US08386106B2
A starting method of an internal combustion thermal engine of a vehicle with hybrid propulsion provided with a transmission equipped with a twin-clutch gearbox and a reversible electric machine connected to a first primary shaft; the starting method including the steps of: making the electric machine work as an engine for producing a torque; partially closing a first clutch connected to the first primary shaft in order to make the first clutch itself slip to transmit part of the torque generated by the electric machine to a drive shaft of the thermal engine; engaging a gear coupled to a second primary shaft to mechanically connect the second primary shaft itself to the driving wheels; and closing partially a second clutch connected to the second primary shaft in order to make the second clutch itself slip and transmit part of the torque generated by the electric machine to the driving wheels.
US08386098B2
The present invention relates to image satellite planning, and more particularly to a method for allowing a deeper search for high value targets in a time-limited planning environment. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of computing an ordered subset of targets includes using an approximation for the time needed for the satellite to re-orient to a new target, rather than calculating each maneuver time between targets. By approximating the maneuver time rather than calculating it, the calculation time is reduced. Each iteration through the traveling salesman problem takes less time, and more iterations can be accomplished between imaging windows. The iterative process can search deeper into the traveling salesman problem to find a better solution.
US08386094B2
A taxi brake inhibit system overcomes problems of discontinuities in pedal “feel” that can occur by use of a taxi brake inhibit system, by adding a new pedal “feel” logic in which twice the brake force is commanded for a given brake pedal application when taxi brake inhibit is active. The taxi brake inhibit system relies upon two different brake force vs. brake pedal application curves to compensate for the difference in deceleration that is achieved for a given brake pedal application depending upon whether the taxi brake inhibit is active or inactive. Such system effectively eliminates undesirable deceleration bumps, yaw effects and changes in pedal feel during braking. The taxi brake inhibit feature is also shut off to both fore-aft brake pairs if any non-normal taxi brake inhibit condition exists on either fore-aft brake pair.
US08386090B1
A system and method for wireless remote operation of an accessory associated with a vehicle includes: providing a wireless remote control transmitter device for transmitting a plurality of signals, and a wireless remote control receiver device including a signal receiver for receiving the plurality of signals from the wireless remote control transmitter device, an input in electrical communication with a vehicle key switch device, and an output in electrical communication with the accessory; providing, by the vehicle key switch device, power to the wireless remote control receiver device in response to receiving a vehicle operation code from a vehicle key and movement of the vehicle key switch device from an OFF position to an ON position; and controlling, by the wireless remote control receiver device, the accessory based on the plurality of signals received from the wireless remote control transmitter device.
US08386086B2
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention allow an energy consumption index to be generated from DR response data and influencer data. The energy consumption index may indicate the energy consumption of a consumer before receiving a DR signal, the change in the consumption after the consumer receives a DR signal, and the consumer's propensity to respond to a DR signal. Systems and methods consistent with the present invention also allow energy providers to monitor, forecast, and plan for changes in consumer demand for energy. Various energy planning tools may facilitate an energy provider's ability to monitor, forecast, and plan for such changes.
US08386085B2
A method of operating a wind turbine, comprising the steps of measuring a meteorological value and using the measured meteorological value to preset a desired value for the turbine operation, to select an operation condition and/or to determine a boundary condition for the turbine operation, wherein the measured meteorological value is an air mass flow caused by the wind.
US08386084B2
An object is to prevent a mistaken shutoff caused by the mistaken registration of an appliance of which an amount of gas used changes. An individual flow registration maintenance unit maintains a registered flow rate deleted due to an increase/decrease in flow rate, again, performs determination on the flow rate maintained when a new flow rate is registered or a flow rate added with the maintained flow rate, and in the case where it is regarded to be the same, re-register the maintained flow rate.
US08386069B2
A method of synchronizing a pickup of a handling device, a computer readable medium and a control device are disclosed. During movement, a pickup of a multi-axis handling device is synchronized with an object to be picked up which is carried along by a conveyor device. Furthermore, the pickup is synchronized with a moving conveyor device in order to put the object down onto the conveyor device. The pickup is synchronized along a computationally-determined polynomial path of at least the 3rd order between a starting point and a destination point.
US08386060B2
An apparatus for remotely operating a computer using a combination of voice commands and finger movements. The apparatus includes a microphone and a plurality of control elements in the form of touch-sensitive touchpads and/or motion-sensitive elements that are used to operate the computer and to move an on-screen cursor. At least one touchpad is used to selectively switch between a command-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words as commands for operating the computer and any software applications being used, and a text-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words literally as text to be inserted into a software application. The apparatus is ergonomically designed to enable it to be easily worn and to enable a user to operate a computer from a standing, sitting or reclining position. The apparatus can be used to operate a computer for traditional computing purposes such as word processing or browsing the Internet, or for other purposes such as operating electronic devices such as a television and/or other household appliances. The apparatus eliminates the need for a keyboard and a mouse to operate a computer. In addition, the apparatus cart be used as a telephone.
US08386057B2
An electrode for interventional purposes, such as a cardiac pacemaker, neurostimulation, or ICD electrode, comprises an elongate electrode body (6), at least one electrode pole (5) in the area of the distal end (4) of the electrode body (6) for delivering an intervention pulse, at least one supply line (7) running in the electrode body (6) to the at least one electrode pole (5), and an electrode sheath (8) for insulating the supply line (7). The first and/or second material is produced in such a way that it contains conductive particles embedded in a polymer matrix in a concentration which is greater than or equal to the percolation threshold.
US08386050B2
A system and method for a neural interface system with integral calibration elements may include a sensor including a plurality of electrodes to detect multicellular signals, an interface to process the signals from the sensor into a suitable control signal for a controllable device, such as a computer or prosthetic limb, and an integrated calibration routine to efficiently create calibration output parameters used to generate the control signal. A graphical user interface may be used to make various portions of the calibration and signal processing configuration more efficient and effective.
US08386047B2
An implantable hermetic system includes a hermetic case and a hermetic feedthrough sealed into an aperture in the case. The hermetic feedthrough includes vias which form electrically conductive paths through the hermetic feedthrough. A header that includes integral interconnection contacts is attached to the case. The vias are electrically joined to the interconnection contacts.
US08386040B2
Systems and methods for providing a variable pumping stroke from a pump comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston. In one embodiment, the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber, and the pump outlet is similarly in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber.
US08386038B2
The disclosure describes techniques for delivering vagal stimulation to decrease the ventricular rate response during an atrial tachyarrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. Decreasing the ventricular rate response during an atrial tachyarrhythmia may facilitate increased ventricular pacing for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and may also reduce the likelihood of inappropriately detecting a ventricular tachyarrhythmia during the atrial tachyarrhythmia. Furthermore, the vagal stimulation may augment vagal tone, which may facilitate long term left ventricular reverse remodeling and decrease atrial and ventricular arrhythmic burden in heart failure patients. An example system that delivers CRT comprises a processor that detects an atrial tachyarrhythmia in one or more atria of the heart, and monitors at least one of a ventricular rate or degree of ventricular pacing subsequent to the detected atrial arrhythmia. The processor controls a stimulation generator to deliver vagal stimulation based on the least one of a ventricular rate or degree of ventricular pacing.
US08386036B2
A medical device programmer and a method of operation in which a first data value is received and used in the execution of one or more algorithms. One or more suggested pulse generator settings are calculated from the one or more algorithms based on the first data value, and the one or more suggested pulse generator settings are displayed on an interactive display screen of the medical device programmer. In one embodiment, the first data value is a duration interval of a QRS complex. From the duration interval, suggestions are made as to one or more ventricular chambers in which to provide pacing pulses. Additionally, pacing intervals for an AV delay are suggested based on measured P-R intervals, or pacing intervals for an LV offset are suggested based on a measured duration interval of a V-V-interval between a right ventricular event and a left ventricular event.
US08386033B2
Detection of T wave oversensing in an ICD is accomplished in order to prevent improper application of treatment to a patient. The ICD device senses for electrical impulses representing the R waves of a beating heart. In some instances the ICD device will sense T waves that it will assume to be R waves, because the ICD device expects or assumes that such sensed signals are R waves. Time intervals between each detected, assumed R waves are measured and a list of intervals is generated. The list is transformed into its frequency domain equivalent and analyzed for peaks and randomness criteria to determine whether T wave oversensing has occurred.
US08386031B2
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a biodegradable, self-powered medical device for preventing or reducing reperfusion injury, comprising a galvanic cell, the galvanic cell comprising: a first biodegradable electrode member; and a second biodegradable electrode member comprising a biodegradable conductive polymer and an electrode-releasable therapeutic agent, wherein the galvanic cell generates an electric force sufficient to cause the electrode-releasable therapeutic agent to be released from the biodegradable conductive polymer and elute to a target location. The device may further include a reservoir material containing a burst-release therapeutic agent.
US08386027B2
Devices, systems, kits and methods for increasing the skin's permeability controlled by measured skin electrical parameter are described herein. They may be used for transdermal drug delivery and/or analyte extraction or measurement. The controlled abrasion device contains (i) a hand piece, (ii) an abrasive tip, (iii) a feedback control mechanism, (iv) two or more electrodes, and (v) an electrical motor. The feedback control mechanism may be an internal feedback control mechanism or an external feedback control. The kit contains the controlled abrasion-device, one or more abrasive tips, optionally with a wetting fluid. The method for increasing the skin's permeability requires applying the controlled abrasion device to a portion of the skin's surface for a short period of time, until the desired level of permeability is reached. Then the abrasion device is removed, and a drug delivery composition or device or an analyte sensor is applied to the treated site.
US08386022B2
A tracker device of the type is associated with a surgical instrument and being trackable in space by a CAS system such that a position of the surgical instrument is calculable. A support is adapted to be connected to the surgical instrument. Optical elements are mounted to the support in a first pattern so as to be detectable by the CAS system along a first range of visibility. Other optical elements are mounted to the support in a second pattern so as to be detectable by the CAS system along a second range of visibility, with the first range of visibility and the second range of visibility having at most a common portion, whereby a position of the surgical instrument is tracked within the first and the second range of visibility as a function of the detection of any one of the patterns of the optical elements.
US08386003B2
A portable medical device has a medical measuring apparatus and an elastic mounting portion. The medical measuring apparatus has a body. The body has a mounting mechanism. The elastic mounting portion is arched, adapted to be mounted around a subject's wrist or arm and has two edges and an attaching mechanism. The two edges are opposite to each other and define a gap for placement of the subject's wrist or arm. The attaching mechanism detachably engages the mounting mechanism of the body of the medical measuring apparatus. Thus the portable medical device is convenient for daily use and for carrying on a subject by simply mounting around the subject's wrist or arm by the elastic mounting portion.
US08385999B1
Methods of processing venous oxygen saturation and hematrocrit information in an implantable sensor are provided. In an embodiment a method for collecting data from an implantable multi-wavelength SvO2 sensor having multiple light sources is provided. The method includes receiving a frame signal that indicates a beginning of the light sources being turned on and receiving a light source signal that indicates a light source is on. The output of a photodetector is sampled to measure the intensity of the transmitted light. The process is repeated for each light source to gather intensity measurements that then can be used to generate venous oxygen saturation and hematocrit measurements.
US08385993B2
In an embodiment a resilient lever is placed between the top body and the bottom body of a flip top electronic apparatus. The axles of the lever are located so that a front edge of the top body stays near the bottom body during the movement of the top body over a keypad on the bottom body. An end of the top body jumps or slides over the bottom body, e.g. keyboard. The resilient feature gives the locking effect in the open and closed positions of the apparatus. There can be one, two or more resilient members. In an embodiment a rail is positioned to the bottom body. A resilient follower is attached to the top body. The resilient follower is also attached to the rail. Thereby these elements bound top body's front edge to the bottom body. The first body portion can be a top body having a display chassis, for example a lid. The second body portion can be a bottom body having a keyboard or a keypad, for example the second body portion can be an engine block having a chassis. Thereby the first body portion slides or jumps over the second body portion so that a user can comfortable hold the apparatus. The fingers do not discomfort the visibility of the display. The bodies are substantially parallel with respect to each other.
US08385992B2
Apparatus for a portable electronic device, the apparatus comprising a base member, a user input interface, and a user output interface. The user output interface is configured to extend along mutually perpendicular longitudinal and lateral axes of the apparatus. The user input interface comprises a QWERTY input configured to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus is configured to provide a first configuration in which the user input interface is housed between the base member and the user output interface, and a second configuration in which the user input and output interfaces have been laterally slid in opposing directions with respect to the base member.
US08385989B2
A fascia member (200) for a wireless telecommunication device (700) or other electronic device includes a thin, flexible membrane (201) having a transparent, reinforcing member (212) coupled thereto. The thin, flexible membrane (201) includes a transparency region (203) and a deflectable key region (204). The thin, flexible membrane (201) may thus serve as a major front face for the wireless telecommunication device (700) with no break lines between display and keypad. Printing on one side of the thin, flexible membrane (201) provides alphanumeric indicia (207) and graphical designs for the wireless telecommunication device (700). Printing may also be applied to the transparent, reinforcing member (212).
US08385987B2
An apparatus and method for reducing current consumption in a portable terminal with a flexible display are provided. The apparatus includes at least one camera mounted on a first region of the portable terminal, a flexible display including a first area defined in the first region including the mounted camera and a second area defined in a second region not including the mounted camera, when the portable terminal is bent, and a controller for controlling the flexible display. If the image photographed through the camera includes a face image when the portable terminal is bent, information data is displayed on the first area and null data is displayed on the second area. If the image photographed through the camera does not include a face image when the portable terminal is bent, the null data is displayed on the first area and the information data is displayed on the second area.
US08385986B2
A mobile terminal and power source controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which power consumption can be efficiently controlled in a low power mode. The present invention includes calculating a remaining power level of a power supply unit, if the calculated remaining power level is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference, entering a power saving mode, if the power saving mode is entered, activating a basic operation related module, if the power saving mode is entered, comparing a power consumption level required for a designated operation execution to the calculated remaining power level, and if the remaining power level is equal to or higher by a predetermined level or more than the power consumption level as a result of the comparing step, outputting designated operation execution possibility indication information.
US08385981B2
A system and method for more accurately and easily recording signatures electronically/digitally. The preferred signing experience is generating a “wet” signature by putting a pen to paper as a pen and paper are ubiquitous and portable as well as familiar to most people. The present invention preserves this experience while combining it with a digital rendering of a document using conventional mobile communication devices having a camera feature in order to record a wet signature of a user and store a digital representation of the document that includes the recorded wet signature in the signature block of the document.
US08385980B2
The present invention is a housing of a mobile communications device that is entirely covered in pixels. The pixels allow the appearance of the housing to be customized or changed as a user desires. The pixels can be part of an active matrix or passive matrix LCD display that comprises the entire housing. A logic unit on the device allows the appearance of the housing to be selected, created, or downloaded.
US08385977B2
A communication system and method that combines with direct high data rate links at least one content distribution networks with a number of base stations of at least one cellular communication networks. In preferred embodiments the high data rate direct communication links between the content distribution networks and the base stations include millimeter wave radio links and the cellular communication networks are provided with third or fourth generation communication equipment providing data rates in excess of 40 Mbps. In a preferred embodiment millimeter wave links operating at data rates in the range of about 1.25 Gbps or greater in frequency ranges of within the range of 71 GHz to 86 GHz provide communication channels between base stations and points of presence of the content distribution network.
US08385972B2
A medication delivery apparatus for use with a medication container includes a housing, a fluid conduit at least partially extending within the housing and configured to deliver medication within the medication container to a patient, a medication port extending from the housing and configured to be coupled to a fluid outlet of the medication container, the medication port being fluidically coupled to the fluid conduit, and at least one sensor disposed within the housing to generate information characterizing administration of the medication for processing by a remote data collection system. The housing can have a size and shape that enables it to be supported by a first hand of a user while the user administers the medication from the medication container via the medication port using a second hand of the user. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described.
US08385970B2
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a device is capable of operating at a first bandwidth or a second bandwidth, and further capable of operating using a communication method intolerant to operation at the first bandwidth. If operation using a communication method intolerant to operation at the first bandwidth is desired, the device transmits an assertion of intolerance of operation at the first bandwidth to one or more devices on the network to cause the one or more devices on the network to switch operation at the second bandwidth.
US08385969B2
In a cellular radio system Transmission Power Control (TPC) power offset is set so that it is adjusted for each transmitting radio base station based on available relevant measurements that reflect the quality of the downlink channel carrying the uplink TPC command whereby an improved performance is obtained. The TPC power offset can for example be based on an estimated uplink Dedicated Physical Control CHannel (DPCCH) SINR, the number of TPC “up” and the number of TPC “down” sent by a radio base station and aggregated UE receiver power or UE transmit power over a number N slots. Also a mobile station used in a cellular radio system supporting soft handover may be adapted to apply TPC discarding thresholds based on the number and the quality of simultaneously received TPC commands. The discarding procedure in the mobile station may also be carried out selectively such that TPC commands that are determined to be unreliable are not discarded but selectively discarded based on how reliable they are determined to be.
US08385968B2
To control precoding of a terminal in a serving base station, a first codeword that maximizes transmission power of the serving base station is determined by a codebook, and an index of a second codeword that minimizes interference to the neighboring base station is transmitted from the neighboring base station. The serving base station transmits an index of the first codeword, an index of the second codeword, and a combination ratio of a precoding matrix corresponding to the index of the first codeword and a precoding matrix corresponding to the index of the second codeword to the terminal.
US08385963B2
Disclosed is a portable terminal apparatus in which there is provided a storage unit in which the setting of automatic holding of a right to talk is stored and held. In response to detection of depression of a right to talk acquisition key prepared in advance, a CPU references the setting of the automatic holding of a right to talk stored in the storage unit and, if the automatic holding of a right to talk is effective, comes into a waiting state of the right to talk acquisition, tries to acquire the right to talk at a predetermined interval, and repeats this operation until the right to talk is successfully acquired. Once acquired, the right to talk is held until a right to talk automatic holding time stored in the storage unit elapses.
US08385961B1
There are provided measures for cell search and synchronization. Such measures may exemplarily comprise acquiring an observation signal for a carrier signal on a carrier which is under consideration for synchronization with a desired cellular system, calculating a power measure of the observation signal, which indicates a received power of said carrier signal, calculating a non-circularity measure of the observation signal, which indicates a non-circularity of said carrier signal, and calculating a ranking measure, which indicates an applicability of said carrier for synchronization with the desired cellular system, based on the calculated power measure and the calculated non-circularity measure.
US08385948B2
In a method of improved positioning of user equipments in a telecommunication system comprising at least one user equipment in communication with a core network node via a radio access network node, in response to a user equipment positioning event for said at least one user equipment performing the following steps. Providing S10 user equipment identification data in the core network node for each at least one user equipment, the data comprising at least a parameter indicative of a type for the user equipment, a confidence reporting principle, a geographical reporting format type, and a positioning method, associated with said user equipment type. Providing S20 positioning information in the core network node from the radio access network node based on the positioning event. The positioning information comprising a geographical format representative of the geographic position of the user equipment, and a positioning method applied in at least the radio network node. Subsequently, determining S30 the type of the at least one user equipment, from information signaled to the core network node. Finally, correcting/adapting S40 the provided positioning information based on the provided user equipment identification data, a predetermined desired output geographical format, the determined user equipment type and the applied positioning method, whereby an improved positioning for the user equipment is enabled in the core network node.
US08385942B1
A method operable at a device to trigger on observable events, to evaluate a process, to present a flow to an end-user, to record the end-user's responses, and transmit the responses to a server. A Resident Intelligence serves all of the instances of end-user interface clients with Decision Logic. Decision Logic determines when data should be transmitted, which flows to launch to capture data, and evaluates conditions under which flow should be launched. Based on the results of the end-user interaction replies, data collection profiles are enabled, disabled, or modified.
US08385941B2
The approximate location of a directed cell of a cellular network is calculated based on locations in the vicinity of which mobile devices were able to detect the directed cell. A mobile device is able to estimate its own location from the approximate locations of one or more directed cells that it can identify. This estimated location of the mobile device may be used to seed its GPS receiver.
US08385932B2
A technique (300) and apparatus for sharing frequency spectrum amongst cognitive radios, without the use of a centralized control, is provided. By determining open segments of available spectrum within a brokered spectrum (306), and determining costs associated with those available segments (307), a CR device can identify an optimal spectral portion (308) within which to transmit (314) and grow (342) a narrowband signal. The occupied bandwidth growth is monitored such that cost associated with the growth does not exceed a cost threshold (341).
US08385931B2
Method and arrangement in a base station for allocating scheduling request resources to a user equipment. The method and arrangement comprises receiving a bearer setup message from the user equipment and sending a first instruction comprising a first scheduling request interval, to be used by the user equipment. Also, a scheduling request is received from the user equipment. The moment of time when data was generated at the user equipment and a periodicity of data generation at the user equipment are estimated. Further, a second scheduling request interval and scheduling request resources to be used by the user equipment is determined, based on the estimated periodicity and moment of data generation at the user equipment, and sent to the user equipment. In addition, a method and arrangement in a user equipment for assisting the base station for allocating scheduling request resources to the user equipment are described.
US08385926B2
A sub-node, such as a repeater station or relay station, equipped with a multi-beam sub-node link antenna. The beams of the sub-node link antenna allow communication between the sub-node and at least two nodes (access points/base stations) 11A-B; 11A-E. The sub-node is further provided with at least one transmitting and receiving coverage antenna to generate coverage in at least one geographical secondary coverage area a; a-c, and a control mechanism that selects one of the nodes to extend the geographical primary coverage area A-B; A-E of the node 11A-B; 11A-E to include the geographical secondary coverage area a; a-c of the sub-node. The invention is also related to a cellular communication network, and a method for generating coverage in a cellular communication network.
US08385924B2
A node may include a receiver configured to receive signals transmitted from a gateway and a logic device coupled to the receiver. The node may also include a memory configured to store label information identifying a data packet stored in the node. The logic device may be configured to receive a message from the gateway, where the message includes label information, and access the memory to identify a data packet based on the label information included in the message. The node may also include a transmitter configured to transmit the data packet to the gateway over a channel shared with a number of other nodes.
US08385922B2
A mobile terminal used in a wireless communication system including a first wireless base station where a handover is not allowed between the same type of wireless base stations and a second wireless base station where a handover is allowed between the same type of wireless base stations, the mobile terminal includes a handover executing unit which executes first handover processing that switches a communication destination of the mobile terminal from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station while communicating with the first wireless base station and a disconnecting unit which disconnects communication between the mobile terminal and the second wireless base station when the communication destination of the mobile terminal has not returned from the second wireless base station to the first wireless base station within a predetermined time.
US08385915B2
A disclosed method for providing service provider information to a user communication device includes determining a telecommunications service provider associated with a targeted node such as a called party telephone number. An indicator of the telecommunications service provider is provided to and displayed by the user communication device. Communication services available to the communication device are then determined based at least in part on the identity of the telecommunications service provider. Indications of the available communication services may be presented to the communication device by audible or visual signals.
US08385912B2
A system and method employs an online site for making stored digital video recordings available for selection and download to a wireless communications device. Upon receipt of a selection for a digital video recording, the system and method causes the selected digital video recording to be wirelessly transmitted to the wireless communications device. The selected digital video recording is also made available to a personal computer associated with the user who made the selection. At least a title of the selected digital video recording is stored in a personal storage account of the user.
US08385904B2
A cellular arrangement where, when a cell phone is in a region where it may be served by two bases stations, it switches its mode of operation to space-time coding where the space diversity for such coding is obtained by using the antennas of the two base stations.
US08385902B2
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for remotely operating one or more peripheral devices of a wireless device using a server and client architecture. In one aspect, the system may comprise a wireless device that includes a processor, a memory, a peripheral device, and a server adapted to communicate with the peripheral device; and a removable media device that includes a memory, a processor, and a client adapted to communicate with the server of the wireless device. In another aspect, the method may comprise the steps of emulating a hardware interface on a removable media device; mapping a peripheral device of a wireless device to the interface; mapping a processor of the media device to the peripheral device; wrapping and sending hardware commands from a client of the media device to a server of the wireless device; and executing the commands on the peripheral device.
US08385897B1
A global messaging system and method are described in which the user is able to send and receive unlimited text messages to contacts.
US08385896B2
A server exchanges information between one or more wireless devices to complete a transaction. The server receives second device identifier information from a first wireless device using a wide area network. The second device identifier information was previously provided to the first wireless device using short range wireless communication. The server then uses the second device identifier information to determine additional information concerning an entity or object located in proximity to the second device, and then the server delivers information to the first wireless device based at least in part upon both (a) the second device identifier and (b) a current step in a multiple step process for an ongoing electronic commerce transaction.
US08385891B2
A method for backing up and re-transmitting voice messages being transmitted during a call from a mobile device to an answering machine with a dedicated address in a network includes measuring the transmission quality between the mobile device and the answering machine while a connection is established between the mobile device and the answering machine, recording the voice message in the mobile device while it is being transmitted to the answering machine, after the call has ended and the mobile device has disconnected from the network, creating a data message in the mobile device containing the recorded voice message and the address of the called device, setting up a connection from the mobile device to the network, and sending the data message.
US08385890B2
A system for broadcasting wireless data service in a mobile communication system includes sending a request call for a wireless data service from a mobile terminal to a mobile switching center, identifying whether the terminal is registered in the mobile switching center, transmitting authentication code information indicating that the terminal is registered in the base transceiver station, and releasing the corresponding call in the terminal receiving the authentication code information and receiving the wireless service data. The authentication code information may include a Walsh code and a long code necessary for allowing the terminal to reconstitute the data. Through this case information, the system can broadcast wireless service data throughout an entire region and be assured that only mobile terminals storing compatible code information will be able to access the data.
US08385882B2
A system for broadcasting wireless data service in a mobile communication system includes sending a request call for a wireless data service from a mobile terminal to a mobile switching center, identifying whether the terminal is registered in the mobile switching center, transmitting authentication code information indicating that the terminal is registered in the base transceiver station, and releasing the corresponding call in the terminal receiving the authentication code information and receiving the wireless service data. The authentication code information may include a Walsh code and a long code necessary for allowing the terminal to reconstitute the data. Through this case information, the system can broadcast wireless service data throughout an entire region and be assured that only mobile terminals storing compatible code information will be able to access the data.
US08385880B2
Provided herein is a mobile communicator that includes a contact operable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and positioned to complete an electric circuit when the contact is in the closed position thereby activating the mobile communicator and providing the mobile communicator with functionality. The mobile communicator includes a display, a notification mechanism for alerting a user, a user interface configured for allowing a user to enter a plurality of destination inputs, the plurality of destination inputs associated with an alphanumeric combination of numbers and letters, a transmitter in operable communication with the user interface and configured to send a transmission from the mobile communicator to a destination corresponding with the destination input, a receiver capable of receiving a transmission from a transmitting device and an enabling system. Further, the mobile communicator includes an initial default disabled state, wherein at least one of a plurality of functions are disabled. The mobile communicator remains in the initial default disabled state even when the contact is in the closed position and the activating electrical circuit is complete. A logic of the enabling system is configured to change the initial default disabled state of the mobile communicator to an enabled state, wherein the at least one of the plurality of functions become enabled, when a hands-free mode of the mobile communicator is activated.
US08385874B2
Provided are a direct sampling circuit and a receiver using a discrete time analog process and having a filter effect of a steep attenuation characteristic in a narrow-pass band without lowering a sampling rate. In a discrete time direct sampling circuit (13), the positive phase side and the inverse phase side are both sampled by a local signal for a differential current output of a differential voltage/current conversion unit (1011) and electric charge is accumulated in a charge sampling capacitor. The latest accumulated charge at the positive phase side and charge accumulated at the inverse phase side before a predetermined number of samples are combined with the charge accumulated in a history capacitor (1043) in the past. Thus, it is possible to realize equivalently high-degree FIR filter characteristic.
US08385867B2
In one embodiment, a set of tracking filters to be coupled between an amplifier and a mixer is provided. The tracking filters may be differently configured depending on band of operation. For example, a first set of the filters can be configured to maintain a substantially constant Q value across their operating bandwidth while a second set of the filters can be configured to maintain a substantially constant bandwidth across their operating bandwidth.
US08385866B2
A diversity receiver includes a plurality of receiver circuits that are configured to receive and process the received radio frequency signals. A channel estimator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of receiver circuits and is configured to determine at least one channel estimation value for the received radio frequency signals. A controller is coupled to the channel estimator and to at least one of the plurality of receiver circuits and is configured to selectively activate or deactivate the at least one of the plurality of receiver circuits based on the determined at least one channel estimation value.
