US07640830B2

A locking adjustment turret for rifle scopes includes a stationary portion mounted on an outer tube of the scope, a rotating adjustment portion supported in the stationary portion and including an adjustment knob such that rotation of the knob results in axial motion of a shaft toward and away from an inner tube of the scope, and a locking mechanism on the rotating adjustment portion that locks the shaft in a desired position. The locking mechanism includes a pin that engages a detent mechanism in the rotating adjustment portion, preventing rotation of the rotating adjustment portion. The locking mechanism is operated with a lock knob that sits atop the adjustment knob and is accommodated by a recess in the top of the adjustment knob.
US07640825B2

A tension compensation assembly for a mechanical control cable. The tension compensation device has a housing with opposing ends. First and second sections of the control cable pass through but are attached at each end of the housing such that the sheaths of each section are coupled to the housing and reciprocable cable coaxially disposed in each control cable section extend into the housing. The cables are attached to opposing ends of a reciprocably disposed capsule or spring caps generally enclosing a spring. In operation, the capsule moves slidably within the housing over a predetermined travel and tension for the cables. However, if an over-tension condition is experienced, the capsule may bottom out at an end of the housing and the spring will either compress or extend, depending upon its design, thus allowing the effective length of the control cable assembly to increase, thus preventing the stretching or breaking of the cables or damage to cable end fittings.
US07640824B2

An adjustable steering column assembly of a vehicle has a central lock device for selectably locking an adjustable steering housing and co-extending steering shaft to a stationary bracket or chassis. For driver convenience and comfort, the steering housing and shaft are together adjustable with respect to the bracket. The lock device has a roller actuator preferably having inner outer members with a lever supported operably in between by a guide feature for movement along a first centerline substantially parallel to the steering shaft. Preferably, cam couplers are located between the outer member and the lever and the inner member and the lever for converting movement of the lever along the centerline to longitudinal movement of a carrier that traverses the centerline.
US07640814B2

A magnetometer for a force sensor assembly includes first inner and outer coils that are spaced axially apart from second inner and outer coils. Between the inner and outer coils is a plurality of magnetic strips. These magnetic strips are disposed at axially distinct portions within the inner and outer coils to detect magnetic field asymmetry. A drive circuit is connected to the inner coils and the outer coils generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetometer of this invention creates an artificially enhanced demagnetization field reducing hysteresis within the sensor assembly.
US07640812B2

A cap is provided on a diaphragm, and a first end of a flexible board is connected to the cap. A cover is attached to the cap. The cover directs a second end of the flexible board in a direction away from the diaphragm held by a joint so that the flexible board is supported while being curved. Since the flexible board is not locally bent at an acute angle, a crack is not generated on a copper pattern provided on the flexible board.
US07640808B2

A method of manufacturing an assembly including a strip inserted between two substrates, the strip being formed from at least one damping material, includes providing the two substrates; providing the strip; evaluating equivalent real stiffness per unit length K′eq of the strip and of the equivalent loss factor tan δeq; and manufacturing the assembly by inserting a strip having an equivalent real stiffness per unit length of at least equal to 25 MPa and the equivalent loss factor of at least 0.25 between the two substrates.
US07640804B2

An activity measuring device (1) is used for recording the activity of a test subject, where the device (1) is attachable so as to be carried on the body of the test subject. According to the invention it is planned that the activity measuring device is located on a buckle (2) of a belt (3) which can be fitted to the body of the test subject, and that it has acceleration sensors (10, 10′) for detection of acceleration in all three spatial directions at right angles to each other. Furthermore, the activity measuring device (1) telemeters the recorded measurement data via a radio link to a central server (7), by virtue of the fact that the measurement data recorded by the activity measuring device (1) can be transmitted by means of a connecting cable (5) to a mobile telephone (4) via a device interface of the mobile telephone (4), which is arranged so as to be carried on the belt, and can be sent from there to the external server (7) via a radio link.
US07640797B2

This invention relates to a method and system for increasing safety in chemical application from an aircraft. Wind speed, wind direction and other critical flight parameters are measured, calculated, recorded, and visually or audibly announced during the aircraft flight via onboard equipment, which parameters provide a means for the aircraft pilot to control chemical spray application and for unassisted automatic chemical spray cutoff and for limiting spray application outside an application zone or target area. Such parameters also provide a means for indicating the lift reserve of the aircraft and a means for determining atmospheric stability near the ground and providing the pilot with a record of the meteorological conditions at a particular location. The method and system of the present invention also provide a means for predicting appropriate aircraft upwind offset distance to compensate for predicted chemical spray drift.
US07640796B2

The invention relates to closed-circuit tunnels used for aerodynamic researches, sportsmen-parachutists training and other purposes. The inventive closed-circuit tunnel comprises a confuser, a working area, a diffuser, one or several return channels, a blower unit and turning bends having different flow deflection angle, wherein the bend having the smaller flow deflection angle is placed in a high-speed flow cross-section, whereas the bend having the greater flow deflection angle is arranged in a low flow speed cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, the tunnel comprises a first turning bend containing one turning gut for turning the airflow at 60 degrees, a second turning bend containing two turning guts for turning the airflow at 120 degrees, and a third turning bend containing three turning guts for turning the airflow at 180 degrees. The invention makes it possible to reduce air pressure losses, the drive power and a specific amount of metal per structure.
US07640790B2

For operating a hydrogen test leak unit including a chamber defined by a membrane, a test gas mixture of hydrogen and an added gas is used. The added gas has a permeation coefficient relative to the material of the membrane ranging between 50% and 200% of that of hydrogen. In this manner, demixing of the test gas mixture is limited and significant concentration variations in the chamber are prevented. Preferably, helium is used as added gas.
US07640787B2

Pipettes, widely used in clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories to transfer small volumes of liquid, may be subject to hidden performance degradation and operator error. Pipette performance cannot be accepted without monitoring. The present disclosure concerns a verification device for a pipette with a piston for aspirating then dispensing, using a shaft, a determined volume of liquid. This device may include: a first assembly for supplying a displaced volume measurement, comparing this measurement to a desired value and generating an indication of the difference between the measured volume and the desired value; and a second assembly, responding to the first assembly, for delivering information relating to the indication.
US07640785B2

A device for test running of power nut runners comprises a main body (10;50) with a nut (11;54), a screw (12;52) with a nut runner engaging head (13;55), a clamping element (14;56) co-operating with the screw (12;52), and spring unit (17;59) to be clamped between the clamping element (14;56) and the main body (10;50) to generate a torque resistance on the screw (12;52), wherein a one-way clutch (24;64) is provided between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) at rotation of the screw (12;52) in the tightening direction and to permit rotation of the nut (11) when rotating the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction, a friction clutch (30;72,73) between the nut (11;54) and the main body (10;50) is arranged to prevent rotation of the nut (11;54) during loosening of the screw (12;52), and a lock element (34;70) secured to the screw (12;52) is arranged to rotationally lock the screw (12:52) to the nut (11;54) at continued rotation of the screw (12;52) in the loosening direction.
US07640783B2

A portable, calibratible gas detector includes a multi-position gas inflow limiting orifice. When this orifice is in a calibrating position, a source of calibrating gas can be activated to provide a quantity of gas that diffuses into ambient atmosphere flowing through the orifice. The calibration gas can then be sensed.
US07640780B2

A compression tool including a ram; a drive system, a battery and a user selectable retraction control. The drive system is connected to the ram to extend the ram and allow retraction of the ram. The battery is connected to the drive system to at least partially power the drive system. The user selectable retraction control is connected to the drive system. The user selectable retraction control includes a plurality of ram retraction settings which are adapted to be selected by a user to at least partially control respective different retraction stopping locations of the ram.
US07640775B2

A sheet of material formed for folding into a three-dimensional structure. The sheet has edges formed with joinder structures, such as dovetails, and a plurality of folding structures, such as slits, grooves or displacements, that control folding of the sheet in a manner causing the joinder structures to be folded into interlocking interengagement. The folding structures are configured for very precise folding of the sheet so that the folding structures will be in precise registered juxtaposition. Additionally, the sheet of material includes a retention structure, such as a retention fold or a retention deformation, which will prevent unfolding of the sheet. A method for fastener-free joining of sheet edges together also is disclosed, as are the resulting three-dimensional structures.
US07640773B2

According to one exemplary embodiment, a portion of a lock may include a stationary member having a bore, where the stationary member can be mountable to an object. The portion of the lock can also include a movable member positioned at least partially within the bore and movable relative to the bore in an unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation. A deformable portion can be positioned adjacent an interface between the stationary member and the movable member. The deformable portion permits the movable member to move in the unlocking direction during a normal unlocking operation and is deformable to prevent movement of the movable member relative to the stationary member when subjected to excessive force applied in an attempt to move the movable member in the unlocking direction in other than a normal unlocking operation.
US07640771B2

A suds container for a washing machine includes a cylindrical vessel surrounding a drum of the washing machine, the cylindrical vessel including a cylindrical wall and a front wall. A metallic hub for a drive shaft for the drum is integrated into a plastic compound of the front wall. Reinforcing plastic fiber strands are integrated into the plastic compound. The fiber strands extend from the hub outward toward the outer circumference of the front wall.
US07640770B2

In one embodiment of the present application, a knitting method is disclosed for a knitting fabric capable of eliminating the need of stitch transfer during knitting and easily knitting even a thick and less stretchable knitting fabric. Three types of stitching including knits marked with “O,” tacks marked with “V,” and missings marked with “-” are knitted repeatedly in a course direction and a wale direction. The thickness of the clothing fabric of a knitted product is 1.5 times that by plain knitting or thicker which is equal to a thickness obtained by rib knitting. The elongation of the knitted product in the course direction is approximately 1.5 times that by the other methods which is approximately half an elongation obtained by plain knitting which is approximately three times that by the other methods. The elongation of the knitted product in the wale direction is approximately 1.7 to 1.8 times that obtained by the other methods which is equal to an elongation obtained by plain knitting. Since the three types of stitches including the knits, tacks, and missings may be repeatedly knitted in each course for knitting the knitting fabric, the stitch transfer is not required during the knitting, and the thick and laterally less stretchable knitting fabric can be easily knitted.
US07640768B2

A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.
US07640759B2

An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.
US07640752B2

Device for guiding an element in an orifice in a wall of a turbomachine combustion chamber, including a ring and a bush, the ring being traversed axially by the element and including an external annular rim guided transversely in an internal annular channel of the bush, the ring and the bush delimiting around the element a cylindrical annular passage opening into the chamber, air circulation being provided in the ring and/or in the bush and distributed about their axis so as to establish an air circulation in the cylindrical passage from the outside of the combustion chamber toward the inside.
US07640747B2

A method for providing the interaction of the working medium with the heat energy source and also the interaction of the working medium with the additional low-temperature energy source, wherein the positron state of the Dirac's matter is used as said additional low-temperature energy source, and the interaction of the working medium with the additional low-temperature energy source is performed by bringing the working medium into the quantum-mechanical resonance with said state of matter. That is, in order to convert the heat energy into useful work, the capabilities of the quantum-mechanical resonances of the system ‘working medium—additional low-temperature energy source’ are used, i.e. in this case capabilities of the system ‘working medium—positron state of the Dirac's matter’ are used.
US07640735B2

An auxiliary pump assembly for a hydrostatic transmission that operates at a reduced pressure when the auxiliary circuit is not in use, and operates at an increased pressure when the auxiliary circuit is in use, thereby reducing the heat generated by the auxiliary pump. The auxiliary pump assembly can be used to supply low pressure makeup flow to a closed loop of a hydrostatic transmission. A combination valve including a bypass valve and a relief valve is also provided.
US07640733B2

A structural part, especially a shielding component, has structural parts (10, 12, 14, 16) at least in part differently configured with respect to their surface extent and/or the directional pattern. At least one structural part (10) of a first type is provided with a curvature at least partially increasing in the direction of at least one edge area (20). Structural parts (12) of a second type at least in part follow the curvature (18) of the first structural part. In each curved edge area (20), at least one structural part (14) of a third type is provided, according to the position in which the structural parts (12) of the second type are oriented and extend continuously at least in the area of the change in the curvature toward the edge area (20) along the first structural part (10). The edge area is strengthened by an additional structural part which, in addition to low-vibration behavior, leads to a clear reduction of acoustic propagation of noisy engine components.
US07640732B2

A highly porous ceramic filter consisting essentially of bonded ceramic fibers forms a part of an exhaust filtration system for a gasoline two-stroke engine. The porosity of the substrate permits accumulation of particulate constituents of the exhaust stream without detracting from the engine performance due to backpressure. Embodiments of the porous ceramic filter are disposed with a catalyst to facilitate reduction of gaseous and particulate byproducts of combustion from the two-stroke engine, so that emission of harmful pollutants is minimized.
US07640727B2

A combustion control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes an exhaust purifier in an exhaust passage, and a combustion controlling actuator such as a fuel injector to cause main combustion, and to cause preliminary combustion prior to the main combustion. A controller controls fuel injection to produce the preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, and controls fuel injection to start the main combustion after an end of the preliminary combustion.
US07640725B2

A method and system for controlling combustion in a gas turbine combustor (18) includes adjusting an amount of a premix fuel portion (30) of a pilot fuel (28) provided to a premix burner stage (48) of a pilot (46) of the gas turbine combustor. The amount of the premix fuel portion is adjusted from a preset premix fuel portion amount to an adjusted premix fuel portion amount to achieve a desired first operating condition of the combustor. An amount of a diffusion fuel portion (34) of the pilot fuel provided to a diffusion burner stage (50) of the pilot is then adjusted from a preset diffusion fuel portion amount to an adjusted diffusion fuel portion amount to achieve a desired second operating condition of the combustor.
US07640722B2

A cable protection and guide device is disclosed in which connection strength of the side plate portions is improved. The strength of connecting portions is improved and large scale assembly of the device is possible. Side plate portions (110) each have a link module (120) with integrally molded side plates (122) of a predetermined number interconnected by coupling portions (124). Each coupling portion includes flexible coupling arms (126) extended from the coupling portions (124). Stopper links (130) each being engaged between the adjacent side plates from a cable accommodating space side and are assembled to the coupling portion by a snap-fit mechanism. The link module has a male connecting plate (127) and a female connecting plate (128), which are respectively connected to link modules, which are reside at respective ends of the male connecting plate and the female connecting plate. The male connecting plate and the female connecting plate are each formed in the same outer shape as that of the side plate when connected to a female connecting plate and a male connecting plate of the adjacent link module.
US07640718B2

An attachment for agricultural harvesting machines for cutting, picking up and further conveying of stalk-like goods that flow into an intake gap of an intake housing of the harvesting machine for further processing, having in each case at least two cutting and conveying elements, which are spaced apart on both sides of a vertical longitudinal center plane and are driven rotationally about vertical axes, wherein the rotational direction of at least one cutting and conveying element can be changed independently of the other cutting and conveying elements of the attachment.
US07640714B2

Methods of packaging a medical device to orient at least a portion of the medical device and a medical device packaging assembly are provided. A method includes providing an elongate holder having a lumen extending through at least a portion of the holder and providing the medical device including an elongate shaft where the shaft includes a first cross-sectional area having a rotational orientation and a second cross-sectional area having a second rotational orientation. The method further includes aligning the first and second areas so that the first and second rotational orientations are aligned along a longitudinal region of the shaft and inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the lumen of the holder Radial rotation of the first area with respect to the second area is substantially prevented.
US07640713B2

Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.
US07640712B1

The invention is a window glazing assembly having a series of segmented and non-segmented intersecting muntins for supporting glass panes. The non-segmented muntins incorporate a continuous carbon fiber insert that is disposed interior of the non-segmented muntin which rests directly against a perimeter edge of the glass panes. The glazing assembly safely disperses wind load or other forces acting against the glass panes.
US07640710B1

A replacement ventilation cover and its method of installation in place of an old damaged ventilation cover. The replacement ventilation cover has a peripheral frame and an air permeable structure contained within the interior of the peripheral frame. Guides are prefabricated in the peripheral frame. The Guides hold nails or screws at acute angles relative to the plane of the opening being covered. To utilize the replacement ventilation cover, a central portion of the damaged ventilation cover is removed. This creates an opening without having to remove the nailing flange of the damaged ventilation cover. Consequently, the siding and trim around the vent opening does not have to be disturbed. The replacement ventilation cover is inserted into the remnants of the damaged ventilation cover. Nails or screws are then driven through the guides and into the construction under the old ventilation cover.
US07640706B2

The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly includes a molding having a foot, a first arm, and a second arm. The foot is positioned along a longitudinal axis, and the first arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. The second arm extends generally perpendicularly from the foot. A tab depends generally perpendicularly from the first panel engaging surface. At least one of the tab and the foot engage the edge in order to tightly fit within the gap. The method includes the steps of placing the foot in the gap, pressing the respective panel engaging surfaces into contact with respective panels, and configuring at least one of the tab and the foot to cooperate to retain the molding in the gap when the assembly is in an installed condition.
US07640701B2

A deflection clip for erection of partitions in office space and commercial use is disclosed. A deflection clip in accordance with the present invention has a flat base with a left and right clasp that are substantially parallel to the base. The right and left clasps are used to secure the deflection clip to a leg of an open channel track attached to the floor and ceiling. The left and right clasp each have a left and right stud extension tab extending substantially perpendicular from an inside edge of the left and right clasps. The left and right stud extension tabs are used to secure a stud in relation to the open channel track, allowing the ceiling and floor to deflect relative to each other without transferring load to the stud.
US07640695B2

A planter box for transplanting or removing trees, shrubs, or plant material. The planter box includes four corner members and a first and second channel arranged on each corner member. The box has a plurality of wall members arranged within the channels. A plurality of fastening members are arranged between the corner members.
US07640693B2

The Snake Fence (1), especially for catching snakes. The netting is attached to upright staking material (2) which is hammered into the ground. The netting follows the staking material and is attached to the staking material (3) and then secured to the ground by fasteners (4). It is the single, double, or multiple layering of netting that catches the snakes and holds the snakes. The snakes cannot extricate themselves from the netting. The netting is proportional in size to the snake being caught; the staking material is proportional in size to the netting; the fasteners are proportional in size to the staking material.
US07640689B2

A hand guard system for use with a firearm is described. A holding unit for releasably coupling the hand guard system to a firearm includes a coupling element having an opening, a flange, and at least one coupling portion. The flange and the coupling portion form the opening so that the coupling element is slidably removable about the barrel of the firearm, and an inner surface of the coupling portion engages an outer surface of the barrel nut. The holding unit further includes a sleeve operatively coupled to the coupling element having an inner surface defining an opening so that the sleeve is slidably removable about the barrel of the firearm and the inner surface forms a shoulder and defines a groove distally located from the shoulder and sized to receive a snap ring. The snap ring retains the sleeve to the coupling element such that the shoulder and snap ring are located on opposite sides of the flange of the coupling element. The holding unit further includes a biasing member disposed between the flange and the shoulder of the sleeve to bias the sleeve away from the flange along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. The biasing member enables the sleeve to move between a first position and a second position relative to the coupling element.
US07640681B2

An electric massage shoe assembly includes a shoe with a conductive unit received therein which has a receptacle, a first wire and at least one conductive rod which extends through an insole unit and is in contact with wearer's foot. A frequency current generating unit is electrically connected to the receptacle of the conductive unit so as to transfer frequency current to the wearer's foot and stimulate the wearer's foot.
US07640678B2

Provided is a laundry dryer. The laundry dryer includes a drying drum for inserting laundry in, a base, and a cabinet enclosing the drying drum and the base. The base includes an outside air intake port that suctions indoor air, an air passage for moist air from the drying drum to pass through, and an impurity descending slot recessed a predetermined depth at a front of the outside air intake port for impurities to fall into.
US07640674B2

An articulated arm portable coordinate measurement machine (PCMM) can be calibrated or recalibrated using a coordinate measurement machine (CMM). In one method for PCMM calibration, the CMM can be moved to one position, and the PCMM moved to a contact position where a probe head of the PCMM contacts a probe head of the PCMM. The PCMM and the CMM can be operatively coupled, for example, by a synchronizing cable such that position data from the PCMM and the CMM can be obtained at the contact position. The PCMM can be repositioned one or more times to obtain position data at multiple PCMM positions. The CMM can be repositioned as desired and additional contact position data sets obtained by subsequent positioning and repositioning of the PCMM. Various probe head types such as touch trigger probes, hard probes, and contact probes can be used in the calibration systems and methods.
US07640672B2

The laser reference tool of the invention consists of a base that can be releasably mounted to a surface. A housing is mounted on the base such that it can be repositioned relative to the base in a direction parallel to the surface. A turret carrying the laser module is rotatable about first and second orthogonal axes. The laser module is also rotatable relative to the turret about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes.
US07640651B2

Embodiments of the invention provide fabrication processes for the co-fabrication of microprobe arrays along with one or more space transformers wherein the fabrication processes include the forming and adhering of a plurality of layers to previously formed layers and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of layers are formed from at least one structural material and at least one sacrificial material that is at least in part released from the plurality of layers after formation and wherein the space transformer includes a plurality of interconnect elements that connect one side to the array of probes that has a first spacing to another side that has a second spacing where the second spacing is greater than the first spacing. In some embodiments, the fabrication process includes a plurality of electrodeposition operations.
US07640649B2

A method which enables easy removal of a magnetic head slider soldered to a suspension and easy reuse of the removed parts. In the method for removing the magnetic head slider, heat is applied to a suspension to which at least a part of the magnetic head slider is joined by solder so as to remove the magnetic head slider from the suspension. The heating is locally applied to the junction area of the magnetic head slider and the suspension, which is joined by the solder.
US07640644B2

A method for manufacturing an exhaust gas treatment component having at least one structured piece of sheet metal, includes shaping the at least one piece of sheet metal with at least one fluid stream. A device for producing a structured piece of sheet metal is also provided.
US07640642B2

To provide a machine tool of which the operation rate can be increased by reducing time for suspending an operation for machining an object to be machined during the object-machining operation using the machine tool. A jig includes at least a first jig (5) disposed in a casing (2) and a second jig (14) by which an object (8) is detachably held. The jigger has attaching/detaching structure (17) for detachably mounting the second jig (14) onto the first jig (5). The second jig (14) is provided with grip parts (32) for gripping the second jig (14) during its movement. The casing (2) is provided with an opening (S) for taking in and out the second jig (14) relatively to the position where the object is to be machined from the outside of the casing (2), and guide passages (18), (22) for guiding generally horizontal movement of the second jigs (14) are provided at least between the above-said position and the opening (S) so that the second jig (14) gripped by the grip parts (32) can be moved along the guide passages (18), (22).
US07640640B1

A shoelace containment device for securing shoelaces after tying on a sports shoe. A flexible body member defines a lace retainment pocket with a closure flap thereover. Multiple shoe engagement straps adjustably secure the retainment pocket over the lace portion of a sports shoe.
US07640632B2

An article for holding currency and credit cards is disclosed which comprises (a) a first length of substantially non-stretchable material having a first end and a second end configured to form a closed flat loop when the first end is retained on or near the second end, a lumen in the first length, a flat length of bendable metal within the lumen in the first length which allows the closed flat loop to retain a desired shape, the closed flat loop having a length which is slightly longer than half the length of U.S. currency; (b) a second length of substantially non-stretchable material having a middle, a first end, a second end, and a lumen, the first end and the second end secured to the first length of substantially non-stretchable material, thereby forming a second flat loop slightly wider than the width of U.S. currency, the middle secured to a point on the first length (a) to maintain the first flat loop perpendicular to the second flat loop, the lumen in the second length containing a flat strip of bendable metal.
US07640625B2

A vacuum cleaner includes a cyclone dust separating unit which includes a cyclone part to separate dust from a dust-laden air drawn from a surface being cleaned using a centrifugal force, a dust collecting part comprising a dust chamber to accommodate the dust separated at the cyclone part, and a compressing part to compress the dust accommodated in the dust chamber. The compressing part includes a driving part to rotatably drive a driving axis, and a compressing plate driven in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the driving axis according to the rotation of the driving axis, and to compress the dust accommodated in the dust chamber. As a result, a vacuum cleaner is provided, which requires a minimum space for the installation of a compressing part to compress dust inside the dust collecting part, and provides maximum compressing force of the compressing part.
US07640619B2

The invention relates to a wiper system with a wiper drive (1), which is comprised of a wiper motor (2) and a gear (3). A wiper arm shaft (14) for a wiper arm (19) can be driven via the output shaft (5) of the gear (3). Linking points (31, 32, 33) for accommodating the wiper drive (1) on a surface (24, 40) are arranged in the housing area (7) of the wiper drive (1). The linking points (31, 32, 33) of the wiper drive (1) each feature a decoupling element (41, 42, 43), in which fastening elements (55) to mount the wiper drive (1) either on a vehicle body (24) or on a screw-down surface (40) are accommodated.
US07640614B2

An electric toothbrush is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a body having an interior hollow region for retaining one or more motors, batteries, and drive mechanisms. The toothbrush includes multiple bristle carriers. Each of the bristle carriers undergoes some type of movement and is driven by the one or more motors and drive mechanisms. Various combinations of movement of the bristle carriers are described. And, numerous drive train mechanisms are disclosed for achieving the noted motions.
US07640610B2

A support for use with the upper extremity of a patient is disclosed. An upper extremity support including a wedge for supporting the upper extremity is provided. The upper extremity support may include a block for supporting the wedge. The upper extremity support may also include straps and may define apertures and grooves for fastening and positioning the upper extremity in relation to the upper extremity support, the patient or another support. The upper extremity support may position the upper extremity in a substantially scaption position.
US07640609B2

A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) and a resilient assembly (220). The support frame (226) is coupled to the massage device (11). The resilient assembly (220) includes a first resilient subassembly (256) that is coupled to the support frame (226), and a second resilient subassembly (258) that engages the first resilient subassembly (256). The first resilient subassembly (256) and the second resilient subassembly (258) cooperate and act in parallel to support the face of the user (16). The first resilient subassembly (256) can include a plurality of spaced apart resilient members (360).
US07640608B2

A medical examination table which is movable between a lowered patient entry/exit position and a raised patient examination position. A scissor-lift assembly is provided to raise and lower the examination table. The examination table includes a drawer having a pivotal front panel which is adapted to support instruments or other items thereon when the drawer is folded to a downward position. The examination table further includes a storage pocket located beneath the backrest. The storage pocket and its contents are concealed when the backrest is lowered and are accessible when the backrest is inclined.
US07640604B2

A waste removal system that includes a toilet pan (28) for a ultra-low flushing volume toilet (20). The pan (28) includes a rearward end (28a) adapted for positioning substantially adjacent a cistern (22) and a frontward end (28b) adapted for positioning substantially remote the cistern (22). The pan (28) also includes a flushing water outlet having a primary outlet nozzle arrangement (42) disposed substantially adjacent the pan frontward end (28b) and adapted to direct flushing water (62) downwards and towards the pan rearward end (28a). The system also includes a related flushing method and drainline (90).
US07640603B2

A cistern outlet valve mounting bracket assembly (10). The assembly includes first and second bracket members (12, 14) adapted for positioning about an outlet valve (20) in engagement with each other and the valve (20). The members (12, 14) also have means (28, 32) to allow fixing of the engaged members (12, 14) to a cistern (38). A method of installing an outlet valve (20) in a cistern (38) is also disclosed.
US07640600B2

What is described is a sash-style apparatus that can be comprised of two strips of material. The two strips of material can be configured such that in one configuration the first strip of material lies substantially behind the second strip of material and in a second configuration, the two strips of material can be minimally parted to reveal the mother's nipple and allow an infant to breastfeed. The mother can feed and bond with her infant, without exposing her breast.
US07640599B2

A bib for illustrating an infant's last feeding time, including a cover member for covering a predetermined portion of at least one of an infant and an infant's clothing. The cover member being manufactured from a first predetermined material and having a first predetermined size and first predetermined shape. A securing mechanism is operably connected to such cover member at predetermined location thereon for securing such cover member at least one of around such infant's neck, to such infant and to such infant's clothing. Indicia is formed on such cover member illustrating predetermined information relating to a last feeding time of such infant. An indicator mechanism is disposed on such cover member for indicating such infant's last feeding time.
US07644446B2

A source generates a medium key (KM) and a media secret table including a plurality of entries, each entry including (KM) encrypted by a public key (PU-PD) of a plurality of devices, obtains the medium ID of a medium therefrom, generates a content key (KD) for a piece of content, encrypts the content with (KD) to result in (KD(content)), encrypts (KD) with (KM) to result in (KM(KD)), generates a package for the content including (KD(content)), (KM(KD)), the medium ID, and a signature based on at least the medium ID and verifiable with (KM), and copies the generated package and the media secret table to the medium. Thus, a device with the medium and a private key (PR-PD) corresponding to an entry of the media secret table can access and render the content.
US07644442B2

A method, system and computer-readable medium for deterring software piracy in a volume license environment. A volume license key embedded within a volume license file is received. The volume license key has first data derived from at least one machine attribute of the environment. The volume license file is authenticated using second data derived from at least one machine attribute of the environment. A software package associated with the volume license key is then activated on at least one computing device in the environment.
US07644441B2

Malicious software is identified in an executable file by identifying malicious structural features, decryption code, and cryptographic functions. A malicious structural feature is identified by comparing a known malicious structural feature to one or more instructions of the executable file. A malicious structural feature is also identified by graphically and statistically comparing windows of bytes or instructions in a section of the executable file. Cryptography is an indicator of malicious software. Decryption code is identified in an executable file by identifying a tight loop around a reversible instruction that writes to random access memory. Cryptographic functions are identified in an executable file be obtaining a known cryptographic function and performing a string comparison of the numeric constants of the known cryptographic function with the executable file.
US07644439B2

In a first aspect of the invention, method for classifying characters within a character string entered via a keyboard device includes logging interrupts, checking a time between interrupts, checking an interrupt duration and classifying the characters within the character string based upon the time between interrupts and the interrupt duration. In a second aspect of the invention, a method for protecting against timing attacks against a trusted path mechanism includes employing a multithreaded process with a first thread to prevent any timing Trojan horses from running, running the first thread in a loop at a first priority and preventing unprivileged processes from obtaining a priority higher than the first priority.
US07644437B2

A mechanism for segregating traffic amongst STAs that are associated with a bridge, referred to herein as the personal virtual bridged local area network (personal VLAN), is based upon the use of a VLAN to segregate traffic. The IEEE 802.1Q-1998 (virtual bridged LANs) protocol provides a mechanism that is extended by the invention to partition a LAN segment logically into multiple VLANs. In the preferred embodiment, a VLAN bridge forwards unicast and group frames only to those ports that serve the VLAN to which the frames belong. One embodiment of the invention extends the standard VLAN bridge model to provide a mechanism that is suitable for use within an AP. In a preferred embodiment, the Personal VLAN bridge extends the standard VLAN bridge in at least any of the following ways: VLAN discovery in which a personal VLAN bridge provides a protocol for VLAN discovery; VLAN extension in which a Personal VLAN allows a station to create a new port that serves a new VLAN, or to join an existing VLAN via an authentication protocol; Logical ports in which a Personal VLAN bridge can maintain more than one logical port per physical port, and bridges between ports of any kind; and cryptographic VLAN separation.
US07644436B2

