US08644472B1
Embodiments of the present invention include a caller identification system and method for identifying a caller with a partial phone number look-up table. The caller identification system comprises a database that stores received calls and can be personalized to include information specific to partial phone numbers. In one embodiment, the caller identification system disclosed can be integrated into a cellular phone. In this embodiment, an incoming call initiates a search in a database to retrieve information about the caller. If a match is found, the identity of the caller is displayed. When an exact match is not found, a search for a partial match is executed with wild card values and information about the partial match is displayed. Information for a partial match can be personalized or pre-programmed into the caller ID system such as the city associated with a particular area code or prefix.
US08644469B2
Usage information is received that describes usage of communication services by a communications device. The usage information is compared to monitoring criteria. When the monitoring criteria is satisfied, an electronic notification message is sent to the communications device. The electronic notification message when a communications service is initiated and before an additional charge for the communications service is incurred.
US08644456B2
An improper connection determination method includes a closed circuit forming step, a current detection step and a determination step. In the closed circuit forming step, a closed circuit from one of at least two contacts in a telephone connection terminal of a communication apparatus to another one of the at least two contacts in the telephone connection terminal is formed. In the current detection step, a current flowing in the closed circuit, when the closed circuit is formed in the closed circuit forming step, is detected. In the determination step, it is determined that the telephone line is improperly connected to the telephone connection terminal when the current is detected in the current detection step.
US08644450B2
The X-ray fluorescence spectrometer of the present invention includes a sample table (8) for a sample (S) having a crystalline structure, an X-ray source (1), a detecting unit (7) for detecting secondary X-rays (4) from the sample (S), a rotating unit (11) for rotating the sample table (8), a parallel translating unit (12) for causing the sample table (8) to undergo a parallel translational movement, a selecting unit (17) for selecting three of circumvent angles, at which diffracted X-rays can be circumvented, based on a diffraction profile obtained from the angle of rotation of the sample (S) and the intensity of secondary X-rays (4), the interval between the neighboring circumvent angles being smaller than 180°, and a control unit (15) for controlling the rotating unit (11) so as to set the sample (S) at the circumvent angle at which the sample table (8) will not interfere with any other structures.
US08644448B2
A method is proposed for collimating an off-center sub-object of an examination subject by a collimator of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus has a computed tomography imaging system having a first X-ray source and a computed tomography X-ray detector disposed opposite the first X-ray source having a number of individual detectors and an angiographic imaging system having a second X-ray source offset to the first X-ray source and a flat panel X-ray detector disposed opposite the second X-ray source with matrix shaped pixel elements. A 3D image of the subject is taken by the CT imaging system. The off-center sub-object is selected based on the 3D image. The position of the sub-object is determined for a shooting position of the angiographic imaging system according to the fixed relative disposition between the angiographic imaging system and the CT imaging system. The collimator is adjusted accordingly for collimating the off-center section.
US08644445B2
A spring mounting device in a cladding tube for nuclear fuel, comprising a spring distributor, a spring loader in the cladding tube, the distributor supplying the springs to the loader, said loader comprising a longitudinal slide to receive the spring, a pusher in order to set the spring into place in the cladding tube and is able to move in the slide, means of displacement of said pusher, said device comprising mechanical means in order to associate the actuation of the means of displacement with that of the spring distributor.
US08644440B1
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit which includes a transmitter buffer circuit, a duty cycle distortion (DCD) detector, correction logic, and a duty cycle adjuster. The DCD detector is configured to selectively couple to the serial output of the transmitter buffer circuit. The correction logic is configured to generate control signals based on the output of the DCD detector. The duty cycle adjuster is configured to adjust a duty cycle of the serial input signal based on the control signals. Another embodiment relates to a method of correcting duty cycle distortion in a transmitter. Other embodiments and features are also disclosed.
US08644433B1
Systems and methods for reconstructing digital information in a multiple-input receiver from signals transmitted by a multiple-output transmitter, in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications channel are provided. A plurality of signal streams are obtained from a plurality of transmitted signals and a first candidate signal value is selected for each of the plurality of signal streams. A plurality of additional candidate signal values are also selected for each of the plurality of signal streams in response to selecting the first candidate signal value. A log-likelihood ratio (LLR) is computed from the plurality of signal streams based on all of the selected candidate signal values. Digital information may then be estimated based on the computed LLR.
US08644426B1
A robust differential receiver is described that may be used in any frequency modulated system, including short-range radio frequency (RF) communication devices. The differential receiver provides a preamble detection approach that reduces false preamble detection, a fine carrier frequency (CFO) estimation approach that provides an extended estimation range, and robust in-band and out-of-band interference detection. The described differential receiver assures that preamble detections are not falsely triggered, and that CFO estimates are based on accurately modeled preamble waveforms that have not been distorted by phase ambiguities or in-band distortion. In this manner, the described robust differential receiver assures that CFO estimates used to compensate remaining portions of detected signals are accurate, thereby reducing the likelihood that remaining portions of the detected signal will be affected by phase ambiguity distortions, thereby enhancing the differential receiver's ability to lock onto an otherwise unavailable communication channel, and/or reducing transmission errors and/or packet loss.
US08644420B2
I/Q data skew in a QPSK modulator may be detected by sending identical or complementary data streams to I and Q channel PSK modulators, setting the relative carrier phase between I and Q to zero or π, and monitoring the average QPSK output power, where the data streams sent to the I and Q channels include streams of alternating ones and zeroes.
US08644419B2
A method and system that provides for execution of a first calibration sequence, such as upon initialization of a system, to establish an operation value, which utilizes an algorithm intended to be exhaustive, and executing a second calibration sequence from time to time, to measure drift in the parameter, and to update the operation value in response to the measured drift. The second calibration sequence utilizes less resources of the communication channel than does the first calibration sequence. In one embodiment, the first calibration sequence for measurement and convergence on the operation value utilizes long calibration patterns, such as codes that are greater than 30 bytes, or pseudorandom bit sequences having lengths of 2N−1 bits, where N is equal to or greater than 7, while the second calibration sequence utilizes short calibration patterns, such as fixed codes less than 16 bytes, and for example as short as 2 bytes long.
US08644418B2
A transmitter module for unidirectional communication with a receiver module and a method using the aforementioned. The transmitter module includes a carrier detection portion, a source processing portion coupled to the carrier detection portion and a source transmission portion coupled to the source processing portion. The source processing portion can receive and process an information signal to produce a processed information signal in a manner such that an appropriate carrier signal is modulated with the information signal. The appropriate carrier signal can be based on the detection signals communicated from the carrier detection portion. The source processing portion can further process the information signal in a manner such that the processed information signal is associable with at least one of a unique code and an indication signal. The indication signal is associable with absence of communication of the at least one communication signal in a communication medium.
US08644417B2
A method for multi-level data transmission includes encoding a data signal to be transmitted into N multi-level signals in accordance with an encoding table, where the data signal is characterized with a stream of binary data segments each of which has a data length of M bits, transmitting simultaneously the N multi-level signals through N data transmission channels, respectively; and decoding the N multi-level signals into the data signal by comparing each two of the N multi-level signals transmitted through the two data transmission channels to obtain a respective bit of the M bits of each binary data segment of the data signal based on comparison between the two corresponding multi-level signals.
US08644403B2
An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol for transmission from a non-reference transceiver to a user equipment (UE) in a mobile communication system is generated by ascertaining a general timing for transmission of OFDM symbols, in which the general timing is associated with a reference transceiver. A UE timing relative to the general timing is ascertained. An initial resource element (RE) value is adjusted by a pre-compensating amount to obtain a pre-compensated RE value, in which the pre-compensating amount is based on the UE timing relative to the general timing. The pre-compensated resource element value is supplied as one of a plurality of values to be transmitted. An IFFT is performed on the plurality of values to be transmitted to obtain pre-compensated initial signal information. A cyclic prefix is appended to the pre-compensated initial signal information to form an OFDM symbol for transmission from the non-reference transceiver to the UE.
US08644402B2
An apparatus and method for compressive sensing tap identification for channel estimation comprising identifying a set of significant taps in the time domain; representing a time-flat channel response using a Taylor series expansion with the set of significant taps; converting the time-flat channel response to a vectorized channel response; transforming the vectorized channel response to a compressive sensing (CS) polynomial frequency response; aggregating the CS polynomial frequency response into a stacked frequency response; converting the stacked frequency response into a measured pilot frequency response; estimating a channel parameter vector based on the measured pilot frequency response; and generating a reconstructed channel response from the channel parameter vector.
US08644399B2
It is desired to suitably carry out transmission processing and reception processing carried out when transmitting a multicarrier signal where specific subcarriers are omitted. Therefore, the present invention carries out transmission avoidance processing operable when transmitting a multicarrier signal to replace signals corresponding to subcarriers, in a plurality of subcarriers, at frequency positions where transmission is avoided with a null signal. Subsequently, an inverse Fourier transform is carried out on the output of the transmission avoidance processing, the transmission power of the multicarrier signal that has been transformed is amplified in accordance with the number of subcarriers replaced with the null signal and the multicarrier signal is transmitted. When this multicarrier signal is received, subcarriers where transmission was avoided are estimated, and when it is estimated in the estimation that subcarriers where transmission was avoided are present, despreading and demodulation are carried out without using the subcarriers where transmission was avoided.
US08644392B2
A system, apparatus, method, and article to process a flexible macroblock ordering and arbitrary slice ordering are described. The apparatus may include a video decoder. The video decoder includes a processor to store coding parameters of one or more neighboring macroblocks in a data buffer. The neighboring macroblocks are previously decoded macroblocks and are adjacent to a current macroblock. The processor is to store control parameters for each of the one or more neighboring macroblocks in the data buffer. The processor is to reconstruct coding parameters for the current macroblock using availability information associated with the neighboring macroblocks.
US08644380B2
A RAM_HIME used for integer pixel motion estimation by an IME stores integer pixel luminance data from a SDRAM while satisfying the conditions that improve efficiency in reading an extracted rectangular area. A RAM_HSME used for motion estimation of quarter-pixel accuracy by a SME stores partial quarter-pixel luminance data while satisfying the conditions that improve efficiency in obtaining a rectangular area after calculation by calculation. A RAM_HMEC used for chrominance data generation of quarter-pixel accuracy by a QPG stores integer pixel chrominance data from the SDRAM while satisfying the conditions that improve efficiency in obtaining rectangular areas after calculation by calculation.
US08644371B2
Techniques are described to adaptively adjust the equalizer settings of each transmitter in a transmitter-receiver pair. The transmitter-receiver pair can be used at least with implementations that comply with 40GBASE-CR4 or 100GBASE-CR10. For implementations that comply with 40GBASE-CR4, equalizer settings of four transmitters may be independently established.
US08644367B2
An antenna beam scan unit includes: a Rotman lens that performs power division and synthesis between plural antenna ports and three or more beam ports; plural antenna elements which are connected to the respective antenna ports and to or from which radio waves are inputted or outputted; plural amplifiers that are connected to the respective beam ports of the Rotman lens and perform amplitude modulation on a signal; input paths for a transmission signal disposed in association with the amplifiers; switches for switching the input paths; and a beam control unit. The input paths include first paths and second paths on which a signal that is out of phase with a signal on the first paths is produced. The beam control unit selects two adjoining beam ports, and can switch the first paths and second paths as the input paths for the two beam ports.
US08644366B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting urgent data by embedding the urgent data in normal data is provided. An urgent data signal is embedded in a normal data signal in such a way that the normal data signal is not affected, and then the urgent data signal is transmitted together with the normal data signal thereby stably transmitting urgent data without using a separate urgent data line.
US08644365B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an input signal in transmitter circuitry of a first semiconductor die and processing the input signal, sending the processed input signal to an isolation circuit of the die to generate a voltage isolated signal, and outputting the voltage isolated signal from the isolation circuit to a second semiconductor die coupled to the first semiconductor die via a bonding mechanism. Note that this second semiconductor die may not include isolation circuitry.
US08644363B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for estimating a channel in a MIMO wireless telecommunication system supporting the 0FDM/0FDMA. The present invention, in estimating a channel by using two or more pilots included in at least one received signal among received signals of a first channel and a second channel received through a first receiving antenna and received signals of a third channel and a fourth channel received through a second receiving antenna, determines a subchannel mapping rule respectively for the received signals of the first channel to the fourth channel, and estimates a channel with a different method according to the determined subchannel mapping rule. That is, the channel is estimated by using two or more pilots included in two or more tiles corresponding to the same subcarrier respectively, in case a subchannel rotation does not exist in the subchannel mapping rule, while the channel is estimated by using two pilots included in an individual tile, in case a subchannel rotation exists in the subchannel mapping rule.
US08644361B2
Provided is a terminal apparatus that can suppress the increase in interference between pilot signals in the same slot, while also suppressing the degradation of the flexibility to design cell cluster structures. When hopping information indicates an inter-slot hopping, a mapping unit (212) arranges a first pilot sequences in which a group to which the sequences used in respective slots belong varies on a slot-by-slot basis. When the hopping information indicates an inter-subframe hopping, the mapping unit (212) arranges a second pilot sequences in which a group to which the sequences used in respective slots belong varies on a subframe-by-subframe basis. The sequence group to which the sequences used in any one of the subframes in the second pilot sequences belong is identical with the sequence group to which the sequence used in any one of the slots included in that one subframe in the first pilot sequences belongs.
US08644357B2
Embodiments are directed to laser emitter modules, or subassemblies thereof, and methods and devices for making or using the modules. Some module embodiments are configured to provide hermetically sealed enclosures that are thermally stable during use, highly reliable in adverse environments, convenient and cost effective to manufacture or any combination of the foregoing.
US08644349B2
An ingress TDM network segment (101) and an egress TDM network segment (102) are connected by a packet-switched network (40). An ingress inter-working function (20) receives a TDM traffic flow (11) and an ingress data clock (12). A first mapping function (21) maps the TDM data (11) into first data containers using an ingress reference clock (22). The first mapping function conveys a difference between the ingress data clock (12) and the ingress reference clock (22) by a rate of justification operations to the mapped data within the first data containers. A second mapping function (23) maps the first data containers into second data containers using an ingress line clock (24). The mapping conveys a difference between the ingress reference clock (22) and the ingress line clock (24) by a rate of justification operations to the mapped data within the second data containers. Re-mapping is performed at boundaries between packet sub-networks (41, 42, 43).
US08644347B2
According to one embodiment, transporting Optical Data Units in an Optical Transport Network comprises receiving a first frame of a first type that includes second frames of a second type. Each second frame is associated with a signal having a client clock rate, and at least two second frames are associated with at least two signals with different client clock rates. The following is repeated for each second frame: determining a client clock rate of the signal associated with the second frame; and inserting clock justification information into the second frame. The clock justification information indicates how to justify the client clock rate of the second frame to synchronize the client clock rate with a system reference clock rate.
US08644346B2
Provided is a signal demultiplexing system that can minimize losses in demultiplexing performance even if signals unsuited to demultiplexing are inputted. The provided signal demultiplexing device contains: an input signal analysis means for determining whether or not a plurality of input signals are suited to demultiplexing; a data memory means for storing data from frequency-domain input signals which result from transformation of the aforementioned input signals into frequency-domain signals; a selection control means for storing the frequency-domain input signals in the data memory means if the input signal analysis means has determined that the input signals are suited to the generation of a demultiplexing matrix for demultiplexing; and a demultiplexing matrix generation means for generating a demultiplexing matrix using frequency-domain input signals including the most recent and older frequency-domain input signals stored in the data memory means.
US08644335B2
An access node such as an OLT or DSLAM for use in a communications network. The access node performs a plurality of functions using in a number of function modules, each divided into one or more sub-modules. The status of the sub-modules is controlled by a controlled by a controller that reviews load statistics and other inputs and determines whether the configuration of the function module should be changed. If so, individual sub-modules are powered down, clock-gated, or returned to operational status. A traffic dispatcher positioned before each function module distributes the data traffic to available sub-modules for processing, after which it is aggregated by a traffic aggregator and passed on to the next stage. A number of circuit boards may be used, each containing only one or two function modules. The boards are connected by short, high-speed serial lines, which may have multiple links whose status may also be controlled.
US08644328B2
Methods, devices, and media for intelligent NIC bonding and load-balancing including the steps of: providing a packet at an incoming-packet port of a gateway; attaching an incoming-port identification, associated with the incoming-packet port, to the packet; routing the packet to a processing core; passing the packet through a gateway processing; sending the packet, by the core, to the operating system of a host system; and routing the packet to an outgoing-packet port of the gateway based on the incoming-port identification. Preferably, the gateway processing includes security processing of the packets. Preferably, the step of routing the packet to the outgoing-packet port is based solely on the incoming-port identification. Preferably, an outgoing-port identification, associated with the outgoing-packet port, has an identical bond-index to the incoming-port identification. Preferably, the gateway includes a plurality of incoming-packet ports, a plurality of respective incoming-port identifications, a plurality of processing cores, and a plurality of outgoing-packet ports.
US08644327B2
A switching device is able to route the arriving data packets according to data packet destination information to dedicated output ports. The switching arrangement has, for each set of input ports in the switching device, a set of output buffers with an output buffer for storing the payload of each data packet at an address in the output buffer which pertains to the same set of output buffers and belongs to the dedicated output ports. At least one of the output buffers has a set of output queues with an output queue for each output port for storing the address of each payload stored in the corresponding output buffer. An arbiter controls a readout order of the stored addresses. For the output buffers which pertain to the same set of output ports a multiplexer multiplexes according to the readout order the payloads from the output buffers to the output ports.
US08644326B2
A method of processing data packets, each data packet being associated with one of a plurality of entities. The method comprises storing a data packet associated with a respective one of said plurality of entities in a buffer, storing state parameter data associated with said stored data packet, the state parameter data being based upon a value of a state parameter associated with said respective one of said plurality of entities, and processing a data packet in said buffer based upon said associated state parameter data.
US08644321B2
This disclosure provides a synchronous packet manager containing a data structure for scheduling future synchronous packet transmissions and arbitrating between synchronous and asynchronous packet transmissions. Slots required for transmitting a synchronous packet are reserved by marking the corresponding entries in a synchronous packet reservation table. Rather than writing packets to many different queues, the application software fills in a single reservation table per BTS sector.
US08644320B2
Distributed assembly of data packets into messages at a group of interface devices that receive data packets from within a coverage area. Each interface device in the group will take ownership of a sequence of data packets forming a message when a data packet of the message meeting predetermined criteria is received by that interface device. Once an interface device takes ownership of a sequence of data packets, it sends a request to the other interface devices for any missing data packets of the sequence that the ownership claiming interface does not have, and then assembles message upon receiving all the data packets of the sequence.
US08644304B2
In one embodiment, a method for providing voice communications in a packet switched network protocol through a home network is provided, the method comprising: receiving, at a first home network device, an incoming call in the packet switched network protocol; notifying a second home network device of the incoming call; receiving an indication from the second home network device that the second home network device accepts the call; and forwarding the incoming call to the second home network device.
US08644300B2
The invention relates to the generation of configuration data for use in the migration of telephone switching systems. Configuration data for use in the migration of subscribers from a first telephone switching system over to a second telephone switching system in a telecommunications network is generated by monitoring signaling information on telephone channels associated with subscribers for telephone calls conducted via the first telephone switching system. The monitored signaling information is then analyzed in relation to call data produced by the first telephone switching system for the calls to identify relationships between the monitored signaling information and call data for calls conducted by subscribers. Configuration data based on the identified relationships is then stored and used to configure the second telephone switching system with mappings between the associated telephone channels and the telephone dialing numbers for subscribers.
US08644299B2
A method, a system and a computer readable medium for routing packets across disparate networks are disclosed. For example, the method receives, via a media gateway controller (MGC), an external request from an external requestor for a reservation of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) trunk on a media gateway (MGW) for a communication session between a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network and a PSTN network, sends, via the MGC, a H.248 request to the MGW to make the reservation, establishes via the MGW, a communication path and sending a message to the MGC, retrieves, via the MGC, an assigned Internet protocol (IP) address and IP port on the MGW from the message from the MGW, sends, via the MGC, an allocation request to a media terminating session border controller (SBC) and allocates, via the media terminating SBC, a public IP address and a public IP port from an available pool of IP addresses and IP ports at the media terminating SBC.
US08644284B2
Provided is dual mode operation by a communicating device in wireless network. The communicating device selects a radio frequency (RF) channel and a physical layer type. The communicating device processes signals received via the selected RF channel based on the selected physical layer type. The communicating device may determine whether a beacon frame has been detected base on the signals that were received via the selected RF channel and processed based on the selected physical layer type. When a frame is not detected, the communicating device may determine a signal energy level for the received signals. The communicating device may establish an association with an existing network based on detection of the beacon frame or the communicating device may transmit an originating beacon frame based on the determined signal energy level.
US08644279B2
A method of avoiding collision between uplink and downlink data of a user equipment includes verifying existence of data in an uplink buffer, determining a time instant for transmission of the uplink data, determining a likelihood for reception of downlink data at the determined time instant and selectively transmitting the uplink data based on the likelihood of reception wherein the user equipment is a half duplex (HD) equipment.
US08644275B2
A method is for WLAN localization and corresponding location based service supply. By providing a WLAN data set as an actual WLAN fingerprint of a geographical unit for the usage in a mobile device the user is enabled to localize himself self-sustained. Thereby the mobile device receives WLAN signals from at least three WLAN senders for the localization. Due to self-sustained identifying of the WLAN senders by the mobile device on basis of the received WLAN signals the mobile device may calculate the actual geographical position of the mobile device. The calculation is done on basis of the WLAN data set and on basis of the received WLAN signals from the at least three different WLAN senders. Furthermore a location based service is supplied by the mobile device the a user of the mobile device on basis of the calculated actual position.
US08644266B2
In a radio communication system (100, 200) using a channel divided into a plurality of time slots, a control signal is transmitted in each time slot and a data signal is transmitted intermittently using a subset of the time slots. The control signal includes a portion which is a predetermined signal, such as a pilot signal, and one or more bits constituting a power control command. The format of the control signal is adapted according to whether or not data is transmitted in the same time slot. When data is not being transmitted, the proportion of the control signal which constitutes a power control command is increased and the energy of the control signal is reduced, at least by reducing the energy of the predetermined signal portion.
US08644257B2
A base station system and method for call setting up, handing over and releasing in hybrid network are disclosed. The base station system consists of BSC, TC, several BTSs and a band-width guaranteed IP network. IP mode transport and traditional TDM mode transport between BSC and TC are simultaneity supported in the system, and BTS supports TDM mode or IP mode. The invention provides: compatibility with TDM, which protects the providers' investment; smooth transition from TOM to IP, which decreases investing risk; flexible choice for different physical layer or data link layer transmission apparatuses to bear IP message, which facilitates the providers to constitute their networks. In IP mode, data service can share bandwidth with the mute frames of voice service, the system can coexist with different IP networks, and the control user planes are independent so as to simplify the developing procedure and reduce the maintaining cost.
US08644247B2
Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide for handing off user equipment between different access networks, e.g., a high rate packet data (HRPD) system and a long term evolution (LTE) system. An existing mobile IP session can be maintained by the UE during the handoff.
US08644229B2
A method for determining padding compatibility is disclosed. A determination is made of a number of protocol data units (PDUs) for a logical channel mapped to a transport channel such that, for a logical channel allowing segmentation, calculate n wherein n=service data unit size/transport block size (SDU size/TB size), and on a condition that n is an integer, setting the number of PDUs=n.
US08644226B2
A method of transmitting data packets over a plurality of dynamically allocated resource blocks in at least one or a combination of a time, code or frequency domain on a shared channel of a wireless communication system, comprising the steps of selecting a number of resource block candidates for potential transmission of data packets destined for a receiver and transmitting the data packet to the receiver using at least one allocated resource block from the selected resource block candidates. The invention also relates to a corresponding method of decoding data packets, a transmitter, receiver and communication system.
US08644223B2
Support for Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) devices is provided in an enterprise mobile network that provides wireless service within a coverage area associated with an enterprise using licensed radio frequency spectrum. In various embodiments, support SIP devices is provided by, for example, incorporating SIP user agent in a mobile switching subsystem or in a base station subsystem or by incorporating SIP server functionality into a mobile switching subsystem.
US08644222B2
A mobile station apparatus determines an uplink carrier component to which a physical downlink control channel instructing to start random access procedure corresponds. A wireless communication system includes a base station apparatus and a mobile station apparatus that communicate with each other using a plurality of component carriers. The base station apparatus includes a random access controller that preliminarily allocates random access resources corresponding to a specific downlink component. A transmission processor transmits control information instructing to start the random access procedure. The mobile station apparatus includes a random access processor that, upon receipt of the control information instructing to start the random access procedure, starts the random access procedure by means of the random access resource corresponding to a specific downlink component carrier preliminarily allocated by the base station apparatus.
US08644218B1
A call session control function (CSCF) controls a communication session between a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device detects a loss of signal and transmits a modified session initiation protocol (SIP) bye message. The modified SIP bye message includes a code that indicates a loss of the communication session and an identifier for the second communication device. The CSCF receives the modified SIP bye message and in response to the code, subscribes with a home subscriber server (HSS) for a registration notification for the second communication device. The second communication device subsequently transfers a SIP registration request and the CSCF responsively receives the registration notification for the second communication device from the HSS that indicates a network address for the second communication device. In response to the registration notification, the CSCF transfers SIP invite messages to the first and second communication devices to re-establish the communication session.
US08644214B2
Systems and methods are provided for channel estimation and timing synchronization in a wireless network. In an embodiment, a method is provided for time synchronization at a wireless receiver. The method includes decoding at least one TDM pilot symbol located at a transition between wide and local waveforms and processing the TDM pilot symbol to perform time synchronization for a wireless receiver. Methods for channel estimation at a wireless receiver are also provided. This includes decoding at least one TDM pilot symbol and receiving the TDM pilot symbol from an OFDM broadcast to facilitate channel estimation for a wireless receiver.
US08644199B2
Methods and apparatus are described for a User Equipment (UE) to determine a set of resources available for transmitting an acknowledgement signal in an UpLink (UL) Component Carrier (CC) in response to reception of multiple DownLink (DL) Scheduling Assignments (SAs) transmitted from a base station with each DL SA being associated with a respective DL CC. The UL CC and a first DL CC establish a communication link when the UE is configured for communication over a single UL CC and a single DL CC.
US08644196B2
A device and method for routing network data through a network. The device comprises an end cap assembly which includes an end cap coupled to a wiring card having an interposer board. The method includes processing a plurality of network transmissions through an end cap, and routing the network transmissions to an interposer board.
US08644195B2
A ring-based network and a construction method thereof, comprising a plurality of nodes and a plurality of links. In an initial status, each node compares each first link-up packet and fills a priority value in the first link-up packet with the higher priority value to form a second link-up packet. The priority value of each node and the highest priority value of each adjacent node recorded in each node are compared with each second link-up packet. When the priority value of the node and the highest priority values of adjacent nodes recorded in the node are smaller than the second link-up packet, the ring port of the node is situated at a forward status. According to the forward status or a blocked status of the ring port, these links form a plurality of forward links and a blocked link respectively.
US08644189B1
A wireless communication device receives a router advertisement message transferred by a packet network node. The wireless communication device determines location information that corresponds to its geographic location. In response to the router advertisement message, the wireless communication device generates an acknowledgement message having a header extension that includes the location information. The wireless communication device wirelessly transmits the acknowledgement message for delivery to the packet network node.
US08644188B1
Techniques are described for providing virtual networking functionality for managed computer networks. In some situations, a user may configure or otherwise specify one or more virtual local area networks (“VLANs”) for a managed computer network being provided for the user, such as with each VLAN including multiple computing nodes of the managed computer network. Networking functionality corresponding to the specified VLAN(s) may then be provided in various manners, such as if the managed computer network itself is a distinct virtual computer network overlaid on one or more other computer networks, and communications between computing nodes of the managed virtual computer network are handled in accordance with the specified VLAN(s) of the managed virtual computer network by emulating functionality that would be provided by networking devices of the managed virtual computer network if they were physically present and configured to support the specified VLAN(s).
US08644176B1
Methods and systems for providing an enhanced best-effort quality of service (QOS) are provided. As third-party real-time applications may be unable to explicitly signal QOS requests in some environments, this enhanced best-effort QOS may be applied to real-time flows associated with third-party applications. For instance, devices in an access network may determine that a packet is part of a real-time flow of packets, and is associated with a third-party application. In response to this determination, these devices may forward the packet according to the enhanced real-time QOS.
US08644171B2
A method and computer program product are provided for compressing and, in turn, for estimating the frame structure of time-multiplexed data. The time-multiplexed data may be received without an indication of the frame structure for the time-multiplexed data. As such, the frame structure of the time-multiplexed data may be estimated and the time-multiplexed data may be compressed at least partially in accordance with the estimation of the frame structure. The frame structure may be estimated by representing an estimation of frame structure with a tree structure. The tree structure may include a plurality of leaf nodes associated with a respective estimated signal sequence with a respective sampling rate and interleave location. The tree structure may include a plurality of tree branches with the estimation of the frame structure including at least one of splitting or merging tree branches.
US08644167B2
An endpoint integrity system controls access to resources of a protected network for endpoint devices attempting to access the protected network. The system may include a number of evaluation modules that communicate with an endpoint device. The evaluation modules generate policy results for the endpoint device, in which each of the policy results assume one of three or more states, called a multi-state policy result. The multi-state policy results are combined to produce a combined Boolean policy result.
US08644166B2
A sensor device integrates ZigBee® technology into power switch device to provide monitoring and control of power usage, as well as operational control of connected devices. The sensor device uses a power line communication (PLC) network to transfer collected data and to provide remote control capability to connected appliances. The sensor device, in conjunction with a master switch device, a communication enabled switching device, and the power switch device, provides an integrated home environment for communication, streaming media, monitoring, and remote control of power usage, as well as remote operational monitoring and control of connected appliances in the home.
US08644165B2
An approach is provided for managing device do-not-disturb operational modes based on context information. A do-not-disturb manager determines context information associated with a device, a user of the device, or a combination thereof. The do-not-disturb manager also processes and/or facilitates a processing of the context information to cause, at least in part, an activation of one or more operational modes of the device. The do-not-disturb manager also causes, at least in part, a disabling or enabling of one or more functions of one or more applications associated with the device based, at least in part, on the activated one or more operational modes.
