US07645008B2
The pressure sensor is provided commonly with respect to a plurality of pressure measurement objects. The pressure sensor comprises: a piezoelectric body; and a first electrode and a second electrode which are disposed on either side of the piezoelectric body in a thickness direction, wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is formed so as to have a narrower width in coupling sections corresponding to positions between the pressure measurement objects, than a width of sections corresponding to the pressure measurement objects.
US07645006B2
Various embodiments and methods relating to lifting a printhead are disclosed.
US07644995B2
The speed of an ABS pump motor is increased during an ABS braking cycle upon determining that an extended ABS braking cycle duration is required.
US07644994B2
In a construction machine 1 for the treatment of ground surfaces, comprising a chassis 2 carrying a machine frame 4, a drive motor 6, a work drum 8 supported on the machine frame 4 and having exchangeable tools 14 fastened to its outer surface 12, and a drive line 18 for the work drum 8 comprising at least the drive motor 6 and a transmission coupled to the drive motor 6, it is provided that an auxiliary drive 20, adapted to be coupled to the drive line 18, is arranged to rotate the work drum 8 in the raised condition of the drum by a predetermined or selectable rotational angle, the torque of the auxiliary drive 20 being higher than the moment of inertia of the work drum 8 and of the drive line 18 in the switched-off or decoupled state of the drive motor 6.
US07644984B2
A cover conceals a portion of a gap formed between an adjacent pair of seat backs of a motor vehicle seat assembly. The cover includes a substantially rigid portion and a substantially flexible portion. The flexible portion of the cover has first and second flanges that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the substantially rigid portion for concealing a portion of the gap between the seat backs of the seat assembly.
US07644966B2
A vehicle bumper fascia retainer is provided with a laterally extending fascia support portion, first and second front end attachment structures and first and second lamp attachment structures. The first and second front end attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for attachment to a vehicle front end. The first and second lamp attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for supporting first and second head lamp housings.
US07644946B2
A removable side impact load cushioning device for use on the hitch on an agricultural tractor or prime mover that allows operator selectable use of the device to dampens side impact loads on a drawbar by enabling slight lateral movement of the drawbar or to retain the drawbar in a generally laterally fixed position.
US07644936B2
Disclosed is a caster control apparatus for a suspension of a vehicle. When the vehicle travels on a road which causes a vehicle body to lean to one side, the caster of a lowered wheel is increased, and the caster of a raised wheel is decreased, such that the casters of the wheels on both sides are offset with each other. Therefore, the vehicle is inhibited from leaning due to the lateral slope of the road, and the straight-line stability of the vehicle can be reliably maintained.
US07644931B2
A chuck has a drive shaft, a generally rotatable housing part adjacent the drive shaft, and a chuck body fixed to and rotatable with the shaft and formed with a plurality of guides holding respective jaws shiftable between closely spaced inner positions and widely spaced outer positions. An adjustment sleeve surrounding the body and coupled to the jaws can rotate relative to the body to shift the jaws between their positions. A latch has interengaging formations on the housing part and on the adjustment sleeve manually shiftable between a coupled position for rotationally locking the adjustment sleeve to the housing part and a decoupled position for rotation of the adjustment sleeve relative to the housing part. A torque coupler connected to the latch decouples the latch from the housing when, in the coupled position, a torque exerted between the housing and the chuck body exceeds a predetermined limit.
US07644921B2
An image forming apparatus in accordance with the present invention can include a conveying device capable of conveying a recording medium, a support shaft which capable of being movably supported between a medium sensing position near a conveyance path along which the conveying device conveys the recording medium and a retracting position kept away from the medium sensing position, wherein the support shaft is biased to the medium sensing position, a medium sensing member connected to the support shaft and is capable of rotating between a standby position wherein a portion of the support shaft is inside the conveyance path and a detection position wherein a portion of the support shaft is removed from the conveyance path by the recording medium passing along the conveyance path when the support shaft is in the medium sensing position, and a rotation detection device capable of detecting a rotary displacement of the medium sensing member.
US07644916B2
A label feeder unit associated with a machine for packing tobacco products holds a stack of labels placed in a channel presenting an infeed end, and an outfeed end from which the labels are released to a take-up station, then picked up singly and transferred to a further unit of the machine. The outfeed end of the channel incorporates a transfer mechanism comprising a pair of contrarotating rollers placed on either side of the channel at a distance less than the width of the stack in such a way as to intercept the labels and transfer them to the take-up station, which is movable relative to the outfeed end of the channel under the pressure transmitted to the station by the labels taken up between the rollers. The transfer mechanism forms part of a feedback control loop by which the pressure registering through the labels at the take-up station is kept within prescribed limits.
US07644911B2
An elastomeric isolator has an elastomeric body which defines a void extending into the elastomeric body from one side and a void extending into the elastomeric body from the opposite side. One member for attaching the elastomeric body to a component is located inside of the two voids and another member for attaching the elastomeric body to a component is located outside of the two voids. The two voids overlap a specified distance to determine the stresses and stiffness for the isolator.
US07644909B2
The aeration system is for aeration and/or mixing of water, which system has at least one aeration unit that has a pump/propeller inside a feed pipe. The feed pipe, to which the water to be aerated, is sucked from beneath. The aeration system has the feed pipe expanding in the upper part of the aeration unit to a conical space working as a nozzle, via which the water continues its way to at least one annular opening.
US07644903B2
A rotating pedestal with an integrated locking mechanism configured to lock the pedestal in a desired angular position. The pedestal incorporates a soft heat-resistant top rotatably connected to a fixed base. The integrated locking mechanism is a sliding latch mounted in the base.
US07644902B1
A clamping fixture for a retort process wherein a clamping fixture is disposed about a container having a seal positioned over a container-dispensing aperture. The clamping fixture applies a force to an outer surface of the seal in order to combat internal vapor pressures, which rise during a retort process and may break the seal. A first embodiment may be used with a manual process while a second embodiment may be used with a multiple station automated retort process.
US07644898B2
The present invention is directed to a medical boom with articulated arms and a base cabinet designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic, and other utility equipment that can be easy inserted and removed from the base cabinet is disclosed. The boom includes a stationary base that is configured to be installed into an operating room and one or more boom arms supported by the stationary base and configured to extend over an operating table in the operating room. The structural base includes one or more bays configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In various embodiments, the structural base cabinet further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on the articulated booms. The modular racks are preconfigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like. The modular racks are installed in the base cabinet subsequent to the cabinet's structural installation in the operating room and may be readily removed or replaced at a later time.
US07644894B1
A rail rig apparatus includes a body having a middle portion, lower end and an upper end, a lower support having a lower support recess with a lower recess opening, the lower support connected to the lower end of the body, a rig fastener member having a first fastener body end connected to one side of the body, a second fastener body end connected to an opposite side of the body, and a fastener member body extending from the first fastener body end around the lower support recess to the second fastener end, an upper support having an upper support recess with an upper recess opening connected to the upper end of the body, and an upper rope guide mechanism connected to the upper support wherein the upper rope guide mechanism has a pair of opposed jaws defining a space therebetween to receive and secure a rope.
US07644884B2
A machine used to rewind toilet paper from partial toilet paper rolls and make a single large toilet paper roll. The machine includes a pivotally mounted unwinding spool and a take-up spool mounted both horizontally over a platform. The take-up spool includes at least one plunger that extends outward from its outer surface to selectively engage the inside paper core commonly used on a roll of toilet paper roll. The take-up spool is coupled to an electric motor that rotates the take-up spool. A spring is disposed between the unwinding spool and the take-up spool to reduce tension of the toilet paper as it is rewound. During use, two partially used toilet paper rolls are placed on the take-up spool and the unwinding spool. The loose ends of paper on the partial rolls are loosely over lapped and wrapped on the take-up spool. The electric motor is then activated to wind the toilet paper from the unwinding spool onto the take-up spool.
US07644879B2
A nozzle for both types of gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas includes a nozzle and an adjustable member. The nozzle member includes a gas channel, a receiving portion communicated with the gas channel. The adjustable member is received in the receiving portion, which has a plurality of apertures thereon. The adjustable member is moved to various positions to have the predetermined apertures communicated with the gas channel respectively to provide different gas supplies for the gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas.
US07644878B2
An injector includes a nozzle hole, a needle, an actuator, a piston that is displaced in an axial direction according to extension or contraction of the actuator, an outer sleeve holding the piston slidably on its outer circumferential side and defining a pressure chamber expanded or shrunk according to displacement of the piston. When fuel pressure in the pressure chamber is increased upon extension of the actuator, the needle opens the nozzle hole. The injector further includes an inner sleeve slidably fitted around the needle and received in the pressure chamber, an urging device for urging the inner sleeve in the axial direction and for increasing or decreasing its urging force according to displacement of the piston, an engagement surface, and a fuel chamber. A gap between the fuel chamber and the pressure chamber is closed or opened when the inner sleeve annularly engages or disengages from the surface, respectively.
US07644876B2
A turning tool (5′) for turning a jet regulator, a nozzle, an intermediate holder, a flow regulator, a non-return valve or a similar plumbing fitting (5) is provided. The fitting (5), on the outlet side, is detachably held on a plumbing water outlet armature (2) by a threaded connection or a bayonet connection, whereby the turning tool (5′) can be placed on the plumbing fitting (5) in a rotationally fixed manner. The turning tool is characterized in that the turning tool is also provided in the form of a plumbing fitting or as a component of a plumbing fitting, that he turning tool (5′) can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on an outer or an inner periphery of the fitting (5) that is held on the water outlet armature, and or that he turning tool (5′) has a face profiling or contouring (24, 25) that can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on a mating profiling or a mating contouring (25, 24) provided on the outlet face of the fitting (5) that is held in the water outlet armature (2).
US07644875B2
An injector has an inner sleeve between a needle pressure receiving face of a needle and a rear end face of a valve body. The inner sleeve is slidably fitted to an outer periphery of a middle shaft section of the needle. The inner sleeve receives a reaction force of a spring located between the inner sleeve and a pressurizing piston, so an axial tip end (edge section) of the inner sleeve is pressed against the rear end face to achieve close contact therebetween. Thus, a volume of a pressure chamber can be reduced, so a valve opening force for lifting the needle can be acquired efficiently. Accordingly, injection of a large flow rate can be performed by increasing a lift amount of the needle and also quick lifting of the needle can be performed.
US07644864B2
A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.
US07644862B2
A affiliate marketing system and method for retail stores involves assigning a unique retail store identifier to a retail store and presenting the unique retail store identifier and a website address in conjunction with a product offered for sale in the retail store. A purchaser of the product may access the website and make a purchase. By entering the identity of the retail store, such as by entry of the unique retail store identifier or by selecting the retail store from a list, a commission for the purchase is allocated to the retail store.
US07644859B1
A card transaction device is provided for selecting virtual cards for transactions based on a context. The portable device includes a plurality of virtual cards, and a storage device for storing the plurality of virtual cards. The cards may relate to credit or debit cards, loyalty cards, reward cards, security or access cards, or identification cards, for example. The portable device includes a user interface for a user to maintain rules for selection of one or more virtual cards based on the context of the transaction. The portable device also includes a processor to process the rules and select at least one of the virtual cards based on the context of the transaction.
US07644852B2
A ball forming device and method used in a bonding apparatus, including a bonding arm, a capillary attached to the bonding arm, an electronic flame off probe for forming a ball at the tip of a wire passing through the capillary, and a gas atmosphere forming unit for bringing the vicinity of the tip end of the wire into a gas atmosphere. The gas atmosphere forming unit is made of an inner wall element and an outer wall element with a hollow space section in between. The bonding arm side of the inner wall element has an inside open space which is wider than the portion of the bonding arm where the capillary is attached, and gas ejection ports are formed in the inner wall element. A gas supply pipe is connected to the outer wall element to supply, for instance, a reducing gas into the hollow space section.
US07644848B2
A surgical cutting and stapling instrument is disclosed. The instrument includes an end effector and a handle. The end effector includes a channel, an anvil pivotally attached to the channel, a moveable cutting instrument for cutting an object positioned between the anvil and the channel, and a staple cartridge configured for removable receipt by the channel. The staple cartridge includes a sled that is engaged by the cutting instrument during a cutting stoke. The handle includes a motor for actuating the cutting instrument via a main drive shaft assembly. The instrument further includes a first interlock circuit for enabling initiation of motor operation based upon a position of the staple cartridge.
US07644845B2
A security holster for handguns with capability for use with a handgun with attached flashlight or laser sighting device.
US07644843B1
A dispensing system having a reverse taper dispensing orifice seal. The reverse tapered seal depends from a lid of a flip-top closure providing a sealing engagement with a dispensing spout of the flip-top closure body when in a closed position. As the dispensing spout may have a variety of shapes, the reverse tapered seal is shaped to conform to the irregularities of the contacted surfaces of the dispensing spout. The decreasing thickness of the reverse tapered seal decreases the complexity of the molding process as well as minimizing the weakening or breaking of the seal during removal from the mold cavity.
US07644831B2
A lightweight horizontal dispensing container comprising a pallet base, a pallet cover and opposed side walls of plastic material extending between the pallet base and the pallet cover may be stacked on top of similar pallet covers or below similar pallet bases. Opposed rectangular frames are secured to the sleeve and define openings on opposed sides of the horizontal dispensing container. Dunnage provides horizontal access to parts inside the container. This container enables a horizontal dispensing container to be stacked above or below conventional pallet load.
US07644815B2
Packets of cigarettes are conveyed from a packer to a cellophaner by a unit utilizing a first pocket conveyor connected to the infeed of the cellophaner, and a second pocket conveyor by which packets are directed onto the first conveyor at a transfer point; the unit is also equipped with a sensor that will check whether or not each pocket of the second conveyor is occupied by a packet, and a placement mechanism, interlocked to the sensor, of which the function is to fill any empty pockets of the first conveyor with packets recycled from the cellophaner.
US07644814B2
A supercharger drive pulley includes an inner hub and an outer drive pulley. One of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to a drive shaft of a supercharger for driving the supercharger and the other of the inner hub and the outer drive pulley is drivingly connected to an engine for being driven by the engine. A one way drive clutch is drivingly engaged between the inner hub and the outer pulley to allow driving torque from the engine to be transmitted to the supercharger in one direction and to allow the supercharger to freewheel in conditions where it overruns the engine.
US07644812B2
A method for controlling an impeller clutch of a torque converter includes determining a function relating a K-factor of the torque, determining a current engine torque, determining a desired impeller clutch slip, using the function determine the actual impeller speed and thus actual clutch slip, and adjusting the operating state of the impeller clutch to produce the desired impeller clutch slip.
US07644807B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting a configuration of a plurality of lifting devices (12, 13) in a lifting system (11), wherein a lifting device (12, 13) is defined as a master lifting device with the node address 1, wherein subsequently a node address n+1 is generated and stored for the subsequent lifting device (12b, 13b) so that the number and assignment of the lifting devices (12, 13) will be detected.
US07644799B2
The invention is a safety control system for vehicle safety mechanisms. The novel control system uses acquired and stored data about the configuration of a vehicle passenger compartment at the time of an emergency event to determine the type, sequence and degree of safety device deployment. In one embodiment, the invention contains a novel power system employing a supplemental power supply specifically included to provide extra power beyond what is typically available from the power distribution system in conventional passenger compartment vehicle power systems. The novel power supply is routed to the appropriate safety mechanisms when the vehicle emergency event sensors, ie rollover, impact etc. detect a condition when the safety mechanism should be deployed and the extra power supply is required.
US07644790B2
A device and method for implementing a hybrid drive mechanism, which stands out by a very low construction expenditure, a small need of installation space, low cost of parts and a simple and effective maneuverability. Particularly, the start and stop of the internal combustion engine should stand out by simplicity and reliability. By a development of a one clutch, hybrid drive mechanism or without an additional second clutch, the needed installation space and costs can be minimized and by control, the expenditure for and the complexity of the control or regulation of a hybrid drive mechanism are considerably reduced. An electric machine (4) is disposed between a single clutch (2) situated between the internal combustion engine and a mechanical transmission (5) so that the electric machine can transmit a positive or negative torque directly to a transmission input shaft of the mechanical transmission.
US07644782B1
The invention relates to a method for correcting positioning errors in rock drilling, and a rock drilling equipment. Deviation of the boom position from the theoretical position is measured as a function of the position of at least one boom joint, the measured deviations are stored in the memory of the drilling rig, and when the boom is positioned to the drilling position, its position is corrected on the basis of the stored deviation. The drilling equipment includes a memory for storing the deviations between the true position of the boom and the theoretical position calculated on the basis of the joint sensor values, and a calculating device for correcting the boom position on the basis of the deviations stored in the memory of the drilling rig.
US07644779B1
A walk-behind power unit is configured to detachably mount a counter-rotating powered drum work implement on a centrally pivoted implement carrier. The pivoting of the implement carrier from a central position to either side causes the discharge of the powered drum to be located on a desired side of the work implement. The work implement can also be positioned to discharge forwardly from the powered drum member. A lift apparatus is provided to be cooperable with an associated set of support wheels to affect the positioning of the powered drum member between a lowered operative position and a raised transport position. The powered, counter-rotating drum member can be either a rotatable broom or a power rake. In the broom configuration, the lift apparatus can move the lid member, after first unlatching the lid member from the frame of the work implement, to fix the lid in an opened position.
US07644771B2
A fluid loss control system having a loss control valve and a plurality of zones including an isolation assembly disposed in a wellbore and a string having a stinger at a downhole most end thereof. The string is supportive of a moveable seal at a selected position uphole of the stinger, the position being calculated to cause engagement of the seal with the isolation assembly and to position the moveable seal to facilitate fluid-flow around the seal when the stinger is engaged with a seal bore of one of the plurality of zones. A method for controlling fluid loss including isolating a fluid column uphole of a pressure seal spaced from the lower completion, opening a fluid loss control valve, stabbing a stinger into a seal bore of the lower completion, and positioning the seal to facilitate fluid flow therearound.
