides
An oil-in-water emulsion liquid composition suitable for use as an agricultural adjuvant comprising an oil, a saturated or substantially saturated aqueous solution of an ammonium salt and one or more of high molecular weight polymeric surfactants. |
| US08975211B2 |
Security documents and colour laser marking methods for securing them
A security document precursor including, in order, at least: a) a transparent biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate foil; b) a colorless color forming layer containing at least an infrared absorber, a color forming component and a polymeric binder; and c) a polymeric support; wherein the colorless color forming layer contains at least one component forming a compound having a melting temperature of less than 20° C. upon laser marking the colorless color forming layer with an infrared laser. Methods for securing a security document using the security document precursor are also disclosed. |
| US08975210B2 |
Web substrate having activated color regions in deformed regions
The present invention relates to a web substrate comprising an activatable colorant and at least one deformed region. A first activated color region is produced in the web substrate upon exposure to a first external stimulus and a second activated color region is produced within the first activated color region upon exposure to a second external stimulus. The second activated color region coincides with the deformed region. |
| US08975207B2 |
Method for manufacturing adsorptive ball for recovering precious metals and flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) apparatus using the same
Disclosed is an adsorptive ball for recovering precious metals and resources, a method for manufacturing the adsorptive bale, a flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) module capable of recovering precious metals by using the adsorptive ball, and a flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) apparatus having the flow through-continuous deionization (FT-CDI) installed thereat. |
| US08975204B2 |
Exhaust-gas-purifying catalyst
The present invention relates to a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases emitted from the internal combustion engines.The exhaust-gas-purifying catalyst in this invention, comprising: a catalyst support substrate and a plurality of catalyst layers formed on a surface of the catalyst support substrate and having an exterior-surface layer for forming a surface of the plural catalyst layers, and the exterior-surface layer including a loading layer formed by fireproof inorganic oxide; at least one catalytic metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium, and supported on the loading layer; stabilized zirconia loaded on the loading layer; and cerium-zirconium composite oxide loaded on the loading layer, and the stabilized zirconia including zirconia and oxide formed by at least one additive member selected from the group consisting of yttrium, neodymium, praseodymium and lanthanum. The durability of the exhaust-gas-purifying catalyst was improved by having the stabilized zirconia and cerium-zirconium composite oxide in the exterior-surface layer. |
| US08975199B2 |
Fusion formable alkali-free intermediate thermal expansion coefficient glass
A compositional range of high strain point and/or intermediate expansion coefficient alkali metal free aluminosilicate and boroaluminosilicate glasses are described herein. The glasses can be used as substrates or superstrates for photovoltaic devices, for example, thin film photovoltaic devices such as CdTe or CIGS photovoltaic devices or crystalline silicon wafer devices. These glasses can be characterized as having strain points≧600° C., thermal expansion coefficient of from 35 to 50×10−7/° C. |
| US08975197B2 |
Flexible laminate structure
A flexible non-porous laminate film structure is provided comprising a textile substrate having a fluorinated film laminated thereto, which is laminated at a temperature lower than the softening point of the predominant polymeric component of the fluoropolymer fiber. The resulting product is resistant to delamination. |
| US08975189B2 |
Method of forming fine patterns
A method of forming a fine pattern comprises depositing a modifying layer on a substrate. A photoresist layer is deposited on the modifying layer, the photoresist layer having a first pattern. The modifying layer is etched according to the first pattern of the photoresist layer. A treatment is performed to the etched modifying layer to form a second pattern, the second pattern having a smaller line width roughness (LWR) and/or line edge roughness (LER) than the first pattern. The second pattern is then etched into the substrate. |
| US08975179B2 |
Planarization process for semiconductor device fabrication
The present disclosure provides a method of semiconductor fabrication including forming a dielectric layer is formed on and interposing a first feature and a second feature. A first CMP process is performed on the dielectric layer to removing the dielectric layer from a top surface of the first feature to expose an underlying layer and decreasing a thickness of the dielectric layer disposed on a top surface of the second feature such that a portion of the dielectric layer remains disposed on the top surface of the second feature. Thereafter, a second CMP process is performed which removes the dielectric layer remaining on the top surface of the second feature. |
| US08975177B2 |
Laser resist removal for integrated circuit (IC) packaging