US08644158B2
Example embodiments of the present invention provide systems, method, and apparatuses for selecting a network access provider (NAP). In one embodiment, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) femtocell access point (WFAP) sends an NAP request message to a network service provider (NSP). The WFAP receives an NAP response message returned by the NSP, where the NAP response message carries NAP information determined by the NSP. Thereafter, the WFAP can establish a connection with the NAP according to the received NAP information. In other words, independently of the macro network, the WFAP can determine the NAP providing a radio resource for the WFAP and provide radio access service for users of multiple NSP.
US08644156B2
Techniques are provided to load-balance traffic across a plurality of virtual PortChannel links (ports) at a switch device. The switch device interfaces to the plurality of virtual PortChannel links and receives packets to be routed of the plurality of links. The switch device routes the packets of the links so as to favor certain links over others based on operation conditions of the respective links.
US08644151B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first logic configured to determine an identifier associated with a packet and determine a flow count index associated with the identifier, and a flow counter, coupled to the first logic and configured to count a number of packet flows associated with the flow count index. The embodiment also includes a second logic, coupled to the first logic and the flow counter, wherein the second logic is configured analyze the packet to determine if the packet is a part of a new packet flow that has not been counting in the flow counter, and if it has not been counted, incrementing the flow counter.
US08644143B2
In a passive optical network, dynamic bandwidth allocation and queue management methods and algorithms, designed to avoid fragmentation loss, guarantee that a length of a grant issued by an OLT will match precisely the count for bytes to be transmitted to an ONU. The methods include determining an ONU uplink transmission egress based on a three-stage test, and various embodiments of methods for ONU report 700 threshold setting.
US08644137B2
Method and system for providing dynamic configuration of link redundancy in data network based on detection of dynamic changes in the network topology including the steps of detecting data network topology, determining a number of data paths from a node in the data network topology to each of a respective pair of peer nodes coupled to the node by a corresponding interface, determining a data path in the data network topology between the peer nodes, calculating a set of nodes reachable via each interface coupled to the node and the respective peer node in the data network topology, and comparing the set of calculated nodes is provided.
US08644135B2
A method for routing communications on a network node in a communications network includes: updating a central domain master regarding changes detected in topology, receiving a routing plan from the central domain master, where the routing plan is calculated at least in accordance with the changes, and transmitting data as necessary in accordance with the routing plan. A method implementable on a central domain master for routing communications between network nodes in a communications network includes receiving transmissions regarding changes detected in topology from the network nodes, calculating a routing plan based on at least the transmissions, and distributing the routing plan to the network nodes, where the central domain server is one of the network nodes.
US08644132B2
Provided are a method, system, computer storage device, and storage area network for maintaining a communication path from a host to a storage subsystem in a network. A storage subsystem controls data transfer and access to a storage devices in a network, wherein the storage subsystem is coupled to a switch and the switch is coupled to a host in the network. A topological storage is coupled to the host, the switch and the storage subsystem, for storing a topological coupling relationship between the host and the switch and a topological coupling relationship between the switch and the storage subsystem. In response to determining a failed path between the storage subsystem and the switch coupled to the storage subsystem, the storage subsystem determines a first port on the storage subsystem in the failed path. The storage subsystem determines from the topology storage the topological coupling relationship between the host and the switch and the topological coupling relationship between the switch and the storage subsystem. The storage subsystem redirects, based on the topological coupling relationships, a message sent to the first port of the storage subsystem to an operational second port in the storage subsystem coupled to the switch.
US08644124B2
A waveguide including a first cladding layer, the first cladding layer having an index of refraction, n3; an assist layer, the assist layer having an index of refraction, n2, and the assist layer including ASixOy, wherein A is selected from: Ta, Ti, Nb, Hf, Zr, and Y, x is from about 0.5 to about 2.0, y is from about 3.5 to about 6.5, and the atomic ratio of A/A+Si in ASixOy is from about 0.2 to about 0.7; and a core layer, the core layer including a material having an index of refraction, n1, wherein n1 is greater than n2 and n3, and n2 is greater than n3.
US08644123B2
The invention provides a hologram generating device and a hologram generating method that allows the generation of a hologram for reproducing an easily observable three-dimensional image without restrictions on object sizes. The hologram generating device includes an object light generation means, a reference light generation means, an irradiation means, a polarization light selecting reflection means, and a polarization conversion means, wherein the one of the object light and the reference light incident from the rear surface is made to interfere with the other of the object light and reference light incident from the front surface in the hologram recording layer to record a reflection type hologram on the hologram recording layer.
US08644122B2
A header region evaluation circuit includes a difference signal detection unit that detects a difference signal proportional to a difference in amounts of received light from an optical disc, a high pass filter that switches a plurality of cutoff frequencies according to a passband control signal, removes a low frequency component from the difference signal, and generates a difference signal HPF output, a waveform shaping unit that generates a shaping signal to convert the difference signal HPF output into a pulse, and a physical header detection sequencer that generates a groove detection signal for evaluating whether the physical header region is either one of a groove and an inter-groove and generates a passband control signal for controlling the cutoff frequency to be reduced for a difference signal corresponding to at least a part of the physical header region.
US08644119B2
A record carrier has a servo track indicating an information track intended for recording information blocks, which servo track has a variation of a physical parameter, referred to as wobble. The wobble is modulated for encoding record carrier information, such as addresses. The servo track is subdivided in non-modulated and parts modulated parts in which the frequency and/or phase of the variation deviates from the wobble frequency. The slope of the wobble is substantially continuous at transitions between the modulated and non-modulated parts by using wobbles starting at the maxima or minima of the wobble.
US08644112B1
A flasher type fish sonar includes a front case with a transparent display window, a signal transmitting element at a center thereof, a connecting base board having a first timing detecting portion mounted thereto, a signal receiving element mounted opposite the signal transmitting element, a receiving coil mounted at a periphery of the signal receiving element, a display LED attached opposite the display window, a display rotary disc having a second timing detecting portion mounted opposite the first timing detecting portion and near the display LED, an electric power transmitting coil mounted to the connecting base board opposite the receiving coil, a main base board fixed to the connecting base board and a motor on the main base board for rotating the display rotary disc, such that a a water surface, reflected echos of fishes and a water bottom of the sea are displayed in the display window.
US08644111B2
The transmission method utilizes multiple seismic acquisition units within an array as intermediate short range radio receivers/transmitters to pass collected seismic data in relay fashion back to a control station. Any one seismic unit in the array is capable of transmitting radio signals to several other seismic units positioned within radio range of the transmitting unit, thus allowing the system to select an optimal transmission path. Utilizing an array of seismic units permits transmission routes back to a control station to be varied as needed. In transmissions from the most remote seismic unit to the control station, each unit within a string receives seismic data from other units and transmits the received seismic data along with the receiving unit's locally stored seismic data. Preferably, as a transmission is passed along a chain, it is bounced between seismic units so as to be relayed by each unit in the array.
US08644109B2
System and method for providing an anti-fouling function to a streamer to be towed under water for seismic survey data collection. The method includes mixing a thermoplastic material with a biocide material to form an external sheath material; and forming an external sheath over a main sheath of the streamer to provide the anti-fouling function. The external sheath is formed from the external sheath material such that the biocide material is distributed throughout the external sheath.
US08644105B2
A system, method and apparatus for clock and power fault detection for a memory module is provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a voltage detection circuit and a clock detection circuit. The system further includes a controller coupled to the voltage detection circuit and the clock detection circuit. The system also includes a memory control state machine coupled to the controller. The system includes volatile memory coupled to the memory control state machine. The system further includes a battery and battery regulation circuitry coupled to the controller and the memory control state machine. The battery, battery regulation circuitry, volatile memory, memory control state machine, controller, clock detection circuit and voltage detection circuit are all collectively included in a unitary memory module.
US08644094B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a plurality of word lines, a plurality of bit lines including complementary pairs of bit lines, and a plurality of memory cells storing data; a sense amplifier coupled to the memory cell array and configured to sense voltage differences between the complementary pairs of bit lines and amplify the voltage differences; and at least one voltage driver configured to provide either a predetermined voltage or a first power supply voltage to the memory cell array to increase a sensing margin of the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device increases respective potential differences between complementary pairs of bit lines using a voltage isolated in the memory cell array.
US08644085B2
Correction of duty cycle distortion of DQ and DQS signals between a memory controller and a memory is corrected by determining a duty cycle correction factor. The duty cycle distortion is corrected by applying the duty cycle correction factor to the plurality of differential DQS signals. The duty cycle distortion is corrected across a plurality of differential DQS signals between the memory controller and the bursting memory.
US08644068B1
In a multi-level memory cell, when data to be programmed arrives, the cell is programmed to the lowest-charge state in which any bit position that is being programmed or has already been programmed has the correct value, regardless of the value in that state of any bit position that has not yet been programmed and is not being programmed. The programming of other bit positions based on subsequently arriving data should not then require a transition to an impermissible lower energy state. Although this may result in a transient condition in which some bits have the wrong value, by the time programming is complete, all bits would be expected to have the correct value. A cell may contain any number of bits equal to or greater than two, and programming may be performed cyclically (e.g., from LSB to MSB), anticyclically (e.g., from MSB to LSB), or in any random order.
US08644061B2
A variable resistance memory device includes; a memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells, a pulse shifter shifting a plurality of program pulses to generate a plurality of shifted program pulses, a write and verification driver receiving the plurality of shifted program pulses to provide a program current that varies with the plurality of shifted program pulses to the plurality of memory cells, and control logic providing the plurality of program pulses to the pulse shifter and the write and verification driver during a program/verification operation, such at least two write data bits are programmed to the memory cell array in parallel during the program/verification operation.
US08644060B2
A MTJ is sensed by applying a first reference current, first programming the MTJ to a first value using the first reference current, detecting the resistance of the first programmed MTJ, and if the detected resistance is above a first reference resistance, declaring the MTJ to be at a first state. Otherwise, upon determining if the detected resistance is below a second reference resistance, declaring the MTJ to be at a second state. In some cases, applying a second reference current through the MTJ and second programming the MTJ to a second value using the second reference current. Detecting the resistance of the second programmed MTJ and in some cases, declaring the MTJ to be at the second state, and in other cases, declaring the MTJ to be at the first state and programming the MTJ to the second state.
US08644057B2
A magnetic memory includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a third magnetic layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, an insulator film, and an electrode. The third magnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in a first direction being perpendicular to the plane of both the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The insulator film is provided on the third magnetic layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The electrode is provided on the insulator film so that the insulator is sandwiched between the third magnetic layer and the electrode in the second direction. In addition, a positive voltage is applied to the electrode and a first current passes from the first magnetic layer to the second magnetic layer, thereby writing information to the second magnetic layer.
US08644056B2
A magnetic random access memory apparatus includes a memory cell array including a plurality of magnetic memory cells; a reference cell array including a pair of reference magnetic memory cells; a write driver configured to program data in the memory cell array and the reference cell array; and a first switching unit configured to form a current path which extends from a bit line connected to the write driver via the reference cell array including the pair of reference magnetic memory cells to a source line connected to the write driver or a current path which extends from a source line connected to the write driver via the reference cell array including the pair of reference magnetic memory cells to a bit line connected to the write driver.
US08644053B2
An integrated circuit is formed having an array of memory cells located in the dielectric stack above a semiconductor substrate. Each memory cell has two adjustable resistors and two heating elements. A dielectric material separates the heating elements from the adjustable resistors. One heating element alters the resistance of one of the resistors by applying heat thereto to write data to the memory cell. The other heating element alters the resistance of the other resistor by applying heat thereto to erase data from the memory cell.
US08644045B2
A switching frequency setting unit sets switching frequency of a switching element, based on both the temperature of a cooling medium which cools a DC-DC converter and the temperature of a switching element of the DC-DC converter. A switching controller controls the voltage conversion ratio of the DC-DC converter by controlling switching operation of the switching element at the set switching frequency.
US08644042B2
An alternate current rectifier circuit which includes a first diode, a second diode, a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor is power saving. The first diode is connected to the first transistor and the fourth transistor; the second diode is connected to the second transistor and the third transistor. During a positive half cycle of the alternate current, the first transistor and the fourth transistor are switched on and the alternate current flows through the first diode, the first transistor, and the fourth transistor; during a negative half cycle of the alternate current, the second transistor and the third transistor are switched on and the alternate current flows through the second diode, the second transistor, and the third transistor.
US08644039B2
A voltage multiplying circuit comprising: a first capacitor, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the first capacitor is selectively coupled to a first voltage or a second voltage, and the second terminal is selectively coupled to the first voltage or a fourth voltage; a second capacitor, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the second capacitor is selectively coupled to the second voltage or the fourth voltage, and the second terminal of the second capacitor is selectively coupled to a third voltage or the fourth voltage; and a third capacitor, comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the first terminal of the third capacitor is selectively coupled to the second voltage or the fourth voltage, and the second terminal of the third capacitor is selectively coupled to a third voltage or the fourth voltage.
US08644033B2
A handheld electronic device may include a portable housing and a shielding container within the portable housing. The shielding container may include a shielding frame and a shielding lid carried thereby. A printed circuit board may be within the shielding container. The shielding frame may include a planar base with at least one opening therein, a pair of opposing side walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of opposing end walls integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom. Also, the shielding frame may include at least one intermediate partition wall integrally formed with the base and extending upwardly therefrom to define a plurality of container compartments. The partition wall may also extend only partway between the opposing side walls to define at least one partition end gap therewith.
US08644023B2
A heat dissipation device is disposed in an electronic device. The electronic device has an opening and an upper wall and a lower wall at the position where the opening is formed. The heat dissipation device includes an air passage and a pair of air deflectors disposed on two opposite sides of the air passage. A distance between the pair of air deflectors is smaller than a distance between the upper wall and the lower wall. The pair of air deflectors is located between the upper wall and the lower wall. The hot air inside the electronic device after passing through the air passage will not be obstructed by a barrier but is directly discharged outside the electronic device through the opening.
US08644021B2
A cooling module applicable in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a plurality of first heat sources and a plurality of second heat sources. The cooling module includes a cooling loop and a plurality of heat pipes. The cooling loop includes a plurality of cooling units. The cooling units are connected in series through a plurality of connection tube and each cooling unit is thermally coupled to one of the first heat source. The heat pipes are thermally coupled to the second heat sources and the cooling units. When the cooling unit is in failure, the cooling units can be directly removed and replaced. Also, the second heat sources of the electronic device are capable of exchanging heat with the cooling unit through the heat pipe.
US08644019B2
An electronic device includes a housing. A motherboard is arranged in a first end of the housing. A hard disk drive area is arranged at a second end of the housing. A cooling module is arranged at the housing between the motherboard and the hard disk drive area. The cooling module includes a chassis and a semiconductor chilling plate received in the chassis. An outside airflow flows through the hard disk drive area, and then flows through the semiconductor chilling plate to be cooled. The cooled airflow is driven to flow through the motherboard.
US08644013B2
A movable hinge to pivotally couple a base and a back panel of an electronic device includes a first slide portion and a second slide portion slidable against the first slide portion. The first slide portion includes a track portion and a first sloped surface connected to the track portion. The second slide portion has a first pin with two ends respectively running through the track portion and fastening to the base, a butting portion coupled on the first pin and slidable thereon, and an elastic element interposed between the butting potion and base. The butting portion is pushed by the elastic element to press the first slide portion to slide against the second slide portion and drive the back panel to move against the base.
US08644011B2
A water-resistant cover consisting of three components: a soft, form-fitting shell, a plastic slider and a plastic end cap. The shell does not inhibit the functionality of peripheral controls and includes fully integrated polycarbonate windows that are thermally and mechanically bonded to the shell in the molding process, the windows being adapted to the specific contour and profile of the device and to protect the device's screen while not inhibiting the functionality of a touch-screen, keypad or acoustic devices. The slider is slidably connected to the cover for closing the audio jack aperture in the shell with a double closure to maintain a water-resistant seal when not in use. The end cap closes the cover with reciprocal seals that are molded into both components and the cap is easily removed for access to a data port or charger and is enhanced with water-resistant acoustic vents that provide sound clarity to speakers or microphones.
US08644010B2
A portable device (e.g., a wireless device such as a cell phone) is provided with a flexible keyboard and a flexible display screen. Such flexible components may be stored in the housing of the portable device when not in use. The flexible display screen and flexible keyboard may be expanded from the housing when the flexible components are utilized by a user. Non-flexible display and input components may be provided on the exterior of the portable device such that the device may be used, in some form, while the flexible components are stored. In one embodiment, a portion of the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) may be utilized when the flexible display (or flexible keyboard) is stored in said first housing.
US08644007B2
A secondary disconnect assembly is provided for a racking assembly of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The racking assembly movably couples the circuit breaker to a switchgear enclosure. The secondary disconnect assembly includes a mounting assembly having an elongated mounting member. The elongated mounting member has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. A sliding assembly is movably coupled to the first side between the first and second ends. A latching member is pivotably coupled to the sliding assembly. The latching member moves between an unlatched position corresponding to the circuit breaker being movable independently with respect to the sliding assembly, and a latched position corresponding to the latching member fixedly coupling the sliding assembly to the circuit breaker in order that the circuit breaker moves with the sliding assembly. The racking assembly may also include a position indicator.
US08644004B2
A first cathode lead terminal is arranged closer to one end of a cathode foil than a second cathode lead terminal, and a first anode lead terminal is arranged closer to one end of an anode foil than a second anode lead terminal. In a cross-section perpendicular to an axis, a core has a first length along a first straight line passing through the axis and a second length along a second straight line passing through the axis and orthogonal to the first straight line, and the first length is smaller than the second length. When the cathode and the anode foils are together wound around the core from each one end, the first straight line lies between the first cathode lead terminal and the first anode lead terminal and the second straight line lies between the second cathode lead terminal and the second anode lead terminal.
US08643999B2
Provided is an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) reduction apparatus. The EMI reduction apparatus includes: an electromagnetic wave absorbing unit absorbing electromagnetic waves from an electromagnetic wave generator and converting the absorbed electromagnetic waves into thermal energy through thermal conversion and emitting the thermal energy; and a thermoelectric unit converting the emitted thermal energy into electric energy.
US08643996B2
A fine arrestor having a body with a bore there through, an inner conductor within the bore, an inner conductor capacitor within the bore coupled between a surge portion of the inner conductor and a protected portion of the inner conductor, and an inner conductor inductor within the bore coupled electrically in parallel with the inner conductor capacitor. A first shorting portion coupled between the surge portion of the inner conductor and the body and a second shorting portion coupled between the protected portion of the inner conductor and the body, for conducting a surge to ground. Also, other coaxial in-line assemblies may be formed incorporating the inner conductor cavity for isolation of enclosed electrical components.
US08643992B2
An overcurrent protection apparatus for a load circuit can detect an overcurrent with a high accuracy without being influenced by a deviation ±ΔRon of the on-resistance of a semiconductor element (T1). Supposing that a ratio (R3/R1) between a resistor R3 and a resistor R1 is an amplification factor m, a determination voltage generated by resistors R4, R5 is V4 and the average value of the on-resistance of a MOSFET (T1) is Ron, the overcurrent protection apparatus for a load circuit controls either a current I3 flowing through the resistor R3 or a current IR5 flowing through the resister R5 so that the output signal of a compactor CMP1 is inverted when a current having a value of (V4/m/Ron) flows into the MOSFET (T1).
US08643991B2
An over voltage protection (OVP) monitoring system and a method thereof. The OVP monitoring system includes a battery pack connected to an external system, the battery pack including a battery, a first memory to store a voltage value of the battery, a second memory comprising a first sub-memory and a second sub-memory to store numbers of OVP operations of the battery, a controller to store the voltage value of the battery in the first memory upon an occurrence of an OVP operation and to increment a number of OVP operations stored in either the first sub-memory or the second sub-memory according to the voltage value of the battery stored in the first memory and a signal generator to generate either a first alarm signal or a second alarm signal based on the contents of the first and second sub-memories.
US08643988B1
An electro-static-discharge (ESD) protection circuit is a power clamp between a high-voltage power supply VDDH and a ground. The power clamp protects high-voltage transistors in a first core and low-voltage transistors in a second core using a low-voltage clamp transistor. The low-voltage transistors have lower power-supply and snap-back voltages than the high-voltage transistors. Trigger circuits are triggered when an ESD pulse is detected on VDDH. One trigger circuit enables a gate of the low-voltage clamp transistor. A series of diodes connected between VDDH and a drain of the clamp transistor prevents latch up or snap-back during normal operation. During an ESD pulse, the series of diodes is briefly bypassed by a p-channel bypass transistor when a second trigger circuit activates an initial trigger transistor which pulses the gate of the p-channel bypass transistor low for a period of time set by an R-C network in the second trigger circuit.
US08643984B2
According to the present invention, even in the case of addition of a transformer for using an engine system with an AC power supply different from the expected voltage of an electrical device, there is substantially no change in the thermal balance in a package due to the presence or absence of the transformer. In the present invention, an engine 2 and an electrical device for driving the engine system are housed in a package 1. In order for a transformer 20 whose primary side is an AC power supply and whose secondary side is the expected voltage of the electrical device for driving the engine system to be housed in the package, an intake port, an exhaust port, and a ventilation fan for cooling the transformer are provided in a ventilation path that is independent from other devices.
US08643983B2
This relates to detecting unwanted couplings between a protected terminal and other terminals in an integrated controller of a power supply. Offset and clamp circuitry may apply a positive or negative offset voltage and clamp current to one or more terminals of the controller. In the event that a terminal having the offset voltage and clamp current is accidentally coupled to the protected terminal, the offset voltage and clamp current may be applied to the protected terminal. The protected terminal may be coupled to a fault detection circuitry operable to detect a fault signal at the protected terminal. The fault detection circuitry of the controller may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of the fault signal at the protected terminal or may cause the power supply to shut down in response to a detection of a predefined threshold number of cycles in which the fault signal is detected.
US08643982B2
A controller has an output for supplying power to an output device. The controller monitors the supplied power to provide short-circuit protection to the output device. The controller also receives discrete inputs at the output based on the introduction of temporary short-circuit conditions introduced by a momentary switch connected between outputs of the controller in parallel with the output device. The controller detects short-circuit conditions in the output and distinguishes between short-circuit fault conditions and discrete inputs generated by activation of the momentary switch based on measured characteristics of the detected short-circuit conditions.
US08643975B2
Method for operating a storage device with a tape and a head which is operable to read and/or write data from and respectively to the tape. The tape is moveable in a predetermined longitudinal direction. At least two consecutive current lateral tape positions of the tape with respect to a predetermined reference point are determined at a predetermined longitudinal capture position. A tape skew of the tape is determined dependent on the at least two determined lateral positions. The tape skew represents an angle between a current tape motion direction of the tape and the longitudinal direction. A skew control signal is determined dependent on the determined tape skew. A rotational head position of the head is controlled dependent on the skew control signal to align the head to the current tape motion direction in such a way that the head is operable to read and/or write data.
US08643969B2
A method is provided. A first CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a second CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from a first direct current (DC) voltage to a first peak voltage. After a first interval, the second CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a third CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the first peak voltage to a second DC voltage. After a second interval, the third CMOS switch is deactivated while activating a fourth CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the second DC voltage to a second peak voltage After a third interval, the fourth CMOS switch is deactivated while activating the first CMOS switch to cause the portion of the write signal to transition from the second peak voltage to the first DC voltage.
US08643967B2
The present invention enhances reliability by correcting a write error due to unstable oscillation of a spin torque oscillator. In the present invention, a resistance value of a spin torque oscillator is monitored to detect that oscillation becomes unstable during recording. When a measured resistance value is out of a predefined normal range, information for which the recording operation is already performed is rewritten.
US08643965B2
The present disclosure relates to an enhanced prism film comprising a plurality of column-like elements extending in a first direction. The plurality of column-like elements abut against one another in a second direction different form the first direction so as to form a light exiting surface of the enhanced prism film with converging effect in both the first and second direction.
US08643955B2
A system constructs a composite image using focus assessment information of image regions.
US08643951B1
Methods and systems involving a navigable area in a head-mounted display (HMD) are disclosed herein. An exemplary system may be configured to: (a) cause a head-mounted display (HMD) to provide: (i) a viewing window that is fully visible in a field of view of the HMD, (ii) a navigable area that is not fully visible in a field of view of the HMD such that the viewing window displays a first portion of the navigable area, and (iii) a media object that is associated with a viewing-window state; (b) receive first head-movement data that is indicative of head movement from a first position of the HMD to a second position of the HMD; and (c) based on (i) the first head-movement data and (ii) the viewing-window state, cause the viewing window to display a second portion of the navigable area which includes the media object.
US08643943B2
A laser source includes a laser beam generating section for generating a laser beam in a cavity between first reflector and a second reflector; and a tap section provided in the cavity to take out a part of the laser beam. The laser source is a waveguide-based laser source.
US08643939B2
An electrophoretic display sheet manufactured by forming on one surface of a first substrate partitions with an opening and applying and forming a binder layer on one surface of a second substrate, and then causing an electrophoretic dispersion liquid containing black particles and white particles dispersed in a dispersion medium to permeate into the binder layer and affixing the first substrate and the second substrate in a direction in which the surface of the binder layer with the electrophoretic dispersion liquid permeated therein and the surface of the partitions are opposite each other, and a method of manufacturing the electrophoretic display sheet are provided.
US08643934B2
A display including a pixel array substrate, an opposite substrate and a fluid medium is provided. The pixel array substrate includes a first substrate including pixel regions and pixel structures disposed in the pixel regions. Each pixel region includes a distribution region of pixel electrode and a non-electrode region. A pixel electrode of the pixel structure is disposed in the distribution region of pixel electrode and has at least one slit extending from the non-electrode region toward the distribution region of pixel electrode. The opposite substrate includes a second substrate and a common electrode disposed on the second substrate and contacting a polar fluid. The fluid medium includes the polar fluid and a non-polar fluid and flows between the pixel array substrate and the opposite substrate. The non-polar fluid is contracted toward the non-electrode region when a voltage difference is generated between the pixel and the common electrodes.
US08643932B2
A reflection type display apparatus includes an image display having a plurality of pixels, with each of the pixels including a first electrode having a light transmitting property, a second electrode disposed in opposition to the first electrode, and a third electrode disposed in opposition to the first or second electrode. An electrolytic solution containing a metal ion is disposed in contact with the first, second and third electrodes, and a control unit sets a direction of a current flowing between the first, second and third electrodes. The control unit sets a first state of forming a first electroplating of a first color on the first electrode using the first electrode as a negative electrode and using the second electrode as a positive electrode, a second state of forming a second electroplating of a second color on the second electrode using the second electrode as the negative electrode and using the first electrode as the positive electrode without forming the first electroplating, and a third state of forming a third electroplating of a third color on the third electrode using the third electrode as the negative electrode and using the first and second electrodes as the positive electrodes without forming the first and second electroplatings.
US08643917B2
A light projection unit includes a substrate, a plurality of light emitting elements arrayed on the substrate in a main scanning direction and including light emitting surfaces, a light guide facing the light emitting surfaces to direct light projected from the light emitting elements onto an illumination target and including a first positioning portion, and a holder including a second positioning portion that engages the first positioning portion of the light guide to position the light guide on the holder. The first positioning portion of the light guide is positioned between centers of light emission of adjacent light emitting elements in the main scanning direction of the substrate when the first positioning portion engages the second positioning portion of the holder.
US08643911B2
The image reading device includes a first document member, a white reference plate, an image sensor, a conveying section, and a control section. A first document is placed on the first document member. The image sensor reads the first document placed on the first document member. The conveying section conveys the image sensor in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The image sensor reads the first document while being moved in the first direction. The control section executes a first control. The first control executes a process to control the image sensor to read the white reference plate, to control the conveying section to move the image sensor in the second direction, to control the conveying section to start moving the image sensor in the first direction, and to control the image sensor to read the first document, in this order.
US08643909B2
An image reader is provided, which includes a reference position determining unit configured to, in a state where a bright area and a dark area are formed on a reflection surface when a light projecting unit projects light toward a part of the reflection surface, receive the light reflected from the reflection surface with a light receiving portion of a reading unit while restricting a light emitting portion of the reading unit from emitting light, detect a position of the bright area and a position of the dark area in a main scanning direction, and determine a reference position in the main scanning direction based on the detected positions of the bright area and the dark area.
US08643905B1
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing isolated holes in an image to be printed or displayed. The method includes generating a random number lying in a finite range of numbers, determining whether a target pixel is to be turned off and enabled for printing as a hole, determining a sum of pixels surrounding a target pixel in a plurality of pixels in a scanline of the image, the target pixel corresponding to an isolated hole in an input image, that are in an on state, the on state defined by a higher binary logic level relative to a binary logic level corresponding to a turned off pixel, determining a numerical value stored in a lookup table in a memory unit coupled to the processor using the determined number of pixels that are in the turned on state surrounding the target pixel.
US08643899B2
A printed layer formation processing device performs a part of a process for forming a printed layer on a part of the print medium by a first colorant in a molded object formation process. The printed layer formation processing device includes: a formation amount correspondence relationship storage part that stores a formation amount correspondence relationship, which is a correspondence relationship between a degree of deformation of the print medium and a formation amount of the first colorant, which are correlated so that the thickness of the printed layer is substantially the same in respective regions of the molded object, a deformation degree acquisition part that acquires the degree of deformation in the respective regions of the print medium; and a formation amount determining part that determines the formation amount of the first colorant in the respective regions based on the degree of the deformation and the formation amount correspondence relationship.
US08643893B2
An operation-definition-file creating apparatus includes a setting data file in which setting data of a setting item that is to be set in an MFP is defined. A creating unit creates, on the basis of the setting data, an operation definition file in which an operation for reflecting the setting data in the MFP is described and a saving unit saves the created operation definition file in an external storage medium.
US08643881B2
An apparatus and method of controlling data to be processed by an image forming system encode image data to be printed to generate code data, and code information regarding encoding processing or the code data. The code information is used to obtain a predicted decode time, and a print speed level at which decoded data is to be printed. A plurality of print jobs to be processed are re-arranged by the print speed level to generate a print job sequence.