US07644766B2
A flushing device (20) comprising an inner sleeve (21), axially slidable relative to an outer sleeve (23). The inner (21) and outer (23) sleeves cooperate to define an inner passage (32) for the flow of a fluid, and are permanently coupled such that there is substantially no rotational movement between the two sleeves. The inner passage (32) has an inlet (22b) and an outlet (22a). The outer sleeve (23) has a plurality of flushing outlets (33) which, when the flushing device (20) is in an open condition allow fluid to be diverted from the inner passage (32). The flushing device (20) also comprises an indexing mechanism (80) which indexes between a first position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) are blocked from the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in a closed condition, to a second position, wherein the plurality of flushing outlets (33) register with the internal passage (32) such that the flushing device (20) is in the open condition. When fluid flows through the flushing device (20), the flushing device (20) is configured such that it remains in the selected open or closed condition regardless of the forces acting thereupon.
US07644760B2
A sensor assembly that responds to temperature of fluids within an annulus formed by an outer surface of a borehole instrument and the wall of a borehole. The sensor assembly is removably installed preferably in the wall of the borehole instrument. Installation and removal are from outside of the borehole instrument thus eliminating the need to disassemble the borehole instrument. The sensor assembly comprises a temperature transducer that is hermetically sealed within a housing designed to obtain maximum thermal exposure of the transducer. Power to the temperature transducer is supplied from a separate electronics package in the borehole instrument through a rotary connector within the sensor housing.
US07644748B2
A control mechanism for a cordless blind includes a transmission unit, a scrolling unit and a tilt unit. The transmission unit has a transmission cable which is connected with a scrolling rod. The scrolling unit includes two scrolling cables which have respective one of two ends thereof wrapped to two ends of the rod, and the other end of each scrolling cables extends through the top rail, extends through parallel slats and is connected to a bottom rail. The tilt unit includes a tilt member with two tilt cables connected to two ends thereof the tilt member, the other end of the tilt cable extend through the top rail and are connected to the parallel slats. A tilt wand is used to rotate the tilt member to move the tilt cables moved upward and downward so as to tilt the slats.
US07644726B1
A flow shut off valve for residential water line pressure includes a self cleaning valve element held in a housing having an inlet, an outlet section and an outlet adapter with a fluid passage connecting the inlet and the outlet adapter. The inlet and the outlet adapter include exterior threads for connection to a further item. The valve element is slidably mounted within a passage in a poppet guide and metering slot insert having one or more metering slots that allow variable fluid flow between the inlet and outlet adapter. A spring biases the valve element toward the inlet. Reduced back pressure at the outlet adapter drives the valve element into a closed position with a sealing surface against the valve seat to terminate flow. The flow shutoff valves are contemplated for integration with stop valves supplying water to employment with household appliances, sinks, toilets and the like.
US07644723B2
A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.
US07644718B2
There is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher. The sump assembly includes a self-cleaning filter assembly having a mesh filter, a sump cover for mounting the self-cleaning filter assembly on a top surface thereof, the sump cover having a filter supporting sleeve extending upward for supporting the self-cleaning filter assembly, a sump case seating on an upper portion of the sump cover to reserve washing water, and a fluid passage guide for discharging the washing water stored in the sump case in a predetermined direction, the fluid passage guide having a washing pump disposed therein.
US07644715B2
The present invention describes a method of treating restless leg syndrome by eliminating venous reflux in an underlying vein. The malfunctioning vein can be removed or ablated by inserting a catheter into the vein that transmits sufficient energy to coagulate or ablate the lining of the vein causing it to permanently close, eliminating the source of venous reflux and the symptom of restless leg syndrome.
US07644710B2
The present invention relates to a turning type charcoal roast board, and more particularly, to a turning type charcoal roast board, wherein if exchange of a used roast board is required during roast of meat using a charcoal fire, new roast rods are placed at an opening of a main body of the roast board in such a manner that the roast rods stored in a roast rod-supplying box are fed via a moving means through users simple operation of a control device for controlling the feeding of the roast rods installed on a main body of the charcoal roast board, and roast rods used at the opening of the main board are transferred to and received in a roast rod-receiving box by means of rotation of the moving means. According to the present invention, the roast board can be rapidly exchanged to prevent meat from being burned, and it is possible to eliminate inconvenience in use due to frequent exchange of roast boards. Further, roast rods that have been used for roast of meat can be easily discharged and washed, thereby ensuring convenience of use and always maintaining the roast board in a clean and hygienic state.
US07644706B1
The blow-by gas that has flowed from a front-stage breather-chamber inlet (33) into a front-stage breather chamber (28) floats up around a preliminary valve-seat peripheral wall (22) and a preliminary breather-passage peripheral wall (24) and flows from a breather-chamber inlet (21) into a breather chamber (3). When a breather-chamber peripheral wall (12) is removed from a breather-chamber attaching seat (11), a diaphragm valve (16) is attached to the breather-chamber attaching seat (11) and has a valve face (18) seated on a preliminary valve seat (23), and a plug (27) is taken out of a preliminary breather outlet (25), from which a breather pipe (5) is led out, thereby enabling the front-stage breather chamber (28) to be used for a single-stage breather chamber provided with the diaphragm valve (16).
US07644705B2
Fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine comprising a method and apparatus for generating and delivering a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio which relies on fuel-absorbent, air-permeable evaporative wick membranes in a primary mixing region to which a portion of thermally-regulated air from an air dividing region has come. A single moving control element is used to control the quantity of in-rushing air in the primary mixing region, and therefore the amount of fuel rich air produced in this primary mixing region, and at the same time this single moving control element modulates both the quantity of fuel rich air and the quantity of regular fuel-free combustion air which are brought together in a secondary mixing region where they combine in the desired ratio to form a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio. The use of a single moving control element allows extremely economical construction. A further advantage of this method is extremely rapid and accurate control of the fuel/fair ratio of the charge which is generated. The method can be used to safely and reliably generate clean-burning combustible mixtures for internal combustion engines, and to cool supercharged and turbocharged airstreams. Electronic control means are also provided to calculate the correct fuel/air ration under various engine operating and environmental conditions and so that spark plug timing and electromechanical valve timing can be adjusted in concert with adjustments to the fuel/fair ratio so that optimum fuel economy and emissions performance is obtained.
US07644704B2
A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump, a filter element, a pressure regulating valve, and a filter case. The filter case is configured to cover radially inner and outer surfaces of the filter element. The filter case has a receiving portion. A bottom portion of the receiving portion and an end portion of the filter element defines therebetween an outflow chamber for storing fuel. The outflow chamber includes a partitioning member that partitions the outflow chamber into first and second outflow chamber sections. The second outflow chamber section is communicated with an inlet portion of the pressure regulating valve. The partitioning member has a communication portion that provides communication between the first and second outflow chamber sections.
US07644698B2
An ignition device performs spark ignition to a fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (13) of an internal combustion engine (100, 101) by using a spark plug (50). The spark plug (50) includes a first electrode (51), a second electrode (52, 11a, 11b, 21), and an insulating member (53, 11c) which is formed from dielectric substance and interposed between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21). By impressing an alternating current between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21), non-equilibrium plasma discharge between the insulating member (53, 11c) and one of the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21) is promoted. Igniting the fuel mixture by the non-equilibrium plasma discharge achieves a high ignition performance is achieved with low energy consumption.
US07644697B2
A governor device comprises a first lever connecting a governor lever to a rotary speed setting lever interlockingly, a second lever pivotally supported by the first lever, and a third lever pivotally supported by the second lever, regulated its rotation amount by the second lever and interlocked with a governor weight. A fuel injection compensation spring is provided between the first lever and the second lever so as to bias them for decreasing the rotary speed for a fixed amount at the time of low speed rotation. A compensation starting rotary speed setting device, which is a set load changing means for the fuel injection compensation spring, is provided on the first lever near the fuel injection compensation spring.
US07644693B2
A hydraulic lash adjuster (17;61;81) in which the body (19) defines a body bore (39) extending over substantially the entire axial length of the body, thus making it possible to finish the bore (39) by a more accurate process, such as honing. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, there is a cylindrical member (71) disposed in the lower portion of the body bore (39) cooperating to define a leakdown clearance (39,71 S), to isolate side load on the plunger (25) the leakdown. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, there is both the leakdown clearance (23S,39) between the body bore and the plunger (23) and the leakdown clearance (39,71 S) between the body bore and the cylindrical member (71), the leakdown flow rate of FIG. 3 being variable if the body and the cylindrical member (71) comprise dissimilar metals, having different coefficients of thermal expansion.
US07644676B2
Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas composition. The composition contains methane, ethane and propane and butane. The composition contains a substantial amount of butane while being substantially free of hydrocarbon molecules larger than butane.
US07644675B1
A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage. The thruster unit can be installed on the vessel using a hinged bracket assembly such that during the extended periods while the vessel is not operating the thruster unit may be pivoted out from the water for dry storing, safely away from the corrosion, marine growth, or any other harmful effect of the water.
US07644673B2
A buoyancy lift system having an inflatable bladder with a tether stowed inside a canister secured to a vessel. A sealing member is slidably received within canister and secures to the inflatable bladder. Pressurized gas forces the sealing member and bladder outwardly of the canister. A stop prevents the sealing member from escaping the canister such that the sealing member creates a seal between itself and the canister at an outboard end of the canister. Pressurized gas is forced through a channel in the sealing member into the bladder to increase the displacement of a vessel.
US07644670B2
An opener unit having a pair of single disc openers mounted upon a parallel linkage which may be mounted onto a tool bar or drawbar is disclosed and claimed. The pair of single opener discs may be used for controlled creation of a pair of furrows to which seed, fertilizer or other soil amendments may be delivered. The opener unit may be mounted in combination with a row clearing or cleaning unit. The opener unit may also be mounted in combination with an auxiliary depth tire or a ski, and or a furrow closing member such as a wheel, a chain or a strap.
US07644667B2
Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.
US07644665B2
A new and improved knockdown pallet structure comprises a relatively flexible base panel which is fabricated from a suitable woven plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene, and a pair of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending pockets are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members, which may comprise rigid thermoplastic tubes or pipes, for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck when a pallet structure, having a palletized load disposed thereon, is to be lifted and transported. A pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members are respectively pivotally secured at first end portions thereof upon the pallet structure so as to be movable between a first operative position, at which the pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members will be disposed in a longitudinally spaced, laterally oriented mode, and a second position at which the pair of semi-rigid cross-brace members will be disposed in a laterally spaced, longitudinally oriented mode so as to be disposed parallel to the laterally spaced, longitudinally extending rigid support members in order to permit the entire pallet structure to be rolled up, folded, or otherwise knocked-down, for compact storage and transportation purposes.
US07644644B2
To solve problems in a conventional cap opening apparatus wherein it is uneconomical and requires a large storage space to prepare dedicated cap opening apparatus to open the caps of various cans and bottles sealed by different systems and, in a conventional cap opening apparatus having cap opening functions for different applications at both ends of a single output shaft, when one of the functions is set to develop a proper capacity, the other develops an excessive or a sufficient capacity.This cap opening apparatus comprises a speed changing portion 50 having a gear train for matching the output of a motor to the purposes of a plurality of output shafts and an output power changing section for the gear train. Since the speed changing portion transmits optimum torques to the output shafts 133 and 140 and can selectively drive only one output shaft through the output power changing section, safety can be increased. Further, an installation space and a storage space can be saved by adopting a ceiling-hanged type apparatus.
US07644631B1
An electronics component cabinet cover test device includes a housing that defines a test apparatus provided with first and second openings. A cover member is mounted to one of the openings, and an air moving device is arranged in the test apparatus. The air moving device includes an air inlet and an air outlet and generates airflow within the test apparatus. A sensor capable of measuring a characteristic of the airflow is mounted within the test apparatus. An airflow impedance device mounted to the inlet or the outlet of the air moving device. The airflow impedance device is configured to simulate an airflow obstruction. A controller establishes a flow rate of air from the air moving device and receives airflow data corresponding to the characteristic of the airflow from the sensor to determine one of an acoustical performance characteristic and a thermal performance characteristic of the cover member.
US07644628B2
Several methods and a system of a resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a force measuring device. The force measuring device includes a resistive sensor having a fixed surface and a movable surface. A spring assembly is positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface. The spring assembly alters in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and causes a change in a resistance of the resistive sensor. A circuit generates a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor. A universal serial bus (USB) interface of the circuit provides digital output of the measurement to a computing device.
US07644625B2
A method and apparatus for designing a differential pressure sense die based on a unique silicon piezoresistive technology for sensing low differential pressure in harsh duty applications is disclosed. The pressure sense die comprises of an etched pressure diaphragm and a hole that is drilled through the sense die wherein the pressure sense die possess a backside and a front side and are associated with varying pressures. A top cap can be attached to the front side and an optional constraint for stress relief can be attached to the backside of the differential pressure sense die. The top cap and the constraint comprise of glass and/or silicon and can be attached with an anodic bonding process or glass frit process.
US07644619B2
A piezoelectric vibrator and an ultrasonic motor having the piezoelectric vibrator. A piezoelectric vibrator has a multilayered piezoelectric actuator, with special internal and surface electrodes making the body vibrate in a longitudinal and bending direction when an electrical signal is inputted. It can be manufactured using conventional multilayer piezoelectric actuator manufacturing techniques, therefore, it has reduced manufacturing time and cost, as it is not necessary to go through two polarization processes, and may simplify and decrease the volume, while improving the vibration performance.
US07644616B1
A wheel balancing system determines a type of corrective weight for application to an edge of a rim of a wheel for correcting imbalance of the wheel. One or more corrective weights are identified from a varied inventory of corrective weights. An inventory database is incremented or decremented for each identified corrective weight. Database reports can be generated that specify weight usage and inventory status. One or more wheel balancers may be coupled to a network.
US07644614B2
In a flow quantity measuring device, each of upstream side and downstream side sensing resistors, which are placed on an upstream side and a downstream side, respectively, of a heating resistor, includes resistor elements, each of which forms a folded path. The folded path has a generally constant width along an entire extent thereof and is returned at each of first and second longitudinal end edges of a sensing area. The heating resistor forms a folded path, which has a generally constant width along an entire extent thereof and is returned at the second longitudinal end edge of the heat generating area. First and second ends of the folded path of the heating resistor projects beyond the first longitudinal end edge of the sensing area on a first side of the flow quantity measuring device.
US07644608B2
An intake air temperature (IAT) sensor diagnostic module comprises a measured noise module, an expected noise module, an excess noise module, and an IAT fault detection module. The measured noise module measures noise in an IAT signal from an IAT sensor in a vehicle. The expected noise module determines expected noise based upon the IAT signal. The excess noise module determines an excess noise value based upon the measured noise and the expected noise. The IAT fault detection module diagnoses faults in the IAT sensor based upon a comparison of the excess noise value and a first predetermined value.
US07644591B2
A system for monitoring and managing a refrigeration system of a remote location includes a management center in communication with a refrigeration system through a communication network. The management center receives performance information of the refrigeration system. The management center employs software modules to analyze the performance information; diagnose system conditions; provide alarms for food safety issues, food quality issues and refrigeration system component failure; indicate maintenance conditions; and configure the refrigeration system.
US07644589B2
A device is provided to cool and apply a product. The device includes a pressurized container configured to hold a liquefied refrigerant product. The pressurized container includes a longitudinal axis and is provided with a refrigerant product dispensing element with a product coating surface. The device also includes cooling means with at least one refrigerant product vaporization conduit connected in fluid communication with the refrigerant product dispensing element. The device further includes an applicator coating element disposed adjacent to the vaporization conduit so as to exchange heat with the vaporization conduit while the refrigerant product is dispensed from the dispensing element into the vaporization conduit. The applicator coating element typically includes a surface complimentary to an applicator so that the applicator may be coated with product.
US07644588B2
The present invention relates to a magnetic refrigerator comprising separated hot and cold heat exchange units wherein a heat transfer fluid that exchanges a heat with a magnetic heat exchange unit having the magnetocaloric material pieces arranged to have a gap therebetween separately circulates through a solenoid valve.
US07644587B2
A method for meeting both base-load and peak-load demand in a power production facility. By integrating a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon production facility with an electrical power generating facility, peak-load power demand can be met by reducing the temperature of the FT reactor thereby increasing the quantity of tail gases and using FT tail gases to fuel a gas turbine generator set. The method enables rapid power response and allows the synthesis gas generating units and the FT units to operate with constant flow rates.
US07644586B2
There is provided a method of controlling an engine system. The engine system comprises an internal combustion engine, a supercharging system having at least one supercharger to boost intake air to the internal combustion engine, a turbine, and a motor. The turbine receives an exhaust gas flow from an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine and is capable of at least partly driving the supercharging system. The motor is capable of at least partly driving the supercharging system. The method comprises operating the exhaust system in a first exhaust state and operating the motor in a first motor state when a speed of the internal combustion engine is below a first engine speed, operating the exhaust system in the first exhaust state and operating the motor in a second motor state where power to drive the motor is reduced from that in the first motor state when the speed of the internal combustion engine is between the first engine speed and a second engine speed which greater the said first engine speed, and operating the exhaust system in a second exhaust state where energy transmitted from the internal combustion engine to the turbine is reduced from that in the first exhaust state and operating the motor in the second motor state when the speed of the internal combustion engine is above the second engine speed. Accordingly, the maximum torque can be increased while maintaining the system efficiency over the entire engine speed range.
US07644583B2
Turbocharger apparatus (1) comprising a housing (4), a compressor, a turbine (40), a first inlet (39) for enabling air to be conducted to the compressor, an outlet (36) for enabling air from the compressor to be conducted to an engine, a second inlet (53) for enabling exhaust gases from the engine to be conducted to the turbine (40), a chamber (96), a bearing assembly (82) for permitting the rotation of the turbine (40), and a control system (5, 10) for controlling the speed of the turbine (40), the control system (5, 10) having an exhaust gas sealing system (8, 21, 26) which prevents exhaust gas leakage from the turbocharger apparatus (1), and which allows expansion of parts within the exhaust gas sealing system (8, 21, 26) at high temperatures.
US07644575B2
A method for altering the shape of an exhaust mixing structure extending from a downstream end of a jet engine nacelle nozzle. The method may involve attaching a first end of at least one actuator to the nacelle nozzle, and attaching a second end of the actuator to an inner skin of the exhaust mixing structure. At least one shape memory alloy (SMA) tendon connected to the actuator first and second ends may be activated such that the SMA tendon longitudinally constricts to move the inner skin of the exhaust mixing structure slidably along a longitudinal path. This causes a portion of the exhaust mixing structure to be flexed into a path of flow exiting the nacelle nozzle.