US08385864B2
Adaptively processing an input signal, such as an input signal of a hearing aid. The input signal is passed through an adaptive time domain filter to produce an output signal. At least one of the input signal and the output signal is used as an analysis signal. The analysis signal is transformed into a transform domain to produce a transformed analysis signal, which is analyzed to produce a desired gain for each respective transform domain sub-band. A minimum phase time domain filter characteristic is synthesized which approaches the desired gains. The adaptive filter is updated with the synthesized filter characteristic.
US08385862B2
It has now been found that in some transmitter implementations which transmit multiple code channels, for example CDMA transmitters, the observed power for each code channel at the output relative to the other code channels is dependent upon the total transmit power due to non-linearities in the transmitter. Methods and apparatus are provided which use pre-set digital gains or digital gain adjustments to compensate for the non-linearities as a function of total transmit power such that at the output, the desired relative powers are observed.
US08385854B2
A device including a gain control element coupled prior to or within a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier (PA) with an adaptive parametric PA protection circuit is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes a gain control element coupled prior to a radio frequency power amplifier with a power stage with corresponding transistor breakdown threshold values, having an adaptive parametric PA protection circuit configured to receive at least one power stage drain-source voltage parameter value, at least one power stage drain-gate voltage parameter value, and at least one power stage drain-source current parameter value, and including an adaptive parametric PA protection circuit having a first section for processing the parameter values and a second section for generating a gain correction signal to adjust the gain control element with optimal power added efficiency (PAE) for the power stage within the corresponding transistor breakdown threshold values.
US08385851B2
A radio communication method includes generating a first transmit RF signal and a second transmit RF signal from a data signal to be transmitted. Each of the first and second transmit RF signals have a power spectrum in symmetric shape in the frequency domain. The first transmit RF signal and the second transmit RF signal are transmitted at a different time. The first transmit RF signal and the second transmit RF signal are received to generate a first received RF signal and a second received RF signal. The data signal from the first received RF signal and the second received RF signal are reproduced.
US08385844B2
A wireless transceiver includes an antenna array that transmits an outbound RF signal containing outbound data to remote transceivers and that receives an inbound RF signal containing inbound data from the remote RF transceivers, wherein the antenna array is configurable based on a control signal. An antenna configuration controller generates the control signal to configure the antenna array to hop among a plurality of radiation patterns based on a hopping sequence. An RF transceiver section generates the outbound RF signal based on the outbound data and that generates the inbound data based on the inbound RF signal. In one configuration, a switching section selectively couples a selected one of the antennas in the array to the RF transceiver section, based on the control signal. In another configuration, the RF transceiver section includes an RF section for each antenna in the array.
US08385841B2
A transceiver, receiver, and transmitter are provided. The transmitter includes an in-phase path for an in-phase signal, a quadrature path for a quadrature signal, a first path associated with a first local frequency, a second path associated with a second local frequency, and a band selector for swapping the in-phase and quadrature paths with respect to the first and second paths so that one of the in-phase and quadrature paths communicates with the first path and the other communicates with the second path. The receiver includes an in-phase path, a quadrature path, a polyphase filter having first and second inputs and first and second outputs, and a selector for swapping the in-phase and quadrature receive paths to switch connection between the in-phase and quadrature receive paths and the first and second inputs. The transceiver may include the receiver and the transmitter.
US08385838B2
A method of transmitting feedback information in a multiple antenna system is provided. The method includes selecting at least one subband selected from a plurality of subbands according to subband preset information, the subband preset information being a preset on data processing settled for each of the plurality of subbands, and transmitting a subband index of the selected subband. Only a subband index is fed back instead of separately transmitting a precoder index or a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) level index to each UE, thereby reducing feedback overhead.
US08385835B2
System and methods for performing EMI susceptibility testing of a device is disclosed. A system may include an EMI generation unit that includes a plurality of EMI generating devices, where each EMI generating device generates EMI having substantially similar characteristics relative to EMI generated by other EMI generating devices in the system. Each EMI generating device is controlled by a controller that is configured to emulate at least partly a live cellular network.
US08385831B2
In accordance with various embodiments methods, systems and devices are described for transmitting a communication. The described methods include, but are not limited to, detecting spectrum holes and dividing the communication into first and second portions. The methods may also include transmitting the first portion at a first frequency and the second portion at a second frequency. The first and second frequencies may be different from each other, and the first and second frequencies may be within the spectrum holes.
US08385820B2
The present application discloses systems and methods for reducing output-to-input feedback signal interference caused by a forwarding node that is configured to forward information received from a transmitter. In some embodiments, this output-to-input feedback signal interference is compensated for by the transmitter. For example, the transmitter is configured such that the signal that is transmitted by transmitter to the forwarding node includes both (1) a primary signal or ‘desired’ signal (e.g., the signal that is intended for a receiving device) and (2) a filtered version of the primary signal. The filter that produces the filtered version of the primary signal is configured (e.g., the filter's filter weights are adapted) such that the filtered version of the primary signal cancels or reduces the undesired output-to-input feedback signal.
US08385813B2
A media distribution server presenting interactive media on mobile devices and receives mobile user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using softkeys on the mobile device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the mobile device to the user. Further the mobile user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their mobile device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.
US08385808B2
A method and apparatus for managing media trays in an image production device is disclosed that may include determining if a media tray door is open, and if so, starting a timer, determining if a misfeed indication has been set, and if so, determining if the timer has reached a first predetermined value, and if it has not, determining if the media tray door has been closed, and if so, returning the image production device to a pre-media tray opening state. Otherwise, if it is determined that a misfeed indication has been set, determining if the timer has reached a second predetermined value, and if it has not, determining if the media tray door has been closed, and if so, returning the image production device to the pre-media tray opening state.
US08385800B2
A fixing device includes a frame, a pressure arm pivotably supported on the frame, and a nip release lever supported on the pressure arm. The pressure arm can release pressure contact between a heating roller and a pressure roller. The nip release lever can move between a pressing position and a release position so as to move the pressure roller between a position at which the pressure roller applies pressure to the heating roller and a position at which the pressure roller applies no pressure. The nip release lever can be halted in the release position.
US08385798B2
A fixing device including: a fixing member; a pressing member to form a nip portion between the pressing member and the fixing member, wherein the fixing member and the pressing member sandwich a recording medium, fix a toner image on the recording medium and convey the recording medium; a detection unit for detecting that a leading edge of the recording medium is located at the nip portion; a first air jetting unit for separating the recording medium from the fixing member by jetting air only to a position close to the leading edge of the recording medium having passed the nip portion based on the detection result by the detection unit; and a second jetting unit for jetting air to the recording medium whose leading edge has passed through the nip portion.
US08385795B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer belt to which an image is transferred; a belt tension roller having a shaft, around which the transfer belt is looped; a transfer roller that includes a shaft and a recessed portion in an axial direction and faces the belt tension roller by pinching the transfer belt; a first abutting member arranged in the shaft of the transfer roller; and a second abutting member that is arranged on the shaft of the belt tension roller and abuts on the first abutting member.
US08385793B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first image carrier, a second image carrier, an intermediate transfer member disposed facing the second image carrier, a conveyance belt to transport a transfer sheet, disposed facing both the first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member, a first transfer member to transfer a first toner image formed on the first image carrier onto the transfer sheet, a second transfer member to transfer a second toner image formed on the second image carrier onto the intermediate transfer member, and a third transfer member disposed downstream from the second image carrier in a rotation direction of the intermediate transfer member, to transfer the second toner image from the intermediate transfer member onto the transfer sheet transported by the conveyance belt. The first image carrier and the intermediate transfer member inflect the conveyance belt at a first inflection angle and a second inflection angle, respectively.
US08385789B2
A development device, comprising: a casing; a developer reservoir formed at a bottom part of the casing; a developer supply chamber that accommodates the developer; a developer holding body that is provided to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a width direction of the casing and is located on an upper side of the developer reservoir to face an image holding body; a first carry member that is provided in the developer supply chamber to extend in the width direction and to carry the developer to the width direction, a second carry member that is provided on a casing side to extend in the width direction and to carry the developer to the width direction; and a carry substrate that is provided in the casing so that the developer is carried from the developer reservoir to a position facing the developer holding body.
US08385787B2
An image forming apparatus in which a medium container is installed includes a main body, an image forming unit, a medium container a container body at least partially formed of a deformable material, a drawer to hold the medium container thereon and movable between a first position and a second position, a medium transport unit including a medium outlet port provided on a distal end of the medium container, and a medium receiving unit disposed at the second position of the drawer and connected to the medium transport unit provided on the medium container, and a medium transport facilitator mounted on the drawer to contact the medium container set in the drawer from below to move the medium contained in the medium container toward the medium transport unit at the second position.
US08385773B2
A mounting structure of a removable member includes a body; a removable member mounted to and dismounted from the body; a functional member provided at the removable member and having a determined function; a first gear provided at the removable member and transmitting power to the functional member; a second gear provided at the body, and engaging the first gear and transmitting the power to the first gear when the removable member is mounted to the body; and a covering member provided at the body. The covering member moves to an engageable position where the first and second gears are engageable with each other when the removable member is mounted to the body. The covering member covers at least a portion of the second gear from an engagement side of the first gear by moving from the engageable position when the removable member is dismounted from the body.
US08385771B2
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a chassis having a first opening on a first side, photosensitive members, an intermediate transfer belt arranged to have a surface thereof facing the photosensitive members, primary-transfer members, a secondary-transfer roller, a first feed roller, a cleaner device, a waste toner container, which is removably installed in the chassis through the first opening and settled in a position opposite from the photosensitive members across the intermediate transfer belt, a connector, a first feeding path extending in a range between the first feed roller and the secondary-transfer roller, and a second feeding path being formed in clearance between the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner container to convey a recording sheet being inserted through a sheet inlet and merging into the first feeding path in the vicinity of the first feed roller.
US08385752B2
An LD-Driver with a back termination circuit is disclosed. The back termination circuit of the invention provides a transistor as an active device, a current source to provide a bias current to the transistor, and a resistor as a passive element that couples the transmission lines carrying a differential signal thereon. Because the transistor shows a differential resistance of several tens of ohms by providing only a few milli-amperes, the output impedance of the LD-Driver may be substantially matched with the characteristic impedance of the transmission line with lesser additional power consumption.
US08385748B2
To reduce emission of an unintentional electromagnetic wave even if a frequency of a clock signal being output is high, a printed circuit board (10) includes: a substrate (101); signal output circuits (102 and 103) formed on the substrate (101), for outputting a clock signal; power supply wirings (109 and 110) for connecting the signal output circuits (102 and 103) and a power source; and trap filters (107 and 108) provided to the power supply wirings (109 and 110), for attenuating a frequency component corresponding to a frequency of the clock signal.
US08385747B2
A signal equalizer for compensating impairments of an optical signal received through a link of a high speed optical communications network. At least one set of compensation vectors are computed for compensating at least two distinct types of impairments. A frequency domain processor is coupled to receive respective raw multi-bit in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) sample streams of each received polarization of the optical signal. The frequency domain processor operates to digitally process the multi-bit sample streams, using the compensation vectors, to generate multi-bit estimates of symbols modulated onto each transmitted polarization of the optical signal. The frequency domain processor exhibits respective different responses to each one of the at least two distinct types of impairments.
US08385745B2
This invention discloses a method and an apparatus for transmitting/receiving signals in a microwave system, and pertains to the field of communications. The transmitting method comprises receiving and modulating a transmission signal transmitted via an optical fiber; processing the modulated transmission signal to generate RF signal; and separating the RF signal to be transmitted from a signal received via an antenna, and transmitting the separated RF signal via the antenna. The receiving method comprises separating a signal received via an antenna from a signal to be transmitted; processing the received signal after being separated to generate IF signal; demodulating the generated IF signal; and transmitting the received signal after being demodulated via an optical fiber. The transmitting/receiving apparatus comprises an optical fiber signal interface, a signal reception module, a modulation module, an IF-RF transmission module, a duplexer, a control module and a power interface. Use of the optical fiber to transmit the transmission signal and the received signal according to the present invention makes it possible for application of large capacity microwave and also greatly saves production cost.
US08385738B2
A method is provided for routing optical data, which method comprises transmitting optical addressing data to a first network element having routing capabilities, assigning an appropriate optical link connecting the first network element with a second network element where the assignment is based on the optical addressing data, and transmitting the optical data via the assigned optical link.
US08385736B2
An imaging apparatus includes: optical finder means for introducing subject light having passed through an image capturing optical system onto a predetermined mirror at a first angle and guiding light reflected off the predetermined mirror to a finder window; a liquid crystal display disposed in an optical path of the subject light in the optical finder means; and illumination means for illuminating the liquid crystal display with light having a predetermined wavelength, wherein scattered light produced in the liquid crystal display illuminated with the light from the illumination means is incident on the predetermined mirror at a second angle, the finder window is disposed in a path of the scattered light reflected off the predetermined mirror, and the predetermined mirror has reflection characteristics in which spectral reflectance associated with the predetermined wavelength of the light incident at the second angle is lower than the spectral reflectance associated with the predetermined wavelength of the light incident at the first angle.
US08385721B2
Methods and apparatus for easily creating playlists of media programs to be played sequentially, where each program on a playlist either is played in real time, i.e., when broadcast, or is played time-shifted when the program temporally conflicts with one or more other programs on the playlist. When a playlist is played, a user can pause viewing at any time, in which case the methods and apparatus recompute the program sequence of the playlist and schedules program recordings as required.
US08385704B2
The present invention embraces an optical fiber that includes a central core having a graded-index profile with respect to an outer cladding. The optical fiber also includes an inner cladding, a depressed trench, and an outer cladding. The optical fiber achieves reduced bending losses and a high bandwidth with a reduced cladding effect for high-data-rate applications.
US08385701B2
An optical fiber includes a central glass core region comprising maximum refractive index delta percent Δ1, a first inner annular region surrounding said core comprising refractive index delta percent Δ2, a depressed annular region surrounding said inner annular region and comprising Δ3 and a third annular region surrounding the depressed annular region comprising refractive index delta percent Δ4; wherein Δ1MAX>Δ4>Δ2>Δ3. The difference between Δ4 and Δ2 is greater than 0.01 and profile volume, |V3| is at least 60% Δμm2.
US08385696B2
To provide an optical nanofiber resonator having an optical waveguide whose diameter is equal to or smaller than the wavelength of a propagation light, a light emitter disposed at a predetermined position of the optical waveguide, and a first reflector and a second reflector formed in the optical waveguide with the light emitter interposed therebetween, wherein at least one of the first reflector and the second reflector transmits a part of the propagation light. With such a configuration, the channeling efficiency of the light emitted from the light emitter and the propagation mode of the optical waveguide is dramatically improved.
US08385693B2
An optical waveguide is provided comprising a non-solid core layer surrounded by a solid-state material, wherein light can be transmitted with low loss through the non-solid core layer. A vapor reservoir is in communication with the optical waveguide. One implementation of the invention employs a monolithically integrated vapor cell, e.g., an alkali vapor cell, using anti-resonant reflecting optical waveguides, or ARROW waveguides, on a substrate.
US08385690B2
Automated electronic document design systems and methods for appropriately sizing and positioning uploaded user images into predefined image areas in a product design being created in a Web environment. For an image that is not to be cropped when incorporated into the design, the image is sized to fit within the selected image area and positioned in the image area according to a predefined anchor location. The aspect ratio of the original image is maintained. For an image that is available for cropping when incorporated into the design, the image is sized and cropped to create a version of the image that fills the image container.
US08385684B2
Movies to be colorized/depth enhanced (2D->3D) are broken into backgrounds/sets or motion/onscreen-action. Background and motion elements are combined into composite frame which becomes a visual reference database that includes data for all frame offsets used later for the computer controlled application of masks within a sequence of frames. Masks are applied to subsequent frames of motion objects based on various differentiating image processing methods, including automated mask fitting/reshaping. Colors/depths are automatically applied with masks throughout a scene from the composite background and to motion objects. Areas never exposed by motion or foreground objects may be partially or fully realistically drawn/rendered/applied to the occluded areas and applied throughout the images to generate artifact-free secondary viewpoints during 2D->3D conversion. Iterative workflow is eliminated for simple artifact correction through real-time manipulation of images to avoid re-rendering of images and associated delays of sending work product to other workgroups for correction.
US08385679B2
An image enhancement apparatus and method based on luminance information of a pixel. The image enhancement apparatus may determine luminance data of each of a plurality of pixels, and may adaptively determine a conversion ratio according to the luminance data to apply the conversion ratio to an input image, thereby performing image-enhancing. The image enhancement apparatus may adaptively converse the input image according to luminance data, thereby precisely and effectively performing image-enhancing.
US08385676B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various enhanced discrete-universal denoisers that have been developed to denoise images and other one-dimensional, two-dimensional or higher-dimensional data sets in which the frequency of occurrence of individual contexts may be too low to gather efficient statistical data or context-based symbol prediction. In these denoisers, image quality, signal-to-noise ratios, or other measures of the effectiveness of denoising that would be expected to increase monotonically over a series of iterations may decrease, due to assumptions underlying the discrete-universal-denoising method losing validity. Embodiments of the present invention apply context-class-based statistics and statistical analysis to determine, on a per-context-class basis, when to at least temporarily terminate denoising iterations on each conditioning class. Each iteration of the iterative methods applies context-based denoising only for those conditioning classes that statistical analysis indicates remain valid for denoising purposes.
US08385672B2
An image capture system for capturing images of an object, the image capture system comprising a moving platform such as an airplane, one or more image capture devices mounted to the moving platform, and a detection computer. The image capture device has a sensor for capturing an image. The detection computer executes an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in an image immediately after the image is captured and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image. Alternatively, the detection computer sends a signal to the flight management software executed on a computer system to automatically schedule a re-shoot of the image. When the moving platform is an airplane, the detection computer schedules a re-shoot of the image such that the image is retaken before landing the airplane.
US08385670B2
The restoration of images by vector quantization utilizing visual patterns is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises restoring detail in a transition region of an unrestored image, by first identifying the transition region and forming blurred visual pattern blocks. These blurred visual pattern blocks are compared to a pre-trained codebook, and a corresponding high-quality visual pattern blocks is obtained. The high-quality visual pattern block is then blended with the unrestored image to form a restored image.
US08385669B2
Functionality for storing and modifying multi-resolution texture atlases is provided so that applications can expose methods to enable users to access and browse a collection that includes multiple multi-resolution images. The images are stored as thumbnails in a texture atlas having different levels of detail in which the levels are arranged in an image pyramid that includes multiple tiles that are each stored as separate files. The thumbnails are spatially storable as textures in the texture atlas using a fractal layout (which in one illustrative example is a Morton layout) that enables images to be efficiently packed in the tiles. The fractal layout ensures that no more than one tile stores less than a fully packed texture at each level of detail. The same packing order scales across each level of detail in the texture atlas so that layout information is stored for the individual images in the collection only once.
US08385667B2
A video coding system that codes video objects as scalable video object layers. Data of each video object may be segregated into one or more layers. A base layer contains sufficient information to decode a basic representation of the video object. Enhancement layers contain supplementary data regarding the video object that, if decoded, enhance the basic representation obtained from the base layer. The present invention thus provides a coding scheme suitable for use with decoders of varying processing power. A simple decoder may decode only the base layer of video objects to obtain the basic representation. However, more powerful decoders may decode the base layer data of video objects and additional enhancement layer data to obtain improved decoded output. The coding scheme supports enhancement of both the spatial resolution and the temporal resolution of video objects.
US08385658B2
A representation of an object in an image of a live event is detected by matching potential representation of the object against multiple types of templates. For example, the templates can include monochrome data, chrominance and/or luminance data, pixel data of the object from an earlier image, e.g., as a video template, an edge and morphology based template, a model of the object, or a predetermined static texture which is based on an appearance of the object. A weighting function may also be used. In one possible approach, a first type of template is used in an initial search area, and a second type of template is used in a smaller region of the initial search area. Based on a position of the optimum representation of the object in the image, a graphic can be provided in the image, or sensor and/or registration data of a camera can be updated.
US08385636B2
A color processing method includes setting a color gamut constituted by combinations of values of M color components, wherein each combination has a minimum total sum of the values of the M color components among combinations that provide a corresponding one of target colors, and each combination meets a predetermined limitation; obtaining output color signals each having values of the M color components by controlling, within a range meeting the predetermined limit, combinations each providing any of colors within the set color gamut; and generating pairs each having a corresponding one of the output color signals and an input color signal which is in an input color space, corresponds to the corresponding one of the output color signals, represents a color within the set color gamut, and has values of N color components as elements where N is an integer smaller than M.
US08385633B2
Embodiments described herein facilitate or enhance the implementation of image recognition processes which can perform recognition on images to identify objects and/or faces by class or by people.
US08385617B2
An imaging device for dental treatment for use in an instrument for dental treatment with a head to which a rotary cutting tool can be attached. The imaging device for dental treatment comprises: an imaging module with an imaging element; and a mounting section through which the imaging module is detachably attached to the instrument for dental treatment such that the imaging module is on the bottom side or on the lateral side of the head, and that the imaging module is in a posture that causes the imaging axis of the imaging module and the rotary axis of the rotary cutting tool to be substantially parallel.
US08385609B2
Systems, methods, and computer readable media for forming a mugshot from a digital color image are provided in which a dominant face is determined using the digital color image. Person segmentation is also performed using the digital color image. An image and a mask are cropped based on the dominant face thereby forming a cropped image. Rough segmentation is performed on the cropped image. A mask is averaged in projection space based on the cropped image. The mask is refined mask and prepared for the mugshot.
US08385605B2
A system and method for determining if a computer user is a human or a computer program. A computer user is presented with a series of images, the series of images including: at least two related images of an object, at least one of the at least two related images independently processed using an image modifying algorithm; and at least one unrelated image. The computer user is then requested to identify the related images from the series of images. These image identifications are received from the computer user. A determination is made that the computer user is: a human if the image identifications only identify the related images from the series of images; and a non-human if the image identifications do not only identify the related images from the series of images.
US08385603B2
The determination of coherent events in a seismic image is disclosed including the following operational phases: a phase of selecting a segmentation criterion based on a variable and at least one sliding window on the zone and its characteristics, a phase of hierarchical segmentation, for overlapping positions of the sliding window, including a segmentation of the zone into n regions and for each pixel located at least once by a segmentation boundary; a phase of assigning to the non-located pixels a value of indices (EI and EIC) corresponding to a numerical or alphanumeric characteristic non-value; a phase of determining coherent events of the image by thresholding the indices (EI and EIC), that is by selecting only located pixels of the zone corresponding to values lower or higher than a fixed threshold.
US08385602B2
An image processing device and method, a program, and a recording medium whereby the detection precision of a motion vector by the gradient method is further improved. A counter value computing unit acquires the number of valid pixels, the number of pixels having no gradient in the horizontal direction, and the number of pixels having no gradient in the vertical direction from a valid pixel number counter, a no-horizontal-gradient counter, and a no-vertical-gradient counter, computes the ratio between valid pixels within a computation block and one-sided gradient pixels among the valid pixels, and controls the value of a flag which a flag setting unit sets in accordance with the computation results. The flag setting unit sets the value of a gradient flag, and outputs the gradient flag to the subsequent stage. At the subsequent stage, gradient method computation and vector evaluation processing are executed based on the gradient flag. The above can be applied to a signal processing device for performing frame frequency conversion processing from a 24P signal to a 60P signal.
US08385589B2
A web-based image detection system includes: an image capture device, a web browser, a plug-in, and a recognition server. A captured image is processed by the plug-in to assess whether a pre-determined content type is contained with in the image. Once an initial analysis at the browser plug-in detects a pre-determined content type in an image, the image is transmitted to a recognition server for content recognition of the image by content type. The system thus enables users to link documents or other image types to electronic data using only a capture device and a web browser.
US08385586B2
A flat loudspeaker structure is provided. A conductive electrode of a vibrating membrane of a flat speaker unit is disposed on both utmost sides of the flat speaker unit, so as to improve reliability of the flat speaker unit. The utmost conductive electrodes of the flat speaker unit are further grounded to achieve the EMI preventing function and/or thereby prevent a user from a risk of contacting high voltages. The flat speaker unit at least includes a pair of vibrating membranes each having the conductive electrode, a plurality of supporting members, a perforated electrode structure with a plurality of holes, and an insulator layer.
US08385582B2
A damper has ridges and furrows thereon and a through hole therein. The damper includes a carbon nanotube film structure and an amorphous carbon structure. The carbon nanotube film structure defines a number of micropores therein. The amorphous carbon structure is composited with the carbon nanotube structure. The amorphous carbon structure comprises a number of amorphous carbon particles received in the micropores.
US08385573B2
The present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device connection system for a user having an ear canal comprising a housing, electronics disposed in the housing, a cable electrically connected to the receiver and at least one conductive silicone component to electrically connect the electronics to the receiver.
US08385571B2
A circuit for operating a hearing device with a variable operating parameter is disclosed. A storage device for storing operating parameter settings in a starting situation as well as in a target situation and a control unit, which implements a matching of the operating parameter according to a setting of the starting situation to the operating parameter settings of the target situation, is provided. Further, a connection device for connection to a control element and a data processing device for influencing the operating parameter by a user of the hearing device, is provided. The control unit performs the matching of the operating parameter with a minimal matching rate in time segments in which the operating parameter is often influenced by the control element or data processing device, and with a higher matching rate in time segments, in which the operating parameter is rarely influenced or not influenced at all by the control element or data processing device.
US08385570B2
The present invention provides an electret transducer with solar power. The provided electrets transducer includes a solar power supply device, an amplifier circuit having a first input terminal coupled to the solar power supply device and a second input terminal coupled to an audio signal input terminal, and an electret loudspeaker coupled to an output terminal of the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit receives a first voltage level via the first input terminal and boosts the first voltage level to a second voltage level, and receives a first audio signal via the second input terminal and amplifies the first audio signal to a second audio signal. The electret loudspeaker coupled to the output terminal of the amplifier circuit receives the second audio signal and outputs a sound corresponding to the second audio signal.
US08385569B2
An acoustic transducer unit includes a first member having a recess, and a plate-like second member having main surfaces. The second member is bonded to the first member so as to cover the recess and form a housing. A microphone element, which is an acoustic transducer, is accommodated in an internal space of the housing, and an acoustic path is provided between the internal space and an external space of the housing. A conductive electromagnetic-shielding member and terminal members for electrically connecting the microphone element and an external circuit are embedded in a resin body of the first member by insert molding. An electromagnetic shield layer of the second member is electrically connected to the electromagnetic-shielding member.
US08385568B2
A portable electronic device that provides audio sound output from multiple internal speakers to a common output audio opening in a housing of the portable electronic device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the multiple internal speakers are provided in close proximity to one another, such as adjacent to one another, and serve to produce audio sound pertaining to different audio channels. The sound (i.e., pressure waves) produced by each of the internal speakers is directed into a respective acoustic chamber and output via the output audio opening in the housing. Accordingly, the acoustic chambers for the multiple internal speakers can each direct their audio sound output to the same output audio opening in the housing. The respective acoustic chambers can be formed adjacent to one another with a structural barrier serving to separate the distinct acoustic chambers.
US08385561B2
An audio distribution system in one embodiment includes a master device, a powered speaker unit, and an expander device. The master device has an output port for receiving a cable carrying an electrical power signal along with a digital audio signal. The speaker unit includes a first port for receiving the electrical power signal and the digital audio power signal, and a second port for sending the signals. A digital-to-analog converter in the speaker unit converts the digital audio signal to an analog audio signal, and a speaker driver uses the signal to produce sound. The expander device is electrically connectable to the second port of the speaker unit for providing electrical power to one or more further speaker units. In another embodiment, the invention provides a master mixer device and a speaker unit. The master mixer device includes a digital signal processor for receiving and separately processing a speech channel having digital audio containing speech content and a music channel having digital audio containing music content. In an embodiment a powered speaker unit employing a class D amplifier for reproducing sound is further disclosed. A digital power link in port is provided in the powered speaker for receiving a cable carrying a digital audio signal and electrical power.
US08385553B1
Transferring control of a secure element between TSMs comprises a zone master key established between the TSMs that facilitates encryption of a temporary key. The TSMs create the zone master key prior to initiation of transfer of control. Once transfer of control is initiated, the first TSM establishes a communication channel and deletes its key from the secure element. The first TSM creates a temporary key that is encrypted with the zone master key established between the first TSM and the second TSM. The encrypted temporary key is communicated to the second TSM with a device identifier. The second TSM decrypts the temporary key using the zone master key and identifies the user device using the device identifier. The new TSM establishes a communication channel and deletes the temporary key from the secure element. The new TSM then inputs and saves its key into the secure element.
US08385546B2
A system and method for delivering digital media content to a user over a network is disclosed. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention enables multiple types of electronic devices to access the same digital media content for the same end user through the use of a smart card equipped with a license for the digital media content. Depending on the format of the digital media content, devices such as phones, pagers, internet appliances or PDAs can be used to present the digital media content to a user, as can traditional consumer electronic devices such as DVD players and VCRs. The encrypted content may be freely transferred and stored without copyright concerns since the decryption key is generated by the smart card containing the license.