An intelligent firewall that prevents unauthorized access to a system has been developed. The fire wall does not use a communication address. It receives a data packet and analyzes it to determine its final disposition. Finally, the firewall handles the data packet according to its final disposition.
US07644432B2

A computer-implemented system and method for policy inheritance, comprising, defining a first group wherein the first group refers to at least one of: a user and a group different from the first group, defining a second group wherein the second group is nested within the first group, defining a first policy wherein the first policy includes a resource, a subject and one of, an action and a role, and wherein the subject includes the first group, inheriting the first policy by the second group, wherein the resource is part of a resource hierarchy, and wherein the first policy can be used to control access to the resource.
US07644431B2

A method of sending image signal data from a camera to a CCTV network receives images via a camera lens and image sensor as well as receiving analog video signals corresponding to views from outside the camera via an analog video input connector. Image signal data corresponding to the images received by the sensor is output, and image signal data corresponding to the analog video input connector is also output. The image signal data is stored on a storage device. A network adapter of the camera connects to an internet-protocol address corresponding to a network device capable of serving files. The image signal data of the image sensor or image signal data of the analog video input connector are selectively transmitted from the storage device to the network device using the network adapter and the internet-protocol address.
US07644429B2

A digital satellite television system has a plurality of set-top-boxes associated with a plurality of end users' television receivers, a modem and a decoder housed in each STB, a Subscriber Authorization System (SAS) incorporating or having associated therewith a plurality of communication servers, means included in the SAS for generating Electronic Managements Messages (EMM), a back channel interconnecting each of the STBs individually with the SAS, means included in the SAS and each STB so that the necessary information required to inject a relevant EMM into the system is supplied directly to the relevant communication server included in or associated with the SAS to authorize the release of the said EMM and/or means to connect the modem to the back channel and means whereby an EMM is transmissible to the decoder directly from a relevant communication server included in or associated with the SAS. Further important features are also disclosed.
US07644424B2

A method of auditing operation of a cable television appliance consistent with certain embodiments involves detecting an event that triggers an audit; generating a fingerprint value, wherein the fingerprint value is function of the cable television network characteristics at an authorized installation location; comparing the fingerprint value with a stored reference value; if the fingerprint value is within specified limits of the stored reference value, permitting the cable television appliance to carry out a normal operational function; and if the fingerprint value is outside of specified limits of the stored reference value, inhibiting the cable television appliance from carrying out a normal operational function. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US07644423B2

Techniques are described for generating statistics that reflect the consumption of media resources, such as television program resources. The techniques involve polling a group of devices identified in a random sample list or a custom sample list to collect event data describing the consumption of resources by the devices. Lower-bound and upper-bound thresholds are applied to remove or modify event data that may not accurately reflect the legitimate consumption of resources. Varying probability weights can also be assigned to events to reflect their likelihood of representing the legitimate consumption of resources. Based on such filtered event data, for a given device, a computation technique computes the percentage of time that the user has consumed a particular resource relative to a total amount of time in a time segment. Similar percentages are computed for other devices and other time segments to provide plural percentage values. Rating information and share information are computed based on these calculated percentage values. The tracking functionality compiles the calculated statistics into various web-enabled UI presentations and provides these reports to an operator over an intranet or like network.
US07644422B2

A metering system meters usage of on-line and off-line services by way of interactive service devices. Interactive service devices may include personal computers and non-personal-computers. Non-personal-computers may include network computers, gaming devices, Internet televisions, Internet telephones, and the like. The on-line service usage may include Internet usage such as which home pages, advertisements, and other Internet resources are accessed by a user. The off-line service usage may include application program usage such as which application programs are executed by a user.
US07644418B2

An optical disk drive, which includes a main frame, an upper case coupled to an upper portion of the main frame, a tray slidably installed on the main frame, having a door, and adapted to carry a disk, and a front panel coupled to a front end portion of the main frame and having an aperture through which the tray passes, including an air discharging passage between the main frame and the front panel to discharge air and dust introduced into the optical disk drive through a gap between the door and the front panel to an outside of the optical disk drive.
US07644408B2

A method is disclosed for assigning a job to grid computers on a computing grid that includes collecting information from the grid computers about attributes of the computer, grouping the computers into groups based upon the attributes, receiving a job from a customer, determining the attributes needed to perform the job, comparing the attributes needed to perform the job to the attributes of the groups, and submitting the job to at least one of the grid computers of the group having the needed attributes. Also disclosed is a method of reporting progress of performance of a job by a grid computer, which includes receiving a job by the grid computer, initiating performance of the job on the grid computer, periodically communicating a current status of the performance of the job on the grid computer, and returning results of the performance of the job to the grid manager.
US07644405B2

A system for employing SyncML DM for updating firmware in mobile handsets and other devices. The system employs enhancements to SyncML DM specifications. A SyncML management client employs new commands, specified by the present invention, for retrieving update packages for firmware updates, for the verification of a received update package, the command for saving the update package in an appropriate management object, the command for initiating an update process by an update agent and the command for the subsequent notification of the results of processing by the update agent (success, failure, etc.). More specifically, the SyncML DM management client employs new commands, specified by the present invention, for retrieving update packages for firmware updates and for updating the firmware selectively based on appropriateness, security and authentication, employing fault tolerant means.
US07644397B2

A system, method, and computer program for analyzing code execution and software performance characteristics are disclosed. Samples of code during run-time or from crash logs can be displayed as both a top-down tree of calls from a particular function and a bottom-up tree of calls to the particular function. Data mining techniques, including filtering and focusing, remove code that is not of interest and display code that is more relevant to performance analysis. In particular, functions contained in libraries such as system libraries can be stripped from view. The cost associated with an excluded function can be propagated to a calling function, in either the top-down or bottom-up tree.
US07644396B2

A method of replaying a recorded sequence of execution steps of a computer program or system to a selected target step while taking a minimal number of execution breaks includes calculating, for each of the steps, a predecessor step that can be reached in a minimal number of execution breaks. The total calculation time for the entire execution is linear in the number of steps, and allows subsequent calculation of an optimal path to any selected step to be obtained in time linear in the length of the optimal path.
US07644390B2

A system for creating and viewing simulation models that are used for managing requirements and design specifications for complex systems. Users simultaneously collaborate on the description of a complex system such as an enterprise software project throughout its life cycle. User interfaces, designed to assist in the visualization of a particular form of knowledge, allow users to describe the complex system with simple interactive elements. Information in all perspectives is presented so that it is legible and discernable to a non-technical audience. Multi-dimensional data structures record all the resulting information, creating a simulation model of the complex system, and the tasks required for construction and maintenance. Tasks are driven from the specifications not as a separate activity, but as part of the same activity to facilitate project management by allowing decisions to be tracked virtually throughout the simulation model.
US07644387B2

A semiconductor mask correcting device is provided with an image acquiring unit acquiring a mask image, an extraction unit extracting only a main pattern from the mask data, an inspection unit inspecting a defective portion by comparing the extracted main pattern with a main pattern which is obtained from the mask image after a drawing by matching to each other, and a correction unit correcting the defective portion specified by the inspection unit, wherein the extraction unit includes a recognition section recognizing the main pattern and the assist pattern as a figure, a specification section specifying the assist pattern from figures which is recognized on the basis of a predetermined condition, and a main pattern extracting section extracting as the main pattern a figure other than the assist pattern.
US07644386B1

An embodiment of the present invention provides a programmable logic device (“PLD”) including a redundancy architecture adapted to selective route signals via first or second staggered vertical lines. Other embodiments provide configuration logic and programs for determining routing selections. Other embodiments provide proximate grouping of vertical lines driven from a same row. Other embodiments provide definition of spare row locations once defective row locations are known.
US07644382B2

In one implementation, the invention can be a computer-implemented method for generating an engineering change order (ECO) netlist for an integrated circuit (IC). The method includes performing a formal equivalence check between an implementation netlist and a reference netlist to identify one or more corresponding failed compare points in the implementation and reference netlists. The method further includes, for at least one failed comparison: (i) performing equivalence verifications based on fan-in cones for the failed compare points, to generate pin pass/fail information, (ii) tracing the fan-in cone for the reference netlist to generate ECO pin and cell information, and (iii) modifying the implementation netlist, based on (1) the pin pass/fail information, (2) cell connectivity information, (3) cell description information, and (4) the ECO pin and cell information, to generate the ECO netlist by adding one or more new ECO cells to the implementation netlist and appropriately connecting them.
US07644371B2

A user interface, system, and method are disclosed to facilitate specification of queries and displaying corresponding results. The user interface presents the user with dimensions that contain one or more headings arranged according to an information taxonomy, which can vary based on the intended implementation for the system and user interface. A corresponding filter or query is constructed based on the user selecting of one or more headings. The filter is applied to one or more databases to return results that satisfy the filter. The results are presented in the user interface and can include interactive items based on a particular query as well as can correspond to a fully specified task.
US07644370B2

A computer implemented method of graphically defining a formula comprises the steps of: providing a graphically defined formula including one or more objects that graphically define the formula; selecting one or more of the objects to be grouped into a new component object; determining the number of connections that provide an input to the selected objects; determining the number of connections that provide an output to the selected objects; determining a graphical definition of the formula, where the selected objects are replaced with a representation of the new component object having the determined number of inputs and the determined number of outputs, connection(s) inputting to the selected objects from other objects are replaced with connection(s) connecting to the input(s) of the new component object and connection(s) outputting from the selected objects to the other objects are replaced with connection(s) connecting from the output(s) of the new component object; and determining a logical definition of the formula, where the selected objects are retained in the logical definition.
US07644368B2

Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a system and method for regression tests of graphical user interfaces. In one embodiment, a testing system receives the actual state and the target of a GUI under test. The testing system computes the difference between the actual state and the target state based, at least in part, on a weighting function. The computed difference is compared to a threshold value. In an embodiment, if the difference is within the threshold, then the system indicates that the GUI is valid.
US07644362B2

A system for programming a programmable device having an interface for a portable memory medium has an interactive interface executable on a stand-alone computer appliance for creating a program for the programmable device, a portable memory medium, and a downloading mechanism for transferring the created program to the portable memory medium.
US07644356B2

Methods, machines, systems and machine-readable instructions for albuming graphic elements are described. In one aspect, candidate relative layouts of graphic elements on a page are identified. Each of the candidate relative layouts describes a respective set of layout relationships among the graphic elements. A respective set of constraints describing the corresponding set of layout relationships among the graphic elements is generated for each of the candidate relative layouts. A respective determinate layout of the graphic elements on the page is determined from each set of constraints. One of the determinate layouts is selected as a final layout of the graphic elements on the page.
US07644349B2

An interface circuit comprises at least one supply input and at least one data input with a protective circuit coupled between the at least one supply input and the at least one data input. A power supply circuit is coupled to the at least one supply input. The interface circuit further comprises an error detection circuit coupled to the supply input and to the at least one data input. The error detection circuit is designed to compare a supply signal applied to the supply input with a data signal applied to the at least one data input and to generate an error signal on the basis of the comparison result.
US07644346B2

A method of assessing an encoded signal to determine whether a candidate format was used to arrange the signal into blocks before the encoding was done, the method comprising: using the Viterbi algorithm to determine trellis metrics for a point in said signal that would be an end point of a candidate block according to the candidate format; determining from said metrics the likelihood of occupation at said point of an end state of an encoding scheme used to create the encoded signal; decoding a part of said signal ending at said point; and performing a check using said decoded part to determine whether the candidate block satisfies an error protection scheme of the candidate format.
US07644334B2

This test generator takes data flow block diagrams and uses requirements-based templates, selective signal propagation, and range comparison and intersection to generate test cases containing test vectors for those diagrams. The templates are based on the functionality and characteristics of a block type, and each block type has associated templates. These templates provide maps for the creation of test values that verify the functionality of particular instances of that block type. Signal propagation allows the generation of diagram-level test cases that verify particular characteristics of a single embedded block. The methods disclosed for signal propagation utilize range intersection, equivalence classes, and block type formulae to create efficient and complete test cases. This test generation method would preferably be repeated until all blocks in a data flow block diagram were verified in their respective contexts, and it creates test cases that cover multiple time steps.
US07644330B2

Scan architectures are commonly used to test digital circuitry in integrated circuits. The present invention describes a method of adapting conventional scan architectures into a low power scan architecture. The low power scan architecture maintains the test time of conventional scan architectures, while requiring significantly less operational power than conventional scan architectures. The low power scan architecture is advantageous to IC/die manufacturers since it allows a larger number of circuits (such as DSP or CPU core circuits) embedded in an IC/die to be tested in parallel without consuming too much power within the IC/die. Since the low power scan architecture reduces test power consumption, it is possible to simultaneously test more die on a wafer than previously possible using conventional scan architectures. This allows wafer test times to be reduced which reduces the manufacturing cost of each die on the wafer.
US07644324B2

There is implemented a semiconductor memory tester capable of efficiently conducting a test on a fast memory by programming according to parameters of a device without being attended by complex program handling. The semiconductor memory tester for determining pass/fail on a memory device under test is characterized in comprising a measurement division for comparing an output from the memory device under test with an expected value at timing on the basis of a clock outputted by the memory device under test.
US07644319B2

A system and method for program counter and data tracing is disclosed. The tracing mechanism of the present invention enables increased visibility into the hardware and software state of the processor core.
US07644318B2

A method includes receiving a first command for accessing a tape storage system, the first command containing an indicator that the first command was issued as a result of a failover from a first path to the storage system to a second path to the tape storage system. The method further includes determining whether the first command is a repeat of a second command already received by the tape storage system. The first command is processed based on determining whether the first command is a repeat of the second command.
US07644303B2

In one embodiment, a method for reading data from a storage-device array including three or more storage devices. The array has a plurality of sector levels, each sector level containing one sector on each storage device in the array at corresponding addresses across the storage devices. Each sector level includes (i) parity data stored on a first storage device and (ii) information stored on the two or more remaining storage devices. The parity data for a current sector level is generated from the information stored at the current sector level on the remaining storage devices. The method includes: (a) generating an instruction for reading (i) the parity data from the first storage device at the current sector level and (ii) the information from the remaining storage devices at the current sector level; (b) receiving an indicator indicating whether one of the remaining storage devices is a degraded storage device; (c) if the indicator does not indicate a degraded storage device, then providing as output the information read from the remaining storage devices at the current sector level; and (d) if the indicator does indicate a degraded storage device, then: (d1) reconstructing information previously stored on the degraded storage device at the current sector level based on (i) the parity data read from the first storage device at the current sector level, and (ii) the information read from each remaining non-degraded storage device at the current sector level; and (d2) providing as output (i) the information read from the one or more non-degraded storage devices at the current sector level and (ii) the reconstructed information.
US07644296B1

Programmable logic device integrated circuits are provided that have configurable receivers with dynamic phase alignment capabilities. In situations in which receivers require dynamic phase alignment circuitry, programmable logic elements can be configured to implement a dynamic phase alignment data capture and synchronization circuit. In situations in which dynamic phase alignment receiver circuitry is not required, resources are made available for implementing other user logic. Multiple dynamic phase alignment receiver circuits can share an eight-phase dynamic phase alignment clock signal that is generated by a phase-locked-loop circuit. Switches may be configured to selectively route the dynamic phase alignment clock signal to desired locations on the programmable logic device integrated circuit.
US07644295B1

A human machine interface (HMI) device comprises a power recognition component that determines at least one power source that is providing power to the HMI device, wherein the at least one power source is one of a host device providing power by way of a Universal Serial Bus connection, an AC power source, a DC power source, and a battery. A selector component can automatically select a subset of functionalities to enable with respect to the HMI from amongst several possible functionalities based at least in part upon the at least one determined power source.
US07644292B2

In response to an instruction to shut down a first operating system, the first operating system is shut down, and then a second operating system whose function is limited as compared with the first operating system is activated, and by the activation, the data stored in the memory is saved and a power-saving state is immediately entered, thereby automatically allowing the second operating system to be transferred to a state in which quick activation can be performed.
US07644286B1

A system and method for restricting data access from an electronic document configured to access external data resources (e.g., websites, disk storage). To restrict unwanted data sharing, the document is prohibited from accessing external data resources unless it has a token corresponding to the resource. “Get” tokens and “send” tokens are granted, respectively, whenever the document is permitted to receive data from or send data to a data resource. Every attempt to receive data is automatically approved. An attempt to send data is approved automatically only if the document: (a) has no get tokens, (b) has only one get token and is attempting to send to the same resource, or (c) already has a send token corresponding to the resource and the set of get tokens has not changed since data was last sent to the resource. Otherwise, the attempt must be approved by an operator or data access policy.
US07644282B2

Methods are provided for embedding auxiliary information in a host content signal which reduce the memory, bandwidth and computational complexity of the embedding and transmission systems. In one embodiment, a first reduced-scale signal is produced which corresponds to the host content embedded with a first logical value and producing a second reduced-scale signal corresponding to the host content embedded with a second logical value. A first set of segments from the first reduced-scale signal may be combined with a second set of segments from the second reduced-scale signal in a pre-defined manner to produce a composite embedded host content. Thus the storage and transmission requirements of the watermarking system are reduced to having to deal with only the original content plus two reduced-scale signals.
US07644274B1

Methods of preventing spam email in an email system include determining whether a sender of email to a receiver of email has paid a required setup price or cost to become a registered sender of email to the receiver. If it is determined that the sender has not paid the required setup cost, then the receiver can reject the sender's email to thereby eliminate the receipt of unwanted spam messages. In order to qualify as a registered sender, the sender undergoes a qualification scheme wherein it pays the required cost, which may be for example monetary or computationally related, and is assigned an encrypted key by the receiver which allows the sender to send to the receiver email authenticated using the unique key associated with the sender and receiver. The receiver has the option of accepting or rejecting email from a sender in this fashion and can change the required setup cost or requirement at any time to ensure that the sender does not try to corrupt the email system once registered.
US07644253B2

A computer system includes a memory hub for coupling a processor to a plurality of synchronous dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”) devices. The memory hub includes a processor interface coupled to the processor and a plurality of memory interfaces coupled to respective SDRAM devices. The processor interface is coupled to the memory interfaces by a switch. Each of the memory interfaces includes a memory controller, a cache memory, and a prediction unit. The cache memory stores data recently read from or written to the respective SDRAM device so that it can be subsequently read by processor with relatively little latency. The prediction unit prefetches data from an address from which a read access is likely based on a previously accessed address.
US07644245B2

The present invention provides systems and methods for data storage. A hierarchical storage management architecture is presented to facilitate data management. The disclosed system provides methods for evaluating the state of stored data relative to enterprise needs by using weighted parameters that may be user defined. Also disclosed are systems and methods evaluating costing and risk management associated with stored data.
US07644235B2

In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly. In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered for sale and subsequent use.
US07644222B2

A low latency event communication system comprises a computer system having an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) namespace table with a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) branch and a non-PCI device described in the PCI branch to enable the non-PCI device to be assigned a PCI resource.
US07644216B2

A system and method for providing an adapter for re-use of legacy DIMMS in a fully buffered memory environment. The system includes a memory adapter card having two rows of contacts along a leading edge of a length of the card. The rows of contacts are adapted to be inserted into a socket that is connected to a daisy chain high-speed memory bus via a packetized multi-transfer interface. The memory adapter card also includes a socket installed on the trailing edge of the card. In addition, the memory adapter card includes a hub device for converting the packetized multi-transfer interface into a parallel interface having timings and interface levels that are operable with a memory module having a parallel interface that is inserted into the socket. In addition, the hub device converts the packetized multi-transfer interface into a parallel interface having timings and interface levels that are operable with a memory module having a parallel interface that is inserted into the socket. The hub device also converts the parallel interface into the packetized multi-transfer interface.
US07644210B1

Dynamic translation of indirect branch instructions of a target application by a host processor is enhanced by including a cache to provide access to the addresses of the most frequently used translations of a host computer, minimizing the need to access the translation buffer. Entries in the cache have a host instruction address and tags that may include a logical address of the instruction of the target application, the physical address of that instruction, the code segment limit to the instruction, and the context value of the host processor associated with that instruction. The cache may be a software cache apportioned by software from the main processor memory or a hardware cache separate from main memory.
US07644207B2

An isolated data acquisition device including a plurality of data acquisition channels, an isolated system management unit coupled to the data acquisition channels, a host system management unit, a serial bus coupled to the host system management unit and the isolated system management unit, and isolation circuitry coupled to the serial bus. The isolation circuitry electrically isolates the host system management unit from the isolated system management unit and the data acquisition channels. During operation, the isolated system management unit and the host system management unit may each store data associated with one or more pending bus transactions. Each of the system management units may select at least one of the pending bus transactions according to a predetermined priority scheme, encode and serialize the data associated with the selected bus transaction, and transmit the serialized data across the isolation circuitry to the other system management unit via the serial bus.
US07644200B2

A method is provided for transmitting data from a transmitting device (121) to a receiving device (125). The transmitting device transmits a first data frame (200) to a receiving device a first time (3100). Then it consecutively transmits the first data frame to the receiving device second through Nth times (3101-310N), each of second through Nth first data frame transmissions being made a first predetermined time period (350) after a respective previous first data frame transmission. After this, the transmitting device transmits a second data frame (200) to the receiving device a second predetermined time period (360) after the Nth first data frame transmission. In this method, N is an integer greater than 1, and the second predetermined time period is less than the first predetermined time period.
US07644192B2

In order to investigate the behavior of a data storage system, the time differences between commands from an analysis device and the completion of the operations defined by those commands are analyzed. The method may use a factorial parameter table definition representing common threads of I/O events in a patterned, cyclic nature, using a host computer as the host application emulator and data logger. The workload definition is provided either from hypothetical proposed thread parameters, or by statistical and common factorial analysis of real application I/O traffic analysis, or a combination of both. The generated workloads can be run while measuring the I/O event completion timings and event queuing characteristics, facilitating engineering interpretation of results for the purpose of analyzing the effects of workload and system architectural design factors, and optimization or evaluation of total system configurations.
US07644191B2

A 32-word command IOCB format is disclosed. A conventional 8-word format is supported, although in both cases 32-word command IOCBs are used. When the conventional 8-word format is used, the host sets the LE bit=1 and writes a conventional 8-word command IOCB into words 0-7 of the 32-word command IOCB. The firmware performs a DMA operation and reads the LE bit. With the LE bit=1, the firmware knows to read only words 0-7. When the new 32-word format is used, the host sets the LE bit=0 and writes a 32-word IOCB command into the 32-word command IOCB, including command and response buffer pointers, one or more data buffer pointers, and perhaps the command buffer. The firmware performs a DMA operation and reads the LE bit. With the LE bit=0, the firmware knows to read all 32 words of the command IOCB.
US07644186B2

A packet compressor 12 operates under a reliable mode or an optimistic mode. A mode determination unit 31 counts the number of ACK packets or NACK packets received by a unit time X by an ACK/NACK packet receiver 14. When the counted number of NACK packets is larger than a predetermined value Y, the mode determination unit 31 switches the operation mode of the packet compressor 12 to the reliable mode. When the counted number of ACK packets is larger than a predetermined value Z, the mode determination unit 31 switches the operation mode of the packet compressor 12 to the optimistic mode.
US07644185B2

A communications system may include a plurality of communications devices connected together in a network and having a plurality of user accounts associated therewith. At least one of the communications devices may process requests using an HTTP client application associated therewith. The system may also include an application server for accessing the user accounts via the HTTP client application, and an HTTP server for interfacing the HTTP client application with the application server. The HTTP server and the HTTP client application may format requests to be communicated therebetween in an HTTP format, and each may provide additional state information with the HTTP formatted requests recognizable by the other for authentication purposes. Furthermore, the HTTP client application may request a first universal resource locator (URL) from the HTTP server for accepting work requests from the application server, and a second URL different from the first for responding to work requests.
US07644183B2

In some embodiments, methods for reception of spatial-to-temporal translated data include obtaining one or more first-network temporal addresses and one or more second-network temporal addresses corresponding to at least one specific content in response to a request for data, applying the one or more first-network temporal addresses to receive a first part of the at least one specific content being transmitted from a first network while approximately at the same time applying the one or more second-network temporal addresses to receive a second part of the at least one specific content being transmitted from a second network, and constructing the at least one content from the first part of the at least one specific content being transmitted from the first network and the second part of the at least one specific content being transmitted from the second network.
US07644182B2

A multicast tree is provided in an application multicast network. A child node in the multicast tree detects a degradation of quality of service associated with a service being received at the child node. The child node determines whether the degradation of quality of service is resulting from a child-parent link or an upstream link in the multicast tree.
US07644178B2

The present invention relates to methods and arrangements to test end to end relations between gateways MGW1, MGW2 in an IP network IPNW, which method comprises the following steps: 1) reserving call handling resources CH231-CH260 in a destination gateway MGW2; 2) sending data packets RTP/UDP/IP from an originating gateway MGW1 to the reserved call handling resources CH231-CH260; 3) looping back the received data packets RTP/UDP/IP, from the destination gateway MGW2 to the originating gateway MGW1; 4) providing quality statistics for the received data packets, in the originating gateway MGW1.
US07644177B2

Improved systems and methods for implementing data-driven protocols are provided. In one embodiment, improved implementations of multicast routing protocols are provided. Separation between multicast forwarding and control elements are provided by use of a powerful yet simple application program interface (API) for inter-module communication. The API is multicast-routing-protocol-independent and can be used to express the forwarding state of any existing multicast protocol. Efficient platform-specific implementations are facilitated.
US07644173B1

One embodiment provides a system and method for facilitating expedited delivery of media content to a node over a network. During operation, the system communicates a request to a media server to present media content. The system then presents the media content based on the data received from the media server. In addition, the system communicates requests to a plurality of peer nodes within the network for the media content at a same proximate time. Next, the system discontinues receipt of data from the media server and presents the media content based on data received from at least one peer node without significant interruption in presentation.
US07644171B2

A method for communicating Internet Protocol data over a network, comprises providing an IPv4 data stream and providing an IPv6 data stream. An encrypted Internet Protocol communications tunnel is established through the network between a roaming mobile device and a further computing device. The IPv4 and IPv6 data streams are combined for encapsulation within and transmission through said encrypted tunnel. Continual secure communications of the encapsulated IPv4 and IPv6 data streams is maintained between said roaming mobile device and the further computing device while the roaming mobile device roams between network access points. The encapsulated, transmitted IPv4 and IPv6 data streams are received from said tunnel, and the received IPv4 and IPv6 data streams are demultiplexed.
US07644170B2

A communications system may include a plurality of data storage devices each using at least one of a plurality of different operating protocols, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices for accessing the plurality of data storage devices. Each mobile wireless communications device may also use at least one of the plurality of different operating protocols. The system may further include a protocol interface device. In particular, the protocol interface device may include a protocol engine module for communicating with the plurality of data storage devices using respective operating protocols, and a front-end proxy module coupled to the protocol engine. The front-end proxy module may include a respective proxy module for communicating with the plurality of mobile wireless communications devices using each different operating protocol, and at least one common core service module connected to the proxy modules.
US07644169B2

A system and a method for providing message connectivity between a first network using a first protocol and a second network using a second protocol. If a message is received from the first network, the message is processed using one or more digital signal processors, a destination in the second network is determined, the processed message is logged and translated into the second protocol, and the translated message is sent to the destination in the second network. If the message is received from the second network, the message is translated into the first protocol, a destination in the first network is determined, the translated message is logged and processed using one or more digital signal processors, and the processed message is sent to the destination in the first network. This method can be implemented as a computer program embodied on a computer readable medium.
US07644164B2

A relay program, communication processing program, and firewall system capable of simplifying security management in a firewall. In a firewall, only an aggregation port that is an aggregation of one or a plurality of ports to be allowed to pass through is set to be allowed. When a communication source client makes a connection with a target connection request destination connected to an internal network, the communication source client issues connection request information specifying the target connection request destination with its destination set to the aggregation port. In a relay server, a connection request information acquisition unit reads the connection request information that passed through the firewall and is input via the aggregation port. A relay unit changes the destination to the target connection request destination based on the connection request information and sends the connection request information to the target connection request destination to thereby make a connection request, and also sends connection result information obtained from the target connection request destination to the communication source client.
US07644162B1

A resource entitlement control system includes a controller, a model estimator, and a controller designer. The controller is operable to control an allocation of resources to a resource container. The model estimator is operable to calculate model parameters based on performance metrics and past resource allocations to the resource container, and the controller designer is operable to calculate one or more controller parameters based on the model parameters. The controller is also operable to calculate a control variable for controlling the allocation of resources to the resource container based on the controller parameters and the performance metrics.
US07644159B2

The present invention concerns a method of network layer load balancing for a server farm (group of servers located on the same link) that provide identical, transaction and UDP based services, e.g. DNS service. Load balancing functionality is based on the use of the IPv6 anycast addressing for the service queries and specific Neighbour Advertisement messaging.
US07644157B2

A statistical information collecting system and device for finding the detailed state of traffic flowing in a network to effectively reduce the traffic flow by sending statistical information from a statistical information collection apparatus to a collector device. A statistical information collection system with a statistical information collection apparatus comprising a collector device, in which the statistical information collection apparatus receives packets and collects statistical information from the received packets, and sends the collected statistical information to a collector device; the statistical information collection apparatus contains flow information including flow identification conditions for identifying flows that the received packets belong to, and sorts the statistical information on the collected packets for each flow identified by the flow identification conditions while referring to statistical information sorted for each flow, and the statistical information collection apparatus decides the transmit intervals for each flow for sending the statistical information to the collector device.
US07644152B2

A method and arrangement for selecting a recipient of a message. The method can be used in association with a control system that includes a processor adapted for object oriented data processing and a communicator for communication with a plurality of recipients. In the method a recipient for a message that is associated with an object is selected based on information regarding at least one association the object has with objects representing the recipients. A communication system for communication of control messages, a data signal generated for communication in a computerized control system, and a user terminal for a control system are also provided.
US07644146B2

The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for discovering communities in networks. The system and method may include selecting a plurality of nodes from a network of nodes to serve as poles, setting weight values for the poles, applying a community-discovering algorithm based on the weight values, and dividing the network into communities based on a result obtained from the community-discovering algorithm.
US07644131B2

Large-scale images are retrieved over network communications channels for display on a client device by selecting an update image parcel relative to an operator controlled image viewpoint to display via the client device. A request is prepared for the update image parcel and associated with a request queue for subsequent issuance over a communications channel. The update image parcel is received from the communications channel and displayed as a discrete portion of the predetermined image. The update image parcel optimally has a fixed pixel array size, is received in a single network data packet, and is constrained to a resolution less than or equal to the resolution of the client device display.
US07644128B2

An electronic mail/messaging system is operated by compiling information associated with an attachment for an electronic mail at a source. The information includes initial information and descriptive information. The initial information is sent to a destination. A determination is made whether the destination has a file that matches the attachment based on the initial information. The attachment is sent to the destination if the destination does not have the file. The descriptive information is sent to the destination if the destination has the file. A determination is made whether the file matches the attachment based on the descriptive information. The attachment is sent to the destination if the file does not match the attachment based on the descriptive information.
US07644118B2