US07644571B2
A hose guiding element for routing at least one hose in a hose passageway of a robot. The hose guiding element has a least one guide passage running axially to receive the hose to be routed. The element has particular use in a wrist axis of a painting robot.
US07644556B2
A novel planking system utilizing an inventive groove design is provided. The novel groove is defined by two opposing side walls and a groove end wall. The groove side walls present two generally opposed tongue-engaging projections that automatically provide a uniform space between planks during installation, and accommodate expansion of the planks after installation by breaking away when force is exerted on the projections by an adjacent plank. The present invention is also concerned with a combination of planks having an inventive tongue-and-groove configuration, as well as inventive methods of assembling planks to accommodate the expansion and contraction of the assembled planks after installation.
US07644552B2
A space-dividing wall panel has glass panels mounted on opposite faces of the wall panel to permit viewing therethrough. Each glass panel is defined by a sheet of glass and edge rails extending about the periphery of the glass. The edge rails include fixing channels on opposite sides thereof which are press-fit onto respective edges of the glass without the use of a resilient gasket within the fixing channel.
US07644551B2
A hollow core door comprises a perimeter frame, and first and second molded skins. Each skin has an exterior surface and an interior surface secured to opposing sides of the frame. At least one of the skins has an outer planar area, an inner planar area, and an asymmetric profile surrounding the inner planar area and interconnecting and integral with the outer planar area and the inner planar area. The asymmetric profile area has a convex portion extending outwardly from and relative to the plane of the outer planar area.
US07644549B2
There are currently two major types of exterior building envelope finishing systems: window wall systems, and curtain wall systems. Window wall systems use panels which fit between concrete floor slaps, and hence, are prone to leakage and are not aesthetically appealing. Curtain wall systems are installed proud of the concrete slabs, so have better performance, but are expensive to install. The system of the invention has the high performance of a curtain wall system, with the ease of installation of a window wall system. The invention uses rigid panels which cover the face of a building like a curtain wall system, providing a complete gasketed seal without the need for caulking as in the case of window wall systems. The vertical mullions are notched, so that the mullions can be easily anchored to the upper and lower surfaces of the concrete slabs.
US07644543B2
A seclusion room for patients having emotional disturbances has one moving wall positioned ahead of a fixed wall. The moving wall can be moved to an extended position to narrow the patient space leading to the main door to the room. A second door to the room enables an extraction team member enter the space between the fixed and moving wall, where the team member can remove a hatch from the moving wall and enter the space behind the patient. The team member can use the hatch as a shield to push the patient gently toward the exit door. A bench or seat disappears when the moving wall is moved to its extended position.
US07644529B2
A rifle bolt cleaning tool comprising a single piece of material with an annular bolt scraping chamber comprising a bottom and two inner walls that extend from the bottom of the scraping chamber upward and spread outward to form two top surfaces of the scraping chamber. The inner walls of the scraping chamber are concave in shape so as to fit snugly around a tail end of a rifle bolt. The distance between the two inner walls of the scraping chamber is roughly equivalent to the outside diameter of a rifle bolt. The inner walls of the scraping chamber extend upward from the bottom of the scraping chamber by a distance that is slightly greater than the length of the tail end of the bolt.
US07644523B2
A compact mobile vacuum boring, mud recovery, excavation and surface cleaning method comprising a device which will create a vacuum condition within a vacuum container and the vacuum container may be mounted on an incline slope to provide space beneath it to locate a water storage container. A vacuum conduit may be used to transport liquid or solid particles into the vacuum container. The vacuum conduit may be mounted adjacent to an articulated boom with one or more elbows and arms and the boom arm may have multiple utilities and tools attached. The vacuum tank may be mounted at a slope sufficient to assist emptying it's contents by gravity. An air filter housing may be adjacently mounted above the vacuum tank for efficiency and compactness. A dispensing device may be added to dispense a liquid or a solid from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container, and said vacuum container having the ability to fill, store and dispense its contents simultaneously. The vacuum container may further comprise a means to separate a liquid from solids.
US07644522B2
A shoe insert system with adjustable and interchangeable supports comprising: a base sole, a longitudinal arch, a heel insert, and a transverse arch; the base sole being generally planar and having a perimeter which covers the underside of a foot from the heel region up to the bottom of a person's toes, a longitudinal arch, the longitudinal arch having a d-shape with perforated holes and a row of pins sized to mate with perforations of the base sole, a heel insert, the heel insert having alternating perforated holes and pins near the edge defining a general circumference of the heel insert, the pins are sized to mate with corresponding perforated holes on the base sole, the transverse arch having a hole side and a pin side, the transverse arch having a series of perforated holes on the hole side and at least one pin sized to mate with a corresponding perforated hole on the base sole on the hole side.
US07644516B2
A clothes drying machine having a temperature sensor that may be easily repaired or replaced. The clothes drying machine includes a housing forming an external appearance of the clothes drying machine, a drying tub rotatably mounted in the housing, a hot air introducing duct to introduce hot air into the drying tub, a hot air discharging duct to discharge the hot air out of the drying tub, and a temperature sensor mounted at the front part of the hot air discharging duct to detect the temperature of the hot air passing through the hot air discharging duct. The temperature sensor is mounted at the front part of the hot air discharging duct so that an operator has easy access to the temperature sensor. Consequently, repair or replacement of the temperature sensor may be easily and conveniently performed.
US07644511B2
A heating and blowing apparatus includes a main body housing having an inlet port and a discharge port. An air flow path extends from the inlet pod to the discharge port. A rotatingly driven fan and a heating unit are arranged on the air flow path. A bypass flow path branches off from the air flow path and leads to an ion emission port. An ion generator including a discharge electrode and an opposing electrode is arranged in the bypass flow path Further, the apparatus includes a cover arranged at the ion emission port and having an opening through which ions pass. One or more protrusions are provided on a rear surface of the cover. The protrusions make contact with the opposing electrode such that the cover is grounded through the opposing electrode.
US07644508B1
The present invention is a device for determination of the presence of an installation space behind a ceiling covering for a retrofit recessed lighting fixture by way of a small probe hole. Specifically, the invention device comprises an longitudinal rotation handle with a top end and a bottom end defining a handle axis. Extending from the top end along the handle axis lies a first section of a narrow probe rod. The height of the first section exceeds the height of a retrofit recessed lighting fixture to be installed by at least the thickness of a ceiling covering through which it will be installed. At the end of the first section extends a second section perpendicular to the first section, where the second section comprises an insertion end which is pointed so that it can be pressed through the ceiling covering material to probe the space behind it.
US07644504B2
A fixture for positioning an ATD relative to a vehicle includes a housing attached to the vehicle having a first end and a second end. A locator is mounted on the housing and is movable along the housing between the first end and the second end to identify a position of the ATD relative to the housing. A target is disposed on the ATD and is spaced apart from the housing for alignment with the locator. A first measurement device outputs an angle of the housing that identifies an angular position of the target relative to a plane extending through the first end of the housing.
US07644502B2
An indicating apparatus includes a base arranged to contact a first surface of an opening in a wall and a second surface of the opening in the wall, the base being rotationally stable when contacting the first and second surfaces of the opening, and an indicating member coupled to the base, the indicating member having a first portion arranged to indicate a first line along the wall when the base contacts the surfaces of the opening, and a second portion arranged to indicate a second line along the wall when the base contacts the first and second surfaces of the opening, the first line being parallel to the first surface, the second line being parallel to the second surface.
US07644501B2
A handsaw for holding a saw blade for cutting is disclosed to include a handle having an cantilever bar, an extension bar pivoted to the cantilever bar and turnable relative to the handle between a received position and an extended position, a blade-retaining arm pivoted to one end of the extension bar remote from the handle and turnable about the axis of the extension bar, and two blade retaining members respectively provided at the handle and the blade-retaining arm for the mounting of a saw blade when the extension bar is turned to the extended position.
US07644500B2
A method for assembling a ball and socket assembly (10) includes loading a housing (14) with a resilient preload washer (28), an inner bearing (30), a ball stud (12) and an outer bearing (36). A loading tool (50) forcefully compresses the assembled components, as a unit, to an overload compression condition (54), and then reduces the compression until an ideal compression condition (56) is achieved. The outer bearing (36) is staked in position while the loading tool (50) holds the assembled components in the ideal compression condition (56). Following the staking operation, the loading tool (50) can be removed, and a final crimping operation permanently sets the outer bearing (36) in position and holds the articulating components in the ideal, pre-load clearance established. The subject method is particularly well-suited for high production set-ups in which precise pre-load clearances must be achieved at high through put rates.
US07644497B2
To provide a component built-in wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof capable of further improving component mounting density without deteriorating-reliability. The component built-in wiring board includes: a conductive layer (34, 35) extending in a thickness direction of the board and buried in the board without being exposed from an upper and a lower surface of the board; an electrical/electronic component (33) having a terminal and buried in the board with the terminal facing the buried conductive layer; a connecting member (36, 37) provided in a gap between the terminal of the buried electrical/electronic component and the conductive layer to electrically/mechanically connect the terminal and the conductive layer; and two upper and lower insulating layers (11, 15) which cover an outer surface of the buried electrical/electronic component excluding a portion connected to the connecting member and which are in close contact with a top and a bottom in the board thickness direction of the electrical/electronic component.
US07644496B2
A manufacturing method for imprinting stamper is disclosed. The manufacturing method includes forming a plurality of concave patterns on an insulation layer, forming a stamper by filling copper in the concave patterns, separating the stamper from the insulation layer, providing roughness on the surface of the stamper, can separate the stamper from the insulation layer, can prevent the deformation of the stamper and can manufacture pluralities of stampers repeatedly.
US07644494B2
A tool for effecting attachment of an electrical terminal terminated on a wire with respect to a mating electrical contact is provided including an elongate tubular body having a first opened end, a second opened end and a continuous slot from the first to the second opened end. The continuous slot defines a pair of inwardly deflectable opposed sidewalls, wherein the wire may be loosely received between the opposed sidewalls. A first recessed stop toward the first opened end of the tubular body is adapted to seat at least the terminal at the first opened end. The opposed sidewalls are inwardly deflectable so as to grip the wire to effect attachment to the mating electrical contact.
US07644491B2
A device for assembling a composite structure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the device includes a table module, a first plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module and a second plurality of flipper devices carried by the table module in adjacent and adjustable relationship with respect to the first plurality of flipper devices, respectively. The first plurality of flipper devices and the second plurality of flipper devices are capable of accommodating a variation in thickness of the composite structure.
US07644490B1
A method of forming an actuator and a relay using a micro-electromechanical (MEMS)-based process is disclosed. The method first forms the lower sections of a square copper coil, and then forms an actuation member that includes a core section and a horizontally adjacent floating cantilever section. The core section, which lies directly over the lower coil sections, is electrically isolated from the lower coil sections. The method next forms the side and upper sections of the coil, along with first and second electrodes that are separated by a switch gap. The first electrode lies directly over an end of the core section, while the second electrode lies directly over an end of the floating cantilever section.
US07644483B2
The invention relates to a method to manufacture a wiper blade (10) as well as a device to perform the method and a wiper blade (10) that is manufactured accordingly, wherein the wiper blade (10) features at least a basic body (56) featuring a wiper strip (24) and a supporting element (12). According to the method, the basic body (56) is supposed to be positioned in a holding device (58) in such a way that a clearance (63) remains between the supporting element (12) and holding device (58) at least in areas. The wind deflector strip (44) is gripped, at least one claw (46, 48) formed on the wind deflector strip (44) is threaded on the supporting element (12) and the wind deflector strip (44) is placed over the supporting element (12).
US07644482B2
A method permits replacement of components of existing epicyclic gear mechanisms of a wind energy system without having to lift the gear mechanism down from the gondola. In accordance with the method, the housing is divided up alternately in its first parting plane and in its second parting plane and moved apart. The center section of the housing, which includes the internal geared wheel, always remains connected with an adjacent section and therefore does not have to be moved with a hoist. Access to the components to be replaced is always guaranteed by the special method of opening. An installation bolt is also provided that is particularly suitable for implementing the method.
US07644477B2
A closing member (16) is disengageably fitted to one end of a cylindrical-shaped guide member (4) to close an opening (4a) of the guide member (4). A water-absorbing agent (3) made of water-absorbing resin powder is accommodated in the guide member (4) toward the one end. A column-shaped plug member (2) made of water-swellable fibers is accommodated in the guide member (4) at a location closer to the other end than the water-absorbing agent (3). A push rod (5) is inserted into the guide member (4) through an opening (4b) thereof located at the other end. With the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) inserted in an anus, the push rod (5) is operated to push the water-absorbing agent (3) and the plug member (2) through the opening (4a) at the one end of the guide member (4) into a rectum. The plug member (2) absorbs water in internal contents and expands to plug the rectum, while the water-absorbing agent (3) also absorbs water in the internal contents. Thus, the internal contents can be prevented from leaking out through the anus.
US07644476B2
Provided is a cap (41) for a button, of which material is a polygonal plate. The cap (41) includes a main surface covering portion (42) formed substantially at the center of the polygonal plate and a plurality of holding piece portions (44) formed by bending corners of the polygonal plate from an outer peripheral end of the main surface covering portion (42) to a rear surface side of the main surface covering portion (42). Provided between the main surface covering portion (42) and the plurality of holding piece portions (44) is a lateral side covering portion (43) around the outer peripheral end of the main surface covering portion (42).
US07644473B2
A foldable hinge comprising: a base seat and a connecting seat able of being adjusted for an included angle between them; an adjusting unit is provided in a pivotally connecting area between the base seat and a pivot connecting unit; the adjusting unit includes a cam being provided with a first slot and a second slot, a positioning member having a protruding bar adapted to extending through the first and second slots, and a press unit able to release engaging of the protruding bar in the first and second slots. When the protruding bar is in the first slot, the connecting seat is adapted to adjusting its depression angle or elevation angle relative to the base seat; when the protruding bar is in the second slot, the base seat and the connecting seat are in a mutual parallel folding state, the protruding bar can be directly extended into the first slot without pressing the press unit.
US07644468B2
The inventive wringer for scrubbing buckets basically consists of two independent tilting parts of a wringer (4) which are pivotally coupled inside the space of a support (1) fixed to the bucket mouthpiece. Said independent parts (4) are pivotally coupled with parallel axes communicating with the end spaces (3) of the support (1) and are tiltable oppositely to the resistance of spring elements (5).
US07644467B2
A hand held tool comprised of an elongated triangular shaped elastomeric applicator tool (20) for spreading, smoothing and feathering filler material which can be utilized with a handle (30).
US07644462B2
An article of footwear includes an upper, a sole assembly, and a support assembly positioned in the sole assembly and including a plurality of pillars. Each pillar includes an outer layer and an inner layer of cushioning material contained with the outer layer.
US07644458B2
A patient support apparatus including a patient support and a powered transport device to facilitate movement of a patient support.
US07644457B2
A patient support (10) is provided for supporting a patient. Patient support (10) includes a frame (12), a deck (16), a mattress (18) and siderails (24 and 26).
US07644449B2
A load-bearing system is provided which includes a web of sufficient strength to support predetermined loads suspended from the web. The system also includes an array of apertures in the web. The apertures can be elongate slots, and the array may be such that the slots can form plural pairs of slots which can define respective positions. At each of the positions, a pouch may be attached to the web via an attachment arrangement that can form a closed loop through the respective pair of slots.
US07647647B2
A system, method and program product that allows a set of actions being executed on a computer system to be temporally authorized for execution for a short duration. A computer system is provided comprising: an execution platform for executing program code; and an execution control system that can interrupt execution of actions encountered in the program code, wherein the execution control system includes a system for temporally authorizing execution of an encountered action.
US07647640B2
Systems and methods for binding a secret to a computer system are disclosed. Systems and methods for generating a strong hardware identification (SHWID) for a given computer system are also disclosed. The strong hardware identification (SHWID) is coupled to a bound secret. The strong hardware identification (SHWID) may be used to control the use of software on the given computer system depending on the degree of hardware changes to the computer system.
US07647637B2
A patch or set of patches may be deployed, often to a subset of potentially vulnerable systems, to address a particular vulnerability while providing a facility to monitor and, in some cases, characterize post-patch exploit attempts. Often, such a patch will check for an exploit signature and, if an exploit attempt is detected or suspected, take an appropriate action. For example, the patch may include code to log indicative data or trigger such logging. In some exploitations, the patch may generate or contribute to a warning or advisory regarding an additional target (or targets) of the exploit and, if appropriate, initiate a patch or protective measure for the additional target(s). In some exploitations, the patch may simulate responses or behaviors suggestive (to an attacker) of unpatched code. In some exploitations, the patch may direct an exploit attempt to a service (or simulated service) hosted or executing in an isolated protection domain.
US07647631B2
Various embodiments of systems, methods, software tools, etc. for performing an assessment of an application are provided. One embodiment comprises a method for performing an assessment of a web application. One such method comprises: recording user interactions with a web application; and playing back the user interactions to perform an assessment of the web application.
US07647625B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to authenticating an identity of users desiring access to an application program and determining whether an authenticated user is authorized to access one or more aspects of the application program.
US07647623B2
A method and system for filtering malicious packets received at the edge of a service provider (SP) domain is provided. A protocol aware border element identifies the protocol used by any ingress packet, and then determines which domain-specific information is used in the application payload of the packet to form the source identity. If this packet pretends to come from the SP domain, and no domain entity is allowed to roam, the packet is identified as illegitimate and is subjected to a given security policy. The border element also identifies as legitimate the SP domain entities that are allowed to roam, and legitimate sources outside said SP domain that communicates customary with entities in the SP domain.
US07647614B2
A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.
US07647605B2
An audience measurement system identifies a program which is broadcast from a signal source and to which a receiver is tuned. The audience measurement system includes a code reader for reading an ancillary code of the program to which the receiver is tuned, a channel status detector for determining channel status relating to channels to which the receiver is tuned, a memory for storing ancillary codes read by the code reading means and for storing channel status determined by the channel status determining means if ancillary codes are not readable by the code reading means, and a communicator for communicating the ancillary code and/or the channel status to a central office computer.