US08385536B2
A system stores a set of telephone numbers dialed by a user. The system selects a subset of telephone numbers from the stored set of telephone numbers as the user's favorite telephone numbers based on one or more first scores, where the one or more scores include a frequency score associated with a frequency that the telephone numbers have been dialed by the user and/or a recency score associated with how recently that the telephone numbers have been dialed by the user. The system stores the list of the user's favorite telephone numbers in memory.
US08385521B2
A method and system for billing a calling party for an unanswered call attempt is provided. A first network component receives a call attempt from the calling party and routes the call attempt to a second network component for establishing a communications link between the calling party and a called party. The second network component redirects the call attempt unanswered by the called party to the voice server. A billing management application, provided for managing the billing of the calling party, detects the redirection of the call attempt and indicates to the first network component to disable billing the calling party for the unanswered call attempt. The billing management application, in communication with the voice server, initiates billing of the calling party based on billing criteria, via the second network component instead of the first network component, for utilizing one or more services provided by the voice server.
US08385513B2
Aspects of the present invention are directed at software for processing a received voicemail message to provide enhanced features in a voicemail system. In one embodiment, a user interface is provided where a callee may generate events to modify audio attributes of a received voicemail message. When an event to modify the audio attributes of the received voicemail message is received, aspects of the present invention obtain a set of event data that describes input generated by the callee. Then, a media player program is used to modify attributes of the data packets in the voicemail message in accordance with the input received from the callee.
US08385512B2
In one embodiment, an equalizer outputs a compensated received signal that flattens the acoustic frequency response characteristic of a handset having a leak tolerant ear piece. A hardware based filter is implemented within the handset having a response matched to the response of the equalizer so that the acoustic and magnetic frequency responses of the handset are substantially flat over the audible frequency range to comply with regulatory requirements.
US08385511B2
In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system that provides for one or more of the following: (a) allows a dial capture alarm communicator to both send event data and provide a voice path to an alarm receiver at the central station; (b) is not integrated into the alarm panel, which allows it to be added to almost any preexisting installation; (c) uses industry-standard event reporting protocols, it can be used with any alarm panel that provides industry-standard event notifications; and/or (d) provides transparent transport for both the voice and the data, meaning that neither the alarm panel nor the alarm communicator at the central station is aware of the communicator's intermediary function.
US08385509B2
A method for extending transmission distance of an ADSL signal includes: increasing power spectral density (PSD) of an ADSL signal when a parameter of the ADSL signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold; and sending the ADSL signal with the increased PSD. A system for extending transmission distance of ADSL signal includes a PSD adjustment determining unit, a PSD adjusting unit and a transmitting unit. A method for promoting transmission rate of an ADSL signal is disclosed as well. The solution extends the coverage of the ADSL signal, and when the CO increases the downlink PSD, the CEP need not to be modified, which reduces the cost.
US08385505B2
In one example, an x-ray tube comprises an evacuated enclosure and a cathode disposed within the evacuated enclosure. An anode is also disposed within the evacuated enclosure opposite the cathode so as to receive electrons emitted by the cathode. A rotor sleeve is coupled to the anode, the rotor sleeve being responsive to applied electromagnetic fields such that a rotational motion is imparted to the anode. A magnetic assist bearing assembly rotatably supports the anode.
US08385501B2
The inspection methods and systems of the present invention are mobile, rapidly deployable, and capable of scanning a wide variety of receptacles cost-effectively and accurately on uneven surfaces. The present invention is directed toward a portable inspection system for generating an image representation of target objects using a radiation source, comprising a mobile vehicle, a detector array physically attached to a movable boom having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is physically attached to the vehicle. The invention also comprises at least one source of radiation. The radiation source is fixedly attached to the distal end of the boom, wherein the image is generated by introducing the target objects in between the radiation source and the detector array, exposing the objects to radiation, and detecting radiation.
US08385499B2
A two dimensional collimator assembly and method of manufacturing thereof is disclosed. The collimator assembly includes a wall structure constructed to form a two dimensional array of channels to collimate x-rays. The wall structure further includes a first portion positioned proximate the object to be scanned and configured to absorb scattered x-rays and a second portion formed integrally with the first portion and extending out from the first portion away from the object to be scanned. The first portion of the wall structure has a height greater than a height of the second portion of the wall structure. The second portion of the wall structure includes a reflective material coated thereon in each of the channels forming the two dimensional array of channels.
US08385498B2
A charge transfer circuit, such as a charge coupled device or other bucket brigade device, which incorporates an amplifier to assist with charge transfer.
US08385495B2
A frame sync detecting circuit and FSK receiver sequentially derive a moving average value (□) from oversample values of a received word pattern, for given symbol periods, and a difference between the moving average value and an average value for the given symbol periods in a given sync word pattern is determined as DC offsets Δf. Subsequently, the DC offset Δf is subtracted from the received word pattern, and correlation processing with respect to the sync word pattern is performed to determine a correlation value (●). If the correlation value exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that a sync word candidate has been received, and symbol values of the received word pattern after the DC offset correction are compared with respective symbol values of the sync word pattern. A sync word pattern detection is determined if errors in the symbols are within a given range.
US08385490B2
A discrete time filter includes a plurality of sampling cells and a first dummy sampling cell. Each of the sampling cells performs a current mode sampling operation based on current input to an input terminal in response to a corresponding one of a plurality of sampling clock signals and is reset in response to a corresponding one of the plurality of sampling clock signals and a first dummy sampling clocks. The first dummy sampling cell alternately performs with the first sampling cell the current mode sampling operation based on current input to the input terminal in response to the first dummy sampling clock signal and is alternately reset with the first sampling cell in response to the first sampling clock signal.
US08385487B2
A diversity receiver and a method of recovering symbols in a diversity receiver system comprises receiving first and second signals at first and second antenna elements. The first signal comprises first and second consecutive symbols modified by a first channel coefficient and the second signal comprises the first and second symbols modified by a second channel coefficient. The first and second signals are delayed and the first and second channel coefficients are estimated by applying the delayed first and second signals to a master Rake finger having first and second outputs for the estimated the first and second channel coefficients. A complex conjugate of the estimated second channel coefficient is produced. First and second composite signals are produced from the delayed first and second signals using a slave Rake finger by decoding the respective delayed first and second signals, producing a complex conjugate of the second composite signal, interleaving the first composite signal and the complex conjugate of the second composite signal and providing an interleaved signal output, and applying said interleaved signal output, the estimated first channel coefficient and the complex conjugate of the estimated second channel coefficient to a space time transmit diversity derotator for the recovery of the first and second symbols.
US08385483B2
A system and method provides adaptive digital front end control of an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal to identify RF characteristics in that signal, such as interference or desired data signals and adaptively control digital filter elements to selectively tune only portions of the RF signal to produce a filtered output signal, on a per cycle basis, prior to communicating the RF signal to an underlying wireless communication device, such as a base station in cellular network, cellular phone, wireless router base station, cognitive radio, or other wireless communication device. Each digital filter element may be tuned in frequency and bandwidth of operation and collectively the elements form an adaptive filter stage with elements configurable into both bandpass and bandstop filters for cascaded operation.
US08385481B2
An apparatus includes: an offset adjustment unit that supplies an offset correction signal corresponding to a frequency switching to an adder unit that receives an output from a mixer; a timing adjustment unit that adjusts the timing of a frequency switching signal supplied to a local oscillator and the timing of an offset correction amount switching signal supplied to the offset adjustment unit for changing an offset amount in correspondence with the frequency switching in the local oscillator; a noise amount measurement and calculation unit that receives a signal obtained by amplifying and filtering of the signal from the adder unit, to measure a noise amount of the signal and generates a timing determination signal based on the measured noise amount; and a control unit that controls the timing of the frequency switching signal and the offset correction amount switching signal supplied to the timing adjustment unit, based on the timing determination signal from the noise amount measurement and calculation unit.
US08385480B2
Disclosed herein is a receiving apparatus including a first correlation value computation section, an operation section, a second correlation value computation section, a decoding section, and a determination section.
US08385479B2
An apparatus and a method for canceling interference based on Maximum Likelihood (ML) at a receiver of a multi-antenna system are provided. The method includes estimating a channel using a signal received over one or more receiver antennas; generating one or more weights using the estimated channel to cancel interference; detecting a candidate symbol having the shortest Euclidean distance through Maximum Likelihood using a first weight; and soft-decoding the candidate symbol using a second weight. Therefore, by receiving the signal based on the ML under the interference, the system capacity can be increased and the reception performance can be enhanced.
US08385474B2
Frequency of an oscillating signal is temporarily adjusted to adjust frequency and/or phase of an output signal. For example, the frequency of the oscillating signal may be adjusted for a very short period of time to adjust the phase of the output signal. In addition, the frequency of the oscillating signal may be temporarily adjusted in a repeated manner to adjust the effective frequency of the output signal. In some aspects the frequency of the oscillating signal is adjusted by reconfiguration of reactive circuits associated with an oscillator circuit.
US08385471B2
This invention relates to a method, a computer program product, a device, and a system, wherein a receiver unit (200,300,300′,500,500′,600,600′) is configured to operate in a single-channel mode and in a multi-channel mode, wherein in the single-channel mode the receiver unit (200,300,300′,500,500′,600,600′) is configured to output exactly one channel of a received signal, and in the multiple-channel mode the receiver unit (200,300,300′,500,500′,600,600′) is configured to output at least two channels of the received signal.
US08385469B2
A low cost high-efficiency all-digital transmitter using all-digital power amplifiers (“DPA”) and various mapping techniques to generate an output signal, which substantially reproduces a baseband signal at a carrier frequency. A baseband signal generator generates a baseband signal which is quantized by a signal processor using a quantization map. A DPA control mapper outputs control signals to phase selectors using the quantized signal and a quantization table. Each phase selector receives one of the control signals and outputs a waveform at a carrier frequency with a phase corresponding to the control signals, or an inactive signal. Each DPA in a DPA array has an assigned weight, receives one of the waveforms from the phase selectors, and outputs a power signal according to the weight of the DPA and the phase of the received waveform. The combined power signal substantially reproduces the baseband signal at the carrier frequency.
US08385462B2
Methods and systems for indexing subband selections are disclosed. The selected subbands can be represented as a binary sequence and the index can be determined by employing a choose function, where a choose function value for a particular selected bit position is defined by a selection occurrence count of the selected bit position that is chosen from a bit position count of the selected bit position. In particular, the index can be the summation of choose function values for each selected bit position.
US08385458B2
A signal processing circuit for compensating for an I/Q amplitude mismatch in which the amplitudes of I- and Q-components of output signals of a quadrature modulator are unequal to or for compensating for an I/Q phase mismatch in which the phase difference between the I- and the Q-components of output signals of the quadrature modulator deviates from 90 degrees. The signal processing circuit comprises an I/Q mismatch compensating part that corrects the amplitude or phase of an input signal based on the compensation amount for compensating for an I/Q amplitude mismatch or an I/Q phase mismatch and that inputs the corrected signal into a quadrature modulator; a test signal generating part that sequentially generates and inputs two sets of combined I- and Q-components of a test signal, which is an AC signal, to the I/Q mismatch compensating part; a detector that determines an amplitude of the envelope of an output signal of the quadrature modulator; a filter that passes those ones of output signals of the detector which have frequencies equal to or lower than a cutoff frequency; and a control part that derives an amplitude or phase compensation amount of the I/Q mismatch compensating part such that the output values of the filter at the time of generating the two respective sets of test signals are equal to each other, the control part then inputting the derived amplitude or phase compensation amount into the I/Q mismatch compensating part.
US08385453B2
A data processing method and a base station for downlink transmit diversity are disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises: obtaining data symbol groups formed by arranging a first type data symbol and a second type data symbol in an interval, wherein the first type data symbol is more important; determining a first antenna port pairing mode corresponding to a current slot; performing, for OFDM symbols including the reference signal in the current slot, an antenna port and subcarrier mapping on symbols in a transmit diversity matrix corresponding to the data symbol groups according to the first antenna port pairing mode, wherein a subcarrier in which a symbol related to the first type data symbol is located is nearer to a subcarrier in which a reference signal at the same antenna port is located; and performing an inverse fast fourier transform and a cyclic prefix insertion processing on symbols mapped to subcarriers and then mapping the time domain symbols to a physical antenna for transmission. According to embodiments of the invention, comparatively important symbols may obtain better protection.
US08385443B2
Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to techniques for constructing a long training field (LTF) sequence in a preamble to reduce a peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) at a transmitter.
US08385439B2
Receivers and methods are provided for polarization mode dispersion compensation in multi-level coded-modulation schemes using a BLAST algorithm and iterative polarization cancellation. A receiver includes a vertical Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time Architecture (V-BLAST) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) detector configured to receive input sequences and partially cancel polarization interference with respect to the input sequences to output symbol estimates for the input sequences. The receiver further includes one or more low-density parity-check (LDPC) decoders coupled to the V-BLAST OFDM detector configured to receive channel bit reliabilities and output code words. The channel bit reliabilities are indirectly calculated from the symbol estimates. The one or more LDPC decoders iteratively provide extrinsic soft information feedback to the V-BLAST OFDM detector to compensate for the polarization interference.
US08385437B2
A transport stream (TS) generating apparatus, a transmitting apparatus, a receiving apparatus, a digital broadcast system having the above, and a method thereof are provided. The digital broadcast system includes a transport stream (TS) generating apparatus which generates a multi transport stream (TS) by multiplexing a normal stream and a turbo stream having a variable coding rate, a transmitting apparatus which re-constructs the multi TS by processing the turbo stream, and transmits the re-constructed multi TS, and a receiving apparatus which receives the re-constructed multi TS, and decodes the normal stream and the turbo stream respectively, to recover normal data and turbo data. Accordingly, a multi TS, which includes normal stream and a turbo stream of various coding rates, can be transmitted and received efficiently.
US08385429B2
A video compression encoder which does not require a video frame buffer is disclosed. Without a frame buffer, incoming pixels can not be compared to pixels previously sent to the decoder. Instead, the disclosed encoder only stores check values for groups of pixels sent. If a group's check value has not changed, the encoder sends a command to the decoder not to change that pixel group. Also, without a frame buffer, an incoming video frame can not be captured and later sent to the decoder as network throughput permits. Instead, if throughput is insufficient to send an encoded group of pixels, the encoder leaves the check value for that group unchanged and sends a command instructing the decoder not to change those pixels. This defers updating that group until the next screen update is sent to the decoder. Grouping of pixels can be done in any fashion, for example; a group can be a single video line, a portion of a line, multiple lines or screen rectangles containing portions of multiple lines.
US08385426B2
A method and apparatus for generating a mosaic program guide. The method comprising; generating I frames from a coded video bit stream; placing each I frame into one of a multiplicity of mosaic windows; and combining the multiplicity of mosaic windows into a mosaic video frame.
US08385424B2
Techniques are described to reduce rounding errors during computation of discrete cosine transform using fixed-point calculations. According to these techniques, an inverse discrete cosine transform a vector of coefficients is calculated using a series of butterfly structure operations on fixed-point numbers. Next, a midpoint bias value and a supplemental bias value are added to a DC coefficient of the matrix of scaled coefficients. Next, an inverse discrete cosine transform is applied to the resulting matrix of scaled coefficients. Values in the resulting matrix are then right-shifted in order to derive a matrix of pixel component values. As described herein, the addition of the supplemental bias value to the DC coefficient reduces rounding errors attributable to this right-shifting. As a result, a final version of a digital media file decompressed using these techniques may more closely resemble an original version of a digital media file.
US08385423B2
A motion vector detecting device includes: a motion predicting and compensating circuit calculating cost values of a plurality of motion vectors, which is candidates of an optimal motion vector, using a cost function indicating an encoding efficiency with a first pixel precision every prediction mode and calculating the optimal motion vector with a second pixel precision and the cost value of the optimal motion vector with the second pixel precision using a profile of the cost values with the first pixel precision.
US08385420B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for estimating a motion vector using a plurality of motion vector predictors, an encoder, a decoder, and a decoding method. The method includes calculating spatial similarities between the current block and the plurality of neighboring partitions around the current block, selecting at least one of the neighboring partitions based on the calculated spatial similarities, and estimating a motion vector of the selected partition as the motion vector of the current block.
US08385418B2
Herein is described a method of estimating dominant motion between a current frame n and another frame m of an image sequence having a plurality of frames, the method comprising generating integral projections of the images and using gradients of those projections and using differences between the projections. The input may be any sequence of image frames from an image source, such as a video camera, an IR or X-ray imagery, radar, or from a storage medium such as computer disk memory, video tape or a computer graphics generator.
US08385417B2
In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a list 0 motion vector of the co-located block in a first reference picture if the co-located block has the list 0 motion vector and a list 1 motion vector. The first reference picture is a type of reference picture permitted to be located temporally before or after the current picture. The method further includes scaling the selected list 0 motion vector based on temporal distance between the current picture and the first reference picture, and deriving at least one motion vector of the bi-predictive block by applying a bit operation to the scaled motion vector.
US08385416B2
There is disclosed a video encoder and corresponding method for encoding video data for an image block. The video encoder performs a mode decision by performing initial motion estimation on only a subset of possible block sizes to output motion information corresponding thereto, and determining, based upon the motion information corresponding to only the subset of possible of block sizes and upon other image-related analysis data, whether other block sizes are to be evaluated.
US08385413B2
A system, method, and apparatus for time stamping compressed video data is disclosed. A delay parameter is generated and can be encoded with the compressed video, representing the number of picture delay between the decoded sequence and the presented sequence. The presentation time stamp is associated with each of the pictures. The presentation time stamp is a function of the delay parameter and other parameters associated with picture associated therewith.
US08385398B2
The present invention relates to receiver apparatuses and methods of controlling weight adaptation in a receiver of a code multiplex telecommunications system with orthogonal spreading codes, wherein received discrete time signal samples are chip-level filtered by using a first equalizing step. Additionally, the received discrete time signal samples are delayed by a time period corresponding to a data symbol and used in a second equalizing step. Symbol estimates obtained from the first equalizing step are non-linearly filtered and used as a desired response for the second equalizing step in the following symbol period, wherein equalizer weights adapted in the second equalizing step are used for the first equalizing step. Alternatively, the second equalizing step may be dispensed with and weight adaptation may be incorporated in a single equalizing step. As an additional or alternative option, a hybrid equalizer architecture may be provided, where the above two-step equalization is used during an active phase where a channel is allocated, while another weight updating scheme is used during an inactive phase where no channel is assigned. Thereby, detrimental effects of interference power can be reduced at low increase in complexity.
US08385392B2
A network contains a main pipe, a branch pipe leading to the main pipe, an electric data line laid in the main pipe and one laid in the individual connecting pipe, one central data distribution unit and a terminal unit. A data line is introduced into the main pipe and is connected to the data distribution unit, its other end laid in the system of pipes being configured as a transmitting or receive antenna. An additional data line is introduced into the system of pipes via the individual connecting pipe and is connected to the terminal unit with one end and another end is configured as a transmitting or receive antenna. The transmitting or receive antenna of the data line serving as an antenna and the transmitting or receive antenna of the additional data line form a pair of antennas between the antennas of which a radio link exists.
US08385387B2
System and method for equalizing an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed signal having been encoded by spreading subcarriers in the frequency domain using orthogonal codes includes receiving the signal at a receiver (300), demodulating the signal to produce demodulated information, producing a spread frequency domain representation of the demodulated information, determining an equalized representation by adjusting the power and phase of the spread frequency domain representation at least one frequency based on adjustment values, de-spreading the equalized spread frequency domain representation using the orthogonal codes to produce a de-spread frequency domain representation including received subcarriers, determining a subcarrier value for each of the received subcarriers, orthogonally spreading the determined subcarrier values using the orthogonal codes to produce a model spread frequency representation, calculating expected error values based upon the model spread frequency representation and the equalized spread frequency domain representation, and calculating new adjustment values based upon the expected error values.
US08385385B2
Systems (100) and methods for selectively controlling access to multiple data streams which are communicated using a shared frequency spectrum and spreading code. The methods involve forming a global data communication signal (134) by amplitude modulating a global data signal (130) comprising global data symbols and forming a phase modulated signal (120) by phase modulating a protected data signal. The phase modulated signal represents protected data symbols. The methods also involve forming a protected data communication signal (126) by changing phase angles of the protected data symbols using a variable angle Ø determined by a random number source and combining the protected data signal with a spreading sequence (CSC). The methods further involve combining the global and protected data communication signals to form an output communication signal (140) having a spread spectrum format. The output communication signal is transmitted over a communications channel (104).
US08385383B2
A receiving system and a method of processing broadcast signal. The receiving system includes a signal receiving unit, an equalizer, a turbo decoder, a demultiplexer, first and second error correctors, and a block interleaver. The signal receiving unit receives a broadcast signal, the broadcast signal comprising a data group, which includes mobile service data, a plurality of known data sequences, and signaling data, and demodulating the received broadcast signal. The equalizer channel-equalizes the data group using at least one of the plurality of known data sequences. The turbo decoder turbo-decodes the signaling data contained in the channel-equalized data group. The demultiplexer distinguishes transmission parameter channel (TPC) data and fast information channel (FIC) data from the turbo-decoded signaling data. The first error corrector corrects an error in the TPC data. The block deinterleaver block-deinterleaves the FIC data. The second error corrector corrects an error in the block-deinterleaved FIC data.
US08385379B2
A semiconductor device of the invention is formed so that n-type InP current blocking layers enter the inside of p-type InP cladding layers, i.e., the n-type current blocking layers ride over the upper part of the p-type InP cladding layers, so that a distance between the n-type InP current block layers composing a current blocking region is narrower than a width of the p-type cladding layers contacting with the n-type InP current blocking layers. Thereby, the semiconductor device whose leak current in the current blocking region may be reduced which permits high-output and high-temperature operations may be readily fabricated.
US08385371B2
A frame synchronizer, frame synchronization method and demodulator which can more positively establish frame synchronization of an input signal which is likely to have a plurality of frame lengths. A differential correlation detector calculates a differential correlation value with no pilot which is associated with the absence of a pilot signal inserted in the input signal and a differential correlation value with a pilot which is associated with the presence of a pilot signal inserted in the input signal. Frame period confirmation counters perform, based on the differential correlation values with no pilot, frame synchronization control appropriate to the input signals whose frame lengths are 21690 and 32490 symbols, respectively. The frame period confirmation counters 1 perform, based on the differential correlation values with a pilot, frame synchronization control appropriate to the input signals whose frame lengths are 22194 and 33282 symbols, respectively.
US08385369B2
A digital broadcasting system and method, where the digital broadcasting system includes: a transmission stream generator multiplexing a normal stream and a turbo stream to generate a dual transmission stream; a transmitter inserting an supplementary reference signal (SRS) into the dual transmission stream, processing the turbo stream to reconstitute the dual transmission stream, and outputting the reconstituted dual transmission stream; and a receiver receiving the reconstituted dual transmission stream, separately turbo decoding the turbo stream, inserting the turbo decode turbo stream into the dual transmission stream, and decoding the dual transmission stream into which the turbo decoded turbo stream has been inserted, to restore normal stream data and turbo stream data. Thus, reception sensitivity of a digital broadcasting signal can be efficiently improved.
US08385353B2
Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) auto-provisioning using Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) auto-discovery is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises VPLS logic and configuration logic. The VPLS logic is operable at least to receive and send configuration information for a VPLS instance, where the configuration information comprises: a first value that uniquely identifies the VPLS instance; and a plurality of second values that respectively and uniquely identify a plurality of network elements that are operable to provide the VPLS instance. The configuration logic is operable at least to automatically configure, based on the first value and on the plurality of second values, a CFM association and a local maintenance endpoint (MEP) for the VPLS instance on the apparatus.
US08385351B1
The present invention is a system and method for failing over from a current network access medium to an alternative network access medium. A customer premises equipment (CPE) box has ports for connections to a network through several network access media, such as high speed cable connections, DSL connections and dial-up connections. QoS parameters for each of the connections are monitored from a bandwidth manager remote from the CPE box. When it is determined that a fail-over would be beneficial, a message is sent from the bandwidth manager to the CPE box containing a command to fail-over and an identity of the alternate network access media.
US08385342B2
A system of route target filtering includes an import filter receiving a plurality of routes having a next hop routing information. The import filter accepts a first subset of the routes according to an import target policy. The system further includes a re-export filter also receiving the plurality of routes. The re-export filter modifies the next hop information of a second subset of the routes, and distributes the modified routes.
US08385340B1
A packet processor includes a memory and a programmable compute pipeline. The memory stores microcode that specifies respective sets for the packet types, and the respective set for each type specifies elementary operations for each stage except an initial stage of the programmable compute pipeline. The programmable compute pipeline includes a sequence of stages beginning with the initial stage. The initial stage includes an operation selector that selects the respective set for the type of each packet. Each stage except the initial stage includes elementary components that are programmable to concurrently perform each of multiple combinations of elementary operations. The elementary components concurrently perform a selected one of the combinations for each packet. The selected combination includes the elementary operations specified for the stage in the respective set that the operation selector selects for the packet's type.
US08385337B2
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-readable media, mechanisms used in one embodiment configured for, and means for, determining packet forwarding information for packets sent from a protocol offload engine in a packet switching device. The protocol offload engine performs the protocol processing for a protocol application (e.g., BGP) running on a separate control plane processing system, and generates packets to be sent to external devices. The protocol offload engine sends these packets to one of the line cards without using the routing information lookup facility of the control plane processing system, thereby, freeing the control plane processing system to use those processing cycles to perform other tasks.
US08385333B2
A method and apparatus for synchronizing time between a master device and a target device arranged across a network, wherein the target device communicates to the master device through a PCIe interconnect includes transmitting a first message at a first time from the master device to the target device, the first message including a message indicator; and receiving a reply message at a subsequent time from the target device to the master device, the reply message including the message indicator.
US08385331B2
A system includes a policy enforcement point that is located within a first network. The policy enforcement point is configured to connect the first network to a second network via a secure connection. The policy enforcement point is configured to receive traffic from a first device via the first network or a second device associated with the second network via the secure connection, determine whether to apply a policy to the received traffic, and discard the received traffic when a policy is determined to apply to the received traffic.
US08385318B2
A transmitter includes an amplitude adjustment unit multiplying an amplitude adjustment sequence value for adjusting amplitude with a synchronization channel transmitted from a base station for establishing synchronization with a mobile station.
US08385303B2
A multi-mode user equipment is provided. The multi-mode user equipment includes a processor configured to promote measurement of a signal strength of a microtechnology based communication during a portion of a macrotechnology based communication, wherein the portion is assigned by a macrotechnology based network component.
US08385300B2
A method is provided in one example implementation and the method includes identifying through a home bearer manager that an Internet Protocol (IP) address has been previously sent to an access terminal, the IP address being issued by a visited bearer manager as a result of the access terminal requesting registration in a visited network. The method further includes communicating the IP address to the access terminal in response to the access terminal registering in a home network. The registrations in the home and the visited network allow a plurality of packets to be communicated to the access terminal via the IP address. In more specific embodiments, the IP address serves as a care of address (CoA) address and a home IP address concurrently. The IP address can be exchanged via a mobile IP (MIP) exchange. The home and visited bearer managers are independent or interdependent.
US08385298B2
The base station includes a notification module configured to notify a control center of output power data, a measurement module configured to measure a reception quality of each time slot from received radio signals of control data transmitted from other base stations via a control channel, and a transmission module configured to transmit reception quality data indicating the reception quality to the control center, along with data indicating the time slot selected by the base station. The control center includes a reception module configured to receive the output power data, the reception quality data, and the data indicating the time slot, and a construction module configured to construct adjacent base station data indicating adjacency relationship between the base stations by comparing the reception quality and the output power of each of the base stations, the reception quality being obtained by converting the reception quality data based on the time slot.
US08385296B2
A multi-carrier CDMA transfer device using block-based partial-carrier spreading uses block-based partial-carrier spreading in the multi-cell environment to be applied to MC-CDMA models (FH-MC/CDMA TDD) that are strong against multi-path fading. A transmitter of the transfer device spreads carriers per block in the frequency domain by using the block-based partial-carrier spreading, and a receiver despreads received signals by using the block-based partial-carrier and restore original data. Optionally, an array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements is applied to the transmitter and the receiver, and weights are adaptively applied depending on the channel quality when transmitting and receiving signals through the antenna elements. Therefore, frequency diversity is obtainable and inter-cell interference and inter-code interference is optimized in the MC-CDMA method. Also, changes of frequency hopping reduce temporal variations of channels and prevent a high SN ratio.
US08385281B2
A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives a downlink subframe having multiple component carriers, each component carrier having control information encoded in a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The WTRU performs a blind decoding of control information in a first PDCCH located within a first component carrier to obtain a location of a second PDCCH located within a second component carrier, where the location of the second PDCCH is relative to a location of the first PDCCH as control channel element offset. The WTRU decodes the second PDCCH at the obtained location.