Methods, systems, and media for enhancing persistence of a message are disclosed. Embodiments include hardware and/or software for storing of a message in an inbound queue, copying the message to a working queue prior to removing the message from the inbound queue, processing the message base upon the copy in the working queue, and storing a committed reply for the message in an outbound queue. Embodiments may also include a queue manager to persist the message and the committed reply after receipt of the message, to close or substantially close gaps in persistence. Several embodiments include a dispatcher that browses the inbound queue to listen for receipt of messages to process, copy the message to the working queue, and assign the message to a thread to perform processing associated with the message. Further embodiments include persistence functionality in middleware, alleviating the burden of persisting messages from applications like upperware.
US07644107B2

A process takes advantage of a structure of a server hosting a network site that includes a change log stored in a database to batch index documents for search queries. The content of the site is batched and shipped in bulk from the server to an indexer. The change log keeps track of the changes to the content of the site. The indexer incrementally requests updates to the index using the change log and batches the changes so that the bandwidth usage and processor overhead costs are reduced.
US07644101B2

An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product, each capable of generating or managing context information in a manner useable or editable by an information management system. The context information describing the context in which a search task is performed is used to generate information useful to a user.
US07644100B2

A flexible metadata driven and workflow based report generation system is disclosed. The system comprises a Flexible Reporting GUI with four components that allow the user direct control in the creation of a report within a single application: a Data Generator for retrieving data, a Report Designer with a built-in report designer application, a Report Deployment element for deploying the report and an Report Run element for interactively running the report. The Flexible Reporting GUI allows a user to run a report with updated data stores, and to define the various parameters that affect the content of the generated report with great flexibility. Through the system of the invention, the user can be directly involved in all the report generation steps, through a user friendly interface, and a simplified environment. Moreover, the system in the invention provides improved solutions for updated data retrieval from protected data sources.
US07644093B2

A method for creating a compressed database includes a step of receiving a data input file. The data input file defines a first set of data fields to be included in the database and includes a set of data elements to be included in the database. The method also includes identifying a second set of data fields in the data input file that are designated to contain a Boolean element, the second set of data fields being a subset of the first set of data fields. The method further includes defining one or more new data fields for collectively storing the Boolean elements, and modifying the first set of data fields to eliminate the second set of data fields. The method also includes generating a catalog that defines an arrangement of the first set of data fields, wherein the arrangement includes the one or more new data fields for collectively storing the Boolean elements.
US07644083B1

A database system is able to receive a query that specifies an inequality join involving at least a first relation and a second relation. A plurality of segments of the first relation are sorted in the cache. Each sorted segment of the first relation in the cache is compared with the second relation.
US07644079B2

A system for temporal data mining includes a computer readable medium having an application configured to receive at an input module a temporal data series and a threshold frequency. The system is further configured to identify, using a candidate identification and tracking module, one or more occurrences in the temporal data series of a candidate episode and increment a count for each identified occurrence. The system is also configured to produce at an output module an output for those episodes whose count of occurrences results in a frequency exceeding the threshold frequency.
US07644078B2

A system for temporal data mining includes a computer readable medium having an application configured to receive at an input module a temporal data series having events with start times and end times, a set of allowed dwelling times and a threshold frequency. The system is further configured to identify, using a candidate identification and tracking module, one or more occurrences in the temporal data series of a candidate episode and increment a count for each identified occurrence. The system is also configured to produce at an output module an output for those episodes whose count of occurrences results in a frequency exceeding the threshold frequency.
US07644077B2

A method for linking related data, such as metadata, from at least two data sources. The method includes formatting items of data of the data sources according to attributes. The method also executes a scoring algorithm for one or more of the attributes to generate a score for one or more sets of the formatted items of data, each of the sets includes an item of data from one data source and an item of data from another data source. Finally the method identifies related items of data of the separate data sources based upon the generated scores to facilitate linking related data of the two data sources. The method may also provide a link between data items of the data sources.
US07644074B2

A method of finding documents. A method of finding documents comprising, ranking documents according to relevance to form a ranked relevance list, ranking documents according to type to form a ranked type list, and interpolating the ranked relevance list and the ranked type list to form a list of documents ranked by relevance and type.
US07644073B2

The system enables novice teachers to leverage the expertise of other more experienced teachers who are distributed across geographical areas covered by similar teaching standards (usually states). By leveraging the vast body of knowledge contained within their peer group, the system is designed to help teachers produce better lesson plans. This is accomplished by providing teachers with suggestions based other teachers' plans for similar lessons.
US07644065B2

One implementation provides a method included in performing a computer-implemented search of electronically stored content. The method includes receiving from one of multiple software applications an input indicating a user request that a computer-implemented search be performed to identify content that, firstly, is stored in a specified one of multiple knowledge bases, and secondly, satisfies user-specified conditions. The method further includes determining which one of multiple search engines has been preconfigured to be used for searches involving the one software application from which the search request input was received and the selected one knowledge base, and initiating the requested search to be executed by the determined search engine.
US07644062B2

Under a type of query transformation referred to herein as join factorization, the branches of an UNION/UNION ALL query that join a common table are combined to reduce accesses to the common table. The transformation can be expressed as (T1 join T2) union all (T1 join T3)=T1 join (T2 union all T3), where T1, T2 and T3 are three tables. A given query may be rewritten in many alternate ways using join factorization. Evaluating each alternative can be expensive. Therefore, the alternatives are generated and evaluated in a way that minimizes the cost of evaluating the alternatives.
US07644050B2

A method and apparatus is provided for annotation-based behavior extensions. A primary contributor is identified based on a first attribute. Behaviors from a secondary contributor are linked to the primary contributor once a second attribute is examined. Finally, one or more files are generated using the linked behaviors from the primary and secondary contributors.
US07644049B2

For a first feature of a dataset having a plurality of features, training a classifier to predict the first feature in terms of other features in the data set to obtain a trained classifier; scrambling the values of a second feature in the data set to obtain a scrambled data set, executing the trained classifier on the scrambled data set, determining predictive importance of the seconds feature in predicting the first feature based at least in part on the accuracy of the trained classifier in predicting the first feature when executed with the scrambled data set and creating a graph of the data set in which each of the first and the second features is a node of the graph and a label on an edge between the first node and the second node is based at least in part on the predictive importance of the first feature in terms of the second feature.
US07644048B2

Software code may include code to receive a first request associated with a discrete problem that is broadcast over a network of cobots. The request may be accepted based on the discrete problem to be solved. The code may also include code to determine whether a utility function associated with the plan to solve the discrete problem meets a threshold. The plan may include a plurality of steps. A report including information related to the chosen plan may be sent to the requesting cobot. Information related to the plan may include information such as the forecasted outcome of the plan. The cobot may then receive permission to implement the chosen plan. The plan may be implemented before any subplans are known or are determined to be possible. In the event that a subplan is required to carry out the plan, then a second request may be broadcast to a plurality of other cobots in the network. One or more of the plurality of other cobots may receive this request and the process may repeat at that cobot as described above. The cobots may be configured in a network of cobots to solve complex problems.
US07644046B1

An embodiment of a method of estimating overall storage system cost begins with a first step of modeling a storage system design in operation under a workload to determine location of retrieval points. The retrieval points provide sources for primary storage recovery for a plurality of failure scenarios. The method continues with a second step of finding a most recent retrieval point relative to a target recovery time that is available for recovery for a particular failure scenario. A third step determines a difference between the target recovery time and a retrieval point creation time for the most recent retrieval point, which indicates a data loss time period. A fourth step determines a recovery time for propagation of the most recent retrieval point to primary storage. In a fifth step, a storage system cost comprising outlay costs and penalty costs is determined.
US07644045B2

The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for generating and storing an electronic portrait of a buyer within a personal device such as a mobile telephone. An electronic portrait enables the generation of a physical identifier for comparison to the buyer by a seller during a transaction. Using the physical identifier transmitted to the seller via a wireless communications link, the seller can establish whether or not the buyer is authorized to make the transaction.
US07644039B1

An automated financial transaction apparatus (10) includes a touch screen interface (14) and a plurality of transaction function devices (22, 34, 36, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58) which operate to carry out financial transactions for users. A reading device (18, 78) senses characteristic features of users who operate the machine. Data stored in at least one data store associated with at least one computer (62, 118, 120) includes data representative of the characteristic features associated with a plurality of users and for each user, at least one interface parameter. The apparatus operates so that when the characteristic feature associated with a particular user is sensed by the reading device, the display screen and other input and output devices are changed in position or operation to accommodate the stature, disabilities, desires or other special requirements of the user.
US07644035B1

Processes for reducing fraudulent credit transactions, including financial (e.g., credit, charge, debit, etc.) card transactions, are introduced, in which merchants receive multi-digit authorization codes from a credit provider (e.g., a customer transaction account card user) with all approved transactions. To guarantee payment, all merchants are required to later resubmit the multi-digit authorization code with every record of charge, regardless of dollar amount, as verification that an authorization was obtained. Merchants that fail to provide any authorization code, or an incorrect authorization code, will be subject to a chargeback for non-compliance.
US07644031B2

A system for replenishing trading orders comprises a memory coupled to a processor. The memory stores a trading order comprising a total quantity of a product, and at least one formula to determine a displayed quantity for the trading order. The processor applies the formula to determine the displayed quantity. The processor further determines a reserved quantity based on the determined displayed quantity and the total quantity. The processor communicates the trading order having the determined displayed quantity and the determined reserved quantity.
US07644029B2

A computer system implementing at least one investment. A computer has a processor, connected to a memory device, to an input device, and to an output device, the processor programmed to control steps including: forming a synthetic investment fund by entering, as some of the input information, at least one of the group consisting of an amount of an interest-bearing asset, and an amount of a derivative instrument, and entering a specification of a relationship for the amounts; entering, as some of the input information, respective market prices for the interest-bearing asset and for the derivative instrument; calculating a unit value for each said class of interests in the fund in response to the market prices; and generating output for investor reporting, the output including holding data for each said class of interests in the fund and the unit value for each said class of interests in the fund.
US07644027B2

A market process having a market methodology selected from a set of market methodologies is operative to interact with trading processes on a platform. The platform also supports platform processes for providing services to the market process and the trading processes. The trading processes interact with each other and with external markets through the market processes.
US07644017B2

Method for monitoring products in a refrigerator, wherein the refrigerator (1) comprises at least a compartment (2) for containing products (3), a door (4) adapted to close said compartment (2) and radio frequency transmission means (5) adapted to communicate with a plurality of transponders (6) associated with said products (3) to detect the presence of said transponders (6) into the compartment (2), each transponder (6) being able to send a specific identification code, the method comprises: detecting said transponders in static condition of closed door (C1), detecting said transponders during a time period (T1) which represents a dynamic phase of door opening (C2), detecting said transponders during a second time period (T2) which represents a dynamic phase of closing door (F2), comparing said transponders (6) detected in static condition (C1) and in dynamic condition (F1, F2), and their time events of detection for determining the transponders introduced and extracted, respectively, from the refrigerator during the condition of open door (C2).
US07644016B2

An apparatus and method for interrogating and automatically identifying a radio-frequency tagged surgical instrument tray and its contents of RFID-tagged surgical instruments are disclosed. The surgical instrument tray and its contents come into contact with an RF signal transmitted by the RFID reader, and as a result, the RFID tags affixed on the instrument tray and the surgical instruments respond by transmitting back to the RFID reader data pertaining to the history of the surgical instruments. A data terminal, which is connected to the RFID reader, may contain data pertaining to the radio frequency tagged surgical instruments during packaging, and during the return of the surgical instrument trays to the packager, identifies the surgical instruments.
US07644015B2

An inventive procurement system includes a requisition system for special item purchases that are not found when searching a catalog database. Using the requisition system the buyer is provided with the desired item while the information associated with the requisition is selectively added to a rule-based knowledge base as well as to an item database. In a preferred embodiment a common language generator has been used to normalize free form data using pre-determined rules to place the data into a class/attribute/value relationship. By having the item requisition follow the same relationship, the pre-determined rules may be updated and the free-form data associated with the item properly coded for inclusion into an item database.
US07644006B2

Systems and methods of semantically investigating business processes are described. In one aspect, execution data that is generated by one or more components of a business process platform is accessed. The data is generated during execution, at each of one or more nodes, of one or more instantiations of one or more business processes each involving a set of one or more activities each defined by a respective service and performed by a respective set of one or more resources. The accessed execution data is mapped into one or more semantic concepts to obtain outcome data. The outcome data is visualized in terms of a user-selected perspective.
US07643993B2

A method and system for decoding WCDMA AMR speech data using redundancy may include generating at least one bit-sequence for at least one of a plurality of channels that comprises received WCDMA speech data. The bit-sequence may be generated by using a decoding algorithm and may be decrypted to recover the data that may have been encrypted before being transmitted. At least one bit-sequence may be selected for each of the channels by using redundancy, such as, for example, CRC, in the received WCDMA speech data. The redundancy in the received WCDMA speech data may be, for example, CRC. The bit-sequence for each of the channels may be combined to form at least one speech stream. A speech stream may be selected based on speech constraints, which may comprise gain continuity and/or pitch continuity. The selected speech stream may be communicated to a voice decoder.
US07643991B2

The present invention provides for processing voice data. The vocalic of at least one word associated with the electronic voice signal is elongated. The magnitude of at least one consonant spike of the at least one word associated with the electronic voice signal is increased. Through the emphasis of the consonants, intelligibility of speech is increased.
US07643982B2

A system and method for debugging system solutions under design which cooperates with a solution design platform in which relationships between two or more system-level computing components are defined, in which each system-level computing component is associated with a behavioral model, and in which each relationship between system-level computing components is defined as a message-based communications interface. During simulation of the solution, messages are created by analysis of each behavioral model, and are transported or exchanged between system components. The debugging facility monitors interfaces between the system-level components, captures messages at the monitored interfaces, and adds tracking information to the captured messages. Following simulation, the stored messages and tracking information can be reformatted and displayed for review by the user to assist in determination of the problems in system-level operation.
US07643979B2

Data structures and algorithms are provided to automatically generate an analog stimulus to apply to a simulation of the analog DUT. A constraint solver is provided to determine suitable values to use in the stimulus generation. The suitable values are random values within a range of allowed values. For example, a number of different stimuli are generated for successive application to the analog DUT, each with a different magnitude within a range of allowed magnitudes. Data structures and algorithms are provided to monitor analog electrical properties at nodes of the analog DUT. Data structures and algorithms are provided to define constraints on the analog electrical properties and determine whether the constraints were violated. Data structures and algorithms are provided to define simulation coverage conditions in the analog domain and determine whether the defined analog domain coverage conditions have been satisfied.
US07643977B2

A computer simulation method is disclosed for simulating an electrical cable having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in an insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor injected with a fluid composition comprising at least one dielectric enhancement fluid component so as to at least partially fill the interstitial void volume at an initial time. The simulation method comprises for a selected length of the simulated cable, defining a plurality of radially arranged finite volumes extending the selected length of the simulated cable, and estimating the radial temperature of each finite volume. For a selected time period after the initial time, performing a series of steps at least once and outputting or otherwise using the value of the new concentration for the dielectric enhancement fluid component within each finite volume.
US07643976B2

Disclosed is a method and a system for identifying lens aberration sensitive patterns in an integrated circuit chip. A first simulation of a layout is performed to simulate a contour without lens aberration. A second simulation is performed of the layout to simulate a contour with lens aberration. A difference of critical dimension is determined between the contours with and without lens aberration, and at least one lens aberration sensitive pattern is selected from a plurality of layouts based on the difference in critical dimension.
US07643975B2

In a method of numerical modelling of the operation of a gas turbine engine, randomly chosen numerical modifications are made to values within the model, to represent a disturbance for triggering rotating stall. This results in a faster onset of rotating stall within the model, reducing the computational effort required to achieve this.
US07643973B2

Method and systems for analyzing the linearization of a model in a modeling environment are disclosed. The modeling environment may provide tools for linearizing the model to generate a linear model. The modeling environment may also provide tools for analyzing the linearization of the model. The tools for analyzing the linearization of the model may inspect the linear model to determine whether the model is properly linearized. The results of the linearization may be provided to users so that the users are able modify the linearization result and have the model linearized again using the modified information.
US07643971B2

A system and method for predicting the effect of patient self-care actions on a disease control parameter. A future disease control parameter value X(tj) at time tj is determined from a prior disease control parameter value X(ti) at time ti based on an optimal control parameter value R(tj) at time tj, the difference between the prior disease control parameter value X(ti) and an optimal control parameter value R(ti) at time ti, and a set of differentials between patient self-care parameters having patient self-care values SM(ti) at time ti and optimal self-care parameters having optimal self-care values OM(ti) at time ti. The differentials are multiplied by corresponding scaling factors KM. The system includes an input device for entering the patient self-care values SM(ti). A memory stores the optimal control parameter values R(ti) and R(tj), the prior disease control parameter value X(ti), the optimal self-care values OM(ti), and the scaling factors KM. A processor in communication with the input device and memory calculates the future disease control parameter value X(tj). A display is connected to the processor to display the future disease control parameter value X(tj) to a patient.
US07643965B2

Systems and methods for managing the effect of electromagnetic radiation on electronic devices, are provided. The systems and methods includes determining a location of an electronic device within an environment; determining a level of electromagnetic radiation in a location of interest; and implementing corrective action to limit the effect of the electromagnetic radiation. The location of interest can include at least one of a current location; a future location; and a location that is proximal to the current location of the device. Determining the amount of electromagnetic radiation at a location of interest can include estimating a level of electromagnetic radiation at the location based on equipment stationed at that location; a scheduled use of equipment stationed at that location; and receiving a signal indicating a level of electromagnetic radiation from at least one detector positioned at the location of interest.
US07643955B2

Distances to targets (2a, 2b) are simultaneously determined in a method for measuring distance according to the phase measuring principle with a time discrete emission of periodic signals (7) and a sampling of received signals for generating and optionally storing sampled values, whereby the signals have signal portions that are reflected by the targets (2a, 2b) and superimposed. A statistical parameter estimation problem based on a mathematical signal model is solved in such a manner that the number of the targets (2a, 2b) for more than one target (2a, 2b) is preset or fundamentally, the number of targets is determined by the method, and the inequalities D−≦Dk
US07643951B2

A circuit tracks the total amount of time that a host device has spent in its high power “activated” state (and optionally idle and hibernate states) and thereby can estimate the total power consumed by the host device. A remote device can query the state of a counter storing a value representing this time to accurately determine how much of the energy has been consumed by the host device and how much time is left and/or how many more operations can be performed before the host device's battery is exhausted.
US07643949B2

Flowmeters are described in which a sensor signal received from a sensor that is attached to vibratable flowtube, so as to determine properties of a fluid within the flowtube, contains a drive signal component and a coriolis mode component. The flowmeters are operable to determine drive parameters of the drive signal component, as well as coriolis parameters of the coriolis mode component. By analyzing the sensor signal based on the drive signal parameters, and not on the coriolis signal parameters, the flowmeters are able to provide stable and accurate determinations of the properties of the fluid.
US07643937B2

A navigation apparatus includes notification means for notifying an advance direction at a branching point in a route guiding, storage means for storing a plurality of moving methods and notification methods corresponding to the respective moving methods, input means for selecting one of the plurality of moving methods stored in the storage means, and control means for causing the notification means to perform notification by the notification method corresponding to the moving method selected by the input means. Thus, it is possible to easily set a route guiding such as a distance to the branching point where guiding is started for each of the moving methods and a sound volume.
US07643936B1

Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing drive test data in conjunction with geographical data such as population distribution, geographical data as to wireless device usage, location of high-value customers, or other geographical data. The results of the analysis are reported to a human operator, such as a manager overseeing the drive test routes in a particular region. The results enable the operator to revise drive test routes, or select new routes, that provide improved measurement data for the wireless network.
US07643931B2

A powertrain and a control method therefore are provided wherein ignition of a combustible charge in a combustion chamber of a controlled auto-ignition internal combustion engine equipped with in-cylinder fuel-injection and a spark ignition device is controlled. A spark-discharge plasma channel is generated between the electrodes of the spark ignition device, and the combustible charge is ignited. The spark-discharge plasma channel is moved toward and entrained by the combustible charge, effective to advance phasing of controlled auto-ignition combustion.
US07643930B2

A control system which is capable of compensating for and suppressing the influence of a periodic disturbance on a controlled object more quickly, even when the controlled object is subjected to the periodic disturbance the amplitude of which periodically changes, thereby enhancing the stability and the accuracy of control. The control system includes an ECU. The ECU calculates disturbance compensation values for compensating for a periodic disturbance by searching maps and tables, in timing of generation of each pulse of a CRK signal. The ECU calculates control inputs at a predetermined control period, with predetermined control algorithms, according to the disturbance compensation values read in at the control period, respectively.
US07643907B2

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for developing a metadata-infused software program for controlling a device, such as a robot. A first library of software segments with metadata and a second library of script documents are provided. A part program wizard uses a script document selected from the second library to display queries on a screen of an interface device. Using input information received in response to the queries, the part program wizard selects and combines software segments from the first library to produce the metadata-infused software program. The metadata identifies the selected software segments and includes statuses of the selected software segments. A graphical representation of the metadata infused software program is displayed on the screen and conveys the statuses of the software segments. A deployment wizard is utilized to teach data points for the metadata-infused software program.
US07643904B2

A chip transfer apparatus includes a first carrier for feeding chips and a second carrier for carrying works on it. The transfer apparatus also includes a transfer engine including two or more coaxial revolvers, which can revolve coaxially with each other. Each of the coaxial revolvers includes an end-effector for receiving a chip from the first carrier and transferring the received chip onto a work on the second carrier. The end-effectors of the coaxial revolvers are arranged in a circle coaxial with the revolvers. The end-effectors sequentially receive chips from the first carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the first carrier and transfer the received chips onto works on the second carrier at substantially zero speed relative to the second carrier. While the end-effectors are revolving, they undergo periodic speed change control for timing adjustment and speed adjustment for the chip reception and transfer.
US07643902B2

One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method comprising determining sales data associated with a sales device (e.g., a vending machine) and adjusting a level of sensitivity of a currency validator based on the sales data.
US07643901B2

A unit for preparing groups (1) of products in layers (S) for palletizing comprises: a motor-driven element (4) for controlled pick up and release of the groups (1) of products from the first surface (3) to a second surface (5), positioned by the side of the first surface (3), for preparing a layer (S) of groups (1) of products; a logic unit (7) for controlling and programming the pick up and release element (4) and the second surface (5) to obtain individual layers (S) made up of two or more groups (1) of products on the second surface (5) by moving them along or around axes, transversal (Y) to the extension of the first surface (3), parallel (X) with the extension of the first surface (3), at a vertical height (Z) and according to an angle (α) of rotation about the vertical axis (Z); the pick up and release element (4) having independent drive units (9, 10, 11) designed to control the element (4) according to three of the controlled axes (X, Y, Z, α); the second preparation surface (5) having a drive unit (12) for controlling the second surface (5) along the remaining controlled axis (X, Y, Z, α) to place the groups (1) of products so as to form the layer (S), with an interface unit (13) inserted between the logic unit (7) and the element (4) and second surface (5), allowing the four axes (X, Y, Z, α) to be coordinated in such a way as to form the layer (S).
US07643900B2

Embodiments of the present invention teach a method of controlling a screw in a two-stage injection unit and a system for implementing the method. For example, a method of controlling a screw in a two-stage injection unit, the method executable at a computing apparatus associated with the two-stage injection unit is disclosed. The method comprises receiving an indication of an operational parameter associated with the screw of the two-stage injection unit; based on the indication of the operational parameter, determining a target speed (STARGET) for the screw, the target speed (STARGET) being sufficient to enable the screw to produce a required amount of material in a molten state; causing the screw to rotate at the target speed (STARGET), thereby causing the screw to operate in a substantially continuous manner.
US07643899B2

The present invention is directed to a machine programmed to edge an ophthalmic lens blank. The machine includes an edger device for forming a bevel in a peripheral edge of the lens blank, a central processing unit operably associated with the edger device for controlling operation thereof, and a computer program stored on a medium in communication with the central processing unit. The computer program includes a first instruction set operably causing the edger device to form a bevel in a peripheral edge of a lens blank. A second instruction set operably causes the edger device to form a step in the peripheral edge intermediate an apex of the bevel and an interface between the peripheral edge and a major surface of the lens blank. A method of controlling an edger device for edging an ophthalmic lens blank and a computer program are also disclosed.
US07643893B2

Systems and methods for closed-loop feedback control of controllable devices using motion capture systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a motion capture system configured to measure one or more motion characteristics of one or more controllable devices as the one or more controllable devices are operating within a control volume. A processor receives the measured motion characteristics from the motion capture system and determines a control signal based on the measured motion characteristics. A position control system receives the control signal and continuously adjusts at least one motion characteristic of the one or more controllable devices in order to maintain or achieve a desired motion state. The controllable device may be equipped with passive retro-reflective markers. The motion capture system, the processor, and the position control system comprise a complete closed-loop feedback control system.
US07643890B1

The present invention leverages a co-located communication component to provide remote management of a portable construction device. This enables monitoring and/or controlling the portable construction device from a central management site. The communication component allows the central site, or another communication component, to interact with the portable construction device to retrieve information such as, for example, usage information and/or status information. The communication component also allows remote control of the devices such as, for example, remote power control and/or control of auxiliary devices that facilitate the functionality of the portable construction devices. The present invention can also incorporate global positioning systems and/or location indicating systems to facilitate in determining where the portable construction devices are located and/or when the devices are properly positioned. The systems themselves can be distributed to form a communication network with bi-directional communication capabilities.
US07643886B2

A medical electrical lead includes a primary lumen, a hydraulic lumen, and a fixation portion including at least one expandable fixation member. The fixation member communicates with a plunger disposed in the hydraulic lumen, and is actuated from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration by the introduction and release of hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic lumen. The hydraulic actuation of the fixation member allows for the delivery, positioning, re-positioning, and/or retrieval of the lead.
US07643882B2

A system and apparatus for enabling independent, highly reliable and accurate self-application of an anti-tremor means by a disabled patient, without requirement for application fixtures, wherein anti-tremor means comprises a single unit, self adhesive stimulation and recording electrode with an integrated supply of energy and a control unit, further comprising an alignment, and application means for applying said anti-tremor means configured to enable independently self application by a severely handicapped patient, wherein system and method for tremor reduction is by means of closed-loop functional electrical stimulation, including a sensor for sensing muscle movements, and Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) apparatus for providing FES to a muscle, the FES apparatus being in communication with the sensor via a band pass filter for filtering around a tremor frequency to ignore slow movements and high frequency noise.
US07643881B2

Methods and devices for detecting and/or predicting onset of an undesirable physiological event or neural state, such as an epileptic seizure, facilitate rapid intervention with a treatment therapy such as neurostimulation or drug therapy. The methods and devices involve monitoring the patient's body temperature, preferably by an implanted temperature sensor, to detect a change in a body temperature parameter over a first time period, which may comprise an increase or decrease in the patient's body temperature, time rate of change of body temperature, moving average temperature, increase or decrease in body temperature exceeding a target temperature, elevated or reduced body temperature, or temperature stability parameter over a first time period. The sampling period may be changed manually or depending upon a sensed body parameter, including temperature. When a parameter change is detected that exceeds a threshold, neurostimulation therapy is delivered to a neural structure of the patient.
US07643880B2

A method and system for selective inhibition of somatic nerve fibers in a mixed nerve containing both somatic and autonomic nerve fibers where the method finds use in treatment of chronic pain, spastic muscles and for sensory and motor control of a bladder. The methods and systems utilize alternate phase rectangular electrical pulses. An electrical pulse generator is coupled to a nerve. An alternate phase high frequency, low amplitude pulse is first applied to selectively inhibit somatic nerves when present in a mixed nerve. An alternate phase low frequency, high amplitude phase pulse subsequently supplied to stimulate the autonomic nerve fibers and in the case of the sacral root will permit a controlled voiding of the bladder and bowel.
US07643877B2

A cardiac rhythm management device predicts defibrillation thresholds without any need to apply defibrillation shocks or subjecting the patient to fibrillation. Intravascular defibrillation electrodes are implanted in a heart. By applying a small test energy, an electric field near one of the defibrillation electrodes is determined by measuring a voltage at a sensing electrode offset from the defibrillation electrode by a known distance. A desired minimum value of electric field at the heart periphery is established. A distance between a defibrillation electrodes and the heart periphery is measured, either fluoroscopically or by measuring a voltage at an electrode at or near the heart periphery. Using the measured electric field and the measured distance to the periphery of the heart, the defibrillation energy needed to obtain the desired electric field at the heart periphery is estimated. In an example, the device also includes a defibrillation shock circuit and a stimulation circuit.
US07643870B2

The present disclosure includes a method and system for managing ECGs in a clinical trial including a processor, storage media, ECG acquisition system, user interface device, and the appropriate databases configured to collect and store a set of trial specific drug ECG recordings. The system and method allows a trial administrator to select a set of placebo ECG recordings and a set of known QT prolonged ECG recordings from databases and adjust these sets according to the parameters of the study. Interpretations are made on this superset of ECG recordings and the interpretation is outputted to a user.
US07643863B2

Magnetic resonance methods include modeling magnetic resonance signals obtained from specimens at low and high q-values to obtain parameters associated with specimen structure and orientation. In evaluation of brain white matter specimens, diffusion within axons can be modeled based on hindered diffusion parallel to an axis of the axon and restricted diffusion perpendicular to the axis. Diffusion exterior to axons can be modeled as hindered diffusion with differing diffusivities parallel to and perpendicular to the axis. Based on extracted parameters and associated model functions, specimen properties such as intra and extra-axonal principal diffusivities and the corresponding principal directions can be estimated.
US07643859B2

An apparatus and method for measuring a concentration of a substance in an eye using a retro-reflected measurement light beam having a first wavelength at which the substance has a non-zero first absorption coefficient and a retro-reflected reference light beam having a second wavelength at which the substance has a second absorption coefficient which is substantially equal to zero. The apparatus further includes a detector positionable to receive the retro-reflected measurement light beam and the retro-reflected reference light beam. The detector is responsive to light having the first wavelength by generating a measurement signal and responsive to light having the second wavelength by generating a reference signal. The apparatus further includes an electrical circuit coupled to the detector. The electrical circuit is responsive to the measurement signal and the reference signal to measure the concentration of the substance in the eye.
US07643854B2

A buckling mechanism used to fasten an electronic device such as a wireless broadband access point device or a wireless broadband router onto a bracket. The electronic device includes a top plate and a side plate having a side-plate aperture. The bracket is disposed on the top plate and has a bracket aperture. The buckling mechanism includes a first body portion, an embedding portion, a second body portion and a buckle portion. The embedding portion is disposed on one side of the first body portion to be embedded into the side-plate aperture. The second body portion is perpendicular and connected to another side of the first body portion, while the buckle portion is disposed on another side of the second body portion to be buckled with the bracket aperture.
US07643853B2