US08643876B2
A system and method of localizing elements (shared devices and/or their users) in a device infrastructure, such as a printing network, are provided. The method includes mapping a structure in which the elements of a device infrastructure are located, the elements comprising shared devices and users of the shared devices. Probable locations of fewer than all of the elements in the structure are mapped, with at least some of the elements being initially assigned to an unknown location. Usage logs for a plurality of the shared devices are acquired. The acquired usage log for each device includes a user identifier for each of a set of uses of the device, each of the uses being initiated from a respective location within the mapped structure by one of the users. Based on the acquired usage logs and the input probable locations of some of the elements, locations of at least some of the elements initially assigned to an unknown location are predicted. The prediction is based a model which infers that for each of a plurality of the users, a usage of at least some of the shared devices by the user is a function of respective distances between the user and each of those devices.
US08643875B2
A method of processing receipts, including: obtaining transaction data including a plurality of categories of information necessary to describe a purchasing transaction of a customer at a store location; obtaining image data representing a receipt corresponding to the purchasing transaction of the customer at the store location; obtaining an e-mail address of the customer; providing an option to print the receipt at the store location and an option to e-mail the receipt to the customer; obtaining a selection of at least one of the provided options; if the option to print is selected, initiating printing of the image at the store location; and if the option to e-mail is selected, sending an e-mail to the e-mail address of the customer, the e-mail including providing at least one of the image data and the transaction data.
US08643873B2
An image forming apparatus capable of preventing unauthorized printing while reducing manager's work load. IP addresses of host computers for which printing should be permitted are registered beforehand in a print permission list. When a print job is received, whether the IP address of a host computer from which the print job has been transmitted is present in the list is determined. If the IP address is not present, the received print job is not printed but stored. Subsequently, when the print job is selected and a print instruction is given, printing is executed. If the print instruction has once been given to the stored print job, the IP address of the host computer is added to the list. Subsequently, printing is executed without any print instruction when a print job is transmitted.
US08643856B2
Methods and systems for network printing using user selectable printer settings for a variety of configurations of printing systems and finishers. A printing system such as a multi-function printer/device receives user input providing a document identifier (e.g., a release code) identifying a document stored in a network storage server. The printing system also identifies a finisher unit associated with the printing system. The printing system sends the document identifier and a finisher identifier to a print server. The print server determines available printer settings associated with the identified finisher unit and transmits a presentation to the printing system prompting the user to select a desired printer setting. The selected printer settings are transmitted to the print server. The print server retrieves a copy of the identified document and modifies the copy based on the selected printer setting. The modified copy of the document is sent to the printing system to be printed.
US08643854B2
An image forming apparatus, connected to an information processing device via a network, includes a receiving section, a memory, an interpretation section, and a transmission section. The receiving section receives a plurality of pieces of print data from the information processing device via the network. The plurality of pieces of print data include first print data for normal printing, second print data for interruption printing, and third print data. The memory has first to third buffers. The first and second buffers store the first and second print data, respectively. The third buffer stores the third print data during execution of the interruption printing of the second print data. The interpretation section interprets the plurality of pieces of print data. The transmission section transmits a reply message to the information processing device in accordance with a result of the third print data interpreted by the interpretation section.
US08643846B2
The present invention provides for a novel method and apparatus for the simultaneous generation and detection of optical diffraction interference pattern on a photo detector. The monitoring method and apparatus disclosed herein comprises of a (any) continuous wave coherent collimated beam of light (or a laser) falling on an (any) optically reflective coating on the surface of the body with inherent vibrations, or with manifest vibrations induced from another source through any medium where the said light is reflected, and then received on the surface of a (any) photo detector in such a way that the received light falls partially on the active sensing area, and partially on the outer perimeter of the active sensing area.
US08643839B2
A spectrometer is provided with an integrating sphere 20, inside which a sample S of a measurement target is disposed and which is adapted for observing measured light emitted from the sample S, and a Dewar vessel 50 which retains a refrigerant R for cooling the sample S and at least a portion of which is located so as to face the interior of the integrating sphere 20. Gas generated from the refrigerant R is introduced through predetermined gaps G1-G6 functioning as a gas introduction path and through a plurality of communicating passages 64 formed in a support pedestal 61, into the integrating sphere 20. The gas introduced into the integrating sphere 20 absorbs water in the integrating sphere 20 to decrease the temperature in the integrating sphere 20, so as to prevent dew condensation from occurring on a portion of a second container portion 50b of the Dewar vessel 50 exposed in the integrating sphere 20. This can prevent occurrence of dew condensation even in the case where the sample S is measured in a cooled state at a desired temperature.
US08643837B2
The present disclosure relates generally to devices that may be used to calibrate a reader. Such devices may comprise an electrical memory chip, a calibration device comprising an optical check, and an interface that allows interaction with the reader.
US08643836B1
The present invention provides an inspection method for inspecting defects of wafer surface. The method includes: encircling peripheral region of the wafer surface by a first light source set and a second light source set; using a control module to control the first light source set and the second light source set to irradiate the light alternately from different directions; using an image pick-up module to receive a scattered light image during each time when the first light source set or the second light source set irradiates the light on the wafer surface; and then using a process module to obtain an enhanced and clear defect image of wafer surface by processing each of the scattered light images.
US08643832B2
An inclination detector includes: a casing; a light source installed in the casing; a reflector being suspended with a suspender to be at a certain position in the casing and reflecting a light beam from the light source to a direction different from a light axis direction; and a detector that outputs a signal corresponding to a projected position of the light beam, and an inclination of the casing is detected based on the projected position of the light beam reflected by the reflector.
US08643827B2
A method for measuring the transmit time of light, in particular for cameras. A first light signal is clocked by a first clock controller, input into a light system and reflected back to a receiver photodiode, which determines a reception signal as a result of the first light signal. A further light signal clocked by a further clock controller inputs the photodiode at an angle to the first light signal and is mixed at the photodiode with the first light signal to form a common reception signal, which is filtered with a filter whose frequency response corresponds to the frequency of the clock difference to form a filter signal, the first and further clock signals are also mixed in a mixer to form a mixed signal and the phase shift between the mixed signal and the filter signal is used to determine the transit time of light.
US08643821B2
The present invention provides a 3D display panel and a method for manufacturing the same. The method comprises the following steps: forming a liquid crystal layer between a first substrate and a second substrate; arranging a polarizer at an outer side of the second substrate; providing a 3D display plate; and arranging the 3D display plate at an outer side of the first substrate. The present invention can improve the viewing angle problem existing in the conventional 3D display.
US08643819B2
In a liquid crystal display device in which liquid crystal is sealed by a one drop fill method, the gap between a TFT substrate and a counter substrate is defined by a columnar spacer in a display region, and the gap between them is defined by a columnar spacer also in a seal portion. In the display region, one layer of a color filter is formed below the columnar spacer. In the seal portion, two layers of island-shaped color filters are formed. With this configuration, the gap between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate can be maintained equal between the display region and the seal portion. Even when the process for forming the columnar spacer varies, it is possible to eliminate a change in difference between the gap between the TFT substrate and the counter substrate in the display region and the gap in the seal portion.
US08643816B2
Provided is a liquid crystal display (LCD), the LCD includes: an insulating substrate; a first gate line and a second gate line which are formed on the insulating substrate and extend parallel to each other; a data line formed on the insulating substrate, insulated from the first and second gate lines, and crosses the first and second gate lines; a first subpixel electrode connected to the first gate line and the data line by a first switching device and includes a plurality of first fine protruding patterns at an edge thereof; and a second subpixel electrode connected to the second gate line and the data line by a second switching device and includes a plurality of second fine protruding patterns at an edge thereof, wherein the first fine protruding patterns are separated from each other by a first gap, and the second fine protruding patterns are separated from each other by a second gap, wherein the sum of a width of the first gap and a width of each of the first fine protruding patterns is greater than the sum of a width of the second gap and a width of each of the second protruding patterns.
US08643811B2
According to one embodiment, a liquid crystal shutter component includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer, a liquid crystal layer, a first retardation layer, a second retardation layer, a third retardation layer and a fourth retardation layer. A liquid crystal orientation of the liquid crystal layer transitions between a plurality of bend orientation states. The retardation in the direction along the plane of the second retardation layer and the fourth retardation layer is 20 nm or more and 120 nm or less. The retardation along the first direction of the second retardation layer and the fourth retardation layer is 40 nm or more and 140 nm or less.
US08643808B2
A light-scattering substrate having an irregular shape on one surface thereof is provided, the light-scattering substrate including: a thermoplastic resin; and at least one kind of transparent particles having a mean primary particle size of 3 μm or more and not more than 12 μm, wherein the light-scattering substrate contains a first region having a thickness of ½ or more times and not more than 4 times the mean primary particle size of the transparent particles from the surface having an irregular shape; and a second region having a thickness of 3/2 or more times the mean primary particle size of the transparent particles from a surface on back side of the surface having an irregular shape, and the first region and the second region have a region not substantially containing the transparent particle.
US08643800B2
A liquid crystal display device includes an array substrate including: gate and data lines crossing each other on a first substrate to define a pixel region; a common line in parallel with the gate line; first and second common line patterns extending from the common line, wherein the data line is between the first and second common line patterns; a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor and in the pixel region; and an inorganic black matrix below the gate line, the common line, and the first and second common lines, wherein the inorganic black matrix below the first and second common lines shields the data line; an opposing substrate including a common electrode on a second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer between the array substrate and the opposing substrate.
US08643791B2
An information communication system includes: a communication line which connects a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus to each other; a transmission unit which is included in the first information processing apparatus and transmits identity information of the first information processing apparatus without passing through the communication line; a reception unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and receives the identity information of the first information processing apparatus transmitted from the transmission unit without passing through the communication line; and an information transmission unit which is included in the second information processing apparatus and transmits information to the first information processing apparatus via the communication line by using the identity information received by the reception unit.
US08643783B2
A method in a television receiver receiving interlaced analog modulated television signals includes: detecting an inactive video period in the television signal between two successive video display fields; generating a synchronization signal indicative of the detected inactive video period; and in response to the synchronization signal, performing measurement and adjustment operations on analog circuitry of the television receiver. In another embodiment, a method in a television receiver receiving interlaced analog modulated television signals includes: detecting an inactive video period between two successive video display fields using a not-fully-demodulated intermediate frequency (IF) signal; and generating a synchronization signal indicative of the detected inactive video period. In another embodiment, a vertical field detection circuit in a television receiver includes a vertical field detector circuit configured to detect an inactive video period in the television signal between two successive video display fields using a not-fully-demodulated intermediate frequency (IF) signal.
US08643779B2
Audio tracks may be added to a live video stream using one or more mixers that may decode the audio from a video stream, mix an additional audio stream, and encode the mixed audio stream. The system may make the new audio stream available for live download by consumers. The mixers may include a video playback mechanism to view the live video stream, as well as an audio capture and mixing system that may create a new audio track that may be synchronized with the video stream using timestamps. A consumer device may download and consume the video with the new audio track on a slight delay from the live video stream.
US08643777B2
A pixel interpolation process is based on detection of a potential edge in proximity to a pixel being estimated, and the angle thereof. The potential edge and its angle is determined based on filtering of offset or overlapping sets of lines from a pixel window centered around the pixel being estimated and then cross-correlating the filter results. The highest value in the correlation result values represents a potential edge in proximity to the pixel being estimated and the index of the highest value represents the angle of the potential edge. This information is used in conjunction with other information from the cross-correlation and analysis of the differences between pixels in proximity to verify the validity of the potential edge. If determined to be valid, a diagonal interpolation based on the edge and its angle is used to estimate the pixel value of the pixel. Otherwise, an alternate interpolation process, such as vertical interpolation, is used to estimate the pixel value for the pixel.
US08643767B2
An imaging device includes: an optical system which obtains an optical image of a photographic subject; an image sensor which converts the optical image to an electric signal; a digital signal processor which produces image data based on the electric signal; a display section which displays a photographic subject image expressed by the image data; and an operating section which performs a necessary setting regarding imaging, the digital signal processor including: an autofocus operation section which performs an autofocus operation based on data of an autofocus area set in the photographic subject image; a main area setting section which sets a main area in the photographic subject image; and a blurring operation section which performs a blurring operation on an area other than the main area in the photographic subject image, wherein the autofocus area is set automatically to overlap with at least a part of the main area.
US08643766B2
An autofocus system which can prevent erroneous tracking of an unintended tracking target, is provided. In a recognition and tracking mode which uses an AF frame to automatically track a face of a specific person for which certification data is previously stored, a face of a specific person designated by an operator is detected by face authentication processing from a captured image obtained from a television camera. Thereafter, the face is detected from the captured image by a pattern matching processing in which an image of the face is used as a reference pattern for object tracking processing, and the AF frame is moved to the detected position. The face recognition processing is executed each time when the object tracking processing is executed a predetermined times, thereby preventing erroneous tracking by the object tracking processing.
US08643762B2
An optical element according to an embodiment includes: a lens array including a plurality of convex shaped lenses provided on a first surface thereof and taking a flat shape at a second surface which is opposite from the first surface; a lens holder comprising concave portions formed to correspond to respective lenses in the lens array, at a surface opposed to the lens array, each of the concave portions having a size which makes it possible for one of the convex shaped lenses corresponding to the concave portion to fit therein; and a drive unit configured to drive at least one of the lens array and the lens holder to bring the convex shaped lenses in the lens array and the concave portions in the lens holder into an isolation state or a contact state.
US08643760B2
Image processing methods and systems for handheld devices are provided. First, an image effect is determined. Then, a plurality of preview images is continuously captured by an image capture unit of an electronic device. After the respective preview image is captured, the image effect is applied to the preview image, and the preview image applied with the image effect is displayed in a display unit of the electronic device.
US08643759B2
The image pickup apparatus includes a finder optical system, a measuring part performing measurement relating to an object field image, a liquid crystal display element displaying in-finder information to be observed as an image superimposed on the object field image, and a temperature detector detecting temperature. A controller starts non-display control for causing the display element to change from a display state to a non-display state at a non-display control timing before start of the measurement, and starts display control for causing the display element to change from the non-display state to the display state at a display control timing before end of the measurement. The controller makes at least one of the non-display timing and the display timing earlier when a detected temperature acquired from the temperature detector is lower than a predetermined temperature as compared with when the detected temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature.
US08643756B2
By feeding an appropriate voltage as a signal φTX to a transfer gate TG, a MOS transistor T1 is operated in a threshold region. A potential linearly or natural logarithmically converted by a buried photodiode PD is transferred to an N-type floating diffusion layer FD so as to be fed out, as an image signal, via MOS transistors T3 and T4.
US08643753B2
An image pickup apparatus and a method thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a sensor array and an ADC array. The sensor array includes M×N sensor blocks SB(i,j). The sensor block includes P×Q image sensing elements Se(x,y). The ADC array is located at another side of the illuminated side of the sensor array. The ADC array includes M×N ADCs ADC(i,j). The ADC(i,j) coupled to the sensor block SB(i,j) obtains the image data Data(x,y) from the image sensing element Se(x,y) of the sensor block SB(i,j). The ADC(i,j) evaluates the gain G(x,y) based on the position of the image sensing element Se(x,y). The compensated image data Datacom(x,y) can be outputted and Datacom(x,y)=Data(x,y)×G(x,y). The image pickup apparatus could improve the optical shading problem.
US08643743B2
A first white balance correction amount is calculated according to similarity between image data acquired by an image pickup unit and past image data acquired in the past, and a first white balance correction is performed on the image data according to the first white balance correction amount. A luminance correction amount and a color correction amount are calculated according to similarity between the corrected image data and the past image data corrected in the first white balance correction. Using one of them, the first white balance correction amount is corrected thereby to obtain a second white balance correction amount. According to the obtained correction amount, a second white balance correction, a luminance correction, and a color correction are performed on the image data acquired by the image pickup unit.
US08643720B2
A computer system for continuously panning oblique images. More particularly, the computer system uses a methodology whereby separate oblique images are presented in a manner that allows a user to maintain an understanding of the relationship of specific features between different oblique images when panning.
US08643705B1
A video or other kind of screen device form of multiple layers of pixels. The pixels in the different layers may be modified in order to form a 3-D effect. According to another embodiment, the lenses may be associated with different whalers of zoom in order to simulate a 3-D effect. The different layers may also be used as an additive with one another to reduce their output level. The different layers may also be used as backup layers, so that one layer can be used when another player fails.
US08643701B2
A system is disclosed for executing depth image-based rendering of a 3D image by a computer having a processor and that is coupled with one or more color cameras and at least one depth camera. The color cameras and the depth camera are positionable at different arbitrary locations relative to a scene to be rendered. In some examples, the depth camera is a low resolution camera and the color cameras are high resolution. The processor is programmed to propagate depth information from the depth camera to an image plane of each color camera to produce a propagated depth image at each respective color camera, to enhance the propagated depth image at each color camera with the color and propagated depth information thereof to produce corresponding enhanced depth images, and to render a complete, viewable image from one or more enhanced depth images from the color cameras. The processor may be a graphics processing unit.
US08643700B2
A 3D content adjustment system includes a processor. A camera is coupled to the processor. A non-transitory, computer-readable medium is coupled to the processor and the camera. The computer-readable medium includes a content adjustment engine including instructions that when executed by the processor receive viewer information from the camera, modify a plurality of original stereoscopic images using the viewer information to create a plurality of modified stereoscopic images, and output the plurality of modified stereoscopic images.
US08643698B2
A single progressive 1080P60 side-by-side 3D video or a single progressive 1080P60 2D video is captured for transmission to interlaced receivers such as a legacy 1080i capable video receiver. A video transmitter splits the captured 1080P60 video into a plurality of even-indexed line pictures and odd-indexed line pictures. Lines of the plurality of even-indexed line pictures and odd-indexed line pictures are reassembled to generate two interlaced video sequences such as two 1080i video sequences. The video transmitter compresses the generated two 1080i video sequences, respectively, utilizing different compression algorithms, for example. Pictures that originate from the same one of the plurality of pictures in the captured 1080P60 video may be synchronized for a progressive display at the legacy 1080i capable video receiver. The legacy 1080i capable video receiver may decode the synchronized pictures from the video transmitter so as to restore the captured 1080P60 video for display in progressive format.
US08643694B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for implementing automatic answering and recording in videophone services. The method comprises: when a video call is coming, a called terminal automatically answering the call and playing a prerecorded automatic answering prompting message to a calling user; and the called terminal recording audio and video of the calling user and ending the call after the recording is completed. The present invention has solved the problem that a videophone has no automation answering and recording function in prior art. Thus, the user can answer selectively video calls at anytime and anywhere, important video calls can be automatically recorded, and video calls which are inconvenient to be answered can be answered automatically by choosing various videos.
US08643685B2
Systems and methods are described that facilitate eliminating a need for a raster output scanner (ROS) or laser when generating a latent image on a photoreceptor. An addressable backplane is employed, comprising an array of field effect transistors (e.g., silicon or organic thin film transistors, or TFTs), wherein each TFT corresponds to a single pixel on a charge transport layer on the photoreceptor surface. Latent image formation is performed by forming a surface potential using corona charging, and then directing free charge carriers toward the photoreceptor surface to reduce electrostatic potential in areas that need to be toned. TFTs in the array are individually addressed, or selected, to connect to a common ground, which allows photodischarge to occur only in selected areas (e.g., pixels associated with the selected TFTs). Once the array of TFTs is addressed, an LED light source emits light over the surface of the photoreceptor, and only the selected (grounded) TFTs permit their associated pixels to discharge. In this manner, a latent image is formed without a need for a bulky and expensive ROS.
US08643679B2
An image conversion apparatus converts an image, and displays a converted image on a display device. The image conversion apparatus displays an original image before conversion on the display device. Next, the image conversion apparatus sets a dividing line 52 for dividing an image displayed on the display device into a first area 53 and a second area 54 by an instruction from a user. Next, the image conversion apparatus converts the original image by changing at least a part of an image of the first area 53 to an image generated from an image of the second area 52, and displays an image after the conversion on the display device.
US08643670B2
The present invention provides a system for sharing mapped information between multiple maps, including maps in different media states, in an accurate fashion. The system comprises a transparent overlay for transferring the mapped information, an alignment device for consistently aligning the displayed maps relative to the transparent overlay, and a fastening mechanism for securing the transparent overlay to a mapboard. The system may also include a mapboard, an electronic mapboard, and a computer. The system enables a user to accurately share information added to a map, possibly a digital or paper map, by recording the information onto the transparent overlay. The transparent overlay may then be transferred to a different map, possibly displayed in a different media, where the transparent overlay accurately reflects the recorded information. The use of an alignment device for consistently aligning the displayed maps relative to the transparent overlay, both when the mapped information is being recorded and reflected, ensures the information transferred between the maps is reflected accurately.
US08643667B2
In a method for displaying an illustrated book on a computer screen, a graphics image, corresponding to a page in the illustrated book, is displayed on the computer screen. A text detail image is displayed on the computer screen, the text detail image is displayed as a layer on the top of the graphics image. A cursor rolling over the text detail image is detected. A magnified image of the text detail image is displayed when the cursor has rolled over the text detail image.
US08643665B2
A method for transformation of color values of an initial color space reproducible by a first technical device to color values of a target color space reproducible by a second technical device is provided. The method includes movement from one color space by conversion of color values to different color values in the basic color space and scaling by conversion to different color values in the basic color space. The method also includes conversion of color values of the initial color space to color values which are closest to the color value in the edge area of the target color space. The method also includes movement of color values located in an edge area of the target color space to the interior of the target color space by conversion as a function of the number of identical edge color values to color values on the same color variation plane.
US08643658B2
Techniques are described that can used to synchronize the start of frames from multiple sources so that when a display is to output a frame to a next source, boundaries of current and next source are aligned. Techniques attempt to avoid visible glitches when switching from displaying a frame from a first source to displaying frames from a second source even though alignment is achieved by switching if frames that are to be displayed from the second source are similar to those displayed from the first source.
US08643654B1
In various embodiments, a user can create or generate objects to be modeled, simulated, and/or rendered. The user can apply a mesh to the character's form to create the character's topology. Information, such as character rigging, shader and paint data, hairstyles, or the like can be attached to or otherwise associated with the character's topology. A standard or uniform topology can then be generated that allows information associated with the character to be transfer to other characters that have a similar topological correspondence.
US08643649B2
An image processing apparatus comprises an anchor point information extraction unit configured to decide coordinates of anchor points and attributes of the anchor points based on a plurality of predetermined extraction rules and a sequence of coordinate points that expresses an outline of image data; a tangential direction decision unit configured to decide tangential directions at an anchor point of interest based on the attribute of the anchor point of interest and coordinate points which are located within a predetermined range from the anchor point of interest; a control point coordinate calculation unit configured to calculate control point coordinates based on the tangential directions and the coordinates of the anchor point of interest; and a data output unit configured to output information including the coordinates of the anchor points and the control point coordinates.
US08643647B2
A method of displaying a graph of nodes adapted to the display of travel routes is described. The method includes the steps of finding a node of highest weight among all nodes of the graph after each node is attributed a weight based on a number of nodes pertaining to a double-tree structure of nodes of which each node is assumed to be the root. Then, the double-tree structure of nodes having the node of highest weight as root is extracted and a layout is computed. If there are remaining nodes left, they are grouped in one or more sub-graphs and a layout of the one or more sub-graphs is iteratively computed. The one or more sub-graphs are then merged with the double-tree structure of nodes to be displayed.
US08643642B2
A method for generating time-resolved 3D medical images of a subject by imparting temporal information from a time-series of 2D medical images into 3D images of the subject. Generally speaking, this is achieved by acquired image data using a medical imaging system, generating a time-series of 2D images of a ROI from at least a portion of the acquired image data, reconstructing a 3D image substantially without temporal resolution from the acquired image data, and selectively combining the time series of 2D images with the 3D image. Selective combination typically involves registering frames of the time-series of 2D images with the 3D image, projecting pixel values from the 2D image frames “into” the 3D image, and weighting the 3D image with the projected pixel values for each frame of the time-series of 2D images. This method is particularly useful for generating 4D-DSA images, that is, time-resolved 3D-DSA images, from a time-series of 2D-DSA images acquired via single plane or biplane x-ray acquisitions with 3D images acquired via a rotational DSA acquisition. 4D-DSA images can also be generated by selectively combining a time-series of 2D-DSA images generated from individual projections from a rotational x-ray acquisition with a 3D image reconstructed from substantially all of the projection views acquired during the rotational x-ray acquisition. These DSA images may have a spatial resolution on the order of 5123 pixels and a temporal resolution of about 30 frames per second, which represents an increase over traditional 3D-DSA frame rates by a factor between 150 and 600.
US08643639B2
A non-volatile display module has a display panel and a driving circuit. The display panel has a substrate at which at least one scan line, at least one data line and at least one thin film transistor (TFT) are disposed. The TFT is located at an intersection area of the scan line and data line. The driving circuit has a driving unit, a power converting unit and a multiplexing unit. The driving unit receives at least one image controlling signal according to a clock signal. The power converting unit generates a plurality of power signals. The multiplexing unit is electrically connected with the scan line, the data line, the driving unit and the power converting unit, and outputs one of the power signals to the scan line or the data line according to the image controlling signal. A non-volatile display apparatus is also disclosed.
US08643633B2
One frame period of image data is divided into a plurality of subframes and driven. A first subframe included in one frame and a second subframe following the first subframe are output at opposite polarities. The image data is output while switching a phase mode between a first mode of driving the first subframe at positive polarity and the second subframe at negative polarity and a second mode of driving the first subframe at negative polarity and the second subframe at positive polarity.
US08643632B2
A display device includes a display panel having an active area in which sub-pixels formed at crossing regions of data lines extending in a first direction and gate lines extending in a second direction crossing the first direction are arranged, and a non-active area outside of the active area. A driver supplies a drive signal to the gate and data lines in the display panel. Data links are extended in the first direction from the driver to supply a data signal to the data lines. Gate links are extended out from the driver and extended up to the active area in the first direction from the non-active area between the driver and the active area so as to supply a gate signal to the gate lines extending in the second direction. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce or minimize the area of the non-active area and/or to improve an aperture ratio.
US08643626B2
A capacitive position sensor for detecting the position of an object relative to a resistive sensing element. The sensing element comprises a sensing path that has terminals connected along it that subdivide the sensing path into multiple sections. Each terminal is coupled to its own sensing channel, each of which generates a signal that is sensitive to the capacitance between its terminal and a system ground. The signals are fed to a processor for analysis. The processor determines over which section the object is positioned by comparing the signals from the sensing channels, and determines the position of the object within that section by comparing the signals from the terminals spanning that section. The sensing path can be formed in a closed loop, such as a circle for a scroll dial, in which the operator's finger position and movement can be uniquely determined in a straightforward manner.
US08643623B2
A portable terminal including a touch screen and method for displaying a cursor thereof are provided. The method includes determining whether a capacitance is equal to or greater than a first critical value and is less than a second critical value, if the change of the capacitance is sensed in the touch screen, displaying a cursor in an area where the change of the capacitance is sensed, if the capacitance is equal to or greater than the first critical value and is less than the second critical value, and performing a function corresponding to the area where the cursor is displayed, if the capacitance sensed in the area where the cursor is displayed is equal to or greater than the second critical value.
US08643620B2
A portable electronic device includes: a main module disposed in a main housing; a keyboard mounted on a mounting surface of the main housing and connected electrically to the main module; and a touch input unit mounted to the main housing and connected electrically to the main module. The touch input unit has first, second and third operating areas spaced apart from each other and exposed from the mounting surface of the main housing. The touch input unit generates an input signal corresponding to one touch point on any one of the first, second and third operating areas, and outputs the input signal to the main module such that the main module performs an operation corresponding to the input signal.
US08643608B2
An optical touch panel and corresponding method are disclosed. The optical touch panel may comprise a rectangular position-detecting surface; a frame-shaped circuit board surrounding the rectangular position-detecting surface; a plurality of light-emitting elements configured for emitting a plurality of light beams, wherein the light-emitting elements are arranged along a first side of the rectangular position-detecting surface and disposed on the frame-shaped circuit board; a plurality of light-receiving elements configured for receiving light beams emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements; a plurality of SMT components configured as optical gates for isolating ambient light to prevent erroneous light detection; and a control circuit. The plurality of SMT components and the plurality of light-receiving elements may be alternately arranged along a second side of the rectangular position-detecting surface opposite to the first side and disposed on the frame-shaped circuit board. The plurality of light-receiving elements may be arranged behind the plurality of SMT components.
US08643606B2
A touchpad includes a controller connected to a touch sensor. The controller detects the fingers touching on the touch sensor to determine to start up and terminate a scroll bar control function. In the scroll bar control function, the movement of the finger or fingers touching on the touch sensor is detected for scrolling on a window, and the vertical distance and the horizontal distance of the movement are evaluated for determining the scrolling amount of a vertical scroll bar or a horizontal scroll bar of the window.
US08643603B2
Disclosed are a keypad and a keypad assembly for providing increased flexibility. The disclosed keypad includes a base film having button parts formed on the base film, a light guide layer into which light is guided, and electronic paper which is illuminated by light emitted from the light guide layer, and displays at least one symbol, wherein the electronic paper includes metal areas corresponding to the button parts and non-metal areas disposed between the metal areas so as to provide flexibility for the electronic paper. The flexibility of the electronic paper, which can be achieved by the keypad and the keypad assembly, improves the click-feeling to a user when the button parts are pressed.
US08643599B2
Embodiments of a washable computer mouse are disclosed. In an embodiment, a water impermeable layer is sealably mounted to a housing so as to provide a water impermeable region and a water permeable region. Mouse circuitry, which includes a sensor and a light source and a responsive element, is positioned in the water impermeable region. A biased button is positioned in the water permeable region and is configured to engage the responsive element. In an embodiment, the mouse circuitry may be configured for wireless transmission of signals and may include a removable door that, in operation, sealably covers a replaceable power source. In an alternative embodiment, the housing may include an exposed connector and a plug that is configured to seal the connector may be attached to the housing by a tether.