US07647601B2
A pickup supporter 72 supporting a pickup device 70A includes a driver 76 having an abutting surface 764 that is a flat surface substantially in parallel to an axial direction of a lead screw 752 and intersecting with both a focus direction and a plane direction substantially vertical to the focus direction. With such arrangement, even when a posture of the pickup supporter 72 is changed by adjusting heights of the main shaft 74A and the sub shaft 74B, the screw abutting surface 764 can abut on the lead screw 752 at a substantially constant angle. Therefore, when the posture of the pickup supporter 72 is changed, substantially constant driving force can be transmitted from the lead screw 752, so that stable and proper driving force can be constantly obtained.
US07647589B1
Methods and systems for safe execution of guest code in virtual machine context are presented. A method for running a virtual machine in a computing system includes (a) launching a virtual machine monitor (VMM) that uses a software debugger; (b) launching a virtual machine (VM) that can natively run safe instructions; (c) determining, at runtime, if the instruction is safe or potentially unsafe; (d) executing safe instructions in a native mode; and (e) activating control logic to process potentially unsafe instructions in the software debugger. The software debugger can bypass at least one of the potentially unsafe instructions. The potentially unsafe instructions include instructions that cannot be safely executed in the context of the VM, and instructions that can cause unpredictable results in the context of the VM.
US07647581B2
An analysis tool extracts class data from Java objects originating from multiple vendors having a particular design specification. A database mining tool then creates training data from the extracted class data to create a definition of objects associated with the particular design specification. Various implementations of the defined classes are compared across various performance metrics, which are output for the program designer as a function of vendor. The designer then selects the best design choices based on the best practices of multiple vendors disclosed by the outputs of the analysis tool when implementing a new Java program.
US07647573B2
A method of testing critical delay paths of an integrated circuit design is disclosed. The method includes predicting and ranking a set of critical delay paths based on a set of predicted delay characteristics. Integrated circuits based on the integrated circuit design are tested to determine a set of actual delay measurements for the critical delay paths. The critical delay paths are ranked based on the actual delay measurements, and the results are correlated to the predicted ranking of critical delay paths to produce a confidence measurement that measures the likelihood that the actual critical delay paths of the design have been tested for a given production batch of devices.
US07647572B1
A counter abstraction tool generates an abstraction model for one or more counters in a circuit design for use with a formal verification system. The tool detects the presence of a counter in a circuit design, identifies one or more special values for the counter, and creates an abstraction for the counter. The tool can automatically perform the abstraction, guide a user in configuring the appropriate abstraction for the counter, or perform a combination of automatic and manual abstraction. The tool may further accommodate related counters.
US07647568B2
In a fabrication method of a semiconductor device a manufacturing method of a mask and an optimization method of a mask bias incorporating an optical proximity correction are provided. The manufacturing method of the mask incorporating an optical proximity correction can form a pattern in an excellent quality in a dense area where a micro design pattern in an irregular array state is formed. Also, a desired design pattern can be formed using a mask according to embodiments of the present invention regardless of an array state.
US07647562B2
System and method for deploying and executing a program, e.g., a graphical program, on an embedded device, e.g., a compact sensor interface (CSI) that includes or is coupled to one or more sensors. The program is stored on a host mobile computer, e.g., a PDA, then downloaded to the CSI over a wired or wireless serial link, e.g., cable, infrared (IR), Bluetooth, etc. The embedded device executes the graphical program to perform the function, thereby generating data. The data is sent to the mobile computer over a wired or wireless serial link, e.g., via a Front Panel Protocol, where the data is displayed. Alternatively, the mobile computer executes a different program to perform a discovery operation to detect and establish communications with the embedded device, retrieves the data from the embedded device via a wireless serial transmission medium, e.g., IR link (e.g., IrDA), Bluetooth, etc., and displays the data.
US07647557B2
An apparatus, system, method, and article for shuffling video information are described. The apparatus may include a media processing node to receive video information. The media processing node may include a shuffling module to shuffle the video information according to a shuffle order and a trusted entity programmed based on the shuffle order to provide access to the video information. The video information may be provided in an unshuffled manner when accessed through the trusted entity. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07647551B2
A data cell included in a document supporting cell structured data is conditionally formatted according to data that is stored in a separate location from the document. A user is allowed to select from a drop-down menu of related data sets a particular data set for conditionally formatting the data cell. The data cell is formatted according to the data set and the condition without requiring that the data set be stored locally in the document.
US07647544B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a buffer memory, and control circuitry operable to receive a write command from a host, wherein the write command comprises write data and a write data address. Write EDC data is generated in response to the write data and the write data address, wherein the write data and the write EDC data are stored in the buffer memory. The write data is read from the buffer memory, and write check data is generated in response to the write data and the write data address. The write EDC data is read from the buffer memory and compared to the write check data to detect a write error. If the write error is not detected, the write data is written to the disk without writing the write EDC data to the disk.
US07647532B2
A trace controller receives data access information during load instruction execution and ID (AID) of a load/store buffer to store the data access information during load instruction execution. Then, it generates trace control information TC based on the received data access information and selects a buffer to store the generated trace control information from a plurality of trace control buffers according to the received AID. After that, it receives read data information after load instruction execution and ID (RID) of a load/store buffer used for load instruction execution. Finally, it selects a buffer storing the trace control information TC from the plurality of trace control buffers according to the RID.
US07647529B2
A display device having electronic album function and the method thereof is disclosed. The present invention includes an Electronic Photo Frame (EPF) controller which checks the existence of the memory and reads image data from the memory if any, an interface device which converts the interface format of the image data from the EPF controller, transmits it to main controller and sends interrupts to the main controller when there is a transmission error, and a counter which counts the number of interrupts transmitted to the main controller. When the number of interrupts with the same clock exceeds a predetermined number, the main controller ignores the interrupts, resets the interface device and reloads the image data from the memory. Otherwise, the main controller performs the regular interrupt routine.
US07647526B1
The present invention provides a system, method, and computer program product for partially pre-writing data stored in an array of mass storage devices to a spare disk dedicated to the array prior to detecting a failure in the array. The system then reconstructs data from the failed disk using data partially pre-written to the spare disk. Since some of the data has already been pre-written to the spare disk, embodiments of the present invention reduce the number of I/O operations performed by a storage system during a process of reconstructing data from the failed disk to the spare disk.
US07647521B2
A method, apparatus and computer instructions for application based tracing and for normalization of processor clocks in a symmetric multiprocessor environment. By deliberately establishing a large skew among processor clocks, it is possible to perform application based tracing by directly using the processors. In addition, the identity, time stamp, and drift information of each processor may be used to create a time library. The time library is used to adjust a measured time to execute a program or software routine. The adjusted time is a normalized time that is statistically more accurate than the measured time alone. The adjusted time is then reported as the time to execute the program or software routine.
US07647517B2
A PCI Express system and a method of transitioning link state thereof. The PCI Express system includes an upstream component, a downstream component and a link. The upstream component and the downstream component transmit data to each other via the link. When at least one of the upstream component and the downstream component stops data transmission under a normal working state and if the system idle time period reaches a threshold idle time, then transiting the link into a second link state.
US07647515B2
Power management of an information handling system PCI Express bus dynamically adjusts the inactivity time at the bus that is determined before initiation of a low power state by analyzing the transitions between low power and operating states over time. Dwell times of the bus in the low power state are compared with an inactivity goal to determine if the inactivity time should be adjusted up, such as when the bus enters the low power state too often, or should be adjusted down, such as when the bus enters the low power state too infrequently. In one embodiment, the dwell time is the time from entry into a low power state until initiation of the transition to an operating state and the inactivity goal is the time required for the bus to enter and exit the low power state.
US07647514B2
In one embodiment, a method for reducing power consumption at a cache includes determining a nonuniform architecture for a cache providing an optimum number of cache ways for each cache set in the cache. The nonuniform architecture allows cache sets in the cache to have associativity values that differ from each other. The method also includes implementing the nonuniform architecture in the cache to reduce power consumption at the cache. In another embodiment, the method also includes determining a code placement according to which code is writeable to a memory separate from the cache. The code placement reduces occurrences of inter cache-line sequential flows when the code is loaded from the memory to the cache. The method also includes compiling the code according to the code placement and writing the code to the memory for subsequent loading from the memory to the cache according to the code placement to further reduce power consumption at the cache.
US07647503B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. Other methods and systems for encoding/decoding digital watermarks are also disclosed.
US07647499B2
A method and apparatus identifying an item by attaching a radio frequency identification device to the item; obtaining encryption information; generating an encrypted code from the encryption information by a programmer; inserting the encrypted code into the radio frequency identification device by the programmer whereas the encrypted code may be one of a plurality of encrypted codes; attempting to access the radio frequency identification device by a security reader by transmission of another encrypted code to the radio frequency identification device; and responding with a correct access signal by the radio frequency identification device in response to receipt of the other encrypted code if the other encrypted code is same as the inserted encrypted code.
US07647491B2
A computer system which includes a CPU for performing various processes by program control and storage elements which store at least one operating system and a BIOS, wherein upon starting a system, the CPU recognizes the system's own hardware configuration, and starts a selected one operating system stored in the storage elements in accordance with the recognized hardware configuration under the control of the BIOS.
US07647489B2
A data processing system 2 is provided which includes an instruction decoder 18 responsive to a handler branch instruction HLB, HBLP which includes an index value field to calculate a handler pointer in dependence upon a handler base address HBA and the index value field and then to branch to that handler pointer position. A handler program 24, 26 at the branch target is then executed following which a return is made to an address following the handler branch instruction using a link address value stored when the handler branch instruction was executed.
US07647487B2
Embodiments include a device and a method. In an embodiment, a method applies a first resource management strategy to a first resource associated with a first processor and executes an instruction block in a first processor. The method also applies a second resource management strategy to a second resource of a similar type as the first resource and executes the instruction block in a second processor. The method further selects a resource management strategy likely to provide a substantially optimum execution of the instruction group from the first resource management strategy and the second resource management strategy.
US07647484B2
An apparatus, program product and method sample at different times nodes that are performing similar work. Performance data associated with first and second node subsets performing the similar work are sampled at different times, e.g., in a round-robin fashion, and in accordance with a given sampling rate. The performance data is analyzed. Nodes whose performance suffers as a result of a sampling operation may be identified and removed from a subsequent operation.
US07647470B2
A memory device and controlling method for nonvolatile memory are provided. The memory device and the controlling method for a nonvolatile memory are provided by which, where a file management system wherein there is a tendency that lower logic addresses are used frequently like the MS-DOS is adopted, physical blocks of a flash memory are used in an averaged fashion and the life of the flash memory can be elongated thereby.
US07647469B2
A method for assigning element addresses in an automated data storage library includes determining if a data storage device, such as a tape cartridge, belongs to a particular host's cartridge assignment policy. If so, the data storage device is issued a virtual import/export element address taken from a set of non-common virtual import/export element addresses, if available. If no non-common address is available, then a common virtual import/export element address is assigned to the data storage device. If no addresses, either common or non-common, are available, then the data storage device is queued until an address becomes available.
US07647463B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting mismatches in a mirror volume. A receive module receives a start indicator from a primary storage system. The start indicator includes a starting location of a first block to be modified on a track in a secondary storage system. The first block corresponds to an identically located first block of a modified record in the primary storage system. The tracks the first blocks on the primary and secondary storage systems each comprise irregular count key data (“CKD”) tracks. A compare module compares the first block location indicated by the start indicator with block locations listed in track metadata. The track metadata describes user records on the irregular CKD tracks of the secondary storage system. An alert module generates an alert in response to the first block not aligning with a beginning block of a record on the secondary storage system.
US07647458B1
A computer system includes a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, configured to provide the processor with a plurality of instructions including a garbage collection barrier instruction and a subsequent instruction that immediately follows the garbage collection barrier instruction; wherein the processor is configured to execute the garbage collection barrier instruction, including by: evaluating a memory reference to determine a condition associated with the garbage collection barrier instruction; and in the event that the condition is met, while maintaining the same privilege level, saving information that is based at least in part on the current value of a program counter, and setting the program counter to correspond to a target location that is other than the location of the subsequent instruction.
US07647453B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a cache management system comprising a cache and a cache manager that can poll cached assets at different frequencies based on their relative activity status and independent of other applications. In one embodiment, the cache manager may maintain one or more lists, each corresponding to a polling layer associated with a particular polling schedule or frequency. Cached assets may be added to or removed from a list or they may be promoted or demoted to a different list, thereby changing their polling frequency. By polling less active files at a lower frequency than more active files, significant system resources can be saved, thereby increasing overall system speed and performance. Additionally, because a cache manager according to embodiments disclosed herein does not require detailed contextual information about the files that it is managing, such a cache manager can be easily implemented with any cache.
US07647448B2
A backup and archiving system utilizing tape cassettes avoids bottlenecks at a higher performance level that may be caused by a central working storage, especially during backup and archiving procedures. Such a backup and archiving system provides a distributed hardware architecture in which several Component Computers work without reciprocal obstruction.
US07647433B2
A system and method for flexible multiple protocols are presented. A device's logical layer may be dynamically configured on a per interface basis to communicate with external devices in a coherent or a non-coherent mode. In coherent mode, commands such as coherency protocol, system commands, and snoop response pass from the device's internal system bus to an external device, thereby creating a logical extension of the devices internal system bus. In non-coherent mode, the input-output bus unit receives commands from the internal system bus and generates non-coherent input-output commands, which are eventually received by an external device.
US07647426B2
A method of improving BGP convergence in a packet-switched network comprises receiving, at a router in the packet-switched network, an advertisement of a first route that includes alternate route information indicating that an alternate route is available; storing the alternate route information in association with the first route; detecting a change in network reachability of the first route, and in response thereto, determining if the alternate route information is stored for the first route, and if so: awaiting, for a particular time, an advertisement of an alternate route; storing and using the alternate route in place of the first route.
US07647424B2
In a multi-level redirection method, a first level redirection of a first request is performed based on static information. At a manager, a second level redirection of a second request is performed to an agent server based on dynamic information. The manager is configured to monitor an individual status of the agent server. The static information is associated with selection of the manager and the dynamic information is associated with selection of the agent server. The second level redirection is application redirection performed based on application protocols and contents used in the first and second request.
US07647422B2
An approach to rapid failover of a communication path between computers that are linked by redundant virtual links in a virtual private network (VPN) features detection of communication link and device failures through an active monitoring approach and re-routing of communication through a redundant link of the VPN when a failure is detected.
US07647416B2
A full hardware based TCP/IP traffic offload engine (TOE) device and the method thereof are disclosed. The device includes a TOE interface and a TOE driver. With the designed socket API executing in the kernel of the operating system, the TOE interface and the TOE driver can effectively improve the input/output traffic load between network nodes without protocol stacking.
US07647404B2
The Content Transform Proxy (CTP) service is an advanced Web proxy service, the basic function of which is to modify incoming HTTP requests having a server-side destination and/or outgoing HTTP responses. The CTP service is implemented by the CTP program, which resides on a host in a data communications network between an end user (the Web client) and a content server that the client is attempting to access. The HTTP request and/or an HTTP response is modified by making an HTTP request on the client side using a client web browser, processing the HTTP request on the server side using outgoing proxy rules, passing on the processed HTTP transaction to the server-side destination, returning the results of the processed HTTP request from the server-side destination, processing the HTTP response on the server side using incoming proxy rules, and returning the processed HTTP response to the client web browser on the client side.
US07647399B2
A system and method to store a service level objective, produce one or more network conditions on a first network link where such network condition matches the state of such network condition on a second network link, and where the second network link connects to a remote network location, execute a transaction of an application over the first network link and predict if a service level of the transaction of the application over the second network link reaches the stored service level objective.
US07647387B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for delivering personalized content from a first server such as a merchant Web server to a computer accessing a second server such as an affiliate Web server. A system according to the present invention includes a merchant Web server and an affiliate Web server, the affiliate Web server being coupled to the merchant Web server over a computer network. A database of user information is accessible to the merchant Web server, as is a rule base that includes a plurality of configurable rules. User identification may be collected from the computer accessing a Web site controlled by the affiliate Web server and the collected user identification may be sent to the merchant Web server, along with a request for content. User information corresponding to the collected user identification may then be retrieved from the database. The user information obtained from the database may be applied to the plurality of rules and selected content may be returned to the affiliate Web server in response to the request for content. The returned content is selected based upon the result of the application of the user information to the plurality of rules.
US07647375B1
A method and system for populating identities in a message service involves registering a user of a first messaging service with a second messaging service. User identities for users other than the registered user may be identified. These user identities may be associated with the first messaging service and may be stored in a list associated with the registered user. It is determined if each identified user identity has a matching user identity associated with the second messaging service. If so, a database associated with the second messaging service is populated with the matching user identities. Determining whether a matching user identity exists may be performed, for example, by making character strings comparisons between user identities or using a database that stores a mapping of first messaging service user identities to second messaging service user identities. The mapping database may be generated as corresponding user identities are discovered.
US07647370B1
An interface can serve as a client-mainframe interface, enabling clients to develop applications without a need to understand mainframe processes and screen flows. Extended Tool Command Language (Tcl) can define services that can include a series of interactions with a mainframe system and service definitions can be added or updated on the interface during operation of the interface without disrupting processing. The service definitions can enable the interface to receive XML requests from a client, parse the XML requests, execute the service scripts to interact with the mainframe systems, generate the result in a XML format and send the XML file back to the client. Fundamental Mainframe Interactions (FMI) commands can interact with the mainframe systems and enable the specification of the XML structure of the request and response. The interface can provide efficient connection pooling management and connection life cycle control to improve the performance of the mainframe system interactions.
US07647358B2
A computing device includes a storage device and a file system for storing and retrieving files on the storage device. The storage device includes storage space divided into sectors and the file system externally addresses the storage device on a per-sector basis, but internally divides each sector of the storage device into chunks and manages data within each sector on a per-chunk basis. Thus, the file system reads a chunk from or writes a chunk to the storage device by reading or writing the sector having the chunk.