An apparatus and a method for selecting an antenna appropriate for a data service type in a communication system employing multiple antennas. The method of performing data communication through a transceiver using multiple antennas includes determining the type of the data services contained in a received signal, selecting one of the multiple antennas with a communication quality corresponding to the type of the data services, and employing the selected antenna to perform the data communication.
US07643852B2

A method for calibration of RF paths of a frequency hopping adaptive base transceiver station is provided. The method of calibration calibrates a wireless cellular telecommunication system with a frequency hopping adaptive base transceiver station including an adaptive antenna array with two or more RF traffic transceiver apparatus chains. The wireless cellular telecommunication system communicates with mobile units on a frequencies defined by a hop list. The method of calibration includes the step of periodically interrupting a frequency hopping process of the frequency hopping adaptive base transceiver station while calls are in progress. The method of calibration further includes the step of calibrating an antenna transmit path for a RF traffic transceiver apparatus chain at a frequency selected to include one or more frequencies in the hop list to determine a set of weighting parameters for the antenna transmit path at the one or more frequencies. A self-calibrating frequency hopping adaptive base transceiver station is also provided.
US07643851B2

During wireless data communication with a digital camera, when a setting operation of communication parameters is designated by a communication setting button, the data communication with the camera is suspended, and the network is switched to a network for setting communication parameters for another camera. With this network, a setting operation of communication parameters for another camera is performed. Thereafter, the network for setting communication parameters is switched to the network for data communication with the original camera.
US07643848B2

A transceiver system includes a first section coupled to a first antenna, a second section coupled to a second antenna, and a radio frequency (RF) unit. The first section includes a transmit path and a first receive path for a first (e.g., GSM) wireless system, a transmit path and a first receive path for a second (e.g., CDMA) wireless system, and a transmit/receive (T/R) switch that couples the signal paths to the first antenna. The second section includes a second receive path for the first wireless system and a second receive path for the second wireless system. The first and second receive paths for the first wireless system are for two frequency bands. The first and second receive paths for the second wireless system are for a single frequency band and provide receive diversity. The transceiver system may include a GPS receive path coupled to a third antenna.
US07643839B2

In an RF communication system, aspects for diversity processing may comprise processing a plurality of received multipath signals as clusters of signals. The received multipath signals may be diversity signals received from diversity transmit antennas at a base station. Timing information may be generated for tracking the clusters of signals. Complex phase and amplitude information may also be estimated for at least some of the multipath signals in the clusters of signals. At least a portion of the received multipath signals may be combined to form a single path processed diversity signal. A plurality of the single path processed diversity signals may be combined together, where each of the single path processed diversity signals may be derived from one of the plurality of diversity transmit antennas at the base station. The diversity signals may be transmitted via at least one of a plurality of diversity modes.
US07643824B2

A system for backing up data on a wireless telephone having a data store containing a user's personal information. A method and application are provided.
US07643820B2

Disclosed are an electronic device (202) and method of an electronic device and a method of a network for transmitting, receiving and processing a user-accessible contact information data entry in a contact information storage medium (214). User-accessible contact information data, such as a telephone book entry, is transmitted by a sender's device to the mobile communication device (202) with particular restrictions on the entry that trigger a processor (212) to carry out instructions (226, 224, 222) to restrict annunciation, transmission, and/or modification of the telephone book entry and also to trigger instructions (218) to delete all or part of the telephone book entry upon fulfillment of an expiration criterion specified by the sender's device.
US07643811B2

A wireless communications device includes a first receiver and a second receiver. The first receiver is configured to receive a first wireless signal (such as a Bluetooth or WLAN signal), while the second receiver is configured to receive a second wireless signal (such as a UWB signal). In addition, the second receiver is configured to determine spectral characteristics of the first wireless signal. Based on these determined spectral characteristics, an interference detection module may identify interference in the first wireless signal.
US07643810B2

A system for detecting the level of the noise floor due to circuit noise as seen at the ADC for a wireless receiver. The system measures power after digitizing and filtering, and subtracts off any variable gain used in the analog front end to determine differentially the size of the signal at the antenna. The system further differentially detects the signal size of any incoming signal at the antenna in a similar fashion, and determines its size relative to the measured noise floor. If the level of the circuit noise of the receiver is known absolutely, the absolute signal size of the incoming signal can likewise be determined with this inventive method and system.
US07643809B1

Using low impedance switches and coupling to a virtual ground, one or more capacitors are selectively switched into or out of an inductive-capacitive resonant circuit portion of an integrated circuit filter to alter the resonant frequency based on a phase difference between the resonant frequency and a reference frequency. The capacitors are sized for a sequence of total capacitances proceeding by halves or doubles between values corresponding to minimum and maximum desired frequency adjustments, allowing a binary count of pulses representative of the phase difference to address the correct combination of capacitors. An exact or ratioed replica of the inductive-capacitive resonant circuit, controlled by the same capacitance selection signal, may be used as a frequency-selective amplifier load or matching network, or to form a ladder filter.
US07643791B2

An booster/amplifier receives a plurality of RF signals, including a subject RF signal. A location-based signal spectrum is determined by performing either a frequency scan or an information lookup operation. An initial filter bandwidth for the booster/amplifier is set based at least in part on the determined signal spectrum and a target time delay interference. In one embodiment, the initial filter bandwidth is set such that both the TDI and ACI are optimized/minimized. The initial filter bandwidth subsequently may be adjusted from its initial value based on actual measured ACI and/or TDI values.
US07643781B2

A transfer device transfers an image formed on each of image-carrier rotating members onto a transfer belt by applying a bias voltage to the image-carrier rotating members. A rotation axis of one of image-carrier rotating member located the most upstream is positioned closer to the transfer belt than those of the other image-carrier rotating members. Each of the bias-applying rotating members is displaced downstream of the corresponding image-carrier rotating member, and a line on which a rotation axis of the bias-applying rotating member and that of the corresponding image-carrier rotating member fall is orthogonal to a moving direction of the transfer belt.
US07643780B2

A developing cartridge usable with an image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge includes a supporting frame, a developing member which is supported in the supporting frame, and to supply the developer to an electrostatic latent image of a photosensitive body of the image forming apparatus, a supplying member which is supported in the supporting frame, and to supply the developer to the developing member, and an elastic unit which is supported in the supporting frame, and to elastically support the supplying member so that the supplying member can move toward and away from the developing member.
US07643776B2

An ink builder to build an ink for a hard copy device. The ink has at least one property that deteriorates in storage. The ink builder comprises an ink tank and apparatus for building ink in the ink tank from a plurality of components and/or an ink maintaining apparatus arranged to inhibit deterioration of the at least one property of the ink in the ink tank. The ink builder may be used in cooperation with a separate hard copy device to which the ink tank can be transferred. Methods of producing hard copies using such a hard copy device are also disclosed.
US07643770B2

In a developing cartridge, the contact plate of the electrode member is disposed to contact the developing bias terminal within a plane of projection when a driven coupling part is projected in a first direction. A first axis line, which is an axis of the developing roller shaft, and a second axis line, which is an axis of the input gear, are disposed in parallel and equidistant in the front-rear direction. A part of the contact plate is disposed on the second axis line. A first line connecting an axis about which the input gear rotates and the developing roller shaft and a second line connecting the contact plate and the developing roller shaft are disposed parallel to each other. The distance between the first axis line and the second axis line equals the distance between the first axis line and the contact plate.
US07643761B2

An optical receiver adapted to apply multiple-sampling processing to an optical duobinary signal received over a transmission link in an optical communication system. In one embodiment, the receiver has an optical-to-electrical signal converter coupled to a decoder adapted to process an electrical signal generated by the converter to generate a bit sequence corresponding to the optical signal. To generate a bit value, the decoder first obtains two or more bit estimate values by sampling the electrical signal within a corresponding signaling interval two or more times. The decoder then applies a logical function to the bit estimate values, which produces the corresponding bit value for the bit sequence. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention improve overall back-to-back (i.e., source-to-destination) system performance, e.g., by reducing the number of decoding errors associated with timing jitter and/or spontaneous beat noise in the received optical signal.
US07643754B2

A method of providing a multi-wavelength light source includes the steps of modulating an optical pulse source so as to output optical pulses with a designated repetition frequency, time-division multiplexing the optical pulses output by the optical pulse source so as to output optical pulses with a repetition frequency which is an integral multiple of the designated repetition frequency, and demultiplexing wavelengths of the optical pulses with the repetition frequency which is the integral multiple of the designated repetition frequency so as to output the wavelengths as the multi-wavelength light source.
US07643753B2

An enhanced passive optical network (PON) processor adapted to serve a plurality of PON applications is disclosed. The PON processor is a highly integrated communications processor that can operate in different PON modes including, but not limited to, a gigabit PON (GPON), a broadband PON (BPON), an Ethernet PON (EPON), or any combination thereof. In an embodiment of the present invention the provided PON is fabricated on a single integrated circuit (IC).
US07643749B2

A camera module includes an image sensor, a first lens, a second lens and a beam splitting and combining component. The beam splitting and combining component is disposed between the first lens, the second lens and the image sensor. The first lens is suitable for imaging a first light beam of a first object onto the image sensor, while the second lens is suitable for imaging a second light beam of a second object onto the image sensor. In addition, both the first light beam and the second light beam are imaging onto the image sensor through the beam splitting and combining component. Therefore, the camera module is able to provide a two-way image-capturing function.
US07643746B2

A light intensity adjustment system is provided which greatly decreases or makes unnecessary image compensation by the image processing device side, improves scan precision, and can reduce the scan time; and which comprises: a light irradiation device 1 that has multiple independently light intensity adjustable light irradiation units 11, and that irradiates light facing a predetermined target area A; a photographic device 2 that photographs said target area A through a lens, and outputs a target area image that is the photographed image; and a light intensity control unit 3 that controls the respective light intensities of said light irradiation units 11 so that the brightness of the various parts of the target area images that said photographic device 2 has output approaches a predetermined standard value.
US07643745B2

An electronic device includes circuitry for carrying out an operation unrelated to camera operation, and camera circuitry for carrying out a camera related operation, the camera circuitry including circuitry for providing autofocus control. The electronic device further includes a camera lens operatively coupled to the camera circuitry, a focus state of the camera lens being controlled by the camera circuitry. In addition, the electronic device includes an operator input operatively coupled to at least the camera circuitry for enabling an operator to provide an input unrelated to focus control of the camera lens in a first operating condition, and to provide a manual focus control input to the camera lens in a second operating condition.
US07643744B2

A lens driving device has first and second driving units for moving first and second lens holders supporting first and second sets of lens elements in an optical axis direction, respectively. The first and second driving units each have a motor, a gear fitted around an output shaft of the motor, a lead screw rotated by the gear, and a nut fitted around the lead screw. The output shafts of the first and second motors overlap each other in their axial direction. The first and second driving units move the first and second lens holders in the optical axis direction via the respective nuts moving in the optical axis direction. An image pickup plane side end face of the motor of the first driving unit is positioned more to the image pickup plane side than a position most to the subject side of the second lens holder is.
US07643743B2

A low cost and high speed AF sensor is realized by increasing AF speed without providing a sensor dedicated for a large de-focusing AF. The AF sensor has two sensors each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and detects a focus based on signals read from the sensors. The two sensors each includes a plurality of linear sensors 11 to 13. The two sensors each has a plurality of accumulation controlling circuits (PB detection circuits 14 to 16 and accumulation decision circuits 17 to 19) for controlling the accumulation time of the photoelectric conversion elements and a plurality of scanning circuits (shift registers 21 to 23) for reading out output signals from the photoelectric conversion elements. The AF sensor has a first mode in which the accumulation time of each linear sensor in the two sensors is independently controlled to independently read a signal output and a second mode in which the accumulation time of the linear sensors in the two sensors is collectively controlled to read a signal output.
US07643722B2

Control data, such as a store-request, and video data are sent via different paths to video storage. More specifically, a load balancer sends the control data from a camera to the storage device, and the camera sends the video data to video storage. By separating the transmission paths of the control data and the video data, it is possible to vary the method for protecting the video storage, depending on the type of data, and to intensively check the control data which are smaller in data quantity, thereby realizing both a high security level and a cost reduction for protecting video storage.
US07643721B2

To present a moving picture processing device having a user interface very easy to use when selecting part of moving pictures from multiple moving pictures. The moving picture processing device comprises a moving picture display unit for displaying whole or part of plural stored moving pictures sequentially, an input accepting unit for accepting an input for display of moving picture, a moving picture menu compiling unit for compiling a menu of moving pictures displayed when the input accepting unit accepts the input, and a menu display unit for displaying a menu of moving pictures compiled by the moving picture menu compiling unit.
US07643716B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed of temporarily changing refractive index of an optical fiber containing a longitudinal electrode arranged in the cladding of said fiber along and parallel to the core of the fiber, wherein the change in refractive index is performed by applying a high voltage pulse to said longitudinal electrode, the high voltage pulse including a magnitude of at least 100 volts and a duration sufficiently short to prevent melting of the electrode, such that the electrode thermally expands through ohmic heating without melting and exerts a pressure on the fiber core to induce said temporary change of the refractive index. The method is suitably used for Q-switching a fiber laser.
US07643713B2

A composite cable to be laid by being drawn or blown into a cable tube, which has at least two insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and at least one single-fiber optical waveguide (3, 4) and a cable sheath (5). The insulation of the copper wires has an inner layer (1b, 2b) with foamed polymer and an outer layer (1c, 2c) including an unfoamed polymer (foam skin). The optical waveguide(s) (3, 4) being arranged in the stranding gaps in the insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and reinforcing elements (5a) are made from a material having a high tensile strength being embedded in the sheath (5).
US07643709B2

A slanted grating coupler for coupling a radiation beam between a waveguide lying substantially in a plane on a substrate and an optical element outside that plane is provided, whereby the slanted grating coupler has a good coupling efficiency for medium or low index contrast material systems. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the slanted grating coupler is provided. The slanted grating coupler comprises a plurality of slanted slots extending through the waveguide core and being arranged successively in the propagation direction of the waveguide. In at least part of the coupling region, the size of the slanted slots in a lateral direction, being a direction within the waveguide plane and perpendicular to the propagation direction of the waveguide, is smaller than the lateral size of the waveguide core. Successive slots are displaced with respect to each other in the lateral direction. Radiation incident from the waveguide on a slanted slot of the slanted segmented coupler is partly reflected upwards at the interface with air. Part of the radiation is transmitted in between or around the slots and propagates further, until it reaches another slot.
US07643705B1

A method for determining a recorded presentation information document is provided. The method comprises: receiving information identifying an input image; comparing the input image with a plurality of image file documents to determine an image file document in the plurality of image file documents that includes information that is considered to match the input image; and determining a recorded presentation information document that is associated with the image file document that was determined.
US07643703B2

Aspects of the invention relate to image change detection systems, methods, and articles of manufacture. According to one aspect, a method of identifying differences between a plurality of images is described. The method includes loading a source image and a target image into memory of a computer, constructing source and target edge images from the source and target images to enable processing of multiband images, displaying the source and target images on a display device of the computer, aligning the source and target edge images, switching displaying of the source image and the target image on the display device, to enable identification of differences between the source image and the target image.
US07643702B1

Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for processing electronic images. An electronic image is transformed to generate a transformed image according to a first coordinate transformation. The transformed image is filtered, and a second coordinate transformation is applied to the filtered image to align the filtered image with an accumulation array that includes multiple accumulation elements. Each accumulation element is updated based on a respective value in the aligned image. The operations of generating a transformed image according to a first transformation, filtering the transformed image, applying a second transformation and updating each accumulation element are iterated for one or more further first coordinate transformations. These techniques can be implemented to detect features in the image using a graphics processing unit.
US07643701B2

A document camera (1) detects a figure of a known shape on a stage (13) and acquires the coordinates of the figure, and acquires image processing area and projection correction parameter. The document camera (1) extracts image data of the image processing area from image data acquired by shooting the stage (13) and an original (4), and performs projection correction on the image data using the projection correction parameter. Further, the document camera (1) performs rotation correction on image data undergone projection correction. Furthermore, the document camera (1) performs zoom correction on image data undergone rotation correction, and generates output input image.
US07643696B2

An image processing module restricts granular noise present in photographic image data obtained by digitization of an image by utilizing a weighted average filtering operation. The module comprises a target pixel setting section, a difference value calculation section, a weight coefficient determining section and a filtering operating section. The target pixel setting section sets one target pixel after another from a group of pixels together constituting the photographic image data. The difference value calculating section calculates a difference value between a pixel value of the target pixel and each peripheral pixel present within a calculating area centering about the target pixel and is used for the weighted average filtering operation. The weight coefficient determining section determines a weight coefficient for use in the weighted average filtering operation, in accordance with the difference value. The filtering operating section obtains a corrected pixel value for the target pixel by effecting the weighted average filtering operation with the weight coefficient.
US07643695B2

This invention allows Huffman encoding using a common Huffman table according to basic quantization values Qi,j even when image data expressed by n bits falling within the range from L to K is JPEG-coded, and can suppress the Huffman table size from increasing. To this end, a basic quantization table storage unit stores quantization step values Q0,0 to Q7,7 used in baseline JPEG coding. A minimum quantization step generator outputs a minimum quantization step value Qn—min to a comparator/selector according to the number n of bits of each color component of image data to be coded. The comparator/selector compares the quantization step values Q0,0 to Q7,7 with Qn—min and selects larger ones, and outputs the comparison results to a quantizer as Q′i,j. The quantizer stores Q′i,j in a quantization table storage unit and quantizes orthogonal transformation coefficients output from a DCT transformer.
US07643694B2

An image processing system that can receive compressed image data corresponding to a representation of an image and process that image data in an order that is independent of the order in which that image data was compressed. A first pass decoding identifies certain information pertaining to the coded units within the compressed image data. Based upon that information, the coded units in the compressed image data may be decoded in an order that is different than the order in which they were encoded, and portions of the image may be rotated by a multiple of 90° independently of other portions of the image, thereby reducing the amount of memory needed to decompress and rotate the compressed image data.
US07643692B2

The system of generating geometric characteristics of a digitally encoded image comprises a display device (2) capable of displaying a digitized image, communicating with a control unit (4), and comprising a man-machine interface (6) and means of supplying data (3) to the system via said man-machine interface (6). The system also comprises: a display means (7) for displaying a digitally encoded image on the display device (2), a first delimiting means (8) for delimiting a portion of the image representing a substantially flat surface, a processing means (9) for applying a predetermined deformable geometric pattern to the image in the position of said delimited image portion and deforming the pattern so as to make it correspond to said image portion, and a determination means (10) for determining geometric characteristics of said surface from the deformation of the pattern.
US07643682B2

A method of identifying redundant text fragments, which create artificial artifacts only, in an electronic page description language document includes a) providing a page having a plurality of text fragments, each text fragment comprising at least one glyph, the document including Unicode values for all glyphs and geometric information of all text fragments on the page and page description language parameters of all glyphs, b) identifying two text fragments as redundant candidates, if the Unicode sequence of the text fragments have identical corresponding Unicode sequences, c) defining a bounding box of quadrangular shape for each of the two redundant candidates according to their font characteristics, d) calculating the overlapping area of the two bounding boxes, and e) determining whether the two candidates form redundant text fragments by comparing the ratio of the overlapping area to the area of the smaller bounding box of both text fragments with a predetermined threshold.
US07643677B2

In the image display device according to the present invention, control is performed such that a condition of not using a subsidiary pixel which corresponds to a specific color among the subsidiary pixels constituting a first pixel is selected as a condition for signal processing to output a signal for designating intensity of each subsidiary pixels constituting the first pixel, and a condition of using a subsidiary pixel which corresponds to a specific color among the subsidiary pixel constituting a second pixel is selected as a condition for signal processing to output a signal for designating intensity of each subsidiary pixels constituting the second pixel adjacent to the first pixel in the first direction.
US07643675B2

Strategies are described for processing image information using a data structure which conveys color information. The color information describes color-related formatting applied to the image information. The data structure can be passed down a video processing pipeline, where each functional component in the pipeline can draw color information from the data structure to improve the accuracy of its processing. Further, each component can supply previously unknown color information to the data structure for use by other (downstream) components in the pipeline. Exemplary fields of the data structure can include one or more of: a video transfer function field; a color primaries field; an image light field; a transfer matrix field; a nominal range field; and a video chroma sampling field. The transfer matrix field can be used to convert image information from one color space to another, such as a luma-related color space to an RGB-related color space. Processing operations can be performed on progressive and linear RGB image information.
US07643667B2

The image recording apparatus comprises: a recording device having a plurality of recording elements which record an image onto a recording medium; an extraction device which extracts a region satisfying a prescribed extraction condition according to information of the image recorded on the recording medium by the recording device; a reading device which reads in the image recorded on the recording medium and accordingly outputs read information; and a recording element abnormality determination device which determines abnormalities of the recording elements corresponding to the image in the extracted region extracted by the extraction device according to the read information of the region extracted by the extraction device.
US07643665B2

The present invention involves a computationally efficient method of determining the locations of standard cells in an image of an IC layout. The initial step extracts and characterizes points of interest of the image. A coarse localization of possible standard cell locations is performed and is based on a comparison of the points of interest of an instance of an extracted standard cell and the remaining points of interest in the image. A more rigid comparison is made on the list of possible locations comprising a coarse match and a fine match. The coarse match results in a shortlist of possible locations. The fine match performs comparisons between the template and the shortlist. Further filtering is done to remove the effects of noise and texture variations and statistics on the results are generated to achieve the locations of the standard cells on the IC layout.
US07643663B2

Volume measurement of for example a tumor in a 3D image dataset is an important and often performed task. The problem is to segment the tumor out of this volume in order to measure its dimensions. This problem is complicated by the fact that the tumors are often connected to vessels and other organs. According to the present invention, an automated method and corresponding device and computer software are provided, which analyze a volume of interest around a singled out tumor, and which, by virtue of a 3D distance transform and a region drawing scheme advantageously allow to automatically segment a tumor out of a given volume.
US07643649B2

A method for decoding auxiliary data from media signals in multimedia content decodes auxiliary data, including digital watermarks, from different media signals and uses the watermarks to control processing of the multimedia content. A copy control method decodes a watermark from one of the media signals in multimedia content, and uses the watermark to control processing of the multimedia content. Another method uses a watermark decoded from a first media signal to decode a second media signal. Yet another method uses a watermark decoded from a media signal to decode metadata associated with the media signal. Finally, another method forms a key for decoding data from at least first and second watermarks extracted from first and second media signals.
US07643646B2

A lanyard assembly can include a primary lanyard adapted to be worn around the neck of a user and a secondary lanyard positioned proximate the primary lanyard. The secondary lanyard can include a wire for providing audio transmission, a plug carried by the secondary lanyard proximate a first end of the secondary lanyard and connected to the wire, and an audio output device carried by the secondary lanyard proximate a second end of the secondary lanyard and connected to the wire. The lanyard assembly may further include a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement can include first and second cooperating fastening components. The first fastening component may be carried on the primary lanyard, and the second fastening component may be carried on the secondary lanyard proximate one of the plug and the audio output device. The user can selectively engage and disengage the first fastening component with the second fastening component.
US07643643B2

A speaker unit is arranged in a casing of an electronic apparatus. The speaker unit includes a cabinet, a speaker arranged in the cabinet and exposed to the outside of the cabinet, and a port which is defined in the cabinet to open the outside of the cabinet and through which a sound emitted from the backside of the speaker into the cabinet is radiated outward from the cabinet. The speaker is exposed to the outside of the casing through an opening defined in an outside wall of the casing. The port of the speaker unit opens into the casing.
US07643623B2

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for flexibly controlling prepaid telecommunications charges. A scratch card recharge arrangement is used to prepay for future telecommunications calls. A flexible arrangement is provided to translate between the face value of a scratch card and the amount of telecommunications charges authorized for that scratch card. Advantageously, different vendors of scratch cards may provide different amounts of service for a scratch card with a given face value.
US07643620B1

A system and method for notifying a notification recipient of an event status change and allowing the notification recipient to request action is disclosed. An event occurs. A message relating to the event applicable to an end-user is created. A communication link between an outbound module and a device associated with the end-user is established. The message is delivered to the end-user device. The communication link is transferred from the outbound module to an inbound module. A response is received from the end-user device at the inbound module.
US07643614B2

A target for generating x-rays includes a target substrate, a target shaft attached to the target substrate, and a radiation emissive coating applied to at least one of the target substrate and the target shaft, wherein a center-of-gravity of the target is positioned between a front bearing assembly and a rear bearing assembly of an x-ray tube.
US07643613B2

In a radiation imaging apparatus having a radiation generator, an imaging unit including a detecting unit for detecting radiation to generate a radiation imagedata, a carriage for carrying the radiation generator, and an operating unit for providing an interface to a user, it is decided whether the radiation imaging apparatus is in a moving state or not. When it is decided that the radiation imaging apparatus is in a moving state, the operation function of the operating unit for the radiation detector and the imaging unit is limited.
US07643611B2

A shadow aperture backscatter radiography (SABR) system includes at least one penetrating radiation source for providing a penetrating radiation field, and at least one partially transmissive radiation detector, wherein the partially transmissive radiation detector is interposed between an object region to be interrogated and the radiation source. The partially transmissive radiation detector transmits a portion of the illumination radiation field. A shadow aperture having a plurality of radiation attenuating regions having apertures therebetween is disposed between the radiation source and the detector. The apertures provide illumination regions for the illumination radiation field to reach the object region, wherein backscattered radiation from the object is detected and generates an image by the detector in regions of the detector that are shadowed by the radiation attenuation regions.
US07643605B2

A cone-beam scanning system scans along a half circle. The reconstruction uses a weighting function which decreases for rows farther from the scan plane to take the redundancy of the projection data into account. Another embodiment uses a circle plus sparse helical scan geometry. Image data can be taken in real time.
US07643604B2

An inspection system according to various embodiments can include a stationary mono-energetic gamma source and a detector-spectrometer. The detector-spectrometer is configured to employ a modulation of energy bin boundaries within a multi-channel pulse height analyzer to encode voxels within the inspected object, and apply an analysis to determine the three-dimensional density image of the inspected object.
US07643603B2

The present invention provides an automatic process counter that detects electrical signals from fasteners and attachments fastened to devices in a hard disk drive manufacturing line and uses the signals to increment the count of the fastens. Count signals are then transmitted to a plurality of display units for visual display to monitoring operators in the manufacturing line.
US07643597B2

A method for selecting a subsequence of video frames (72-84) from a sequence of video frames (70) comprising defining a distance function between video frames (72-84) in the sequence of video frames (70). An optimization criterion is defined to express a feature of a plurality of subsequences of video frames (72-84) selected from the sequence of video frames (70). A method is disclosed for displaying key frames for browsing and streaming.
US07643595B2

Network elements may be synchronized over an asynchronous network by implementing a master clock as an all digital PLL that includes a Digitally Controlled Frequency Selector (DCFS), the output frequency of which may be directly controlled through the input of a control word. The PLL causes the control word input to the master DCFS to be adjusted to cause the output of the master DCFS to lock onto a reference frequency. Information associated with the control word is transmitted from the master clock to the slave clocks which are also implemented as DCFSs. By using the transmitted information to recreate the master control word, the slaves may be made to assume the same state as the master DCFS without requiring the slaves to be implemented as PLLs. The DCFS may be formed as a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) or as a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS).
US07643591B2

A method for noise comprising synthesizing blocks of sequential latches, e.g., a pipeline circuit architecture or clocking domain, which comprises combinational logic, synthesizing a root or a master clock and at least one phase-shifted sub-domain clock for each block, assigning primary inputs and primary outputs of the block to the root clock, assigning non-primary inputs and non-primary outputs of the block to the sub-domain clock, splitting root clock inputs into root clock inputs and phase-shifted sub-domain clock inputs, assigning each of the blocks a different phase-shifted sub-domain clock phase offset, creating a clock generation circuitry for the root clocks and the phase-shifted sub-domain clocks.
US07643576B2

A data-signal-recovery circuit includes a flip-flop and a controller. The flip-flop has an adjustable sampling threshold, and, in response to a sampling clock, is operable to generate a recovered digital signal having a first level if an input data signal is above the threshold and having a second level if the input data signal is below the threshold. The controller is operable to adjust the threshold and phase shift of the sampling clock. Because the flip-flop has an adjustable sampling threshold, one can calibrate the flip-flop to the characteristics of the eye pattern at the flip-flop's input node.
US07643567B2

A transmitting method of OFDM signal includes allocating first and second channel estimation preamble signals for channel response estimation respectively to +kth and −kth subcarriers from center frequency of first OFDM signal, allocating first and second pilot signals for residual phase offset estimation respectively to +kth and −kth subcarriers from center frequency of second OFDM signal, transmitting first and second OFDM signals respectively in different time zones using at least one antenna, where, first product of complex conjugate of first channel estimation preamble signal and second pilot signal is equal to second product of second channel estimation preamble signal and complex conjugate of first pilot signal.
US07643563B2

A transmission line driver for generating an output signal to drive a transmission line is disclosed. The transmission line driver includes a voltage driver and a current driver. The voltage driver generates a voltage signal to drive the transmission line. The current driver generates a current signal to drive the transmission line. The amplitude of the output signal is determined according to the voltage signal and/or the current signal.
US07643556B2

In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a list0 motion vector of the co-located image block in the reference picture for the bi-predictive image block as a motion vector for deriving motion vectors of the bi-predictive image block if the co-located image block has a list1 and a list0 motion vector; and scaling the selected motion vector of the co-located block in the reference picture based on a temporal distance between a current picture including the bi-predictive block and the reference picture. The motion vector of the bi-predictive block is derived based on the scaled motion vector of the co-located block.
US07643552B2

In a II system display apparatus, in a normal display mode, a parallax component image is divided into pieces corresponding to respective columns for a parallax interleaved image. The component image is obtained by subjecting a subject to perspective projection in a vertical direction and to orthographic projection in a horizontal direction. In a compressed and emphasized display mode, the component image is divided into pieces corresponding to respective columns. The component image is obtained by subjecting the subject to perspective projection in both vertical and horizontal directions. In a multiview compatible mode, the component image is divided into pieces corresponding to respective columns so that the same piece is provided for a plurality of adjacent columns. The component image is obtained by subjecting the subject to perspective projection in both vertical and horizontal directions.
US07643550B2

A method for presenting streaming media for an event. Event-specific information is received, wherein the event-specific information comprises data stream information identifying at least one data stream associated with the event, compression quality information identifying a measure of compression quality for the data stream associated with the event, and sensor information identifying at least one sensor associated with the event. The measure of compression quality for the data stream is determined based on the compression quality information and the sensor.
US07643544B2

A communication quality controller can avoid, when periodically changing noise is abruptly occurring, disconnection of a communication line used for data communication and prevent resetting of a link speed for the data communication. During the data transmission at a beforehand set link speed, a CRC error counter monitors for a predetermined period of time whether or not an error occurs in a CRC error detector at a period less than a noise period changing periodically. According to presence or absence of the error taking place during the monitoring by the counter, a periodic noise detector determines presence or absence of a periodic noise period abruptly taking place. If presence of the periodic noise is determined, disconnection of an associated communication line is avoided, and after the occurrence of the periodic noise is terminated, the data communication is conducted at the link speed.
US07643543B2