US08643583B2
To provide an active matrix display device in which power consumption of a signal line driver circuit can be suppressed, so that power consumption of the entire memory can be suppressed. A plurality of memory circuits which can write data of a video signal input to a pixel in one line period and can hold the data are provided in a signal line driver circuit of a display device. Then, the data held in each memory circuit is input to a pixel of a corresponding line as a video signal. By providing two or more memory circuits in a driver circuit, pieces of data of video signals corresponding to two or more line periods can be concurrently held in the memory circuits.
US08643573B2
The invention provides an electro-optical apparatus that can prevent a shift in a threshold voltage of an amorphous silicon transistor while driving an organic EL device in a pixel circuit including the amorphous silicon transistor. A characteristic-adjustment circuit can be provided, which has a function of returning a shift in the threshold voltage of the amorphous silicon transistor included in the pixel circuit to the original state.
US08643570B2
An active matrix organic electroluminescence(EL) display comprises plural selection and data lines mutually crossed, and a pixel circuit connected to the selection and data lines and having switching devices, a storage capacitor and an organic EL device. In a part of a period that the pixel circuit connected to the selection line is being selected, an applied first data signal is held as a voltage at the storage capacitor of the selected pixel circuit. After the selection signal applying, a first current according to the held voltage is supplied to the organic EL device, and this emits light at luminance according to the first current. In another part of the period, a second current according to an applied second data signal is supplied to the organic EL device of the selected pixel circuit, and this emits light at luminance according to the second current.
US08643568B2
A wearable display apparatus includes a display for providing viewable images. A display support assembly can support the display. The display support assembly can be self centering and telescoping for adjusting the position of the display for viewing by a user. The display support assembly can include right side and left side arm members spaced apart from each other, and a flexibly resilient support member to which the display is mounted between the arm members. The support member can be telescopically mounted to the arm members. The support member can have flexibly resilient right and left side portions secured to the display. Each side portion can be slidably mounted to a respective arm member for telescoping. The support member can have a material cross section that provides stiffness for supporting the display when in a generally horizontal orientation for viewing while also providing resilient flexibility between the arm members to self center the display between the arm members with changes in distances between the arm members.
US08643566B2
An antenna system comprises a plurality of conductors, a combiner, and a plurality of loads. The combiner has an output port. The plurality of loads connects the plurality of conductors to each other in line. The plurality of loads has an impedance equal to a desired impedance for the output port. The combiner combines power received by the plurality of loads at the output port of the combiner.
US08643561B2
Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.
US08643556B2
Aerial for the reception of circularly polarized satellite radio signals comprising at least one substantially horizontally oriented conductor loop arranged over a conductive base surface, having an assembly for electromagnetic excitation of the conductor loop connected to an aerial connection. The conductor loop is designed as a loop emitter by a polygonal or circularly closed loop extending in a horizontal plane of height h above the conductive base surface. The loop emitter forms a resonant structure and is electrically excited by the electromagnetic exciter in such a way that on the loop the current distribution of a travelling line wave occurs in one direction of rotation only, of which the phase difference over one revolution is M*2π, where M is an integer and has at least a value of M=2. To facilitate the vertically oriented fractions of the electromagnetic field, there is at least one emitter which extends vertically at the circumference of the loop emitter and to the conductive base surface and which is electromagnetically coupled to both the loop emitter and the electrically conductive base surface. The height h is lower than ⅕ of the free-space wavelength λ.
US08643554B1
Antenna unit cells suitable for use in antenna arrays are disclosed, as are antenna array and mounting platform such as an aircraft comprising antenna unit cells. In one embodiment, an antenna unit cell comprises a dielectric substrate having a length extending along a first axis and a width extending along a second axis, a first plurality of radiating elements disposed on a first side of the dielectric substrate, and a second plurality of radiating elements disposed on a second side of the dielectric substrate, opposite the first side, wherein the second plurality of radiating elements extend to an edge of the unit cell, and the first plurality of radiating elements overlap portions of the second plurality of radiating elements. Other embodiments may be described.
US08643528B1
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) comprises a plurality of time-interleaved integrating ADCs having feedback from an integrated output signal. In variations, the time-interleaved integrating ADCs have feedback compensation from at least one measure of quantization error. The time-interleaved integrating ADCs may also share a single comparator and may also share a single current source.
US08643525B1
A system and method dynamically selects digital-to-analog (DAC) circuit elements to provide a True differential-output delta-sigma (ΔΣ) DAC. The sign and magnitude of a received N-bit input code is determined. If the input code comprises a positive value, m+r circuit elements are selected from a plurality of circuit elements by a positive element selector, in which comprises a number of rotational elements, and r circuit elements are selected by a negative element selector. Each selected circuit element comprises a circuit element that was not selected for an immediately preceding received input code and has a corresponding minimum usage count value. If the input digital code comprises a negative value, m+r circuit elements are selected by the negative element selector, and r circuit elements are selected by the positive element selector. The circuit elements are capable of being configured as positive or negative circuit elements.
US08643524B1
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) having a reduced number of amplifiers and feed-forward signal paths provides for reduced complexity and power consumption. The analog-to-digital converter includes a delta-sigma modulator having a loop filter with second-order stages implemented with a single amplifier each, provided by a series-connected capacitive feedback network with a switched capacitor shunt. The reduction in the amplifier stages reduces the number of inputs to, and dynamic range required from, the summing node that provides input to the quantizer, as well as reducing the power requirements and complexity of the circuit due to the reduced number of amplifiers.
US08643520B1
An equalized-impedance shadowed current cell can be arrayed in a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) or other converters or applications. The Equalized-impedance shadowed current cell has primary differential transistors in parallel with shadow differential transistors that have gates driven inversely to gates of the primary differential transistors. A shadow current from the shadow differential transistors is much smaller than a primary current switched by the primary differential transistors. Cell current is not switched off to zero but to the shadow current. The ON state and OFF state impedances of the current cell may be matched during circuit design so that the impedance is the same regardless of digital input values. The Width and Length of the shadow differential transistors are adjusted so that overall output impedances for the ON and OFF states of the current cell are matched. Since output impedance is input code independent, high-speed performance is improved.
US08643515B2
A method for compressing a data stream includes transforming a data stream into a transformed data stream of referencing symbols and other data elements, the referencing symbols representing a data sequence identical to a data sequence in a reference data block; and encoding the referencing symbols by replacing them with codewords according to an encoding scheme, the transformed stream includes at least one control symbol indicating a change between a portion of the transformed data stream containing a sequence of the other data elements and a portion of the transformed data stream containing a sequence of the codewords for the referencing symbols, the location of the control symbol within the transformed data stream defines the end of the respective portion of the transformed data stream, the encoding scheme providing at least one codeword associated to one of the referencing symbols is longer than a codeword representing the control symbol.
US08643513B2
Systems and methods for providing fast and efficient data compression using a combination of content independent data compression and content dependent data compression. In one aspect, a method for compressing data comprises the steps of: analyzing a data block of an input data stream to identify a data type of the data block, the input data stream comprising a plurality of disparate data types; performing content dependent data compression on the data block, if the data type of the data block is identified; performing content independent data compression on the data block, if the data type of the data block is not identified.
US08643508B2
The present general inventive concept relates to methods and systems to select and display information on an avionics display screen. The systems and methods allow for the selection and display of information using knobs to highlight and select the desired information for display, eliminating the need for a cursor function. The systems and methods also provide for multiple pages and/or multiple windows or “tiles” within these pages and/or windows simultaneously on a single screen of a display, with each window, page, and/or tile being fully controlled independently when selected. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to provide multiple cues on an electronic display system altitude tape to a pilot in advance and impending approach to a predefined altitude. The present general inventive concept also relates to systems and methods to employ variable resolution topographical data based on display range for an avionics navigation display.
US08643504B2
A power distribution device includes a chassis, a power input, and power brick bays for receiving, and delivering power to, power bricks. Each power brick bay includes a power adapter for providing power to a power brick.
US08643498B1
One embodiment of the invention is a combination of a tank and an optical switch, where the tank has a wall forming an enclosure for holding fluids, and the optical switch has a housing floatable in a liquid stored in the tank, and further has a first light fiber having proximal and distal ends, where the first light fiber is connected to a light source at the distal end, and a second light fiber having proximal and distal ends, the second light fiber connected to a light detector at the distal end, the first and second fibers separated by a gap, and a rigid rod connected to the housing and to the tank enclosure, where the rod moves in response to movement of the housing.
US08643493B1
A monitoring pendant is coupled to a person, thing or animal being monitored and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from a key chain fob and to and from a base unit. The key chain fob is coupled or integrated into something a guardian would carry such as a set of keys, cell phone or electronics and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the base unit. The base unit is coupled to the vehicle and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the key chain fob.
US08643491B2
A container comprising a body having embedded therein a plurality of chipless radio frequency identification elements. The chipless radio frequency identification elements comprises a plurality of categories of resonant elements. The resonant elements can be utilized in a system having a binary code feature. The combination of different resonant elements can be read and translated to identify the features of a particular product. The container can be prepared by compounding moldable compositions with the resonant elements and molding the moldable compositions containing the resonant elements into the final product. The invention also provides a system and a method for reading the binary code provided by the chipless radio frequency identification elements.
US08643485B2
A method and apparatus for ignoring a duplicated alarm in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, at least one alarm message associated with at least one event is received. A determination of whether the at least one event exists in a database is subsequently made. The at least one event is recorded in the database if the at least one event does not exist in the database. Conversely, the at least one alarm message is suppressed if the at least one event exists in the database.
US08643484B2
A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display adapted to display event data to a user in a standby mode of operation ,and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.
US08643479B1
The disclosure relates to a tactile messaging system configured to send tactile messages between users. The system may be configured so a first user may input tactile information into a first wearable tactile user device and a second user may receive sensory output from a second tactile user device that corresponds to the tactile information entered by the first user into the first tactile user device. This may allow users to communicate by touch, without having to manually enter electronic input information into the system.
US08643460B2
A transformer structure includes a bobbin, a conductive base, a first winding coil, plural second winding coils, and a magnetic core assembly. The bobbin includes a main body and a channel. The main body has a first winding section and plural first pins. The plural first pins are located at bilateral sides of the main body. The channel runs through the main body. The conductive base is disposed on a bottom side of the bobbin, and includes at least one connecting part. Through the connecting part of the conductive base, at least a portion of the plural first pins are electrically connected with each other. The first winding coil is wound around the first winding section. The second winding coils are connected with corresponding first pins. The magnetic core assembly is partially embedded into the channel of the bobbin.
US08643455B2
As an embodiment, a pair of first conductive films 12, 13 are formed from the side face to the bottom face of the sheet part 11a of a magnetic core 11, and one end 14b of the conductive wire of the coil 14 and the other end 14c of the conductive wire are joined to the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13, respectively. Also, as an embodiment, the joined parts 14b1, 14c1 are sandwiched by the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13 and the part 15a of the magnetic sheath 15 covering the side face of the sheet part 11a of the magnetic core 11, wherein the parts of the magnetic sheath 15 covering the joined parts 14b1, 14c1 are sandwiched by the side faces 12a, 13a of the first conductive films 12, 13 and the side faces 16a, 17a of second conductive films 16, 17 as well as the side faces 18a, 19a of third conductive films 18, 19.
US08643451B2
A circuit breaker is disclosed, wherein the circuit breaker according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a permanent magnet rotatably hinged to a yoke, and wherein the permanent magnet is changed in magnetic path direction thereof by rotation to set up a sensitivity current, whereby a defect ratio of product is minimized.
US08643450B2
A variable distributed constant line includes a substrate, a signal line that is provided on the substrate, and includes a first line portion and a second line portion facing each other, a movable electrode that is provided above the substrate, and straddles both the first line portion and the second line portion in a manner to face the first line portion and the second line portion, and a driving electrode that is provided on the substrate in a manner to face the movable electrode, attracts the movable electrode by an action of a voltage applied between the driving electrode and the movable electrode, and changes a distance between the signal line and the movable electrode.
US08643448B2
An RF directional coupler fabricated utilizing a printed circuit structure that includes a plated slot or trough as and electrical conduit. The slot intersects a capture pad at the end of the trace. The plating wraps around to this capture pad making the trough a hollow trace. The hollow trace allows a large surface area to be parallel in the same plane. The smooth surface of the routed slot allows for a smooth copper surface unlike a typical wall of a hole or treated copper. These unique vertical edge plated troughs inside the coupler providing two significant advantages over previous coupling techniques. First, the surface area of the lines is greater which greatly increases its power handling capability. Second, the mainline and coupled lines all lie in the same plane simplifying construction of the coupler into a pick and place circuit.
US08643427B2
A switching device includes: a first switching circuit, having a control node coupled to a first control signal, and arranged to selectively couple a signal node to a first amplifying circuit according to the first control signal; and a first control circuit, having a first control node and a second control node coupled to the control node of the first switching circuit and the signal node, respectively, wherein when the first switching circuit is controlled to electrically disconnect the signal node from the first amplifying circuit and a voltage level of the signal node reaches a first predetermined voltage level, the first control circuit is arranged to make the control node of the first switching circuit electrically connected to the signal node.
US08643420B2
An integrated circuit device includes a clock delay circuit configured to receive a clock signal and a pulse signal and to produce an output signal therefrom. The clock delay circuit is configured to transition the output signal to a first state responsive to a first state of the clock signal and to transition the output signal to a second state responsive to a first state transition of the pulse signal. The integrated circuit device further includes a pulse generator circuit configured to receive the clock signal and the output signal and to produce the pulse signal therefrom. The pulse generator circuit is configured to generate the first state transition in the pulse signal responsive to a transition of the clock signal to a second state and to generate a second state transition in the pulse signal responsive to the transition of the output signal to the second state.
US08643401B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit communication system including providing a semiconductor wafer; and fabricating a cross-over current mirror driver on the semiconductor wafer for generating a crossing point at a reference voltage.
US08643394B2
In accordance with an embodiment, a probe card structure comprises a base board, a connection interposer over the base board, a substrate over the connection interposer, and a fixture over the substrate securing the substrate and the connection interposer to the base board. The connection interposer comprises interposer electrodes that provide an electrical connection between electrodes on the base board and first electrodes on the substrate.
US08643392B2
An IC socket is pneumatically actuated and has an integrated heat sink. Thermally conductive elements of the heat sink extend through an opening of a pneumatically actuated element shaped as a closed curve of finite width so that heat radiating from the thermally conductive elements may dissipate through a top opening of the IC socket. Downward force exerted by the pneumatically actuated element is transferred through a gimbaled multi-plate and spring arrangement to provide even pressure on the die and substrate of an IC device being held in place by the IC socket. A spring-loaded ground tab on the bottom of the IC socket simplifies grounding of the IC socket to avoid damaging the held IC device by static discharge.
US08643385B2
Method for the simulation of defects in the case of spark testers, in which breakdowns are recognized and displayed by a detector and added by means of a defect counter, wherein the high voltage is applied to a stationary standard spark gap and pulsed test voltages of predetermined level, duration and frequency are generated by the high voltage generator of the spark tester in short regular intervals.
US08643384B2
An electrical insulation test as well as the production of photovoltaic modules, especially of thin-film photovoltaic modules, provides a current-conducting component disposed on a panel-shaped substrate, which are insulated electrically in the area of the module edge. In order to simplify testing of the insulation of such photovoltaic modules, it is proposed that, during the production of the photovoltaic module, testing of the electrical insulation takes place, for which, through the use of a mechanical contacting device a test voltage is applied between the module edge on the one hand and the electrical connections of the photovoltaic module, which are remote from the module edge, lead to the outside, on the other hand.
US08643382B2
A method of testing a capacitive transducer circuit, for example a MEMS capacitive transducer, by applying a test signal via one or more capacitors provided in the transducer circuit.
US08643379B2
A sensor web for electric field sensing. A substrate has a longitudinal direction. At least one array of electrically conductive sensor areas follows each other in a successive manner along the longitudinal direction and is arranged on one side of the substrate. A group of conductors is on the same side of the substrate. Each electrically conductive sensor area that is to be used for sensing purposes is electrically connected to one conductor. The conductors are adapted to join one by one the group of the conductors advancing in the longitudinal direction of the substrate and the other conductors of the group are adapted to give space for the joining conductor. A method for manufacturing of a sensor web and a system for monitoring a space.
US08643373B2
An electrode for enhancing electrical conductivity between an oil or gas field downhole and the surrounding formation. The electrode may serve as a cathode to cooperate with a remote anode to produce an electric field through the formation. The electrode has an electrically conductive, elongated body with a proximal end adapted to be inserted into the production pipe and a distal end adapted to project into the formation. The body of the electrode has a series of radially-projecting flexible filaments. The filaments are composed of an electrically conductive material and are supported by the body so as to be electrically charged. At least one of the filaments project outwardly into engagement with the wall of the downhole. The filaments also project radially outward into the consolidated formation.
US08643366B2
According to one embodiment, a MRI apparatus includes a data acquisition unit, a phase correction amount calculation unit and an image data generating unit. The data acquisition unit acquires MR signals in 3D k-space according to an imaging condition for HFI. The phase correction amount calculation unit calculates a first phase correction amount by applying processing including a phase correction based on k-space data for calculating the first phase correction amount and data compensation for a non-sampling region with the MR signals in the 3D k-space. The k-space data for calculating the first phase correction are MR signals less than the MR signals in the 3D k-space. The image data generating unit generates MR image data by applying processing including a phase correction using a second phase correction amount based on the first phase correction amount and the data compensation with the MR signals in the 3D k-space.
US08643353B2
A driving voltage adjusting circuit includes a digital rheostat, a control chip, a low dropout regulating circuit, and a driving circuit. The control chip is connected with the digital rheostat, and configured for adjusting the resistance of the digital rheostat. The low dropout regulating circuit is connected with the digital rheostat and outputs an output voltage according to the resistance of the digital rheostat. The driving circuit comprising a number of switch elements connected with each other and a driver configured for driving the switch elements, each of the switch elements comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal configured for controlling connection and disconnection of the first terminal and the second terminal; the first terminal and the second terminal connected with the control chip, the driver is connected with the low dropout regulating circuit and output an driving voltage to the control terminal.
US08643351B2
The present disclosure discloses a switching mode power supply with bi-direction buck and boost control. The switching mode power supply enters boost mode when an input signal is higher than a preset threshold to pump the input signal to a higher level; and the switching mode power supply enters buck mode when the input signal breaks down to release the stored energy.
US08643349B2
A power supply controller and method for improving the transient response of the power supply controller. The power supply controller includes a pulse width modulation control module connected to a feedback network. The feedback network is composed of an amplifier having an inverting input terminal, a non-inverting input terminal, and an output terminal. A compensation network is coupled between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the amplifier and a reference voltage is coupled to the non-inverting input terminal of the amplifier. A switch is coupled between the output terminal of the amplifier and an input terminal of the compensation network. The transient response of the controller is improved by operating the controller in a closed loop compensation configuration during a continuously pulsing operating mode and in an open loop compensation configuration during a pulse skip operating mode.
US08643347B2
A converter circuit and related techniques for providing high power density power conversion includes a reconfigurable switched capacitor transformation stage coupled to a magnetic converter (or regulation) stage. The circuits and techniques achieve high performance over a wide input voltage range or a wide output voltage range. The converter can be used, for example, to power logic devices in portable battery operated devices.
US08643344B2
In a self-excited generator 1 including an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) 10, a condensive load protection device includes: a field current control driver 21 which is connected to the field winding 6 in series and controlled to be ON/OFF by a drive circuit 23 of the AVR 10 to supply a field current to the field winding 6; and a condensive load protecting rotor short-circuit driver 22 which is connected in parallel to the field winding 6, and supplies a short-circuit current to the field winding 6 by being turned ON, and a bootstrap circuit 30 is connected as a drive power supply of the field current control driver and the condensive load protecting rotor short-circuit driver, and the bootstrap circuit 30 includes a capacitance portion 32 in which charges are accumulated when the field current control driver 21 is ON.
US08643337B2
A charge/discharge protection circuit protects a battery from inadvertent shorting on a charger node that can connect to a charger or to a power supply of a portable electronic device. A single n-channel power transistor has a gate that controls a channel between the battery and the charger node. The gate is connected to the charger node by a gate-coupling transistor to turn off the power transistor, providing battery isolation. The gate is driven by a voltage-boosted clock through a switch activated by an enable signal. The enable signal also activates a grounding transistor to ground a gate of the gate-coupling transistor. A comparator compares voltages of the charger and battery nodes, and the compare output is latched to generate the enable signal. An inverse enable signal activates a second switch that drives the voltage-boosted clock to the gate of the gate-coupling transistor to turn off the power transistor.
US08643331B1
Enhanced voltage-based fuel gauges and methods that increase the accuracy of voltage-based fuel gauges and allow the use of voltage-based fuel gauges to detect current, and particularly excessive current from a battery without the use of a sense resistor. When used with a coulomb counter, the outputs of a voltage-based fuel gauge and a coulomb counter may be combined in a manner that allows the combination to provide better performance that either alone may provide. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.
US08643328B2
According to one embodiment, a device includes a power management module to which a power is supplied from an external power source, a power source supply circuit to which a power is supplied from the power management module via a first input terminal, a latch circuit configured to be operated by a power supplied from the power supply circuit or a power supplied via a second input terminal, a circuit configured to output a logic signal that sets a shutdown signal output from the latch circuit to a third input terminal, and a logic communication circuit to which a logic signal is supplied via the third input terminal and which supplies the logic signal to a forth terminal of the larch circuit. The shutdown signal output from the latch circuit is set to an predetermined level when the logic signal is set to a second level from a first level.
US08643323B2
A photovoltaic system for generating an output voltage that is uninfluenced by varying irradiation, includes a photovoltaic source having an input terminal and an output terminal. The photovoltaic system includes a voltage adding arrangement having a first input terminal and an output terminal. The voltage adding arrangement is connected in series with the photovoltaic source, and includes a first route having a voltage source and a second route as a voltage source bypass. The first and second routes extend between the first input terminal and the output terminal of the voltage adding arrangement. The first and second routes being alternately activateable.
US08643322B2
A home automation actuator (100) comprising a motor (101) for maneuvering a mobile element in a building, a command receiver (108), a control unit (110), a single output converter (120), at least one switching member (104) intended to supply power to the motor, characterized in that the switching member and the input of a regulator (150) are directly connected to the output of the converter whereas the control unit and the command receiver are connected to the output of the regulator and that it comprises a control means (139) for controlling a first reduced level of the output voltage of the converter, which can be activated by the control unit, this first reduced level being lower than a minimum voltage for activating the switching member.
US08643312B2
A method for feeding electric power to a planar light-emitting element which includes a planar anode electrode, a planar cathode electrode, a light-emitting layer provided between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, two or more anode terminal portions protruding from the anode electrode and one or more cathode terminal portions protruding from the cathode electrode. The method includes sequentially providing the electric power to the anode terminal portions.
US08643308B2
Apparatus and associated methods involve operation of an LED light engine in which a relative intensities of selected wavelengths shift as a function of electrical excitation. In an illustrative example, current may be selectively and automatically diverted substantially away from at least one of a number of LEDs arranged in a series circuit until the current or its associated periodic excitation voltage reaches a predetermined threshold level. The diversion current may be smoothly reduced in transition as the excitation current or voltage rises substantially above the predetermined threshold level. A color temperature of the light output may be substantially changed as a predetermined function of the excitation voltage. For example, some embodiments may substantially increase or decrease a color temperature output by a solid state light engine in response to dimming the AC voltage excitation (e.g., by phase-cutting or amplitude modulation).
US08643307B2
According to one embodiment, a lighting device includes a control circuit that includes a threshold for a case where a pair of the illumination lamps are connected in series between a positive output end and a negative output end of a power supply circuit, and a threshold for a case where one illumination lamp is connected between the positive output end and the negative output end of the power supply circuit. The control circuit determines the connected lamp number of the illumination lamps to a direct-current power supply device based on a voltage between the positive output end and the negative output end of the power supply circuit and a voltage between a non-potential connection end and the positive output end or the negative output end, and selects the threshold corresponding to the connected lamp number to control the direct-current power supply device.
US08643304B2
In some examples, a dimming protocol detection technology includes methods and apparatuses. In other examples, the technology includes a dimmer configured to transmit a dimming input signal. The dimming input signal is in a dimming protocol. The technology further includes a light fixture. The light fixture includes a plurality of lights and a dimming protocol detection module configured to detect the dimming protocol received in the dimming input signal. The dimming protocol is detected from a plurality of dimming protocols. The light fixture further includes a light dimming control module configured to control the plurality of lights based on the detected dimming protocol.
US08643299B2
An LED lamp driving circuit includes: a thermistor having one terminal through which an external voltage is applied; an AC-DC conversion unit connected to the other terminal of the thermistor and converting an AC voltage applied to the other terminal of the thermistor into a DC voltage; and a DC-DC conversion unit converting the DC voltage from the AC-DC conversion unit into a DC voltage required to drive the LED lamp.
US08643296B2
A system is disclosed to automatically establish proper biasing for light sources in a color mixed projection system having multiple light sources which are active at the same time. Responsive to a feedback signal, a single DC-DC converter generates the bias voltage for the light sources. Comparators compare a headroom signal for each light source to a reference value to generate comparator output signals. The comparator output signals are processed by a channel selector and a digital filter/DAC module. The channel selector controls a switch to selectively provide and combine a headroom signal with an output of the digital filter/DAC module to create the feedback signal. By monitoring each headroom value, the bias voltage is adjusted, based on the feedback signal, until every headroom signal reaches the reference value thereby achieving sufficient biasing for every active light source in the color mixed projection system.
US08643294B2
A single stage electronic ballast with power factor correction is provided. The single stage electronic ballast can work under the present intensity discharge lamp without any change and provide higher efficient, lower power consumption of lighting system, and better lighting quality of lamps. The single stage electronic ballast can also provide a stable current to load (lamp) for a long time. The single stage electronic ballast includes a first switch and a second switch that are controlled with complementary switching so as to provide an output voltage in response to the input power source and the variation of the load.
US08643293B2
The invention provides a circuit device, embedded in an object, which includes a plurality of light-emitting devices, a motion-actuated switch, a controller and a selector. The motion-actuated switch senses a first motion of the object and generates a first controlling signal. The controller selectively drives the plurality of light-emitting devices to emit lights in a first period in a first sequence and a first flashing frequency according to the first controlling signal. After the first period, the motion-actuated switch senses a second motion of the object and generates a second controlling signal. The controller selectively drives the plurality of light-emitting devices to emit lights in a second period in the first sequence and a second flashing frequency according to the second controlling signal. The selector generates a selecting signal and the controller selectively controls the number of lighting light-emitting devices according to the selecting signal.
US08643290B2
The present invention discloses a flat panel display (FPD), a light emitting module for use in the FPD, and an integrated circuit for use in the light emitting module. The light emitting module includes: at least one light emitting device string; and a local circuit for controlling current through the light emitting device string and generating a local feedback signal, wherein the local circuit has a first terminal for receiving power, a second terminal for coupling to the light emitting device string to control the current through the light emitting device string, a third terminal for generating the local feedback signal, and a fourth terminal for coupling to ground. The wiring of the FPD is therefore simplified.
US08643288B2
A light-emitting device and an illumination apparatus are disclosed. A plurality of LED elements are connected in series between positive and negative lines, and first bypass capacitor is connected in parallel to the LED elements respectively. Each series circuit of a predetermined number of LED elements is connected in parallel to second bypass capacitors. As a result, with the negative power line set as a grounding point, the AC impedance at connection points of the series circuit of the LED elements against the ground is reduced. Thus, the erroneous lighting or “flicker” of each LED which otherwise might be caused by an external noise is prevented.
US08643283B2
An electronic device including series-connected open failure-susceptible components and re-routing assemblies for directing current through an ancillary current path to maintain operability of the series array despite an open-failed component therein. The re-routing assembly can be constituted as an ancillary circuit containing a bypass control element arranged to maintain the ancillary circuit in a non-current flow condition when none of the open failure-susceptible components has experienced open failure, and to re-route current from a main circuit around an open-failed component therein and through the ancillary circuit and back to the main circuit, to bypass the open-failed component so that all non-failed series components of the main circuit remain operative when electrically energized.
US08643266B2
Light-emitting devices are described herein. Some embodiments relate to light-emitting diodes with light-emitting sections that are independently electrically addressable. The devices may be used in a variety of applications including illumination and general lighting.
US08643260B1
A method of making a display assembly includes providing a display, providing a cover glass, ink jetting an ink covering onto a perimeter portion of the cover glass, and assembling the display to the cover glass to form the display assembly. The ink covering prevents light from leaking from the display through the perimeter portion of the cover glass.
US08643253B1
As disclosed herein, multiple piezoelectric ultracapacitors may be coupled together in such a manner as to create an output voltage that is substantially the sum of their individual output voltages.
US08643241B2
An end ring assembly for a rotor, wherein the rotor is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, includes a plurality of annular sheets stacked adjacent one another. Each of the plurality of annular sheets has a first surface and a second surface spaced opposite the first surface. The end ring assembly also includes a braze material sandwiched between and joining only a first portion of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets, and a corresponding second portion of the second surface of a respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets without joining an entirety of the first surface of each of the plurality of annular sheets and the second surface of the respective adjacent one of the plurality of annular sheets. A method of forming the end ring assembly is also disclosed.
US08643227B2
A linear motor includes a slider unit having a magnet row in which plural permanent magnets are arranged in series so that the same poles are opposed to each other, a stator unit including electromagnetic coils for plural phases arranged along a movement direction of the slider unit, and plural magnetic detector devices, wherein the plural magnetic detector devices are provided in response to the phases of the electromagnetic coils for plural phases and detect magnetic flux radially extending in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the permanent magnets at boundaries between the permanent magnets of the magnet row and output signal waveforms for plural phases at phases equal to phases of waveforms of back electromotive forces generated in the respective electromagnetic coils for plural phases when the magnet row moves.
US08643225B2
A remote lock-out, tag-out system for controlling multiple power control circuits in a motor control center employs a safety network providing serial communication between one or more remote lock-out, tag-out stations and individual power control circuits of the control center permitting remote disconnection of power without the need for protective gear.
US08643223B2
A power supply device with solar cells, working with artificial light sources, for electronic equipment, includes a structure (1) internally covered with one or more solar cells (2), and a light source (3) such as LED arrays or lamps, which are provided power by the main line voltage directly, or through a stabilization circuit.