US08385271B2
Systems and methods are described for allocating bandwidth in a wireless network. Entry of subscriber equipment into a wireless network is detected at a base station which typically provides information used to determine geographic location of the subscriber equipment. Based on the determined location, a level of service is selected from a plurality of service levels available to a subscriber and provided. Location can be determined based on information provided by the subscriber equipment, provided by a global positioning system and/or provided by a user of the subscriber equipment. Location of the subscriber equipment can be identified with an activity of a user of the subscriber equipment, including business and non-commercial activity. Selection of the level of service may be further based upon time of day, day of week or upon a date and time of provision of the level of service.
US08385264B2
In a method in a controllable repeater in a telecommunication system, said system comprising a radio base station, at least said controllable repeater and a plurality of user terminals, receiving a list of associated user terminal identities for said repeater, and searching for and decoding downlink channel control messages based on said provided list.
US08385257B2
A method for relaying and forwarding feedback information in hybrid automatic repeat request scenario is provided, wherein the method for sending feedback information includes that: a relay station receives a resource allocation message; the relay station determines the time of sending the feedback information according to the resource allocation message, and sends the corresponding feedback information when the feedback time arrives. The processes of triggering the relay station to perform feedback or sending in multiple HARQ scenarios such as initial transmission and retransmission of downlink and uplink, and uplink feedback loss of subordinate node etc. are integrally and uniformly defined according to the present invention.
US08385255B2
Using as a reference a known signal assigned to one of a plurality of streams that constitute a packet signal, a control unit applies a cyclic timing shift to known signals assigned to the other streams so as to produce packet signals which are to be transmitted finally. While varying the amount of timing shift, the control unit produces a plurality of packet signals and appends an identification number, with which to uniquely identify each of the plurality of produced packet signals, to each of the packet signals. A baseband processing unit and the like transmit, as a transmission rate inquiry signal, a packet signal constituted by a plurality of streams where the amounts of timing shift are made to differ, and receive a response signal to which the same identification number is appended for the inquiry signal.
US08385252B2
An object is to realize execution of an access point function while keeping power consumption low. A cell phone 1 has a relay unit 16 for relaying data transmitted between a digital camera 5 and a network, and a relay controller 17 for changing an operation state of the relay unit 16, based on a location state in a mobile communication network 2 derived based on a reception situation of a signal from a base station 2a of the mobile communication network 2, and a location information in a wireless LAN 3 derived based on a reception situation of a signal from a base station 3a of the wireless LAN 3.
US08385243B2
A time-of-propagation distance-determining method involves sending a probe request from a handset to an AP and receiving a return ACK. The time it takes for the probe request to propagate to the AP, the turnaround time, and the time it takes the ACK to propagate back to the handset is measured on the handset. The turnaround time is subtracted from the measured time, and the result is used to make a distance determination. In order to reduce power consumption, the “lowest overall transmit energy” setting that will give acceptable reception of a probe request sent by the handset to the AP station is determined. The lowest overall transmit energy setting involves a bit rate setting and a transmit power setting. The lowest overall transmit energy setting is used to send probe requests when probe requests are sent from the handset in carrying out a time-of-propagation distance-determining transaction.
US08385233B2
Procedures for identifying clients in an audio event are described. In an example, a media server may order clients providing audio based on the input level. An identifier may be associated with the client for identifying the client providing input within the event. The ordered clients may be included in a list which may be inserted into a packet header carrying the audio content.
US08385231B2
Techniques are generally disclosed for disseminating link state information to one or more nodes of a network of nodes, the network of nodes interconnected via a plurality of communication channels.
US08385228B2
In an example embodiment, a method is provided that accesses a list of communication preferences. The list identifies a communication paradigm and a different communication paradigm. Link quality information associated with the communication paradigm also is accessed. Based on the link quality information, communication may be switched from the communication paradigm to the different communication paradigm.
US08385226B2
A method for providing geographic region data includes receiving geographic position data associated with a location point of a first user equipment and receiving a first radio fingerprint. The method also includes associating the received first radio fingerprint with the received geographic position data and clustering the received geographic position data to create cluster boundaries defining geographical region data. The method further includes receiving a second radio fingerprint and comparing the second radio fingerprint received from the second user equipment with previously received radio fingerprints being associated with geographic region data, and if the second radio fingerprint corresponds to a previously received radio fingerprint, associating the geographic region data of the previously received radio fingerprint with the location point of the second user equipment, and providing the geographic region data, associated with the location point of the second user equipment.
US08385212B2
A latency floor between two nodes of a packet-switched network is estimated using transit times of a group of packets traversing the two nodes. In particular, a periodically generated histogram of packet transit times is used to estimate the latency floor. In some packet-switched networks, the behavior of some network elements changes drastically when the network is congested. Because latency floor cannot be accurately estimated under such conditions, packet transit times collected during a congested state of the network are discarded.
US08385211B2
The present disclosure relates to mobile ad hoc networks that may include aircraft. Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing routing data for use in routing a message from a source node to available destination nodes through a mobile ad hoc network. A list of neighbor nodes corresponding to nodes within range for direct communication is obtained. For each neighbor node, a cost function is used to calculate the lowest costs of sending messages to respective available destination nodes; and routing data is generated based on these lowest costs. A message may be routed to the most suitable neighbor node by reference to the routing data.
US08385208B1
An Ethernet switch for preventing head of line blocking by passing an Ethernet packet carrying congestion status information among Ethernet switches over the Ethernet. When a port of an Ethernet switch is congested, the switch informs other Ethernet switches by broadcasting to other switches over the Ethernet an Ethernet packet indicating that the port is congested. If another Ethernet switch finds that one of its traffic classes is destined to the congested port, this switch drops packets of that traffic flow until receiving an Ethernet packet indicating that the congestion is alleviated.
US08385207B2
The invention provides a method and apparatus for network congestion management. The method includes inserting a probe frame into data traffic in the network from a first endpoint in the network, reflecting the probe frame from a second endpoint in the network back to the first endpoint, receiving the reflected probe frame at the first endpoint via the network, determining a round-trip delay based on flow of the probe frame through the network, and throttling network traffic according to the determined delay to manage network traffic congestion.
US08385205B2
An apparatus, method, and computer program of modeling packet traffic in terms of Leaky Bucket parameters. The Leaky Bucket parameters are tested based on conformance of packet traffic. If a result of the testing is nonconformance of the packet traffic, one or more of the Leaky Bucket parameters is modified such that the packet traffic is conforming. The one or more modified Leaky Bucket parameters is stored in a computer-readable storage medium.
US08385203B2
A resending control circuit for controlling resending of data to be sent to a sending destination, includes: a writing unit for writing resending information generated corresponding to each of data to be resent and including the resending point-in-time of the data in memory; a reading unit for reading out the resending information from the memory; and a control unit for comparing resending point-in-time included in the oldest resending information of resending information stored in the memory with current point-in-time, and executing resending processing of data corresponding to the resending information according to the comparison result.
US08385201B2
Dynamic rate limiting of background traffic to alleviate congestion in the access network is enabled. ICMP echo round-trip times and ICMP losses to a nearby node outside the local area and just beyond the divergence in end-to-end paths are measured, allowing unambiguous discrimination of nearby from distant congestion points. Using round-trip time samples, either short-run delay or short-run variance in delay can be measured to estimate congestion. When combined with an appropriate control law, background traffic can be rapidly reduced to allow interactive traffic to traverse unhindered through the access network. The described system and methods can be implemented in the application-layer and without any additional support from the network.
US08385196B2
A method and apparatus for uplink (UL) starvation avoidance includes determining a current buffer status information. The current buffer status information is reported to an evolved Node B (eNB). A grant that includes a determination of a number of tokens a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may accumulate is received from the eNB.
US08385195B2
A system and method for message processing in a broadband gateway comprising at least one receiver to receive one or more inbound messages, wherein the one or more inbound messages correspond to one or more senders, at least one module to process the one or more messages and to provide broadband network service to the one or more senders, and at least one transmitter to transmit one or more outbound messages to the one or more senders, where the system provides a decoupled processing architecture.
US08385186B2
A base station for communicating to a mobile station that transmits an uplink signal in accordance with a SC-FDMA scheme or an OFDMA scheme includes an adjustment amount range setting unit configured to set an adjustment amount for adjusting a transmit timing of the uplink signal to have different ranges depending on types of a channel transmitted by the mobile station.
US08385180B2
An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a laser diode; an objective lens made of a synthetic resin configured to focus laser light emitted from the laser diode to a signal recording layer of an optical disc; and a collimating lens having a diffraction grating and arranged in an optical path between the laser diode and the objective lens, the collimating lens being so moved in an optical axis direction of the laser light as to correct spherical aberration occurring in response to a change in temperature when performing a recording operation for the optical disc, and the collimating lens correcting by the diffraction grating chromatic aberration occurring when switching from the recording operation to a reproducing operation for the optical disc.
US08385173B2
A method of determining characteristics of a signal and an apparatus using the method. The apparatus for determining characteristics of a signal includes: a level detector receiving sample values of a radio frequency (RF) signal and binary data obtained by binarizing the RF signal, generating selection signals based on the binary data, classifying each of the sample values of the RF signal into one of a plurality of levels using the selection signals, and outputting average values of sample values of each level; and a signal characteristics determiner determining a characteristics value that indicates the characteristics of the RF signal using the average values of the sample values belonging to each level.
US08385167B2
A method of reproducing data from an information storage medium having a plurality of recording layers, each layer having a user data area, on which data is recordable by a pickup. A first amount of data is reproduced from a recording layer located closest to the pickup and lesser amounts of data than the first amount of data are reproduced from other ones of the plurality of recording layers. The amount of data reproduced from each of the other ones of the plurality of recording layers progressively decreases from the recording layer closest to the pickup to a recording layer farthest from the pickup.
US08385166B2
A method to compensate repeatable run out of a hard disk drive apparatus includes receiving a write or read command to write or read data with respect to a disk having an inner diameter (ID) area, a middle diameter (MD) area, and an outer diameter (OD) area which are preset, determining a present position of a magnetic head and a position where the magnetic head writes or read data, stopping an operation of at least one of RRO compensators for RRO components of particular frequencies when the present position of the magnetic head is the ID area and the position where the magnetic head writes or reads the data is the MD area or OD area of the disk, and performing data writing or reading by performing seeking and settling of the magnetic head.
US08385165B1
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for efficiently calibrating an optical recording device. The method can include receiving a first signal corresponding to a wobbled track of a memory medium, phase-locking a second signal to the first signal, the second signal being used to extract embedded information in the wobbled track, and determining an optimum setting of the optical recording device based on a locking quality of the first signal and the second signal.
US08385163B2
A system for optical disc storage, writing and reading including a housing holding at least two optical disc racks and a plurality of read/write drives that may be positioned in line with the storage rack. A track spans the racks, (e.g., a parallel track is positioned between two racks). A shuttle mounted on the track allows transfer of discs from the racks to drives. The shuttle may allow for disc pass through, disc rotation, or have other structures for disc transport.
US08385161B2
An optical information reproducing device includes a light focusing unit for generating near-field light, a signal quality measuring circuit for measuring reproduction signal quality of the optical information recording medium using the near-field light generated by the light focusing unit, a gap length determining circuit for determining a gap length between the light focusing unit and a surface of the optical information recording medium as a set value based on a measurement result on the reproduction signal quality in the signal quality measuring circuit, and a gap control circuit for controlling a gap between the light focusing unit and the surface of the optical information recording medium based on the set value determined in the gap length determining circuit. Information is reproduced from the optical information recording medium using the near-field light generated by the light focusing unit.
US08385157B1
A method and system for writing data to a media utilizing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head are described. The EAMR head includes at least one laser and at least one EAMR transducer. The laser(s) provide energy. The EAMR transducer(s) are coupled with the laser. The EAMR transducer(s) are configured to direct the energy to spot(s) on the media and to write a plurality of tracks of data in a block. The method and system include writing a track of the plurality of tracks on the media within the spot(s) using the EAMR transducer and stepping a track pitch along a particular radial direction on the media. The method and system also include repeating the writing and stepping steps until the plurality of tracks for the block is written.
US08385146B2
Methods and apparatus to improve throughput in memory devices are described. In one embodiment, memory throughput is increased via fine granularity of precharge management. In an embodiment, three separate precharge timings may be used, e.g., optimized per memory bank, per memory bank group, and/or per a memory device. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08385144B2
A method for training an electronic memory may include receiving a first delay value and a second delay value. The first delay value and the second delay value may be associated with a first data strobe indicating when to sample data on a first memory lane of the electronic memory. The method may also include determining a difference between the first delay value and the second delay value. The method may further include receiving a third delay value associated with a second data strobe indicating when to sample data on a second memory lane of the electronic memory. The method may also include determining a fourth delay value for the second memory lane of the electronic memory utilizing the third delay value and the determined difference between the first delay value and the second delay value.
US08385143B2
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a read/write control unit configured to generate a write control signal and a read control signal using internal signals generated through separate signal paths in response to a write command and a read command respectively; and a plurality of ranks configured to perform a write operation or read operation according to the write control signal or the read control signal.
US08385139B2
A semiconductor device includes an input buffer that receives an address signal having a first amplitude, a level shifter that converts an amplitude of the address signal output from the input buffer to a second amplitude that is smaller than the first amplitude, an address controller that receives the address signal output from the level shifter, address decoders that generate a decode signal by decoding the address signal output from the address controller, and level shifters that convert an amplitude of the address signal or of the decode signal from the second amplitude to the first amplitude such that at least an amplitude level of the decode signal becomes the first amplitude.
US08385129B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells in which data can be rewritable, a plurality of bit lines connected to the plurality of memory cells, and a plurality of sense circuits that are connected to the plurality of bit lines, respectively, sense data written in the memory cells to perform a verify operation with the bit lines charged to first potentials, and charge a bit line, which is connected to a memory cell determined to be defective as a result of the verify operation, to the first potential in the verify operation.
US08385122B2
Provided are a non-volatile memory devices having a stacked structure, and a memory card and a system including the same. A non-volatile memory device may include a substrate. A stacked NAND cell array may have at least one NAND set and each NAND set may include a plurality of NAND strings vertically stacked on the substrate. At least one signal line may be arranged on the substrate so as to be commonly coupled with the at least one NAND set.
US08385120B2
A method of programming a nonvolatile memory device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of memory cells coupled to a wordline, the plurality of memory cells grouped into a plurality of groups, each group including at least two memory cells, such that for each cell of the plurality of memory cells that has memory cells adjacent both sides, the memory cells immediately adjacent either side of the cell belong to different groups from each other. The method further includes selecting one group from the plurality of groups, and performing a program operation including applying a program pulse to the selected group while one or more non-selected groups of the plurality of groups are inhibited from being programmed.
US08385118B2
A method for programming a memory device, a memory device, and a memory system are provided. According to at least one such method, a first programming pass generates a plurality of first programming pulses to increase the threshold voltages of target memory cells to either a pre-program level or to the highest programmed threshold. A second programming pass applies a plurality of second programming pulses to the target memory cells to increase their threshold voltages only if they were programmed to the pre-program level. The target memory cells programmed to their respective target threshold levels during the first pass are not programmed further.
US08385116B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes a plurality of cells for storing data on a basis of charges stored nonvolatilly, a write unit for writing and erasing data on the cell by injecting or extracting charges into or from the cell, a comparator for comparing the voltage produced by a selected cell to be read out with a threshold, a read unit for outputting read data on the basis of the comparison result by the comparator, and a threshold update unit for updating the threshold of the comparator according to the voltage produced by the selected cell.
US08385112B2
A variable resistance memory array, programming a variable resistance memory element and methods of forming the array. A variable resistance memory array is formed with a plurality of word line transistors surrounding each phase change memory element. To program a selected variable resistance memory element, all of the bitlines are grounded or biased at the same voltage. A top electrode select line that is in contact with the selected variable resistance memory element is selected. The word line having the word line transistors surrounding the selected variable resistance memory element are turned on to supply programming current to the element. Current flows from the selected top electrode select line through the variable resistance memory element into the common source/drain region of the surrounding word line transistors, across the transistors to the nearest bitline contacts. The word lines are patterned in various lattice configurations.
US08385099B2
A semiconductor memory cell includes: a memory element formed by a first field effect transistor having a gate insulating film made of a ferroelectric film; and a select switching element formed by a second field effect transistor having a gate insulating film made of a paraelectric film. The ferroelectric film and the paraelectric film are stacked together with a semiconductor film of a compound semiconductor interposed therebetween. A first gate electrode of the first field effect transistor is formed on a side of the ferroelectric film, and a second gate electrode of the second field effect transistor is formed on a side of the paraelectric film so as to face the first gate electrode. The semiconductor film forms a common channel layer of the first and second field effect transistors.
US08385092B1
In one embodiment, a method is provided for a power converter system comprising a switching circuit having a plurality of switches operable to be turned on and off to cause current to flow to deliver power to a load. The method includes the following: generating PWM control signals for turning on and off the switches in the switching circuit; sensing the direction of current flow, wherein the direction of current flow is related to a likelihood of shoot-through in the switching circuit; providing a current vector signal indicative of the direction of current flow; and enabling or disabling introduction of a dead time into the PWM control signals for the switches in the switching circuit in response the current vector signal.
US08385078B2
A power transducer is downsized by reducing the size of a power source board and highly reliable. The power source board is provided in the power transducer and for a large-current circuit. The power transducer includes a power semiconductor module having lead terminals. Of the lead terminals provided for the power semiconductor module and connected with the main circuit board, predetermined one or ones of the lead terminals is or are connected with the main circuit board in the vicinity of a main circuit terminal stage and at a position or positions lower than the main circuit terminal stage. Alternatively, predetermined one or ones of the lead terminals is or are connected with the main circuit board at a position or positions lower than a position at which the main circuit terminal stage is provided.
US08385069B2
An apparatus for cooling a memory module installed in a computer system includes a liquid coolant conduit that is connected to a conduit support structure having a form factor selectively securable within a first preconfigured memory module socket of the computer system in order to position the liquid coolant conduit above the first socket. A heat pipe provides direct thermal contact between the liquid conduit and a heat spreader assembly in direct thermal contact with a face of the memory module. The apparatus may include a second heat pipe and second heat spreader assembly for similarly cooling a second memory module. In alternative configurations, the apparatus may cool memory modules on opposing sides of the conduit or memory modules that are both on the same side of the conduit.
US08385064B1
An enclosure for electronics includes a chassis and an interface connector positioned within the chassis and configured to provide power. A fan shelf module is received within the chassis and has at least one fan to provide air flow through the chassis. The fan shelf module includes a pinout connector along a horizontal or vertical line of symmetry and configured to engage the interface connector and receive power therefrom, such that the fan shelf module is selectively installed in one of two opposing directions allowing a fan air flow direction to the chassis to be selected as either pulling air or pushing air through the chassis depending on the installed direction of the fan shelf module.
US08385061B2
The present invention is a system for implementing a meta-disk aggregation model for storage controllers. The system includes a storage controller configured for communicatively coupling with a server. The system further includes a meta-disk drive group having a plurality of disk drives, the meta-disk drive group configured for being communicatively coupled with the storage controller, each of the plurality of disk drives including a drive interface connector. Additionally, each drive interface connector of the plurality of disk drives of the meta-disk drive group is configured for being communicatively coupled to each of the remaining drive interface connectors of the plurality of disk drives, thereby allowing the plurality of disk drives to communicate as a single device with the storage controller.
US08385059B2
A multi-displays electronic book having a retractable display, including a first display; a reel device, installed at one side of the first display, having a rotatable axle; and a flexible second display, having a first side and a second side opposing to each other, the first side being fixed at the rotatable axle, and the second side providing a force application end for spreading the flexible second display on the first display.
US08385053B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing and a plurality of ribs. The housing houses at least part of an electronic component. The ribs are arranged along a flat side surface of the electronic component in the housing such that the inner surface of the ribs faces the side surface. The ribs comprises a rib that faces the side surface of the electronic component, and another rib that is located on an edge side of the side surface compared to the rib and more distant from the side surface than the rib.
US08385045B2
A variable capacitor and a control method thereof capable of responding to applications of electronic apparatuses including various electronic devices and communication mobile devices. The variable capacitor includes a pair of electrodes formed so as to sandwich a ferroelectric material layer, in which polarization processing higher than a coercive field in hysteresis characteristics of polarization has been performed to the ferroelectric material layer, and the capacitance can be varied in accordance with a control voltage applied to the electrodes.
US08385038B2
The system of the invention includes a circuit breaker switching control section (100) and a setting control section (700) connected therewith through a communication network (500). The circuit breaker switching control section (100) transmits a circuit breaker state quantity acquired by a signal input section (120) through the communication network to a set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section (700). The set value calculation section (740) of the setting control section calculates a set value to be set in the switching control section (100) of the circuit breaker, using the state quantity of the circuit breaker that was transmitted thereto. The setting control section (700) transmits to the circuit breaker switching control section the set value calculated by the set value calculation section (730) through the communication network. A switching control calculation processing section (140) provided in the switching control section of the circuit breaker corrects the circuit breaker switching actuation time in accordance with this set value and calculates a delay time in respect of the zero-cross point in accordance with this corrected switching actuation time and power system period.
US08385030B2
Provided herein are circuits, systems and methods that monitor for a fault within a multi-phase DC-DC converter. This can include monitoring the channels of the DC-DC converter for way out of balance (WOB) conditions, and monitoring for a component fault in dependence on detected WOB conditions. A fault can be detected if, during a predetermined period of time, one of the WOB conditions occurs at least a specified amount of times more than another one of the WOB conditions. The DC-DC converter and/or another circuit can be shut-down in response to a fault being detected. Additionally, or alternatively, a component fault detection signal can be output in response to a fault being detected.
US08385025B2
A current-perpendicular-to-the-plane (CPP) magnetoresistive (MR) sensor has an improved seed layer structure for the ferromagnetic hard (high coercivity) bias layer that is used to longitudinally bias the sensor's free ferromagnetic layer. The seed layer structure is a trilayer consisting of a first seed layer of tantalum (Ta), a second seed layer of one or both titanium (Ti) and Ti-oxide on and in contact with the Ta layer, and a third seed layer of tungsten (W) on and in contact with the second seed layer.
US08385023B2
A printed circuit cable assembly (PCCA) for a hard disk drive (HDD) is disclosed. The PCCA includes a stiffener portion having an elongated shape that includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip. The PCCA also includes a flexible portion extending from the elongated stiffener portion, wherein the PCCA is configured to be mountable on a headstack of the HDD such that an entire footprint of the IC chip overlays a metallic portion of the headstack of the HDD.
US08385018B2
A magnetic device according to one embodiment includes a source of flux; a magnetic pole coupled to the source of flux, the magnetic pole having two or more gaps; and a low reluctance path positioned towards at least one of the gaps and not positioned towards at least one other of the gaps for affecting a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux. Other disclosed embodiments include devices having coil turns with a non-uniform placement in the magnetic yoke for altering a magnetic field formed at the at least one of the gaps during writing. In further embodiments, a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at one of the gaps is different than a geometry of the magnetic pole near or at another of the gaps to help equalize fields formed at the gaps when the source of flux is generating flux.
US08385016B1
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an amplifier configured to receive an asymmetric signal. Correction control circuitry is configured to control gain control circuitry based on the asymmetrical signal to adjust a gain of the amplifier to correct the asymmetric signal. A first adjustment of the gain control circuitry is performed during a first interval and a second adjustment of the gain control circuitry is performed during a second interval to correct the asymmetric signal.
US08385015B2
A method of operating a pre-amplifier of a hard disk drive is provided. The method includes generating a comparison signal corresponding to a result of comparing a reference signal with a difference between differential signals corresponding to write data, and controlling transmission of the differential signals to a write head in response to the comparison signal.
US08385011B2
An image pickup lens includes a first lens block with a positive refractive power, a second lens block with a negative refractive power, and an aperture stop. The first lens block includes a first lens substrate, and lens portions 1a and 1b arranged on the first lens substrate. The lens portions 1a and 1b are different from the first lens substrate in at least one of a refractive index and an Abbe number. The second lens block includes a second lens substrate, and lens portions 2a and 2b arranged on the second lens substrate. The lens portions 2a and 2b are different from the second lens substrate in at least one of a refractive index and an Abbe number. The image pickup lens satisfies predetermined conditions relating to a refractive index of the lens portion 2b, and composite thicknesses of the first lens block and the second lens block.
US08385005B2
A lens structure includes a surface devoid of cusps that includes a seamless profile wherein the surface includes at least one segmented parabolic function forming a filtering surface for producing a controlled amount of spherical aberration.
US08384999B1
An optical module for head mounted displays and other applications comprises: an optical substrate and optical superstrate having inter-engaging ridged surfaces. A reflective layer is formed on at least one of the surfaces. An index matching material may be located between the surfaces. A region that receives a projected image, from a projector, directs rays launched from the projector onto the ridged surfaces, so that in use a viewer perceives an augmented image. The augmented image comprising reflected rays from the projector and transmitted rays from an object located on an opposite side of the module to that of the viewer.
US08384998B2
An antireflection film is provided in which a light scattering property is suppressed. In at least one example embodiment, the antireflection film includes, on a surface thereof, a moth-eye structure including a plurality of convex portions such that a width between vertices of adjacent convex portions is no greater than a wavelength of visible light. In at least one example embodiment of this antireflection film, the moth-eye structure does not include a sticking structure formed when tip end portions of the convex portions are joined to each other.
US08384992B2
The invention disclosed here teaches methods and apparatus for altering the temporal and spatial shape of an optical pulse. The methods correct for the spatial beam deformation caused by the intrinsic DC index gradient in a volume holographic chirped reflective grating (VHCRG). The first set of methods involves a mechanical mean of pre-deforming the VHCRG so that the combination of the deflection caused by the DC index gradient is compensated by the mechanical deformation of the VHCRG. The second set of methods involves compensating the angular deflection caused by the DC index gradient by retracing the diffracted beam back onto itself and by re-diffracting from the same VHCRG. Apparatus for temporally stretching, amplifying and temporally compressing light pulses are disclosed that rely on the methods above.
US08384991B2
A saturable absorber (SA) is constructed using a fiber taper embedded in a carbon nanotube/polymer composite. A fiber taper is made by heating and pulling a small part of standard optical fiber. At the taper's waist light is guided by the glass-air interface, with an evanescent field protruding out of the taper. Carbon nanotubes mixed with an appropriate polymer host material are then wrapped around the fiber taper to interact with the evanescent field. Saturable absorption is possible due to the unique optical properties of the carbon nanotubes. The device can be used in mode-locked lasers where it initiates and stabilizes the pulses circulating around the laser cavity. The SA can be used in various laser cavities, and can enable different pulse evolutions such as solitons, self-similar pulses and dissipative solitons. Other applications include but are not limited to optical switching, pulse cleanup and pulse compression.
US08384986B2
An image area is described comprising numerous pixels arranged in a raster-like manner which have at least three color levels which are formed by flat transparent chambers. These chambers of the color levels are each connected to a reservoir whose content is electronically movable in such a way that colored fluid flows from the reservoir into the color level or from the color level into the reservoir. For visual and manufacturing-related reasons, the pixels and their color levels in the image plane have substantially the shape of an isosceles triangle and the channels for the supply of the colored fluids are flat and situated on the three different sides of the pixel.
US08384976B2
The invention relates to a display device (1) based on the use of fluids for visualizing information. In order to ensure simple exchangeability of fluids, the invention provides a central fluid reservoir (6) in combination with a fluid display device (1) of any desired design. For this purpose, the central fluid reservoir (6) is coupled to the fluid display elements, which can be refilled with the colored fluid.
US08384974B2
A method of computing a hologram for reconstructing an object using a display device. The display device enables a holographic reconstruction of the object. The display device includes a light source and an optical system to illuminate a hologram-bearing medium being encodable with the hologram. The method includes the steps of: (a) computing the hologram by determining the wavefronts at an approximate observer eye position that would be generated by a real version of the object to be reconstructed; and (b) encoding the computed hologram in the hologram-bearing medium.
US08384971B2
A method processes image data for a color separation to reduce visible perception of misalignment of printheads in a plurality of serially arranged printheads. The method includes detecting cross-process edges in image values for objects in a color separation to be printed by a plurality of serially arranged printheads, and disproportionately mapping image values corresponding to the object in the color separation to one of the printheads in the plurality of serially arranged printheads.