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to laser removal of resist material from integrated circuit (IC) packaging components, as well as package assemblies and systems incorporating such material and removal methods. A resist layer may be applied to one or more components of a package assembly. The resist layer may be subsequently removed by applying laser radiation and a flow of fluid to the resist layer. The laser radiation may cause cracking, delamination, and/or polymer chain scission, and the flow of fluid may enhance mechanical separation of the resist material from the package assembly components. |
| US08975175B1 |
Solderable contact regions
A contact region for a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. Embodiments can include forming a seed metal layer having an exposed solder pad region on the semiconductor substrate and forming a first metal layer on the seed metal layer. In an embodiment, a solderable material, such as silver, can be formed on the exposed solder pad region prior to forming the first metal layer. Embodiments can include forming a solderable material on the exposed solder pad region after forming the first metal layer. Embodiments can also include forming a plating contact region on the seed metal layer, where the plating contact region allows for electrical conduction during a plating process. |
| US08975173B2 |
Semiconductor device with buried gate and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes buried gates formed over a substrate, storage node contact plugs which are formed over the substrate and include a pillar pattern and a line pattern disposed over the pillar pattern, and a bit line structure which is formed over the substrate and isolates adjacent ones of the storage node contact plugs from each other. |
| US08975170B2 |
Dopant ink compositions for forming doped regions in semiconductor substrates, and methods for fabricating dopant ink compositions
Dopant ink compositions for forming doped regions in semiconductor substrates and methods for fabricating dopant ink compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a dopant ink composition comprises a dopant compound including at least one alkyl group bonded to a Group 13 element or a Group 15 element. Further, the dopant ink composition includes a silicon-containing compound. |
| US08975164B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method at least comprises the following steps. First, the semiconductor device, which comprises a gate, a gate dielectric layer, an active layer, a source and a drain, is manufactured. However, the semiconductor device has a plurality of defects, and the active layer is a metal oxide thin film. After annealing the semiconductor device, it will be transferred into a chamber. A final step of injecting a supercritical fluid carried with a co-solvent into the chamber is then performed to modify the abovementioned defects. |
| US08975163B1 |
Laser-dominated laser scribing and plasma etch hybrid wafer dicing
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of integrated circuits involves forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer. The mask includes a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer has a thickness. The method also involves laser scribing the mask and a majority of the thickness of the semiconductor wafer to provide scribe lines in the mask and the semiconductor wafer. The scribe lines are formed between the integrated circuits. The method also involves plasma etching the semiconductor wafer through the scribe lines to singulate the integrated circuits. |
| US08975159B2 |
Method for manufacturing bonded wafer
A method for manufacturing a bonded wafer having a semiconductor film on a handle substrate involving the steps of: implanting ions into a semiconductor substrate to form an ion-implanted layer; subjecting the surface of at least one of the semiconductor substrate and the handle substrate to a surface activation treatment; bonding the surface of the semiconductor substrate to the surface of the handle substrate at a temperature from 50° C. to 350° C.; heating the bonded substrates at a maximum temperature from 200° C. to 350° C. to obtain a bonded body; and transferring a semiconductor film to the handle substrate by subjecting the bonded body to a temperature 30° C. to 100° C. higher than the bonding temperature, and irradiating the bonded body with visible light from a handle or semiconductor substrate side toward the ion-implanted layer of the semiconductor substrate to embrittle the interface of the ion-implanted layer. |
| US08975157B2 |
Carrier bonding and detaching processes for a semiconductor wafer
The present invention provides a temporary carrier bonding and detaching process. A first surface of a semiconductor wafer is mounted on a first carrier by a first adhesive, and a first isolation coating is disposed between the first adhesive and the first carrier. Then, a second carrier is mounted on the second surface of the semiconductor wafer. The first carrier is detached. The method of the present invention utilizes the second carrier to support and protect the semiconductor wafer, after which the first carrier is detached. Therefore, the semiconductor wafer will not be damaged or broken, thereby improving the yield rate of the semiconductor process. Furthermore, the simplicity of the detaching method for the first carrier allows for improvement in efficiency of the semiconductor process. |
| US08975156B2 |
Method of sealing two plates with the formation of an ohmic contact therebetween