A high-speed bit stream interface module interfaces a high-speed communication media to a communication Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or the communication ASIC to another communication ASIC. The high-speed bit stream interface includes a plurality of signal conditioning circuits. The signal conditioning circuits service each of an RX path and a TX path and include a limiting amplifier and a clock and data recovery circuit. The signal conditioning circuit may also include an equalizer and/or an output pre-emphasis circuit. The clock and data recovery circuit has an adjustable Phase Locked Loop (PLL) bandwidth that is set to correspond to a jitter bandwidth of a serviced high-speed bit stream.
US07643531B2

An optical semiconductor element includes: a surface-emitting type semiconductor laser that emits laser light; a photodetecting element formed above the surface-emitting type semiconductor; a first electrode of a first polarity formed on the surface-emitting type semiconductor laser; a second electrode of a second polarity different from the first polarity formed on the photodetecting element; and an additional electrode that covers the first electrode and the second electrode.
US07643527B2

A semiconductor laser having a high electrostatic withstand voltage, resistant to a power supply surge, and having improved long-term reliability is obtained by reducing current leakage through a threading dislocation portion. The semiconductor laser includes a substrate having a high dislocation region having a dislocation density of 1×105 cm−2 or more, a crystalline semiconductor structure located on the substrate and having an active layer, an insulating film located on the semiconductor structure, a surface electrode located on the insulating film and electrically continuous with the semiconductor structure for injection of a current into the active layer, and a back electrode located on a rear surface of the substrate. The semiconductor laser has a laser resonator with a length L, and the area of the surface electrode is 120×L μm2 or less.
US07643525B2

A laser driver comprises a plurality of current sources, including at least one bias current source and at least two drive current sources. To control the laser driver, a set of operating states is defined where each operating state corresponds to a desired laser output power level and a ratio is defined that establishes a relationship between a first desired laser output and a second desired laser output. A calibration operation samples laser output power of the laser source for less than all of the operating states, computes adjustments to the current levels of the current sources based at least in part upon the ratio such that sampled laser power levels converge towards their corresponding desired laser output level. The current sources are adjusted to their corresponding computed current levels.
US07643524B2

A surface emitting laser includes an active layer disposed on a semiconductor substrate, and a pair of upper and lower electrodes for injecting carriers into the active layer. The plane surface of the lower electrode is shaped into a star so that injection of current into the active layer from the lower electrode is carried out with a high density at the center of the lower electrode and with a low density at its periphery part. In the surface emitting laser, the density distribution of the carriers injected into the active layer corresponds to the power distribution of light inside the active layer. Thereby, hole burning due to an increase in the current density in the region of the active layer corresponding to the peripheral part of the electrode is avoided, and the transverse mode stability during high output operation is significantly enhanced to improve high-output characteristic.
US07643517B2

Method and circuitry for de-skewing data in data communication networks such as a SONET. The data is sent from a system chip to a framer chip where the data is de-skewed. To detect data skew, the system chip sends a training sequence to the framer chip. The information bits sent to the framer chip are searched in order to detect the training sequence. The training sequences contain clear transition patterns at which all 16 bits of the transmit data and the TCTL signal line are inverted. If any bit does not invert, this bit must be a skewed bit. Based on the data one clock cycle before and one clock cycle after this transition, the skewed bit can be corrected back. After the data skew is detected, a multiplexing logic circuitry is used to correct the skew based on one clock cycle either before or after the transition. The multiplexing logic circuitry includes at least three registers coupled to the inputs of the multiplexing logic circuitry.
US07643511B2

Packet switching node in a communication system includes apparatus for receiving incoming information packets or frames which contain header portions with formatting control blocks. Information in the frame's header contains frame alteration commands for modifying the information in the frame. The modifications include adding new information, deleting information, and overlaying information. Decoders and control devices in an alteration engine interpret the commands and apply the modifications to the frame data. Common and standard data patterns are stored for insertion or overlaying to conserve data packet space.
US07643505B1

Method and system for compressing a data packet is provided. The method includes receiving a data packet; comparing the data packet with content stored in a history module; wherein plural comparisons are performed in parallel; generating a plurality of masks based on the comparisons; comparing the plurality of masks; selecting one of the plurality of masks, based on the mask comparison; and generating a compression record, wherein the compression record includes; size of a data packet, an address field, a mask field and data; and a data packet header includes a control bit indicating if the data packet is compressed.
US07643503B2

A packetized data receiver establishes at the beginning of receiving each respective stream a buffer length for sending packets to higher levels of a protocol stack in the event that a packet is missed. This can be done by requesting retransmission of the first packet and measuring the actual time delay between request and receipt of the retransmitted packet.
US07643502B2

A method and apparatus to perform frame coalescing are described.
US07643494B2

An interworking apparatus includes an IP sending/receiving unit coupled to an IP network, an AAL2 sending/receiving circuit coupled to a WCDMA network, and a data processing circuit between the IP sending/receiving unit and AAL2 sending/receiving unit. The data processing circuit processes data in a format suitable for interworking between the WCDMA network and IP network.
US07643473B2

Instant messaging with audio connection formation is described. In an implementation, a method includes forming a communication to authenticate a client with a proxy during an instant messaging session and forming an invitation by the client for communication to the proxy that identifies another client, with which, to communicate via an audio connection. An acceptance is received from the other client via the proxy to form the audio connection.
US07643471B2

A mobile communication method for performing communications between an originating terminal and a terminating terminal through a radio access network and a core network, includes: sending a bearer setup request, in the originating terminal, to a first session control device controlling a location area of the originating terminal, the bearer setup request requesting to set a bearer for the communications between the originating terminal and the terminating terminal; and performing a process of sending a communication start request for the terminating terminal in response to the bearer setup request in parallel with a process of commanding a bearer setup device to set the bearer, in the first session control device.
US07643470B2

A technique of setting up a transfer of data between two communications devices. The devices are connected to an IP network via respective subscriber lines each conveying a voice and signaling channel and a data channel. The IP address of one of the devices is sent to the other device on the voice and signaling channel using a signaling mode of that channel. The transfer of data is effected after setting up a session on the data channel.
US07643460B2

A method and apparatus for communicating between devices is described. In one embodiment, the method comprises running two or more instances of a switch MAC sublayer on a switch and managing the two or more instances of the switch MAC sublayer as multiple logical access points inside the switch.
US07643452B2

An outer decoder and an inner decoder encode a block of information to be transmitted, to improve protection by adding redundancy. The redundancy permits decoding of the information from less than a complete encoded block of information. Time re-alignment of two transmissions of the same content from two base stations can mitigate the problem of clipped frames. The user of the subscriber station can experience seamless service without loss of content, even when handing over to a new cell while receiving a buffer of broadcast content.
US07643451B2

Fast transitions between access points (APs) in a wireless network may be accomplished when a mobile unit (MU) moves between the APs, by causing a first tunnel to be established between the APs, and causing a second tunnel to be established between the new AP and the MU. A data path having established security and quality of service parameters between the MU and the old AP may be extended through the tunnels, so that communication with the MU is not disrupted while transitioning between APs. Transition processing thus may be decoupled from movement of the MU, so that the MU may continue to receive access to data over the data path. Optionally, once the data path has been so extended, the MU and new AP may engage in authentication and other messaging to formally affect a handover of the data path to the new AP. The APs and MU may be configured to communicate according to the 802.11 protocol.
US07643446B2

An exemplary embodiment of a method is implemented in a wireless network and is advantageous in that an undesired interim media channel link which would have been used in prior art systems is identified during call setup and avoided. In response to a call request in the wireless network for a call with a first user's wireless subscriber unit, a determination is made if one of a calling home node and a called home node of the first user's wireless subscriber unit should not be used as a node in the media channel such as due to the one node's remote location relative to the rest of the nodes in the media channel. A resulting media channel is established so that the one of the calling home node and the called home node is not part of a path of the media channel thereby minimizing the total distance and delay of the media path.
US07643441B2

A satellite communications method for communicating information from a base station, via a satellite, to one or more user terminals via a single channel of a forward link.
US07643434B2

A method is disclosed for managing network nodes, such as the nodes of a network, which communicate via connectivity services of a service provider. An exemplary method includes discovering status and configuration information for each set of nodes grouped by the service provider; and assigning a name to each set of nodes.
US07643432B2

A method for analyzing a network environment, is provided. First acquiring a plurality of connection data of all network cards of a terminal device is performed. Then, according to connection data, determining whether or not a terminal device uses a PPPoE connection to connect to a network system. Finally, determining whether or not an IP address of the terminal device is a public IP address and determining whether or not the terminal device uses DHCP to acquire a target IP address.
US07643427B2

A multipath routing architecture for large data transfers is disclosed. The architecture employs an overlay network that provides diverse paths for packets from communicating end hosts to utilize as much capacity as available across multiple paths while ensuring network-wide fair allocation of resources across competing data transfers. A set of transit nodes are interposed between the end-hosts and for each end-to-end connection, a transit node can logically operate as an entry gateway, a relay or exit gateway. Packets from the sender enter the entry node and go to the exit node either directly or through one of a plurality of relay nodes. The exit node delivers the packets to the receiver. A multipath congestion control protocol is executed on the entry node to harness network capacity for large data transfers.
US07643420B2

Various aspects of a method and system for transmission control protocol (TCP) traffic smoothing are presented. Traffic smoothing may comprise a method for controlling data transmission in a communications system that further comprises scheduling the timing of transmission of information from a TCP offload engine (TOE) based on a traffic profile. Traffic smoothing may comprise transmitting information from a TOE at a rate that is either greater than, approximately equal to, or less than, the rate at which the information was generated. Some conventional network interface cards (NIC) that utilize TOEs may not provide a mechanism that enables traffic shaping. By not providing a mechanism for traffic shaping, there may be a greater probability of lost packets in the network.
US07643415B2

To control links in a communication system, a message having information about the transmission format is transmitted in response to a link request. After the determination of whether sufficient transmission capacity is available for this transmission format, link data and priority attributes are used to check if an existing link can be stopped in favor of the desired link.
US07643414B1

The present invention is directed to a call admission controller that is operable to: (a) determine at least one of (i) a bandwidth utilization level for a first path including a first link; (ii) an available bandwidth level for the first path; and (iii) one or more Quality of Service or QoS metrics for the first path; (b) compare the at least one of (i) a bandwidth utilization level; (ii) an available bandwidth level; and (iii) one or more Quality of Service or QoS metrics to one or more selected thresholds to determine whether a new live voice communication may be set up with a first selected codec; and (iii) when a new live voice communication may not be set up with the first selected codec, perform at least one of the following operations: (i) select a second different codec from among a plurality of possible codecs for the new live voice communication, wherein the second codec has a lower bit rate than the first codec; (ii) change an existing live voice communication from the first codec to the second codec; and (iii) redirect the new live voice communication from the first path to a second different path, wherein the second path does not include the first link.
US07643411B2

A method includes a network originating a QoS reservation message and communicating the network-originated QoS message through a radio access network (RAN) from an access gateway (AGW) to an access terminal (AT). The network-originated reservation message does not cause any network resource reservation by itself, but causes the AT to initiate a network resource reservation according to one or more parameters in the network-originated QoS reservation message. Accordingly, an existing network infrastructure supporting AT-originated QoS reservation may support network-originated QoS reservation (or proxied QoS) without any updates to an access-network infrastructure, such as the RAN. The method includes, in response to the network-initiated QoS reservation message, communicating a reservation confirmation through the RAN from the AT to the AGW. The reservation confirmation whether that the QoS reservation was successful.
US07643410B2

A bridge for translating a first storage protocol to a second protocol includes an affiliation manager. The affiliation manager accepts a connection from a host and establishes a connection between a device that uses the second protocol and the host that uses the second protocol. The affiliation manager monitors commands received from the host and responses received from the device on the connection. Upon detecting no pending commands for the device, the bridge may close the connection to the host if there is another host requesting a new connection to the device and establish the new connection between the device and the other host.
US07643402B2

Plural grooves or lands formed in an information recording carrier include at least a wobbling region and data is recorded wobblingly in this wobbling region by frequency shift modulation while recorded digitally with a single or multiple waves as a channel bit.
US07643398B2

The data structure includes a navigation area of a computer readable medium storing navigation data associated with a data stream representing a portion of at least one reproduction path. The navigation data includes indication information, and the indication information indicates whether the data stream represents multiple reproduction paths or the data stream represents a single reproduction path. If the indication information indicates the data stream represents multiple reproduction paths, the navigation data includes path number information and an indicator associated with each reproduction path. The path number information identifies a number of the multiple reproduction paths, and each indicator indicates a file associated with the associated one of the multiple reproduction paths.
US07643396B2

To make the output voltage of a laser power monitor circuit (12) equal to a predetermined value at a predetermined laser power, adjustment is performed by changing an external variable resistance for output voltage adjustment. To achieve this, adjustment is performed by changing the variable resistance so that the difference between a high level output pulse of the laser power monitor circuit (12) obtained when an LD (11) is turned off and a low level output pulse obtained when the LD (11) is turned on is made equal to a target adjusted voltage. This prevents the offset of the laser power monitor circuit (12) from affecting a monitor output voltage, allowing an optical pickup to perform, for example, recording and reproducing with higher accuracy.
US07643392B2

There are provided an optical disk device and tilt correction processing method for performing recording/reproduction by rapidly acquiring an optimal tilt correction value for an optical disk having a plurality of recording/reproducing layers. In an optical disk device capable of recording or reproducing information by irradiating a laser beam to each of a plurality of recording/reproducing layers of an optical disk, the tilt value is stepwise set within a predetermined range at a predetermined radius position of the recording/reproducing layer located at the farthest distance from the laser beam irradiation side so that an optimal tilt correction value can be obtained from the quadratic function by the method of least squares of the jitter or the like obtained from the disk. By applying the optimal tilt value obtained to the other recording/reproducing layer, it is possible to start recording or reproduction in a short time.
US07643385B2

To improve the reliability to an environmental temperature change of an optical pickup, an optical pickup 7 has a semiconductor laser 711 for generating a laser beam. An objective lens drive leads the laser beam to a predetermined position of a disk. The semiconductor laser and objective lens drive are mounted on a pickup hosing 70. The objective lens drive has a movable portion 74 and the movable portion has an objective lens 716 for condensing the laser beam on the recording face of the disk. A fixed portion 72 holds the movable portion through a support member. The fixed portion has a magnetic yoke 75. An extended portion formed by extending a part of the yoke to the fixed portion side and the upside 72b of a cutout formed at the intermediate portion of the fixed portion in the tracking direction are adhered and fixed.
US07643380B2

A receiving circuit is provided with an amplifier circuit for amplifying the electric signal received by an antenna circuit, a frequency converter/detector circuit for converting a frequency of the electric signal amplified by the amplifier circuit to acquire an intermediate frequency signal, and for detecting the intermediate frequency signal to acquire a demodulated signal, and a filter circuit for removing an intermediate frequency component from the demodulated signal acquired by the frequency converter/detector circuit. Further, the frequency converter/detector circuit is provided with a local oscillation circuit for generating an oscillation signal, plural mixer circuits each for mixing the electric signal amplified by the amplifier circuit with the oscillation signal generated by the local oscillation circuit, whereby plural intermediate frequency signals are generated, which are shifted in phase from each other, plural detecting circuits for detecting the plural intermediate frequency signals generated by the plural mixer circuits, respectively to output plural demodulated signals, and an adder circuit for combining the plural demodulated signals output respectively from the plural detecting circuits.
US07643378B2

An at least partially flexible sealed package having an opening assembly, said opening assembly further comprising a sliding component and a lifetime indicator; the movement of said sliding component serving to open a seal of said package; the arrangement being such that the movement of said sliding component activates said lifetime indicator due to the relative motion between said sliding component and at least part of said lifetime indicator; such that said lifetime indicator can thereby providing a visual indication of the expiry status of the product within said package from the time of opening onwards.
US07643373B2

An embodiment of a method for driving a phase change memory, comprising counting an access number of a phase change memory, wherein the access number is the number of times that the phase change memory has been accessed; refreshing the phase change memory when the number of times is large than a predetermined number.
US07643369B2

To make it possible to reliably halt writing processing while restraining erroneous writing to the memory unit, present apparatus has a memory unit to which data is written for each write request; a voltage converting unit which converts a first power source voltage into a first operable voltage with which a write request issuing unit is operable, and supplies the first operable voltage to the write request issuing unit; a voltage monitoring unit, which outputs an issuance restraining signal which restrains issuance of the write request, when the first power source voltage becomes lower than a reference voltage; and an issuance restrain controlling unit which receives the issuance restrain signal, and then after completion of writing for each of the write request to write memory unit, which restrains the issuance of the write request by the write request issuance unit.
US07643363B2

An integrated circuitry operable in a normal and test mode has a processing circuit, an output circuit associated with the processing circuit and a storage with a plurality of memory cells. The output circuit is formed to process in normal mode an output signal of the processing circuit and to provide a processed output signal to an output terminal. The output circuit further provides in test mode a test signal as processed output signal based on a drive signal which may be supplied externally or from the processing circuit. The storage receives in test mode the test signal and performs an evaluation of a memory property of at least one memory cell of the plurality of memory cells based on the test signal, and, in response to this evaluation, to output an evaluation signal indicating the memory property of the at least one cell of the plurality of memory cells.
US07643360B2

A circuit for synchronizing row and column access operations in a semiconductor memory having an array of bit line pairs, word lines, memory cells, sense amplifiers, and a sense amplifier power supply circuit for powering the sense amplifiers, the circuit comprising, a first delay circuit for delaying a word line timing pulse by a first predetermined period, a first logic circuit for logically combining the word line timing pulse and the delayed word line timing pulse to produce a sense amplifier enable signal, for enabling a sense amplifier power supply circuit, a second delay circuit for delaying the word line timing pulse by a second predetermined period, and a second logic circuit for logically combining the word line timing pulse and the second delayed word line timing pulse to produce a column select enable signal, for enabling selected ones of a plurality of column access devices wherein the second predetermined time period is selected so that ones of a plurality of column access devices are activated after the sense amplifier power supply circuit is enabled.
US07643355B2

According to an example embodiment, a semiconductor memory device may include a memory core, input circuit, and/or an output circuit. The input circuit may be configured to generate second data from first data using latch circuits operating in response to input control signals enabled during different periods. The input circuit may be further configured to provide the second data to the memory core. The second data may have 2N times the number of bits of the first data, where N is a positive integer. The output circuit may be configured to generate fourth data from third data using latch circuits operating in response to output control signals enabled during different periods. The output circuit may be further configured to provide the fourth data to data output pins. The fourth data may have ½N times the number of bits of the third data. A method of inputting/outputting data is also provided.
US07643351B2

An erase voltage generation circuit providing a uniform erase execution time and a non-volatile semiconductor memory device having the same, in which the erase voltage generation circuit includes a high voltage generation unit, a voltage level detection unit, an execution time checking unit and a discharging unit. The high voltage generation unit generates an erase voltage. The voltage level detection unit detects the erase voltage and generates a level detection signal. The level detection signal is activated when the erase voltage reaches a target voltage. The execution time checking unit generates an execution end signal that is activated in response to the lapse of an erase execution time from the activation of the level detection signal. The discharging unit discharges the erase voltage as a discharge voltage. The high voltage generation unit is disabled in response to the activation of the execution end signal, and the discharging unit is enabled in response to the activation of the execution end signal.
US07643348B2

In a nonvolatile memory having an array of memory cells, wherein the memory cells are individually programmable to one of a range of threshold voltage levels, there is provided a predictive programming mode in which a predetermined function predicts what programming voltage level needs to be applied in order to program a given memory cell to a given target threshold voltage level. In this way, no verify operation needs to be performed, thereby greatly improving the performance of the programming operation. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined function is linear and is calibrated for each memory cell under programming by one or more checkpoints. The checkpoint is an actual programming voltage that programs the memory cell in question to a verified designated threshold voltage level.
US07643346B2

An electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device of the NAND type having sideface electrodes as auxiliary electrodes on the opposite lateral surfaces of a transistor channel region to thereby improve operation margins is discusssed. The NAND EEPROM, also known as NAND flash memory, has on a semiconductive substrate an array of memory cells including a serial combination of memory cell transistors. Each of memory cell transistors has a pair of source and drain regions, a channel region, a tunnel insulator film, a charge storage layer, a control dielectric film, a control electrode, a sideface dielectric film on the sidefaces of the channel region, and sideface electrodes which are formed on the side surfaces of channel region with the channel region being laterally interposed therebetween. The sideface electrodes are commonized or “shared” by adjacent ones of the serially coupled memory cell transistors.
US07643345B2

A semiconductor memory device includes memory cells, a memory cell array, a contact region, and first contact plugs. The memory cells include a control gate and a current path. The memory cells are arranged in the memory cell array in the first direction. The contact region is adjacent to the memory cell array in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A terminal portion on one end of the control gate is drawn onto the contact region from within the memory cell array. Each of the first contact plugs is formed on the control gate located in the contact region. The first contact plugs are located so as to alternately sandwich a first axis in the first direction.
US07643337B2

A multi-bit flash memory and a reading method thereof. Multiple reference memory cells for saving reserved data are provided to operate together with multiple data memory cells. Before the data memory cells are read, data stored in the reference memory cell is sensed based on a present reference current. Then, a value of a new reference current for reading the data memory cells is determined according to a difference between the sensed data and the reserved data.
US07643330B1

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a synchronous two-port static random access memory (SRAM) design with the area efficiency of a one-port SRAM. By restricting both access ports to an edge-triggered, synchronous clocking regime, the internal timing of the SRAM can be optimized to allow high-performance double-pumped access to the SRAM storage cells. By double-pumping the SRAM storage cells, one read access and one write access are possible per clock cycle, allowing the SRAM to present two external ports, each capable of performing one transaction per clock cycle.
US07643321B2

A current sensing circuit that determines an output current of a bi-directional converter circuit comprises a current transformer that receives a first current signal and that outputs a second current signal. The first current signal is indicative of the output current and flows in one of a first direction and/or a second direction. The second current signal is indicative of the first current signal. A current sensing module receives the second current signal and has a first state and a second state. A converter control module simultaneously transitions the first current signal from the first direction to the second direction and transitions the current sensing module from the first state to the second state. The converter control module transitions the current sensing module to the first state after a resetting period.
US07643317B2

In a system to which a fluctuating load is connected, compensating for fluctuation in voltage harmonics at the load connecting point and fluctuation in system current harmonics has been difficult for a power converting device connected in parallel with the load. To resolve the problem, a power converting device connected in parallel with a fluctuating load includes: a Fourier series expansion unit which executes Fourier series expansion to load current by use of a reference sine wave in sync with a system and thereby outputs Fourier coefficients; and a fundamental component calculating unit which calculates a positive phase active fundamental component of the load current from the Fourier coefficients. A current instruction of the power converting device is generated by subtracting the fundamental current from the load current. With the current instruction, the fluctuations in system current harmonics and in voltage harmonics at the connecting point can be compensated for.
US07643306B2

A cabinet includes spaces for a number of electronic enclosures, each of which has a free end from which a pair of levers extend upward and downward to teeth engaging slots within the cabinet, aiding in the insertion and removal of the enclosures from the cabinet. An electronic enclosure that is wider than a standard width includes additional teeth on crank plates turning with the levers. The electronic enclosure may include an electrically-operated interlock mechanism preventing the insertion or removal of the electronic enclosure by preventing movement of a shaft attached to either or both of the levers.
US07643304B2

The invention provides a technique and a product in which for a frequency converter supplying electric power to, for example, a motor, a downsizing, lightening or the like of the frequency converter is realized while providing a filter apparatus reducing electromagnetic noises and the like. The filter apparatus reducing electromagnetic noises and the like is provided near a main circuit terminal board of the frequency converter, and the filter apparatus is connected directly to a main circuit terminal as a wiring drawing portion of the frequency converter. Part of a housing of the frequency converter and part of a filter housing are fitted to each other to fix the filter housing to the frequency converter.
US07643301B1

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for circulating external air about a chipset. Included is a circuit board with a chipset mounted thereon that communicates with a central processing unit and controls interaction with memory. Further provided is an airflow subsystem coupled to the circuit board for circulating external air about the chipset.
US07643298B2

The invention relates to thermally conductive greases that may contain carrier oil(s), dispersant(s), and thermally conductive particles, wherein the thermally conductive particles are a mixture of at least three distributions of thermally conductive particles, each of the at least three distributions of thermally conductive particles having an average (D50) particle size which differs from the other average particle sizes by at least a factor of 5.
US07643287B2

A detachable assembly including a body and a panel is provided. The body is suitable for being disposed on a carrying surface, and the body includes a bottom plate and at least one first supporting element. The bottom plate has at least one opening having a first side and a second side. The first supporting element is connected to the first side of the opening. The first supporting element is at an angle with the bottom plate. The panel is detachably disposed at the body. The panel has a bottom portion and at least one second supporting element disposed on the bottom portion. When the panel is partially detached from the body, the second supporting element passes through the opening and leans against the first supporting element and the second side of the opening so that the panel will not drop and cause some damage.
US07643286B2

A symmetric multiprocessor computer is provided with a star interconnection architecture and a cooling system. The star interconnection architecture include a middle plane, and plural first processor boards and second processor boards configured vertically onto opposite surfaces of the middle plane. The first processor boards and the second processor boards are crisscross to each other at the opposite surfaces of the middle plane. The cooling system includes a first cooling module and a second cooling system module configured for generating a plurality of first airflows and second airflows for the first processor boards and the second processor boards respectively, wherein the paths of the first airflows and the second airflows are crisscross to each other at the opposite surfaces of the middle plane.
US07643280B2

The assembling structure for electronic module comprise a case and a side frame, the characteristic is the case fixed on the base frame of the assembling structure by two front pivots and the case pivoted thereon. Besides, the side frame is installed adjacent to the case. In addition, the case and the side frame respectively include a plurality of locking holes, the side frame further including a locking controller with a first latch and a second latch corresponding to the locking holes, thereby locking the case at a horizontal and oblique position.
US07643275B2

Portable computers include a display unit and a base unit. The base unit often includes a keyboard and a touch-sensing device. The position of the display unit relative to the base unit can be adjusted. In one embodiment, a track and support bar is used to vary the display unit's height. In another embodiment, a collapsible support bar is used to vary the display unit's height. In another embodiment, a ball-and-socket joint is used to pivot the display unit. In another embodiment, a retractable touch-sensing device is attached to the base unit.
US07643268B2

Disclosed are embodiments of a capacitor with inter-digitated vertical plates and a method of forming the capacitor such that the effective gap distance between plates is reduced. This gap width reduction significantly increases the capacitance density of the capacitor. Gap width reduction is accomplished during back end of the line processing by masking connecting points with nodes, by etching the dielectric material from between the vertical plates and by etching a sacrificial material from below the vertical plates. Etching of the dielectric material from between the plates forms air gaps and various techniques can be used to cause the plates to collapse in on these air gaps, once the sacrificial material is removed. Any remaining air gaps can be filled by depositing a second dielectric material (e.g., a high k dielectric), which will further increase the capacitance density and will encapsulate the capacitor in order to make the reduced distance between the vertical plates permanent.
US07643266B2

A trigger circuit comprises a first series circuit (16) defined by an electronic switch (17) and an electromagnetic actuator (10). A second series circuit (18) defined by a resistor (19) and a sensor (20) responding to danger situations is arranged in parallel to said first series circuit (16). A tap (24) of said second series circuit (18) is connected with a control electrode (25) of said electronic switch (17). The circuit is of simple configuration and ensures a reliable switching behavior. Even when said sensor (20) is closed again, the trigger state is maintained.
US07643265B2

A gas-filled surge arrester includes at least two electrodes, a gas filling and an activating compound applied to at least one of said electrodes. The activating compound can include: (i) nickel powder in an amount of about 10% to about 35% by weight; (ii) potassium or sodium silicate in an amount of about 20% to about 40% by weight; (iii) titanium powder in an amount of about 5% to about 25% by weight; (iv) calcium titanium oxide in an amount of about 5% to about 15% by weight; and (v) sodium bromide in an amount of about 10% to about 20% by weight. Ignition striping process and resulting stripes from ink-jetting of striping material are disclosed.
US07643246B2

A magnetic recording head and a method of manufacturing the magnetic recording head are provided. The perpendicular magnetic recording head includes a main magnetic pole layer and a return path layer that face each other with a gap therebetween in a lamination direction. A non-magnetic insulating layer is interposed between the main magnetic pole layer and the return path layer. At least one stepped portion is formed on a facing surface of at least one of the main magnetic pole layer and the return path layer.
US07643245B2

A magnetic disc unit includes a rotating disc type magnetic disc, a head for recording and reproducing data to and from the magnetic disc, and a head support mechanism for supporting the head. The magnetic disc unit includes a shroud surrounding an outer periphery of the magnetic disc other than at least at an inserting part of a carriage arm which is linked to the magnetic head support mechanism. A gap between an end face of the outer periphery of the magnetic disc and the shroud is set in a range not less than 0.1 mm but not greater than 0.4 mm.
US07643236B2

A centrifugal machine comprises a rotor drivable and rotatable by a motor while holding a specimen, and including a recording medium for recording data therein; a Peltier element, when a voltage is applied thereto, for controlling the temperature of the rotor; a recording head disposed at a position adjacent to the rotor for reproducing data from the recording medium or for recording data into the recording medium; and, a control device not only for controlling the operation of the Peltier element when the Peltier element controls the temperature of the rotor but also for controlling the operation of the recording head when the recording head reproduces the data from the recording medium or records the data into the recording medium, wherein the control device, when carrying out the data reproduction or data recording with respect to the recording medium provided in the rotor, controls the Peltier element in such a manner that the operation of the Peltier element is caused to stop.
US07643228B2

An optical system includes a first optical element and a second optical element on at least one of an enlargement side and a reduction side relative to a point P at which a light axis and a paraxial chief ray intersect. Each of the first optical element and second optical element is composed of a solid material having a refractive light incident surface and a refractive light emergent surface. The optical system satisfies the following conditional expressions: ΔθgF1>0.0272, ΔθgF2<−0.0278, and f1×f2<0 where ΔθgF1 and ΔθgF2 denote anomalous partial dispersion values of the first and second optical elements for the g-line and F-line, respectively, and f1 and f2 denote focal lengths of the first and second optical elements, respectively, when the light incident surfaces and the light emergent surfaces of the first and second optical elements are in contact with air.
US07643225B1

An optical lens system for taking image comprises, in order from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power; a second lens element with negative refractive power; a third lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface; a fourth lens element with negative refractive power being provided with at least one aspheric surface. In the optical lens system for taking image, the number of lens elements with refractive power is limited to four. Such arrangements can reduce the volume and the sensitivity of the optical lens system while providing higher resolution.
US07643224B2