US07647357B2
Provided are a method, system, deployment and program for managing data transfer in consistency group formation. In one embodiment, a transfer time for a data structure is selected as a function of at least one determined backlog. Upon expiration of the selected transfer time, the mode of operation may be switched. By dynamically selecting a transfer time, backlogs may be reduced to increase the likelihood of successful creation of a consistency group. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07647355B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for storing data in a file system. A determination is made as to whether space is available in an inode of the file in the file system. The data is stored into the inode in response to space being available. Additionally, data for a file may be stored in a block that is partially filled with data from another file. Data for a file may be stored using either the inode or by sharing a block. Data also may be stored using both of these mechanisms.
US07647350B2
A database access server includes a network interface device and a processing device coupled to the network interface device via a bus. The network interface device receives a data request that includes a data identifier. The processing device retrieves data having the data identifier. The processing device determines if the retrieved data is compressed. The processing device decompresses the retrieved data if the retrieved data is compressed. The processing device sends the uncompressed retrieved data in response to the data request.
US07647337B2
The present invention provides a Global Information Architecture (GIA) to create an object-oriented, software-based modeling environment for the modeling of various data sources and allowing queries and transactions across those sources. The modeling environment is described in itself. Introspection is achieved since the model is described in the model, and early validation that the infrastructure is correct is established in that the infrastructure must execute against itself. Object traversal is done via vectors that describe how an object can be reached from other objects. Objects are linked by describing what type of object (data source) is to be reached and on the basis of what possible attribute values of that object. GIA allows different users to have different views of these data sources depending upon their WorldSpace. A user's view of the data source is controlled by his WorldSpace, which are the attributes he has that makes him unique. These attributes can include (among others) his username, roles, language, locale, and organization. These WorldSpace views can also impact the behavior of the data sources. GIA allows for object to object event driven behavior and provides a configuration centric versus coding centric methodology for integrating those various data sources.
US07647329B1
A keymap service architecture for a distributed storage system. A system may implement storage nodes configured to store replicas of data objects, where each of the replicas is accessible via a respective locator value, and keymap instances each configured to store keymap entries corresponding respectively to the data objects. A given keymap entry may indicate a mapping from a given key value corresponding to a given data object to each respective locator value of its replicas. Each of the keymap instances may store a replica of the given keymap entry and may index its respective stored keymap entries within a respective index data structure including hierarchically arranged index nodes corresponding to keymap entries. For a given keymap entry having a given corresponding index node, each tag value associated with each ancestor of the given corresponding index node may be a prefix of the given key value.
US07647327B2
A method and system for implementing storage strategies of a file autonomously of a user. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising creating an electronic file in a computer system, creating metadata regarding the file (wherein the metadata defines at least in part data management preferences for the file), and implementing storage strategies for the file autonomously of a user of the file.
US07647317B2
Systems, methods, and/or techniques (“tools”) for improved search techniques for page-based document layouts are described herein. The tools may analyze markup elements defined for pages within source documents, and may determine whether the markup elements for the page may include at least part of a search string.
US07647313B2
Method for ordering nodes within hierarchical data. The concept of isolated ordered regions to maintain coordinates of nodes is used by associating each node with coordinates relative to a containing region. Modifications to nodes within a region only affect the nodes in that region, and not nodes in other regions. Traversals that retrieve information from the nodes can rebase the coordinates from their containing region and return with a total order.
US07647312B2
A system and related techniques detect the initiation of a user's search input and monitor that input character-by-character, to generate suggested search terms on the fly. Arbitration logic may monitor the user's keyboard of other entry of search or query terms at a Web search site or other search engine or resource, and examine that input along with stored query history or usage data on a real-time basis to predict or infer search terms which the user is attempting to transmit. Spelling corrections may likewise be made. According to embodiments, the arbitration logic and/or query history or usage data may be hosted in the user's machine, in the search service itself or in other resources. As the arbitration logic generates suggested search terms in inline fashion, those search suggestions may be presented to the user in real-time, for example by way of a wordwheel, drop-down or other dialog or interface. The user may for example choose to select one of the set of search suggestions before completing the typing or other inputting of their search data, and in embodiments may edit those suggestions in real-time as well. According to embodiments in a further regard, the user may provide configuration inputs to the automatic inline search suggestion feature, for example to turn that capability on or off on a per-session, per-search, permanent or other basis.
US07647311B2
An electronic commerce system (10) includes a content enhancement module (47) that analyzes the product data stored in a seller database (32) using one or more rules and that identifies one or more potential errors in the product data according to the rules. The rules include one or more generic rules that apply to substantially all seller databases (32) including product data. These generic rules include one or more of the following rules: a rule indicating that a potential error exists if two products in the seller database (32) have identical product identifiers but have otherwise different product data, a rule indicating that a potential error exists if two products in the seller database (32) have different product identifiers but have otherwise identical product data, and rules indicating that a potential error exists if the values associated with particular generic product attributes have a non-numerical format.
US07647310B2
A method of establishing a link in a first web page includes establishing a first component in the first web page capable of querying a first data source, establishing a variable named according to a predetermined naming convention, generating an argument to the variable having a field queried in the first data source, establishing a second component in a second web page capable of receiving the variable from the first component, appending the argument to a query statement, and querying a second data source linked to the first data source, and embedding a link to the second web page in the code of the first web page having the variable and the argument.
US07647301B2
An information-provision apparatus that is capable of easily changing the format of display data without the risk due to changes of the program since it is not necessary to change the program. A format-separation unit separates basic format data, to which part information is attached that indicates a starting position and ending position of each structural unit of the format, according to the part information, and stores the format of a format database in a format-memory unit. Next, a format-acquisition unit receives search conditions from an information terminal, and acquires each of the structural units corresponding to those search conditions from the format-memory unit. A display-data-generation unit inputs the data from the search results acquired from the database into the variables of the structural units acquired by the format-acquisition unit and generates display data, and a send unit sends the generated display data to the information terminal.
US07647300B2
A search engine implements a method comprising receiving a search query, identifying a plurality of item identifiers responsive to the search query, identifying a first group of item identifiers from the plurality of item identifiers, wherein the first group of item identifiers was obtained by a first method, identifying a second group of items from the plurality of item identifiers, wherein the second group of item identifiers was obtained by a second method, and causing the output of all or a plurality of the item identifiers, comprising providing a cue to distinguish between the item identifiers from the first group and the item identifiers from the second group.
US07647296B2
A method for estimating the first access time of a plurality of currently active transactions accessing at least one database object are disclosed. In one aspect, the method may include providing a storage area of a particular size to store data for a plurality of groups corresponding to the at least one database object. Each of the plurality of groups corresponds to a particular time interval. The method includes placing each of the currently active transactions in a group of the plurality of groups based upon a time of a first access of the at least one database object by each of the currently active transactions and the particular time interval. The method also includes storing a group first access time for the group. The group first access time corresponds to the earliest first access time for any of the currently active transactions in the group. The method may also include defining the object's first, or earliest access time, to be the earliest group first access time for currently active groups.
US07647295B2
Method, apparatus, computer program, and computer program product for managing the durability of a plurality of transactions, each transaction including a plurality of operations, each operation for applying to a data item, each operation having a reliability level associated therewith. Each transaction is divided into one or more sub-transactions based upon reliability level of the operations. Sub-transactions are then dispatched to a persistence manager for execution against a persistent store.
US07647291B2
A b-tree may contain multiple keys stored in a normalized form. This normalized form allows keys to be quickly compared and may be used in compressing the underlying b-tree. Each normalized key is compressed relative to the previous key by replacing the common prefix bytes with a common prefix length byte containing the number of bytes in common between the key and the previous key. The compressed keys are stored sequentially in memory with no gaps in between.
US07647281B2
The present invention leverages demarcation of an agent into both a demander and a supplier to provide a polynomial-time method of approximating a supply and demand system's equilibrium value. This provides, in one instance of the present invention, a simplified means to iteratively extract the equilibrium value. By providing demarcated data, the present invention accounts for both demand and supply effects of an agent within a modeled supply and demand system. In one instance of the present invention, a market equilibrium price vector is approximated by employing a revenue value generated for an agent in a current market equilibrium price iteration as a budget value for the agent in the next iteration. This permits market equilibrium value modeling that encompasses an agent's contributions to a market both as a buyer and a seller within the same market for a given good and/or service.
US07647273B1
A method of providing a liquidity facility for a business entity is disclosed. According to various embodiments, the method comprises offering for sale a unit issued by an issuer. Each unit comprises a credit linked note, wherein the credit linked note is linked to the credit of the business entity. Interest on the notes is funded, at least in part, from (1) income received by the issuer from an interest rate swap counter-party under an interest rate swap agreement, wherein the issuer pays the interest rate swap counter-party income received on assets held by the issuer, wherein the assets are purchased using proceeds from the issuance of the units, and (2) payments from the business entity to the issuer pursuant to a credit agreement between the business entity and the issuer.
US07647266B1
A user can submit an order to buy or sell a tradeable object, only the order does not get sent to the matching engine. Instead, the order is placed in temporary storage and it is displayed to the user in the form of a virtual order icon. The virtual order icon indicates that an order request is waiting for an event to occur before it is automatically released to the matching engine. The virtual order icon can be managed by the user, which might include moving the virtual order icon to a different price level or deleting it. The preferred system continuously monitors for an event to take place, and in response to detecting the event, the order is released to the matching engine. As such, a real order icon is displayed to indicate that the order has now been sent to the matching engine.
US07647261B2
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for retirement income planning. One embodiment of a method for planning an income stream includes receiving personal data relating to an individual, where the personal data includes the value of the individual's projected income and the value of the individual's projected expenses. The difference between the projected expenses and the projected income is then calculated, and an annuity is purchased in substantially real time from among a plurality of annuities presented in an auction-style format, where the annuity provides a sum to offset the calculated difference.
US07647258B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that is designed in a manner that processes used for determining or administering taxes for a transaction apply tax rules that are specified (by a tax user) using configurable templates. During operation, the system receives a transaction for which taxes are to be determined during which a process may require the application of rules. The system then examines a configurable template associated with a tax rule, wherein the configurable template identifies a set of attributes associated with the transaction. The system also examines a condition group for the set of attributes. If each condition of the condition group is satisfied, the system, by way of completing the said process, uses the process result that is associated with the condition group for the process.
US07647250B2
An event management method, program product and system for monitoring the status of a purchase order involves receiving purchase order information from a user, obtaining timeline information corresponding to the purchase order, receiving information from one or more sources on the status of the purchase order, using the received information to monitor progress of the purchase order against the timeline information, and providing a notification to the user upon identification of a missed date in the timeline information. Remedial measures are suggested or taken by the event management system.
US07647247B2
A method for collaborating between Web-based shopping carts can include the step of identifying a Web-based shopping cart associated with an online store and a shopper of the online store. Access privileges can be established between the shopping cart and at least one other shopping cart, the other shopping carts being associated with shoppers different from the shopper. A linkage can be established between the Web-based shopping cart and the at least one other shopping cart in accordance with the access privileges. Through the linkage, the shopper can be permitted to access items in the another shopping cart.
US07647246B2
Methods and systems are provided for executing such a bilateral action. A communication is received at a host system. A determination is made that the communication identifies a physical instrument that identifies an account of stored value. A request is transmitted to another host system to debit the account by an amount identified in the communication to support the bilateral action. A confirmation is received from the other host system that the account of stored value has been debited. An approval for the bilateral action is transmitted to an originating communications device.
US07647230B2
A method and apparatus for tracking a special service delivery by a carrier of a mail item created by an office worker. The method utilizes one or more special service indicators on the mail item to ensure that the office worker can obtain information about the status of the mail item by the simple placement of one of the special service stickers on the mail item.
US07647223B2
A sub-quantizer for sub-quantization of a vector includes a sub-codevector generator that generates a set of candidate sub-codevectors, and transformation logic that transforms each candidate sub-codevector into a corresponding codevector. A memory stores an illegal space definition representing illegal vectors. A legal status tester determines legal codevectors among the codevectors based on the illegal space definition. An error calculator generates error terms corresponding to the candidate sub-codevector, and a sub-codevector selector determines a best one of the sub-codevectors corresponding to a legal codevector and a best error term. The vector includes parameters relating to a speech and/or audio signal, such as Line Spectral Frequencies (LSFs).
US07647221B2
Audio level control is provided for compressed audio. Scale factors for the compressed audio are extracted from an MPEG audio data stream, the extracted scale factors are altered without decompressing the compressed audio, and the MPEG audio data stream is updated with the altered scale factors. All of the scale factors in the MPEG audio data stream are altered based on a parameter identifying how the gain levels in the MPEG data stream are to be altered.
US07647219B2
A modular instance-aware event-driven test framework is described. It includes an event-driven test framework, a transition-graph test model for the event-driven text framework, an instance-aware event-driven test framework built on said event-driven test framework and a transition-graph test model for said instance-aware event-driven test framework built on said transition-graph test model.
US07647217B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising the ligand binding domain (LBD) of a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in crystalline form. In alternative embodiments, the LBD of FXR is complexed with a ligand therefor. There are provided high resolution structures of FXR complexed with a novel high affinity agonist, fexaramine. The discovered structure of a FXR LBD provides the first three-dimensional view of the structural basis for FXR ligand binding. The present invention further provides a computer for producing a three-dimensional representation of FXR or a complex thereof, and a computer for determining at least a portion of the structure coordinates of FXR or a complex thereof. The present invention further provides methods of using this structural information to predict molecules capable of binding to FXR; to identify compounds with agonist, antagonist or partial agonist activity for FXR; and to determine whether a test compound is capable of binding to the LBD of FXR. The present invention further provides compositions comprising compounds identified by such invention methods.
US07647213B1
A method and apparatus are provided to model, analyze, and build linear time invariant systems with delays. The method and apparatus model a linear time invariant system as a linear fractional transformation of matrices of a delay free linear time invariant model with a bank of pure delays. The method and apparatus of the present invention can further accommodate input delays and output delays associated with the linear time invariant system with delays.
US07647204B2
Provided is a method for estimating the impact of fuel distribution on emissions and corrosion responses of a fossil fuel-fired furnace. A variable is determined, termed herein separation number, by inputting fuel oil and air into the furnace, wherein the variable provides a linear relationship to multiple furnace process responses. Emission measurement equipment is located at various furnace outlet positions and thermocouples are located in tubes of the furnace, wherein the responses can be measured to obtain operating data. This operating data is interpreted based on different modes of operation of the furnace, and a change is estimated in the responses as a function of the separation number, wherein the change can be quantified to determine an impact of the fuel distribution or the furnace configuration as a result of the operating data lying on a plane defined by the separation number and a load variable.
US07647202B2
A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented.
US07647192B2
When a sample stream is decimated, frequency components from outside of a desired frequency band are aliased into the desired band, causing interference and loss of information. Different decimating ratios result in different frequencies aliasing into the desired frequency band. A current-mode sampling mixer 800 with capacitor banks 811 and 812 that are controlled by a digital control unit 820 with a capability to integrate and decimate an RF current at different decimating ratios is able to measure the frequency spectrum with different decimating ratios. The measured frequency spectrum is then analyzed to detect the presence of interferers aliased into the desired frequency band. The interferers can then be eliminated or avoided.
US07647191B2
A detector for detecting a state of an electrical storage device includes capacitor blocks formed of a capacitor-voltage equalizing circuit and a capacitor-voltage detecting circuit both coupled to respective capacitors, and a capacitor-block state outputting circuit outputting states of the capacitors by using the signals supplied from the capacitor-voltage detecting circuits. The signals from the capacitor-voltage detecting circuits are transmitted via an optical switch, which works as an electrical indirect coupler, to the capacitor-block state outputting circuit. This structure allows isolating high-voltage oriented wirings completely from signal oriented wirings, so that high reliability can be ensured.
US07647175B2
A system and method for calculating velocity vectors from accelerations by establishing a predetermined acceleration threshold, and attributing a predetermined velocity vector to accelerations that cross the predetermined threshold. Preferably, the system and method are used in conjunction with hand-held displays.
US07647161B2
A fuel injector performs a main injection and a pilot injection prior to the main injection. A fuel injection controller detects an ignition timing of a fuel injected at the main injection, detects a driving condition of the internal combustion engine, and varies a pilot injection quantity of the pilot injection when the driving condition is stable. Furthermore, the controller detects a variation in ignition timing due to a variation in the pilot injection quantity, and learns the pilot injection quantity based on the variation in ignition timing due to the variation in the pilot injection quantity.
US07647150B2
A vehicle attitude control device derives a stability factor during turning of a vehicle based on the behavior of the vehicle to take the derivation result as an estimated stability factor (step 112), compares the estimated stability factor with a reference stability factor (steps 114 and 116), varies an attitude control necessary-or-not judgment sensitivity based on the comparison result (steps 118, 130 and 134), and executes the attitude control for the vehicle (step 126).
US07647140B2
A system for aiding the piloting of an aircraft during a runway approach includes an information source that provides information relating to the aircraft and its environment. A computation unit determines, with the aid of information provided by the information source, an energy reference profile having a trajectory reference profile and a speed reference profile that allows the aircraft to regain a stabilized approach trajectory, if it follows the reference profile. A monitor verifies that the aircraft is following the reference profile. An indicator supplies the pilot with piloting indications for piloting the aircraft so as to follow the reference profile.
US07647139B2
Systems and methods for automatically transferring control from one air traffic control (ATC) center that uses one ATC data link standard to another ATC center that uses a different ATC data link standard are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a receiver component configured to receive at least a new air traffic control center designation message from an original air traffic control center through an active connection, an identifier component configured to determine a data link standard of a new air traffic control center from the message, a logon component to log the aircraft into the new center. The system further includes a connection component to establish an inactive connection with the new air traffic control center, a confirmation component to confirm the inactive connection, and a switch component to terminate the active connection and activate the inactive connection.
US07647116B2
Techniques for collection and management of data relating to neurostimulation therapy involve selection of questions for the user to answer based on the context of the therapy delivered by the neurostimulation device at the time the questions are presented. In this manner, appropriate data may be collected for specific contexts. The techniques may involve storage of answers to the questions with information indicative of the contexts. Information indicative of the contexts may include information relating to the types of neurostimulation therapy requests made by the patient, stimulation settings associated with the neurostimulation therapy, and data and time information. The techniques may be implemented by neurostimulation therapy interface device such as a patient programmer that controls operation of an implanted neurostimulation device.