A method of sealing a first wafer and a second wafer each made of semiconducting materials, including: implanting a metallic species in at least the first wafer, assembling the first wafer and the second wafer by molecular bonding, and after the molecular bonding, forming a metallic ohmic contact including alloys formed between the implanted metallic species and the semiconducting materials of the first wafer and the second wafer, the metallic ohmic contact being formed at an assembly interface between the first wafer and the second wafer, wherein the forming includes causing the implanted metallic species to diffuse towards the interface between the first wafer with the second wafer and beyond the interface. |
| US08975155B2 |
Method of forming a shallow trench isolation structure
Embodiments of the disclosure include a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure and a method of forming the same. A trench is formed in a substrate. A silicon oxide and a silicon liner layer are formed on sidewalls and a bottom surface of the trench. A flowable silicon oxide material fills in the trench, is cured, and then is partially removed. Another silicon oxide is deposited in the trench to fill the trench. The STI structure in a fabricated device includes a bottom portion having silicon oxide and a top portion having additionally a silicon oxide liner and a silicon liner on the sidewalls. |
| US08975154B2 |
Process for producing at least one deep trench isolation
A method for producing at least one deep trench isolation in a semiconductor substrate including silicon and having a front side may include forming at least one cavity in the semiconductor substrate from the front side. The method may include conformally depositing dopant atoms on walls of the cavity, and forming, in the vicinity of the walls of the cavity, a silicon region doped with the dopant atoms. The method may further include filling the cavity with a filler material to form the at least one deep trench isolation. |
| US08975149B2 |
Resistance change memory and manufacturing method thereof
According to one embodiment, a resistance-change memory of embodiment includes a first interconnect line extending in a first direction, a second interconnect line extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and a cell unit. The cell unit is provided at an intersection of the first interconnect line and the second interconnect line. The cell unit includes a non-ohmic element having a silicide layer on at least one of first and second ends thereof, and a memory element to store data in accordance with a reversible change in a resistance state. The silicide layer includes a 3d transition metal element which combines with an Si element to form silicide and which has a first atomic radius, and at least one kind of an additional element having a second atomic radius greater than the first atomic radius. |
| US08975148B2 |
Memory arrays and methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. A stack includes ovonic material over an electrically conductive region. The stack is patterned into rails that extend along a first direction. The rails are patterned into pillars. Electrically conductive lines are formed over the ovonic material. The electrically conductive lines extend along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The electrically conductive lines interconnect the pillars along the second direction. Some embodiments include a memory array having first electrically conductive lines extending along a first direction. The lines contain n-type doped regions of semiconductor material. Pillars are over the first conductive lines and contain mesas of the n-type doped regions together with p-type doped regions and ovonic material. Second electrically conductive lines are over the ovonic material and extend along a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second electrically conductive lines interconnect the pillars along the second direction. |
| US08975145B2 |
Method for manufacturing a display panel
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method of a display panel, and include forming a gate line including a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode, forming an intrinsic semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, forming an extrinsic semiconductor on the intrinsic semiconductor, forming a data line including a source electrode and a drain electrode on the extrinsic semiconductor, and plasma-treating a portion of the extrinsic semiconductor between the source electrode and the drain electrode to form a protection member and ohmic contacts on respective sides of the protection member. Accordingly, the process for etching the extrinsic semiconductor and forming an inorganic insulating layer for protecting the intrinsic semiconductor may be omitted such that the manufacturing process of the display panel may be simplified, manufacturing cost may be reduced, and productivity may be improved. |
| US08975142B2 |
FinFET channel stress using tungsten contacts in raised epitaxial source and drain
Performance of a FinFET is enhanced through a structure that exerts physical stress on the channel. The stress is achieved by a combination of tungsten contacts for the source and drain, epitaxially grown raised source and raised drain, and manipulation of aspects of the tungsten contact deposition resulting in enhancement of the inherent stress of tungsten. The stress can further be enhanced by epitaxially re-growing the portion of the raised source and drain removed by etching trenches for the contacts and/or etching deeper trenches (and corresponding longer contacts) below a surface of the fin. |
| US08975139B2 |
Manufacturing method of silicon carbide semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes: forming a drift layer on a silicon carbide substrate; forming a base layer on or in a surface portion of the drift layer; forming a source region in a surface portion of the base layer; forming a trench to penetrate the base layer and to reach the drift layer; forming a gate electrode on a gate insulation film in the trench; forming a source electrode electrically connected to the source region and the base layer; and forming a drain electrode on a back surface of the substrate. The forming of the trench includes: flattening a substrate surface; and etching to form the trench after flattening. |