US08643222B2
A power adapter including a power reducer for no-load or light load applications and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the power adapter includes a capacitor coupled to an input of the power adapter, and a bleeder switch coupled in parallel with the capacitor. The power adapter also includes a detection circuit configured to sense an ac mains voltage at the input of the power adapter and turn on the bleeder switch upon detection of a loss of the ac mains voltage. In addition to or in lieu of, the power adapter may include a power converter, and a disconnect switch configured to disconnect the ac mains voltage from the power converter in response to a signal from a load.
US08643216B2
An electrical storage element control system for a vehicle. The control system includes electrical storage elements electrically coupled to each other in parallel, switch devices, and a controller. Each of the electrical storage elements defines a total storage capacity and having a state of charge cooperatively defining a total stored charge, and is adapted to be in electrical communication with an electrical load and a power source. The switch devices are electrically coupled to the electrical storage elements such that each switch device is associated with a corresponding electrical storage element and is operable between connected and disconnected states. The controller is in electrical communication with the switch devices to selectively vary each of the switch devices between the connected state and the disconnected state to connect and disconnect one or more of the electrical storage elements relative to the load based on the total stored charges and relative to the power source based on the total storage capacities of the electrical storage elements.
US08643213B2
In a power generation system that includes a ram air turbine that drives an electric generator and at least one electric bus that couples alternating current electric power from the electric generator to at least one electric load, a method of maintaining the speed of the ram air turbine within a desired range of speeds that comprises the step of uncoupling the at least one electric bus from the electric generator when the frequency of the alternating current falls under a desired minimum frequency.
US08643212B2
A subsidiary power supply, which is an electric power storage device, is connected in parallel to a circuit that connects a main power supply to a motor drive circuit. A power supply control portion controls a boosted voltage of a voltage-boosting circuit so that an actual amount of charge in the subsidiary power supply is equal to a target amount of charge. The target amount of charge is set to increase as deceleration of a vehicle increases.
US08643211B2
An arrangement of at least one personal service unit in a vehicle. At least one rail is arranged on the vehicle side. The rail includes at least one lead. The personal service unit includes at least one electricity collector which is arranged in a manner such that the electricity collector conductively contacts the at least one lead of the rail in the installed condition of the personal service unit in the vehicle.
US08643208B2
A method for arranging magnets of a rotor or stator of an electrical machine is provided. In this method a number of performance parameters of the electrical machine are identified. A plurality of neighboring magnets are assigned to a magnet group. The magnet group includes a reference magnet and at least one further magnet. Further, a number of distinct magnet arrangement variables for the magnet group are identified, such that the number of arrangement variables is equal to the number of performance parameters. A value of an arrangement variable is calculated according to a desired adjustment of a performance parameter. Based on the calculated arrangement variable, an arrangement is determined for one of the at least one further magnet of the magnet group relative to the reference magnet of that magnet group.
US08643200B2
An embodiment is directed to a polysiloxane having a moiety represented by the following Chemical Formula 1: *—Si-AR—Si—* [Chemical Formula 1] wherein, in the Chemical Formula 1, AR is or includes a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C30 arylene group.
US08643198B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a method for forming an electronic device package, which includes providing a carrier substrate having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface; forming a cavity from the upper surface of the carrier substrate; disposing an electronic device having a conducting electrode in the cavity; forming a filling layer in the cavity, wherein the filling layer surround the electronic device; thinning the carrier substrate from the lower surface to a predetermined thickness; forming at least a through-hole in the electronic device or the in the carrier substrate; and forming a conducting layer over a sidewall of the through-hole, wherein the conducting layer electrically connects to the conducting electrode.
US08643194B2
The present invention provides a dicing tape-integrated film for semiconductor back surface including: a dicing tape including a base material and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the base material; and a film for flip chip type semiconductor back surface, which is provided on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, in which at least a part of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has been cured beforehand by irradiation with a radiation ray.
US08643188B2
A semiconductor module system includes a substrate, at least one semiconductor chip, and a number of at least two electrically conductive first connecting elements. The substrate has a bottom side and a top side spaced apart from the bottom side in a vertical direction. The at least one semiconductor chip is arranged on the top side. Each one of the first connecting elements has a first end which protrudes away from an insulation carrier of the substrate in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The semiconductor system further includes a connecting system with a number of N≧1 connectors. A first one of the connectors includes at least two electrically conductive second connecting elements. Each one of the second connecting elements has a first end. The first end of each one of the first connecting elements is electrically conductively connectable to the first end of one of the second connecting elements.
US08643186B2
An apparatus involves a semiconductor wafer that has been back-end processed, the semiconductor wafer including a substrate, electronic devices and multiple metalization layers, a via extending from an outer surface of the substrate through the substrate to a metalization layer from among the multiple metalization layers, and an electrically conductive material within the via, the electrically conductive material forming an electrically conductive path from the metalization layer to the outer surface. A method of processing a semiconductor wafer that has been front-end and back-end processed involves forming a via in the semiconductor wafer extending from a surface of the wafer, into and through semiconductor material, to a metalization layer formed during the back-end processing by etching the semiconductor wafer; and making the via electrically conductive so as to form an electrical path within the via extending from the surface of the wafer to the metalization layer.
US08643185B2
A die bonding portion is metallically bonded by well-conductive Cu metal powders with a maximum particle diameter of about 15 μm to 200 μm and adhesive layers of Ag, and minute holes are evenly dispersed in a joint layer. With this structure, the reflow resistance of about 260° C. and reliability under thermal cycle test can be ensured without using lead.
US08643184B1
Transmission lines with a first dielectric material separating signal traces and a second dielectric material separating the signal traces from a ground plane. In embodiments, mutual capacitance is tuned relative to self-capacitance to reverse polarity of far end crosstalk between a victim and aggressor channel relative to that induced by other interconnect portions along the length of the channels, such as inductively coupled portions. In embodiments, a transmission line for a single-ended channel includes a material of a higher dielectric constant within the same routing plane as a microstrip or stripline conductor, and a material of a lower dielectric constant between the conductor and the ground plane(s). In embodiments, a transmission line for a differential pair includes a material of a lower dielectric constant within the same routing plane as a microstrip or stripline conductors, and a material of a higher dielectric constant between the conductors and the ground plane(s).
US08643182B2
Provided are a semiconductor film including silicon microstructures formed at high density, and a manufacturing method thereof. Further, provided are a semiconductor film including silicon microstructures whose density is controlled, and a manufacturing method thereof. Furthermore, a power storage device with improved charge-discharge capacity is provided. A manufacturing method in which a semiconductor film with a silicon layer including silicon structures is formed over a substrate with a metal surface is used. The thickness of a silicide layer formed by reaction between the metal and the silicon is controlled, so that the grain sizes of silicide grains formed at an interface between the silicide layer and the silicon layer are controlled and the shapes of the silicon structures are controlled. Such a semiconductor film can be applied to an electrode of a power storage device.
US08643178B2
Provided are embodiments of semiconductor chips having a redistributed metal interconnection directly connected to power/ground lines of an internal circuit are provided. Embodiments of the semiconductor chips include an internal circuit formed on a semiconductor substrate. A chip pad is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The chip pad is electrically connected to the internal circuit through an internal interconnection. A passivation layer is provided over the chip pad. A redistributed metal interconnection is provided on the passivation layer. The redistributed metal interconnection directly connects the internal interconnection to the chip pad through a via-hole and a chip pad opening, which penetrate at least the passivation layer. Methods of fabricating the semiconductor chip are also provided.
US08643177B2
A method of processing a wafer including a plurality of integrated circuit devices on a front side of the wafer, may include thinning the wafer from a back side opposite the front side. After thinning the wafer, a back side layer may be provided on the back side of the thinned wafer opposite the front side, and the back side layer may be configured to counter stress on the front side of the wafer including the plurality of integrated circuit devices thereon. After providing the back side layer, the plurality of integrated circuit devices may be separated. Related structures are also discussed.
US08643164B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for wafer-level package-on-package structures are provided herein. A wafer-level integrated circuit package that includes at least one die is formed. The wafer-level integrated circuit package includes redistribution interconnects that redistribute terminals of the die over an area that is larger than an active-surface of the die. Electrically conductive paths are formed from the redistribution interconnects at a first surface of the wafer-level integrated circuit package to electrically conductive features at a second surface of the wafer-level integrated circuit package. A second integrated circuit package may be mounted to the second surface of the wafer-level integrated circuit package to form a package-on-package structure. Electrical mounting members of the second package may be coupled to the electrically conductive features at the second surface of the wafer-level integrated circuit package to provide electrical connectivity between the packages.
US08643160B2
A high voltage and high power boost converter is disclosed. The boost converter includes a boost converter IC and a discrete Schottky diode, both of which are co-packaged on a standard single common die pad. The bottom cathode is electrically connected to the common die pad. It is emphasized that this abstract is being provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08643156B2
A lead frame has a flag, a peripheral frame, and main tie bars coupling the flag to the peripheral frame. At least one cross tie bar extends between two of the main tie bars and an inner row of external connector pads extending from an inner side of the cross tie bar and an outer row of external connector pads extending from an outer side of the cross tie bar. Both an inner non-electrically conductive support bar and an outer non-electrically conductive support bar are attached across the two of the main tie bars. The inner non-electrically conductive support bar is attached to upper surfaces of the two of the main tie bars and to upper surfaces of the inner row of the external connector pads.
US08643144B2
A current sense resistor integrated with an integrated circuit die housed in a chip-scale semiconductor package includes a metal layer formed over a passivation layer of the integrated circuit die where the metal layer having an array of metal pillars extending therefrom. The metal pillars are to be electrically connected to a first conductive electrode and a second conductive electrode external to the chip-scale semiconductor package where the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode are physically separated from each other by a separation of a first distance. The current sense resistor is formed in a portion of the metal layer spanning the separation between the first and second conductive electrodes. In some embodiments, a semiconductor device including an integrated circuit die housed in a chip-scale semiconductor package includes a current sense resistor formed in a metal layer formed over a passivation layer of the integrated circuit die.
US08643140B2
A suspended beam includes a substrate, a main body and a first metal line structure. A first end of the main body is fixed onto the substrate. A second end of the main body is suspended. The first metal line structure is embedded in the main body. The width of the first metal line structure is smaller than the width of the main body.
US08643132B2
Embodiments of the invention describe providing high dynamic range imaging (HDRI or simply HDR) to an imaging pixel by coupling a floating diffusion node of the imaging pixel to a plurality of metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitance regions. It is understood that a MOS capacitance region only turns “on” (i.e., changes the overall capacitance of the floating diffusion node) when the voltage at the floating diffusion node (or a voltage difference between a gate node and the floating diffusion node) is greater than its threshold voltage; before the MOS capacitance region is “on” it does not contribute to the overall capacitance or conversion gain of the floating diffusion node.Each of the MOS capacitance regions will have different threshold voltages, thereby turning “on” at different illumination conditions. This increases the dynamic range of the imaging pixel, thereby providing HDR for the host imaging system.
US08643130B2
A magnetic stack with out of plane magnetisation, the magnetic stack including: a first magnetic layer constituted of one or more materials selected from the following group: cobalt, iron and nickel and magnetic alloys based on the materials; a second layer constituted of a metallic material able to confer to an assembly formed by the first and the second layers a perpendicular anisotropy of interfacial origin when the second layer has a shared interface with the first layer; and a third layer deposited on the first layer, the second layer being deposited on the third layer, the third layer being constituted of a metallic material having a miscibility less than 10% with the material of the first layer.
US08643129B2
A micro-electrical-mechanical device comprises: a transducer arrangement having at least a membrane being mounted with respect to a substrate; and electrical interface means for relating electrical signals to movement of the membrane; in which the transducer arrangement comprises stress alleviating formations which at least partially decouple the membrane from expansion or contraction of the substrate.
US08643128B2
The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.
US08643126B2
Structures and methods of forming self aligned silicided contacts are disclosed. The structure includes a gate electrode disposed over an active area, a liner disposed over the gate electrode and at least a portion of the active area, an insulating layer disposed over the liner. A first contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the first contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the active area, the first contact plug including a first conductive material. A second contact plug is disposed in the insulating layer and the liner, the second contact plug disposed above and in contact with a portion of the gate electrode, the second contact plug includes the first conductive material. A contact material layer is disposed in the active region, the contact material layer disposed under the first contact plug and includes the first conductive material.
US08643121B2
A semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing a gate stack for such a semiconductor device. The device includes a gate stack that has a gate insulation layer provided over a channel region of the device, and a metal layer that is insulated from the channel region by the gate insulation layer. The metal layer contains work function modulating impurities which have a concentration profile that varies along a length of the metal layer from the source region to the drain region. The gate stack has a first effective work function in the vicinity of a source region and/or the drain region of the device and a second, different effective work function toward a center of the channel region.
US08643118B2
Bipolar field effect transistor (BiFET) structures and methods of forming the same are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate and a plurality of epitaxial layers disposed over the substrate. The plurality of epitaxial layers includes a first epitaxial layer, a second epitaxial layer disposed over the first epitaxial layer, and a third epitaxial layer disposed over the second epitaxial layer. The first epitaxial layer includes at least a portion of a channel of a first field effect transistor (FET) and the third epitaxial layer includes at least a portion of a channel of a second FET.
US08643116B2
A semiconductor device includes a first MISFET and a second MISFET which are formed over a semiconductor substrate and have the same conductive type. The first MISFET has a first gate insulating film arranged over the semiconductor substrate, a first gate electrode arranged over the first gate insulating film, and a first source region and a first drain region. The second MISFET has a second gate insulating film arranged over the semiconductor substrate, a second gate electrode arranged over the second gate insulating film, and a second source region and a second drain region. The first and the second gate electrode are electrically coupled, the first and the second source region are electrically coupled, and the first and the second drain region are electrically coupled. Accordingly, the first and the second MISFET are coupled in parallel. In addition, threshold voltages are different between the first and the second MISFET.
US08643112B2
A semiconductor device capable of dissipating heat, which has been produced in an ESD protection element, to the exterior of the device rapidly and efficiently includes an ESD protection element having a drain region, a source region and a gate electrode, and a thermal diffusion portion. The thermal diffusion portion, which has been formed on the drain region, has a metal layer electrically connected to a pad, and contacts connecting the drain region and metal layer. The metal layer has a first wiring trace extending along the gate electrode, and second wiring traces intersecting the first wiring trace perpendicularly. The contacts are connected to intersections between the first wiring trace and the second wiring traces. Heat that has been produced at a pn-junction of the ESD protection element and transferred through a contact is diffused simultaneously in three directions through the first wiring trace and second wiring trace in the metal layer and is released into the pad.
US08643111B1
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection device is provided. The ESD protection device includes an epitaxy layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate. An isolation pattern is disposed on the epitaxy layer to define a first active region and a second active region, which are surrounded by a first well region. A gate is disposed on the isolation pattern. A first doped region and a second doped region are disposed in the first active region and the second active region, respectively. A drain doped region is disposed in the first doped region. A source doped region and a first pick-up doped region are disposed in the second doped region. A source contact plug having an extended portion connects to the source doped region. A ratio of an area of the extended portion covering the first pick-up doped region to an area of first pick-up doped region is between zero and one.
US08643106B2
A transistor capable of adjusting a threshold value is obtained by adjusting an impurity concentration of a silicon substrate supporting an SOI layer and by controlling a thickness of a buried insulating layer formed on a surface of the silicon substrate in contact with the SOI layer.
US08643104B1
A lateral diffusion metal-oxide-semiconductor (LDMOS) transistor structure comprises a barrier layer, a semiconductor layer, a source, a first drain and a guard ring. The barrier layer with a first polarity is disposed in a substrate. The semiconductor layer with a second polarity is disposed on the barrier layer. The source has a first polarity region and a second polarity region both formed in the semiconductor layer. The first drain is disposed in the semiconductor layer and has a drift region with the second polarity. The guard ring with the first polarity extends downward from a surface of the semiconductor layer in a manner of getting in touch with the barrier layer and to surround the source and the drain, and is electrically connected to the source.
US08643097B2
A trench-gate metal oxide semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first gate dielectric layer, a first gate electrode and a first source/drain structure. The substrate has a first doping region, a second doping region and at least one trench. A P/N junction is formed between the first doping region and the second doping region. The trench extends from a surface of the substrate to the first doping region through the second doping region and the P/N junction. The first gate dielectric layer is formed on a sidewall of the second trench. The first gate electrode is disposed within the trench. A height difference between the top surface of the first gate electrode and the surface of the substrate is substantially smaller than 1500 Å. The first source/drain structure is formed in the substrate and adjacent to the first gate dielectric layer.
US08643094B2
A method of forming a contact opening in a semiconductor substrate is presented. A plurality of trench gates each having a projecting portion are formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a stop layer is deposited over the semiconductor substrate extending over the projecting portions, wherein each portion of the stop layer along each of the sidewalls of the projecting portions is covered by a spacer. By removing the portions of the stop layer not covered by the spacers by utilizing a relatively higher etching selectivity of the stop layer to the spacers, the openings between adjacent projecting portions with an L-type shape on each sidewall can be formed, and a lithography process can be performed to form self-aligned contact openings thereafter.
US08643092B2
A trench MOSFET comprising a plurality of transistor cells having shielded trenched gates and multiple trenched floating gates as termination region is disclosed. The trenched floating gates have trench depth equal to or deeper than body junction depth of body regions in termination area. In some preferred embodiments, the trenched floating gates in the termination area are implemented by using shielded electrode structure.
US08643088B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device and a method of manufacture thereof, particularly, to a semiconductor device including a vertical type gate and a method of forming the same. According to the present invention, a semiconductor device includes a vertical pillar which is protruded from a semiconductor substrate, has a vertical channel, and has a first width; an insulating layer which has a second width smaller than the first width, provided in both sides of the vertical pillar which is adjacent in a first direction; and a nitride film provided in a side wall of the insulating layer.
US08643071B2
A MOSFET device includes one or more active device structures and one or more dummy structures formed from semiconductor drift region and body regions. The dummy structures are electrically connected in parallel to the active device structures. Each dummy structure includes an electrically insulated snubber electrode formed proximate the body region and the drift region, an insulator portion formed over the snubber electrode and a top surface of the body region, and one or more electrical connections between the snubber electrode and portions of the body region and a source electrode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08643063B2
A charge transfer device formed in a semiconductor substrate and including an array of electrodes distributed in rows and columns, wherein: each electrode is formed in a cavity with insulated walls formed of a groove which generally extends in the row direction, having a first end closer to an upper row and a second end closer to a lower row; and the electrodes of two adjacent rows are symmetrical with respect to a plane orthogonal to the sensor and comprising the direction of a row.
US08643061B2
A semiconductor structure is provided. The structure includes an n-type field-effect-transistor (NFET) being formed directly on top of a strained silicon layer, and a p-type field-effect-transistor (PFET) being formed on top of the same stained silicon layer but via a layer of silicon-germanium (SiGe). The strained silicon layer may be formed on top of a layer of insulating material or a silicon-germanium layer with graded Ge content variation. Furthermore, the NFET and PFET are formed next to each other and are separated by a shallow trench isolation (STI) formed inside the strained silicon layer. Methods of forming the semiconductor structure are also provided.
US08643060B2
Disclosed is a technology of manufacturing, at low cost, an epitaxial crystal substrate provided with a high-quality and uniform epitaxial layer, said technology being useful in the case of growing the epitaxial layer composed of a semiconductor having a lattice constant different from that of the substrate. The substrate, which is composed of a first compound semiconductor, and which has a step-terrace structure on the surface, is used, and on the surface of the substrate, a composition modulation layer composed of a second compound semiconductor is grown by step-flow, while changing the composition in the same terrace. Then, the epitaxial crystal substrate is manufactured by growing, on the composition modulation layer, the epitaxial layer composed of the third compound semiconductor having the lattice constant different from that of the first compound semiconductor.
US08643053B2
Disclosed is a light emitting device including a substrate, a light emitting structure arranged on the substrate, the light emitting structure including a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and an active layer arranged between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode electrically connected to the second semiconductor layer, wherein the light emitting structure has a top surface including a first side and a second side which face each other, and a third side and a fourth side which face each other.
US08643050B2
A light emitting element which can emit light in a uniform polarization state at a high efficiency and a higher luminance level is realized. The light emitting element of the present invention is a light emitting element including an active layer for generating light, the light emitting element including: a polarizer layer including a first region that transmits polarized light in a first direction and reflects other light from among the light generated at the active layer, and a second region that transmits polarized light in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and reflects other light; a wave plate layer including a third region and a fourth region that allow the lights exited from the first region and the second region to enter, and to exit as light in the same polarization state; and a reflection layer that reflects the lights reflected at the first region and the second region.
US08643046B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor light-emitting element including a substrate; a laminated semiconductor layer in which an n-type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and a p-type semiconductor layer are laminated on the substrate in this order; one electrode joined with the p-type semiconductor layer; and another electrode joined with the n-type semiconductor layer, wherein one or both of the one and other electrodes has a structure such that an ohmic contact layer, a metal reflection layer, a first anti-diffusion layer and a first adhesion layer are laminated in this order, and the first adhesion layer has an outer peripheral portion which extends so as to be in contact with the laminated semiconductor layer, so as to completely cover the first anti-diffusion layer.
US08643043B2
An LED lighting device A1 includes a plurality of LED chips 32, an LED unit 2 in which the LED chips 32 are mounted, and a mount 1 holding the LED unit 2. This arrangement allows the appearance or structure of the LED lighting device to be adapted for various applications. For instance, the LED lighting device may be mounted on an indoor ceiling to illuminate the floor surface or an upper part of a wall surface.
US08643035B2
A light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The light emitting device includes a buffer layer formed on a substrate, a nitride semiconductor layer including a first semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second semiconductor layer, which are sequentially stacked on the buffer layer, a portion of the first semiconductor layer being exposed to the outside by performing mesa etching from the second semiconductor layer to the portion of the first semiconductor layer, and at least one nanocone formed on the second semiconductor layer.
US08643034B2
An optoelectronic semiconductor body comprises a semiconductor layer sequence which is subdivided into at least two electrically isolated subsegments. The semiconductor layer sequence has an active layer in each subarea. Furthermore, at least three electrical contact pads are provided. A first line level makes contact with a first of the at least two subsegments and with the first contact pad. A second line level makes contact with the second of the at least two subsegments and with a second contact pad. A third line level connects the two subsegments to one another and makes contact with the third contact pad. Furthermore, the line levels are each arranged opposite a first main face, wherein the first main face is intended to emit electromagnetic radiation that is produced.
US08643024B2
A method for growing reduced defect density planar gallium nitride (GaN) films is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) growing at least one silicon nitride (SiNx) nanomask layer over a GaN template, and (b) growing a thickness of a GaN film on top of the SiNx nanomask layer.
US08643017B2
An active device array substrate including a first patterned conductive layer, a dielectric layer, a second patterned conductive layer, a passivation layer and pixel electrodes is provided. The first patterned conductive layer includes scan lines, common lines, gates and strip floating shielding patterns. The dielectric layer covering the first patterned conductive layer has first contact holes which expose a portion of the common lines, respectively. The second patterned conductive layer includes data lines, sources, drains and strip capacitance electrodes. Each strip capacitance electrode is electrically connected to one of the common lines through one of the first contact holes. A gap is formed between each data line and one strip capacitance electrode, and the strip floating shielding patterns are disposed under the data lines, the gap and the strip capacitance electrodes. Each pixel electrode is electrically connected to one of the drains through one of the second contact holes.
US08643009B2
To suppress deterioration in electrical characteristics in a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer or a semiconductor device including the transistor. In a transistor in which a channel layer is formed using an oxide semiconductor, a silicon layer is provided in contact with a surface of the oxide semiconductor layer. Further, the silicon layer is provided in contact with at least a region of the oxide semiconductor layer, in which a channel is formed, and a source electrode layer and a drain electrode layer are provided in contact with regions of the oxide semiconductor layer, over which the silicon layer is not provided.
US08643007B2
It is an object to reduce concentration of an electric field on an end of a drain electrode of a semiconductor device. A semiconductor device includes an oxide semiconductor film including a first region and a second region; a pair of electrodes which is partly in contact with the oxide semiconductor film; a gate insulating film over the oxide semiconductor film; and a gate electrode that overlaps with part of one of the pair of electrodes and the first region with the gate insulating film provided therebetween. At least part of the first region and part of the second region are between the pair of electrodes. The gate electrode does not overlap with the other of the pair of electrodes.
US08643006B2
A thin film transistor is provided. The thin film transistor includes a substrate, a gate, a gate insulating layer, a source and a drain, a channel layer, and first and second patterned passivation layers. The gate is disposed on the substrate. The gate insulating layer is disposed on the gate. The source and the drain are disposed on the gate insulating layer. The channel layer is disposed above or under the source and the drain, wherein a portion of the channel layer is exposed between the source and the drain. The first patterned passivation layer is disposed on the portion of the channel layer, wherein the first patterned passivation layer includes metal oxide, and the first patterned passivation layer has a thickness ranging from 50 angstroms to 300 angstroms. The second patterned passivation layer covers the first patterned passivation layer, the gate insulating layer, and the source and the drain.
US08643004B2
With a non-linear element (e.g., a diode) with small reverse saturation current, a power diode or rectifier is provided. A non-linear element includes a first electrode provided over a substrate, an oxide semiconductor film provided on and in contact with the first electrode and having a concentration of hydrogen of 5×1019 atoms/cm3 or less, a second electrode provided on and in contact with the oxide semiconductor film, a gate insulating film covering the first electrode, the oxide semiconductor film, and the second electrode, and third electrodes provided in contact with the gate insulating film and facing each other with the first electrode, the oxide semiconductor film, and the second electrode interposed therebetween or a third electrode provided in contact with the gate insulating film and surrounding the second electrode. The third electrodes are connected to the first electrode or the second electrode. With the non-linear element, a power diode or a rectifier is formed.
US08642998B2
A device includes a volume bounded by electromagnetically conducting walls, an aperture in a bounding wall of the electromagnetically conducting walls, a plurality of quantum systems disposed within the volume and an electromagnetic field source coupled to the volume via the aperture.
US08642995B2
Radiation-emitting semiconductor devices include a first base region comprising an n-type III-V semiconductor material, a second base region comprising a p-type III-V semiconductor material, and a multi-quantum well structure disposed between the first base region and the second base region. The multi-quantum well structure includes at least three quantum well regions and at least two barrier regions. An electron hole energy barrier between a third of the quantum well regions and a second of the quantum well regions is less than an electron hole energy barrier between the second of the quantum well regions and a first of the quantum well regions. Methods of forming such devices include sequentially epitaxially depositing layers of such a multi-quantum well structure, and selecting a composition and configuration of the layers such that the electron hole energy barriers vary across the multi-quantum well structure.
US08642992B2
A Group III nitride compound semiconductor light emitting device is provided which has: an n-type semiconductor layer (12); an active layer (13) of a multiple quantum well structure laminated on the n-type semiconductor layer (12); a first p-type semiconductor layer (14) that is a layer of a superlattice structure in which an undoped film (14a) that has a composition AlxGa1-xN (x indicating composition ratio, being within a range 0
US08642991B2
A photosensitive quantum dot including a quantum dot, and a plurality of photosensitive moieties that are bound to a surface of the quantum dot, wherein each of the photosensitive moieties includes silicon (Si) and a photosensitive functional group. Also disclosed are a composition for forming a quantum dot-containing pattern, where the composition includes the photosensitive quantum dot, and a method of forming a quantum dot-containing pattern using the composition.
US08642988B2
A non-volatile memory device includes: a first line extending along a main surface of a substrate; a stack provided above the first line; a second line formed above the stack; a select element provided where the first and second lines intersect, the select element adapted to pass current in a direction perpendicular to the main surface; a second insulator film provided along a side surface of the stack; a channel layer provided along the second insulator film; an adhesion layer provided along the channel layer; and a variable resistance material layer provided along the adhesion layer, wherein the first and second lines are electrically connected via the select element and channel layer, a contact resistance via the adhesion layer between the channel layer and variable resistance material layer is low, and a resistance of the adhesion layer is high with respect to an extending direction of the channel layer.
US08642987B2
The invention provides a novel memory for which process technology is relatively simple and which can store multivalued information by a small number of elements. A part of a shape of the first electrode in the first storage element is made different from a shape of the first electrode in the second storage element, and thereby voltage values which change electric resistance between the first electrode and the second electrode are varied, so that one memory cell stores multivalued information over one bit. By partially processing the first electrode, storage capacity per unit area can be increased.
US08642984B2
According to the present invention, an electromagnetic wave emission device includes a nonlinear crystal having an optical waveguide; and a prism including an electromagnetic wave input surface and an electromagnetic wave transmission surface. The electromagnetic wave transmission surface includes a rotation surface which is a trajectory of a tilted line segment rotated about a central axis of the electromagnetic wave input surface, the tilted line segment being tilted with respect to the central axis. The tilted line segment and the central axis are on the same plane. The central axis is in parallel to an extending direction of the optical waveguide. The central axis passes through a projection of the optical waveguide into the electromagnetic wave input surface.
US08642981B1
An electron microscope assembly suitable for enhancing an image of a lithography tool includes an electron microscope configured for positioning below a lithography stage of an e-beam lithography tool, the lithography stage of the e-beam lithography tool including an aperture for providing the microscope line-of-sight to the lithography optics of the lithography tool, a translation unit configured to selectively translate the microscope along the optical axis of the lithography optics of the lithography tool responsive to a translation control system, the translation unit further configured to position the microscope in an operational state such that the optics of the microscope are positioned proximate to the lithography optics, a docking unit configured to reversibly mechanically couple the microscope with the lithography tool, the microscope configured to magnify a virtual sample plane image generated by the lithography tool.
US08642978B2
The invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, a method and apparatus for efficient radiation dose delivery to a tumor is described. Preferably, radiation is delivered through an entry point into the tumor and Bragg peak energy is targeted to a distal or far side of the tumor from an ingress point. Delivering Bragg peak energy to the distal side of the tumor from the ingress point is repeated from multiple rotational directions. Beam intensity is proportional to radiation dose delivery efficiency. The multi-field irradiation process with energy levels targeting the far side of the tumor from each irradiation direction provides even and efficient charged particle radiation dose delivery to the tumor. Preferably, the charged particle therapy is timed to patient respiration via control of charged particle beam injection, acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus.