US07647110B2
In an implantable medical device and a manufacturing method therefore, the implantable medical device has at least an electronics module and a battery module, each contributing functionally as well as to the shape of the outer enclosure of the implantable medical device. Different modules, and different versions of different modules, can be combined in different combinations, according to a device specification, to form different medical devices.
US07647109B2
Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrode assemblies that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Also disclosed are various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.
US07647108B2
Methods and systems involve selecting lead configurations in a pulse generator capture verification system. Capture threshold data is collected from at least one alternative electrode configuration. The capture threshold data from the at least one alternative electrode configuration is compared with capture threshold data collected using a primary electrode configuration. A pacing electrode configuration is selected based on the comparison. Backup safety pacing is provided using the primary electrode configuration.
US07647100B2
Methods, apparatus, and kits for onychomycosis treatment are presented. In one embodiment, a kit for treatment includes an anti-fungal agent, in a composition, and an electrically powered patch. Exemplary embodiments of the patch include a first electrode, a power source having a first and second terminal, a second electrode coupled to the second terminal of the power source, and a base member supporting the first electrode, the second electrode, and the power source. Embodiments include those where the first and second electrode and power source are printed on the base member. Anti-fungal agents may be unionized while the composition includes an ionizing agent. Home use may be practiced, as embodiments include those in which the voltage or current of the power source cannot be adjusted by a user. Exemplary methods include the selection of a nail or diseased area to which treatment is desired and administering the kit as described.
US07647099B2
Provided herein is a device for controlling the release of a substance at a site of interest in a biological membrane comprising a means of monitoring a physiological state at the site of interest; and a means of releasing a variable amount of the substance to the site of interest where the amount varies in response to the status of the monitored physiological state. Also provided are methods of using the device.
US07647096B2
The present invention proposes a method for calculating, presenting, and combining probabilistic functional maps (PFMs) of the human brain representing the probability of structures existing. The method comprises three major steps: reading of data containing the coordinates of contacts, calculating the PFMs, and presenting the PFMs. The data can be read from a file in text or binary format or from a database as local or remote client. The PFM calculation comprises the following steps: forming 3D models of contacts, normalizing the contact models, voxelizing the contact models, calculating an atlas function, and calculating the PFM. The PFM can be presented alone or along with anatomical atlases. Both 3D and 2D interfaces can be used for presentation. The proposed method also includes different ways of combining the contact data and/or existing PFMs from multiple sources. This mechanism is the basis of an internet portal for stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.
US07647094B2
In order to derive a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram, ones of limb leads and chest leads which constitute a lead system for the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram using 10 electrodes are selected. Electrocardiographic waveforms corresponding to the selected ones of the limb leads and the chest leads are obtained, as measured electrocardiographic waveforms, with electrodes attached on a living body. Electrocardiographic waveforms corresponding to a remaining ones of the limb leads and the chest leads are calculated, as non-measured electrocardiographic waveforms, with a prescribed transformation matrix and the measured electrocardiographic waveforms.
US07647086B2
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an RF coil unit which generates RF pulses toward a subject, and which receives an MR signal from the subject. Gradient magnetic field coils generate a gradient magnetic field for slice selection, a gradient magnetic field for phase encoding and a gradient magnetic field for frequency encoding, respectively. An arithmetic unit generates image data on the basis of the MR signal, and a sequence controller controls phase encoding gradient magnetic field coils in order to generate flow pulses for dephasing or rephasing the MR spin of blood flow within the subject, in the same direction as that of the phase encoding gradient magnetic field.
US07647073B2
Provided is a channel estimation apparatus and method in a broadband wireless communications system using a smart antenna are provided. In the channel estimation apparatus, an FFT processor converts a received time-domain signal into a frequency-domain signal by FFT-processing the received time-domain signal. A channel acquirer estimates a first channel information for an SDMA user using a preamble signal allocated to the SDMA user in the frequency-domain signal. A channel tracker estimates a second channel information for the SDMA user using pilots in a data area allocated to the SDMA user in the frequency-domain signal. A channel estimator estimates a final channel information by weighting the first channel information and the second channel information according to a channel change rate.
US07647067B2
When a specified task process may mix with another more highly prioritized task process, it is aimed at accurately calculating a process time for the specified task process. A CPU 11 can simultaneously perform a plurality of task processes such as a task process to display the reproduction time during an audio reproduction process on a display 20 and a task process concerning a telephone call. A DSP 12 performs the audio reproduction process and changes a timing to notify the CPU 11 of information about the audio reproduction time in accordance with loads on the task process in the CPU 11.
US07647056B2
The present invention comprises a method and system for dispatching a plurality of mobile service providers among a plurality of users (stationary) based on proximity of a user to a particular mobile service provider. One or more representations of proximity will be presented to a user on a map (radar screen) by the system and the system computes offers based on proximity.
US07647049B2
Whether relative velocity between a transmitter and a receiver is higher than a predetermined amount is detected. This involves using a Doppler estimation technique to generate an estimate of Doppler spread, {circumflex over (f)}D(1), based on a received signal, and using an alternative velocity estimation technique to generate an estimate of velocity, {circumflex over (v)}, based on the received signal, wherein the alternative velocity estimation technique differs from the Doppler estimation technique. A plurality of estimates, including at least the estimate of Doppler spread and the estimate of velocity, are used to detect whether the relative velocity between the transmitter and the receiver is higher than the predetermined amount. The alternative velocity estimation technique may, for example, be a second Doppler estimation technique that differs from the other Doppler estimation technique.
US07647043B2
The invention concerns a method which consists, in a radio communication system comprising a core network, at least one radio network controller connected to the core network and configured to control radio communications with terminals and at least one operation center capable of supervising said radio network controller, in: transmitting from the operating center to a radio network controller, a coded list of terminal identifiers; transmitting the coded list to the control network from the radio network controller; decoding the coded list at the core network; detecting at the core network a radio communication under the control of the radio network controller, with a terminal identified in the decoded list; and instructing the radio network controller, from the core network, to start a recording of events concerning the detected communication.
US07647042B2
User interface methods and apparatus for processing voice call requests based on communication conditions of a mobile communication device are disclosed. The mobile communication device includes one or more processors, a wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors, and a user interface which includes a visual display. A voice call request for a voice call is received through the user interface. If the voice call request is received during an out-of-coverage condition of the mobile communication device, the processor causes a call denial indication to be displayed in the visual display, which indicates that the voice call request could not be completed. The processor also causes a call reminder setup prompt to be displayed, which may be accepted or declined through the user interface. If an acceptance of the call reminder setup prompt is received, the processor causes a call reminder prompt for reattempting the voice call request to be displayed when an in-coverage condition of the mobile communication device is subsequently identified. The call reminder prompt, which may be accepted or declined through the user interface, reveals various call information regarding the previous voice call request such as the telephone number, name, and time of the previous request. If the call reminder prompt is accepted, the processor causes a voice call associated with the voice call request to be initiated. Additional call reminder techniques are disclosed to provide an even more flexible and easy-to-use interface.
US07647026B2
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a wireless transceiver. In an example embodiment, a wireless transceiver may include a transmitter adapted to output a signal at an image frequency (e.g., a simulated image) for a channel during a first mode (e.g., calibration mode) of operation. The wireless transceiver also includes a receiver adapted to receive, via loopback from the transmitter, the (e.g., simulated) image frequency signal and to determine digitally a receiver in-phase/quadrature-phase (I/Q) signal calibration adjustment based on the (simulated) image frequency signal to improve a match in amplitude and a predetermined phase shift between I and Q signals of the receiver during the first (e.g., calibration) mode of operation. The I/Q calibration adjustment may be applied to received signals during a second mode (e.g., operation mode) of operation to improve image rejection.
US07647024B2
Wireless personal area network (Zigbee, Bluetooth, UWB) and wireless identification technologies (Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)) are implemented in particular client server functions and communications. Connected with an Authentication Server, a wireless HUB authenticates user identification and provides the user with access to secure data communication with a wireless terminal such as a cellular phone or a PDA. A Location Server provides user locations via methods such as RSSI, TDOA, and GPS and sends location information to a Center Control Server and the Authentication Server. With location information, the Center Control Server initiates and optimizes secure information processes and coordinates the functions of servers and user terminals.
US07647022B2
Methods and systems to provide proximity based communication between users of proximity communication devices (“PCD”). A localized communication network is established by peer-to-peer communication between PCDs. Each PCD communicates with other PCDs in a localized, peer-to-peer network structure. Each PCD is identified to other PCDs in its own localized area by its geographical position (i.e., its relative proximity to each other PCD). A user may therefore establish communications with another user based upon the other user's proximity or location relative to the first user's PCD rather than a fixed ID code such as a phone number or address. No centralized server or telephony network system is required for each PCD to communicate with another PCD. Well known protocols for call connection may be adapted for use in establishing, operating, and terminating connections between PCDs.
US07647018B2
A printing system and method is provided. The printing system includes one or more printing system modules, at least one media sheet path interfacing the printing system modules, and a job scheduler for executing one or more printing system print jobs. The job scheduler routes a media sheet to one or more printing system modules for preshrinking or preenlarging without marking and subsequently routes the preshrunk or preenlarged media sheet to one or more printing system modules for marking. The method of printing includes generating a print job to be printed using one or more printing system modules. Print jobs requiring two or more printing system modules for marking are executed by routing a media sheet to one or more printing system modules for preshrinking or preenlarging without marking, and subsequently routing the preshrunk or preenlarged media sheet to the one or more printing modules for marking.
US07647016B2
A fixing device, includes: a heating member that rotates in a state heated by a heating unit; a driven member that is rotated by the heating member, and that conveys a sheet in cooperation with the heating member; a biasing unit that biases the heating member and the driven member in a contacting direction; a contact area forming member that forms a contact area of the heating member and the driven member by making the heating member and the driven member come in contact with each other; a support member that supports at least one of the heating member and the driven member so as to be freely moved in a direction approaching and separated with respect to the other member; and a fulcrum that is arranged in a downstream side of the contact area in a sheet conveying direction, and that movably supports the support member.
US07647013B2
A toner supply apparatus 6 is configured to be able to supply a charged toner T to a latent image forming surface LS of a photoconductor drum 3. The toner supply apparatus 6 houses a toner electric field transport body 62. The toner electric field transport body 62 has first portions and second portions which differ in toner T transport force. The first portions and the second portions differ in structural feature, such as relative dielectric constant or thickness. By means of such a structural difference, the state of transport of the toner T on the toner transport surface TTS is appropriately set.
US07647011B2
A toner container adapted to be detachably attached to a developer provided in an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus includes a casing for loading a toner therein. The casing has a bottom wall formed with a replenishing port for replenishing the toner to the developer. A sheet member is placed on the bottom wall. The sheet member has a first end fixed to the casing near the replenishing port, and a second end opposite to the first end. The second end is movable up and down. A first magnet is attached to a lead end of the second end of the sheet member, and a guide to guide the up and down movement of the first magnet. The first magnet is upwardly movable while being guided by the guide by a repulsion force resulting from application of a certain magnetic force to the first magnet.
US07647007B2
Provided is an improved drive mechanism for an imaging machine. At least one internal ramp radiates from the center of the drive dog whereby a tooth of the imaging machine drive mechanism is centered and directed into the drive dog seat. The leading edge of the drive dog seat contacts the base of the imaging machine drive mechanism thus making full contact between the drive dog seat and the imaging machine drive mechanism tooth.
US07647001B2
A developing device is disclosed which includes a fixed magnet roller 25 having a plurality of magnetic poles, a development roller 27 having a development sleeve 26 that is supported axially with the ability to rotate freely, and a magnetic sealing member 29 arranged at the end of the longitudinal direction X of the development sleeve 26. Further, the length of each of the plurality of magnetic poles not facing the magnetic sealing member 29 (in other words, the development pole SI, lead-in pole N1, and blade pole N3) of the fixed magnet roller 25 are shorter than the length of each of the plurality of magnetic poles facing the magnetic sealing member 29. Accordingly, the magnetic toner retained on the peripheral surface of the development sleeve 26 is guided to the development area side in the longitudinal direction X of the development sleeve 26.
US07646990B2
A circuit for detecting optical failures in a passive optical network (PON) wherein digital burst data transmitted by an optical transmitter is monitored by a photodiode, includes a power determination unit coupled to the photodiode for providing measurements of an output optical power of a high logic level and a low logic level of the digital burst data during ON times of the optical transmitter and for providing a measurement of an output optical power during OFF times of the optical transmitter. A logic unit coupled to the power determination unit is responsive to the measurements for generating control and calibration signals. Such a circuit may be used for detecting rogue optical network unit (ONU) failure or eye safety hazards in a passive optical network (PON) wherein digital burst data transmitted by an optical transmitter is monitored by a photodiode.
US07646976B2
A digital camera includes an imaging device for capturing images of an object, a signal processor which performs signal processing on a signal captured by the imaging device to obtain an image signal, and a single measuring device for measuring color of at least a part of the object, and for measuring a color temperature of the object to adjust white balance of the image signal.
US07646973B2
An improved method and apparatus for hand-held portable illumination, sensing and evidence collection is described. A uniquely configured multi-functional device selectively provides multi-purpose lighting and sensing in a hand-held portable device which is usable as a flashlight, camera and as an integrated device for evidence collection.
US07646972B2
A camera described herein captures a plurality of images at different focus settings to improve the probability that the camera captures a clear representation of a desired object in a potentially ambiguous scene. According to one exemplary embodiment, the camera selects a plurality of focus settings corresponding to different focal points in a range of focal points. Subsequently, the camera automatically captures successive images of the scene at the selected focus settings in response to a single activation of a shutter control. The user may select one or more of the captured images for storage, transmission to a remote device, and/or further processing.
US07646971B2
A system receives an input with a light sensor of a device, determines a luminance of a subject based on the received input, and adjusts an output of an assist light of the device based on the determined luminance.
US07646962B1
Systems and methods for recording multiple copies of a program are provided. The method may include receiving a user instruction to record a program. A determination may be made to record multiple copies of the program. In response to the determination, multiple copies of the program may be recorded. A user instruction to display the recorded program may be received. A copy of the program may be played back. The user may switch to another copy of the recorded program if the original copy lacks desirable recording attributes, or the interactive television application may automatically switch to another copy of the program.
US07646956B2
An optical waveguide sheet that has an auxiliary layer for preventing light transmitted through the waveguide sheet from leaking or being lost and a manufacturing method thereof. The waveguide sheet transmits light from a light emitting element thereinto, and has a reflecting pattern for reflecting light forward. At least one auxiliary layer for providing a total reflection condition for preventing the light from leaking or being lost when the light is transmitted into the waveguide sheet is coated on the waveguide sheet.
US07646945B2
Structural member bend radius sensor apparatus 90 comprises three fibre Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors 102 provided within three optical fibres 14, 16, 18. The optical fibres 14, 16, 18 and the FBGs 102 are embedded within a part-cylindrical shaped carrier member 92. The fibres 14, 16, 18 are provided at three spaced locations across the shaped carrier member 92 so that, in use, the three respective FBG strain sensors will be located at three different angular positions around the circumference of the structural member (pipe) 68. Structural member shape measurement apparatus 100 comprises four bend radius sensor apparatus 90 provided at four bend radius measurement positions along the pipe 68. The four bend radius sensor apparatus 90 shown share their optical fibres 14, 16, 18, and a single shaped carrier member 92. The shape measurement apparatus 100 further comprises FBG interrogation apparatus 104.
US07646944B2
A system and method for a structure monitoring and locating a disturbance event is disclosed. The system includes a compact transceiver chip sending optical signals in three optical fibers that encompass the monitored structure appropriately. The fiber arrangement has different density in different parts of the monitored structure, such as, for example, critical places in the structure may have larger number of fiber loops surrounding them. All fibers transmit signals in both directions: from the transceiver to a returning point and back. A set of two detectors registers the returning signals, and a time delay between those signals is calculated, which is indicative of the disturbance event location. Polarization states of the returning signals are controlled by transceiver built-in controllers. The event location is determined with different sensitivity in different parts of the monitored structure depending on the density of fibers in these parts.
US07646943B1
An embodiment relates to an image sensor comprising (a) a optical pipe comprising a core and a cladding, and (b) a pair of photosensitive elements comprising a central photosensitive element and a peripheral photosensitive element, wherein the central photosensitive element is operably coupled to the core and the peripheral photosensitive element is operably coupled to the cladding, and methods of fabricating and using the same. The image sensor could further comprise a lens structure or an optical coupler or an optical coupler over the optical pipe, wherein the lens structure or the optical coupler or the optical coupler is operably coupled to the optical pipe.
US07646929B2
In the data-transmitting apparatus, the image-comparing circuit compares, when a request for updating the image displayed is made, the image data item being input, with the image data item stored in the memories, which represents the preceding frame. The circuit therefore calculates the difference between the image data items compared. If the difference thus calculated by the image-comparing circuit is smaller than a prescribed value (if No in Step S1), the transmission-region data processing circuit generates, from the difference of the image data, the data that represents that part of the image data which corresponds to a region to be transmitted, and the data that represents this region. These data items generated by the circuit are transmitted. If the difference thus calculated is equal to or greater than the prescribed value (if Yes in Step S1), the coarse-image data processing circuit generates coarse image data, which is transmitted. Next, the high-precision image data processing circuit transmits full-size image data (Step S4).
US07646926B2
An image encoding apparatus includes an extracting unit and a replacing unit. An image is subjected to quantized orthogonal transformation and quantization, and quantized orthogonal transform coefficients are grouped and encoded group-wise. The extracting unit extracts, from among a group of quantized orthogonal transform coefficients, those quantized orthogonal transform coefficients that are within a designated range starting from boundary values of the next lower group. The replacing unit replaces values of the quantized orthogonal transform coefficients extracted, with values of the quantized orthogonal transform coefficients of the next lower group.
US07646925B2
An image forming apparatus having a reduction layout function has as its object to suppress any image degradation in recompressed image data. To achieve this object, an image processing method of this invention has the following arrangement. More specifically, an image processing method of generating reduced layout image data by using a plurality of image data as configured image data includes a step (step S1008) of decoding the plurality of configured image data which are compressed by using individual compression parameters, a step (step S1007) of extracting, on the basis of the compression parameters of the plurality of configured image data, a common compression parameter to compress the plurality of configured image data and assigning the common compression parameter, a step (step S1009) of recompressing the plurality of configured image data by using the assigned common compression parameter, and a step of compositing the plurality of recompressed configured image data as image data in a single page (step S1010) and outputting the image data (step S1012).