| US08975137B2 |
Process of forming slit in substrate
A process of forming a slit in a substrate is provided. A mask layer is formed on a substrate, wherein the mask layer does not include carbon. An etching process is performed to be substrate by using the mask layer as a mask, so as to form a slit in the substrate. The etching gas includes Cl2, CF4 and CHF3, a molar ratio of CF4 to CHF3 is about 0.5-0.8, and a molar ratio of F to Cl is about 0.4-0.8, for example. Further, the step of performing the etching process simultaneously removes the mask layer. |
| US08975136B2 |
Manufacturing a super junction semiconductor device
A super junction semiconductor device includes a semiconductor portion with a first surface and a parallel second surface. A doped layer of a first conductivity type is formed at least in a cell area. Columnar first super junction regions of a second, opposite conductivity type extend in a direction perpendicular to the first surface. Columnar second super junction regions of the first conductivity type separate the first super junction regions from each other. The first and second super junction regions form a super junction structure between the first surface and the doped layer. A distance between the first super junction regions and the second surface does not exceed 30 μm. The on-state or forward resistance of low-voltage devices rated for reverse breakdown voltages below 1000 V can be defined by the resistance of the super junction structure. |
| US08975133B2 |
Capacitors positioned at the device level in an integrated circuit product and methods of making such capacitors
One illustrative integrated circuit product disclosed herein includes a metal-1 metallization layer positioned above a semiconducting substrate, a capacitor positioned between a surface of the substrate and a bottom of the metal-1 metallization layer, wherein the capacitor includes a plurality of conductive plates that are oriented in a direction that is substantially normal relative to the surface of the substrate, and at least one region of insulating material positioned between the plurality of conductive plates. |
| US08975132B2 |
Semiconductor device with isolation layer, electronic device having the same, and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device with an isolation layer buried in a trench includes an interface layer formed on the surface of the trench, a buffer layer formed in the interface layer at a bottom corner of the trench, a liner layer formed over the interface layer, and a gap-fill layer gap-filling the trench over the liner layer. The trench includes a micro-trench formed at the bottom corner thereof, and the buffer layer fills the micro-trench. |
| US08975130B2 |
Methods of forming bipolar devices and an integrated circuit product containing such bipolar devices
One method disclosed herein includes performing at least one common process operation to form a plurality of first gate structures for each of a plurality of field effect transistors and a plurality of second gate structures above a region where a bipolar transistor will be formed and performing an ion implantation process and a heating process to form a continuous doped emitter region that extends under all of the second gate structures. A device disclosed herein includes a first plurality of field effect transistors with first gate structures, a bipolar transistor that has an emitter region and a plurality of second gate structures positioned above the emitter region, wherein the bipolar transistor comprises a continuous doped emitter region that extends laterally under all of the plurality of second gate structures. |
| US08975126B2 |
Fabricating method of thin film transistor
A thin film transistor including a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a patterned doped semiconductor layer, a source and a drain, a gate insulation layer, and a gate is provided. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the substrate. The patterned doped semiconductor layer is disposed on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer. The source and the drain are disposed on the patterned doped semiconductor layer and the opposite sides of the semiconductor layer, wherein a part of the semiconductor layer covered by the source and the drain has a first thickness, a part of the semiconductor layer disposed between the source and the drain and not covered by the source and the drain has a second thickness ranging from 200 Å to 800 Å. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the source, the drain and the semiconductor layer. The gate is disposed on the gate insulation layer. |
| US08975123B2 |
Tunnel field-effect transistors with a gate-swing broken-gap heterostructure
Device structures, fabrication methods, and design structures for tunnel field-effect transistors. A drain comprised of a first semiconductor material having a first band gap and a source comprised of a second semiconductor material having a second band gap are formed. A tunnel barrier is formed between the source and the drain. The second semiconductor material exhibits a broken-gap energy band alignment with the first semiconductor material. The tunnel barrier is comprised of a third semiconductor material with a third band gap larger than the first band gap and larger than the second band gap. The third band gap is configured to bend under an external bias to assist in aligning a first energy band of the first semiconductor material with a second energy band of the second semiconductor material. |