US08384967B2
An image scanning device includes lighting circuits; a light source including light-emitting elements arranged in a line such that the light-emitting elements connected in series to the same lighting circuit are not positioned adjacent to each other; a reflecting part; a photoelectric conversion unit photoelectrically converting reflected light from the reflecting part; a lighting control unit selectively turning on one of the lighting circuits; a memory storing an area information table containing information on main-scanning areas of the photoelectric conversion unit in association with identification information of the lighting circuits; and a failure determining unit identifying the main-scanning areas corresponding to the identification information of the turned-on lighting circuit by referring to the area information table and comparing intensities of the reflected light entering the identified main-scanning areas with a first threshold to determine whether the light-emitting elements connected to the turned-on lighting circuit are at fault.
US08384962B2
An image processing system includes a preference designating unit and a printer. The preference designating unit is configured to designate one or more preferential print pages from pages included in a print job so as to be color printed preferentially to non-designated pages included in the print job. The printer performs color printing of the one or more preferential print pages.
US08384956B2
An image processing method includes: selecting an image processing module for each attribute associated with a block of image data in accordance with the content of image processing made to correspond to the attribute; generating an image processing flow for each block by use of the selected image processing module; and determining whether the image processing flow can be constructed in an image processing area. When it is determined that a processing area of the image processing flow cannot be constructed in the image processing area, the method selects an image processing flow having an image processing module which is not contained in the other image processing flows from among a plurality of the image processing flows the blocks, the selected image processing flow being constructed in the image processing area such that the processing area of the image processing flow is included in the image processing area.
US08384955B2
A method, apparatus, and image forming system to process additional information in a printing task. The method includes receiving a printing task which includes data to be printed, determining whether the received printing task includes additional information, and, if the printing task includes additional information, printing out the data to be printed and the additional information after changing color of the data to be printed or the additional information according to a printing mode. Thus, unnecessary driving of a driving unit of a color image forming device due to additional information added to a printing task can be prevented.
US08384954B2
An apparatus for converting a monochrome image into a color image includes a selection portion that select, for a plurality of attributes, individual colorization methods from among a plurality of colorization methods that are defined individually such that the plurality of colorization methods correspond to at least one attribute among the plurality of attributes relating to the plurality of regions, a processing portion that colorizes the monochrome image to produce a colorized image by applying the individual colorization methods selected by the selection portion, and a determination portion that determines whether or not the colorized image satisfies a setting condition. In this apparatus, when the determination portion determines that the setting condition is not satisfied, the selection portion changes a combination of the colorization methods such that at least one among the plurality of colorization methods applied to the plurality of regions is changed. The processing portion performs re-colorization on a region having an attribute for which the selection of the colorization method is changed among colorization methods included in the combination.
US08384947B2
A handheld scanner system and method is disclosed. The depicted embodiment is a mouse scanner system operable to scan a document. In this embodiment, the mouse scanner system includes a scanner built into a computer mouse and a scanner software application operating on a computer. The scanner includes a positioning system operable to output position indicating data and an imaging system operable to output captured image data. The data is sent to the scanner software application where a feedback image is constructed and displayed on a display in real-time or near real-time to allow the user to view what areas have been scanned. The scanner software application also constructs an output image that can be printed, saved or communicated.
US08384946B2
An image forming apparatus prints images of different document sizes on paper having a predetermined paper size. The image forming apparatus includes a computation processing part to compute a print position of the image with respect to the paper, based on the document size, the paper size and moving amount computation information that is input thereto, and a print processing part to arrange and print the image on the paper, based on the print position computed by the computation processing part.
US08384939B2
A document imaging system is configured to allow scanning and transmission of document images. A scanner system images a document and wirelessly transmits the image to a personal digital assistant (PDA). The PDA transmits the image to a document server located on a network. An authenticated user may then retrieve a scanned document image from the document server via the network. Because the scanner system and/or PDA may be located in a remote location, remote documents may be quickly presented for viewing by a user.
US08384931B2
An image processing apparatus which permits service providing an image forming that has high priority is selected as an image processing apparatus for storing count information by using service information representing whether each image processing apparatus permits counting the usage of printing materials in order to allow charging of service for providing the image forming associated with each user identification information, and a priority table for storing count information based on the contents of image forming. When image forming is executed, the count information representing the contents of the executed image forming is transmitted to the selected image processing apparatus, thereby causing the selected image processing apparatus to store the count information.
US08384919B2
An information processing apparatus has a peripheral apparatus control unit which controls a peripheral apparatus and an operation control unit which controls the operation in the peripheral apparatus by using operation instructing information regarding such an operation. The peripheral apparatus control unit forms first operation instructing information having a non-hierarchical structure from operation setting information including a specific setting, sets the specific setting into a private area in the first operation instructing information, and forms second operation instructing information having a hierarchical structure and including the specific setting from the first operation instructing information.
US08384917B2
A method, system, and computer program product for font reproduction in electronic documents are provided. The method includes: receiving an image of a printed document; extracting pairs of consecutive characters from the image of the printed document; storing the extracted pairs as images of the characters; and reproducing the printed document as an electronic document with text of overlapping extracted character pair images. Extracting pairs of consecutive characters includes extracting adjacent horizontal characters, extracting spaced horizontal characters, and extracting spaced vertical characters. Reproducing the printed document as an electronic document includes reproducing the spacing between words and between lines using the spaced horizontal characters and the spaced vertical characters as anchors in the reproduced document.
US08384900B2
An exposure apparatus includes a controller configured to calculate a position of an alignment mark detected by a detector, to approximate a deformation of a substrate by using an approximation equation, to calculate a correction amount of each of the plurality of shots, and to control driving of a stage in exposing each shot based on a correction amount that is calculated. The approximation equation is defined as a sum of a first term representative of a deformation of the entire substrate, and at least one of a second term representative of a distortion of a shot arrangement and a third term representative of a shot shape.
US08384899B2
An apparatus for detecting labeled beads is provided. The apparatus can include: one or more irradiation sources disposed for irradiating the one or more detection zones with radiation; at least one detector disposed for collecting charges corresponding to light signals emitted from labeled beads in the one or more detection zones, which have been excited by the radiation; and a system coupled to the at least one detector for effecting time delay integration of the charges by accumulating the charges before reading the charges at the output of the at least one detector.
US08384893B2
A Raman detecting system for detecting a vapor of an explosive includes a surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for absorbing the vapor of the explosive. The substrate includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a plurality of metallic particles disposed on the carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film structure includes a plurality of stacked carbon nanotube films.
US08384890B2
The inner surface of an underground tunnel defining structure, such as a culvert or pipe, is measured by apparatus including a portable hand held battery powered laser unit releasably attached to a rotor disk supported within the tunnel by an adjustable stand or tripod for rotation on a generally horizontal axis. The disk has peripherally spaced notches which receive a spring-biased latch member for positioning the disk and laser unit at predetermined angular positions about the axis. The laser unit emits a laser beam to a target on the inner surface of the structure and displays on the unit a precision distance reading from the laser unit to the target. The distance reading for each target is entered in a chart for comparison with a prior measurement reading to indicate changes in the shape or profile of the inner surface.
US08384886B2
A building roof monitoring system that includes a fiber optic filament positioned between a water barrier layer (e.g., roof membrane) and a roof substrate layer of the building roof. The fiber optic filament may be part of a sensing layer that includes the fiber optic filament carried by a water transport layer configured to draw water coming into contact with the water transport layer into contact with the fiber optic filament. An optical analyzer injects laser light into the fiber optic filament and detects changes in propagation of the laser light through the fiber optic filament indicative of water coming in contact with the fiber optic filament to detect a roof leak. A response system including a controller, alarm or remote communication unit operatively connected to the optical analyzer responds to the roof leak detected by the optical analyzer.
US08384878B2
An apparatus includes a stage configured to move a substrate, an optical system configured to project an image of a pattern on an original onto the substrate, an alignment detection system configured to detect an image of an alignment mark formed on the substrate and measure a position of the alignment mark, and a focus detection system having an index mark and configured to measure a height of the substrate by projecting an image of the index mark onto the substrate. The stage includes an alignment measurement mark and a focus measurement mark that has a positional relationship with the alignment measurement mark. The alignment detection system measures a position of the alignment measurement mark. The focus detection system measures a position of the image of the index mark by projecting the image of the index mark onto the focus measurement mark.
US08384871B2
In a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus and a method for manufacturing the LCD apparatus, the LCD apparatus includes first and second substrates, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a transparent insulating substrate, a conductive layer formed over an entire surface of the transparent insulating substrate, and a transparent conductive electrode formed on the conductive layer.
US08384867B2
A liquid crystal display device, includes: a gate line (14) provided as a first conductive layer to extend the gate line in a predetermined direction; a thin film transistor (13) including a gate electrode (13a) connected to the gate line (14); a first pixel electrode (12) provided as a second conductive layer closer to a liquid crystal layer (30) side than the first conductive layer; a shielding electrode (17) provided as a conductive layer to be closer to the liquid crystal layer side than the first conductive layer and provided in a region between a location region of the gate line (14) and a location region of the first pixel electrode (12); a connection portion (13j) provided to at least partially overlap the shielding electrode (17) and provided to be closer to the first conductive layer side than the shielding electrode (17), the connection portion connecting a source electrode (13h) of the thin film transistor (13) with the first pixel electrode (12); and a common electrode (23) which is opposing the first pixel electrode (12) via the liquid crystal layer (30) and is set to have the same potential as the shielding electrode (17).
US08384851B2
A display system includes a reflective display panel and a light source tailored to enhance the color gamut of the system. The panel, which may be a Cholesteric liquid crystal display panel, includes an array of reflective pixels, each pixel comprising a first, second, and third subpixel of different first, second, and third colors. The light source illuminates a front of the display panel with source light to enable observers to view images formed by the panel. The light source includes a lamp and an enhancing element. The lamp, which may be a metal halide lamp, emits lamp light that includes the first, second, and third colors. The enhancing element may be an optical filter, a supplemental LED light source or other light source, or both. The enhancing element enhances the system color gamut, for example, by increasing the color gamut area relative to illumination with the lamp alone.
US08384850B2
The first line and the plurality of second lines are formed on the light-emitting diode substrate and on the connection substrate. The plurality of second lines are arranged, on the connection substrate, in the same direction as a direction in which the plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on the light-emitting diode substrate are arranged. The first line is formed outside the plurality of second lines, on the connection substrate. The plurality of second lines are formed without intersecting with one another, on the light-emitting diode substrate. The first line is formed, on the light-emitting diode substrate, so that the first line extends along with a periphery of the light-emitting diode substrate from a connection part with respect to the connection substrate so as to come around to an opposite side of the connection part with respect to the connection substrate.
US08384825B2
A video image transfer device includes a transfer section arranged to selectively transfer to a display device a plurality of video signals acquired from at least one image pickup device, an assigning section arranged to divide a refresh rate of the display device into portions and assign the portions among the plurality of video signals, and a transfer controller arranged to control the transfer section in such a manner that each of the video signals is transferred to the display device at a timing according to the portion of the refresh rate assigned to each of the video signals. This makes it possible to prevent a dropped frame and an insufficient resolution of an important video image.
US08384818B2
Light-splitting elements are arranged in at least two columns and two rows to form two pairs 1a, 1b and 1c, 1d. Each element splits incident light into light rays and makes them fall on a portion of a photosensing section right under itself and an adjacent photosensitive cell. The element 1a splits the incident light so that a primary color ray C1 and its complementary color ray C1′ enter an adjacent cell 2b and an underlying cell 2a, respectively. The element 1b makes a primary color ray C2 and its complementary color ray C2′ enter an underlying cell 2a and an adjacent cell 2a, respectively. The element 1c does the same as the element 1b. And the element 1d makes a primary color ray C3 and its complementary color ray C3′ enter an adjacent cell 2c and an underlying cell 2d, respectively. These photosensitive cells 2 perform photoelectric conversion, thereby outputting an electrical signal representing the intensity of the incident light. By carrying out simple calculations between the outputs of these cells, a color signal and a luminance signal are generated.
US08384809B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of pixels arrayed two-dimensionally in the semiconductor substrate, each of the pixels having a photoelectric conversion element that performs photoelectric conversion, the photoelectric conversion element having a first impurity region, formed in the semiconductor substrate, containing an impurity of a first conductivity type; a second impurity region formed in the semiconductor substrate so as to be in contact with the first impurity region, containing an impurity of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type; and a PN junction portion in which the first impurity region and the second impurity region are in contact with each other, formed in a protruding shape projecting toward a surface side of the semiconductor substrate.
US08384801B2
A device has a processing unit to implement a set of operations to use both luma and chroma information from a scene of an image to dynamically adjust exposure time and sensor gain. The processing unit collects bright near grey pixels and high chroma pixels in the scene. Based on the collected pixels, brightness of the near grey pixels is increased to a predetermined level without saturation. At the same time, the high chroma pixels are kept away from saturation.
US08384795B2
Provided are a digital image signal processing method including determining a saturation condition by comparing a delta between a plurality of pieces of image data of an input image exhibiting different color components with a standard for white scene recognition, determining a bright condition by using a distribution of grey levels of the input image, and determining that the input image is a white scene when the input image satisfies the saturation condition and the bright condition, and a digital image signal apparatus for executing the method, and a medium having recorded thereon the method. Thus, a white scene is quickly and accurately determined. And settings of the digital image signal processing apparatus can be properly set for capturing the white scene.
US08384793B2
Sub-regions within a face image are identified to be enhanced by applying a localized smoothing kernel to luminance data corresponding to the sub-regions of the face image. An enhanced face image is generated including an enhanced version of the face that includes certain original pixels in combination with pixels corresponding to the one or more enhanced sub-regions of the face.
US08384785B2
A multi-functional digital imaging system is described that disaggregates camera functions into video imaging modulation processes, including DSP feedback, moving object modulation, frame rate modulation, video file analysis and video file organization.
US08384783B2
An IR camera includes a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and an IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The processing unit is further arranged to determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.
US08384748B2
Exemplary embodiments provide materials and methods for a printer member used in ink-jet marking systems that can include a layer electrospun over an aluminum roller to facilitate transport of a printable substrate having ink images thereon and to reduce ink offset from the printable substrate.
US08384738B2
A set of buffers is made available on a system-wide basis to provide capabilities for robust presentation of windows. The buffers can include a frame buffer, a system off-screen buffer and a compositing buffer.Windows are analyzed to determine and implement the most time-and memory-efficient use of the available buffers to properly display the intended result. In some situations, applications write directly to the frame buffer. Clipping can be used to prevent occluded portions of windows from being displayed. In other situations, some data is written to the off-screen buffer and/or to one or more application buffers, and the compositing buffer is used to perform compositing operations.Thus, a device can provide a wide range of display capabilities, including window compositing, while minimizing costs in terms of memory usage and processing power. Such advantages are of particular use in mobile devices and other systems having limited resources.
US08384734B2
A method for implementing a user selectable white level includes displaying a default white patch of a default shade of white on a display, displaying a modified white patch of a modified shade of white that is different than the default shade of white on the display, receiving a selection of the modified white patch, associating another default shade of white with the modified shade of white in response to receiving the selection, receiving pixel data for a pixel, the pixel data comprising color information for displaying the default shade of white, and displaying the pixel with the second default shade of white.
US08384730B1
A present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for generating HUD image data from synthetic image data is disclosed. Based on a multi-channel pixel intensity data set generated by a synthetic vision system, a single-channel pixel intensity data set representative of a lighted solid image of terrain comprised of a plurality of intensities of one color may be generated. The single-channel pixel intensity image data set may be determined as a function of multi-channel pixel intensity data set and channel weighting, where channel weighting may be based on sky and/or terrain colors employed by an SVS. Based on the multi-channel pixel intensity data set, a three-dimensional perspective scene outside the aircraft may be presented to the pilot on a HUD combiner. Also, the multi-channel pixel intensity data set may be modified by using at least one chroma key, where such chroma key may be assigned to a specific multi-channel pixel intensity value.
US08384725B2
A method is provided for controlling an image processor to perform display of an image on a first display device in synchronization with short frames and to perform display of an image on a second display device in synchronization with long frames each of which has a time length longer than a time length of each short frame. According to the method, a synchronization signal acquisition process acquires a first synchronization signal synchronized with switching of the short frames. An estimation process estimates, each time the first synchronization signal is acquired, a generation position of a second synchronization signal synchronized with switching of the long frames within a 2-frame period corresponding to two short frames after the first synchronization signal is acquired. The image processor is provided with a drawing command instructing generation of an image to be displayed on the first display device or the second display device controllably in accordance with results of the estimating by the estimation process.
US08384723B2
A method of rendering parallel global illumination for obtaining a photo-realistic rendering image, includes: generating candidate parallel random numbers for creating a sample; creating a sample by selecting one of the generated random numbers; performing Monte Carlo integration on the basis of the created sample; and providing an application programming interface (API) common to operations having attributes of algorithm parallelism and data-level parallelism according to processed works, so that a common call interface calls a sample creating function, a random number generating function, and a Monte Carlo integration performing function. Furthermore, the method includes: demanding an operation regarding a processed work from a system call controller by the common call interface; performing parallel processing through a preset scheduling when the system call controller performs the operation demanded by the common call interface; and performing the processed work transferred from the system call controller by an operation hardware.
US08384711B2
Ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. One example embodiment is a method for ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. In this example method, the three-dimensional scene is made up of objects that are spatially partitioned into a plurality of cells that make up the grid. The method includes a first act of computing a bounding frustum of a packet of rays, and a second act of traversing the grid slice by slice along a major traversal axis. Each slice traversal includes a first act of determining one or more cells in the slice that are overlapped by the frustum and a second act of testing the rays in the packet for intersection with any objects at least partially bounded by the one or more cells overlapped by the frustum.
US08384709B2
An information processing apparatus includes a display control unit, a receiving unit, and a switching unit. The display control unit helps set information on printing product post-processing to be performed. The receiving unit receives a print instruction. If the post-processing apparatus is selected, the switching unit performs distributed transmitting processing on an image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus in response to the print instruction such that, print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and post-processing data is transmitted to the post-processing apparatus. If the post-processing apparatus is not selected, the switching unit performs the transmitting processing on the image forming apparatus in response to the print instruction such that both the print data and the post-processing data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The post-processing apparatus specifies the post-processing data transmitted with identification information in response to identification information being input in the post-processing apparatus.
US08384703B2
In a liquid crystal display device which arranges a drive circuit on left and right sides of a display region in a two-split manner, flickering at an edge of a screen can be reduced. In a liquid crystal display device which arranges first and second counter electrode drive circuits on left and right sides of a display region respectively, during an arbitrary 1 frame period, a first counter electrode signal drive circuit 3L applies a first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX1, CX3, . . . CXn−1 and a second voltage different from the first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX1, CX3, . . . CXn−1, and a second counter electrode signal drive circuit 3R applies the first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX2, CX4, . . . CXn and the second voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX2, CX4, . . . CXn.
US08384696B2
A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.
US08384695B2
Provided are an automatic impedance adjuster and a control method thereof. The automatic impedance adjuster includes a specific channel for checking an operating environment. When an operation signal of the specific channel is detected or operation signals of all the channels are detected, the automatic impedance adjustment operation is performed to prevent malfunction of the impedance adjustment operation. In addition, malfunction of a touch sensor due to variation of the operating environment can be prevented to improve operating reliability of the touch sensor.
US08384682B2
An optical interactive panel includes a cladding layer, a first waveguide array, a second waveguide array, a first set of image sensor, and a second set of image sensor. The cladding layer has a first index of refraction. The first waveguide array has first waveguide channels formed on the cladding layer, wherein the first waveguide channels have a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, and extending at a first direction. The second waveguide array has second waveguide channels, formed on the cladding layer and extending at a second direction. The first set of image sensor detects a first set of light signals from the first waveguide channels to determine a first-direction location. The second set of image sensor detects a second set of light signals from the second waveguide channels to determine a second-direction location.
US08384679B2
A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal. A processor configured to receive the force signal and to generate the actuation signal based on the force signal.
US08384678B2
A touch sensing device and a method for correcting an output thereof are disclosed. The touch sensing device includes a touch sensor array including a plurality of touch sensors, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) that converts an output of the touch sensor array into digital data and generates raw data, and a data correction unit that generates correction values using differential values between adjacent raw data in the raw data generated by the ICs and removes successive correction values equal to or greater than a predetermined critical value from the correction values when a number of successive correction values equal to or greater than the predetermined critical value is less than a predetermined reference value.
US08384676B2
A label having an identifier 41L is applied to the upper left corner of the key top of each character key in a left hand region of a keyboard device. A label having an identifier 41R is applied to the upper right corner of the key top of each character key in a right hand region. The identifier 41L is a mark of a reversed L shape and the identifier 41R is a mark of a mirror image pattern of the identifier 41L. Further, different colors are applied to the identifiers 41L and 41R depending on regions for individual fingers. As a consequence, the identifiers 41L and 41R have a function to visually display information representing which hand is to be used to press a key and information representing which finger is to be used to press the key. The keyboard device enables a user to naturally understand the arrangement of the keys and the use of the fingers.
US08384671B2
A reduced size and split keyboard arrangement is provided for a portable computing apparatus. The arrangement of the keys, together with mapping of multiple characters to the keys allows reduction of the keyboard to a smaller footprint of a handheld device. Keys may have a single character or multiple characters mapped thereto. For the keys with multiple character mapping, the selection of the character may be by done by simultaneous or near-simultaneous pressing of adjacent physical keys. In one embodiment, disambiguation software may be employed to determine selection of a character from a physical or virtual key with multiple characters assigned thereto.
US08384667B2
A gesture recognition based input device includes a number of finger wear components and image capture modules, and an image capture module. Each finger wear component dedicatedly reflects light of a unique wavelength. Each image capture module dedicatedly picks up light reflected by a corresponding finger wear component and thereby dedicatedly captures images of the corresponding finger wear component. The image recognition module recognizes movements of the finger wear components from the images and interprets the movements of the finger wear components into control signals.
US08384664B2
An input device for controlling a presentation program that is being run on a remote computing device is provided. The input device includes a first optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light and a second optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light. An RF communication device wirelessly delivers the instructional signals to the remote computing device to advance or reverse the presentation program.
US08384663B2
A system for generating position information includes a reflector, an image collection system, and a processor. The image collection system is configured to collect at least two sets of image data, where one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data. The two sets of image data can be collected in many different ways and may include using a retroreflector as the reflector. The two sets of image data are used to generate position information related to the reflector. In particular, position information related to the reflector is generated by taking the difference between the two set of image data. Because one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data, the difference between the two sets of image data gives a definitive indication of the reflector's position.
US08384657B2
A variable capacitor is formed from a pair of electrodes and a dielectric interposed between the electrodes over a substrate, and an external input is detected by changing capacitance of the variable capacitor by a physical or electrical force. Specifically, a variable capacitor and a sense amplifier are provided over the same substrate, and the sense amplifier reads the change of capacitance of the variable capacitor and transmits a signal in accordance with the input to a control circuit.
US08384654B2
The present invention provides a display device capable of realizing an appropriate screen display luminance in accordance with a video feature quantity and brightness around and sufficiently reducing power consumption. A liquid crystal display apparatus (1) includes: a liquid crystal panel (20) for displaying a video by an input video signal; a backlight unit (17) as a light source for irradiating the liquid crystal panel (20); and a brightness sensor (24) for detecting the brightness around the liquid crystal display apparatus (1). According to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor (24), luminance conversion characteristic defining the light emission luminance of the backlight for the feature quantity (such as APL) of the input video signal is changed. Here, the luminance conversion characteristic is changed so that the light emission luminance is reduced as the brightness around the liquid crystal display apparatus becomes darker and the position of the characteristic modification point as the point where the slope of the luminance conversion characteristic is changed is shifted in the direction of the feature quantity change. According to the obtained luminance conversion characteristic, the light emission luminance of the backlight is controlled.
US08384645B2
A method for driving an LCD panel and an LCD using the same are provided. The method includes following steps. Firstly, a number of scan signals are provided sequentially, and an enabling time of the scan signals excluding the last scan signal is adjusted according to a compensation time, so as to unfix the enabling time of these scan signals. Next, the scan signals having the unfixed enabling time are sequentially provided to an LCD panel, so as to turn on a number of row pixels of the LCD panel one by one. Thereby, the entire brightness of the LCD can be uniformed by applying the method disclosed in the present invention.
US08384643B2
A drive circuit for driving a display panel includes a first operation amplifier for operating using a first power source voltage and a second power source voltage; a second operation amplifier for operating using a third power source voltage and a fourth power source voltage; a control unit for supplying a first control voltage and a second control voltage; and a switch circuit for switching the first operation amplifier and the second operation amplifier. The switch circuit includes an n-channel type field effect transistor. The control unit applies the first control voltage to the n-channel type field effect transistor, so that the n-channel type field effect transistor transits from a non-conductive state to a conductive state.
US08384641B2
In one embodiment of the present application, during an initial setting period, switches are rendered conductive, so that voltage on a signal line becomes equal to a source voltage, and input voltages of inverters become equal to a logic threshold voltage. During a writing period, other switches are rendered conductive, and the inverters serve as amplifiers. The last-stage inverter is made up of a P-type Tr14, and an N-type Tr15 having a lower current drive capability than the P-type Tr14. At the beginning of the writing period, the voltage on the signal line varies due to current flowing through the P-type Tr14, and therefore the rate of change of the voltage on the signal line does not change by reducing the current drive capability of the N-type Tr15. On the other hand, by reducing the current drive capability of the N-type Tr15, the output resistance of the inverter increases, so that an amplifier circuit has frequency characteristics with an increased phase margin, resulting in reduced power consumption of the amplifier circuit.
US08384640B2
An image processing method for a display device, for enhancing image quality, includes receiving video signals, sequentially generating a plurality of image data according to the video signals, and sequentially displaying the plurality of image data on a panel of the display device. Each of the plurality of image data includes a frame data and a low-gray-level frame data respectively corresponding to a frame output duration and a vertical blanking duration in a timing sequence of the video signals.
US08384635B2
A gamma voltage generator adapted in a source driver and a source driver adapted in a display panel are provided. The source driver comprises a DAC and a gamma voltage generator comprising a first and a second arithmetic circuit and a gamma voltage string. The first arithmetic circuit receives a first gamma reference voltage and at least one first tuning voltage to supply a first reference voltage. The second arithmetic circuit receives a second gamma reference voltage and at least one second tuning voltage to supply a second reference voltage. The gamma resistor string has two ends coupled to the first and the second arithmetic circuits to receive the first and the second reference voltages respectively to generate a plurality of gamma voltages. The DAC receives digital pixel data and the gamma voltages to generate a plurality of driving voltages to a pixel array of the display panel.
US08384631B2
An active matrix display panel comprises a substrate, an array of pixel circuits being arranged in a matrix of at least one column and a plurality of rows on the substrate, each pixel circuit comprising a light-emitting element, capable of emitting light of an intensity determined by the value of a current passed through it, and at least one column line, each column line arranged to conduct a reference current, provided by a current driving circuit, when connected to the panel. The pixel circuits in a column are divided into a plurality of groups of at least one pixel circuit. The active matrix display panel comprises at least one current mirror circuit associated with a first group, comprising a first current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through a column line to a first current mirror output. Each pixel circuit in the first group comprises at least a first current-memory stage, having an output terminal connected to the light-emitting element, wherein the first current-memory stage is capable of drawing a current determined at least partly by the current mirrored to the first current mirror output through the output terminal. Each current mirror circuit comprises at least one additional current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through an associated column line to an additional current mirror output, wherein each additional current mirror output is connected in parallel to the first current mirror output.
US08384628B2
A document including an integrated display device that has several triggerable display elements, each of which is designed to emit an optical signal for representing first data stored in the document whereby the display device is designed for cyclical activation of the display elements for rendering the first data in sequential image regeneration periods, and whereby the display device is designed in such a way that the emission of the optical signals of at least a subset of the display element takes place with a chronological delay, whereby it is not possible to visually perceive the chronological delay.
US08384627B2
A display device includes: a pixel array section; and a drive section, the pixel array section including scan lines, signal lines, pixels, and power lines, the drive section including a main scanner, a drive scanner, and a signal selector, wherein each of the pixels includes a light-emitting element, sampling transistor, drive transistor, and holding capacitor.
US08384624B1
The priming or conditioning of an AC gas discharge plasma display panel for improved selective write and selective erase which comprises addressing n number of rows in an order or sequence that is changed from frame to frame such that later rows to be addressed are advanced in the sequence with each subsequent frame. Each frame consists of the addressing of all n rows. Specific embodiments include the use of plasma-shells, plasma-tubes, and/or combinations thereof.
US08384620B2
The radiance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded radiance, and also includes photodetectors to provide a measured radiance. The commanded radiance and measured radiance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to provide luminance and color balance tracking.
US08384609B2
An RF aperture coldplate for positioning in heat transfer proximity to heat-generating elements of an RF antenna system is presented. The RF aperture coldplate has a front side and a rear side. The RF aperture coldplate includes waveguides each forming an opening therethrough from the front side to the rear side, and passages substantially around the waveguides. The passages are configured to conduct cooling medium around the waveguides and between the front side and the rear side of the RF aperture coldplate.