US07646920B2
A method of representing an object appearing in a still or video image, by processing signals corresponding to the image, comprises deriving a curvature scale space (CSS) representation of the object outline by smoothing the object outline, deriving at least one additional parameter reflecting the shape or mass distribution of a smoothed version of the original curve, and associating the CSS representation and the additional parameter as a shape descriptor of the object.
US07646919B2
The present invention includes a method to use a phase modulating micromirror array to create an intensity image that has high image fidelity, good stability through focus and good x-y symmetry. Particular aspects of the present invention are described in the claims, specification and drawings.
US07646914B2
A computer-based system is disclosed for the gathering and analysis of data and planning associated with that data captured during or related to events. The system is based on existing core technology that allows for the use of a digital pen land marked with respect to some spatial location on the surface of a computer screen that allows storage of ink data and allows for interpretation of handwritten characters. A mouse can be used in place of the digital pen, however, it is advantageous to use the digital pen on the surface of a computer screen. Part of the invention is able to capture real-time data in dynamic environments where the user must maintain active contact with the scene, allowing only minimal viewing of the computer screen. This minimal viewing component can be applied to, but not limited to, polling, traffic analysis, and sporting events. For the application to team sporting events, the minimal viewing component provides an efficient means for personnel to enter game statistics in real-time. The complete system also provides a means of, but is not limited to, generating team and player statistics across a selection of seasons, games or groups of games; capturing both spatial and temporal events; synchronizing digital video with event actions; analyzing contributions of groups of players based on game statistics; maintaining detailed scouting information on a plurality of teams; maintaining detailed scouting and recruiting information on a plurality of individual personnel; channeling a plurality of selected subsets of data; storing a plurality of game plays (formatted and unformatted); preparing and displaying data associated with a league containing multiple teams; and enabling strategic decisions (drills, practices, schedules, goal setting).
US07646904B2
Candidate anomalies in an anatomical structure are processed for classification. For example, false positives can be reduced by techniques related to the anomaly's neck, wall thickness associated with the anomaly, template matching performed for the anomaly, or some combination thereof. The various techniques can be combined for use in a classifier, which can determine whether the anomaly is of interest. For example, a computed tomography scan of a colon can be analyzed to determine whether a candidate anomaly is a polyp. The technologies can be applied to a variety of other scenarios involving other anatomical structures.
US07646901B2
One embodiment discloses a computerized method of facilitating cardiac intervention, comprising inputting patient data, creating a computerized interactive model of a heart based on the patient data, wherein the model comprises features, simulating at least one proposed cardiac intervention treatment by adding or deleting features to the model, and determining the effects of the proposed cardiac simulation upon the entire model. Simulations may be repeated to allow the user to determine an optimal cardiac intervention. Additionally, a template may be created from the model to use as a guide during the cardiac intervention.
US07646898B1
A system for analysing a brain image compares the image with a brain atlas, labels the image accordingly, and annotating the regions of interest and/or other structures. This atlas-enhanced data is written to a file (or more than one file) in the Dicom format or any web-enabled format such as SGML or XML format. The image used may be produced by any medical imaging modality. A fast algorithm is proposed for a landmark-based piecewise linear mapping of one volumetric image into another volumetric image. Furthermore, a new set of brain landmarks are proposed, and algorithms for the automatic identification of these landmarks are formulated for three orientations, axial, coronal, and sagittal.
US07646893B2
Every time to-be-verified biometric is input, the apparatus reflects the degree of fluctuation in the to-be-verified biometric information on narrowing down of registered feature information. After to-be-verified biometric information is input through the a biometric information input unit, the to-be-verified sub-feature information obtaining unit extracts two or more items of sub-feature information from the to-be-verified biometric information. Based on the pieces of to-be-verified sub-feature information, the to-be-verified sub-feature information assessing unit assesses an acquisition stability of each item of to-be-verified sub-feature information. According to the acquisition stability assessment, the registered feature information narrowing unit selects one or more pieces of registered feature information to be subjected to comparison/verification, thereby narrowing down the registered feature information. The apparatus applicable to 1-to-N verification using biometric information such fingerprints, palm prints, iris patterns, facial images, voice patterns, and blood vessel patterns.
US07646877B2
In a condenser microphone including a microphone unit and an output module section which are connected to each other via a microphone cord, the length of a microphone cord in the output module section is shortened without interfering with soldering of the microphone cord to a circuit board of the output module section, so that noise caused by electromagnetic waves is prevented. In a condenser microphone where a condenser microphone unit 10 and an output module section 20, in which a circuit board 22 is housed in a shield case 21, are connected to each other via a microphone cord 30, a connection metal part 110 of the microphone cord and an output connector 23 are fixed to the circuit board 22 which can be inserted and removed in and from the shield case 21, the connection metal part 110 being detachably fit into an end opening 21a of the shield case 21. The connection metal part 110 of the microphone cord can be removed from the shield case 21 together with the circuit board 22.
US07646875B2
A method of encoding input signals (l, r) to generate encoded data (100) is provided. The method involves processing the input signals (l, r) to determine first parameters (φ1, φ2) describing relative phase difference and temporal difference between the signals (l, r), and applying these first parameters (φ1, φ2) to process the input signals to generate intermediate signals. The method involves processing the intermediate signals to determine second parameters (α; IID, ρ) describing angular rotation of the first intermediate signals to generate a dominant signal (m) and a residual signal (s), the dominant signal (m) having a magnitude or energy greater than that of the residual signal (s). These second parameters are applicable to process the intermediate signals to generate the dominant (m) and residual (s) signals. The method also involves quantizing the first parameters, the second parameters, and dominant and residual signals (m, s) to generate corresponding quantized data for subsequent multiplexing to generate the encoded data (100).
US07646871B2
The invention is directed to a source device and a method for encrypting digital contents at the source device. According to an embodiment, the method includes performing an addition operation by using a first source internal key and an identifier (ID), the first source internal key being associated with the source device, the ID being associated with at least one of a target device and a storage medium of the target device, and the target device being connected to the source device; generating a source encryption key based on an output of the addition operation and a second source internal key by using a predetermined encryption algorithm, the second source internal key being associated with the source device; encrypting the digital content using the source encryption key; and transmitting the encrypted digital content without the source encryption key to the target device.
US07646869B2
The present invention relates to a system for copy protection of an information carrier, said system comprising a diffractive layer for delivering a speckle pattern when illuminated by a light source, a spatial filter, which is aligned with respect to the diffractive layer, for delivering a filtered optical signal from the speckle pattern and a detector array for delivering, when illuminated by said filtered optical signal, an electrical signal. Said system further comprises means for computing a cryptographic key from the electrical signal, and means for decrypting encrypted data contained in the information carrier from the cryptographic key. It finds its application in copy protection of content carriers such as optical discs or in smart cards.
US07646863B2
An apparatus and method are provided for advantageously powering a headset without a power cable. In one example, a headset includes a processor, an acoustic transducer, and a kinetic energy converter operably coupled to a power cell for powering the headset, the kinetic energy converter capable of converting kinetic energy of the headset into an output charge for charging the power cell. Advantageously, the present disclosure provides for reliably and efficiently powering a headset without having to replace or dock a headset battery and without requiring power cables.
US07646862B2
A new speakerphone wherein a loudspeaker is oriented to face the listeners of an audio conference. New speakerphones which have a bass loudspeaker and at least one tweeter loudspeaker wherein the tweeter loudspeaker is oriented towards listeners of an audio conference are also disclosed.
US07646857B2
A method for providing voicemail services includes receiving a voicemail message from a calling party and intended for a called party. The method further includes identifying a name associated with the calling party and storing the name associated with the calling party with the voicemail message.
US07646856B2
Methods and systems are disclosed that allow for the exchange of voice mail messages between different VMSs of different service providers and/or in different networks by the transmission of such messages through a data network using a standard protocol of the data network.Methods and systems also are disclosed that validate message transactions among subscribers receiving regional messaging services over the PSTN. The subscribers are located in different geographic areas and may be provided their voice, facsimile or data messaging services by different companies. The present invention validates passing messages (data) among customers of potentially different companies located in different areas by assessing the validity of the transaction in light of a number of conditions, including applicable regulatory or business conditions.
US07646854B2
The present invention is directed to a method and system for collecting contemporaneous information relating to a critical event. The method includes receiving a call requesting an emergency response to a critical event and in response to the call, using at least one communication network to transmit a request for supplemental information from reporting devices located in a specified area related to the critical event. The supplemental information is received over the at least one communication network.
US07646851B2
Disclosed is a device and method for generating X-rays having different energy levels as well as a material discrimination system thereof. The method comprises the steps of: generating a first pulse voltage, a second pulse voltage, a third pulse voltage and a fourth pulse voltage, generating a first electron beam having a first beam load and a second electron beam having a second beam load, respectively, based on the first pulse voltage and second pulse voltage, generating a first microwave having a first power and a second microwave having a second power, respectively, based on the third pulse voltage and the fourth pulse voltage, accelerating the first and second electron beams respectively using the first and second microwave to obtain the accelerated first electron beam and the second electron beam, hitting a target with the accelerated first electron beam and the second electron beam to generate a first X-ray and a second X-ray having different energy levels. The X-rays having different energy levels generated by the present invention can be used in the non-destructive inspection for large-sized container cargo at places such as Customs, ports and airports, and in realizing the material discrimination for the inspected object.
US07646849B2
An ultra-small angle X-ray scattering measuring apparatus includes a detector for detecting X-rays emitted from a sample, an X-ray collimating mirror arranged between the X-ray real focus and the sample, a monochromator arranged between the X-ray collimating mirror and the sample and an analyzer arranged between the sample and the detector. The X-ray collimating mirror includes a pair of X-ray mirrors that are arranged orthogonally relative to each other. The X-ray mirrors are multilayer film mirrors and their X-ray reflection surfaces are paraboloidal. The interplanar spacing of lattice planes of each of the multilayer films is continuously changed along the paraboloid so as to meet the Bragg's condition. The monochromator and the analyzer are formed by using a channel-cut crystal. The analyzer is driven to rotate for scanning around a 2θ-axial line and diffracted rays reduced to a spectrum by the analyzer are detected by the detector.
US07646846B2
The press formability of a galvanized steel sheet including an oxide film, which has a thickness of 10 nm to 100 nm, as a surface layer is nondestructively speedily evaluated. A specific method for solving problems is characterized by including the steps of irradiating X-rays to a galvanized steel sheet, dispersing a fluorescent X-ray, which is excited and emitted in the applying, with an analyzing crystal exhibiting the difference in diffraction angle between a primary oxygen Kα x-ray and a secondary zinc Lβ x-ray of 2 degrees or more, detecting the X-ray, which is dispersed in the dispersing and which mainly contains the primary oxygen Kα x-ray, with a detector, separating an X-ray at an energy level within the range of ±25% to ±75% relative to the reference (100%) that is the energy level of the primary oxygen Kα x-ray from the X-ray, which is detected in the detecting and which mainly contains the primary oxygen Kα x-ray, by adjusting the window width of a pulse-height analyzer, measuring the intensity of the X-ray separated in the separating, and evaluating the press formability of the galvanized steel sheet on the basis of the intensity of the X-ray measured in the measuring.
US07646838B2
The illustrative embodiments provide accurate time-based counters for scaling operating frequencies of microprocessors. A time-based counter circuit configuration in which a fixed frequency clock is derived from a PLL of the clock generation circuit of the microprocessor and is used to feed the external and internal timebase logic as well as a timebase accumulator counter. The timebase accumulator counter accumulates the tick events from the timebase logic between two core clocks. The accumulated value is transferred to the core clock domain on every clock edge of a scalable clock and the accumulator is then reset. Because the accumulated ticks are transferred to the core clock domain before the accumulator is reset, no ticks are ever lost using the circuitry of the illustrative embodiment.
US07646832B2
A signal receiver includes a sampling device for sampling a received signal carrying a stream of symbols to form a first set of actual samples. The signal receiver also includes interpolation means for interpolating between the samples of the first set to form a second set of interpolated samples. The signal receiver also includes symbol recovery means configured to process the first and second sets of samples so as to form an estimate of the symbols of the signal. The processing includes performing a temporal whitening step on signals derived from first and second sets of samples. The signal receiver also includes signal combining means using a matched filter and averaging technique.
US07646827B2
A detector (1) for zero crossings and a counter (2) which is connected to it are used to determine the time intervals between the zero crossings of the received signal or of an intermediate-frequency signal which is produced from the received signal, and for detection of the digital signal data. In this case, a sequence of determined zero crossing intervals can be stored in digital form in a shift register chain (3), and can be compared in a classification device (4) with previously stored interval sequences. Furthermore, a frequency offset can be determined by averaging the zero crossing intervals and can be compensated for by suitable selection or modification of the previously stored interval sequences, in which case the latter can also be used during the synchronization phase. The synchronization process may, furthermore, be assisted by payload data identification.
US07646825B2
To realize variable control of the output value of impulses with a simple construction, the present device includes an impulse generating unit which generates impulses; and a control unit which controls an output value of impulses output from the impulse generating unit by changing an input signal that is input to the impulse generating unit for generating impulses.
US07646824B2
Aspects of a method and system for a fast-switching Phase-Locked Loop using a Direct Digital Frequency synthesizer may include generating a second signal from a first signal by: frequency translating an inphase component of the first signal utilizing a filtered fast-switching oscillating signal generated using at least a direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS), and frequency translating a corresponding quadrature component of the first signal utilizing a phase-shifted version of the generated and filtered fast-switching oscillating signal. The inphase and quadrature components of the first signal may be multiplied with the filtered fast-switching oscillating signal and a phase-shifted version of the filtered fast-switching oscillating signal, respectively. The filtered fast-switching oscillating signal may be obtained by removing at least one frequency-sum term of the fast-switching oscillating signal, where the fast-switching signal oscillating signal may be generated from a signal generated by the DDFS that may be multiplied with an oscillating reference signal.
US07646814B2
A method for transcoding between videostreams using different entropy coding, comprising the steps of (A) decoding a first videostream using a first set of entropy codes, and (B) generating a second videostream by entropy encoding the decoded first videostream using a second set of entropy codes. The first set of entropy codes and the second set of entropy codes are configured to represent all valid coefficient values of the first videostream.
US07646811B2
A method of determining a reference picture, a method of compensating for a motion, and an apparatus therefore are provided. The method of determining a reference picture blocks constituting a current picture includes: (a) preparing tag information describing a plurality of pictures; and (b) determining one of the plurality of pictures to be a reference picture by referring to the tag information.
US07646810B2
Improved video coding is described to encode video data within a sequence of video frames. To this end, at least a portion of a reference frame is encoded to include motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame. At least a portion of a predictable frame that includes video data predictively correlated to said portion of said reference frame is defined based on the motion information. At least said portion of the predictable frame is encoded without including corresponding motion information and including mode identifying data. The mode identifying data indicate that the encoded portion of the predictable frame can be directly derived using at least the motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame.
US07646806B2
An apparatus for improved reception of a signal is described. The apparatus includes an equalizer that has at least two cascaded maximum-likelihood detectors and an adjustable delay unit. The equalizer and the adjustable delay unit are configured for adaptation in accordance with one or more multi-path signals in a communication channel that conveys the signal.
US07646804B2
A system and method for improving bit-loading in discrete multitone (DMT)-based digital subscriber line (DSL) modems. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a model generator configured to generate a model containing a calculated total bit loading for an assumed gross coding gain and estimated total bit loadings for a other plurality of assumed gross coding gains and (2) a bit loader associated with the model generator and configured to load bits in accordance with the model.
US07646802B2
Wireless communication receiver with hybrid equalizer and RAKE receiver. The receiver compares performance of the system for RAKE only and RAKE in combination with equalizer estimates. The receiver enables or disables the equalizer accordingly.
US07646792B2
In a data communication system such as a high capacity DBS system, dynamic mapping of broadcast resources is provided to exploit occasional redundancy in the program content of two or more input data streams, freeing at least one broadcast resource to carry alternate bitstreams, such as additional programs or existing programs at higher quality. Transmission maps defining the correspondence between input data streams and broadcast resources, and reception maps defining the correspondence between broadcast resources and output data streams, are updated as needed to dynamically modify broadcast resource mapping to increase effective utilization of available bandwidth. Beneficial n:n-y:m mapping in a high capacity consumer DBS entertainment system is provided. Apparatus and methods for efficiently generating, maintaining and updating allocation maps with reduced overhead requirements, are disclosed.
US07646791B2
A method of data segmentation in a transmitter of a mobile communications system includes initiating alternate extension bit interpretation, a last data segment of a Service Data Unit exactly ending at an end of a Protocol Data Unit, no Length Indicator in the Protocol Data Unit indicating the end of the Service Data Unit, a length of a next Service Data Unit following the Service Data Unit exactly equaling to a length of a data field of a next Protocol Data Unit following the Protocol Data Unit, and setting a first extension bit of the next Protocol Data Unit to be a specified value for indicating that the next Protocol Data Unit comprises a complete Service Data Unit, which is not segmented, concatenated or padded, and indicating that a Service Data Unit exactly ended in the Protocol Data Unit.
US07646789B2
In a communication system in which a plurality of communication terminals sequentially transfer data to a server during the respective transmission permissible periods assigned to the respective communication terminals, the communication terminal transfers a preamble for synchronization to the server at a time of starting the transmission permissible period, converts a data frame for every 8 bits into every 10 bit-code, and transmits to the server, the signal string with a code indicating the head added there, during the transmission permissible period, and turns a communication to the server into a zero signal state, during a period other than the transmission permissible period, while the server establishes a synchronization by reading the preamble for synchronization inserted into the signal string received from each of the communication terminals, converts a portion of the zero signal state of the signal string into a predetermined special code string, and inversely transforms the received signal string into the data frame before the coding.
US07646782B1
A buffering structure including at least a first FIFO storage structure to stage at least a selected one of undiverted egress packets and undiverted ingress packets is provided. The buffering structure further includes at least first associated packet drop logic to selectively effectuate head or tail flushes of the first FIFO storage structure. In various embodiments, one or more additional FIFO storage structures are also provided to stage one or more diverted and/or insertion of egress/ingress packets. Those use for staging diverted egress/ingress packets are likewise provided with associated packet drop logic to perform tail flushes of these additional FIFO structures. In one application, the buffering structure is employed by a multi-protocol network processor, which in turn is employed by an optical networking module.