| US08975121B2 |
Methods and apparatus to form thin film nanocrystal integrated circuits on ophthalmic devices
This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit transistors upon three dimensionally formed insert devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three dimensional surfaces with thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic device or incorporated into an ophthalmic device. |
| US08975112B2 |
Device for spraying, method therefor, and organic electronic construction element
The embodiments relate to a device and a method for spraying coatings of organic construction elements. The embodiments relate, in particular, to the spraying of coatings made up of components that do not dissolve in the same solvent, for example, and/or the spraying of a plurality of coatings one after the other. A plurality of spray heads is used, for example one after the other and/or next to one another. |
| US08975110B2 |
Methods of forming a passivation layer
In a composition of forming a passivation layer, the composition includes about 30 to about 60 percent by weight of a mixed polymer resin formed by blending polyamic acid and polyhydroxy amide, about 3 to about 10 percent by weight of a photoactive compound, about 2 to about 10 percent by weight of a cross-linking agent and an organic solvent. The passivation layer formed by using the composition has superior mechanical and physical properties, in which disadvantages of polyimide and polybenzoxazole are compensated by mixing both materials. |
| US08975109B2 |
Solar battery cell and production method thereof
A method for producing a solar battery cell, includes: a first step of forming an insulating film on one face side of a semiconductor substrate; a second step of forming an electrode forming groove in an electrode forming region on the insulating film; a third step of printing an electrode printing paste including metal particles as a main component to a width that covers the electrode forming groove and a region sandwiching the electrode forming groove on the insulating film and that is wider than a width of the electrode forming groove, and then drying the electrode printing paste; and a fourth step of forming an electrode with the width of the electrode forming groove by firing the electrode paste at a temperature that is equal to or higher than a melting point of the metal particles or that is equal to or higher than a eutectic temperature, and accumulating and solidifying the electrode paste on the electrode forming groove. |
| US08975100B2 |
Optical-semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing an optical-semiconductor device, including forming a plurality of first and second electrically conductive members that are disposed separately from each other on a support substrate; providing a base member formed from a light blocking resin between the first and second electrically conductive members; mounting an optical-semiconductor element on the first and/or second electrically conductive member; covering the optical-semiconductor element by a sealing member formed from a translucent resin; and obtaining individual optical-semiconductor devices after removing the support substrate. |
| US08975099B2 |
ESD protection device and method for manufacturing the same
An ESD protection device is manufactured such that its ESD characteristics are easily adjusted and stabilized. The ESD protection device includes an insulating substrate, a cavity provided in the insulating substrate, at least one pair of discharge electrodes each including a portion exposed in the cavity, the exposed portions being arranged to face each other, and external electrodes provided on a surface of the insulating substrate and connected to the at least one pair of discharge electrodes. A particulate supporting electrode material having conductivity is dispersed between the exposed portions of the at least one pair of discharge electrodes in the cavity. |
| US08975098B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting element and method for manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor light emitting element includes preparing a semiconductor stacked layer structure by stacking a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer in this order, forming a second electrode and an insulating layer in this order on the second semiconductor layer, exposing the first semiconductor layer by removing a part of the second semiconductor layer, forming a first electrode by forming a metal layer on the exposed first semiconductor layer and the insulating layer and flattening a surface of the metal layer, forming a first electrode-side bonding layer having a top layer made of Au on the first electrode, preparing a support substrate including a support substrate-side bonding layer having a top surface made of Au, and bonding the first electrode-side bonding layer and the support substrate-side bonding layer. |
| US08975097B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid discharge head
A method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes: forming a first hole which penetrates through a wafer and becomes at least part of a liquid supply port and a second hole which does not penetrate through the wafer and becomes at least part of a cut-off portion from a front side of the wafer; arranging a dry film on the front side of the wafer; forming a flow passage forming member by heating and developing the dry film; and cutting off the liquid discharge head from the wafer by grinding the wafer from a back side so that the second hole penetrates through the wafer. |