US08642976B2
A fluorescence detecting device generates a modulation signal for modulating an intensity of laser light and modulates the laser light by using the modulation signal, when receiving fluorescence emitted by a measurement object irradiated with laser light emitted from a laser light source unit. The fluorescence detecting device obtains a fluorescent signal of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object irradiated with the laser light and calculates, from the fluorescent signal, the phase delay of the fluorescence with respect to the modulation signal. At the time, the fluorescence detecting device controls the frequency of the modulation signal so that the value of the phase delay comes close to a preset value. The fluorescence detecting device calculates the fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object by using a phase delay obtained under the condition of frequency of the modulation signal at the time when the control is settled.
US08642970B2
A radiographic image detecting apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are provided. The radiographic image detecting apparatus includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for generating electric charge by emission of radiation, a bias line through which a bias voltage is supplied to the photoelectric conversion elements, a power supply for applying the bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion elements through the bias line, a current detector for detecting a bias current flowing through the bias line, and a reading circuit including an amplifying circuit. The current detector includes a current mirror circuit connected between the bias line connected to the photoelectric conversion elements and the power supply.
US08642965B2
A stray light baffle for a seeker or other sensor system and a method for making the same are provided. The seeker, for example, may include a first receiver configured to receive an infrared signal, a second receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal, a dichroic mirror configured to reflect the infrared signal toward the first receiver and to transmit the radio frequency signal toward the second receiver, and a stray light baffle having a coarse surface comprising a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, wherein an average height of the plurality of peaks is greater than or equal to an average width of the plurality of valleys.
US08642963B2
A thermal detector includes a substrate; a support member supported on the substrate interposed by a cavity; a heat-detecting element formed on the support member and having a pyroelectric material layer disposed between a lower electrode and an upper electrode; a light-absorbing layer formed on the heat-detecting element; and a thermal transfer member including a connecting portion connected to the heat-detecting element and a thermal collecting portion disposed inside the light-absorbing layer and having a surface area larger than that of the connecting portion in plan view, the thermal collecting portion being optically transmissive at least with respect to light of a prescribed wavelength. The lower electrode has an extending portion extending around the pyroelectric material layer in plan view, and the extending portion has light-reflecting properties by which at least a part of the light transmitted through the thermal collecting portion of the thermal transfer member is reflected.
US08642955B2
A combination of electrodes that are cylindrical and an asymmetric arrangement of cylindrical and planar electrodes are used to create electric fields that compensate for toroidal curvature in a toroidal ion trap, the design lending itself to high precision manufacturing and miniaturization, converging ion paths that enhance detection, higher pressure operation, and optimization of the shape of the electric fields by careful arrangement of the electrodes.
US08642948B2
A method of changing the kinetic energy of ions is provided, comprising: trapping ions in a trapping region of an ion trap; and directing a beam of gas through the trapping region, so as to change the kinetic energy of the trapped ions thereby. Also provided is a method of separating ions, the method comprising: causing ions to enter a trapping region of an ion trap along a first axis of the trapping region; directing a beam of gas along the first axis and applying an electric potential in the direction of the first axis so as to cause separation of the ions based on their ion mobility. An ion trap and a mass spectrometer for performing the methods are also provided.
US08642944B2
A nuclear tool includes a tool housing; a neutron generator disposed in the tool housing; and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for constructing a nuclear tool includes disposing a neutron generator in a tool housing; and disposing a solid-state neutron monitor proximate the neutron generator for monitoring the output of the neutron generator. A method for logging a formation includes disposing a nuclear tool in a wellbore penetrating the formation, wherein the nuclear tool comprises a neutron generator and a solid-state neutron monitor disposed proximate the neutron generator; generating neutrons from the neutron generator; monitoring neutrons generated by the neutron generator using the solid-state neutron monitor; detecting signals generated from the neutrons traveling in the formation; and correcting the detected signals, based on signal strength detected by the solid-state neutron monitor, to produce corrected signals.
US08642943B2
A light-receiving element includes an InP substrate 1, a light-receiving layer 3 having an MQW and located on the InP substrate 1, a contact layer 5 located on the light-receiving layer 3, a p-type region 6 extending from a surface of the contact layer 5 to the light-receiving layer, and a p-side electrode 11 that forms an ohmic contact with the p-type region. The light-receiving element is characterized in that the MQW has a laminated structure including pairs of an InxGa1-xAs (0.38≦x≦0.68) layer and a GaAs1-ySby (0.25≦y≦0.73) layer, and in the GaAs1-ySby layer, the Sb content y in a portion on the InP substrate side is larger than the Sb content y in a portion on the opposite side.
US08642935B2
A microwave energy interactive structure includes a layer of indium tin oxide, which may be supported on a microwave energy transparent substrate. In one embodiment, the microwave energy interactive structure may have at least one of an oxygen transmission rate of less than about 0.05 cc/m2/day and a water vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.09 g/m2/day.
US08642932B2
Systems and methods are presented for automated induction hardening of crankshaft bearings while controlling the crankshaft TIR, in which one or more first bearings are hardened by induction heating and quenching, followed by measurement of the crankshaft TIR. The measured TIR is then evaluated and one or more second bearings are hardened using a second induction heating power profile and a second quench flow profile, at least one of which is selectively adjusted according to the measured crankshaft TIR. In this manner, the hardening of the second bearing(s) can counteract any bending or warpage caused by the first hardening process to control the resulting final TIR of the crankshaft.
US08642931B2
The adaptive temperature controller includes a device for measuring resistance, an electrically-conductive material, a power supply, and a device for controlling power. In operation, the controller determines the resistance of material at one or more temperatures and therefore determines the resistance of the material through a range of operating temperature. Based on such determination so long as voltage and power are known, the resistance of the material, and therefore its temperature, are known. As a result the voltage or power may be instantly varied to produce near infinite control over material temperature.
US08642930B2
The invention relates to a device for heating an object by means of a water bath, in particular for strips of pathological or histological sections, before a microscopic examination, comprising a housing (1) and a trough (2) inserted in the housing (1), wherein the water bath is heated by means of an electrical heater, characterized in that the electrical heater comprises at least one hotplate (4) provided on the base (3) of the trough (2).
US08642922B2
In a welding torch including a torch housing (28) and, preferably, a tube bend (29) capable of being fastened thereto, wherein a drive unit (30) for feeding a welding wire (13) is arranged in the torch housing (29) and the drive unit (30) is formed by at least one pair of rollers, in particular a drive roller (31) and a pressure roller (32), as well as a drive motor, a part of the torch housing (28) is designed as a component of the drive unit (30). A rotor (45), in particular a motor shaft (46), of the drive motor (33) is fastened to the torch housing (28) via a bearing, in particular via bearings (43, 44), to stabilize and position the rotor (45). In a welding wire feed drive motor including bearings (43, 44), a rotor (45), in particular a motor shaft (46) and a rotor winding (49) or rotor magnets, and a stator pack, in particular stator winding (47) or stator magnets, at least a part of the motor shaft (46), in particular the retention zone of a drive roller (31), is electrically insulated from the housing, in particular stator housing (65) or base body (37).
US08642917B2
A cathode electrode for plasma generation. The cathode is made of graphite with highly ordered structure such as Pyrolitic Graphite or Carbon-Carbon composites. Furthermore, carbon containing gases will be used as plasma gas. The cathode will allow for theoretically an unlimited lifetime of the cathode.
US08642913B2
A venting assembly is provided for an arc chute of an electrical switching apparatus, such as a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes a housing and separable contacts. An arc and ionized gases are generated in response to the separable contacts tripping open. The arc chute includes a plurality of arc splitters each having first and second opposing sides, an interior passage, and an exterior. The venting assembly includes a first portion coupled to the first side of at least one of the arc splitters and including a venting segment with first venting apertures. A second portion is coupled to the second side and includes a second venting segment having second venting apertures. The first and second venting segments are spaced from the exterior of the arc splitters to form first and second cooling chambers for cooling the ionized gases. The first and second venting apertures vent the ionized gases.
US08642898B2
A circuit board structure with capacitors embedded therein and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The structure comprises at least two core layers individually comprising a dielectric layer having two opposite surfaces, circuit layers disposed on the outsides of the two opposite surfaces of the dielectric layer, and at least two capacitors embedded respectively on the insides of the two opposite surfaces of the dielectric layer and individually electrically connecting with the circuit layer at the same side; at least one adhesive layer disposed between the core layers to combine the core layers as a core structure; and at least one conductive through hole penetrating the core layers and the adhesive layer, and electrically connecting the circuit layers of the core layers. Accordingly, the present invention can improve the flexibility of circuit layout, and realize parallel connection between the capacitors to provide more capacitance.
US08642897B2
A wiring board including a core substrate having an accommodation portion, an electronic component in the accommodation portion having a substrate, a resin layer on a surface of the substrate and an electrode on the resin layer, a first interlayer resin insulation layer on a surface of the core substrate and a surface of the substrate of the component, and a second interlayer resin insulation layer on the opposite surface of the core substrate and a surface of the substrate having the resin layer and electrode. The first insulation layer has resin in the amount greater than the amount of resin in the second insulation layer such that the total amount of resin component including the resin in the first insulation layer is adjusted to be substantially the same as the total amount of resin component including the resin in the second insulation layer and resin in the resin layer.
US08642891B2
Methods and systems are provided for a dry silicone gel in a closure or interconnect system. The dry silicone gel may be made by reacting a crosslinker, a chain extender, and a vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The reaction may be conducted in the presence of a catalyst. In certain embodiments, the dry silicone gel may comprise: (1) a hardness between 100 g and 300 g, (2) a stress relaxation between 30% and 60% when subjected to a deformation of 50% of the original size of the gel, (3) a compression set between 4% and 20% after 50% strain has been applied to the gel for 1000 hours at 70° C., and/or (4) less than 10% oil bleed out under compression of 1.2 atm after 60 days at 60° C.
US08642884B2
Low-temperature sulfurization/selenization heat treatment processes for photovoltaic devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for fabricating a photovoltaic device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided that is either (i) formed from an electrically conductive material or (ii) coated with at least one layer of a conductive material. A chalcogenide absorber layer is formed on the substrate. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer. A transparent front contact is formed on the buffer layer. The device is contacted with a chalcogen-containing vapor having a sulfur and/or selenium compound under conditions sufficient to improve device performance by filling chalcogen vacancies within the absorber layer or the buffer layer or by passivating one or more of grain boundaries in the absorber layer, an interface between the absorber layer and the buffer layer and an interface between the absorber layer and the substrate.
US08642880B2
An interchangeable and fully adjustable solar thermal-photovoltaic concentrator system is provided, comprising: one or more heat collecting elements; one or more primary reflectors having one or more openings; one or more sunray directing optical mechanisms at the sun-collecting side of primary reflectors and between the heat collecting elements and openings in the primary reflectors; one or more PV cell modules disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors; and one or more sunray distributing optical mechanisms disposed at the non-sun-collecting side of the primary reflectors. Wherein after sunrays irradiate to the primary reflectors, a proportion of sunrays ranging from 0% to 100% are reflected to one or more heat collecting elements and the remaining sunrays are directed by the sunray directing optical mechanisms, through openings in the primary reflectors, and distributed by the sunray distributing optical mechanisms to one or more PV cell modules.
US08642876B2
An apparatus and method for selecting combinations of pickups on a guitar or other stringed instrument allows a performer to control the pickup selections without interrupting instrument play. Combinations of pickups are selected by a processor according to measurements of orientation, position, and/or rate of movement made by an accelerometer. The accelerometer measurements can be filtered. Any or all elements of the system can be contained in a hollow space within the instrument. A manual control can be included to override the processor. Pickup combinations and/or accelerometer measurement ranges can be specified by manual controls while in a training mode. In a sequential mode, pickup combinations are selected in a preset order and for preset time periods. The accelerometer sampling rate can be between 1000 and 100 samples per second, and the sampled data can be stored in an 11 by 11 array.
US08642871B2
A system and method is provided for instructing students and players to read music notation and to play an instrument. The method includes presenting an interactive display including a graphical representation of at least a portion of a musical instrument and a plurality of lines having spaces therebetween. The plurality of lines and spaces represent a staff of musical notation. The method includes associating the lines and spaces with placement of at least one of a student's fingers to the instrument. The method further includes presenting, on the interactive display, a musical score including a plurality of notes by streaming each of the notes on one of the lines and spaces such that when each of the notes meets a portion of the graphical representation of the musical instrument the student, in response, manipulates a corresponding one of their fingers to play the instrument.
US08642865B2
An attachment is provided, which is to be clipped to the bell of a contemporary wind instrument, hereinafter called a horn, such as a trumpet, trombone, euphonium, etc., permitting musical playing by lip control alone, eliminating the need for valves, or scale slides. An attachment bracket is designed to support one, or more, tubular waveguide reflectors. The waveguide reflectors each have a proximal end near the bell end of the horn and extend relative to the horn's mouthpiece, toward a distal end, at a calculated position, producing a fundamental pitch of one scale tone lower or higher, as may be required, from the fundamental pitch of the horn. A single port may be added to the horn calculated to produce a fundamental pitch, one tone higher than the fundamental pitch of the horn, providing the sharps and flats for a full chromatic scale.
US08642857B2
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID3719, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID3719 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID3719, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID3719, and plants produced according to these methods.
US08642847B2
A maize inbred line having the characteristics selected from those of FAR601, including plant parts, tissue, and pigments of the inbred is disclosed.
US08642846B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing a food or malt-base beverage suitable for consumption by a subject with Coeliac's disease. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of producing a food or malt-based beverage with low levels of hordeins. Also provided are barley plants which produce grain that can be used in the methods of the invention.
US08642843B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RX17290001. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RX17290001, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RX17290001 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RX17290001, including the gametes of such plants.
US08642841B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RS 16890990. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RS 16890990, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RS 16890990 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RS 16890990, including the gametes of such plants.
US08642822B2
A process for converting gaseous alkanes to olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof wherein a gaseous feed containing alkanes may be thermally or catalytically reacted with a dry bromine vapor to form alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide. Poly-brominated alkanes present in the alkyl bromides may be further reacted with methane over a suitable catalyst to form mono-brominated species. The mixture of alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide may then be reacted over a suitable catalyst at a temperature sufficient to form olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof and hydrogen bromide. Various methods and reactions are disclosed to remove the hydrogen bromide from the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, to generate bromine from the hydrogen bromide for use in the process, to store and subsequently release bromine for use in the process, and to selectively form mono-brominated alkanes in the bromination step. One or more of the reactions of the processes of the present invention may be conducted in a microchannel reactor.
US08642813B2
The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for converting in a continuous process biomass to less complex oxygenated compounds for use in downstream processes to produce biofuels and chemicals. The invention includes methods of converting the components of biomass, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, to water-soluble materials, including lignocellulosic derivatives, cellulosic derivatives, hemicellulosic derivatives, carbohydrates, starches, polysaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, sugars, sugar alcohols, alditols, polyols, diols, alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and mixtures thereof, using hydrogen and a heterogeneous liquefaction catalyst.
US08642787B2
A composition comprises a surface modified nanoparticle comprising a core comprising a material selected from the group consisting of organic materials, organometallic materials, inorganic materials, metals, metal oxides, and combinations thereof; and a surface branch covalently linked to the core having the general formula (3):
US08642785B2
The present invention relates to photolabile or photoreleasable compounds including a caging moiety linked to an effector moiety, wherein the compounds are capable of releasing the effector moiety on irradiation, typically by flash irradiation with UV light. These compounds are particularly suitable for focal 2-photon uncaging The photoreleasable compounds can be used to deliver effector moieties such as carboxylic acids, preferably, neuroactive amino acids to sites where their activity is required. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the caging moiety is based on 4-carboxymethoxy-5,7-dinitroinlinyl and derivatives thereof.
US08642765B2
A novel class of azaindole-indole coupled derivatives, their preparation methods, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same and the uses thereof. The common structural feature of these derivatives is that they are coupled by azaindole and indole bi-molecule at different positions, forming extended pi-conjugated systems. Such derivatives inhibited cell growth and proliferation by various mechanisms. The present compounds have improved solubility, increased bioavailability, and thus have enhanced drug actions, and reduced medical dosages and undesired responses.
US08642764B1
Compounds that selectively bind to copper ions in a sample and methods of preparing and using the compounds are described. Disclosed herein are planar julolidine based compounds that display characteristic absorbance in the visible and near-infrared (NIR, 700-1000 nm) region in the presence of copper ions. Methods to detect Cu2+ ions by fluorometry and colorimetry are disclosed.
US08642757B2
A process for enzymatic preparation of a highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan) from sucrose is disclosed. The glucosyltransferase enzyme (gtfJ) from Streptococcus salivarius is used to convert sucrose to a highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan) in high titers. Hydrolyzed poly(α1,3 glucan) is used as the primer for the gtfJ enzyme reaction resulting in the formation of highly linear poly(α1,3 glucan).
US08642756B2
Disclosed herein are nucleoside phosphoramidates and their use as agents for treating viral diseases. These compounds are inhibitors of RNA-dependent 5 RNA viral replication and are useful as inhibitors of HCV NS5B polymerase, as inhibitors of HCV replication and for treatment of hepatitis C infection in mammals.
US08642755B2
A method and compositions for sulfurizing at least one phosphite or thiophosphite linkage in an oligonucleotide. The methods employ a phenylacetyl disulfide reagent (known as PADS), phenylthioacetic acid (PTAA) in the presence or absence or N-alkyl imidazole in industrially preferred solvents or solvents that are derived from renewable resources. The use of PTAA eliminates the need to “age” the PADS solution prior to its use in sulfurization reactions.
US08642745B2
The invention relates to a method of preparing heteromultimeric polypeptides such as bispecific antibodies, bispecific immunoadhesins and antibody-immunoadhesin chimeras. The invention also relates to the heteromultimers prepared using the method. Generally, the method provides a multispecific antibody having a common light chain associated with each heteromeric polypeptide having an antibody binding domain. Additionally the method further involves introducing into the multispecific antibody a specific and complementary interaction at the interface of a first polypeptide and the interface of a second polypeptide, so as to promote heteromultimer formation and hinder homomultimer formation; and/or a free thiol-containing residue at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding free thiol-containing residue in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that a non-naturally occurring disulfide bond is formed between the first and second polypeptide. The method allows for the enhanced formation of the desired heteromultimer relative to undesired heteromultimers and homomultimers.
US08642744B2
Crosslinking reagents and methods for using the same for analysis of protein-protein interactions, are provided. The crosslinking reagents include a trifunctional scaffold that links two protein linking groups to each other and branches to link an affinity tag, where the protein linking groups can be fragmented from the scaffold. The distance between the two protein linking groups can be selected to crosslink two proteins of a protein complex via accessible amino acid residues. Also provided are crosslinked polypeptide compounds and kits that include crosslinking reagents. These reagents and methods find use in a variety of applications in which crosslinking of proteins in desired.
US08642735B2
The invention provides composition and methods for repairing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
US08642734B2
A method of producing polymers of an isolated spider silk protein involves providing a solution of said spider silk protein in a liquid medium at pH 6.4 or higher and/or an ion composition that prevents polymerization of the spider silk protein. The properties of the liquid medium are adjusted to a pH of 6.3 or lower and an ion composition that allows polymerization of the spider silk protein. The spider silk protein is allowed to form polymers in the liquid medium, and the resulting spider silk protein polymers are isolated from the liquid medium. The resulting polymers are useful as fibers, films, foams, nets or meshes.
US08642727B2
GLP-2 analogues are disclosed which comprise one of more substitutions as compared to h[Gly2]GLP-2 and which may have the property of an increased small intestine/colon and stomach/colon selectivity. More particularly, preferred GLP-2 analogues disclosed herein comprise substitutions at one or more of positions 11, 16, 20, 24 and/or 28 of the wild-type GLP-2 sequence, optionally in combination with further substitutions at position 2 and one or more of positions 3, 5, 7, and 10, and/or a deletion of one or more of amino acids 31 to 33 and/or the addition of a N-terminal or C-terminal stabilizing peptide sequence. The analogues are particularly useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of stomach and bowel-related disorders and for ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy.
US08642726B2
The present invention relates to antibodies raised against fragments of apolipoprotein B, in particular defined peptides thereof, for immunization or therapeutic treatment of mammals, including humans, against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, using one or more of the antibodies.
US08642707B2
A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.
US08642696B2
Copolymer compositions and methods for making these compositions are described. The copolymers include a vinyl aromatic monomer; a second monomer, and a biobased monomer. The second monomer is selected from the group consisting of butadiene, alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of biobased monomers useful in the compositions include isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. The compositions described herein can be used for binder or coating compositions and can include coating pigments, mineral fillers, and other additives.
US08642693B2
Disclosed herein is a scratch-resistant flameproof thermoplastic resin composition, the resin composition comprising a base resin including (A) about 50 to about 90% by weight of a polycarbonate resin; (B) about 1 to about 50% by weight of a methacrylic copolymer resin with a refractive index of about 1.495 to about 1.590; and (C) about 0 to about 49% by weight of a (meth)acrylic resin, and (D) about 5 to about 40 parts by weight of a flame retardant, based on about 100 parts by weight of the base resin comprising (A)+(B)+(C). The resin composition of the present invention can have good flame retardancy, scratch resistance, colorability, and good appearance due to its improved compatibility. The resin composition of the invention can be used to produce plastic molded articles which can exhibit better physical properties than products produced using conventional resin compositions.
US08642679B2
To provide a dental glass ionomer cement for a sealer to be used for sealing a gap between a gutta-percha point filled in a root canal in a dental root canal treatment and a root canal wall, with a prolonged setting time and with sufficient setting property even in a root canal having much water content, the dental cement for a sealer includes a polymer of α-β unsaturated carboxylic acid, oxide powder capable of reacting with the polymer of α-β unsaturated carboxylic acid, and water, and further includes an organic acid salt of metal selected from Mg, Ca, and Sr and/or a hydroxide of metal selected from Mg, Ca, and Sr.
US08642678B2
Polymerizable dental composite comprising a solid filler and an organic polymerizable matrix, said polymerizable matrix comprising: (i) a polymerizable (meth)acrylic monomer having at least two polymerizable groups and (ii) from 1.0 to 15 weight-% of a polymerizable monomer having a carboxylic acid group based on the total weight of said polymerizable matrix.
US08642677B2
Hydrogel contact lenses that are derived from a polymerizable composition including at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one phosphine-containing component are described. The hydrogel of the contact lenses can be a silicone hydrogel or a non-silicone hydrogel. Use of polymerizable compositions comprising a phosphine-containing component can be cured under both inert and air atmospheres, and can be used to form hydrogel contact lenses having improved shape retention properties, having improved resistance to discoloration. Batches of hydrogel contact lenses and methods of making hydrogel contact lenses are also described.
US08642676B2
A polymerizable composition comprising a syrup composition (α) and a polymerization initiator (β), wherein the syrup composition (α) contains a copolymer (C) and at least one (meth)acrylate selected from a di(meth)acrylate (A) represented by the general formula (1) and a mono(meth)acrylate (B), wherein the copolymer (C) is obtained by polymerization of a monomer mixture containing 1 to 60 wt % of the di(meth)acrylate (A) represented by the following general formula (1): CH2═CR1—COO—(X)—COCR1═CH2 (1) (wherein, (X) represents at least one residue selected from a polyalkylene glycol, a polyester diol and a polycarbonate diol having a number-average molecular weight of 500 or more, and R1 represents H or CH3) and 40 to 99 wt % of the mono(meth)acrylate (B); and an acrylic resin film 1 having flexibility and high transparency obtained by polymerizing and curing the polymerizable composition.
US08642670B2
The present invention relates to an open-cell polyurethane foam comprising polyester and polyether structures and having a density of 70 to 300 g/L, 1 to 20 cells/cm, a rebound intensity greater than 30%, an elongation at break of greater than 200%, a tear propagation resistance of greater than 1.2 N/mm and a tensile strength of greater than 200 kPa. The present invention further relates to a process for producing inventive open-cell polyurethane sponges and to the use thereof as a pipe cleaning sponge.
US08642669B2
The invention relates to a foamable mixture which contains at least one alkoxysilane-terminated prepolymer and which can be produced of a) at least one alkoxysilane that was functionalized with isocyanate groups and that can be produced of at least one hydroxyfunctional and/or aminofunctional alkoxysilane and at least one diisocyanate or polyisocyanate, and b) at least one compound that contains at least one OH group, and at least one blowing agent, characterized in that the foamable mixture has a dynamic viscosity of 100 to 25,000 mPas, preferably 500 to 10,000 mPas, at 23° C. The invention further relates to a method for producing said foamable mixture. The foamable mixtures according to the invention are suitable for sealing, insulating and mounting joints, roof surfaces, windows and doors or for filling hollow spaces.
US08642668B2
To provide a process for producing a flexible polyurethane foam having a higher biomass degree than a conventional flexible polyurethane foam and excellent in foam physical properties and its appearance.A polymer-dispersed polyol obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer in the presence of the following polyol (a1) derived from a natural fat/oil and/or the following polyoxyalkylene polyol (a2) is used: Polyol (a1) derived from a natural fat/oil: a polyol derived from a natural fat/oil, which is obtained by providing a natural fat/oil with hydroxy groups by chemical reaction, and which has a hydroxy value of from 20 to 250 mgKOH/g and a molecular weight distribution of at least 1.2; Polyoxyalkylene polyol (a2): a polyoxyalkylene polyol which is produced by ring-opening polymerization of an alkylene oxide (c) with the polyol (a1) derived from a natural fat/oil in the presence of at least one polymerization catalyst (b) selected from the group consisting of a coordination anionic polymerization catalyst and a cationic polymerization catalyst.
US08642666B2
An improved drug delivery composition and method of use is disclosed. The composition comprises one or more biodegradable block copolymer drug carriers; and a reconstitution enhancing and enabling agent comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG), a PEG derivative or a mixture of PEG and a PEG derivative. The composition can be administered as is or after being be dissolved or rapidly reconstituted in an aqueous vehicle to afford a homogeneous solution or uniform colloidal systems.
US08642662B2
Methods of preparing, and compositions comprising, derivatives of (−)-venlafaxine are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating and preventing diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, affective disorders such as depression, bipolar and manic disorders, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral function disorders, obesity and weight gain, incontinence, dementia and related disorders.
US08642645B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising Δ9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol (CBD), and at least one small molecule selected from Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Citrus Essential Oil(s), Lecithin, one or more sugar(s), Resvertrol, and combinations thereof, wherein the composition exhibits an increased but negated psychoactivity with concurrent enhancement in therapeutic potency of THC and/or CBD. The present invention is further directed to methods of treating one or more disease(s) or disorder(s) modulated by the activation of the Cannabinoid CB1 and/or CB2 receptors, by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of the present invention to a subject in need thereof.
US08642643B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, A, B, X and Y have the meanings indicated in the claims, and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or a prodrug thereof. Because of their properties as inhibitors of chemokine receptors, especially as CXCR2 inhibitors, the compounds of the formula I and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof are suitable for the prevention and treatment of chemokine mediated diseases.
US08642639B2
The present invention relates to the use of L-tryptophan and a peripheral degradation inhibitor of L-tryptophan for the manufacture of a medicament for prevention or therapy of pain, depressions, sleeping disorders and other serotonin dependent diseases of the CNS, wherein L-tryptophan is present in a retarded and the peripheral degradation inhibitor is present in a non-retarded formulation.
US08642629B2
The invention is concerned with the compounds of formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein W, X, Y, and R1-R7 are defined in the detailed description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds of formula I are antagonists or partial agonists at the CRTH2 receptor and may be useful in treating diseases and disorders associated with that receptor such as asthma.
US08642621B2
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain (4-phenyl-piperidin-1-yl)-[5-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-thiophen-3-yl]-methanone compounds that, inter alia, inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). 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 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat the metabolic syndrome, which includes disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and associated disorders including insulin resistance, hypertension, lipid disorders and cardiovascular disorders such as ischaemic (coronary) heart disease; to treat CNS disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, including Alzheimer's disease; etc.
US08642617B2
The present invention relates to pyridopyrazinone derivatives of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z1 W, A and R1 are as defined in claim 1, as insulin secretion stimulators. The invention also relates to the preparation and use of these pyridopyrazinone derivatives for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diabetes and pathologies associated.
US08642605B2
The invention relates to novel 6-cyclylmethyl- and 6-alkylmethyl-substituted pyrazolopyrimidines, process for their preparation and their use for producing medicaments for improving perception, concentration, learning and/or memory. The pyrazolopyrimidine compounds are within the formula (I) as described herein.
US08642599B2
Compositions and methods for treatment of Parkinson's disease to reduce the negative side effects of the disease by administering a therapeutically effective diarylmethylpiperazine compound which exhibits delta opioid receptor agonist activity, and optionally, mu receptor antagonist activity.
US08642594B2
Compounds of formula (1) are inhibitors of HSP90 activity in vitro or in vivo, and of use in the treatment of inter alia, cancer: wherein R2 is a group of formula —(Ar1)m-(Alk1)P-(Z)r-(Alk2)S-Q wherein Ar1 is an optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl radical, Alk′ and Alk 2 are optionally substituted divalent C1-C3 alkylene or C2-C3 alkenylene radicals, m, p, r and s are independently 0 or 1, Z is —O—, —S—, —(C═O)—, —(C═S)—, —SO2—, —C(═O)O—, —C(═O)NRA—, —C(═S)NRA—, —SO2NRA—, —NRAC(═O)—, —NRASO2— or —NRA— wherein RA is hydrogen or C1-C6 alkyl, and Q is hydrogen or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic radical; R3 is hydrogen, an optional substituent, or an optionally substituted (C1-C6)alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl radical; and R4 is a carboxylic ester, carboxamide or sulfonamide group.
US08642591B2
The present invention relates to a composition containing at least one amidine derivative or carboxamide derivative of general formula (I) or (A) in combination with at least one compound chosen from steroids, corticoids or corticosteroids, wherein said composition is suitable for the preparation of a medicament.