US08384605B2
A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.
US08384589B2
A positioning apparatus includes: a first positioning device for calculating a reception position of a GPS receiver with respect to each combination of satellites based on a pseudo distance from each positioning satellite to the reception position; a component error calculator for calculating an error of at least one component in a calculation result of the first positioning device; a pseudo distance error calculator for obtaining a relation equation between the error of the at least one component and an error of the pseudo distance, and for solving simultaneous equations comprising the relation equation so that the error of the pseudo distance with respect to each positioning satellite is calculated; and a second positioning device for correcting the reception position based on the error of the pseudo distance.
US08384587B2
A radar being carried by an aircraft includes means for transmitting an RF wave towards a target, said wave having a double form, a first waveform being composed of at least two sinusoids of different frequencies transmitted simultaneously, the radar comprising reception circuits receiving the signals reflected by the target and analysis means performing the detection of the target on the basis of the signals received. The second waveform is of the pulse type. The transmitted waveform is dependent on the relative speed of the target with respect to the carrier and on the absolute speed of the carrier.
US08384586B2
A Mixer structure (210) for Doppler radar applications and a Doppler radar sensor (30) having an oscillator input port (LO) for output signals from an electric oscillator (32), having a radio frequency input port (RF) for output signals from receiving means (34), having an output port (IF) for an overall output intermediate signal produced in the mixer structure (210) and having two mixer branches (12a, 12b) each with a diode (18a, 18b). The mixer branches (12a, 12b) are connected to the oscillator input port (LO) and to the radio frequency input port (RF) in such a manner that intermediate signals (IF1, IF2), which are produced in these mixer branches (12a, 12b) and correspond to a Doppler shift between the oscillator signal and the radio frequency signal, are processed to the overall output signal.
US08384579B2
Systems and methods are provided for converting analog data to digital data that can include a discharge capacitor coupled to a voltage source. The voltage source supplies an initial data charge to the discharge capacitor; an amplifier coupled to the discharge capacitor; a divider circuit coupled to the amplifier; and a comparator coupled to the amplifier and the divider circuit. The divider circuit includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switch that is operated to alternately divide a remaining charge Q by 2N using the first and second capacitors until the remaining data charge Qin at the amplifier is below a threshold value in the process of converting analog data to digital data.
US08384576B2
An output circuit includes a connection switch and an operation unit. The connection switch receives first and second voltages from first and second terminals, respectively, selects and outputs the first voltage or the second voltage for first to third intermediate terminals, including selection of the same voltage and switches assignment of the first and second voltages to the first to third intermediate terminals responsive to a connection switching signal. The operation unit receives the voltages assigned to the first to third intermediate terminals and outputs to an output terminal a voltage obtained by performing a predetermined operation on the voltages.
US08384573B2
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a digital segment having a digital data input and an analog segment coupled to the digital segment and having an analog output to output an analog signal corresponding to the digital data. The analog segment includes one or more gain stages and a feedback structure to couple the analog output to the one or more gain stages to attenuate signal distortion at the analog output. A combined gain of the one or more gain stages determines a signal distortion attenuation characteristic of the analog segment.
US08384555B2
A method and apparatus for automated detection of mobile phone usage by drivers of vehicles includes at least one mobile phone signal receiving device, at least one image capturing device, at least one infrared illuminator and at least one computer. The mobile phone signal receiving device is operative to detect a mobile phone signal transmitted from a vehicle. The at least one image capturing device is operative to capture infrared light reflected off of the driver of the vehicle. The at least one computer is operative to store, in a storage device, information associated with at least one of the mobile phone signals transmitted from the vehicle and the at least one image of the vehicle. The information stored in the storage device may be used to determine if a person associated with the vehicle should be prosecuted for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving the vehicle.
US08384553B2
A trigger mechanism including sensing electronics, a power source and a length of bifilar wire. The bifilar wire has two electrically conductive filaments separated by an insulator, with a first end in electrical connection with the sensing electronics and the power source and a second end that is free. A circuit can be created by fusing together the two filaments in a section of the bifilar wire. The sensing electronics are configured to monitor the status of a circuit created between the bifilar wire, sensing electronics and power source and to output a signal when the circuit is broken.
US08384552B2
Disclosed is a radiation monitoring system that has a radiation detector for making radiation measurements within a monitored area. An occupancy sensor may be provided for detecting a presence of an entity in the monitored area, and a motion sensor may be provided for detecting a motion of the entity in the monitored area. In a typical embodiment, a radiation measurement collection system is provided which has a first program logic element for collecting the radiation measurements as collected radiation measurements when the presence of the entity is detected and the motion of the entity is detected. Also provided is a method for monitoring an area for intermittent sources of radiation.
US08384548B2
Electronic monitoring systems and methods for detecting and verifying the adequacy of personal protective equipment needed by a person to complete a potentially hazardous task. Items providing different predetermined levels of protection may be identified and evaluated in light of specific risk potentials posed at specific locations, such as different portions of energized electrical circuitry presenting different arc flash hazard risks. Individuals may also be identified and determined to be authorized or unauthorized to perform a potentially hazardous task at a specific location. Confirmation features, alarm features, and event logs may be provided, and the monitoring systems and methods may be integrated with circuit protector monitoring systems and functionality.
US08384543B2
A security system includes a sensor attached to a merchandise item, a slave unit attached to a merchandise rack and connected to one or a plurality of sensors via a wire, and a master unit that monitors theft of the merchandise item by wirelessly receiving a signal using a first frequency band from one or a plurality of slave units.
US08384540B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for scanning refuse (garbage, trash) from a large geographic area to detect the presence of hazardous materials in the refuse. Hazardous material may comprise CBRNE agents, components of terrorist devices, environmental pollutants and toxins and illegal drugs and may include trace particulates of such agents as well as by-products thereof. Systems and methods, according to some embodiments, may further comprise geo-locating to a small geographic area the origin of hazardous material. Accordingly, in some embodiments the disclosure provides systems and methods to geo-locate facilities or addresses where hazardous materials are generated, thereby geo-locating facilities that make terrorist devices, sources of environmental pollutants and/or sources of illegal drugs. According to some embodiments, systems and methods of the disclosure enable focusing efforts of law enforcement authorities to identify terrorists, drug activities and/or environmental offenders to small geographic areas (e.g. a street address).
US08384534B2
An apparatus for assisting safe operation of a vehicle includes an environment sensor system detecting hazards within the vehicle environment, a driver monitor providing driver awareness data (such as a gaze track), and an attention-evaluation module identifying hazards as sufficiently or insufficiently sensed by the driver by comparing the hazard data and the gaze track. An alert signal relating to the unperceived hazards can be provided.
US08384527B2
A portable and personal alarm clock system which incorporates the use of wireless technology to wake a person up through a personal earpiece alarm. This device comprises two main components including an earpiece alarm and a receiving base. The earpiece alarm is integrated with a small rechargeable battery and charging portal and is designed to automatically turn on after removing from receiving base. The receiving base resembles an electric alarm clock having an LED face, two speakers, a snooze button, buttons for setting the clock and alarm, and an alarm sound selector function. There is a charging means for the earpiece(s) and a volume control for the ear piece and base speakers. The base could also include a backup power source.
US08384525B2
The present invention provides a method for contactless programming of a memory element of an electronic device having a wireless short range communications interface. The method comprises performing an interrogation for detecting the presence of said wireless short range communications interface, receiving, responsive to said interrogation, data from said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, selecting programming data for programming said memory element based on said hardware configuration, and transmitting said selected programming data to be received by said wireless short range communications interface. The method further comprises detecting an interrogation, transmitting, responsive to said interrogation, data via said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, receiving programming data at said wireless short range communications interface, and programming said memory element according to said programming data. The invention also provides devices for performing the inventive method.
US08384524B2
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless detection systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a wireless detection system includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and an electronic reader for interrogating the plurality of SAW sensors. In some instances, each of the surface acoustic wave based sensors includes an integrated sensor coil. The electronic reader may include a plurality of reader coils and a controller. The controller may be configured to interrogate the plurality of surface acoustic wave based sensors using a time division interrogation. In some cases, each of the plurality of reader coils is inductively coupled to only one of the integrated coils of the SAW sensors at any given time.
US08384520B2
A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.
US08384515B2
To provide cancelable biometrics, random projection transforms are used to produce transformed biometric data that may be used for authentication purposes. Each random projection transform provides a one-way or irreversible transformation such that the resulting transformed biometric data alone cannot be used to reconstruct the biometric data. Enrollment and backup transforms are produced based on enrollment biometric data. Authentication is possible by similarly transforming authentication biometric and then securely reconstructing the enrollment and authentication biometric data for comparison. In a similar manner, the enrollment and backup transforms may be used to reenroll biometric data when its corresponding transformed biometric data is compromised without requiring further user intervention.
US08384512B2
A detection sensor and method enable a communication of setting information without a dedicated communication device. In particular, the output of an output signal as well as the reception of the setting information data are conducted using a common external connecting terminal, by selectively enabling a second output circuit, which a pressure sensor essentially includes, and an input circuit commonly connected to the external connecting terminal that is connected to the second output circuit.
US08384507B2
A through via inductor or transformer in a high-resistance substrate in an electronic package. In one embodiment, the package comprises a target inductor which includes a through-via formed in the substrate through which a signal passes and a tuner inductor which includes a through-via formed in the substrate such that the through-via has an independent signal passing therethrough. The direction of the signal passing through the tuner inductor can be independently controlled to adjust the total inductance of the target inductor. In another embodiment, a transformer can comprise a primary loop and a secondary loop, each of which includes a plurality of through-vias that are coupled to a plurality of conductive traces. The primary loop forms a first continuous conductive path and the secondary loop forms a second continuous conductive path. A signal passing through the primary loop can induce a signal in the secondary loop such that the induced signal is dependent on the transformer ratio.
US08384504B2
A magnet system for generating a magnetic field may include a superconducting magnet, a switch, and a heater element thermally coupled to the switch. The superconducting magnet is structured to generate magnetic fields, and the switch includes a non-inductive superconducting current carrying path connected in parallel to the superconducting magnet. In general, the switch is structured to only carry a level of current that is a portion of the current required to obtain a full field by the superconducting magnet.
US08384503B2
A switching device (1) with a pole element (2) which exhibits a plurality of magnets (10) arranged one next to the other with alternating polarity, a first switching element (4), wherein the pole element (2) is situated next to the first switching element (4) and is movable relative to the first switching element (4), and wherein the first switching element (4) exhibits magnetisable area segments (16). According to the invention the switching device (1) exhibits magnetisable force coupling elements (8), which, in dependence on a relative motion between the pole element (2) and the first switching element (4), are arranged in such a way as to be movable with respect to the switching element.
US08384500B2
Methods and systems for MEMS switches fabricated in an integrated circuit package are disclosed and may include controlling switching of RF components, and signals handled by the RF components, within an integrated circuit. One or more MEMS switch arrays embedded within a multi-layer package bonded to the integrated circuit may be utilized for the switching and signal control. The RF components and one or more MEMS switch arrays may be integrated in the multi-layer package. The RF components may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit via the one or more MEMS switch arrays. The MEMS switch arrays may be electrostatically or magnetically activated. The RF components may be coupled to one or more capacitor arrays in the integrated circuit. The RF components may include transformers, inductors, transmission lines, microstrip and/or coplanar waveguide filters and/or surface mount devices. The integrated circuit may be coupled to the multiple-layer package utilizing a flip-chip bonding technique.
US08384499B2
A leaky cable with a central conductor, and an outer conductor having a rectangular cross section surrounding the central conductor. The outer conductor has a first and a second surface parallel to each other, and at least one slot row formed in at least one of the first and second surface. The slot row is formed in a first direction of the outer conductor and includes a plurality of slots each configured to form a leaky electromagnetic field. An insulator is disposed between the central conductor and the outer conductor. The width of the rectangular cross section in a direction parallel to the first and second surfaces is less than half of a wavelength of an electric signal transmitted through the leaky cable.
US08384495B2
An acoustic wave duplexer includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first filter and a second filter whose center frequency is higher than that of the first filter, the first and second filters being provided on the piezoelectric substrate. The first filter is structured as a ladder type. A resonator positioned nearest to an antenna terminal out of series-arm resonators is designated as a first resonator. A pitch of a comb-shaped electrode structuring the first resonator is set such that a bulk wave emission frequency of the first resonator becomes higher than a passband of the second filter.
US08384489B2
A micro-strip transmission line capable of reducing far-end crosstalk is provided. The micro-strip transmission line having a serpentine shape is capable of reducing the far-end crosstalk of the transmission line by increasing capacitive coupling between neighboring transmission lines by allowing parallel micro-strip transmission lines to have serpentine shapes. In the structure of the micro-strip transmission line having the serpentine shape, it is possible to reduce the far-end crosstalk of the transmission line by increasing capacitive coupling between neighboring transmission lines by allowing parallel micro-strip transmission lines to have serpentine shapes.
US08384482B2
An amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier operable to turn on at a first power level, a second amplifier operable to turn on at a second power level below the first power level and a third amplifier operable to turn on at all power levels. A first power combiner is operable to combine an output of the third amplifier with an output of the second amplifier at a first power combining node to form a first combined amplifier output. A second power combiner is operable to combine the first combined amplifier output with an output of the first amplifier at a second power combining node to form a second combined amplifier output. An impedance transformer is operable to transform a load impedance of the amplifier circuit to a transformed impedance at the second power combining node, the transformed impedance matching an impedance of the first and second power combiners.
US08384481B2
A signal amplification device includes: a signal generator which divides an input signal so as to generate a plurality of division signals having a specified amplitude and different phases; a plurality of amplifiers which amplify the plurality of division signals by using a field effect transistor, respectively; transmission lines through which the division signals pass, the division signals being amplified with individual amplifiers of the plurality of amplifiers, the transmission lines have different lengths and no isolation is provided between ends of the transmission lines; and a detector which performs a comparison between gate currents input to the individual amplifiers to detect whether an input of the division signal to any of the plurality of the amplifiers exceeds a saturation level.
US08384480B2
A differential amplifier includes first and second current paths, each connected between first and second power supplies (PS) and respectively outputting first and second differential output signals. The first current path includes: first transistor, selectively interconnected between the first PS and a first output terminal, its gate receiving one differential input signal; second transistor, connected between the second PS and the first output terminal, its gate receiving the other differential input signal; and first switch circuit. The second current path includes: third transistor, selectively interconnected between the second PS and a second output terminal, its gate receiving one differential input signal; fourth transistor, connected between the first PS and the second output terminal, its gate receiving the other differential input signal; and second switch circuit. One of the first and second switch circuits is connected to the first PS and the other is connected to the second PS.
US08384479B2
An amplifier circuit includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a differential input circuit coupled to a differential input node. The first stage includes a first partial cascode circuit including devices of a first type, the first partial cascode circuit being coupled to a first power supply node, a first bias node, and the differential input stage. The first stage includes a second partial cascode circuit including devices of a second type, the second partial cascode circuit being coupled to a second power supply node and the differential input circuit. The second stage is coupled to the first stage. The second stage includes a first full cascode circuit coupled to an output node.
US08384477B2
A distortion compensating apparatus that compensates signal distortion caused by an amplifier includes a distortion compensating process unit that using a distortion compensation coefficient, compensates distortion of an input signal; a memory unit storing therein the distortion compensation coefficient; and an address generating unit that generates a first address that is based on electrical power of the input signal and is for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, and a second address that is based on any one among the electrical power, phase of the input signal and amplitude of the input signal, is for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, and is normalized in a normalizing range determined according to the electrical power of the input signal. The distortion compensating process unit acquires the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, based on the first and the second addresses to compensate the distortion.
US08384475B2
The present invention relates to a composite amplifier (3, 4, 120), a radio terminal (100) including such composite amplifier and to a method for improving the efficiency of such composite amplifier in particular. The composite amplifier according to embodiments of the present invention is arranged to be connected to an output combiner network (43, 53, 63, 73, 83) and to a load (49, 130). the output combiner network comprising at least one dynamically tuneable reactance (47, 48). The instantaneous efficiency of the composite amplifier (3, 4, 120) is increased by tuning the impedances/admittances seen by each of said at least two power amplifiers (41, 42, 71, 72). The amplifiers being differently driven and they may further be part of a Chireix outphasing system or a pair of a Doherty amplifier.
US08384470B2
Provided is an internal power supply voltage generation circuit with which a through current of a logic circuit supplied with an internal power supply voltage does not depend on a power supply voltage. A reference voltage (VREF) is generated based on a constant current of a current source (1) independently of a power supply voltage (VDD). Based on the reference voltage (VREF), an internal power supply voltage (DVDD) is generated independently of the power supply voltage (VDD) because of a source follower. A through current of a logic circuit (9) flows based on the internal power supply voltage (DVDD). The through current of the logic circuit (9) is therefore independent of the power supply voltage (VDD). The internal power supply voltage (DVDD) is a minimum power supply voltage for the logic circuit (9) to operate based on the specification. The through current of the logic circuit (9) is therefore small.
US08384457B2
Method and circuitry for controlling duty cycle of an input signal towards a desired value comprising a sequence of at least two inverters arranged in series and feedback circuitry. A first inverter is arranged to receive the input signal and a last inverter is arranged to output a signal having the same frequency as the input signal. The output signal is an adjusted version of the input signal. The feedback circuitry is arranged to receive the output signal and comprises a comparing and supplying means. The comparing means compares the output signal with a reference signal indicative of a desired value and generates a feedback signal based on the comparison of the output and reference signal. The supplying means supplies the feedback signal to adjust operating conditions of at least one of the inverters, such that the duty cycle of the output signal is controlled towards the desired value.
US08384456B1
A phase delay element coupled to an output of A multiplexor and a first input of the multiplexor. A reference clock line is coupled to a second input of the multiplexor. A selector that is coupled to a selector input of the multiplexor. A signal divider element coupled to an output of the phase delay element. A variable delay controller is coupled to a) the output of the variable delay controller; b) at least one output of the variable delay controller. An integrated phase detector and charge pump element (PDCHP) is coupled to at least: a) an output of the variable delay controller; and b) the selector; c) and a first and second output of the divider element. A capacitor is coupled to an output of the PDCHP, wherein the capacitor is also coupled to a controller input of the phase delay element.
US08384455B2
An apparatus for clock skew compensation is provided. The apparatus includes a first delay locked loop (DLL) module disposed in a first die and a second DLL module disposed in a second die. A first input terminal of the first DLL module receives a reference clock. A first input terminal of the second DLL module is electrically connected to an output terminal of the first DLL module. An output terminal of the second DLL module is electrically connected to a second input terminal of the first DLL module.
US08384454B2
A method of dynamically adjusting phase-chasing speed for increasing efficiency of a DLL circuit includes detecting an overall loop delay for an input clock signal in the DLL circuit, obtaining an optimal divisor according to the overall loop delay, and in the phase-locking period of the DLL circuit, dividing the frequencies of the input clock signal and a feedback clock signal corresponding to the input clock signal according to the optimal divisor.
US08384453B1
The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for locking a phase locked loop (PLL). The method may include receiving a reference signal at a phase locked loop (PLL) circuitry having a first PLL circuitry and a second PLL circuitry. The first PLL circuitry may include a fixed frequency oscillator. The method may further include adjusting a division ratio using, at least in part, a fractional divider circuitry in communication with the fixed frequency oscillator, to generate a feedback signal having a substantially equal frequency and a substantially equal phase in relation to a reference frequency. The method may also include receiving the feedback signal and the reference frequency at a phase detector.
US08384439B2
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may be a complementary device including a p-type oxide TFT and an n-type oxide TFT. The semiconductor device may be a logic device such as an inverter, a NAND device, or a NOR device.
US08384433B2
To include a first inverter that receives an input signal to output an inverted signal, a second inverter that receives the inverted signal to output a first internal signal, and a third inverter that receives the input signal and outputs a second internal signal by using the inverted signal as a power supply. According to the present invention, because a signal on one signal path is used as a power supply of an inverter included in the other signal path, phases of a pair of output signals based on the input signal can be exactly matched without adding a capacitor or a resistor for adjustment.
US08384431B2
Level shifting circuits and related methods are disclosed herein. The level shifting circuit includes a cross-coupled pull-up circuit coupled to a higher supply voltage, an output signal, and an inverted output signal. An input signal transitions between a ground and a lower supply voltage and an inverted input signal transitions in a direction opposite from the input signal between the ground and the lower supply voltage. A first n-channel transistor has a gate coupled to the lower supply voltage, a drain coupled to the output signal, and a source coupled to the inverted input signal. A second n-channel transistor has a gate coupled to the lower supply voltage, a drain coupled to the inverted output signal, and a source coupled to the input signal. The level shifting circuit may be included in an IC with core logic in a first voltage domain and input/output logic in a second voltage domain.
US08384429B2
An integrated circuit has one or more logic gates and a control circuit. The control circuit has one or more control elements coupled to the logic gates. The control circuit controls the states of the one or more logic gates. The one or more control elements have one or more programmable resistance elements and/or one or more threshold switching elements.
US08384428B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA, has programmable I/O circuits that can be programmed into any one of a number of different operating modes before configuration is completed. As such, the same set of I/O circuits and corresponding I/O pads can be used to configure the device using different configuration interfaces having different interface signaling requirements. Such a device may be able to be implemented using fewer I/O pads than conventional devices that employ a different set of I/O pads for each different type of configuration interface supported by the device.
US08384427B1
In one embodiment, a programmable logic device includes configuration memory, an SPI port for receiving a bitstream, a chip select output pin, and configuration control circuitry. The chip select output pin can provide a chip select signal having a first logic state for selecting another device (such as another PLD) to receive a bitstream and a second logic state for de-selecting the other device. The configuration control circuitry is responsive to a command embedded in the received bitstream to drive the chip select output pin from the second logic state to the first logic state, thereby selecting the other device to receive the bitstream. Several such PLDs connected in a daisy chain can thus be configured from a single configuration source or have their configuration data read back while so connected.
US08384416B2
The exemplary embodiments provide a resilient integrated circuit. An exemplary IC comprises a plurality of composite circuit elements, a state machine element (SME), and a plurality of communication elements. Each composite circuit element comprises an element interface and a selected circuit element which may vary by element type, and which may be configurable. The state machine element assigns various functions based on element type, such as assigning a first configuration to a first element type, assigning a second configuration to a second element type, and providing a first data link for the corresponding assignments. In response to detection of a fault or failure, the state machine element re-assigns the first configuration to another composite circuit element and creates a second data link for performance of the same function. The assignment, routing, fault detection, and re-assignment and data re-routing can occur in real time for a wide variety of programs and algorithms, providing for the IC to continue the same functioning despite defects which may arise during operation.
US08384413B2
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mirror compiler is provided for each protected device or circuit resulting in a program that is embedded into the protected device's source code. The mirror compiler can be configured to have multiple selectable compilation parameters offering the programmer flexible options for mirrored power cancellations.In the preferred embodiment, the mirror compiler comprises a digital-to-analog converter and a digital-to-analog load to sink current. These elements serve to define a complement of the normal (i.e., unprotected) programmed device's output current. The digital-to-analog load currents are output and thus act to cancel the expected variations in the currents of the protected programmed device.
US08384412B2
A method distributes personalized circuits to one or more parties. The method distributes a generic circuit to each party, encrypts a unique personalization value using a secret encryption key, and transmits each encrypted personalization value to the corresponding party. Each party then stores the encrypted personalization value in their circuit. The stored encrypted personalization value allows a piece of software to be properly executed by the circuit. A semiconductor integrated circuit is arranged to execute a piece of software that inputs a personalization value as an input parameter. The circuit comprises a personalization memory arranged to store an encrypted personalization value; a key memory for storing a decryption key; a control unit comprising a cryptographic circuit arranged to decrypt the encrypted personalization value using the decryption key; and a processor arranged to receive the decrypted personalization value and execute the software using the decrypted personalization value.
US08384406B2
In a semiconductor test apparatus, a first device is tested as a device under test in a state where the first device provided with a transmitter transmitting a signal and a second device provided with a receiver receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter, are connected together. The transmitter includes an equalizer circuit that shapes the waveform of the differential signal to be transmitted. The receiver includes a latch circuit that latches data corresponding to the differential signal thus received with the use of a clock, the timing of which is variable. A control unit varies, in a matrix, a parameter of the equalizer circuit and an edge timing of the clock CLK supplied to the latch circuit.
US08384403B2
In a system or method to detect an electrical potential and layer thickness of a layer of toner particles in a printer or copier, a measurement arrangement is provided having a first electrode and at least one second electrode situated opposite the first electrode. An intermediate image carrier is provided on a surface of which a toner image is generated. A drive unit drives the intermediate image carrier so that its surface is directed past the first electrode situated opposite the surface. An evaluation unit is electrically connected with the first electrode. The evaluation unit detects an electrical current flowing between the first electrode and the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit determines an electrical charge of toner particles arranged in a detection region in a first measurement procedure with aid of the detected current. The evaluation unit also determines the layer thickness of the layer of toner particles in an inked region via at least one second measurement procedure.
US08384390B2
A battery gas gauge includes a voltage detection unit and a processor. The voltage detection unit is coupled to a battery pack and can measure a plurality of open circuit voltages of a plurality of cells in the battery pack respectively. The processor is coupled to the voltage detection unit and can determine a minimum open circuit voltage of the open circuit voltages, and can determine a first relative state of charge of the battery pack based on a relationship between the minimum open circuit voltage and a corresponding relative state of charge of a cell having the minimum open circuit voltage. The processor can further determine a capacity level of the battery pack based on the first relative state of charge and a rated full capacity level of the battery pack.
US08384387B1
A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allowing multi-positioning is also disclosed.
US08384383B2
A method for reconstructing a sequence of magnetic resonance (MR) images of an object under investigation, includes the steps of (a) providing a series of sets of image raw data including an image content of the MR images to be reconstructed, the image raw data being collected with the use of at least one radiofrequency receiver coil of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, wherein each set of image raw data includes a plurality of data samples being generated with a gradient-echo sequence, in particular a FLASH sequence, that spatially encodes an MRI signal received with the at least one radiofrequency receiver coil using a non-Cartesian k-space trajectory, each set of image raw data includes a set of homogeneously distributed lines in k-space with equivalent spatial frequency content, the lines of each set of image raw data cross the center of k-space and cover a continuous range of spatial frequencies, and the positions of the lines of each set of image raw data differ in successive sets of image raw data, and (b) subjecting the sets of image raw data to a regularized nonlinear inverse reconstruction process to provide the sequence of MR images, wherein each of the MR images is created by a simultaneous estimation of a sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content and in dependency on a difference between a current estimation of the sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content and a preceding estimation of the sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content.
US08384381B2
A biological detector includes a conduit for receiving a fluid containing one or more magnetic nanoparticle-labeled, biological objects to be detected and one or more permanent magnets or electromagnet for establishing a low magnetic field in which the conduit is disposed. A microcoil is disposed proximate the conduit for energization at a frequency that permits detection by NMR spectroscopy of whether the one or more magnetically-labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.
US08384371B2
A method, apparatus, and system in which a neutral deriving transformer incorporates a zig-zag transformer configuration is provided. A zig-zag transformer provides an electrical load with a neutral wire. The zig-zag transformer may be electrically connected downstream of a main AC voltage step-down transformer. Additionally, three phase AC voltage lines can be routed to the zig-zag transformer such that the zig-zag transformer comprises a neutral deriving transformer that electrically connects to a ground conductor. The neutral deriving transformer might not be electrically connected to a neutral conductor of the main voltage step-down transformer. The zig-zag transformer can phase shift each winding by approximately 120 degrees and may derive a neutral for at least one single phase load connected to the zig-zag transformer and one of the three phase AC lines in order to provide a common neutral point that takes the place of a neutral cable that connects back to the main AC voltage step-down transformer.
US08384364B2
In a unit inverter system where multiple unit inverters are connected in parallel, the quantity of operating unit inverters is determined in accordance with an amount of power to be converted. A gate signal of a semiconductor switching element of a unit inverter is turned off after an output current of the inverter is reduced when reducing the quantity of inverter units, thereby improving the partial load efficiency of the system without an adverse effect on the system. A regulator connected to the inverter determines dead time of the inverter according to the output current value and an average output current value of the unit inverters, waits for the determined dead time so as to reduce the output current of the unit inverter, and then turns off the gate signal.
US08384363B2
A method and apparatus for converting a DC voltage to a lower DC voltage, provides for conducting current from an input terminal, through an inductor to charge a capacitor connected to the inductor at an output terminal and to provide a varying range of load current from the output terminal, alternately switching the input terminal between a supply voltage and a ground potential to produce a desired voltage at the output terminal that is lower than the supply voltage, while providing the varying range of load current, and disconnecting the input terminal from both the supply voltage and the ground potential to reduce an increase in voltage at the output terminal caused by a substantial reduction in the load current, while current through the inductor adjusts in response to the reduced load current.