A zoom lens includes a positive first lens unit G1, a negative second lens unit G2 and a rear group having a positive refracting power having at least one lens unit. The lens unit located closest to the object side in the rear grout is a third lens unit G3 having a positive refracting power. The zoom lens has an aperture stop S disposed closer to the image side than the second lens unit G2 and closer to the object side than the lens surface located closest to the image side in the third lens unit G3. The zoom lens satisfies a prescribed conditional expression.
US07643222B2

A zoom optical system comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens unit having a negative refractive power; a second lens unit having a positive refractive power; and a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, a space between the lens units being changed to thereby perform zooming and focusing, wherein the first lens unit is constituted of a negative lens.
US07643210B2

A compact night vision binoculars with a first eyepiece channel and a second eyepiece channel and including: an optical separator (8), positioned at the output of a light intensifier tube (2); a plane of reflection (8′) common to the first optical channel (BYZC) and the second optical channel (BCW); a first optical combination comprising two first convergent groups (V1, V2) positioned on either side of a first reflective angled surface (5); a second reflective angled surface (6); a second optical combination comprising two second convergent groups (V1′, V2′) positioned on either side of the common plane of reflection (8′); and a third reflective angled surface (7).
US07643209B2

The present invention enables switching between wide-field observation and high-magnification observation during in vivo examination of a small laboratory animal or the like using a narrow-diameter objective lens, without changing the objective lens. There is provided a microscope optical system including an objective lens for collecting light from an examination target; an image-forming lens for imaging the light collected by the objective lens onto a detection device; and an auxiliary optical system, having positive power, which is provided so as to be capable of being inserted in and removed from a light path between the objective lens and the image-forming lens.
US07643208B2

An optical scanning observation apparatus having an internal focusing mechanism. suitable for in-vivo observation of animals, is provided. The optical scanning observation apparatus includes a light source, an objective optical system for focusing light onto the sample, a detection-light splitting device for splitting off collected detection light, a detector for detecting the focused detection light, a focus scanning device disposed between the detection-light splitting device and the objective optical system, and a lateral-direction scanning device, disposed between the focus scanning device and the objective optical system, for scanning the light in orthogonal directions relative to the optical axis. The focus scanning device further includes a focusing optical system having a positive and negative lens group and a lens driving device for moving one lens group to adjust the working distance of the objective optical system.
US07643203B2

Broad band white color can be achieved in MEMS display devices by incorporating a material having an extinction coefficient (k) below a threshold value for wavelength of light within an operative optical range of the interferometric modulator. One embodiment provides a method of making the MEMS display device comprising depositing said material over at least a portion of a transparent substrate, depositing a dielectric layer over the layer of material, forming a sacrificial layer over the dielectric, depositing an electrically conductive layer on the sacrificial layer, and forming a cavity by removing at least a portion of the sacrificial layer. The suitable material may comprise germanium, germanium alloy of various compositions, doped germanium or doped germanium-containing alloys, and may be deposited over the transparent substrate, incorporated within the transparent substrate or the dielectric layer.
US07643191B2

An optical scanner that performs scanning by deflecting plural light beams using a single deflector. The optical scanner includes plural pre-scanning optical systems configured to emit the plural light beams and each including a light source. A first of the pre-scanning optical systems emits a first of the light beams to be deflected by the deflecting unit. A second of the pre-scanning optical systems emits a second of the light beams and is disposed in the position different from a position of the first pre-scanning optical system in a rotational axis direction of the deflector.
US07643190B2

An image forming apparatus that previously rotates a polygonal mirror drive motor before starting a job and forms a latent image by using an optical scanning unit including the polygonal mirror drive motor is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform control such that, in the determination of the presence or absence of each of color toners before a previous rotation is started, if it is determined that any one of the color toners is absent, only the polygonal mirror drive motor corresponding to a black toner is previously rotated.
US07643186B2

An image forming device has image forming units 3-6, a transfer belt 7, a position detection unit 19, a concentration sensor 23, and an adjustment unit. A toner image is formed on the surfaces of the image forming units 3-6, and transferred onto the transfer belt 7. The position detection unit 19 detects a predetermined position on the surface of the transfer belt 7. On the predetermined position, the concentration sensor 23 detects first information relating to the color of the surface of the transfer belt 7. The concentration sensor 23 detects second information relating to the color of the pattern image that is formed on the predetermined position. The adjustment unit adjusts toner concentration at the time of forming an image based on the first information and the second information detected by the concentration sensor 23.
US07643180B2

A tone step detector detects whether the tone of n-bit input image data varies gradually, and generates a tone processing control signal indicating that a tone step is contained. A bit shifter bit-shifts the n-bit input image data to the left by α bits, to generate (n+α)-bit image data. A tone processor smoothes the image data of the (n+α)-bit image data generated by the bit shifter, in the region where the tone processing control signal indicates that a tone step is contained, to generate (n+α)-bit image data having been smoothed in the above-mentioned region. Because of the selective smoothing, degradation in the image quality due to quantization is reduced even when an analog image signal whose tone varies gradually is input.
US07643177B2

The present invention is a method of image data processing that includes determining whether the image data indicates photodiode saturation, and removing contouring from the image data caused by the saturation. The contour artifact removal is accomplished by adding a random number to adjusted photodiode data from an extended range imager when the data from the imager indicates that the photodiode has been saturated. The adjusted photodiode data is a sum of photodiode data and spillover rate adjusted diffusion data.
US07643175B2

A system and method for enhancing a print using a color imaging system are provided. The automatic color enhancement system results in digital prints that have a photographic “look and feel” by using special profiles and adjustments that capture the traditional photographic image process of photo-like color and tone scale reproduction to RGB-encoded picture elements and to be used to combine in with electrophotographic process media ICC profile.
US07643173B2

An image processing apparatus is provided that processes image data to be output by an imaging apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a target setting part for setting a target pertaining to imaging material saving that involves controlling the amount of imaging material used which target is set based on a designated condition, and a color reproducing condition adjusting part for adjusting a color reproducing condition for input color information based on the set target.
US07643170B2

An intelligent print system includes at least one document generating side, a priority generating unit and a machine side. The document generating side has been installed therein a printer driver for outputting a ready-for-print document. The priority generating unit is used for selectively providing a priority value to the document. The machine side includes a receiving and processing unit for receiving the document from the document generating side, a manual operation unit having an interrupt button and for a user to select documents having higher priority, a job selecting unit for discriminating the priority order of the document, and a print control unit for printing the document.
US07643159B2

A three-dimensional shape measuring system includes: a light projecting/receiving apparatus which causes a light receiver to receive light reflected on a surface of a measurement object onto a light receiving surface thereof at a predetermined cycle multiple times, while changing a projecting direction of the light; and a measuring apparatus for measuring a three-dimensional shape of the measurement object, utilizing light receiving data. The measuring apparatus includes: a light receiving time setter for setting a light receiving time in each cycle with respect to each of light receiving areas constituting the light receiving surface; a data converter for converting an output value representing the light receiving data obtained in each cycle into an output value standardized with respect to the light receiving time in each cycle, if the light receiving times are different in the cycles; a projection timing acquirer for acquiring a projection timing at which the light receiving amount of each light receiving area is maximum; and a position acquirer for acquiring a position of a measurement point on the surface of the measurement object corresponding to each light receiving area.
US07643151B2

An optical measuring device for measuring a plurality of surfaces of an object to be measured using a system of optical elements. For example, the first surface to be measured can be the inner wall of a narrow guide bore, while the second surface to be measured is formed by a valve-seat section that is conical and positioned at one end of the guide bore. As optical elements of measuring device, at least one beam splitter and one lens system are disposed in such a way that a first portion of the light beams incident on the beam splitter is directed perpendicularly onto the first surface of the object to be measured, and a second portion of the light beams incident on the beam splitter strikes the lens system downstream of the beam splitter and is directed via the lens system perpendicularly onto the second surface.
US07643147B2

A method and system for performing device identification is disclosed. A source signal may be directed from an energy source towards the surface of a device for reflection therefrom. An interference pattern may be detected from the surface of the device, such as by a sensor. A determination as to whether a match exists between the representation of the interference pattern and a stored representation of an interference pattern may be performed. If a match exists, the device may be identified based on the stored representation of the interference pattern. Otherwise, a representation of the interference pattern may be stored and a unique identifier may be assigned to the stored representation of the interference pattern.
US07643146B2

Methods and apparatus for performing scatterometry measurements of biological samples as described herein. A substrate having formed therein one or more sample wells is provided. Each sample well is configured to hold a sample solution containing objects that are to be characterized based on their light scattering properties. One or more sample solutions are dispensed into the sample wells. A specular reflection reducing element is applied to at least some of the sample solutions in the sample wells to decrease reflections of light into one or more detectors. A light beam is directed from a light source onto the objects in the sample wells. Light scattered by the objects in the sample wells is collected and transmitted to one or more detectors. The signal from the detectors is analyzed to detect the one or more characteristics of the one or more samples.
US07643143B2

A particle image analyzing apparatus for analyzing an image of an imaged particle, the particle image analyzing apparatus comprising: an illuminating unit for providing dark field illumination the a particle; an imaging unit for acquiring capturing an imaged image by imaging the dark field illuminated particle; and an image processing unit for extracting a particle image from the imaged image captured by the imaging unit, based on a threshold value larger than a luminance value substantially corresponding to the background of the particle image, and analyzing the extracted particle image to obtain morphological feature information indicating the morphological feature of the particle; wherein the image processing unit extracts the particle image from the imaged image based on a threshold value larger than a luminance value substantially corresponding to the background of the particle image.
US07643137B2

A defect inspection apparatus for inspecting a defect of a substrate as an object to be inspected comprises an illumination optical system for illuminating the substrate, a receiving optical system for receiving diffracted light from the substrate and a polarizing element provided in either one of the illumination optical system or the receiving optical system.
US07643136B2

A device for visual inspection of narrow spaces and objects located in narrow spaces such as solder joints between a component and a printed circuit board has an image prism for deflecting light from the spaces and objects to be inspected and an image sensor that can be connected to a display. For illuminating the solder joints light sources are provided that are located at the transmission path of light from the image prism to the image sensor. The light sources are connected to light guides having outlet ends that are located to issue light at the sides of the light entrance surface of the image prism. Special illumination prisms can be provided to direct the light. The issued light is directed to the field of view, if desired in directions obliquely down into the surface at which the spaces or objects are located and in a weakly converging fashion. Extra light sources can be connected to light guides of a background illumination unit. The light guides may be part of an illuminating unit that can be attached the rest of the device by a snapping function.
US07643132B2

A range finder adapted to be mounted to a scope. The range finder includes a main housing, range finding circuit received in the main housing and a mounting mechanism adapted to mount the main housing to a scope.
US07643130B2

A position measuring apparatus includes a holder having storage spaces in which a three-point support member for supporting a backside of a substrate being a mask at three points, and a vacuum chuck member for holding a backside of a substrate being a mask are prepared, a stage on which one of the three-point support member and the vacuum chuck member prepared in the storage spaces of the holder is mounted, a vacuum pump to hold and chuck the substrate through the vacuum chuck member in a state of being mounted on the stage, and a recognition unit to recognize a position of a pattern written on the substrate supported by the three-point support member mounted on the stage and a position of a pattern written on the substrate held by the vacuum chuck member on the stage.
US07643121B2

A line-on-glass (LOG) type liquid crystal display device prevents deterioration in picture quality due to line resistances in LOG signal lines includes a display area having liquid crystal cells arranged at crossings of gate and data lines, a storage capacitor arranged within each of the liquid crystal cells for maintaining charged pixel voltages, and a dummy gate line. A line-on-glass type signal line group outside the display area transmits driving signals to the gate driver integrated circuits for driving the gate lines. A first signal line outside the display area is mounted on gate tape carrier packages. A second signal line connects the first gate low voltage and dummy lines, is insulated from, and crosses the gate lines outside the display area. A third signal line connects the first gate low voltage line and the dummy gate line to connect the first and second gate low voltage lines in parallel.
US07643115B2

The present invention provides a transreflective type liquid crystal display unit, which can reduce power consumption of backlight and displays high-quality image. The liquid crystal display unit of the present invention comprises a first reflective electrode 105, which is installed on inner surface of one substrate 100 and has reflective surfaces on front and rear surfaces and is designed to have reflective lens structure with a convex portion to face to a counter electrode and has an opening 153 at the vertex of said convex portion. Further, the liquid crystal display unit has a second reflective film 104 having reflective surface on the surface facing to the first reflective electrode 105 between the first reflective electrode 105 and said one substrate 100 and under the opening 153 of the first reflective electrode 105. A light entering from the direction of said one substrate 100 is reflected by the rear surface of the first reflective electrode 105 and by the front surface of the second reflective film 104, and the light is converged to the opening 153 of the first reflective electrode 105 and is allowed to pass toward the other substrate 200.
US07643114B2

A transflective liquid crystal display device includes an upper array substrate that has a gate line, a data line crossing the gate line while being insulated, an organic passivation film pattern overlapped with the data line, and a pixel electrode formed to overlap the data line with the organic passivation film pattern therebetween. A lower array substrate faces the upper array substrate with a liquid crystal layer therebetween and that has a dispersion film which disperses an external light, a reflection pattern which is formed on the dispersion film and in a reflection area, a color filter layer formed on the reflection pattern and the dispersion film, and a common electrode which covers the color filter layer. A backlight unit irradiates light to the lower array substrate.
US07643112B2

The invention provides a color filter substrate and a method thereof. A color filter substrate comprises a substrate, and a post spacer, a black matrix and a color resin that are disposed on the glass substrate. A method for manufacturing a color filter substrate comprises forming post spacers on a substrate, forming a black matrix on the resultant substrate formed with the post spacers, and then forming color resin layers on the resultant substrate formed with the post spacers and the black matrix.
US07643103B2

A backlight module and a liquid crystal display (LCD) both have a heat conductive structure for reducing the non-uniformity phenomenon of display. The backlight module comprises a frame, a reflective sheet, a heat-conductive plate, and a circuit board, wherein the frame has a bottom portion and at least one substantially step-typed through hole is formed therein. The reflective sheet is disposed on the inner surface of the bottom portion, and the heat-conductive plate is disposed in the step-typed through hole, and is spaced from the reflection sheet at a predetermined distance. The circuit board is disposed on the outer surface of the bottom portion of the frame, and has at least one electrical component that is received in the substantially step-typed through hole.
US07643102B2

The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which includes a pixel electrode and a counter electrode in a pixel formed on a surface of a substrate which faces liquid crystal, the counter electrode is formed below an insulation film, and the pixel electrode is formed above the insulation film, wherein the counter electrode is formed over a whole area of a center except for a slight periphery of at least the pixel, the pixel electrode is constituted of separate pixel electrodes to which a video signal which is supplied to the pixel is inputted through the separate switching elements at the same timing, and the separate pixel electrodes are respectively formed of a plurality of electrodes and the respective electrodes are alternately arranged.
US07643099B2

Television systems comprising tuners (1), controllers (2) for controlling tuners (1), and stages (3) for receiving tuned signals from tuners (1) and for supplying control signals to controllers (2), use time-consuming automatic fine tuning signals while high speed tuning. By using lock signals (53) from phase-locked-loops (31) in stages (3) as control signals, an indication whether a channel is active or not can now be got much quicker due to lock signals being much faster available than automatic fine tuning signals. By using synchronization signals (54) from synchronization generators (4) as further control signals, a further indication is got. In a fast tuning mode, frequencies nearby active channels are detected, and in a fine tuning mode, channel frequencies are identified. According to the basic idea, lock signals originating from phase-locked-loops (31) in stages (3) can give first indications whether a channel is active or not, preferably and further advantageously in combination with second indications based upon synchronization signals (54).
US07643092B2

When a main television is turned on, a power source A, a power source B, and a power source C operate. When the main television is turned off (stand-by state), the power source A and the power source B operate, if the sub-television is turned on, and only the power source A operates, if the sub-TV is turned off. Therefore, even when the main television is turned off, as long as the sub-television is turned on, a broadcast reception process and a wireless video transmission to the sub-TV are performed. If both the main television and sub-television are turned off, then electric power supplies to circuits for the broadcast reception processes are stopped, and as a result, electric power consumption is saved.
US07643090B2

Methods and apparatus to distinguish a signal originating from a local device from a broadcast signal are disclosed. A disclosed system classifies a video component of an audio-video signal by analyzing a histogram of pixel data, analyzing a quality factor, and/or attempting to detect embedded data in the video component. The disclosed system also classifies an audio component of the audio-video signal by attempting to detect embedded audio data and/or analyzing waveform energy associated with the audio component. A source of the audio-video signal is determined based on the video classification and/or the audio classification.
US07643088B2

A method performed by a processing system is provided. The method comprises detecting a first pixel value associated with an artifact in a current frame of a digital video using a previous frame and a next frame and replacing the first pixel value in the first frame with a replacement value.
US07643081B2

A digital camera module (200) includes a lens holder (20), a lens module (30) received in the lens holder, and an image sensor chip package (40) mounted to the lens holder. The lens module includes a lens barrel (301) movably engaged in the lens holder and at least one lens (302) received in the lens barrel. The image sensor chip package includes a base (401), an image sensor chip (402) mounted on the base, a transparent cover (405), and an adhesive (50) positioning the transparent cover with respect to the image sensor chip. The adhesive and the transparent cover cooperatively seal the image sensor chip therein.
US07643069B2

A device for adjusting the exposure of an image sensor includes an average luminance value calculation unit, a first exposure control unit and a correction exposure value calculation unit. The average luminance value calculation unit calculates the first total average luminance value of pixels that are output from the image sensor. The first exposure control unit controls the exposure value of the image sensor based on a previously set exposure value. The correction exposure value calculation unit calculates a correction exposure value by multiplying the exposure value, which is previously set on the first exposure control unit, by the ratio of a target luminance value to the first total average luminance value. Additionally, the first exposure control unit receives the correction exposure value from the correction exposure value calculation unit and controls the exposure value of the image sensor based on the correction exposure value.
US07643065B2

In a system having a server and a client apparatus, the client apparatus edits image data by using a representative image of the image data stored in the server, generates play list data indicating the order of reproducing the image data, in accordance with the editing results, and the server stores the image data sent from the client apparatus, reproduces the stored image data in accordance with the play list data sent from the client, and transmits the reproduced image data to the server.
US07643063B2

Dual loop stabilization of video images is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a video camera having a first image stability control component configured to stabilize a video image in a first motion environment. A second image stability control component is coupled between the video camera and a moveable platform and is configured to stabilize the video image in a second motion environment. A motion sensing device detects movement of the video camera and transmits a control signal to adjust a stabilization response of the second image stability control component according to the movement. In some embodiments, a first amplitude range of the first motion environment is at least partially lower than a second amplitude range of the second motion environment, and a first frequency range of the first motion environment is at least partially higher than a second frequency range of the second motion environment.
US07643061B2

A measuring method of scintillation appearing on a display image of a display device installed with a light source including: capturing the display image from a plurality of capturing positions respectively having different capturing angles relative to the display image to obtain a plurality of captured images; and acquiring scintillation by comparing pixels of the captured images each corresponding to a common pixel of the display image and acquiring data of pixels having different luminance as scintillation information.
US07643054B2

Techniques for directed guidance of viewing devices which enable a spectator to be guided toward points of interest using guidance cues from viewpoint control sources including other viewing devices or event directors. A viewing system according to the present techniques include a viewpoint control source that generates a guidance cue for a point of interest and a viewing device that obtains the guidance cue from the viewpoint control source and in response generates a guidance signal for moving a viewpoint of the viewing device in a direction indicated by the guidance cue.
US07643047B2

An optical unit array comprises a plurality of optical units (2) in each of which a plurality of light source modules (1) are arranged and a first comb-teeth member (41) and a second comb-teeth member (42) which are provided for holding the optical units (2), and respective first pins (213) and second pins (214) of a plurality of optical units (2) are held by the first comb-teeth member (41) and the second comb-teeth member (42). In the optical unit array (4), positions of a plurality of optical units (2) relative to one another can be determined with high accuracy by bringing the first pins (213) and the second pins (214) into contact with grooves (411) and grooves (421), respectively. The outgoing positions and directions of light beams emitted from the light source modules (1) are also determined with high accuracy in each optical unit (2).
US07643045B2

Thermal printing apparatus and printing methods thereof are disclosed. One of the proposed printing methods includes: providing an n-bit value corresponding to a pixel, wherein a color level of the pixel ranges from 0 to 2n−1; determining a total print time corresponding to a target bit of the n-bit value according to the bit significance of the target bit; and if the target bit is of a predetermined value, intermittently driving a heating unit to heat a ribbon within the print time corresponding to the target bit.
US07643041B2

A display controller which outputs a grayscale clock signal for specifying a change point of a pulse width modulated signal. The display controller includes: a grayscale clock generation section which generates a grayscale clock signal having first to Nth (N is an integer greater than one) grayscale pulses within a predetermined period starting from a reference timing; and first to Nth grayscale pulse setting registers for setting edges of the first to Nth grayscale pulses. The grayscale clock generation section sets an interval between the reference timing and an edge of the first grayscale pulse and an interval between edges of the (i−1)th grayscale pulse (2≦i≦N, i is an integer) and the ith grayscale pulse, based on values set in the first to Nth grayscale pulse setting registers, and outputs the grayscale clock signal having the first to Nth grayscale pulses.
US07643019B2

The invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement to reduce motion blur of images shown in non-stroboscopic display devices, in particular Liquid Crystal Display Panels (LCDs). Thin Film Transistor Displays (TFTs), Color Sequential Displays. Plasma Display Panels (PDPs), Digital Micro Mirror Devices or Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) displays, in which motion vectors depending on moving components in each image of an input video, signal are calculated, in which anti-motion blur filtering of the input video signal is performed based on the calculated motion vectors to produce an output video signal, and in which images are generated on said display device depending on said output video signal. In order to provide an improved spatial filtering with less noise enhancement and less noise modulation, it is proposed that edge characteristics in each image of the input video signal are determined and that anti-motion blur filtering is further based on said determined edge characteristics. In this way, spatial filtering is concentrated on significant parts of an image only, and both noise enhancement and noise modulation are reduced.
US07643015B2

Surface impacts are located and characterized based on an acoustic signal produced by the impact despite the presence of signal dispersion. Acoustic signals from the surface may be compared to acoustic signals detected external to the surface in order to eliminate spurious impact sensing due to external sounds. Low-frequency acoustic signals may be sensed and identified as explicit hard “bangs” which are of limited utility for pointing and tracking applications.
US07643013B2

A capacitive input device, capable of stably adjusting the sensitivity of a counter electrode to improve the operability of the input device, and of improving the appearance of an electric apparatus is provided. In the input device, a conductive material is arranged between a counter electrode and an inner surface of a casing.
US07643011B2

Multi-touch touch-sensing devices and methods are described herein. The touch sensing devices can include multiple sense points, each of which can be stimulated with a plurality of periodic waveforms having different frequencies to measure a touch value at the sense point. Noise at one or more of the frequencies can interfere with this measurement. Therefore, various noise detection (and rejection) techniques are described. The noise detection techniques include two-clean-frequency noise detection, one-clean-frequency noise rejection, and combined two-clean-frequency/one-clean-frequency noise detection. Each of the noise detection techniques can include statistical analyses of the sample values obtained. The touch sensing methods and devices can be incorporated into interfaces for a variety of electronic devices such as a desktop, tablet, notebook, and handheld computers, personal digital assistants, media players, and mobile telephones.
US07643008B2

This invention describes a method for changing a keypad layout with keys (e.g., graphics and text) drawn on a display of an electronic device (e.g., wireless portable device, a mobile communication device or a mobile phone) and actuating said keys by a user of the electronic device using a transparent or translucent sensor-screen placed over said keys which are visible by the user. The transparent or translucent sensor-screen can be positioned partially or completely over the display. This invention enables different application/feature specific keypad configurations (shape, size, orientation, number of keys) for mobile devices.
US07643005B2

An apparatus and method to control the writing on electronic paper.
US07643002B2

A liquid crystal display device includes a comparator which judges a voltage of data; and a pre-charge controller which pre-charges a data line of a liquid crystal display panel with a pre-charge voltage if the voltage of the data is a first voltage, and pre-charges the data line with a charge share voltage, which has a lower absolute value than the pre-charge voltage, if the voltage of the data is a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage.
US07642991B2

A method for driving an AC type plasma display panel includes the steps of performing initialization at least once for each frame so as to clear binary setting of wall charge quantity in a screen by discharge except for micro discharge in which electrodes covered with a plurality of fluorescent materials become cathodes, and performing special initialization at frequency of once for M frames, where M=two or more, so as to erase unnecessary wall charge in the screen by discharge in which electrodes become cathodes and that is stronger than the discharge in the initialization.
US07642990B2

A head-guide for diagnosing or training vision of a user and methods of user thereof are disclosed. The head-guide may include a head-support for orienting a head of the user, a display-support for orienting a display. The head-guide may also include a guide-support connected to the head-support and the display-support. The head-support and display-support may be pre-configured to fix the relative position of the head and the display and the display may present visual stimuli to diagnose or train the vision of the user.
US07642978B2

An RF beam steering device employs a prism assembly to steer an RF beam and a compensation device to address undesirable movement of the beam steering device. The prism assembly includes a plurality of dielectric prisms each with an associated impedance matching layer. The dielectric prisms are rotated relative to each other to steer the RF beam in a desired direction and further to compensate for movement of the beam steering device itself. The prisms include a plurality of individual panels with drilled or slotted openings that are arranged to create a periodic photonic crystal structure within a defined region. This configuration effectively alters the dielectric constant over any one particular region of a panel, thereby altering the level of diffraction possible for a specified panel thickness. The openings within each stacked panel are overlapped to produce the required level of diffraction and refractive index gradient. Motors rotate the prisms relative to each other to the correct orientation for steering the RF beam in a desired manner.
US07642975B2

A frame assembly for a composite panel includes a first frame having a first frame contact surface transverse to a first frame mount surface and a second frame having a second frame contact surface transverse to a second frame mount surface, the first frame mount surface receivable within the second frame mount surface to provide a conductive communication path therebetween.
US07642973B2

A design support apparatus of the present invention includes the following: an antenna electromagnetic field distribution input portion that inputs data indicating an antenna electromagnetic field distribution in the vicinity of electronic equipment; a board near electromagnetic field distribution input portion that inputs data indicating a board near electromagnetic field distribution as unwanted radiation noise radiated from a board of the electronic equipment; and a correlation value generator that generates a distribution of correlation values showing a correlation between the antenna electromagnetic field and the board near electromagnetic field based on the antenna electromagnetic field distribution data and the board near electromagnetic field distribution data.
US07642968B2

The present invention relates to a portable compact antenna comprising a first radiating element of the dipole type, operating in a first frequency band and formed by a first and at least one second conductive arm supplied differentially, the first arm, called cold arm, forming at least one cover for an electronic card wherein the second arm, called hot arm, is extended by a conductive wire element, the length of the assembly formed by the first arm, the second arm and the wire element being chosen to provide an operation in a second frequency band.
US07642965B2

An antenna device, includes a plurality of substrate type antennas arranged in a direction, each of the substrate type antennas includes a dielectric substrate, an electric supply line that includes a microstrip line and is formed on the dielectric substrate, and antenna elements each of which includes microstrip lines and formed on the dielectric substrate, and a reflector plate located along the direction that the substrate type antennas are arranged. The substrate type antennas each have different angles of inclination relative to the reflector plate.
US07642960B2

A system and method to provide a means of communication, command and control between a mobile antenna and a satellite receiver that allows the receiver to send tuning information to the antenna and the antenna to provide feedback to the receiver when a signal has been acquired. The antenna and the receiver can share the appropriate states and stats such as diagnostics, test, GPS coordinates, etc.
US07642958B2

A mobile wireless communication device (200) including a wireless transceiver (210) communicably coupled to a processor (220), a satellite positioning system receiver (250), wherein the processor controls an operating mode of the satellite positioning system receiver based on satellite positioning system operating mode information received by the wireless transceiver when the mobile wireless communication device is in a vicinity of a location or will be in the vicinity on which the satellite positioning system operating mode information is based. Controlling the operating mode includes controller whether and when and the frequency with which location measurements are made.
US07642955B2

A privacy enhancement device for electronic device such as a cellular telephone. The privacy enhancement device may include a jammer which may produces false information, e.g. false information indicative of pseudo ranges. In addition, the navigation information used on the position detecting device may be locally stored versions of dynamically changing information. The navigation operation may be carried out using a Web service.
US07642950B2

Provided is a radar device includes a transmitting unit, a receiving unit for receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected by a target object of the transmission electromagnetic wave, a target object measuring unit for measuring at least a distance between the radar device and the target object on the basis of the transmission and reception electromagnetic waves, a transmission output control unit (S1, S2) for stopping or reducing a transmission output of the transmitting unit under a predetermined condition, a transmission output control function abnormality determining unit (S3 to S6) for determining that the transmission output control unit is abnormal upon receiving the reception electromagnetic wave having an intensity exceeding a predetermined threshold value even at the time of one of stop and reduction of the transmission output, and an abnormality determination time processing unit (S7) for stopping a power supply of the radar device when an abnormality is determined.
US07642947B2

A data processing device includes a comparing unit that compares a reference signal and respective processing object signals, a count-period control unit that determines a count period to perform count processing, a count unit that performs the count processing in the count period designated by the count-period control unit, stores a count value, applies the count processing to both a subtraction element and an addition element in an identical mode of any one of an up-count mode and a down-count mode, and starts the count processing for a following processing object signal using a count value for a preceding processing object signal as an initial value, and a correcting unit that corrects digital data of a multiply-accumulate result of the plural processing object signals to digital data in which a count value is corrected.
US07642944B2

A full-flash A/D converter, including a differential amplifier circuit row and a voltage comparison circuit row, has an adjusting circuit 107 for making the output dynamic range of differential amplifier circuits accurately fall within the input dynamic range of voltage comparison circuits. The adjusting circuit 107 includes a reference voltage generation circuit 119, which has therein voltage generation circuits 122 whose resistors are connected in series. By this series connection, the area of the voltage generation circuits 122 is reduced, while the output dynamic range of the differential amplifier circuits A1 to Am+1 in the differential amplifier circuit row 102 accurately falls within the input dynamic range of the voltage comparison circuits Cr1 to Crm+1 in the voltage comparison circuit row 103. Furthermore, half-circuits in the voltage generation circuits 122 are used to generate reference voltages, whereby the area of the voltage generation circuits is reduced further.
US07642940B1

Method for enabling use of the same, existing test programs for both an obsolete and new waveform digitizer, each having an analog input interface and a digital output interface, entails providing an automatic test equipment for hosting test programs for using a waveform digitizer, and determining scalers and low voltage monolithic analog-to-digital converters to couple to the analog input interface and digital output interface of the new waveform digitizer. As such, the new waveform digitizer provides the same function, or has the same functionality as, as the obsolete waveform digitizer, and the same, existing test programs can be used for the new waveform digitizer as were used for the obsolete waveform digitizer.
US07642938B2