US08642575B2
The present invention has objects to provide a method for inhibiting the formation of volatile aldehydes and/or the decomposition of fatty acids and use thereof. These objects are attained by establishing a method which comprises incorporating an α-oligoglucosyl α,α-trehalose(s) to a target product to inhibit the formation of volatile aldehydes per se and/or the decomposition of fatty acids per se in fatty acid-containing products; an inhibitory agent for inhibiting the formation of volatile aldehydes and/or the decomposition of fatty acids, which contains an α-oligoglucosyl α,α-trehalose(s) as an effective ingredient; and use thereof to thereby obtain various compositions such as food products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and their materials and intermediates each having a high quality and stability.
US08642574B2
A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of post-operative adhesions in or associated with a body cavity, which comprises introducing into the body cavity a composition containing an aqueous solution or suspension or gel formulation containing the polysaccharide dextrin.
US08642568B2
Known or suspected traumatic brain injuries may be treated therapeutically by administering a therapeutically effective dose of resibufogenin. A preferred method for determining if a patient has a traumatic brain injury includes obtaining a body specimen from the patient, determining the concentration of marinobufagenin in the body specimen, comparing the concentration of marinobufagenin to the concentration in such body specimens in normal patients, and if the marinobufagenin concentration is substantially above the concentration of a normal patient, concluding traumatic brain injury exists. In a preferred embodiment, a substantial elevation is deemed to be an increase of about 30 percent above the marinobufagenin concentration of a normal patient. The body specimen may be blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. If a substantial elevation is deemed to exist, the magnitude of the departure from the concentration of a normal patient may be employed in determining the timing and nature of treatment provided to the patient. The method may be repeated at predetermined intervals to monitor changes in the marinobufagenin with time.
US08642567B2
The present invention provides therapeutically active compounds and compositions as NMDA and MC receptor antagonists, which are useful in treating central nervous system disorders by over-activation of NMDA and/or MC receptors. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of enhancing brain's cognitive function and reducing neuronal cell death in mammals and humans.
US08642555B2
The present invention relates to a prodrug comprising at least one cytostatic agent, wherein said prodrug is cleavable by prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a process for preparing said prodrug and a pharmaceutical composition containing said prodrug in a pharmaceutically effective amount, for use in the treatment of cancer.
US08642548B2
A method of treating functional dyspepsia and/or irritable bowel syndrome in mammals in need of treatment is disclosed herein. The method comprises administering to the mammal a formulation by inhalation, wherein the formulation avoids first pass metabolism of the active ingredient. The method comprises administering a formulation by pulmonary inhalation comprising a diketopiperazine and a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), analog, ROSE-010.
US08642547B2
The invention is directed to methods for accelerating the healing of connective tissue injuries and disorders. In particular, the invention is directed to accelerating the healing of injuries and disorders of tendons and ligaments. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), including pooled ACCS, and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (PCS).
US08642545B2
What is provided is EPO mimetic peptide derivatives defined as formula (I) and their pharmaceutical salts, the preparation thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, n1, n2 are defined as described in description. A composition comprising of an EPO mimetic peptide derivative defined as formula (I) and its pharmaceutical salt. The uses of the derivatives and their pharmaceutical salts, as well as the uses of the compositions described above in treatment of diseases characterized by a deficiency of EPO or a low or defective red blood cell population. R1—R2—(CH2)n1—R3—(CH2)n2—R4—R5 (I)
US08642531B2
The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of influenza antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-influenza antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals, including humans.
US08642529B2
The invention relates to surfactant structured liquids structured with fibrous polymer and which additionally contain specific low molecular weight water soluble polymers to eliminate flow instability.
US08642528B2
Provided are alkyl lactyllactate compositions that can be prepared from (1) lactide or alternatively lactic acid, and (2) a hydroxyl containing compound such as an alcohol, preferably a fatty alcohol or an alkoxylated alcohol, with (3) an acid catalyst. Preferably, the fatty alcohol contains from about 6 to 18 carbon atoms, such as lauryl alcohol. The alkyl lactyllactates can be used as surfactants, emulsifiers, skin feel agents, film formers, thickeners, rheological modifiers, etc., for personal care and other application areas. Compositions containing at least one alkyl lactyllactate are also provided. The compositions can further contain at least one surfactant.
US08642524B2
The present invention is directed to a method for controlling soot induced viscosity increase in diesel engines, by using as the diesel engine lubricant an oil formulation comprising a base oil containing about 10 to 80 wt % GTL base stock and/or base oil and/or hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized/catalytic (or solvent) dewaxed base stock and/or base oil in combination with 20 to 90 wt % conventional Group I petroleum derived base oil, said base oil being further combined with a polymeric viscosity modifier, and to the lubricating oil which effects such control over soot induced viscosity increase.
US08642514B2
The invention provides a chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (p) capable of performing a binding interaction with a target molecule, and an oligonucleotide (b) or functional analogue thereof. The oligonucleotide (b) or functional analogue comprises at least one self-assembly sequence (b1) capable of performing a combination reaction with at least one self-assembly sequence (b1′) of a complementary oligonucleotide or functional analogue bound to another chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (q). In a some embodiments, the chemical compound comprises a coding sequence (b1) coding for the identification of the chemical moiety (p) and further comprises at least one self-assembly moiety (m) capable of performing a combination reaction with at least one self-assembly moiety (m′) of a similar chemical compound comprising a chemical moiety (q). The invention also provides corresponding libraries of chemical compounds as well as methods of biopanning for target molecules and of identifying such targets.
US08642513B2
The invention relates to the generation of immunoglobulin libraries and the identification and production of immunoglobulins having a specific functionality of interest.
US08642512B2
Provided are methods of diagnosing an early immune activation by detecting T-cell immune response cDNA 7 (TIRC7); in particular, TIRC7 as an early biomarker for the detection of transplant rejection in a non-invasive diagnostic methods is described that replaces biopsy intervention with a simple diagnostic method for monitoring after transplantation and furthermore, kits for uses in such methods of diagnosis are provided.
US08642510B2
The invention describes a compound having the formula (I), wherein X is F, Cl, Br, or I; R1 is CH3, C2H5, C2H4R3, C2H3R3R4, C3H7, C3H6R or C3H5R3R4; R is H, CH3, C2H5, C2H4R3 or C2H3R3R4; and R3 and R4 are, independently, X, OH or NH2 for the treatment of plants, for increasing plant growth.
US08642503B1
A superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composite comprises a porous material and a surface layer. The porous material includes a framework and a plurality of interconnecting pores formed inside the framework and interconnecting with each other. The framework has a plurality of skeletons connected with each other. The surface layer is coated on the surfaces of the skeletons and includes an adhesion medium and a plurality of graphene sheets stuck to the surfaces of the skeletons by the adhesion medium. The graphene sheets form a rough surface conforming to the skeletons. The superhydrophobic and superoleophilic composite can absorb oil or organic pollutants in water and can be reused.
US08642501B2
Disclosed is a complex oxide catalyst composed of catalyst particles containing Mo, V, a component X and a silica-containing carrier. The component X is at least one element selected from alkaline earth metal elements and rare earth elements. The complex oxide catalyst is supported by the carrier, and the component X is uniformly distributed in the catalyst particles.
US08642498B2
In one embodiment, the invention is to a catalyst composition comprising vanadium, titanium; and at least one oxide additive. The at least one oxide additive is present in an amount of at least 0.1 wt % based on the total weight of the catalyst composition. The molar ratio of titanium to metal additive in an active phase of the catalyst composition is at least 0.05:1.
US08642492B2
To provide a high zirconia fused cast refractory having high durability, which hardly has cracks during the heating, by temperature changes during use and during the cooling at the time of suspension of operation. A high zirconia fused cast refractory which has a chemical composition comprising from 86 to 96 mass % of ZrO2, from 2.5 to 8.5 mass % of SiO2, from 0.4 to 3 mass % of Al2O3, from 0.4 to 1.8 mass % of K2O, at most 0.04 mass % of B2O3, at most 0.04 mass % of P2O5 and at most 3.8 mass % of Cs2O and containing substantially no Na2O.
US08642491B2
Glasses are disclosed which can be used to produce substrates for flat panel display devices, e.g., active matrix liquid crystal displays (AMLCDs). The glasses have MgO concentrations in the range from 1.0 mole percent to 3.0 mole percent and Σ[RO]/[Al2O3] ratios greater than or equal to 1.00, where [Al2O3] is the mole percent of Al2O3 and Σ[RO] equals the sum of the mole percents of MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO. These compositional characteristics have been found to improve the melting properties of batch materials used to produce the glass, which, in turn, allows the glasses to be fined (refined) with more environmentally friendly fining agents, e.g., tin as opposed to arsenic and/or antimony.
US08642489B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an airbag module ensuring that when an airbag fabricated using a fabric composed of a polyamide yarn excellent in heat resistance is deployed by an inflator gas, the deployment occurs without loss of the gas and an excessive amount of generated gas is not necessary, as a result, the inflator is reduced in weight, and the airbag module of the present invention comprises an airbag fabric composed of a polyamide yarn, wherein the air permeability of the fabric under a pressure of 200 kPa is from 10 to 200 cc/cm2/sec and in the thermal stress of the constituent yarn as measured under the conditions of an initial load of 0.02 cN/dtex, a yarn length of 25 cm and a temperature rise rate of 80° C./min, the summed thermal stress of the total of the warp yarn and the weft yarn at 230° C. is from 0.33 to 1.20 cN/dtex.
US08642488B2
A multi-step system and method for curing a dielectric film in which the system includes a drying system configured to reduce the amount of contaminants, such as moisture, in the dielectric film. The system further includes a curing system coupled to the drying system, and configured to treat the dielectric film with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation in order to cure the dielectric film.
US08642477B2
A method for clearing native oxide is described. A substrate is provided, including an exposed portion whereon a native oxide layer has been formed. A clearing process is performed to the substrate using nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and ammonia (NH3) as a reactant gas, wherein the volumetric flow rate of NF3 is greater than that of NH3.
US08642473B2
Methods and apparatus for removing oxide from a surface, the surface comprising at least one of silicon and germanium, are provided. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for removing native oxide from a metal silicide layer of a contact structure. The method and apparatus advantageously integrate both the etch stop layer etching process and the native oxide removal process in a single chamber, thereby eliminating native oxide growth or other contaminates redeposit during the substrate transfer processes. Furthermore, the method and the apparatus also provides the improved three-step chemical reaction process to efficiently remove native oxide from the metal silicide layer without adversely altering the geometry of the contact structure and the critical dimension of the trenches or vias formed in the contact structure.
US08642457B2
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A substrate is provided. A first region and a second region are defined on the substrate. A first interfacial layer, a sacrifice layer and a sacrifice gate layer are disposed on the first region. The sacrifice layer and the sacrifice gate layer are disposed on the second region of the substrate. Next, a first etching step is performed to remove the sacrifice gate layer in the first region and the second region. Then, a second etching step is performed to remove the sacrifice layer in the first region and the second region to expose the substrate of the second region. Lastly, a second interfacial layer is formed on the substrate of the second region.
US08642456B2
A method and structures are provided for implementing semiconductor signal-capable capacitors with deep trench and Through-Silicon-Via (TSV) technologies. A deep trench N-well structure is formed and an implant is provided in the deep trench N-well structure with a TSV formed in a semiconductor chip. At least one angled implant is created around the TSV in a semiconductor chip. The TSV is surrounded with a dielectric layer and filled with a conducting material which forms one electrode of the capacitor. A connection is made to one implant forming a second electrode to the capacitor.
US08642451B2
A method includes forming an SRAM cell including a first and a second pull-up transistor and a first and a second pull-down transistor. The step of forming the SRAM cell includes forming a first and a second active region of the first and the second pull-up transistors using a first lithography mask, and forming a third and a fourth active region of the first and the second pull-down transistors using a second lithography mask.
US08642450B2
A system and a process for forming a semi-conductor device, and solar cells (10) formed thereby. The process includes preparing a substrate (12) for deposition of a junction layer (14); forming the junction layer (14) on the substrate (12) using hot wire chemical vapor deposition; and, finishing the semi-conductor device.
US08642449B2
A silicon wafer which has DZ layers formed on both sides thereof by heat treatment in an atmosphere of reducing gas (such as hydrogen) or rare gas (such as argon) with a specific temperature profile for heating, holding, and cooling, and which also has a gettering site of BMD in the bulk inside the DZ layer. A silicon wafer which has a silicon epitaxial layer formed on one side thereof. The DZ layer and the silicon epitaxial layer contain dissolved oxygen introduced into their surface parts, with the concentration and distribution of dissolved oxygen properly controlled. Introduction of oxygen into the surface part is accomplished by heat treatment and ensuing rapid cooling in an atmosphere of oxygen-containing gas.
US08642437B2
A composition with improved shelf life for filling small gaps in a semiconductor device is provided. The composition comprises an end-capped silicone polymer. The molecular weight of the end-capped silicone polymer is not varied during storage. In addition, the dissolution rate (DR) of the composition in an alkaline developing solution is maintained at a desired level during storage. That is, the composition is highly stable during storage. Therefore, the composition is suitable for use in a node separation process for the fabrication of a semiconductor capacitor.
US08642422B2
In the semiconductor device composing MOS transistor on which impurities are added from the surface of a P-type substrate, the region of immediate below a gate, layer is the P-type substrate on which the impurities are not added, and first and second MOS devices, having an N-type diffusion layer are provided on the surface region of the P-type substrate circumscribing the gate layer. The gate layer of the first MOS device, and the N-type diffusion layer of the second MOS device are connected, and the N-type diffusion layer of the first MOS device and the gate layer of the second MOS device are connected, and thereby a first capacitive element is composed.
US08642421B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) structure fabricated with a SixNy layer responsible for providing increased light extraction out of a surface of the LED is provided. Such LED structures fabricated with a SixNy layer may have increased luminous efficiency when compared to conventional LED structures fabricated without a SixNy layer. Methods for creating such LED structures are also provided.
US08642418B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with NMOS and PMOS transistors is provided. The semiconductor device can lessen a short channel effect, can reduce gate-drain current leakage, and can reduce parasitic capacitance due to gate overlaps, thereby inhibiting a reduction in the operating speed of circuits. An N-type impurity such as arsenic is ion implanted to a relatively low concentration in the surface of a silicon substrate (1) in a low-voltage NMOS region (LNR) thereby to form extension layers (61). Then, a silicon oxide film (OX2) is formed to cover the whole surface of the silicon substrate (1). The silicon oxide film (OX2) on the side surfaces of gate electrodes (51-54) is used as an offset sidewall. Then, boron is ion implanted to a relatively low concentration in the surface of the silicon substrate (1) in a low-voltage PMOS region (LPR) thereby to form P-type impurity layers (621) later to be extension layers (62).
US08642415B2
A method of creating a semiconductor integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes forming a first field effect transistor (FET) device and a second FET device on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes epitaxially growing raised source/drain (RSD) structures for the first FET device at a first height. The method includes epitaxially growing raised source/drain (RSD) structures for the second FET device at a second height. The second height is greater than the first height such that a threshold voltage of the second FET device is greater than a threshold voltage of the first FET device.
US08642407B2
A semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device and fabrication methods include a p-type field effect transistor (PFET) and an n-type field effect transistor (NFET). Each of the PFET and the NFET include a transistor body of a first type of material and source and drain regions. The source and drain regions have a second type of material such that an injection charge into the source and drain region is greater than a parasitic charge into the transistor body to decrease parasitic bipolar current gain, increase critical charge (Qcrit) and reduce sensitivity to soft errors.
US08642404B2
A TFT LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: forming a thin film transistor on a substrate to form a gate line and a gate electrode connected with the gate line on the substrate; forming a gate insulating layer and a semiconductor layer on the gate electrode; forming an ohmic contact layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a transparent pixel electrode layer and a source/drain electrode metal layer in sequence on the resultant substrate, wherein the transparent pixel electrode layer is electrically insulated from the gate line and the gate electrode, and the transparent pixel electrode layer forms an ohmic contact with two sides of the semiconductor layer via the ohmic contact layer; and performing masking and etching with a gray tone mask with respect to the resultant substrate to form a transparent pixel electrode, a source/drain electrode and a data line simultaneously.
US08642403B1
In one aspect, a method of forming contacts to source and drain regions in a FET device includes the following steps. A patternable dielectric is deposited onto the device so as to surround each of the source and drain regions. The patternable dielectric is exposed to cross-link portions of the patternable dielectric that surround the source and drain regions. Uncross-linked portions of the patternable dielectric are selectively removed relative to the cross-linked portions of the patternable dielectric, wherein the cross-linked portions of the patternable dielectric form dummy contacts that surround the source and drain regions. A planarizing dielectric is deposited onto the device around the dummy contacts. The dummy contacts are selectively removed to form vias in the planarizing dielectric which are then filled with a metal(s) so as to form replacement contacts that surround the source and drain regions.
US08642399B2
A fuse of a semiconductor device includes first fuse metals formed over an underlying structure and a second fuse metal formed between the first fuse metals. Accordingly, upon blowing, the fuse metals are not migrated under conditions, such as specific temperature and specific humidity. Thus, reliability of a semiconductor device can be improved.
US08642396B2
An ultra-thin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) semiconductor chip package having a leadframe with lead terminals formed by recesses from both the top and bottom surfaces and substantially aligned contact areas formed on either the top or bottom surfaces. A die is electrically connected to the plurality of lead terminals and a molding compound encapsulates the leadframe and die together so as to form the ultra-thin QFN package. Accordingly, the substantially aligned contact areas are exposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the package. The present disclosure also provides an ultra-thin Optical Quad Flat No-Lead (OQFN) semiconductor chip package, a stacked semiconductor module comprising at least two QFN semiconductor chip packages, and a method for manufacturing an ultra-thin Quad Flat No-Lead (QFN) semiconductor packages.
US08642393B1
An embodiment is a package-on-package (PoP) device comprising a first package on a first substrate and a second package over the first package. A plurality of wire sticks disposed between the first package and the second package and the plurality of wire sticks couple the first package to the second package. Each of the plurality of wire sticks comprise a conductive wire of a first height affixed to a bond pad on the first substrate and each of the plurality of wire sticks is embedded in a solder joint.
US08642377B2
An embodiment of this invention provides a method to produce a conductive thin film, which comprises: providing a substrate; forming a first metal oxide layer on the substrate; forming an indium-free metal layer on the first metal oxide layer; and forming a second metal oxide layer on the indium-free layer, wherein the first metal oxide layer, the indium-free metal layer, and the second oxide layer are all solution processed.
US08642375B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing the photoactive layer of organic photovoltaic cells using aerosol jet printing. The photoactive layer of the organic photovoltaic cell has high crystallinity and is easily formed into a multilayer structure, thus simplifying the process of manufacturing the organic photovoltaic cells. The solar power conversion efficiency of the organic photovoltaic cells including the photoactive layer is increased, thus facilitating the production of environmentally friendly energy.
US08642372B2
A method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming jagged portions non-uniformly on a surface of a substrate, forming a first type semiconductor and a second type semiconductor in the substrate, forming a first electrode to contact the first type semiconductor, and forming a second electrode to contact the second type semiconductor. An etchant used in a wet etching process in manufacturing the solar cell includes about 0.5 wt % to 10 wt % of HF, about 30 wt % to 60 wt % of HNO3, and up to about 30 wt % of acetic acid based on total weight of the etchant.
US08642371B2
The various embodiments herein provide a method for fabricating Ion-Selective Field-Effect Transistor (ISFET) with a nano porous poly silicon layer on a gate region. The method includes providing a p-type silicon substrate and forming a silicon dioxide layer on the p-type silicon substrate. A poly silicon layer is deposited on the silicon dioxide layer. The poly silicon layer is patterned to form a gate region, a source region and a drain region in the silicon dioxide layer. A passivation layer is deposited on the gate region, source region and the drain region. The passivation layer is etched using a buffered HF to transform the poly silicon layer into a nano porous layer on the gate region by a sequential reactive ion etching process.
US08642369B2
A light emitting diode (LED) with a vertical structure, including electrical contacts on opposing sides, provides increased brightness. In some embodiments an LED includes a nitride semiconductor light emitting component grown on a sapphire substrate, a Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly formed on the nitride semiconductor component, and a further Zn(Mg Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly bonded on an opposing side of the light emitting component, which is exposed by removing the sapphire substrate. Electrical contacts may be connected to the Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly and the further Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) assembly. Herein Zn(Mg,Cd,Be)O(S,Se) is a II-VI semiconductor satisfying a formula Zn1−a−b−cMgaCdbBecO1−p−qSpSeq, wherein a=0˜1, b=0˜1, c=0˜1, p=0˜1, and q=0˜1.
US08642366B2
A method for fabricating a group-III nitride semiconductor laser device having a semi-polar surface provides a laser cavity mirror which can reduce lasing threshold current. A support plate H tilts at an angle THETA from an m-axis toward a reference plane Ab defined by a direction PR of travel of the blade 5g and an a-axis in a c-m plane while the direction PR is being orthogonal to the front surface Ha of the support plate H. The blade 5g is positioned so as to be aligned to a plane which includes an intersection P1 between the endmost scribe mark 5b1 among a plurality of scribe marks 5b and the front surface 5a of the substrate product 5 and extends along the direction PR. In the case where the angle ALPHA defined ranges either from 71 to 79 degrees or from 101 to 109 degrees, the angle THETA then ranges from 11 to 19 degrees, and thereby the reference plane Ab along the direction PR extends along the c-plane orthogonal to the c-axis.
US08642364B2
A high-performance thin film transistor structure which is easily manufactured is provided. The thin film transistor structure includes: a first electrode; second and third electrodes apart from each other in a hierarchical level different from that of the first electrode; first, second, and third wirings connected to the first, second, and third electrodes, respectively; a main stack body disposed so as to be opposed to the first electrode with an interlayer insulating layer in between, between the first electrode, and the second and third electrodes; and a sub stack body including an insulating layer and a semiconductor layer, disposed so as to be opposed to the first wiring with the interlayer insulating layer in between, between the first and second wirings in a position where the first and second wirings overlap and/or between the first and third wirings in a position where the first and third wirings overlap.
US08642360B2
A resin material layer including photosensitive resin material is formed on an interlayer on an underlayer. By partially exposing and developing the resin material layer using developer in which the resin material layer and the interlayer are soluble, an uncured portion of the resin material layer is removed to form an opening penetrating to the interlayer, and the developer infiltrates into the interlayer via the opening to remove at least surfaces of first and second portions of the interlayer. The first portion corresponds to the opening. The second portion surrounds the first portion. Each bank is formed by heating a remaining portion of the resin material layer to soften an overhanging portion above a space formed by the surface of the second portion being removed, so that the overhanging portion flows downward to fill the space, cover an exposed portion of the interlayer, and contact the underlayer or the interlayer.
US08642344B2
The present invention provides a method for measuring a substrate concentration by accumulating an energy resulting from a reaction between a biocatalyst and a substrate recognized by the biocatalyst to a certain level; and using a dependency of an accumulation rate on the substrate concentration as an index; and a apparatus therefor. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which the measurement of the accumulation rate is carried out by measuring a frequency of an energy release in a certain amount of time when the energy accumulated in the capacitor reaches the certain level and is then released.
US08642343B2
Provided is a blood separating agent that can form an excellent partition wall in an intermediate layer between clot and serum or between blood cell components and plasma even under low-temperature centrifugation conditions, is less likely to form crevices in the partition wall, is less likely to have any effect on test values, and offers stable performance even after long-term storage. The blood separating agent contains: a polymer for the blood separating agent which is composed of a (meth)acrylic acid ester-based polymer and has a viscosity of 10 to 200 Pa·s at 25° C. and a ratio of viscosity at 15° C. to viscosity at 25° C. of below 4.6; an inorganic powder; and a polyalkylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 700 or more, wherein the polyalkylene glycol is mixed at a concentration of 5% by weight or less of the total weight of the blood separating agent.
US08642340B2
Disclosed are methods for obtaining a natural product preparation with reduced glucosinolate contamination from a plant of Brassicaceae. The methods can include cultivating a plant callus from a plant capable of producing a desired natural product, selecting a callus with reduced glucosinolate production, and cultivating the selected callus in a liquid medium. The method can also include recovering the natural product from the culture. Also disclosed are methods for obtaining cabbage anthocyanin with reduced glucosinolate contamination. The methods can include cultivating a red cabbage plant callus with reduced glucosinolate production in a liquid medium to obtain a suspension culture and cultivating the suspension culture in a medium lacking a nitrogen source. The method can also include recovering the anthocyanin with reduced glucosinolate contamination from the culture. Finally, several specific low-glucosinolate cell lines are described.
US08642332B2
The present invention is directed to a method of producing neuronal progenitor cells by providing an isolated population of progenitor cells from human brain white matter and permitting the isolated population of cells to differentiate to neuronal progenitor cells. Alternatively, neuronal progenitor cells can be produced by providing an isolated population of glial progenitor cells and permitting the isolated population of glial progenitor cells to differentiate to neuronal progenitor cells.
US08642318B2
Disclosed is an anti-fatty liver agent comprising a cell and/or a culture obtained by culturing a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus gasseri as an active ingredient. Also disclosed is a pharmaceutical agent having an anti-fatty liver activity or an anti-fatty liver beverage/food comprising a cell and/or a culture obtained by culturing a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus gasseri as an active ingredient.
US08642310B2
A hydrolytic enzyme is to be stabilized in a liquid surfactant preparation. This is achieved by using a component that stabilizes the hydrolytic enzyme and encompasses a phthaloylglutamic acid and/or a phthaloylaspartic acid.
US08642308B1
The present disclosure provides multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) displaying catalytic enzymes bound to the nanotube sidewalls and devices, such as electrodes, incorporating these catalytic enzyme-bound CNTs (cebCNTs).
US08642304B2
The invention pertains to a process for producing methane by a two-stage anaerobic digestion of organic feed, comprising i) subjecting an organic feed suspension (a) to acidogenesis and methanogenesis in a first reactor (1); ii) withdrawing an effluent (b) from said first reactor and subjecting it to solid/liquid separation (2), thus obtaining effluents high (d) and low (c) in solids, wherein the volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in said first reactor is controlled by the withdrawal rate; iii) subjecting the effluent low in solids (c) to acidogenesis and methanogenesis in a second reactor (3), thus producing methane gas in said first and second reactor.
US08642303B2
A process for the production of ethanol wherein a hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass is fermented in the presence of a stillage residue. The fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysates is improved by adding prior to and/or during fermentation a stillage residue side stream from a corn starch-to-ethanol process as a nutrient source for the yeast organisms used in the fermentation. Stillage residues from the grain dry mill ethanol producing process, including the whole stillage, wet cake, thin stillage, and/or syrup are added to assist as a nitrogen and nutrient source for the fermentive processes. The stillage residue is produced by any grain-to-ethanol process.
US08642283B2
The present invention provides an assay for the identification of agents which can modulate TOR-mediated phosphorylation of substrate proteins. The assays of the invention utilize substrate proteins whose amino acid sequence contains the Ser/Thr motif recognized by TOR. Naturally occurring TOR which may be used in the methods of the invention include TOR isolated from a variety of species, particularly mammalian tissues.
US08642269B2
The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligation detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence difference.
US08642268B2
Compositions that are used in nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed, which include a target specific universal (TSU) promoter primer or promoter provider oligonucleotide that includes a target specific (TS) sequence that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence that is amplified and a universal (U) sequence that is introduced into the sequence that is amplified, by using a primer for the universal sequence. Methods of nucleic acid amplification in vitro are disclosed that use one or more TSU oligonucleotides to attached a U sequence to a target nucleic acid in a target capture step and then use a primer for a U sequence in subsequent amplification steps performed in substantially isothermal conditions to make amplification products that contain a U sequence that indicates the presence of the target nucleic acid in a sample.
US08642265B2
Compositions, methods, and kits for detecting DNA topoisomerase II-DNA complexes are disclosed.
US08642255B2
The present invention relates to materials and methods for hypothermic collection of whole blood, and components thereof, which can extend the holding time of blood beyond the current useable limit. Additionally, blood can be drawn directly into a hypothermic preservation solution without the addition of standard anticoagulants. This is enabled by providing sustained cellular viability under hypothermic conditions using a nutrient matrix devoid of animal proteins and containing energy substrates, free-radical scavengers, and impermeants that is ionically balanced for storage of biologic materials at low temperatures to prevent cellular stress-induced apoptosis.
US08642245B2
Actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition and method of forming a pattern using the same
According to one embodiment, an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition includes a resin that is decomposed when acted on by an acid to thereby increase its solubility in an alkali developer, a compound that generates an acid when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, and any of basic compounds of general formula (1) below.
US08642234B2
A carboxyl group-containing photosensitive resin is obtained by reacting an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated group-containing monocarboxylic acid (c) with a phenolic compound (a) containing the structure represented by the following general formula (I) and having at least two phenolic hydroxyl groups in its molecule, wherein part or the whole of the phenolic hydroxyl groups being modified into an oxyalkyl group, and further reacting a polybasic acid anhydride (d) with the resultant reaction product; wherein R1 represents either one of a hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 11 carbon atoms, a SO2 group, an oxygen atom and sulfur atom, R2 represents a hydrocarbon radical of 1 to 11 carbon atoms, “a” represents an integer of 0 to 3, “n” represents an integer of 1 to 2, and “m” represents an integer of 1 to 10.
US08642231B2
A volume hologram recording material is located on the side of a reflection type volume hologram master onto which copying illumination light is incident, and the copying illumination light incident onto the recording material and light diffracted through the master interfere together in the volume hologram recording material thereby copying the reflection type volume hologram master. In this case, a reflecting plate having a fine regular reflection pattern is interleaved between the master and the recording material, and the copying illumination light incident onto the recording material and regularly reflected light from the reflecting plate having the regular reflection pattern interfere together in the recording material thereby allowing the regular reflection pattern to be multi-recorded in a hologram having the reflection type volume hologram master copied in it.
US08642226B2
A separator includes a first flow path-forming portion and second flow path-forming portions. The first portion has a corrugated shape including a first groove to form a flow path for a first fluid on a first surface and a second groove to form a flow path for a second fluid on a second surface, which are arranged alternately. The first portion includes at least three linear areas, and plural turned areas, each including a plurality of the first and the second grooves to connect between corresponding grooves in adjacent linear areas, and thereby forms serpentine flow paths for the second fluid. Each of the second portions forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the first fluid on the first surface and forms a connection flow path to connect between the flow paths for the second fluid on the second surface.