US08384360B2
A hybrid battery includes a converter, a controller, a power source, and an ultracapacitor configured to be discharged. The converter is operable to receive a control signal and to regulate a current level that is allowed to be drawn from the power source to charge the ultracapacitor in accordance with the control signal. The controller is operable to generate and provide the control signal to the converter. The controller is operable to generate the control signal based at least in part on a measure of the voltage level of the ultracapacitor and a measure current being drawn to charge the ultracapacitor.
US08384350B2
Disclosed herein is a battery cell voltage balancing device for connecting two or more battery cells to one another in parallel so as to minimize a voltage difference between the respective battery cells, the battery cell voltage balancing device including an insulative main body having partitions, between which the two or more battery cells are mounted, respectively, configured in a structure in which the partitions are open upward, terminal connection parts disposed at opposite ends of the insulative main body for connecting cathodes and anodes of the battery cells mounted at the insulative main body to cathodes and anodes of neighboring battery cells mounted at the insulative main body, and an interval adjustment unit for variably adjusting an interval between the partitions in a state in which the battery cells are mounted between the partitions to achieve secure mounting of the battery cells between the respective partitions and electrical connection of electrode terminals of the respective battery cells to the terminal connection parts.
US08384338B2
A system and method for determining the stator winding resistance of AC motors is provided. The system includes an AC motor drive having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of an AC motor, a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter having switches therein to control current flow and terminal voltages in the AC motor, and a control system connected to the PWM converter. The control system generates a command signal to cause the PWM converter to control an output of the AC motor drive corresponding to an input to the AC motor, selectively generates a modified command signal to cause the PWM converter to inject a DC signal into the output of the AC motor drive, and determines a stator winding resistance of the AC motor based on the DC signal of at least one of the voltage and current.
US08384329B2
A wiper is continuously reciprocally swung between an upper return position and a lower return position by controlling an electric motor when an operational command for executing a continuous operational mode is entered by a user through a wiper switch. The wiper is reciprocally swung after stopping of the wiper for a predetermined time period at a predetermined position, which is located on an outer side of the lower return position that is opposite from the upper return position in a swing direction of the wiper and at which an influence of a wind pressure applied to the wiper is smaller in comparison to the lower return position, by controlling the electric motor when an operational command for executing an intermittent operational mode is entered through the entering means.
US08384310B2
A ballast and method are presented for detecting end-of-life conditions of fluorescent lamps in which a ballast output is controlled according to a dimming input when a DC voltage or current of the lamp is in a predefined range or when the AC lamp current is below a predefined threshold, and the output is reduced to an EOL protection level when the lamp DC voltage or current is outside the predefined range and the AC lamp current is above the predefined threshold.
US08384304B2
A novel LED driver controller, including: an auto-gain control unit, having an input end coupled to an input voltage signal which is derived from a line voltage, and an output end for providing a normalized signal; a comparator, used to perform voltage comparison on the normalized signal and a current sensing signal to generate a turn-off signal, wherein the turn-off signal will change state from inactive to active when the current sensing signal reaches the normalized signal; and a driving circuit, having a set input end, a reset input end, and an output end, the set input end being coupled to a turn-on signal, the reset input end being coupled to the turn-off signal, the output end being used for providing a gating signal.
US08384298B2
A sleep circuit for use in a resonant inverter is disclosed. The sleep circuit activates a “sleep mode” (non-continuous operation) when the inverter output has no connected load, or a connected load is non-operative (e.g., fails). The “sleep mode” utilizes hysteresis control via the under voltage lockout protection feature of a control IC of the inverter. A primary DC source permanently connects to the Vcc pin of the control IC for startup (on) and burst (non-continuous) operation modes. An auxiliary DC source connects to the Vcc pin via a switch for continuous operation mode. A load current sensor controls the switch. When a sensed output current is above a threshold level, the switch connects the auxiliary DC source, and the control IC (and the inverter) operates continuously. When the sensed output current falls below the threshold, the auxiliary DC source is not provided and the inverter operates in “sleep mode”.
US08384295B2
A ballast circuit for a light emitting diode (LED) based lamp including power factor correction with protective isolation. The circuit includes a transformer with electrically isolated windings and a power factor correction circuit that receives no feedback from a secondary winding side of the transformer. An LED-based lamp assembly and a method of driving an LED-based light source are also provided.
US08384286B2
A novel mono(benzo[k]fluoranthene) compound having a molecular structure containing at least one condensed ring aromatic group which is tricyclic or more at any of 7- to 9-positions of benzo[k]fluoranthene. Also an organic light emitting device including at least a pair of electrodes formed of an anode and a cathode, and a layer formed of an organic compound, the layer being interposed between the pair of electrodes, in which the layer formed of an organic compound contains a compound represented by the following structural formula. An organic light emitting device in which the layer is a light emitting layer.
US08384280B2
A reflective electrode (2) includes an aluminum alloy layer (2a) and an aluminum oxide layer (2b) arranged on or above a substrate and is directly connected to a transparent pixel electrode (3) without the interposition of a barrier metal layer. The aluminum alloy layer contains 0.1 to 2 atomic percent of nickel or cobalt and 0.1 to 2 atomic percent of lanthanum. The aluminum oxide layer has a ratio [O]/[Al] of the number of oxygen atoms [O] to the number of aluminum atoms [Al] of 0.30 or less. The aluminum oxide layer has a thickness in its thinnest portion of 10 nm or less. The reflective electrode has a high reflectance and a low contact resistance, even when subjected to a heat treatment at a low temperature of 100° C. or higher but 300° C. or lower. The reflective electrode also has excellent thermal stability and does not cause defects such as hillocks.
US08384279B2
A spark plug, center electrode and method of construction is provided. The spark plug has a generally annular ceramic insulator and a conductive shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the shell, with the ground electrode having a ground electrode sparking surface. A center electrode has an elongate body with a center electrode sparking surface. The center electrode sparking surface and the ground electrode sparking surface provide a spark gap. The center electrode body is constructed of a composite material including at least one ceramic material.
US08384274B2
An apparatus for producing electromagnetic radiation includes a flow generator configured to generate a flow of liquid along an inside surface of an envelope, first and second electrodes configured to generate an electrical arc within the envelope to produce the electromagnetic radiation, and an exhaust chamber extending outwardly beyond one of the electrodes, configured to accommodate a portion of the flow of liquid. In another aspect, the flow generator is electrically insulated. In another aspect, the electrodes are configured to generate an electrical discharge pulse to produce an irradiance flash, and the apparatus includes a removal device configured to remove particulate contamination from the liquid, the particulate contamination being released during the flash and being different than that released by the electrodes during continuous operation.
US08384270B2
A pressure-balanced electromechanical converter is described including a structure that converts displacement into electrical energy or electrical energy into displacement, said structure designed to separate an enclosed volume for an outside pressure wave channel, wherein said enclosed volume has a filtering pressure transparent connection to said outside pressure wave channel with said filtering connection be pressure transparent to static pressure or low frequency pressure waves and filtering pressure waves at higher frequencies.
US08384266B2
A brush wear detector system for a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The brush wear detector system includes a brush holder, and at least one brush located within the brush holder. At least one spring is in contact with the brush and the spring operates to force the brush against an electrically conductive member of the dynamoelectric machine. A wireless sensor is configured to detect when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred to the at least one brush, and is also configured to identify the brush having the predetermined amount of wear. The wireless sensor is attached to the at least one brush.
US08384260B2
A geared motor assembly has a rotation-transmitting shaft for transferring output rotation of a reducer on the front side of a motor to an output shaft sensor on the rear side of the motor. A front end portion of the rotation-transmitting shaft is securely bonded to a rotation output member of the reducer by an adhesive that exhibits flexibility or elasticity after hardening, and a rear end portion of the rotation-transmitting shaft is rotatably supported by a sensor cover via a bearing in a position adjacent to the output shaft sensor. The rotation-transmitting shaft can be supported in a state free of axial runout by deformation of the adhesive and by the bearing. Consequently, the rotation angle position of the rotation output member can be detected with precision by the output shaft sensor in a position adjacent to the bearing.
US08384249B2
A method and a device for joining a remotely controlled switching and current sensing AC device structured for attachment to standard and popular three way SPDT AC switches or cross DPDT AC switches and/or power outlets, such that the front wall plate of a single gang electrical box will cover the joined AC device with the manual switch or the AC outlet. The AC device is operated and communicates via lightguide or fiber optic cable using two way optical signals and via IR in air in line of sight and/or via RF in air. The lightguide is cascaded in series from one AC device to another and/or from a joint switch device to a joined AC outlet and to an optoport in front of an outlet socket for communicating the current drain and/or operation controls with the appliance, powered by the AC socket, via a lightguide included in the power cable with plug assembly of the appliance.
US08384247B2
A system exchanges energy wirelessly and includes a source configured to generate evanescent waves, in response to receiving the energy, on at least part of a surface of the source. The system also includes a sink configured to receive the energy wirelessly from the source via a coupling of the at least part of the evanescent waves and a load configured to receive the energy from the sink. The load and the sink are configured to move along the surface of the source such that the at least a part of the evanescent waves are coupled between the source and the sink within an energy transfer area.
US08384243B2
A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. A temperature signal is input responsive to the temperature. The power conversion is controlled by adjusting the input power based on the temperature signal. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.
US08384242B2
An interconnected system that supplies power to a power system, and includes a power generator that changes in output, and an electric power storage-compensation device. The interconnected system is controlled so that operation of a sodium-sulfur battery that is included in the electric power storage-compensation device and compensates for a change in output of the power generator is stopped, or the interconnected system is set in a non-power transmission mode in which a planned power generation value of a power generation schedule is set to the sum of power generated by the power generator and local load power of the system, when the planned power generation value is 0 kW or less, and the sum of the power generated by the power generator and the local load power of the system has reached a value at which power is supplied to the interconnected system from the power system.
US08384227B2
A semiconductor device has an interposer frame mounted over a carrier. A semiconductor die has an active surface and bumps formed over the active surface. The semiconductor die can be mounted within a die opening of the interposer frame or over the interposer frame. Stacked semiconductor die can also be mounted within the die opening of the interposer frame or over the interposer frame. Bond wires or bumps are formed between the semiconductor die and interposer frame. An encapsulant is deposited over the interposer frame and semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and bumps of the first semiconductor die. An electronic component, such as a discrete passive device, semiconductor die, or stacked semiconductor die, is mounted over the semiconductor die and interposer frame. The electronic component has an I/O count less than an I/O count of the semiconductor die.
US08384225B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a through-silicon via (TSV) extending from the top surface of the substrate to the bottom surface of the substrate, the TSV having a height and a side profile extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the side profile has an upper segment forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a lower segment forming a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the second angle being different from the first angle, and wherein the lower segment has a height that is less than 20% of the height of the TSV.
US08384224B2
A method of forming and structure for through wafer vias and signal transmission lines formed of through wafer vias. The structure includes, a semiconductor substrate having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; and an array of through wafer vias comprising at least one electrically conductive through wafer via and at least one electrically non-conductive through wafer via, each through wafer via of the array of through wafer vias extending from the top surface of to the bottom surface of the substrate, the at least one electrically conductive via electrically isolated from the substrate.
US08384223B2
In some embodiments, selective electroless plating for electronic substrates is presented. In this regard, a method is introduced including receiving a coreless substrate strip, forming a stiffening mold on a backside of the coreless substrate strip adjacent to sites where solder balls are to be attached, and attaching solder balls to the backside of the coreless substrate strip amongst the stiffening mold. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08384221B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, and a semiconductor thin film bonded to the substrate, wherein the semiconductor thin film includes a plurality of discrete operating regions and an element isolating region which isolates the plurality of discrete operating regions, and the element isolating region is etched to a shallower depth than a thickness of the semiconductor thin film, and is a thinner region than the plurality of discrete operating regions.
US08384217B2
By forming an aluminum nitride layer by a self-limiting process sequence, the interface characteristics of a copper-based metallization layer may be significantly enhanced while nevertheless maintaining the overall permittivity of the layer stack at a lower level.
US08384212B2
To provide a semiconductor equipment having high heat-transfer effect and breakdown voltage, and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor equipment includes: a sealed container; a stem connected to the sealed container via a stem peripheral portion; and a semiconductor chip mounted on a top surface of the stem, inside the sealed container. The semiconductor chip is electrically connected to a lead provided to the stem, the stem peripheral portion, which is of a material that is different from the material of stem and the same as the material of the sealed container, is bonded along a periphery of the stem, and the sealed container is filled with a working fluid including at least one of ethanol, a perfluorocarbon, and a fluoroether.
US08384200B2
Semiconductor device assemblies include at least first and second semiconductor dice disposed in a face-to-face configuration. At least some of a plurality of conductive structures are electrically and structurally coupled to a bond pad of the first semiconductor die and a bond pad of the second semiconductor die. A first end of each of a plurality of laterally extending conductive elements may be structurally and electrically coupled to a conductive terminal of a substrate, and a second end of each laterally extending conductive element is structurally and electrically coupled to at least one of a bond pad of the first semiconductor die, a bond pad of the second semiconductor die, and a conductive structure. Methods include the fabrication of such assemblies. Electronic systems include at least one electronic signal processing device, at least one input or output device, and at least one memory device including such a semiconductor device assembly.
US08384199B2
Circuit structures and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating implementing a complete electronic system in a compact package. The circuit structure includes, in one embodiment, a chips-first multichip base layer with conductive structures extending therethrough. An interconnect layer is disposed over the front surface of the multichip layer and includes interconnect metallization electrically connected to contact pads of the chips and to conductive structures extending through the structural material. A redistribution layer, disposed over the back surface of the multichip layer, includes a redistribution metallization also electrically connected to conductive structures extending through the structural material. Input/output contacts are arrayed over the redistribution layer, including over the lower surfaces of at least some integrated circuit chips within the multichip layer, and are electrically connected through the redistribution metallization, conductive structures, and interconnect metallization to contact pads of the integrated circuit chips of the multichip layer.
US08384196B2
Methods and structures are provided for formation of devices on substrates including, e.g., lattice-mismatched materials, by the use of aspect ratio trapping and epitaxial layer overgrowth. A method includes forming an opening in a masking layer disposed over a substrate that includes a first semiconductor material. A first layer, which includes a second semiconductor material lattice-mismatched to the first semiconductor material, is formed within the opening. The first layer has a thickness sufficient to extend above a top surface of the masking layer. A second layer, which includes the second semiconductor material, is formed on the first layer and over at least a portion of the masking layer. A vertical growth rate of the first layer is greater than a lateral growth rate of the first layer and a lateral growth rate of the second layer is greater than a vertical growth rate of the second layer.
US08384187B2
To provide a semiconductor device provided with an element isolation structure capable of hindering an adverse effect on electric characteristics of a semiconductor element, and a method of manufacturing the same. The thickness of a first silicon oxide film left in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively narrow width is thinner than the first silicon oxide film left in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively wide width. A second silicon oxide film (an upper layer) having a relatively high compressive stress by an HDP-CVD method is more thickly laminated over the first silicon oxide film in a lower layer by a thinned thickness of the first silicon oxide film. The compressive stress of an element isolation oxide film finally formed in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively narrow width is more enhanced.
US08384177B2
A semiconductor device has an active region formed on a semiconductor substrate, a trench-type element isolation region formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a diffusion region in which fluorine is diffused that surrounds the element isolation region and is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as not to contact the active region.
US08384176B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion section which is provided for each pixel and which converts light incident on a first surface of a substrate into signal charges, a circuit region which reads signal charges accumulated by the photoelectric conversion section, a multilayer film including an insulating film and a wiring film, the multilayer film being disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and a transmission-preventing film disposed at least between the wiring film in the multilayer film and the substrate.
US08384175B2
Certain embodiments provide a method for manufacturing a solid state imaging device, the method including: forming a plurality of first semispherical lens bodies; forming a second transparent resin layer; and forming a second lens body. The plurality of first semispherical lens bodies are respectively formed on a plurality of photodiode layers formed on a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate. The second transparent resin layer is a resin layer having an etching rate higher than that of the first lens body, and is formed so that the semiconductor substrate including the plurality of first lens bodies is covered with the second transparent resin layer. The second lens bodies are formed on a surface except the top part of each of the first lens bodies by etching an entire surface of the second transparent resin layer until top parts of the first lens bodies are exposed.
US08384169B1
The present invention provides a DC high voltage converter having an oscillator driver, main switch array and topological enhanced capacitors. The switch array utilizes MEM cantilevers and topological capacitors for charge storages for the generation of a high voltage output from a low voltage input.
US08384167B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate in which a SiGe layer having a first width in a channel direction is embedded in a channel forming region; gate insulating film formed on the channel forming region; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film and having a region protruding from a forming region of the SiGe layer with a second width wider than the first width; and source/drain regions having extension regions formed on the semiconductor substrate which sandwiches the channel forming region, thereby forming a field effect transistor, wherein the extension region is apart from the SiGe layer so that a depletion layer extending from a junction surface between the extension region and the semiconductor substrate does not reach the SiGe layer.
US08384166B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes the steps of: successively forming, on a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film and first and second dummy sections stacked in this order; forming a notch section by processing the gate insulating film and the first and second dummy gate sections into a previously set pattern and making the first dummy gate section move back in the gate length direction relative to the second dummy gate section; forming a side wall of an insulating material in a side part of each of the gate insulating film and the first and second dummy gate sections and embedding the notch section therewith; removing the first and second dummy gate sections to leave the gate insulating film and the notch section in the bottom of a removed portion; and forming a gate electrode made of a conductive material by embedding the removed portion with the conductive material.
US08384163B2
Design time (TAT) is reduced in a layout design of a semiconductor integrated circuit having a well supplied with a potential different from a substrate potential. A layout design method of the present invention includes preparing a first cell pattern placed on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type, preparing a second cell pattern having a deep well of a second conductive type, placing the first cell pattern in a first circuit region, and placing the second cell pattern in a second region different from the first circuit region. This reduces TAT in chip design.
US08384161B2
By appropriately designing the geometric configuration of a contact level of a sophisticated semiconductor device, the tensile stress level of contact elements in N-channel transistors may be increased, while the tensile strain component of contact elements caused in the P-channel transistor may be reduced.
US08384156B2
Improvements in Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) devices; in particular, field effect transistors (FETs) and devices using said transistors which are able to take advantage of the higher carrier mobility of electrons compared to holes by replacing the conventional p-channel transistor with an n-channel transistor having a double gate (or vice versa): Such a. Unipolar CMOS (U-CMOS) transistor can be realized by adapting the source and/or the drain such that when the body region undergoes inversion at a first surface current, is able to flow between the drain and the source and when the body region undergoes inversion at a second surface current is not able to flow between the drain and the source. Various logic gates may be constructed using U-CMOS transistors.
US08384153B2
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; multiple first and second conductive type regions on the substrate for providing a super junction structure; a channel layer on the super junction structure; a first conductive type layer in the channel layer; a contact second conductive type region in the channel layer; a gate electrode on the channel layer via a gate insulation film; a surface electrode on the channel layer; a backside electrode on the substrate opposite to the super junction structure; and an embedded second conductive type region. The embedded second conductive type region is disposed in a corresponding second conductive type region, protrudes into the channel layer, and contacts the contact second conductive type region. The embedded second conductive type region has an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer, and has a maximum impurity concentration at a position in the corresponding second conductive type region.
US08384150B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes vertical double diffused MOS transistor. A gate electrode of the vertical double diffused MOS transistor is disposed within a trench formed on a semiconductor substrate and projects from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. On a side surface of the gate electrode, a side wall is formed. On the surface of the semiconductor substrate and a surface of the gate electrode, a metal silicide film is formed.
US08384135B2
A phase-change random access memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a bottom electrode structure formed on the semiconductor substrate, a cylindrical bottom electrode contact that includes a conductive material layer, which is in contact with the bottom electrode, and a cylindrical phase-change material layer that is in contact with the bottom electrode contact. Therefore, the contact area between the bottom electrode contact and the phase-change material layer can be minimized.
US08384131B2
The semiconductor device includes a fuse structure disposed on a substrate. An interlayer dielectric disposed on the fuse structure. A first contact plug, a second contact plug, and a third contact plug penetrate the interlayer dielectric and wherein each of the first contact plug, the second contact plug and the third contact plug are connected to the fuse structure. A first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern are disposed on the interlayer dielectric. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are electrically connected to the first contact plug and second contact plug, respectively.
US08384116B2
Disclosed herein is a substrate with chip mounted thereon, including: a solder pattern having a plan-view shape in which projected parts are projected radially from a central part; and a chip fixed in the state of being aligned to the central part of the solder pattern.
US08384115B2
An improved bond pad design for increased light extraction efficiency for use in light emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED packages. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate a structure that physically isolates the bond pads from the primary emission surface, forcing the current to flow away from the bond pads first before traveling down into the semiconductor material toward the active region. This structure reduces the amount of light that is generated in the area near the bond pads, so that less of the generated light is trapped underneath the bond pads and absorbed.
US08384082B2
Disclosed are a transistor including a gate insulation layer and an organic passivation layer of a polymer thin film, and a fabrication method thereof. The transistor comprises a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the substrate, a gate insulation layer including a polymethacrylic acid thin film, formed on the gate electrode and the substrate, a channel layer formed on the gate insulation layer, source electrode and drain electrode formed on the channel layer so as to expose at least a part of the channel layer, and an organic passivation layer including a polymethacrylic acid thin film, formed on the source electrode, drain electrode and the partially exposed channel layer. The method for fabricating a transistor comprises steps of forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulation layer of a polymethacrylic acid thin film on the gate electrode and the substrate, forming a channel layer on the gate insulation layer, forming source electrode and drain electrode on the channel layer so as to expose at least a part of the channel layer, and forming an organic passivation layer of a polymethacrylic acid thin film on the source electrode, drain electrode and the partially exposed channel layer.
US08384080B2
A thin film transistor, which is capable of improving carrier mobility, and a display device and an electronic device, each of which uses the thin film transistor, are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor layer including a multilayer film including a carrier travel layer configuring a channel and a carrier supply layer for supplying carriers to the carrier travel layer; a gate insulating film provided between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer; and a pair of electrodes as a source and a drain. A conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply source of the carrier supply layer is higher in energy than a conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply destination of the carrier travel layer.
US08384066B2
Disclosed is a polymer light-emitting device having a light-emitting layer arranged between an anode and a cathode, and a hole transport layer arranged between the light-emitting layer and the anode. This polymer light-emitting device is characterized in that the hole transport layer is a layer containing a polymer compound which contains a repeating unit represented by the general formula (I) below, a repeating unit represented by the general formula (II) below and a repeating unit represented by the general formula (III) below.
US08384064B2
An electroluminescent device comprising a pair of electrodes, and an electroluminescent layer containing at least a luminescent layer, situated between the electrodes. The luminescent layer has a matrix material containing at least one organic compound, and quantum dots whose surfaces are protected by a protective material and that are dispersed in the matrix material. The protective material contains a first protective material. The absolute value of the ionization potential Ip(h), the absolute value of the electron affinity Ea(h), and the band gap Eg(h) of the first protective material, the absolute value of the ionization potential Ip(m), the absolute value of the electron affinity Ea(m), and the band gap Eg(m) of the organic compound, and the band gap Eg(q) of the quantum dots fulfill all of the conditions (A) to (C): (A) Ip(h)
US08384059B2
A phase-change memory device has a plurality of first wiring lines WL extending in parallel to each other, a plurality of second wiring lines BL which are disposed to cross the first wiring lines WL while being separated or isolated therefrom, and memory cells MC which are disposed at respective cross points of the first wiring lines WL and the second wiring lines BL and each of which has one end connected to a first wiring line WL and the other end connected to a second wiring line BL. The memory cell MC has a variable resistive element VR which stores as information a resistance value determined due to phase change between crystalline and amorphous states thereof, and a Schottky diode SD which is connected in series to the variable resistive element VR.
US08384058B2
A battery can be fabricated from a substrate including silicon. This allows the battery to be produced as an integrated unit. The battery includes a anode formed from an array of spaced elongated structures, such as pillars, which include silicon and which can be fabricated on the substrate. The battery also includes a cathode which can include lithium.
US08384047B2
A solution for managing illumination of an organism with ultraviolet light is provided. A set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics of the organism can be determined using fluorescence data for the organism. The set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics can be used to determine a set of target properties of the ultraviolet light. The set of target properties can be used to illuminate the organism with ultraviolet light. The illumination can be managed during growth of the organism, breeding of the organism, and/or maintenance of the organism after harvest.
US08384041B2
Exemplary embodiments provide a radiographic array, flat detector panel and/or X-ray imaging apparatus including the same and/or methods for using the same or calibrating the same. Exemplary embodiments can reduce or address noise occurring in the optically sensitive pixels that is temporally not related to image data detected by the optically sensitive pixels or dark reference frames detected by the optically sensitive pixels. Exemplary embodiments can include a capacitive element in a calibration pixel coupled between a row conductive line and a column conductive line in an imaging array.
US08384037B2
A method, disclosure relates to for improving detection of true coincidence events and differentiating them from events detected from scattered and random gamma photons, comprises receiving electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of photo detectors that was generated by a scintillating crystal impacted by a gamma photon, and processing data received at a subset of the plurality of photo detectors that are closer to a scintillating crystal, thereby improving a timing coincidence window for detecting a coincidence event.
US08384032B2
A method for saving power consumption of a position sensitive detector used in a smart bathroom product includes changing infrared light emitting strength modes depending on the received strength of reflected infrared light. If the emitting mode is already the strongest, and the strength of the reflected infrared light received back from a reflecting object is weak, the method includes conducting multiple subsequent emissions and averaging the returns to estimate a distance to the infrared light reflecting object.
US08384023B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for ionizing a neutral MALDI desorption plume, and in particular, for efficiently measuring the ionized MALDI desorption plume when post-ionization techniques are combined with a medium pressure MALDI-IM-oTOFMS instrument. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus that simultaneously separates tissue-sample MALDI ions by IM-oTOFMS according to their chemical family. After separation, the MALDI ions are directly compared to the ions created by post-ionizing the co-desorbed neutral molecules with a second laser wherein the second laser is delayed by a few hundred microseconds. The present disclosure further provides novel approaches that enhance the analysis of ions, including the use of giant fullerene internal standards to enhance mass accuracy, and ultraviolet (UV) declustering lasers to generate intact peptides and proteins, either of which may be followed by VUV post-ionization which generates identifiable structural fragments.
US08384022B1
A method of calibrating an ion trap having electrodes to which main RF trapping and resonant ejection voltages are applied comprises: identifying, for each of a plurality of ion types having different respective mass-to-charge ratios, an optimum resonant ejection voltage amplitude at which a mass peak quality is optimized when the ion trap mass analyzer is operated at a selected scan rate; determining a best-fit function of the form Vreseject=mc(a+bm), where Vreseject and m represent resonant ejection voltage amplitude and mass-to-charge ratio and a, b and c are constants; identifying, for each of a plurality of ion types, a respective RF voltage amplitude at which ions of each respective type are ejected from the ion trap using a resonant ejection voltage calculated according to the best-fit function; and determining a second best-fit function relating the identified trapping voltage amplitudes to mass-to-charge; ratio.
US08384010B2
A touch sensing apparatus includes a light source generating a light. The light travels though a light distribution part. A light guide part guides the light to the light distribution part. A light sensing part outputs an output signal corresponding to an intensity of the light incident through the light guide part and the light distribution part when a touch occurs. A light reflection part reflects the light provided to the light distribution part, and a coordinate generating part calculates a coordinate value of the touch using the output signal from the light sensing part.
US08384005B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection. In one instance, a method includes, but is not limited to, obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more positions associated with one or more projection surfaces; and transmitting one or more signals that include the information associated with one or more changes in one or more positions associated with one or more projection surfaces.
US08383994B2
A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more sensors to monitor performance of one or more properties, e.g. a heating arrangement of the windshield, and to generate signals representative of the performance of the properties. One part of a connector, external of the transparency and connected to the sensors is connected to a system positioned in the aircraft. The system receives a signal from each of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine difference between performance of the property as indicated by the signal received and a preferred performance of the property to provide real time monitoring of the performance of the windshield. With this arrangement information regarding the performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.
US08383987B2
A contact tip for a welding torch includes a body having a front discharge end, an opposite rear feed end, and a bore extending through the body. A cap is mounted on the body at the front end. The cap has an aperture generally aligned with the bore. The cap is composed of a material having an electrical conductivity between 1.74×107 and 4.35×107 Siemens per meter at 20° C. The body is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and a copper alloy. The body has an electrical conductivity that is higher than the electrical conductivity of the cap. A portion of the bore at the front end of the body and at least a portion of the aperture in the cap define a contact area for a consumable electrode wire.