The present invention relates to Gray Codes and their conversion to sign and magnitude representation. Gray codes are used in flash ADCs (analogue to digital converters), which convert an analogue waveform into a sampled binary value. This can be done via a thermometer code, and the present invention addresses the issue of the propagation of error due to an indeterminant thermometer code value. In particular the invention provides a Gray code to sign and magnitude converter arranged to produce for the bits of its output other than the sign bit the same code for the Gray codes that are the same distance from the boundary where the sign bit changes value when the Gray codes are arranged in order of their value.
US07642935B2

A decoder for decoding an input bit stream into a plurality of symbols is provided. The decoder includes an extractor, a length generator, a base selector, and a processing unit. The extractor receives the input bit stream and extracts a code with a predetermined codeword length therefrom. The length generator receives the extracted code and determines a first codeword length corresponding to a symbol according to the extracted code and a base table. The base selector determines a codeword base corresponding to the first codeword length according to the base table. The processing unit generates the symbol corresponding to the extracted code according to the codeword base, an offset table and the first codeword length.
US07642934B2

A method of mapping a traditional touchtone telephone keypad on a handheld electronic device having a disambiguation function, and an associated apparatus comprises outputting a representation of a remapped character layout and generating a disambiguated interpretation of an input.
US07642929B1

An electromagnetic emissions free optical signal based helicopter landing assistance arrangement wherein helicopter rotor wash dust cloud-caused obfuscation of the intended landing site and other landing threats are overcome. Real time optical sourced data is collected early and used during helicopter approach to the intended landing site. Upgrading of this data for use during dust cloud presence is accomplished with image processing techniques applied in response to such inputs as helicopter flight data. Military use of the invention especially in current theatre conflict environments is contemplated. Dust cloud related landing hazards are disclosed as a significant difficulty in such environments and generate need for the invention.
US07642926B2

Electronic control system for a submarine actuator, said actuator comprising a container body, from which a drive shaft projects that is suitable for inserting in a seat of said submarine device. The system comprises an electronic control board for at least one electric motor arranged inside said container body suitable for moving said drive shaft.
US07642925B2

A sensor device wherein when a first sensor detects a detection object, the first sensor changes its output voltage level, and when the processor unit detects the change of the output voltage level of the first sensor as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the first sensor is switched from the first signal level to the second signal level which is different from the first signal level and the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched from the second signal level to the first signal level which is different from the second signal level.
US07642921B2

Electronic Tags are mounted on swimmers to reduce their risk of drowning by identifying when their heads are underwater for periods of time which may indicate a dangerous submersion situation, and for triggering corresponding alerts and alarms. In this method, each monitored person is equipped with a lightweight electronic Tag worn on the body that communicates with monitors that issue the alerts and alarms, including audible and visible distress signals. The monitors, in turn, communicate the alarms to receivers used by supervisory personnel, such as lifeguards or parents. The invention may be used in aquatic environments, such as public recreation facilities, pools, waterfronts, and water parks, as well as in more private settings, such as homes, apartment buildings or hotels.
US07642915B2

A multiple frequency detection system allows the seamless integration of an almost ideal EAS function with an RFID function. While not being limited to a particular theory, the preferred embodiments integrate EAS technology at, for example, 8.2 MHz or 14 MHz, and RFID technology at, for example, 13.56 MHz in a common antenna package. The use of standard RFID frequencies as forcing functions will allow for the easy packaging of EAS with RFID and have a true roadmap of a scalable technology.
US07642914B2

Automated locating of electronics racks within a data center room is provided. The automated approach employs n wireless identification units associated with respective electronics racks of the data center, and first and second transceiver units positioned within the data center along a common plane at known X,Y locations. A monitor unit is in communication with the transceiver units, and automatically determines X,Y location within the data center room of each respective electronics rack employing, in part, first time differentials between transmission of a first broadcast signal by the first transceiver unit and receipt of response signals from the wireless identification units, second time differentials between transmission of a second broadcast signal from the second transceiver unit and receipt of response signals thereto from the wireless identification units, and the known X,Y locations within the data center of the transceiver units.
US07642913B2

A sensor apparatus includes a sensor circuit and a nonlinear signal processing circuit. The sensor circuit detects a physical quantity and outputs a detection signal indicative of the detected physical quantity. The signal processing circuit includes a logarithmic converter, an analog-to-digital converter, and an antilogarithmic converter. The logarithmic converter produces a logarithm signal corresponding to a logarithm of the detection signal. The analog-to-digital converter digitalizes the logarithm signal. The antilogarithmic converter produces an antilogarithmic signal corresponding to an antilogarithm of the digitalized logarithm signal.
US07642911B2

A monitor system has at least first and second child units that can each monitor audio at a different location and can each transmit signals representative of the audio monitored. A parent unit can receive the signals from the first and second child units. In one aspect, the parent unit can have at least one multi-color notification light that can be illuminated in a first color when receiving the audio monitored by the first child unit and a second color different from the first color when receiving the audio monitored by the second child unit. In another aspect, the parent unit can emit an audible notification representing the audio monitored by each of the child units. In this aspect, a volume control is in communication with the parent unit and can be operated to adjust a volume level of the emitted audible notification for each of the child units independent of the other child units. In yet another aspect, the parent unit can emit a notification representing each of the signals and can sequentially listen for the first child unit for a first duration and at least the second child unit for a second duration during a listening cycle. In this aspect, the parent unit can continuously repeat the listening cycle and the first and second durations can be adjusted by a user to a different duration selected from a plurality of different duration options.
US07642893B2

The arrays of independently-addressable resistors are commonly used to control miniature elements. The invention proposes solving the problem caused by the loss of power dissipated in the addressed resistor by choosing, for this resistor, a material with a negative thermal coefficient resistance, which enables the addressing output of this resistor to be increased.
US07642883B2

A tunable electromagnetic delay line, comprising a first conductor with a first main direction of extension. The first conductor is arranged on top of a non-conducting substrate. The delay line additionally comprises a layer of a ferroelectric material with first and second main surfaces. The layer separates the first conductor and the substrate. The delay line also comprises a second conductor with a second main direction of extension, with the first and second main directions of extensions essentially coinciding with each other, and with the first and second conductors being each other's mirror image with respect to an imagined line in the center of the delay line along the first and second main directions of extension. The tuning is accomplished by applying a voltage between said first and second conductors.
US07642882B2

A multi-band filter module and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The multi-band filter module includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first filter provided on the piezoelectric substrate, and a second filter provided adjacent to the first filter on the piezoelectric substrate, and operating in a frequency band that is lower than that of the first filter.
US07642873B2

An oscillator circuit may be used with controller circuits that are designed to operate with crystals, with no modifications to the pinout or firmware of the controller circuit. In some embodiments, the oscillator circuit includes an enable input that is responsive to low-amplitude transitions, which may be coupled to and driven by the crystal output signal of the controller circuit. When transitions are present on the crystal output signal, the oscillator circuit enables its clock output signal. When the controller circuit disables its crystal output signal, the oscillator circuit no longer detects transitions on the crystal output signal coupled to the oscillator circuit enable input, and disables the clock output signal.
US07642872B2

An oscillator circuit for use in integrated circuits. The oscillator circuit includes a delay generation circuit having a current mirror with at least a first current mirror branch and a second current mirror branch, a current source coupled to the first current mirror branch, a capacitive element coupled to the first current mirror branch; and a resistive element coupled to the second current mirror branch. The oscillator circuit further includes a plurality of inverting elements coupled in series with one another and a transconducting element coupled to an output of the plurality of inverting elements. The transconducting element is configured to discharge the capacitive element. A latching element is coupled to latch to an output signal of the plurality of inverting elements.
US07642868B2

Systems and methods for increasing the frequency range of an output signal generated by a VCO, where one or more variable delay units are incorporated into an interpolative VCO to decrease the minimum frequency at which the VCO oscillates. In one embodiment, the VCO includes a ring of serially connected inverters, a set of bypass circuits and a set of variable delay units. The bypass circuits are coupled to the ring of serially connected inverters to bypass one or more of the serially connected inverters when enabled. Each variable delay unit delays signal transitions at the input of a corresponding one of the serially connected inverters by a variable amount. The variable delay units may be positioned in series with the ring of inverters, in parallel with the bypass paths, or in parallel with corresponding inverters in the ring of inverters.
US07642858B2

Example embodiments of the invention may provide for active baluns. An example active balun may include a resonator that may convert a single-ended input signal to at least two differential input signals, and a differential switching block that includes first and second transistors that each receive a respective one of the at least two differential input signals from the resonator, where the first and second transistors may be cross-coupled to each other to provide a first differential output signal and a second differential output signal. An example active balun may further include one or more loads connected to the first and second differential output signals, and one or more stacked inverters that may provide a first output port and a second output port, where the first output port may be responsive to the first differential output signal and the second output port may be responsive to the second differential output signal.
US07642836B2

A leakage manager system for adequately minimizing static leakage of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The leakage manager system includes a generator configured to generate a control signal to be applied to a sleep transistor. A monitor is configured to determine whether to adjust the control signal to adequately minimize the static leakage. In some embodiments, the monitor includes an emulated sleep transistor. A regulator is configured to adjust the control signal depending on the determination.
US07642823B2

A delay-locked-loop control circuit and a method of controlling a delay-locked-loop. When the delay-locked-loop is in an off-operation mode, such as a power-down mode, a self-refresh emulation mode, a self-refresh mode, and the like, the delay-locked-loop is updated with a predetermined period, thereby preventing a malfunction of the delay-locked-loop. The delay-locked-loop has an oscillating portion which generates an oscillation signal having a predetermined period when in an OFF state; a pulse generating portion which generates a pulse signal having a predetermined period using the oscillation signal; a dividing portion which divides the pulse signal to generate a delay-locked-loop update signal; and a combining portion which combines the delay-locked-loop update signal and a delay-locked-loop on signal that is enabled by an external command to generate a delay-locked-loop control signal for controlling the delay-locked-loop.
US07642822B2

Aspects of the present invention are related, in general, to Type-III phase-locked loops. In particular, aspects of the present invention relate to analog Type-III phase-locked loop arrangements comprising at least two signal paths, wherein each signal path may correspond to a bandwidth partition and may be selected by a selector according to a bandwidth parameter value. According to one aspect of the present invention, a first signal path may correspond to a fast loop (wide closed-loop bandwidth), and a second signal path may correspond to a slow loop (narrow closed-loop bandwidth).
US07642817B2

An apparatus and method for driving a semiconductor switching element. The apparatus is configured to monitor at least one state variable of the semiconductor switching element, to switch off the semiconductor switching element in at least two stages, and to receive both a first parameter and a second parameter, the first and second parameters affecting how the state is monitored. The apparatus is further configured to receive both a third parameter and a fourth parameter, the third and fourth parameters affecting a two-stage switching-off operation of the semiconductor switching element.
US07642813B2

The invention includes an error correcting logic system that allows critical circuits to be hardened with only one redundant unit and without loss of circuit performance. The system provides an interconnecting gate that suppresses a fault in one of at least two redundant dynamic logic gates that feed to the interconnecting gate. The system is applicable to dynamic or static logic systems. The system prevents propagation of a fault, and addresses not only soft errors, but noise-induced errors. Also, there is provided a design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process, and which includes such error correcting logic system.
US07642812B1

Methods and circuitry for distributing and synchronizing a divided clock signal in an electronic device are disclosed. In one aspect of an embodiment, a series of registers distributes the divided clock signal and the series of registers is clocked by a full-speed clock signal from which the divided clock signal is derived. In another aspect, the divided clock signal and the full-speed clock signal are distributed to IO circuitry of the electronic device. In yet another aspect, the divided clock signal is also distributed to circuitry in a core of the electronic device.
US07642810B2

An input circuit for a semiconductor integrated circuit in which an operational state is constant even when a process condition, a temperature, a voltage, and the like are varied at the time of operation is provided. The input circuit includes a first input unit that performs a first amplifying operation on a potential difference between a reference voltage and an input signal and outputs a result of the amplification, and a second input unit that performs a second amplifying operation on a signal amplified by the first input unit and outputs a result of the amplification.
US07642809B2

A metal configurable I/O structure for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The metal configurable I/O structure may be configured for one of any of a plurality of I/O specifications. Preferably a common voltage reference and a common current reference is generated for provision to a plurality of I/O structures.
US07642808B2

An impedance adjusting circuit includes: a first calibration resistor circuit configured to be calibrated with an external resistor and generate a first calibration code; a second calibration resistor circuit configured to be calibrated with the first calibration resistor circuit and generate a second calibration code, the second calibration resistor circuit being connected to a first node; and a transmission line circuit configured to be responsive to a control signal to connect the first node to a pin of a system employing the impedance adjusting circuit.
US07642803B2

Example embodiments of the present invention include an address pin reduction mode circuit with parallel inputs and a method for testing a semiconductor memory device in an address pin reduction mode based on parallel input-based addressing. A reduction in the number of address pins is achieved by use of a common pin for address pins and data enable/disable pins in the semiconductor memory device. The address pin reduction mode circuit with parallel inputs for a semiconductor memory device is capable of reducing test costs by performing tests in an address pin reduction mode based on parallel input-based addressing, as opposed to serial addressing. Even when the semiconductor memory device has more address pins, example embodiments may include a first switch formed to include two address channels coupled to two channels of the tester. A second switch may be coupled to two data enable/disable pins having respective connections to the two channels of the tester. The first and second switches are structured to select the address and data enable/disable signals from the tester responsive to a mode register set (MRS) code corresponding to a test mode. A third switch may be configured to select a chip enable signal /CE and transmit the chip enable signal /CE to a data enable/disable channel responsive to the MRS code when the second switch is off. An address coding unit may be configured to provide a coded address to the two address channels responsive to the MRS code when the first switch is off.
US07642802B2

An adapter frame is configured to receive a non-native test instrument module and is further configured for coupling within a test head of automatic semiconductor device test equipment. The adapter frame includes interfaces for operatively connecting the test instrument module to the test head using the existing slots of the test head. Interfaces may include mechanical interfaces, such as liquid cooling interfaces and other suitable interfaces. Additional software and/or hardware components may be included on the adapter frame to integrate the non-native test instrument module into the existing test equipment.
US07642790B2

A system or method of analyzing a conductive member for the presence an anomaly. A conductive pipe member is analyzed for the presence an anomaly the electromagnetic properties of which are non-linear. The electromagnetic properties of the pipe member at the anomaly are altered by applying a direct current perturbation signal to the pipe member. At least one test source signal is applied to a first test location on the pipe member remote from the anomaly to cause the at least one test source signal to travel along the pipe through the anomaly. At least one test return signal associated with the at least one test source signal traveling through the anomaly is detected. The at least one test return signal is analyzed for characteristics associated with the anomaly.
US07642789B2

The present invention provides a storage device and a writing unit diagnosing method, which can determine a defect in a writing unit at an early stage. There is provided a storage device, which includes writing units that write data to a storage medium, current application units that apply a current to the writing units, electric property measurement units that measure the electric property of the writing units at the time of applying a current by the current application units, and obtain electric property measured values, a storage unit that stores the electric property measured values obtained by the electric property measurement units, and a judgment unit that judges whether or not the writing units are abnormal based on the electric property measured values stored in the storage unit.
US07642786B2

An electronic battery tester for testing a storage battery. The tester includes a first connector configured to electrically couple to a first terminal of the battery via a first battery post adapter and a second connector configured to electrically couple to a second terminal of the battery via a second battery post adapter. The tester also includes an input configured to receive a battery-post-adapter-connection indicator. Test circuitry, which is coupled to the input, upon receipt of the battery-post-adapter-connection indicator, determines whether or not the first battery post adapter and the second battery post adapter are faulty.
US07642784B2

Multiple sources are provided for a transmitter cable for use in electromagnetic surveying. The transmitter cable includes a dipole antenna comprising a pair of spaced apart electrodes mounted on their respective cables. Two antennas may be powered from each source. Alternatively, the outputs of each source are connected to a common antenna pair. A single large power supply may be mounted on a vessel to supply power through the tow cable. Alternatively, a number of power supplies may be provided aboard the vessel, with each power supply having dedicated conductors through the tow cable to power the plurality of current sources.
US07642779B2

A radio-frequency coil has a first element and a second element both being adjacently arranged so as to nip a division/join portion. The first element has a first main loop portion provided along an arrangement plain surface and a first sub-loop portion provided along a surface substantially perpendicular to the arrangement plain surface. The second element has a second main loop portion provided along the arrangement plain surface and a second sub-loop portion provided facing the first sub-loop. The first sub-loop portion and the second sub-loop portion generate an induced electromotive force such that, among magnetic fields generated when a current flows in one coil, a summation of the magnetic fields, which interlink with the other coil, becomes zero.
US07642776B2

In a method for determination of an acquisition sequence for slice plane data of slice planes of an examination subject, the slice plane data are acquired with measurement sequences that each includes a preparation phase and a measurement phase temporally separated from the preparation phase. For n slice planes and a set of sequence parameters that include at least the parameters TRmin: minimal repetition time between two measurement sequences of the same slice plane and TRmax: maximum repetition time between two measurement sequences of the same slice plane, a periodic acquisition scheme that, temporally expanded, is [TRi, TR]-compatible to the k-th degree and has k streams. The association of the n slice planes with the k streams of the acquisition scheme and the order of the slice planes within the respective streams are determined by mixed-integer linear program.
US07642770B2

This present invention discloses a light-driving system capable of providing an accurate calibration of signal measurement and a method for performing the same, including an automatic power control (APC) circuit which is pre-calibrated for a signal measurement process. By enlarging at least one measured pad of the APC circuit, multiple grounding paths are established via a plurality of probes of a test instrument. An impedance effect predicted on the contact between the probes and the pad is diminished greatly. A voltage value on the pad can be accurately measured. Thus, a reference voltage value input to a first input of a comparator of the APC circuit can be determined on a basis of a specific condition when a ramping voltage value input to a second input of the comparator is substantially equal to a sum of a predetermined reference voltage value and the voltage value of the pad.
US07642768B1

A current sensor includes a magnetic field sensing element, a first conductor including sandwich structure and second conductor including sandwich structure electrically coupled to one another. The magnetic field sensing element is interposed between the first and second sandwich structure. The magnetic field sensing element is operable to receive magnetic flux lines resulting from current flowing through the first and second conductor sandwich structure. The first and second conductor sandwich structure each include a top portion including at least a first electrical conductor, a bottom portion including at least a second electrical conductor, and a layer of magnetic permeable material different from the first and second electrical conductor interposed between the top portion and bottom portion. The magnetic permeable material shields (bypasses) stray magnetic fields from reaching the magnetic field sensing element, but does not measurably influence the magnetic field generated by the primary current to be measured.
US07642760B2

The disclosure concerns a power supply circuit comprising a voltage converter receiving an external voltage and outputting an internal voltage; a first switch and a second switch connected between an output of the voltage converter and a constant voltage source; a resistor provided between the first switch and the second switch, and dividing the internal voltage; a comparator including a first input unit, a second input, and an output which is connected to the voltage converter; a reference voltage source supplying a reference voltage to the first input; a feedback feeding back a voltage divided by the resistor to the second input from a node between the first switch and the second switch; a setting voltage source, to the second input; a third switch connected between the setting voltage source and the second input; and a control signal generator controlling the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.
US07642758B2

A power-conversion regulator comprising an inductive reactor, an output filter reactor, and a switch for admitting energy to the inductive reactor, additionally comprises computation circuitry responsive to the flux in the inductive reactor, to a reference signal, to an output voltage, and sometimes to an output load current, for computing the quantity of energy that must be supplied to a load and to the output filter reactor to regulate the output voltage or current to a desired relationship with the reference signal during each chopping waveform cycle driving the switch. As the inductive reactor is charged from an input energy source, the computation circuitry predicts whether the energy in the inductive reactor has become adequate for the regulation.
US07642748B2

A method for charging a plurality of batteries wherein each battery includes an anode and a cathode. The method includes electrically coupling n batteries to form a string of batteries, electrically coupling n battery charger assemblies to the n batteries such that each respective battery charger assembly is coupled to an anode and a cathode of a respective battery, and charging the plurality of batteries utilizing the n battery charger assemblies.
US07642743B1

A remote battery charger, comprising a DC-to-DC converter, able to accept a first DC current with a voltage of less than 13 VDC and able to produce, from said first DC current, a second DC current of at least a 15 amps at a voltage of at least 13.5 VDC, provided an adequate first DC current level. Also, the charger includes a current acceptance reduction input, whereby when said input is activated said DC-to-DC converter reduces its acceptance of said first DC current.
US07642740B2

A servomotor controller by which a load on a machine device can be reduced, and control capability can be stabilized as well as the resistance property for a temporary blackout or a temporary voltage drop can be more secured in accordance with driving conditions of the machine device and a motor load. The servomotor controller includes: a bus voltage detector for measuring a bus voltage, and a current detector for detecting current passing through a servomotor. A controller 9 switches, depending on the bus voltage, a position control operation with a velocity control operation, to decrease the current supplied to the servomotor in a case where the bus voltage is lower than a first predefined reference voltage.
US07642738B2

A power steering apparatus includes an electric motor, a temperature sensor, and a control unit. The electric motor produces an assist steering effort in a steering system. The temperature sensor measures a temperature of a first portion subject to thermal influence of operation of the electric motor. The control unit determines an estimated temperature of a second portion in accordance with a value of a motor current, the second portion being subject to thermal influence of operation of the electric motor. The control unit determines a first upper limit value in accordance with the measured temperature; determines a second upper limit value in accordance with the estimated temperature; limit the motor current to a smaller one of the first and second upper limit values, when determining that the temperature sensor is normal; limit the motor current to the second upper limit value, when determining that the temperature sensor is abnormal.
US07642731B2

A lamp driving method and an inverter for driving the lamp are disclosed which can stably maintain a desired duty ratio of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal for controlling driving of a lamp. The method for driving lamp, comprising: generating an inner pulse width modulation (PWM) signal;outputting a DC level in response to a duty ratio of an external PWM signal; selectively outputting the external PWM signal or the inner PWM signal in accordance with the DC level; and generating an AC drive signal Acs in response to the external PWM signal or the inner PWM signal, and supplying the AC drive signal to the lamp.
US07642717B2

The present invention relates to a plasma display panel, more particularly, to a plasma display panel apparatus and manufacturing method of the same, which is capable of minimizing a gap between a seal layer and a UV Ultra Violet ray / silicon desiccant layer due to an air bubble, when the front panel and the rear panel of the plasma display panel are in the sealing process. A plasma display panel according to the present invention includes a front substrate; a rear substrate; a seal layer which is formed between the front panel and the rear panel; and a desiccant layer which is in contact with the front panel, the rear panel and the seal layer.
US07642716B2

The invention relates to a lighting mechanism with an elongated shield made of transparent material, a burner disposed in the center of the shield, sealed-off burner connectors including both a proximal burner connector and a distal burner connector, each of which projects diametrically away from the burner in the longitudinal direction of the shield so as to extend into a proximal and a distal end region of the shield. Supply leads pass into the shield by way of a crimped part thereof and are joined there to the burner connectors. In the region of the crimped part a supplementary space is provided that is open to the interior of the shield and into which at least a certain region of the proximal burner connector extends.
US07642692B1

A MEMS magnetometer comprises a deflectable resonator comprising a base layer; a Lorentz force (LF) drive conductor attached to the base layer; and a piezoelectric sensor attached to the base layer and electrically isolated from the LF drive conductor. The LF drive conductor comprises conductive material configured for receiving a current at a mechanical resonant frequency of the device capable of causing mechanical deformation of the deflectable resonator, wherein the current causes formation of Lorentz forces in a presence of a magnetic field, and wherein the deflectable resonator is mechanically deformed as a result of the formation of the Lorentz forces. The mechanical deformation of the deflectable resonator generates a detectable piezoelectric electrical signal that is proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic field.
US07642689B2

A rotor includes: a magnet having a circular cylinder shape and having a hole formed through its axial center, wherein the hole has in axial cross section a regular polygonal shape having flat portions and angle portions, and wherein a recess having a truncated cone shape is disposed at an axial end of the magnet such that the recess has its maximum diameter portion located at the axial end and has its minimum diameter portion communicating with the hole; and a shaft fitted in the hole of the magnet, wherein the outer circumference of the shaft makes contact with the flat portions of the hole of the magnet thereby forming a plurality of gaps between the outer circumference of the shaft and the angle portions of the hole of the magnet, and adhesive is filled in the gaps.
US07642687B2

The number of conductor members in a first conductor member group and the number of conductor members in a second conductor member group are equal to each other and are odd numbers. An inner terminal of each conductor member is displaced from an outer terminal of the same conductor member by 90 degrees with respect to the circumferential direction of the corresponding conductor member group. Each outer terminal of the first conductor member group is displaced from a corresponding one of the outer terminals of the second conductor member with respect to the circumferential direction of the first conductor member group.
US07642684B2

A dynamoelectric machine comprises a first rotor shaft, a second rotor shaft and a central element. The first rotor shaft rotates about a central axis of the machine and has a first magnetic drive element disposed about an outer circumference of the first rotor shaft. The second rotor shaft rotates about the first rotor shaft and has a second magnetic drive element disposed about an inner circumference of the second rotor shaft. The central element is disposed between the first rotor shaft and the second rotor shaft and is configurable to remain stationary while the first rotor shaft and the second rotor shaft rotate about the central axis. The central element also includes a third magnetic drive element for interacting with the first magnetic drive element, and a fourth magnetic drive element for interacting with the second magnetic drive element.
US07642681B2

The present invention provides a rotary electric machine, in which it is possible to reduce the dimension of a casing in a direction along a rotation center line. The rotary electric machine comprises a magnet rotor 2 rotating about a rotation center line 1 and one or more magnetic sensors 11 for detecting leakage flux leaking out of the magnet rotor 2. The magnet rotor 2 and a stator 3 are received in a casing 4. A sensor receiving portion 12 for receiving the one or more magnetic sensors 11 is disposed in an outer wall portion of a side wall of the casing 4 located in an extending direction of the rotation center line 1 of the magnet rotor 2. The one or more magnetic sensors 11 are received in the sensor receiving portion 12. The sensor receiving portion 12 is disposed in a position that allows the one or more sensors to detect leakage flux leaking out of the magnet rotor 2.
US07642677B2

Apparatus (100) for controlling inrush current from a power supply (250) to a load (255), the apparatus comprising a first (105a) and a second (105b) power supply input and a first (110a) and a second (110b) load output, a semiconductor device (115) coupled between the first power supply input (105a) and the first load output (110a), a control circuit (120) having a control circuit input (125) coupled to the first load output (110a) and a control circuit output (130) coupled to a conductance control node (135) of the semiconductor device (115), wherein, in use, when a load (255) is connected across the first load output (110a) and the second load output (110b), the control circuit (120) provides a control signal to the conductance control node (130) to thereby progressively vary the conductance of the semiconductor device (115) from a low conductance state to a high conductance state in response to a load signal being provided to the control circuit input (125) indicating that a load current (Isd) flowing through the semiconductor device (115) has exceeded a pre-determined threshold.
US07642674B2

A switch state assurance mechanism of a power stealing circuit for connection to a thermostatically controlled or other kind of operational system. The mechanism may be an interface for the power stealing circuit to the operational system. A switch or relay of the mechanism may have several states but have an appropriate state for a given status of the power stealing circuit and the operational system. The switch or relay may have a latching characteristic relative to its states. The mechanism may have a detection circuit and a drive circuit connected to the relay, and a control circuit connected to the detection circuit and the drive circuit. The mechanism may check the relay state and change the relay to a desired state. The mechanism may be incorporated in other circuits beside a power stealing circuit.
US07642669B2

An electrical circuit arrangement includes an unlatching actuator, a primary power source and a secondary power source. The electrical circuit arrangement further includes an operator actuated switch and an electrically controlled bypass switch having an energized condition at which the bypass switch adopts a first switching configuration and a de-energized condition at which the bypass switch adopts a second switching configuration. The circuit has a first configuration in which the bypass switch is in the first switching configuration so that the primary power source, the operator actuated switch, the bypass switch and the unlatching actuator are configured so that actuation of the operator actuated switch causes the unlatching actuator to be energized by the primary power source. The circuit has a second configuration in which the bypass switch is in the second switching configuration so that the secondary power source, the operator actuated switch, the bypass switch and the unlatching actuator are configured so that actuation of the operator actuated switch causes the unlatching actuator to be energized by the secondary power source.
US07642666B2

An interface device transmits a reactive power command depending on a power system from a voltage regulation device of the power system to a wind power generation apparatus electrically connected to the power system, and the wind power generation apparatus receives the reactive power command. Then, the wind power generation apparatus outputs reactive power according to a value obtained by adding, to a reactive power command, another reactive power command for suppression of voltage fluctuation caused by output power of the wind power generation apparatus.
US07642662B2

A semiconductor device includes: solder balls provided on an upper package; and pads provided on a lower package and directly connected to the solder balls, wherein at least one of the pads serves as a fiducial mark. Further, a shape of at least one of the pads is different from that of other pads and an area of at least one of the pads is substantially equal to that of the other pads.
US07642659B2

A semiconductor device includes a low-k layer formed over a semiconductor device; a first TEOS film formed over the low-k layer; a SiCN layer formed over the first TEOS film; an undoped silicate glass film formed over the SiCN layer; a nitride film formed over the USG film; a second TEOS film formed over the nitride film; a first metal interconnect extending from the low-k layer to the undoped silicate glass film; and a second metal interconnect extending from the nitride film to the second TEOS film, wherein the first metal interconnect and the second metal interconnect are electrically connected and a wire is bonded to the second metal interconnect.
US07642658B2

A method of fabricating a bonding pad anchoring structure comprising the following steps. Providing a substrate. Forming a series of grated metal layers over the substrate separated by an interleaving series of via plug layers having via plugs electrically connecting respective at least a portion of adjacent grated metal layers. The series of grated metal layers having an uppermost grated metal layer. Forming an uppermost via plug layer over the uppermost grated metal layer. The uppermost via plug layer having via plugs. Forming a bonding pad layer over the uppermost via plug layer so that the uppermost via plugs within the uppermost via plug layer electrically connect the bonding pad layer to at least a portion of the uppermost grated metal layer whereby the bonding pad layer is securely bonded to the substrate.
US07642650B2

A semiconductor device includes a first multilayer interconnection structure formed on a substrate and a second multilayer interconnection structure formed on the first multilayer interconnection structure, wherein the first multilayer interconnection structure includes a pillar extending from a surface of the substrate and reaching at least the second multilayer interconnection structure.
US07642646B2

A semiconductor device is configured such that an electrode pad connected to an internal circuit is formed on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, wires are formed near and around the electrode pad, a protective film is formed which covers the edge of the electrode pad, the wires, and the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a metal bump is formed on the electrode pad such that the edge of the electrode is disposed on the protective film on the wires. According to this configuration, since the wires are formed near the electrode pad, the protective film covering the edge of the electrode pad and an area around the edge is formed relatively flat, and the metal bump has a flat surface on a convex portion formed on the relatively flat protective film. Therefore, even when the electrode pad is small, a flat area can be sufficiently obtained on the surface of the metal bump, thereby obtaining stable connection via an anisotropic conductive sheet or the like by COG.
US07642638B2