US08642223B2
A method for determining a flow of a gas through an injector and a flow of a gas through a valve in a fuel cell system. The method includes determining an injector flow estimation for the gas flowing through the injector and determining a valve flow estimation for the gas flowing through the valve. The method also includes calculating an error that is a difference between the injector flow estimation and the valve flow estimation and adjusting the flow of the gas through the valve based on the error.
US08642220B2
A system and method for determining the maximum allowed stack current limit rate for a fuel cell stack that considers cell voltage. The method includes estimating a fuel cell stack voltage based on a fuel cell resistance value, stack variables and a current request signal. The fuel cell resistance value can be modeled based on stack temperature and stack relative humidity. The stack variables can include exchange current density and mass transfer coefficient. The method then uses the estimated fuel cell voltage and a look-up table based on estimated voltage to determine a current rate limit value for changing the current of the stack. The method then adds the current rate limit value and the current request signal to obtain the current set-point.
US08642217B2
A lithium secondary battery includes a positive electrode which can occlude and discharge lithium ion, a negative electrode which can occlude and discharge lithium ion, a separator which is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. In order to suppress a deterioration for a period of high temperature storage at 50° C. or more, the electrolyte includes a compound within whose molecule a plurality of polymerizable functional groups are included.The electrolyte can include a compound represented by the formula 3: wherein each of Z1 and Z2 represents a polymerizable functional group including any one selected from the group consisting of allyl group, methallyl group, vinyl group, acryl group and methacryl group.
US08642212B2
A lithium/iron disulfide electrochemical battery cell with a high discharge capacity. The cell has a lithium negative electrode, an iron disulfide positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode mixture containing the iron disulfide contains highly packed solid materials, with little space around the solid particles, to provide a high concentration of iron disulfide within the mixture. The separator is thin, to allow more space within the cell for active materials, yet strong enough to prevent short circuits between the positive and negative electrodes under abusive conditions, even when swelling of the cathode during cell discharge places additional stressed on the separator. As a result, the ratio of the interfacial capacity of the positive electrode to the electrode interfacial volume is high, as is the actual capacity on low rate/low power and high rate/high power discharge.
US08642206B2
A battery module includes a battery array and an end plate. The battery array includes at least two battery cells that are stacked, the battery cells including a terminal surface where an electrode and a vent are exposed and an opposite bottom side. The end plate is disposed at the terminal surface of the stacked battery cells and includes an electrode hole through which the electrode is exposed. a first coupling unit including an alignment protrusion is disposed on one side of the end plate, and a second coupling unit including an accommodation unit is disposed on an opposite side of the end plate. The accommodation unit of the second coupling unit is configured to be coupled with an alignment protrusion of a first coupling unit of an end plate of an adjacent battery module.
US08642200B2
A fuel cell system having an adaptable compressor map and method for optimizing the adaptable compressor map is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial operating setpoint for an air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; monitoring a surge indicator; adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; and establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof. The steps are repeated until the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor is optimized.
US08642197B2
A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode; a case containing the electrode assembly; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly; a current collecting member fixed to the electrode assembly; and a connection member electrically connecting the electrode assembly and the terminal, and the connection member includes a first end fixed to one of the current collecting member or the terminal, a second end spaced apart from the first end and contacting the other of the current collecting member or the terminal, and a fuse portion between the first end and the second end, the fuse portion having a smaller cross-sectional area than a surrounding portion of the connection member.
US08642186B2
Provided is a thermosetting resin decorative plate comprising a decorative sheet comprising a base material and a picture layer formed thereon, wherein the base material is a nonwoven fabric comprising chemical fibers or a mixed paper of chemical fibers and pulps, and the above decorative plate makes it possible to work a three-dimensional form.
US08642185B2
A process for producing leather comprises treating part-processed hides, crust leathers or pelts with at least one aqueous float comprising (A) at least one amphiphilic organic copolymer, (B) at least one silicone compound having at least one carboxylic acid group or at least one carboxylic anhydride group per molecule, (C) at least one surface-active compound selected from emulsifiers having at least one phosphorus atom per molecule, (D) at least one surface-active compound selected from N-acylated amino acids, (E) at least one surface-active compound comprising at least one C10-C30-alkyl radical, branched or unbranched, or at least one polyisobutene moiety, and at least one ionic or aqueous-ionizable group, other than amphiphilic copolymer (A) and surface-active compound (C), and which is free of waxes and oils.
US08642173B2
A multi-layer screen protector for digital display screens, such as LCD's, cell phones, tablets, laptops, and pad computer devices, that may be readily applied without the need for special tools and in dusty environments, the screen protector being designed and die-cut to match the shape of the digital display screen, including cut-outs for cameras, microphones and device buttons, where the top surface is a layer of polycaprolactone aliphatic urethane that is connected to a bottom layer made from plastic such as polystyrene, acrylic and/or polyethylene terephthalate, and a self-wetting adhesive layer provided on the bottom surface of the bottom polystyrene, acrylic and/or polyethylene terephthalate layer. The screen protector provides an optically clear view of the device and is constructed with the abrasion resistant layer being provided and supported on a plastic layer and may be removed and reinstalled.
US08642171B2
The present invention provides for a substrate coated with a multi-layer non-stick coating which resists abrasion force and corrosion. The coating comprises a pre-primer base coat layer and at least two further coating layers, wherein at least two of said further coating layers comprise one or more fluoropolymer. The pre-primer base coat layer is substantially free of fluoropolymer, and comprises a heat resistant non-fluoropolymer polymer binder composition and inorganic filler particles, wherein greater than 50% of the inorganic filler particles are titanium dioxide, and wherein at least 10 weight % of said inorganic filler particles are large ceramic particles having an average particle size of at least 14 micrometers, and wherein some or all of the large ceramic particles extend from the pre-primer base coat layer at least into the next adjacent layer. The heat resistant non-fluoropolymer binder is preferably selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyamideimide (PAI), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and a mixture thereof.
US08642165B2
An organic-inorganic hybrid composition comprising a thermoplastic resin and inorganic fine particles, wherein the thermoplastic resin is a resin comprising a repeat unit in which a structure unit represented by the following formula (1) is contained in the main chain of the repeat unit: wherein R represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxy group, an aryloxy group or hydroxyl group; and A0 represents oxygen atom, sulfur atom or selenium atom.
US08642164B2
A porous composite substrate that includes reinforcement material disposed within a resin matrix. The resin matrix includes a first matrix region with a first density, and a second matrix region with a second density that is different than the first density. The first matrix region includes a plurality of pores that are formed by pore forming material.
US08642160B2
A cementitious board system which is reinforced on its opposed surfaces by an improved glass fiber mesh scrim with thicker yarn and larger mesh openings to provide a cementitious board with improved handling properties while retaining tensile strength and long term durability. The fabric is constructed as a mesh of high modulus strands of bundled glass fibers encapsulated by alkali and water resistant material, e.g. a thermoplastic material. The composite fabric also has suitable physical characteristics for embedment within the cement matrix of the panels or boards closely adjacent the opposed faces thereof. The fabric provides a board system with long-lasting, high strength tensile reinforcement and improved handling properties regardless of their spatial orientation during handling. Included as part of the invention are methods for making the reinforced board.
US08642156B2
A collapsible support article having a bi-directional corrugated structure is defined by folding along folds lines in an accordion style resulting in peak and valley rows with first and second connections points being defined along the folds lines to generate a second direction of the structure. The first connection points are connected at each peak or valley and each second connection point is connected to adjacent peak or valley rows to define the structural unit. The material used as well as spacing between connection points and the distance between the fold lines determine the strength of and the visibility through the structural unit. The structural unit may be used as a single unit for packing material, as a travel pillow or a plurality of joined structural units to define a sleep suit. Variations in the structural unit may result in a curved support article or a contoured support article.
US08642146B2
Provided are aqueous coating liquids that contain ultrafine inorganic compound particles with good dispersibility, and gas barrier laminates of excellent transparency and gas barrier properties that have a layer formed from the coating liquid. The coating liquid includes ultrafine inorganic compound particles, a polyester resin, a sodium polycarboxylate and water. The gas barrier laminate includes a substrate and a gas barrier layer formed on the substrate, wherein the gas barrier layer has a layer (A) formed from the coating liquid and a layer (B) containing a polycarboxylic acid polymer.
US08642142B2
Provided is an AM device containing a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large positive dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to and heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, and the AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth; wherein a liquid crystal display device contains a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy and containing a specific compound having a large positive dielectric anisotropy as a first component and a specific compound having a small viscosity as a second component.
US08642131B2
A deflecting air ring includes a plurality of deflecting air nozzles for discharging a deflecting air jet onto a spray jet of a vaporizer in order to shape the spray jet. The deflecting air nozzles are configured such that the deflecting air jet is substantially laminar within a first region, while the deflecting air nozzles also generate turbulence in a second region situated downstream of the first region of the deflecting air jet.
US08642127B2
According to the method of forming a titanium nitride film, first, an inside of a reaction pipe accommodating a semiconductor wafer is heated up to 200° C. to 350° C. by using a temperature increasing heater. Then, the titanium nitride film is formed on the semiconductor wafer by supplying a film forming gas including a titanium raw material into the reaction pipe. Methylcyclopentadienyl tris(dimethylamino)titanium that does not include a chlorine atom and includes titanium is used as the titanium raw material.
US08642123B1
Provided herein is a method for the synthesis and the integration of ZnO nanowires and nanocrystalline diamond as a novel hybrid material useful in next generation MEMS/NEMS devices. As diamond can provide a highly stable surface for applications in the harsh environments, realization of such hybrid structures may prove to be very fruitful. The ZnO nanowires on NCD were synthesized by thermal evaporation technique.
US08642118B2
The present invention can easily provide a method of manufacturing a pattern electrode with excellent electroconductivity and excellent transparency and a pattern electrode manufactured according to the method. The method of manufacturing a pattern electrode is characterized in that it comprises the steps of forming on a substrate an electroconductive layer containing metal nanowires, and carrying out pattern printing on the electroconductive layer employing a metal nanowire removing solution, followed by washing with water.
US08642115B2
A photovoltaic device with a low degradation rate and a high stability efficiency. In one aspect, the photovoltaic device includes: a substrate; a first electrode disposed on the substrate; at least one photoelectric transformation layer disposed on the first electrode, the photoelectric transformation layer including a light absorbing layer; and a second electrode disposed on the photoelectric transformation layer; and wherein the light absorbing layer included in at least the one photoelectric transformation layer includes a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer, each of which includes hydrogenated amorphous silicon based material and a crystalline silicon grain respectively.
US08642113B2
A method of manufacturing a stent includes applying a coating to the stent and changing an amount of the coating being applied to the stent by modifying the diameter of the stent.
US08642107B2
A method and formulation for drinking water with herbal hint, in particular for packaged drinking water with herbal hint, is provided. The formulation includes water, wherein the water satisfies the pre-specified standards of drinking water. Further, the formulation includes one or more herbal ingredients. Also, the formulation includes essential oil of Rosemary to stabilize the formulation and hence to increase its shelf life.
US08642104B2
A method of producing a confectionery product includes the steps of: a) depositing at least one confectionery mass by allowing it to flow into a mold, b) depositing at least one particulate material in and/or on the confectionery mass; and c) repeating at least step a) at least once.
US08642103B2
A process for the preparation of chewable honey without loss of its nutritional values and a honey chew bar obtained through such process, said chewable honey bar providing sustained energy to the consumer without loss of nutritional values and flavor of natural honey. During the process, an additional flavor may be added, comprising of additives, natural flavor, artificial flavor and nature identical flavor for example being selected of strawberry, vanilla, coffee, chocolate, rose, cloves or any other such flavor to the Honey.
US08642102B2
A solid thermoformed plastic tray (10) provided with a base (11), a plurality of sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) extending upwardly and slightly outwardly from said base (11), a primary flange (20) integrally joined to the upper edges of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15) and extending outwardly all around the upper periphery of the sidewalls (12, 13, 14, 15), a rim (21), i.e., a downward flap extending downwardly and tapering slightly outwardly from the outer periphery of the primary flange (20), and a secondary flange (22), i.e., an overhanging portion extending outwardly from the lower edge of the rim (21), said tray being characterized in that a plurality of strengthening ribs (23) extend substantially vertically along the rim (21) and outwardly with respect to the tray body. The trays (10) according to the present invention have an improved rigidity and improved resistance to deformation and bending, improvements that have been achieved without increasing the amount of plastic material used for the manufacture of the tray (10) but relying only on a specific geometry thereof.
US08642101B2
The object of the invention is a liquid packaging board (1), wherein the base board (3) is provided with at least one polymeric coating layer on both sides thereof to decrease the flavor scalping from a packaged liquid, such as citrus fruit juice. Inside the baseboard, there is a layer (6) of ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer either in a direct contact with the packaged liquid or coated with a thin layer of polyolefin. The invention also relates to a closed package for liquid food that is formed from the liquid packaging board (1) by folding and seaming, wherein the side that comes in contact with the food product, correspondingly, comprises an EMA layer and, possibly, a thin polyolefin layer on top of the same. The invention further comprises the use of EMA in decreasing the flavor scalping from the packaged liquid by the packaging material.
US08642100B2
The present invention relates in particular to a method to evaluate the quantity of methane produced by a dairy ruminant.It is notably characterized by the fact that it comprises determination of the ratio between the quantity of fatty acids with 16 carbon atoms or less, called FA
US08642099B2
The present invention relates to an improved multi-step method for preparing an extract from ginkgo biloba having a reduced content of 4′-O-methyl pyridoxine and/or biflavones, wherein the depletion is carried out by filtration over an adsorber resin and/or an ion exchanger and the substances to be removed are retained on the resin. The invention further relates to an extract from ginkgo biloba having a reduced content of 4′-O-methyl pyridoxine and/or biflavones, which is obtainable by the method according to the present invention, as well as to its use.
US08642098B2
The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one cell membrane fraction or parts thereof, for the reduction of lipolytic activity and/or to retard fat digestion, suppress appetite, body weight and/or lower blood lipids. The invention also relates to the use of said hydrophobic peptide in a pharmaceutical as well as a food composition and methods of treating a mammal with said composition.
US08642096B2
The present invention relates to a novel use of herbal extracts in a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of nephritis and, more particularly, to a pharmaceutical composition and a health functional food for prevention and/or treatment of nephritis that contains at least one herbal extract selected from the group consisting of a Crataegi Fructus extract, a Cinnamomi Cortex extract, a Prunella Spica extract, and an Equiseti Herba extract, a method for prevention and/or treatment of nephritis using the herbal extract, and a use of the herbal extract in preparation of a composition for prevention and/or treatment of nephritis. The herbal extract has a good therapeutic effect for nephritis on a nephritis model of which the nephritis is induced by a drug such as gentamicin, cisplatin, etc., and a good inhibitory activity on the growth of mesangial cells in kidneys, thereby providing a very useful means for prevention and/or treatment of nephritis.
US08642092B2
Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.
US08642081B2
The present invention relates to a nutriceutical and/or pharmaceutical composition for oral use containing a calcium-containing compound. The composition is in the form of tablets that are designed so that they have an acceptable taste and mouthfeel, whereby the tablets are chewable or suckable, and at the same time the tablets fulfill the requirements with respect to technical properties in order to ensure that the tablets can be dispensed by means of a dose-dispensing machine. In a preferred embodiment, the tablet comprises calcium carbonate and sorbitol with a mean particle size of 38 or 110 microns. In another embodiment, the tablets comprise calcium carbonate and Vitamin D as active ingredients.
US08642079B2
This invention relates to a solid drug formulation comprising granulates containing a therapeutically active compound of the formula (I) or a geometric isomer, a stereoisomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an ester thereof or a metabolite thereof, in combination with one or more intra-granular excipients.
US08642076B2
Compositions and methods useful in administering nucleic acid based therapies, for example association complexes such as liposomes and lipoplexes are described.
US08642073B2
Disclosed are novel methods for making cochleates and cochleate compositions that include introducing a cargo moiety to a liposome in the presence of a solvent. Also disclosed are cochleates and cochleate compositions that include an aggregation inhibitor, and optionally, a cargo moiety. Additionally, anhydrous cochleates that include a protonized cargo moiety, a divalent metal cation and a negatively charge lipid are disclosed. Methods of using the cochleate compositions of the invention, including methods of administration, are also disclosed.
US08642069B2
Viral upper respiratory tract infections, upper respiratory infections, and common colds can be effectively treated by the administration of a combination of a nasal steroid and a nasal antihistamine. By the administration of the combination of a nasal steroid and a nasal antihistamine with the onset of cold symptoms, the histamine cascade and the inflammatory response are impeded or eliminated, reducing the severity, duration, or frequency of the onset of cold symptoms. The combination of a nasal steroid and a nasal antihistamine may be, for example, a physical mixture of the steroid and antihistamine, or it may effectively be a combination wherein the patient is administered one component (either the steroid or the antihistamine) followed by the other, without physical mixing beforehand.
US08642067B2
Anti-angiogenesis compositions, and methods of using such compositions, useful for injection into the vitreous of human eyes are provided. Such compositions can include TKI component solutions or particles present in a therapeutically effective amount, a viscosity inducing component, and an aqueous carrier component. The compositions have viscosities at about 25° C. of at least about 10 cps or about 100 cps at a shear rate of 0.1/second. In a preferred embodiment, the viscosity at 25° C. is in the range of from about 80,000 cps to about 300,000 cps.
US08642065B2
The present disclosure describes an implant for improving bone growth including an osteoconductive scaffold and an osteoinductive small molecule. The osteoconductive scaffold can further include a polymeric binder. The implant can also include an osteogenic material to provide a viable cell population to assist the bone repair and remodeling. Also disclosed is a system for forming an implant for improving bone growth, as well as methods for forming the implant according to the disclosure, in addition to methods of therapeutic use of the implant.
US08642064B2
A method of producing a self-hardening, bioabsorbable composite material, the material produced and its areas of application are described. The method is based on the principal method steps (I) immobilisation of a polymerisation initiator in a microporous pore system of a first partial amount of a bioabsorbable calcium phosphate used in producing the self-hardening, bioabsorbable composite material, (II) immobilisation of a polymerisation activator in the microporous pore system of a second partial amount of the bioabsorbable calcium phosphate used in producing the self-hardening, bioabsorbable composite material and (III) homogeneous mixing of the components according to (I) and (II) with a liquid or paste-form, multi-functional monomer capable of forming a biocompatible, bioabsorbable polymer network or a corresponding monomer mixture and, optionally, with further constituents which modify the properties of the monomer or monomer mixture. The described self-hardening, bioabsorbable composite materials can be used as bone adhesives for the fixing of bone fractures, as shaped pieces of standardised dimensions and as implants that are individual to a patient in the context of regenerative bone healing in humans and animals.
US08642063B2
A coated medical device, such as a stent, that elutes a taxane agent in a controlled manner is provided. In one embodiment, the taxane agent is paclitaxel and at least a portion of the paclitaxel is present in a dihydrate solid form. The medical device may be coated with a layer including a taxane agent and a layer of bioabsorbable elastomer over the layer including the taxane agent. Methods of manufacturing and using the coated medical device are also provided.
US08642058B2
The present application is directed to a novel composition which acts as a barrier to noxious agents while adding self-detoxifying catalytic treatments to neutralize the noxious and harmful warfare agents when applied for example on a fabric, or other solid support.
US08642055B2
Emulsion concentrates comprising at least one alkyl and/or alkenyl oligoglycoside having 6 to 22 carbon atoms in the alk(en)yl radical, polyglycerol esters, at least one polyol, at least one glyceride having a melting point greater than or equal to 20° C., at least one oil component liquid at 20° C. and with a polarity of more than 30-40 mN/m and at least one oil component liquid at 20° C. and with a polarity of 5-30 mN/m are described. Methods of making and using such emulsion concentrates are also described. Articles employing the emulsion concentrates are also described.
US08642052B2
The present invention provides a ceramide dispersion which includes (1) ceramide-containing particles which contains a ceramide, which are dispersed in an aqueous phase as an oil-phase component, and which have a volume average particle diameter from 1 nm to 100 nm; and (2) a fatty acid component which is at least one of a fatty acid having a melting temperature not higher than 30° C. or a fatty acid salt; the amount of nonionic surfactant being 0 or not more than 0.1 times the total mass of the ceramide; the amount of an ionic surfactant other than the fatty acid component being 0 or less than 0.05 times the total mass of the ceramide; and the pH being from 6 to 8.
US08642045B2
It is intended to provide a virus vector by which an exogenous nucleotide sequence can be inserted and easily transferred into a mammalian host cell and a gene encoded by the exogenous nucleotide sequence can be expressed in the host cell, and which has a low risk of pathogenicity and is appropriately usable in gene therapy of mammals. Namely, a recombinant vector originating in HHV-6 which has an exogenous nucleotide sequence in a portion corresponding to at least one region selected from the group consisting of U2, U3, U4, U5, U6, U7, U8, U24, and U25 regions of HHV-6; or a recombinant vector originating in HHV-7 which has an exogenous nucleotide sequence in a portion corresponding to at least one region selected from the group consisting of U2, U3, U4, U7, U8, U24, U24a, and U25 regions of HHV-7.
US08642039B2
This invention provides methods of treating patients having a Staphylococcus infection where the patient also has a low level of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The methods comprise administering an antagonist of the Pseudomonas Type III Secretion System, e.g., an anti-PcrV antibody antagonist.
US08642034B2
The disclosure relates to methods of treating an infant at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia, including premature infants, by administering a TGF-β antagonist during the perinatal period, including the prenatal period and/or the postnatal period. For administration during the prenatal period, the TGF-β antagonist can be administered either directly to the infant in utero, or indirectly by administration to the mother.
US08642030B2
The invention describes compositions, including soft gelatin capsules, that include dihydrolipoic acid and the reduced form of coenzyme Qn wherein the dihydrolipoic acid acts as a reducing agent for the coenzyme Qn and also, optionally, as a solvent.
US08642027B2
The invention is directed to methods of modulating ischemic injury in tissues and organs. The invention is further directed to methods of increasing time to ischemic injury in tissues and organs. Such methods utilize compositions comprising cells capable of modulating inflammatory responses, referred to herein as Inflammatory Response Modulating Cells (IRMCs). The IRMCs any be used directly or cell membranes derived from them may be used in practicing the methods of the invention. In addition, the IRMCs and IRMC membranes may be used alone or in combination with each other and/or in combination with various suitable active agents.
US08642026B2
Methods and compositions for contributing to the treatment of cancers, especially ovarian tumors, are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery and resulting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent(s) (e.g., cisplatin and/or cyclophosphamide).
US08642008B2
To provide a molecular probe for imaging of pancreatic islets. A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe includes any one of the following polypeptides: polypeptides represented by the following formulae (1), (5), and (9); and polypeptides having homology with the foregoing polypeptides: Z-DLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (1) Z-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (5) B-DLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2 (9) where X in the formulae (1) and (5) and B- in the formula (9) indicate that an amino group is labeled with a group represented by the formula (I) below having an aromatic ring, wherein A represents either an aromatic hydrocarbon group or an aromatic heterocyclic group, R1 represents a substituent that contains radioactive iodine, R2 represents either a hydrogen atom or a substituent different from that represented by R1, and R3 represents any one of a bond, a methylene group, and an oxymethylene group.
US08642004B2
Using the process described in the present invention, a gas is produced that is rich in methane and hydrogen and has a content of olefins below 1% v/v, which fully meets the necessary requirements for raw materials used for large-scale production of hydrogen or synthesis gas, in steam reforming units that already exist in a great many oil refineries and petrochemical units. Starting from ethanol, steam, nickel-based catalysts and the use of appropriate conditions of temperature, and H2O/ethanol and H2/ethanol molar ratios, the invention teaches the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas from biomass, stably for long periods without loss of catalyst performance over time, permitting its industrial application in new units or in existing units. As a solution for the production of ethanol, the present invention claims the replacement of the ZnO-based and hydrofining catalysts of the feed pre-treatment section, with nickel-based catalysts and process conditions in accordance with the present invention.
US08641987B2
A sample chamber array is provided. The sample chamber array may comprise at least one reservoir in fluid communication with at least one sample chamber, and a movable portion defining the sample chamber. The reservoir is fillable with a liquid biological sample. The movable portion may be movable with respect to the remainder of the sample chamber from a first position to a second position. In the first position the movable portion is concave and the sample chamber is without biological sample. In the second position the movable portion is convex and the sample chamber comprises biological sample. The movement of the movable portion to the second position causes a pressure drop to transport the biological sample into the sample chamber from the at least one reservoir. Methods for processing a biological sample and methods of making a sample chamber array are also provided.
US08641986B2
Assay modules, preferably assay cartridges, are described as are reader apparatuses which may be used to control aspects of module operation. The modules preferably comprise a detection chamber with integrated electrodes that may be used for carrying out electrode induced luminescence measurements. Methods are described for immobilizing assay reagents in a controlled fashion on these electrodes and other surfaces. Assay modules and cartridges are also described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain preferred embodiments, these modules are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick.
US08641983B2
A cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a mount member configured for extending along a dimension of an article to be cleaned and maintaining a predetermined distance from an apparatus facing surface of the article to be cleaned. A first engaging member is carried on a first end of the mount member and a second engaging member carried on a second end of the mount member. The first and second engaging members cooperate for engagement about the article to be cleaned. A casing is carried by the mount member and is configured for slideable translation about the mount member along the dimension of the article. The casing also defines an article sanitizing portion on an article facing portion thereof. The article sanitizing portion includes at least one sanitizing device for sanitizing the article to be cleaned.
US08641981B2
A device for the disinfection, sterilization and/or maintenance of medical, in particular dental instruments. The device is optimized in various areas, facilitating the fully automatic, reliable and reproducible preparation of dental instruments.
US08641980B2
Fluffy powders, such as calcined kaolin clays or air floated clays, can be compacted using a process which comprises applying increasing amounts of pressure to a powder moving through a confinement area. The compacted product has an improved bulk density and improved wet out and slurry incorporation times as compared to the non-compacted starting material feed.
US08641975B2
A sensing device able to do concurrent real time detection of different kinds of chemical, biomolecule agents, or biological cells and their respective concentrations using optical principles. The sensing system can be produced at a low cost (below $1.00) and in a small size (˜1 cm3). The novel sensing system may be of great value to many industries, for example, medical, forensics, and military. The fundamental principles of this novel invention may be implemented in many variations and combinations of techniques.
US08641970B2
A clinical test apparatus employing a mobile robot is provided. The clinical test apparatus includes a stage unit, a test station provided in the stage unit and configured to perform a clinical test, a mobile robot configured to move on a top surface of the stage unit and to transfer a plate on which samples and reagents are loaded to the test station, and a docking unit disposed in the stage unit and configured to reset a position of the mobile robot. A variety of test stations for a clinical test can be integrated, and multiple tests can be performed at the same time through a plurality of mobile robots.
US08641969B2
The present invention is to present a sample testing apparatus comprising: a transport unit for transporting a sample container through a first position and a second position; a testing unit for performing a test on the sample in the sample container transported to the first position; a determination result obtainer for obtaining one of a first determination result indicating that a second test is required and a second determination result indicating that the second test is not required; and a transport controller for controlling the transport unit so as to transport the sample container back to the first position, if the first determination result has been obtained, wherein the sample container is not transported beyond the second position from the first position side before any one of the first and the second determination result has been obtained.
US08641961B2
A method of manufacturing building bricks provides for mixing quartz sand, which can be barkhan bare sand, with clay and starch. NaOH and water, which can be technical water or sea water, are added to the mixture which is then subjected to semidry shaping and baking. The resulting light weight bricks produced in a simple and economical way possess low thermal conductivity, are heat- and frost proof, chemical-resistant, and biorefractory.
US08641953B2
A method and apparatus for making a lined waterproof footwear product, and footwear product formed there from, are provided. A last, having an exterior surface configured to correspond to the size and shape of the interior surface of the footwear product, is covered with a microcellular lining material. An injection mold comprises shells having a pre-determined configuration to cooperate with the exterior surface of the lining covered last to form: (i) a pre-injection cavity between the shells and the lining covered last when in position in the mold for injection molding; and, (ii) an injection cavity, defining the configuration of the footwear product, between the shells and the lining covered last when injection material is being injected into the injection cavity whereby the injection pressure causes the microcellular lining material to reconfigure the pre-injection cavity.
US08641948B2
A process for preparing solid dispersions of highly crystalline compounds. The highly crystalline or thermally labile therapeutic compounds are processed in an extruder in combination with a solubilizing agent and optionally a plasticizer. The resulting extrudate features the therapeutic compound in an amorphous state. Particularly useful as the solubilizing agents are surfactants such as poloxamers.
US08641946B2
The invention provides apparatus for producing an extrudate product including a plurality of capillary channel. The apparatus comprises an extruder having an inlet, a die including an orifice having a predetermined outer shape and a plurality of needles each having a body including an internal conduit for fluid flow. Each needle further comprises an outlet from the internal conduit at an outlet end. The outlet end of each needle is arranged in a predetermined pattern substantially within the orifice of the die and the conduit of each needle is fluidly connected to a fluid source. In use extrudable material is fed into the extruder through the inlet. The extruder forces the extrudable material around the bodies of the needles towards the die and through the orifice in the die to produce an extrudate having substantially the predetermined outer shape. The needles allow fluid to be drawn from the fluid source through the conduit to be entrained in the extrudate product to form capillaries such that the extrudate product includes capillaries therealong in the predetermined pattern. Other aspects of the invention provide a method for producing an extrudate product including a plurality of capillary channels and an extrudate product having a plurality of capillary bores.
US08641942B2
Laser scanning systems and methods are disclosed herein that can provide quick and efficient measurement of extruded ceramic logs, particularly related to log shape, during manufacture. Two two-dimensional laser scans from respective laser scanners are performed and the resulting laser scan data is combined to form a three-dimensional surface shape measurement of the ceramic log. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable a non-contact measurement of the extruded ceramic log, which reduces the risk of physically damaging the log. The measurement results can be used to adjust the extrusion process of the extruder that forms the extruded ceramic logs.