US08383982B2
Methods and systems selectively irradiate structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using multiple laser beams. The structures may be laser-severable conductive links, and the purpose of the irradiation may be to sever selected links.
US08383962B2
A packaged semiconductor is disclosed. The packaged semiconductor comprises a conductive integral frame that includes an inner portion and a ring portion encircling the inner portion, a semiconductor die that is mounted to a first surface of the inner portion of the conductive frame, and a casing that supports the conductive frame and covers the semiconductor die. Sections of the conductive frame that connect the inner portion to the ring portion are removed after the casing is applied to the conductive frame.
US08383961B2
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding apparatus generally includes a lid and a framework. The lid includes a top portion having at least one projection joining part thereon. The at least one projection joining part has a peripheral contour. The framework includes a top portion and a lateral side extending downward from the top portion. The top portion includes at least one joining opening having a peripheral contour coinciding with the peripheral contour of the at least one projection joining part of the lid. Accordingly, the at least one projection joining part of the lid is engagable with the at least one joining opening of the framework via an interference fit.
US08383960B2
A one-piece board level shielding element with a top cover peel panel is secured to a circuit board to shield and provide access to a shielded component. The shielding element is formed with a top having a peel line to facilitate removal of the peel panel with a peel tool. Once the repair is completed, a new cover is put on to the remaining side-walls to reestablish the shielding. The shield top cover is formed with a peel tool insertion slot and an adjacent peel start slot. The peel panel is removed by a peel tool having a peel hook mounted to a cylindrical peel key that is inserted into the insertion slot and hooks the cover at the peel start slot. Upon rotating the peel key away from the peel start slot, the peel panel is easily removed. A fixture plate may be used to support the peel tool and assist in removal of the peel panel.
US08383956B2
A multilayer printed circuit board has an insulation layer, a first conductor layer provided over a first side of the insulation layer, a second conductor layer provided over a second side of the insulation layer opposite to the first side, and multiple filled vias electrically connecting the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. The filled vias have upper surfaces, respectively, and each of the upper surfaces is made such that a difference between a lowest point and a highest point of each of the upper surfaces is less than or equal to about 7 μm.
US08383946B2
A heat sink capable of being surface-mounted, the heat sink having a 3D shape and comprising a body made of metal, having a rear side which is horizontal and a front side which is at least partially horizontal, such that the front side is partially surface-mounted on a conductive pattern of a printed circuit board (PCB) by pick-and-place and the rear side is attached to the conductive pattern by reflow-soldering.
US08383942B2
A connecting member includes a cable configured to transfer signal, and a resilient component secured to the cable. The cable includes a first connector and a second connector for being electronically connected to two electronic components. The resilient component is elastically deformable between a first state, in which the resilient component and the cable are contracted, spiraled about the second connector in a first direction up to the first connector, shortening a distance between the first and second connectors, and a second state, in which the resilient component and the cable are pulled away from the first connector, thus a greater distance between the first and second connectors.
US08383939B2
A bus bar assembly used for establish electric connections with semiconductor modules of an electric power converter. The bus bar assembly includes a resinous body, a first and a second bus bar to which terminals of the semiconductor modules are to be connected. Each of the first and second bus bars includes a plate body and a plurality of connecting terminals extending from the plate body substantially in parallel to a major surface of the plate body. At least a portion of the body plate of the first bus bar is disposed inside the resinous body. The second bus bar is mounted at the plate body on the resinous body and laid to overlap the first bus bar at a given distance away from the first bus bar. This structure minimizes the misalignment between the first and second bus bars after the resinous body is formed.
US08383934B2
An electrical junction box having a in which a plurality of connecting bolts are juxtaposed on a bolt support section and that exerts excellent strength to realize a reinforcing structure without interfering with mounting of a connecting plate onto the connecting bolts. Inserting slits are provided in a peripheral wall and a proximal end of a partition wall. A connecting plate is previously disposed through the slits on one surface of a bolt support section. A plurality of connecting bolts are attached to the bolt support section so that the bolt support section bridges the plural connecting bolts.
US08383933B2
The invention relates to an earthing system for a wind turbine connected to a utility grid. The wind turbine comprises at least one electric system such as low or high voltage power systems and cables (16), at least one control system such as a SCADA system and control cables (18), and/or at least one safety system such as a lightning protection system, wherein a connection to an electrically earth potential is established from one defined place (12) within the wind turbine for said systems.
US08383926B2
The thermoelectric structure is formed by a network of wires oriented substantially in a weft direction of the structure. It comprises first and second conducting wires of different kinds, interwoven to form cold and hot junctions distributed respectively in a top plane and a bottom plane. The junctions are alternately cold and hot along any one conducting wire. The thermoelectric structure comprises at least one high dielectric wire in the top plane, and at least one low dielectric wire in the bottom plane. The dielectric wires are interwoven with the first and second conducting wires so as to keep the top and bottom planes at a distance from one another.
US08383920B2
A keyboard apparatus includes a key supported for pivoting movement about a pivot point, a mass member for imparting a reaction force to performance operation of the key in interlocked relation to the key, a transmission member provided in abutment with both of the key and mass member to transmit a load from one of the key and mass member to the other, and an electromagnetic actuator for driving, via a fixed coil, the transmission member toward at least one of the key or mass member. Good key touch feeling can be achieved not only by a load applied from the mass member to the key but also through load control by the actuator. Thus, it is possible to faithfully reproduce a key touch feeling approximate to that in a natural keyboard instrument, such as an acoustic piano, with a simple construction and facilitated control.
US08383919B2
A method of one reaction step for synthesis of peptide template fluorescent metal nanoclusters as bioprobes. Specific targeting peptide containing a metal reactive group is synthesized and used to react with a metal salt solution under a sufficient pH condition at room temperature in forming peptide template fluorescent metal nanoclusters. The dialyzed metal nanoclusters is used directly as bio-probes.
US08383918B2
A wheat variety designated 25R34, the plants and seeds of wheat variety 25R34, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety 25R34 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 25R34 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 25R34. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety 25R34 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08383910B1
A novel maize variety designated X8K858 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K858 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K858 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K858, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K858. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K858.
US08383909B1
A novel maize variety designated X08A117 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A117 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A117 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A117, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A117. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A117.
US08383906B1
A novel maize variety designated X13A494 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13A494 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13A494 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13A494, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13A494. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13A494.
US08383903B1
A novel maize variety designated PH17PC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17PC with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17PC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17PC or a locus conversion of PH17PC with another maize variety.
US08383894B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023199. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023199. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023199 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023199 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383888B1
A method of processing plant cellulose includes providing plant cellulose that is from a plant expressing a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and saccharifying the plant cellulose to produce fermentable sugars. The method can also include fermenting the fermentable sugars to produce alcohol. A method of producing a plant having beneficial saccharification properties includes introducing into a plant a polynucleotide encoding a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and expressing in the plant the CESA polypeptide variant, wherein plant cellulose of the plant expressing the CESA polypeptide variant has beneficial saccharification properties as compared to a wild-type plant.
US08383885B1
A novel maize variety designated X00A926 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00A926 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A926 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A926, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A926. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A926.
US08383878B2
An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The barrier zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.
US08383875B2
An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.
US08383869B2
An oligomer of alpha olefin is produced in a three step process comprising 1) oligomerization to a vinylidene, 2) hydroformylation to a primary alcohol, and 3) dimerization of the alcohol. The final product can be hydrogenated to form a branched alkane with improved lubricating oil properties.
US08383861B2
The present invention relates to processes for the manufacture of one or more ethanolamines and one or more ethyleneamines starting from the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to produce one or more ethanolamines and the conversion of the ethanolamine(s) to ethyleneamine(s). The present invention also relates to separating alkylethyleneamines from ethyleneamines.
US08383859B2
The present application relates to novel methods for the preparation of primary, secondary and tertiary carbinamine compounds, particularly the preparation of compounds of formulae I, IV and VI, from a carbonyl compound of formula II in the presence of ammonia or an ammonium equivalent of the formula NH4+X−, by way of allylation, crotylation, arylation, reductive amination and catalytic hydrogenation.
US08383855B2
In recognition of the need to develop novel therapeutic agents, the present invention provides novel histone deacetylase inhibitors. These compounds include an ester bond making them sensitive to deactivation by esterases. Therefore, these compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of skin disorders. When the compounds reaches the bloodstream, an esterase or an enzyme with esterase activity cleaves the compound into biologically inactive fragments or fragments with greatly reduced activity Ideally these degradation products exhibit a short serum and/or systemic half-life and are eliminated rapidly. These compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are particularly useful in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, neurofibromatosis, psoriasis, hair loss, skin pigmentation, and dermatitis, for example. The present invention also provides methods for preparing compounds of the invention and intermediates thereto.
US08383845B2
A process for obtaining lipids containing highly unsaturated fatty acids from plant or animal material, including contacting the material with liquid dimethyl ether to give a dimethyl ether solution containing lipids and a residue of plant or animal material, separating the solution from the residue of plant or animal material, and recovering lipids from the solution.
US08383844B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans from crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans obtained by subjecting (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2(1H)-ones which are produced by cyclizing a homofarnesylic acid amide or a monocyclohomofarnesylic acid amide in the presence of an acid agent and then hydrolyzing the cyclized product, to reduction reaction and then to cyclization reaction, said process including (i) an alkali treatment step in which the crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans are heated in the presence of an alcohol and a metal hydroxide; and (ii) a washing treatment step in which the crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans are washed with an aqueous acid solution. The thus obtained (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans have a less off-odor and hardly suffer from deterioration of their smell during storage.
US08383840B1
The present invention provides a method for extracting fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients from complexes of humic substances. The fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients extracts are safe for human and animal consumption and for application to plant foliage. As a result of the extraction method, the fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients extracts further comprise calcium and may comprise magnesium.
US08383831B2
The dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell, which dye is a compound classified into melocyanine dyes and has a structure in which an electron donor unit and an electron acceptor unit are connected with conjugated double bonds, provided by this invention, has excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent durability, and according to this invention, there can be provided a semiconductor electrode sensitized by the dye and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the semiconductor electrode.
US08383825B2
The present invention relates to drug delivery systems comprising ocular implant, which include organic molecules, capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation, in combination with a polymer, which polymer serves to control, modify, modulate and/or slow the release of the therapeutic component into the environment of the eye in which said composite is placed.
US08383824B2
Compounds having the formula I wherein wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors with improved bioavailability. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.
US08383818B2
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of heterocyclic derivatives as a2C adrenergic receptor agonists, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more conditions associated with the a2C adrenergic receptors using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.
US08383816B2
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds for treating proliferative disorders, cancer, etc., and more specifically to certain aryl-quinolyl compounds, as described herein, which, inter alia, inhibit RAF (e.g., B-RAF) activity. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit RAF (e.g., BRAF) activity, to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity, to inhibit cell proliferation, and in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of RAF, RTK, etc., proliferative disorders such as cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, melanoma), etc.
US08383813B2
The present invention relates generally to selected fused pyrrolocarbazoles, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diseases therewith. The present invention is also directed to intermediates and processes for making these fused pyrrolocarbazoles.
US08383808B2
A method to prepare D-glucosamine hydrochloride, obtaining product from raw material of citric acid residue from citric acid production by means of fermentation, and through processes of hydrolysis, suction filtering, concentration etc. Due to recovery of the citric acid residue, the present invention alleviates the environment pollution caused by the residue; Moreover, the D-glucosamine hydrochloride product produced from the raw material of citric acid residue is vegetarian D-glucosamine hydrochloride, without fishy odor and heavy metal pollution, safe and environment-friendly, with product purity up to 98-102%, and in line with the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) 32nd edition quality standards; Meanwhile, due to sufficient resources of the raw material, there is no limitation of resources for production, and production cost is low; the present invention further saves the cost to treat environment pollution and has a good effect of recycling economy; More importantly, it overcomes people's bias in this technical field, reduces the time of hydrolysis reaction, and enhances product output and production efficiency while ensuring a high product purity.
US08383797B2
The present invention provides a gene construct encoding pH insensitive luciferase for visualizing intracellular information, wherein an intracellular expression activity is higher compared with a gene construct of luciferase derived from a firefly.
US08383794B2
The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that demonstrate potent and selective inhibition of the open-channel conformation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors.
US08383780B2
The present invention relates to antibody molecules, in particular antibody molecules that bind Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ), and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to antibody molecules that bind and preferably neutralize TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3, so-called “pan-specific” antibody molecules, and uses of such antibody molecules. Preferred embodiments within the present invention are antibody molecules, whether whole antibody (e.g. IgG, such as IgG1 or IgG4) or antibody fragments (e.g. scFv, Fab, dAb).
US08383774B2
The present invention refers to a fusion protein comprising a TNF-superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine or a receptor binding domain thereof fused to a collectin trimerization domain, to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein, and to a cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule. The fusion protein is present as a trimeric complex or as an oligomer thereof. The fusion protein, the nucleic acid, and the cell is suitable as pharmaceutical composition or for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.
US08383764B2
The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.
US08383761B2
Green to transmissive soluble electrochromic polymers are conjugated polymers having a plurality of repeating units where repeating units are a plurality of substituted dioxyheterocycle based donor groups coupled to an acceptor group. The conjugated polymer absorbs radiation within a first band of the visible spectrum and a second band of the visible spectrum when in a neutral state resulting in a green color and is transmissive when in an oxidized state. The polymers are soluble allowing processing of films and coatings from solution.
US08383760B2
Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further, provided herein are novel sulfide-terminated polyolefins of the formula: wherein R1 is a polyolefin group and R2 is hydrocarbyl; and methods for producing the same.
US08383758B2
The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed.The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations. A method for forming the chiral polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a suitable reagent to form the chiral polyketal. A method for use in chiral separations includes the incorporation of the chiral polyketals in the mobile phase during a chromatographic separation, or into chiral stationary phases such as gels.The present invention further relates to chiral polyketals as a source for chiral compounds, and methods for generating such chiral compounds.
US08383748B2
Process for the preparation of impact-strengthened cast PMMA sheets comprising the following stages: 1. a mixture comprising: at least one alkoxyamine Z(-T)n, in which Z denotes a polyvalent group and n an integer greater than 2, preferably of between 2 and 10, advantageously between 2 and 8, and the monomer(s) intended to form a central block B is heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the alkoxyamine and polymerize the monomer(s); 2. the central block B, optionally mixed with the unconsumed monomer(s) from stage 1, is reactivated in the presence of the monomer(s) intended to form the branches A; 3. MAM and optionally at least one comonomer M which can be copolymerized by the radical route with MMA and at least one radical initiator are added to the mixture obtained in stage 2; 4. the mixture from stage 3 is cast in a mould and then heated.
US08383733B2
The present invention relates to novel polymer polyols which have low viscosities and high hydroxyl numbers, and to a process for the preparation of these novel polymer polyols. These polymer polyols have hydroxyl numbers of ≧20, solids contents of about 30 to about 65% by weight and a viscosity that is less than or equal to: be[2.7c]. These comprise the reaction product of a base polyol, a preformed stabilizer and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of a free-radical polymerization initiator and at least one polymer control agent. The base polyol has a hydroxyl number of 60 to 1900, a functionality of 1 to 10, and an equivalent weight of 30 to 900.
US08383726B2
Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition having excellent impact resistance at a low temperature, while maintaining high transparency; this thermoplastic resin composition is obtained by compounding an impact resistance improver into a thermoplastic resin, the impact resistance improver being composed of a graft copolymer which is obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer component in the presence of a polymer mixture containing a polymer having butadiene units as an essential component and a polymer having styrene units as an essential component, the polymer mixture containing 45 to 65% by mass of the butadiene units and 35 to 55% by mass of the styrene units.
US08383719B2
Water-borne polyurethane coating compositions are provided. One exemplary water-borne coating composition includes a substantially water-free base component and an activator component. The substantially water-free base component includes at least a hydrophilic polyol, and the activator component includes at least a hydrophobic isocyanate.
US08383714B2
A process for producing the alumina fiber aggregate which, when examined by the electron microscope method, gives a frequency distribution regarding number of fibers, wherein the number of fibers having a fiber length of 50-200 μm is 70% or more (including 100%), the number of fibers having a fiber length smaller than 50 μm is 30% or less (including 0), the number of fibers of 50-100 μm is 30-50%, the number of fibers longer than 100 μm but not longer than 200 μm is 30-50%, and the number of fibers longer than 200 μm is 20% or less (including 0). The process including the steps of grinding cottony alumina-based fibers comprising 70-100% by mass of Al2O3 and 0-30% by mass of SiO2 while applying a pressure of 0.1-20 MPa thereto and then classifying the ground fibers.
US08383710B2
Waterborne coating compositions are disclosed that include a latex emulsion polymer, and, as a coalescent, a levulinic acid ester of a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The coating compositions of the invention have a reduced VOC content, and provide improved coalescing activity compared with esters of polyols such as glycerol.
US08383704B2
A molded propylene polymer product improved in flexural properties and/or impact resistance is prepared by a process comprising the steps of blending fibrous inorganic filler-containing pellets with a propylene polymer-containing matrix resin composition, in which the pellets comprises 35-80 wt. % of a fibrous inorganic filler, 1-45 wt. % of an olefin polymer, 5-45 wt. % of an elastomer, and 0.3-10.0 wt. % of a specific lubricant; kneading the blended product under molten condition; and molding the kneaded product.
US08383700B2
A recording ink containing a pigment dispersion, a surfactant, a water-dispersible resin, a humectant and water. The pigment dispersion contains a pigment dispersant, which is an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 10 to 20. The pigment dispersion also contains a polymer dispersion stabilizer, which is an alpha-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer expressed by the formula (1) below, where R is an alkyl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms, and where the mass average molecular weight of the copolymer is 5000 to 20000. An ink cartridge, an inkjet recording method, an inkjet recording apparatus, and an ink recorded matter, each employing the recording ink, are also provided.
US08383698B2
It has been discovered that the use of a plasticizer, an ester of a cyclohexanepolycarboxylic acid, especially a 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid ester, that is environmentally non-toxic, can replace environmentally unfriendly phthalate plasticizers, such as dioctyl phthalates used in vulcanizable rubber compositions, especially for tires, on a one to one weight basis (phr) without sacrificing beneficial rubber properties.
US08383684B2
Disclosed embodiments describe pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating ineffective esophageal motility in which bethanechol and pharmaceutically acceptable absorption enhancers including bile acids and mixtures thereof are topically introduced to the esophagus. Therapeutically effective amounts of bethanechol are delivered while reducing or eliminating parasympathetic nervous system side effects normally associated with systemic bethanechol delivery.
US08383682B2
A composition comprises surface-modified nanoparticles of at least one amphoteric metal oxide or oxyhydroxide. The nanoparticles bear, on at least a portion of their surfaces, a surface modification comprising (i) at least one surface modifier selected from lactate, thiolactate, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) at least one surface modifier selected from halide, nitrate, acetate, carbonate, formate, propionate, sulfate, bromate, perchlorate, tribromoacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, carboxylate comprising from one to about four alkyleneoxy moieties, chlorate, and mixtures thereof.
US08383679B2
The present invention relates to a novel crystal form of calcium 3-acetylaminopropane-1-sulfonate, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof in medicaments.
US08383674B1
Silver nanoclusters were synthesized by reducing silver nitrate with ethylene glycol at a certain temperature in the presence of zeolite. A one-pot procedure rendered uniform size distributions of quasi-spherical silver clusters synthesized on the surfaces of cubic-like zeolite.
US08383668B2
The use of substituted amides for modulating the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and the use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions, are described. Also a novel class of substituted amides, of the general formula I. Their use in therapy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as their use in the manufacture of medicaments are described. The present compounds are modulators and more specifically inhibitors of the activity of 11βHSDI and may be useful in the treatment of a range of medical disorders where a decreased intracellular concentration of active glucocorticoid is desirable.
US08383667B2
Novel forms of atorvastatin magnesium salt designated Form A, Form B, Form C, Form D, Form E, and Form F, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, methods for their preparation and methods utilizing the compounds for treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Alzheimer's disease are described.
US08383658B2
The invention relates to isoxazole derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of preventing or treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08383652B2
Novel biaromatic compounds that modulate peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors, known as PPAR, having the formula (I): are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions useful in human or veterinary medicine, or alternatively, in cosmetic compositions.
US08383645B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08383635B2
The invention is directed to pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5(6H)-one derivatives. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined below. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of PDK1 and can be useful in the treatment of disorders characterized by constitutively activated ACG kinases such as cancer and more specifically cancers of the breast, colon, and lung. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. The invention is still further directed to methods of inhibiting PDK1 activity and treatment of disorders associated therewith using a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.
US08383633B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of Aurora protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising those compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, and disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention.
US08383630B2
Provided are methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using compounds of formula Ia and Ib: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or N-oxide thereof.
US08383629B2
This invention relates to novel compounds of the Formulae I or II and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof which are useful for the therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with the modulation or inhibition of 11 β-HSD 1 in mammals. Formula (I).
US08383619B2
The invention provides a compound of the formula (1): or a salt, solvate, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein either R1 is R1a and R2 is R2a; or R1 is R1b and R2 is R2b; provided that in each case at least one of R1 and R2 is other than hydrogen; R1a and R2a are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C2-4 alkenyl and C2-4 alkynyl wherein the C1-4 alkyl is optionally substituted by C1-2 alkoxy; R1b and R2b are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, C(O)NR4R5, C(O)R6 and C(O)OR6 where R6 is C1-4 alkyl, R4 and R5 are both C1-4 alkyl, or NR4R5 forms a 4 to 7 membered saturated heterocyclic ring optionally containing a second heteroatom ring member selected from O, N or S and oxidized forms of N and S, the heterocyclic ring being optionally substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl groups and/or one or two oxo groups; and R3 is a group D: wherein the asterisk denotes the point of attachment to the isoindoline ring; but excluding acetic acid 5-acetoxy-4-isopropyl-2-[5-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-isoindole-2-carbonyl]-phenyl ester.
US08383614B2
This invention provides compositions and methods of inhibiting, suppressing, or treating a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. The invention further provides a method of ameliorating symptoms associated with a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. Additionally, the invention provides methods for evaluating the risk of developing a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury.
US08383604B2
The invention relates to methods and uses of modulating fetal hemoglobin expression (HbF) in a hematopoietic progenitor cells via inhibitors of BCL11A expression or activity, such as RNAi and antibodies.
US08383602B2
The present invention relates to a new use of TRIM72 as a target for muscle enhancer and heart enhancer, more particularly to a composition for enhancing muscle or heart comprising an expression or action inhibitor of TRIM72 protein. The present invention further relates to a new TRIM mutant protein inducing muscle differentiation and hypertrophy and its gene. The inventors of the present invention have identified that TRIM72 overexpression inhibits myogenesis whereas TRIM72 knockdown enhances myogenesis, and first elucidated that TRIM72 is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle differentiation. Accordingly, the inhibition of TRIM72 acts exclusively on skeletal muscle and heart muscle, but does not affect IGF-I signaling pathway in other tissues. Therefore, a drug or gene therapy using TRIM72 as a target may be helpful in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes by promoting skeletal muscle differentiation, hypertrophy and energy consumption in adipose tissue and inducing strong muscle by promoting physiological hypertrophy of heart muscle, without cancer or other side effects.
US08383597B2
The invention provides an agent that reduces the expression of Gα12 or Gα13 polypeptide, as well as an agent that enhances G protein Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity. An agent of the invention may be used to decrease or increase G protein Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity thereby to treat or prevent the onset of a disease or condition associated with Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity. The invention also provides a method for screening for an anti-cancer or anti-angiogenesis agent, as well as an agent that promotes angiogenesis.
US08383587B2
A nutritional composition comprising a partially hydrolysed milk protein having a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 25% and 50 to 1000 nanograms of TGF-β per 100 ml of ready to consume composition and methods for the primary prevention of allergic reactions to newly introduced dietary protein at weaning and the prevention of development of atopic diseases in a young mammal at weaning comprising feeding to the young mammal a therapeutic amount of the composition are disclosed.
US08383584B2
Compounds of the formula I: including a stereoisomer thereof, or an N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition solvate thereof; useful as HCV inhibitors; processes for preparing these compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds as active ingredient.
US08383582B2
An inhibitor against the formation of biofilm includes κ-casein macropeptide. The inhibitor prevents or reduces the formation of a biofilm by inhibiting attachment or attachment/invasion followed by biofilm formation on the abiotic or biotic surfaces by L. monocytogenes. The inhibitor can be applied as a food or pharmaceutical additive, a detergent for food or equipments for manufacturing food or pharmaceutics as well as a packing material for food or pharmaceutics.
US08383580B2
A method of treating an LCN13-related condition is provided comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a lipocalin or a physiologically active fragment thereof.
US08383578B2
Human proIslet Peptides (HIP) and HIP analogs and derivatives thereof, derived from or homologous in sequence to the human REG3A protein, chromosome 2p12, are able to induce islet neogenesis from endogenous pancreatic progenitor cells. Human proIslet Peptides are used either alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other pathologies related to aberrant glucose, carbohydrate, and/or lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, overweight, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eating disorders and the metabolic syndrome.
US08383571B2
New fabric care compositions including soil release polymers containing anionic substitution, nitrogen containing substitution, and alkoxy substitution are disclosed. In particular, fabric care compositions containing modified polysaccharides having anionic substitution, nitrogen containing substitution, and alkoxy substitution and methods of forming the same are disclosed.
US08383564B2
A heterocoagulate comprises first particles, having a particle size of at most 999 nm, on a second particle, having a particle size of at least 3 microns. The first particles comprise cerium oxide, and second particle comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of silicon oxides, aluminum oxides and zirconium oxides.
US08383563B2
The resistance to oxidation and nitration of a gas engine oil is improved by the use of a combination of a hindered phenolic antioxidant and an (alkylated) phenyl-α-naphthylamine antioxidant. The additional use of an organo molybdenum compound further enhances the resistance to oxidation and nitration.
US08383557B2
Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form.
US08383555B2
The present invention relates to a well drilling, completion or workover fluid wherein the continuous phase of the fluid essentially consists of a liquid fluorinated compound. In a variant, the liquid fluorinated compound is a perfluorinated compound.
US08383547B2
The present invention relates to provide an aflatoxin production inhibitor that inhibits aflatoxin production specifically and efficiently, is highly safe, and is practical, and an efficient production method thereof; and a method for controlling aflatoxin contamination that uses the aflatoxin production inhibitor, specifically relating to an aflatoxin production inhibitor that includes at least one of a dioctatin represented by the following formula (I) and a derivative thereof, as an active ingredient: where, in the formula (I), R represents one of hydrogen and a methyl group.
US08383539B2
A carried material is carried only on a surface of nano-fibers. It includes a raw material liquid spray step that sprays raw material liquid, which is a raw material of nano-fibers, into a space, a raw material liquid electrically charging step, which applies an electric charge to the raw material liquid and makes the raw material liquid electrically charged, a nano-fiber manufacturing step that manufactures the nano-fibers by having the electrically charged and sprayed raw material liquid explode electrostatically, a carried material electrically charging step that electrically charges a carried material carried on the nano-fibers with a polarity opposite to a polarity of the electrically charged nano-fibers, and a mixing step that mixes the manufactured nano-fibers and the electrically charged carried material in a space.
US08383530B2
A glass substrate for a display, which is formed of a glass having a light weight and having high refinability with decreasing environmental burdens, the glass comprising, by mass %, 50 to 70% of SiO2, 5 to 18% of B2O3, 10 to 25% of Al2O3, 0 to 10% of MgO, 0 to 20% of CaO, 0 to 20% of SrO, 0 to 10% of BaO, 5 to 20% of RO (in which R is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba), and over 0.20% but not more than 2.0% of R′2O (in which R′ is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li, Na and K), and containing, by mass %, 0.05 to 1.5% of oxide of metal that changes in valence number in a molten glass, and substantially containing none of As2O3, Sb2O3 and PbO.
US08383519B2
An etching method by which a fluorine-added carbon film formed on a substrate is etched by plasma includes a first step of etching the fluorine-added carbon film with plasma of an oxygen-containing processing gas, and a second step of etching the fluorine-added carbon film with plasma of a fluorine-containing processing gas.
US08383518B1
A method for forming contact holes is applied in a transistor array substrate. The transistor array substrate includes first contact pads, second contact pads located over the first contact pads, a first insulation layer covering the first contact pads, and a second insulation layer covering the second contact pads. Firstly, a photoresist pattern layer having recesses and first openings is formed on the second insulation layer. The first openings expose the second insulation layer partially. Then, the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer inside the first openings are removed partially, to expose the first contact pads. Then, the thickness of the photoresist pattern layer is reduced, so that the recesses form a plurality of second openings which expose the second insulation layer partially. After that, a part of the second insulation layer which is located inside the second openings is removed, to expose the second contact pads.