A semiconductor package, and method of making a semiconductor package, with a plurality of dies, wherein one die is attached to an inverted lead frame and another die is attached to a substrate. The leadframe is then attached to the substrate. More specifically, the semiconductor package includes a substrate, a lead frame and a plurality of leads. The lead frame is attached to the top surface of the substrate. The bottom surface of a first die is attached to the top surface of the substrate and the first die is electrically connected to the substrate. The top surface of a second die is attached to the bottom die pad surface of the lead frame and the second die is electrically connected to the leadframe. An encapsulant covers at least a portion of the lead frame and substrate.
US07642634B2

A chip package is provided, which includes a dielectric layer, at least a conductive layer, a chip, a wiring layer and at least a conductive via. The dielectric layer has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a plurality of lateral surfaces joined between the first surface and the second surface. One of the lateral surfaces has at least a groove, wherein the groove is extended from the first surface to the second surface. The conductive layer is disposed on the wall of the groove. The chip is inserted in the dielectric layer. The wiring layer is located on the first surface and electrically connected to the conductive layer. The conductive via is located in the dielectric layer to electrically connect the chip to the wiring layer.
US07642632B2

A substrate includes a substrate; a number of pad redistribution chips stacked on the substrate and on one another after being rotated 90° in a predetermined direction relative to one another, the pad redistribution chips having a number of center pads positioned at the center thereof, a number of (+) edge pads positioned on an end thereof while corresponding to those of the center pads lying in (+) direction from a middle center pad located in the middle of the center pads, a number of (−) edge pads positioned on the other end thereof while corresponding to those of the center pads lying in (−) direction with symmetry to those of the center pads lying in the (+) direction, and a number of traces for electrically connecting the center pads to the corresponding (±) edge pads, respectively; a flexible PCB for electrically connecting the substrate to the pad redistribution chips; and an anisotropic dielectric film for electrically connecting the pad redistribution chips to the flexible PCB and the substrate to the flexible PCB.
US07642627B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an electrode and a conductive pad; a resin projection formed on the semiconductor substrate; and a wiring electrically connected to the electrode, the wiring having a first portion formed on the electrode, a second portion formed on the conductive pad and a third portion formed on the resin projection between the first portion and the second portion.
US07642626B2

A semiconductor device including a semiconductor structure defining a mesa having a mesa surface and mesa sidewalls, and first and second passivation layers. The first passivation layer may be on at least portions of the mesa sidewalls, at least a portion of the mesa surface may be free of the first passivation layer, and the first passivation layer may include a first material. The second passivation layer may be on the first passivation layer, at least a portion of the mesa surface may be free of the second passivation layer, and the second passivation layer may include a second material different than the first material.
US07642621B2

In a protection circuit of an input/output terminal I/O, three types of PNP bipolar transistors are included. In a first PNP type bipolar transistor 10A, the emitter thereof is connected to the input/output terminal I/O, the base thereof is connected to a high-potential power supply terminal VDD, and the collector thereof is connected to a low-potential power supply terminal VSS. In a second PNP type bipolar transistor 10B, the emitter thereof is connected to the input/output terminal I/O, and the base and the collector thereof are connected to the high-potential power supply terminal VDD. In a third PNP type bipolar transistor 10C, the emitter thereof is connected to the low-potential power supply terminal VSS, and the base and the collector thereof are connected to the high-potential power supply terminal VDD.
US07642618B2

Semiconductor devices are provided with high performance high-frequency circuits in which interference caused by inductors is reduced. In a semiconductor device including a modulator circuit to modulate a carrier wave by a base band signal to output an RF signal and a demodulator circuit to demodulate the RF signal by use of the carrier wave to gain the base band signal and a local oscillator to generate the carrier wave, inductors respectively having a closed loop wire are adopted. Interference caused by mutual inductance is reduced by the closed loop wire. For example, where inductors are adopted in the modulator circuit, a closed loop wire is disposed around the outer periphery of the inductors.
US07642611B2

A sensor system includes a sensor device (10) and an integrated circuit (20) for driving the device (10). The device (10) includes a sensor body (1) of a silicon-based material, an upper sealing member (2) of a silicon-based material, and a lower sealing member (3) of a silicon-based material. The upper sealing member (2) and the lower sealing member (3) are joined together to cooperatively house the body (1) therewithin in an airtight manner. The device (10) and the circuit (20) are formed as a stacked body. The body (1) is electrically connected to a wiring pattern (12) of the circuit (20) through a conductive through-path (4) penetrating the upper sealing member (4) and a mounting electrode (5) provided on an outer surface of the upper sealing member (2). The device (10) is connected to an MID substrate (30) through the circuit (20).
US07642608B2

Methods, methods of making, devices, and systems for image sensors that include isolation regions are disclosed. A semiconductor imager includes a pixel array and peripheral circuitry arranged on at least one side of the pixel array. Array devices are formed as part of the pixel array and periphery devices are formed in the periphery. Array isolation regions are disposed around at least a portion of at least some of the array devices and periphery isolation regions are disposed around at least a portion of at least some of the periphery devices. Within the semiconductor imager, the periphery isolation regions are configured differently from the array isolation regions. The semiconductor image sensor may be included in as part of an imaging system that includes a processor.
US07642590B2

A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises providing a substrate with recessed gates and deep trench capacitor devices therein. Protrusions of the recessed gates and upper portions of the deep trench capacitor devices are revealed. Spacers are formed on sidewalls of the upper portions and the protrusions. Buried portions of conductive material are formed in spaces between the spacers. The substrate, the spacers and the buried portions are patterned to form parallel shallow trenches for defining buried bit line contacts and capacitor buried surface straps. A layer of dielectric material is formed in the shallow trenches. Word lines are formed across the recessed gates. Bit lines are formed to electrically connect the buried bit line contacts without crossing the capacitor buried surface straps, and stack capacitors are formed to electrically connect with the capacitor buried surface straps. A semiconductor device is also provided.
US07642585B2

Memory cells comprising: a semiconductor substrate having a source region and a drain region disposed below a surface of the substrate and separated by a channel region; a tunnel dielectric structure disposed above the channel region, the tunnel dielectric structure comprising at least one layer having a small hole-tunneling-barrier height; a charge storage layer disposed above the tunnel dielectric structure; an insulating layer disposed above the charge storage layer; and a gate electrode disposed above the insulating layer are described along with arrays thereof and methods of operation.
US07642582B2

A CMOS image sensor comprising an array of active pixel cells. Each active pixel cell includes a substrate; a photosensing device formed at or below a substrate surface for collecting charge carriers in response to incident light; and, one or more light transmissive conductive wire structures formed above the photosensing device, the one or more conductive wire structures being located in an optical path above the photosensing device. The formed light transmissive conductive wire structures provide both an electrical and optical functions. An optical function is provided by tailoring the thickness of the conductive wire layer to filter light according to a pixel color scheme. Alternately, the light transmissive conductive wire structures may be formed as a microlens structure providing a light focusing function. Electrical functions for the conductive wire layer include use as a capacitor plate, as a resistor or as an interconnect.
US07642574B2

An insulated-gate field-effect transistor (100, 100V, 140, 150, 150V, 160, 170, 170V, 180, 180V, 190, 210, 210W, 220, 220U, 220V, 220W, 380, or 480) has a hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile below one (104 or 264) of its source/drain zones for reducing the parasitic capacitance along the pn junction between that source/drain zone and adjoining body material (108 or 268). In particular, the concentration of semiconductor dopant which defines the conductivity type of the body material increases by at least a factor of 10 in moving from that source/drain zone down to an underlying body-material location no more than 10 times deeper below the upper semiconductor surface than that source/drain zone. The body material preferably includes a more heavily doped pocket portion (120 or 280) situated along the other source/drain zone (102 or 262). The combination of the hypoabrupt vertical dopant profile below the first-mentioned source/drain zone, normally serving as the drain, and the pocket portion along the second-mentioned source/drain zone, normally serving as the source, enables the resultant asymmetric transistor to be especially suitable for high-speed analog applications.
US07642573B2

One exemplary embodiment includes a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device can include a channel including one or more of a metal oxide including zinc-germanium, zinc-lead, cadmium-germanium, cadmium-tin, cadmium-lead.
US07642567B2

A low-cost field-effect transistor with a moisture-resistant gate covered by a thick moisture-resistant insulating film which suppresses an increase in gate capacitance, and a method of manufacturing the field-effect transistor. The field-effect transistor has one of a T-shaped gate electrode and Γ-shaped gate electrode, a drain electrode, and a source electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode being electrically connected through an n-doped semiconductor region. The gate, source, and drain electrodes are located on a semiconductor layer which includes an insulating film having a thickness of 50 nm or less and covering a surface of the gate electrode and a surface of the semiconductor layer. A silicon nitride film, deposited by catalytic CVD, covers the insulating film and includes a void volume located between a portion of the gate electrode corresponding to a canopy of an open umbrella and the semiconductor layer.
US07642566B2

A scalable device structure and process for forming a normally off JFET with 45 NM linewidths or less. The contacts to the source, drain and gate areas are formed by forming a layer of oxide of a thickness of less than 1000 angstroms, and, preferably 500 angstroms or less on top of the substrate. A nitride layer is formed on top of the oxide layer and holes are etched for the source, drain and gate contacts. A layer of polysilicon is then deposited so as to fill the holes and the polysilicon is polished back to planarize it flush with the nitride layer. The polysilicon contacts are then implanted with the types of impurities necessary for the channel type of the desired transistor and the impurities are driven into the semiconductor substrate below to form source, drain and gate regions.
US07642554B2

An array substrate for an LCD device and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The array substrate includes: a substrate defining a display area and a non-display area; an n-type driving TFT and a p-type driving TFT in the non-display area; a switching TFT in the display region; a storage capacitor in the display region, the storage capacitor including first to third storage layers sequentially layered with intervening insulating layers, wherein the first storage layer contacts a first semiconductor layer under the first storage layer; and a pixel electrode in the display region, the pixel electrode connected to the switching TFT.
US07642550B2

Various embodiments disclosed herein include methods for measuring a parameter associated with a workpiece. Such a method may include providing a first overlay pattern on the workpiece and a second overlay pattern over the first overlay pattern. The first overlay pattern may comprise a first plurality of features spaced apart from each other, and the second overlay pattern may comprise a second plurality of substantially optically transmissive features spaced apart from each other. The second plurality of features may be offset with respect to and partially overlapping the first plurality of features. The method may further comprise directing light onto the first and second overlay pattern such that the light is reflected from both the first and second overlay patterns and using reflectometry to obtain a measure of the parameter from the reflected light.
US07642548B2

Novel ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium or platinum complexes of thianthrene ligands are electroluminescent compounds. According to the invention there is provided complexes of Formula (I).
US07642547B2

A light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The light emitting device comprises a substrate, a gate electrode positioned on the substrate, a first insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the gate electrode, an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the first insulating layer so that a predetermined area thereof corresponds to the gate electrode, ohmic layers that positioned on a predetermined area of the amorphous silicon layer, the ohmic layers defining a source area and a drain area, a source electrode or a drain electrode electrically connected to any one of the ohmic layers and a cathode that is electrically connected to the other one of the ohmic layers, a second insulating layer positioned on the substrate comprising the source electrode or the drain electrode and the cathode, the second insulating layer comprising an opening exposing a portion of the cathode, an emitting layer positioned within the opening, and an anode positioned on the substrate comprising the emitting layer.
US07642546B2

According to some embodiments, an article of manufacture comprises a substrate; a molecular layer on the substrate comprising at least one charge storage molecule coupled to the substrate by a molecular linker; a solid barrier dielectric layer directly on the molecular layer; and a conductive layer directly on the solid barrier dielectric layer. In some embodiments, the solid barrier dielectric layer is configured to provide a voltage drop across the molecular layer that is greater than a voltage drop across the solid barrier dielectric layer when a voltage is applied to the conductive layer. In some embodiments, the molecular layer has a thickness greater than that of the solid barrier dielectric layer. The article of manufacture contains no electrolyte between the molecular layer and the conductive layer.
US07642545B2

A layer system and a method for producing the layer system are provided, the layer system having a silicon layer, on which at least regionally a passivating layer is superficially deposited, the passivating layer having a first, at least largely inorganic partial layer and a second, at least largely polymer partial layer. The method includes producing on the silicon layer, a first, inorganic partial layer, and producing on this first partial layer a second, polymer partial layer, which form the passivating layer. The production of the intermediate layer occurs in such a way that the intermediate layer in its surface area adjoining the first partial layer is composed as the first partial layer, and the intermediate layer in its surface area adjoining the second partial layer is composed as the second partial layer. The composition of the intermediate layer transitions, either continuously or in steps, from the composition corresponding to the first partial layer into the composition corresponding to the second partial layer.
US07642541B2

A functional device which is composed of a nanometer-sized functional structure, which can reduce connection resistance in connecting the functional structure to an external electrode, and which includes a wiring section capable of minimizing constraints given to structural designs of various functional structures, and a method of manufacturing it are provided. A functional device in which a functional structure having contained sections in positions spaced from each other is retained by a carbon nanotube. A gap is formed in the carbon nanotube, and the carbon nanotube is segmented into a first carbon nanotube and a second carbon nanotube by the gap. One of the contained sections is contained in the first carbon nanotube at an opening of the first carbon nanotube facing the gap, and the other of the contained sections is contained in the second carbon nanotube at an opening of the second carbon nanotube facing the gap.
US07642540B2

A phase change random access memory (PRAM), and a method of operating the PRAM are provided. In the PRAM comprising a switching element and a storage node connected to the switching element, the storage node comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, a phase change layer between the first electrode and a second electrode, and a heat efficiency improving element formed between the first electrode and the phase change layer. The heat efficiency improving element may be one of a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer, a nanoparticle layer, and a nanodot layer, and the nanoparticle layer may be a fullerene layer.
US07642539B2

A memory device comprising a first electrode having a top side, a second electrode having a top side and an insulating member between the first electrode and the second electrode. The insulating member has a thickness between the first and second electrodes near the top side of the first electrode and the top side of the second electrode extends outwardly from the top sides of the first and second electrodes defining a wall of insulating material having top side. A bridge of memory material crosses the insulating member over the top of the wall, and defines an inter-electrode path between the first and second electrodes across the insulating member. An array of such memory cells is provided. The bridge comprises an active layer of memory material on the top side of the wall, having at least two solid phases and a layer of thermal insulating material overlying the memory material having thermal conductivity less than a thermal conductivity of the first and second electrodes.
US07642537B2

The invention relates to a radiography system for computed radiography, comprising an X-ray apparatus (1) with an X-ray source (7), a plurality of image cassettes (9) for producing digital images, a cassette reading means (13) for reading radiographic images (19) stored in the image cassettes (9) after X-ray exposure, and a data processing means (14) connected to the cassette reading means (13), the data processing means (14) being arranged to process the radiographic images (19) read from the image cassettes (9). In order to provide such a radiography system, whereby patient data (18) can be associated with an X-ray image (19) in an easy and reliable manner, the invention proposes to make provision for a cassette storage means (10) associated with the X-ray apparatus (1) for storing the image cassettes (9), wherein the storage means is provided with an identification means (12) connected to the data processing means (14), the identification means being arranged to identify the image cassettes (9) stored in the cassette storage means (10).
US07642534B2

A flexible multi-leaf collimator for electron radiotherapy is provided, where the leaves are not a single rigid component, but are configured in a manner that curves away from the patient to provide greater clearance. The invention includes a plurality of flexible assemblies, at least one guide supporting the assemblies, and a plurality of assembly drivers. The driver engages the assembly and moves the assembly along the guide. The assembly has an extended state and a retracted state relative to the guide, such that when in the extended state the assembly is held in the aperture plane and when in the retracted state the assembly conforms along the guide. When in the extended state the assemblies are disposed as a treatment aperture.
US07642527B2

Systems and methods that provide multi-attribute light effects, including one or more channels for each light effect, preferably both channels being provided in an array of solid state light emitters.
US07642522B2

The invention relates to a device for irradiating an absorbing liquid, for example waste water to be disinfected, in a throughflow. Said device comprises at least two radiator units having one cylindrical UV radiation source and three concentric sheaths. A cooling medium for carrying off heat from the UV radiation source flows in a hollow space between the inner and the center sheath. The inventive device allows to use high-performance UV radiation sources and to evenly irradiate the zones of irradiation and prevents floating particles from settling down on the radiator units.
US07642518B1

A detector for the measurement of radiation, preferably ionizing radiation, includes a medium, means for the conversion of the radiation energy absorbed by the medium into electrical charge, means for digital sampling of the charge signals, means for the determination of a calibration factor K, and means for the stabilization of the output signals of the detector. The medium at least partly absorbs the radiation to be measured. The electric charge is at least partially proportional to the energy of the radiation. The sampling is done preferably with a sampling rate between 1 and 1000 MHz. Further signal processing is digital. The calibration factor K has a fixed relation with respect to the decay time τ of the medium. The output signals of the detector are mainly proportional to the radiation energy, and are stabilized with the help of the calibration factor K.
US07642516B2

Method for correction of the temperature dependency of a light quantity L emitted by a light emitting diode (LED), being operated in pulsed mode with substantially constant pulse duration tP, and measured in a light detector, using a predetermined parameter X, correlated to the temperature T of the LED in a predetermined ratio, whereby a correction factor K is determined from the parameter X, preferably using a calibration table, especially preferred using an analytic predetermined function, whereby the measured emitted light quantity L is corrected for the temperature contingent fluctuations of the emitted light quantity, whereby the parameter X is determined from at least two output signals of the LED, which are related to each other in a predetermined manner.
US07642511B2

A mass spectrometer system includes an inlet system having an aerodynamic lens system for collimating charged particles into a beam, and an aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device for receiving and slowing the charged particles to near zero kinetic energy. A detection system receives and identifies a mass of the charged particles. The aerodynamic kinetic energy reducing device can be a reverse jet or a pathway through a stagnant volume of gas. Such mass spectrometer systems can operate in a mass range from 1 to 1016 DA.
US07642510B2

An ion source able to ionize both liquid and gaseous effluents from interfaced liquid or gaseous separation techniques. The liquid effluents are ionized by electrospray ionization, photoionization or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and the gaseous effluents from sources such as a gas chromatograph are ionized by a corona or Townsend electrical discharge or photoionization. The source has the ability to ionize compounds from both liquid and gaseous sources, which facilitates ionization of volatile compounds separated by gas chromatography, low volatility compounds separated by liquid chromatography, as well as highly non-volatile compounds infused by electrospray or separated by liquid chromatography or capillary electrophoresis.
US07642501B1

A portable, handheld artificial light detector distinguishes artificial light from sunlight and identifies low-frequency artificial light from high-frequency artificial light. Artificial light includes light from a lamp powered by an AC source. Low frequency light includes, for example, light produced by a magnetic luminaire ballast, while high frequency light includes light produced by an electronic luminaire ballast.
US07642492B2

A missile has fins that rotate about a single axis to deploy from a stowed position to a deployed position. A foil longitudinal axis of each fin is angled relative to a shaft of the fin, such that a single-axis rotation of the shaft moves the foil from the stowed position to a deployed position. A coil spring may provide both torsion and compression forces to rotate the fin into the deployed position and lock it into place. Torsion rotates the shaft until it reaches a seat on a bushing that is around the shaft. Then compression forces from the spring engage a keyed protrusion on the shaft with a corresponding keyway in the bushing, locking the shaft in place. There may be an additional lock once the fin is deployed, such as a spring-loaded pin in the missile body that engages a depression in the shaft.
US07642484B2

A system for delivering energy to a substrate including a dynamically directable source of radiant energy providing a plurality of beams of radiation, each propagating in a dynamically selectable direction. Independently positionable beam steering elements in a plurality of beam steering elements are operative to receive the beams and direct them to selectable locations on the substrate.
US07642479B2

A touch pad includes a first substrate, a second substrate and a joining layer. The joining layer joins the first substrate and the second substrate together. The first substrate provides a refection layer at a lateral side or both sides thereof with at least a light emitting component being disposed at the periphery of said reflection layer. The second substrate provides an electrical circuit with a first conductor to connect with the light emitting component. The reflection layer is provided with a size less than said first substrate and has an upper side to adhere said first substrate so as to be fixed in said joining layer. the electrical circuit is capable of determining if the touch pad is touched with an object by means of receiving a change of coupling capacity of a sensing locus and capable of controlling luminosity of said light emitting component.
US07642474B2

Device for the quantitative analysis of debris (12, 41) preferably produced during drilling, of the type equipped with means for the progressive collection of the debris, means for the progressive weighing of the debris collected, means for periodical discharging of the same and a structure for support of the device, wherein said means for the collection of the debris comprise a conveyor belt (22, 46) wound in the manner of a track on at least two rollers (23, 24), said means for weighing the debris comprise at least four sensing elements (214, 411) placed so as to take a direct measurement of the weight force exerted on the conveyor belt (22, 46) and said means for discharging debris comprise the unit for actuation of the rollers.
US07642461B2

A sealing element for a leadthrough (10) for passing of conduits (40) through constructional components (50), has a flexible tubular body (14) rotatable along its longitudinal axis (L) that serves as a rotational axis, and on at least first axial end (12) of which, a securing element is provided.
US07642450B2

A solar collector arrangement includes a number of assemblies (1), which are immersed or partially immersed in a pond of water (2). Each assembly (1) includes a parabolic reflector (3) and an absorber (6). Barriers (10) are located on or near the surface of the water (2) and operate to reduce waves which may otherwise disturb the direct passage of sunlight in windy conditions. The complete immersion of the assembly (1) in the liquid serves to simultaneously protect and cool the apparatus, while allowing ease of sun 10 tracking movements by buoyancy induced rotation. Partially immersed versions have higher efficiency and protect against severe weather by inverting into the water.
US07642448B2

An optical modulator is hung from a key moved on a key trajectory so as to be moved together with the key, and a light beam, which is stationary with respect to a key bed, is radiated through the optical modulator; a large number of miniature refractors are formed on the light output surface of the optical modulator, and the density of miniature refractors per unit area is varied in a direction in which the optical modulator is moved together with the key so that the current key position is converted to the amount of light passing through the optical modulator; since the miniature refractors and other portions of optical modulator have a unitary structure, a molding process is used for the optical modulator, and the molding process make the production cost low.
US07642442B2

This disclosure relates to a method for recording and compiling a music section, wherein multiple takes of the music section are recorded; and wherein the method uses a take folder to store the multiple takes. The take folder may belong to a single track. Sections of one or more takes can be selected to be part of a resulting compilation which is composed of the selected sections. In one embodiment, a method automatically ensures that selected sections do not overlap in time and that there are no breaks between adjacent selections. In addition, the present invention relates to programs, a storage media and data processing systems having the above features as well as to a storage medium containing the music produced thereby.
US07642435B2

A rice hybrid designated XL729 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of rice hybrid XL729, to the plants of rice hybrid XL729 and to methods for producing a rice plant produced by crossing the hybrid XL729 with itself or another rice plant. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and plants produced by crossing the hybrid XL729 with another rice plant. This invention further relates to growing and producing blends of rice seeds comprised of seeds of rice hybrid XL729 with rice seed of one, two, three, four or more of another rice hybrid, rice variety or rice inbred.
US07642432B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV035322. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV035322, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV035322 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV035322 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV035322.
US07642431B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV109397. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV109397, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV109397 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV109397 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV109397.
US07642430B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV011880. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV011880, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV011880 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV011880 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV011880.
US07642425B1

Basically, this invention provides for an inbred corn line designated G07-NPAF3455, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line G07-NPAF3455 with plants of another corn plants. The invention relates to the various parts of inbred G07-NPAF3455 including culturable cells. This invention also relates to methods for introducing transgenic transgenes into inbred corn line G07-NPAF3455 and plants produced by said methods.
US07642416B2

A soybean cultivar designated 7013345 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7013345, to the plants of soybean 7013345, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 7013345 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 7013345 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 7013345, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7013345 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 7013345 with another soybean cultivar.
US07642414B2

A soybean cultivar designated 7317090 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 7317090, to the plants of soybean 7317090, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 7317090 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 7317090 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 7317090, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 7317090 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 7317090 with another soybean cultivar.
US07642407B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 0330738. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 0330738. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 0330738 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 0330738 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07642405B2

A switchable photosystem-II designer algae for photobiological hydrogen production. The designer transgenic algae includes at least two transgenes for enhanced photobiological H2 production wherein a first transgene serves as a genetic switch that can controls photosystem II (PSII) oxygen evolution and a second transgene encodes for creation of free proton channels in the algal photosynthetic membrane. In one embodiment, the algae includes a DNA construct having polymerase chain reaction forward primer (302), a inducible promoter (304), a PSII-iRNA sequence (306), a terminator (308), and a PCR reverse primer (310). In other embodiments, the PSII-iRNA sequence (306) is replaced with a CF1-iRNA sequence (312), a streptomycin-production gene (314), a targeting sequence (316) followed by a proton-channel producing gene (318), or a PSII-producing gene (320). In one embodiment, a photo-bioreactor and gas-product separation and utilization system produce photobiological H2 from the switchable PSII designer alga.
US07642404B2

A process of producing a transgenic multi-cellular plants or parts thereof expressing a trait of interest, said trait having a controlled distribution of said trait to progeny, wherein said process comprises (i) producing a first plant or a cell thereof having in a first locus of a nuclear chromosome a first heterologous nucleotide sequence comprising a first fragment of a nucleotide sequence encoding said trait of interest, (ii) producing a second plant or a cell thereof having in a second locus of a nuclear chromosome homologous to said nuclear chromosome of step (i), a second heterologous nucleotide sequence comprising a second fragment of the nucleotide sequence encoding said trait of interest, and (iii) hybridising said first and said second plant or cells thereof to generate progeny exhibiting said functional trait of interest due to binding between a protein or polypeptide encoded by said first heterologous nucleotide sequence and a protein or polypeptide encoded by said second heterologous nucleotide sequence. Further, the invention provides a process of producing hybrid seeds for agriculture.
US07642388B2

The present invention relates to a composite for catalytic distillation, comprising a substrate material, and a modifying material and an active material, wherein said substrate material is made of porous materials, said modified material comprises at least one metal oxide, and said active material comprises an active component for a catalytic reaction. The catalytic distillation composite according to the present invention serves as both distillation packings and catalysts, and can allow catalysts to make the best of its efficiency, provide sufficient contact areas between gas and liquid phases, which facilitates mass transfer between gas and liquid phases, boosts effects in both reaction and separation and is liable for filling, removing and utilizing in industries.
US07642387B2

Methods and systems for producing halocarbon with an inorganic fluoride (e.g., germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4)) are disclosed herein.
US07642385B2

The present invention relates to alcohol compounds having a scent of natural lily of the valley substantially without any woody scent limiting their applications to raw materials of perfume preparations, and a process for producing the alcohol compounds. The alcohol compounds are represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and any one of dotted lines represents a double bond, and the remaining three dotted lines each represent a single bond.
US07642382B2

Processes comprising: (a) providing a first reactant comprising a bioethanol; and (b) reacting the first reactant with a second reactant comprising a component selected from the group consisting of ammonia, primary amines, secondary amines and mixtures thereof, in the presence of hydrogen and a catalytically effective amount of a heterogeneous hydrogenation/dehydrogenation catalyst to form an ethylamine; wherein the catalyst has been activated at a temperature of 100 to 500° C. for at least 25 minutes; wherein prior to activation the catalyst comprises: (i) 20 to 65% by weight of a support material comprising one or both of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3), (ii) 1 to 30% by weight of oxygen-comprising compounds of copper, calculated as CuO, and (iii) 21 to 70% by weight of oxygen-comprising compounds of nickel, calculated as NiO; and wherein after activation the catalyst has a CO uptake capacity of >110 μmol of CO/g of the catalyst.
US07642381B2

The process of the present invention can be briefly summarized as depicted in the following scheme: R1 is C1-Calkyl, R2 is C1-C6alkyl and Hal is a halogen atom.
US07642375B2

Radiolabelled acid chlorides may be synthesised by reacting a radiolabelled carboxylic acid with a solid-phase supported chlorinating agent.
US07642371B2

A process is described for preparing alkyl thiodiglycolates of the general formula (I) R—OOC—CH2-S—CH2-COO—R  (I) where R is a radical of branched or unbranched C1 to C10-alkyl, characterized in that an alkyl haloacetate of the general formula (II) X—CH2-COO—R  (II) where X is a chlorine or bromine atom and R is as defined for compounds of the formula (I) is reacted with an aqueous solution of alkali metal sulphide or alkali metal hydrogensulphide in the presence of an aqueous pH buffer solution in the pH range between 5 and 8, optionally in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst.
US07642370B2

A method for preparing a prostaglandin derivative represented by the following general formula (I): (wherein Ph represents phenyl group, R1 represents a C1-7 alkyl group, a C1-7 alkenyl group, phenyl group, or benzyl group), which comprises the successive steps (1) to (8) described in the specification, or any one step or two or more successive steps selected from the group consisting of the steps (1) to (8). A method for efficiently, inexpensively and safely preparing prostaglandin derivatives, of which typical example is latanoprost, is provided.
US07642365B2

A unique reactor configuration especially suitable for interphase mass transfer and mixing of multiple phases, i.e. gas(es), liquid(s), and solid(s) where reaction is catalyzed by a solid catalyst comprises a draught tube reactor wherein the solid catalyst particles are maintained in an annular space between the draught tube of the reactor and an annulus-defining wall by means of filter elements positioned downstream and optionally also upstream from the catalyst bed.
US07642363B2

The invention relates to the preparation of 2-(6-substituted-1,3-dioxane-4-yl)acetic acid derivatives of formula 1, where X stands for a leaving group, and R1, R2, and R3 each independently stand for an alkyl group with 1-3 carbon atoms from 4-hydroxy-6-X-substituted-methyl-tetrahydropyran-2-one compounds, where X is as defined above, with the aid of an acetalization agent, in the presence of an acid catalyst.The invention also relates to the novel compounds of formula 1 as well as salts and acids to be prepared from these, with the OR3 group in formula 1 being replaced by an OY group, where X, R1 and R2 have the meanings defined above and where Y stands for an alkaline (earth) metal or a substituted or unsubstituted ammonium group or stands for hydrogen, and to the novel compounds of formula 2.The products concerned are, after conversion into the t-butyl ester of 2-(6-hydroxymethyl-1,3-dioxane-4-yl)acetic acid, important as intermediary products in the preparation of statins.
US07642361B2

The present invention relates to thiophene and furan compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and further relates to their use in treating schizophrenia, cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, dementia of the Alzheimer's type, mild cognitive impairment, or depression.
US07642356B2

The present invention relates to a process for preparing a beta-keto ester compound of formula (1), which is an intermediate for the synthesis of quinolone antibiotics. Particularly, the present invention is characterized by the reaction of an organo nitrile compound with a salt of mono-alkyl malonate in the presence of metal salt, and so the reaction is easy to control due to its endothermic nature, and is devoid of lachrymatory reagents with excellent reproducibility. Subsequent in situ hydrolysis in the presence of aqueous acid solution provided the compound of formula (1).
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