US07646781B2
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for selectively discarding packets in a network device. The method includes receiving an upstream bandwidth saturation indicator for a queue in the network device, and identifying one or more codecs employed in packets in the queue when the upstream bandwidth saturation indicator indicates saturation. The method further includes determining a packet discarding policy based on the one or more codecs, and discarding packets in accordance with the packet discarding policy.
US07646773B2
A layer-2 network switch device forwarding database implementation and method to access the forwarding database. A forwarding database (FDB) is implemented as a tree. A separate VLAN database is also structured as a tree. Each node in the tree represents a separate VLAN. For each VLAN, all associated ports are maintained in a data structure organized as a tree. Likewise, all port information is maintained in a tree-based data structure, and for each port, all VLAN information associated with the port is maintained in a tree data structure. Each node in a VLAN's port tree data structure is linked with each corresponding node in the port's VLAN tree data structure. Each pair of nodes maintains a linked list of all FDB entries relating to the node pair. Operations are quickly and efficiently performed on the FDB using the data structure architecture.
US07646764B2
An IP network and a communication method therein. The IP network includes a first terminal adapted to make an outgoing call and a second terminal adapted to transmit information on a plurality of serviceable communication modes other than a communication mode of the call incoming from the first terminal depending upon whether the incoming call is connected.
US07646753B2
A system and method for an automatic retry method during initial registration and re-registration of a mobile device on a mobile Internet Protocol (MIP) network is provided. The mobile device is adapted to categorise a registration response (RRP) code and accordingly determine a course of action. By reacting intelligently to the RRP code category, the mobile device is able to maintain a point to point protocol (PPP) connectivity and achieve “always-on” status.
US07646751B2
An interface, apparatus, and method are described for communication between a radio equipment control (REC) node and a radio equipment (RE) node in a radio base station that tranceives information over radio interface using multiple antenna carriers. The REC node is separate from and coupled to the RE node by a transmission link. Both control information and user information are generated for transmission over the transmission link from one of the REC node and the RE node to the other. Many advantageous interface features are described.
US07646747B2
The present invention is directed to a channel structuring method that includes a step of providing time frames segmented at a predetermined interval in communication channels of n subcarriers, a step of selecting a predetermined number of subcarriers from n subcarriers and a step of inserting a common control channel signal and a common pilot signal periodically into each of the time frames of the selected subcarriers.
US07646743B2
A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user. A voice session and associate call setup simulates that of conventional telephone switching network, providing well-understood functionality common to any mobile, remote or stationary terminal, phone, computer, etc.
US07646738B2
An information distribution method for sending similar information from a sending node to all of receiving nodes in a given state in a dense wireless network. The sending node sends, only one time, information including status data directly to all of receiving nodes in an area where communication with the sending node is possible, not via a node other than the respective receiving nodes. Thereafter, the sending node determines whether or not any record corresponding to a receiving node to which the information should be sent is left in a distribution list. Only when it is determined that any record corresponding to a receiving node is left in the distribution list, the sending node sends information similar in content to the information sent in the directly sending step to the receiving node corresponding to the record left in the distribution list by using a unicast protocol.
US07646735B1
A method and apparatus for the detection and communication of a missing LAN or WAN compliant device is disclosed. The method and apparatus provide a front card configured to accept a Fast Ethernet device on a PCI-compliant bus, and the front card includes a switch which is serially disposed on a PCI_Idsel line corresponding to a particular channel of the front card. The switch is further configured to receive a sensing signal corresponding to the channel from the device. The apparatus is configured to provide the PCI_Idsel line to the front card if the sensing signal is in a first state, and to provide a low potential to the front card if the sensing signal is in a second state.
US07646734B2
A method for traffic engineering of connectionless virtual private network (VPN) services that includes receiving physical connectivity data for a connectionless VPN. The data includes service nodes and links between the service nodes. One or more of the service nodes are also edge nodes. Logical connectivity data for the edge nodes is received. A restricted topology is created in response to the physical connectivity data and to the logical connectivity data. The restricted topology includes a single path between each pair of the edge nodes and each path includes a plurality of the service nodes and one or more of the links. A bandwidth requirement for each link in the restricted topology is calculated. The bandwidth requirement is reserved on each link in the restricted topology. The method further comprises directing routing software to force a packet received from an edge node through one of the paths in the restricted topology.
US07646731B2
A network management system comprises generic routing encapsulation (GRE) logic configured to establish upon request one or more GRE tunnels from one or more network interfaces; routing protocol logic, coupled to a route database in the apparatus, and configured to operate a network routing protocol and to exchange network route information; network management logic configured to request the GRE logic to establish a particular GRE tunnel from the apparatus to a particular router in the network, to request the routing protocol logic to establish a synchronized route database associated with the apparatus for the particular router using the particular GRE tunnel, to determine whether the synchronized route database is missing one or more particular routes, and to generate a notification message when the synchronized route database is missing the one or more particular routes.
US07646730B2
A sequential iterative methodology is used to generate a solution space with different cost/availability values for multiple network architectures from which an optimal or near-optimal solution can be determined. A modeling module (10) provides a cost value for a network architecture under consideration and, once cost modeling is done, an availability analysis is performed for the architecture under analysis. If a relatively few connections prevent a model from acceptability, the availability analysis module (12) reveals the causing factors of the unsatisfactory availability for those few connections and suggests that the modeling perform further optimisations on those causing factors. This iterative process is repeated until an optimum or near-optimum acceptable solution is found; if no acceptable solution is found, the solutions generated in the availability analysis module are reviewed to find the best available solution.
US07646720B1
A remote service testing system comprising a service analyzer within an access network, a first enterprise network having a first plurality of nodes, and a first network extension coupled to the first enterprise network and the service analyzer. The service analyzer accesses the first enterprise network over the first network extension and performs test functions on the first plurality of nodes.
US07646717B1
A methods, apparatus and computer memory are provided for packet scheduling. A processor polls queues in a round robin fashion and schedules for transmission onto a link a packet in each queue with no deficit before scheduling for transmission onto the link a packet in each queue with a deficit. A credit is allocated to each queue with the deficit based on a proportional weight, until each queue with the deficit has a credit.
US07646715B2
Presented is a device for processing packets of flows on a network link. The device includes a scheduling module for scheduling packets in a queue in accordance with a fair queuing with priority algorithm.
US07646713B1
An access node comprises an access port configured for operating in a semi-transparent mode. The semi-transparent mode provides for 1:1 between a logical circuit on a network interface of the access node and a logical circuit on an access loop between the access port and customer premise equipment (CPE). The 1:1 mapping enables manipulation of subscriber traffic at the access port on a per-subscriber basis while maintaining logical separation of per-subscriber traffic.
US07646708B2
A computer system teams its network resources by apportioning each of the one or more network resources into one of two or more groups. The resources of each of the groups have links that are operative to be coupled in parallel to a different one of two or more network devices that provide connectivity to a network. One of the two or more groups is selected to be a primary group. A team layer2 address is assigned to one of the resources apportioned to the selected group. Each of the resources of the selected group is enabled to receive on the team layer2 address. The network device to which the selected group is coupled is enabled to load balance data received from the network among the resources of the selected group. Data transmitted from the system to the network is load-balanced over all of the resources independent of the group to which they belong.
US07646698B2
An optical disk and a method for identifying the optical disk making it possible to identify a recording system of the optical disk easily in a short time by a recording and reproduction apparatus when a groove-recording system and a land-recording system are both employed in one kind of optical disk, such as, for example, a BD-R. Specifically, a polarity upon reproducing wobble information is made to be the same in both an optical disk of groove-recording system and the optical disk of a land-recording system. The recording system of the optical disk that shows the same wobble polarity irrespective of the recording system can be easily detected by finding a tracking polarity that can recognize the wobble information by changing the tracking polarity, whereby the start-up time of the recording and reproduction apparatus can be shortened.
US07646697B2
An optical head device may include a frame type of laser beam emitting element provided with a heat radiating fin on which a laser chip is mounted, a device frame on which the laser beam emitting element, a light receiving element and an optical system are mounted, and a heat radiation member formed of material having a superior heat conduction property. The upper face of the laser beam emitting element is fixed to the device frame, and an under face of the heat radiating fin which corresponds to a portion where the laser chip is mounted is exposed on an outer side to form an exposed part, and the heat radiation member is disposed to extend over the exposed part and the device frame. The device frame may include a first protective cover covering the optical disk side of the optical elements, and a second protective cover which covers the optical disk side of the objective lens drive mechanism and which is separately formed from the first protective cover and made of material having a superior heat conduction property, and a part of the second protective cover is extended to a laser driver IC, which is disposed to be exposed on the optical disk side, to form a heat radiation part where heat generated in the laser driver IC is radiated.
US07646696B2
An objective optical element for use in an optical pickup apparatus, includes two or more optical elements having a first surface having a first phase difference providing structure and a second surface having a second phase difference providing structure, wherein each of the first and second phase difference providing structures emit a diffracted light flux corresponding to each of the entering first-third light fluxes, or emit a transmitting light flux which is not applied a diffractive action corresponding to each of the entering first-third light fluxes, and the first-third light fluxes enter into the objective optical element as an almost infinite parallel light flux for information reproducing and/or recording on the first-third optical information recording media respectively.
US07646683B2
The adjustment of regional code information in which a first region code and a first nation code associated with the first region code are received from an optical disc. At least one of a broadcasting signal or an IP address are received at an electronic device, such as a DVD player. A second nation code is extracted from the broadcasting signal and/or the IP address, and a second region code associated with the second nation code is determined. The second region code is compared with the first region code, and the second region code and the second nation code are stored at the device if the first region code and the second region code do not match.
US07646681B2
A method of automatically pausing an optical pickup in a DVD-RAM disc drive includes driving a DVD-RAM disc; determining whether a tracking error signal is generated during the driving of the DVD-RAM disc; generating a land/groove signal to discern land tracks and groove tracks of the DVD-RAM disc; determining from which track the tracking error signal has been generated in response to the determination that the tracking error signal has been generated; generating a jump signal in response to a state of the land/groove signal varying; and moving the optical pickup back by ½ of a track in response to the jump signal.
US07646680B2
An optical system (20) for efficiently collimating an elliptical light beam includes a light source (21), a first lens (22), a second lens (23), and a third lens (24). The light source is adapted for providing an elliptical light beam defining different diverging angles in different directions, wherein any cross-section of the elliptical light beam emitted from the light source defines a long axis and a short axis which are perpendicular to each other. The first lens, the second lens, and the third lens are used for reconfiguring the elliptical light beam, thus obtaining a round light beam having equivalent short axis and long axis, and equivalent diverging angles in both horizontal direction and vertical direction. Optical centers of the first lens, the second lens, and the third lens commonly define a common optical axis along which the elliptical light beams travels.
US07646679B2
A display mechanism is described, driven by the hour wheel of a mechanical or quartz horological movement, the hour wheel driving a cam controlling a rack turning about an axis and arranged in engagement with a pinion, secured to an hour hand, the cam having a configuration allowing different spaces or angles between the hours to be displayed.
US07646676B2
Sampling of a captured signal is synchronized to a tonal which may be unstable in frequency detected in the signal to cause it and all of its harmonics, sub-harmonics and fundamental to appear to have a substantially constant frequency relative to the sampling rate even if some related signals are otherwise undetectable amid noise. By adjusting an integration period of a fast Fourier transform to extract an intrinsic bandwidth, substantial signal processing gain can be obtained for the tonal and harmonically related signals, even if otherwise undetectable. Signal processing may be performed in either the time domain or the frequency domain. Recursive processing is performed to observe unrelated tones by grouping of tones which are harmonically related and supports detection of relationships between acoustic signal sources.
US07646674B2
An acoustic borehole logging system for generation and detection of multipole modes used to determine elastic properties of earth formations characterized as inhomogeneous anisotropic solids. The system concurrently generates and senses monopole, dipole, quadrupole and any higher order pole in the borehole/formation system in order to characterize the elastic properties and stress state of material penetrated by the borehole. Multipole modes of all orders are induced simultaneously without the need for separate transmitter and receiver systems. Performance of the logging system is not compromised due to eccentering of the axis of the tool in the borehole, tool tilt with respect to the axis of the borehole, or mismatch of response sensitivity of multiple receivers within the tool. The system comprises apparatus for generating and sensing acoustic signals in a borehole in an earth formation, and further comprises a processing method by which the sensor response signals are processed and analyzed to obtain desired formation parameters of interest.
US07646670B2
The present invention relates to an improved autonomous node seismic recording device having an integrated modular design and one or more features that assist coupling of the unit to the sea floor in order to improve the vector fidelity of seismic signal measurement.
US07646657B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array, word line, row decoder, bit line, sense amplifier, dummy cell array, dummy bit line, sense amplifier activation circuit, and signal interconnection. The word line is connected to memory cells arrayed in the column direction. The row decoder is connected to the word line. The bit line is connected to memory cells arrayed in the row direction. The sense amplifier is connected to the bit line. Dummy cells are arrayed in the row direction between the row decoder and the memory cell array. The dummy bit line is connected to the dummy cells. The sense amplifier activation circuit transmits a sense start signal for setting a sense start timing to the sense amplifier through the signal interconnection. In this arrangement, the signal delay of the word line is set to be equal to that of the signal interconnection.
US07646653B2
A driver circuit for an integrated circuit device includes a transistor that has a gate terminal, a source terminal, and a bulk substrate terminal. The source terminal is connected to the bulk substrate terminal. A pull-up circuit is connected between a power supply node and the source terminal. The pull up circuit is configured to increase a voltage at the source terminal and the bulk substrate terminal of the transistor responsive to a control signal.
US07646651B2
A latch structure includes a first inverter that includes a first PMOS transistor and a first NMOS transistor, and a second inverter that includes a second PMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, receives an output signal of the first inverter, and outputs an input signal to the first inverter. The sources of the first and second transistors of the same type are connected to a common straight source line.
US07646650B2
A buffer component for a memory module having a plurality of memory components includes item of access information in accordance with a data transmission protocol, the address, clock, control and command signals depending on the access information, a second data interface for driving a clock signal and address and command signals to the plurality of memory components and for driving a control signal to a group of the plurality of memory components in accordance with a signaling protocol, wherein an activation of the memory components and an acceptance of the address and command signals are effected in a manner dependent on the control signals, and a control unit which applies the address and command signals to the plurality of memory components during a first clock period of the clock signal and applies the control signal for activating the group of the plurality of memory components to the group of the plurality of memory components to be activated when address and command signals are present, in a succeeding second clock period of the clock signal, whereby the address and command signals present are accepted into the group of the plurality of memory components.
US07646649B2
A memory system having a plurality of DRAMs which are selectively provided non-inverted or inverted signals. The DRAMs have the ability to accept non-inverted or inverted address/command signals from a register that drives a plurality of signals simultaneously. The system includes DRAM receivers with programmable input polarity and a register with programmable output polarity.
US07646631B2
A memory device as described herein includes a memory member contacting first and second interface structures. The first interface structure electrically and thermally couples the memory member to access circuitry and has a first thermal impedance therebetween. The second interface structure electrically and thermally couples the memory member to a bit line structure and has a second thermal impedance therebetween. The first and second thermal impedances are essentially equal such that applying a reset pulse results in a phase transition of an active region of the memory member spaced away from both the first and second interface structures.
US07646630B2
A memory element, a threshold switching element, or the series combination of a memory element and a threshold switching element may be used for coupling conductive lines in an electrically programmable matrix array. Leakage may be reduced by optionally placing a breakdown layer in series with the phase-change material and/or threshold switching material between the conductive lines. The matrix array may be used in a programmable logic device.
US07646627B2
Between the value of an electric current and the supply duration for which the electric current is supplied that cause magnetization reversal, there is the relation of monotonous decrease. This means that, as the supply duration is shortened, the threshold current value for causing the magnetization reversal is larger. Therefore, in terms of suppressing occurrence of read disturb, the read current supply duration may be shortened to increase the threshold value of the current causing the magnetization reversal and thereby ensure a sufficient read disturb margin. Therefore, the read current supply duration may be shortened relative to the write current supply duration ensure the read disturb margin and suppress occurrence of read disturb.
US07646621B2
A programmable power supply provides multiple output channels that may be independently driven to vary the frequency and duty cycle of each channel. The power supply includes the capability of receiving a program via a program interface on the power supply. The power supply also includes the capability of reading a program from a device that is plugged into the power supply's output connector. In this manner, a device to be powered (such as an EL panel sign with multiple segments) may contain a program that specifies how the segments are to be driven. This allows the power supply to dynamically reconfigure itself for many different signs by simply plugging a different sign into its output connector. The preferred embodiments also provide an improved connector system for EL panel signs, and includes output compensation to automatically compensate for degradation in an EL panel over time.
US07646617B2
The invention concerns a method for controlling a direct voltage source with a first direct voltage source (2) and a voltage monitoring device (24), which monitors an output voltage of the first direct voltage source (2) and acts upon a control device (31), the control device (31) controlling the working state of the first direct voltage source (2). Further, the invention concerns a voltage supply device (22) with which the method can be used. In this connection it is endeavored to reduce the risk of an increase in voltage in a circuit with several direct voltage sources. For this purpose, a second direct voltage source (3) produces a voltage change at the voltage monitoring device (24).
US07646606B2
A power control system may use power semiconductor devices such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT's) in a switching unit to provide motor control. The IGBT's may be cooled with a system that is configured and sized to provide proper cooling at steady-state operating conditions of the switching unit. The IGBT's may be placed in thermal communication with a compartment that may contain phase change material (PCM). When and if the switching unit is operated under transient high load conditions, excess heat may be absorbed by melting of the PCM. When steady state operating conditions are restored the PCM may solidify and release its latent heat to a coolant. The PCM may thus act as a thermal buffer for the cooling system and thus may provide that the cooling system may be minimally sized.
US07646598B2
The invention provides an electronic device that is environment-friendly and capable of achieving satisfactory noise prevention effect at low cost, and a housing implementing such electronic device. The housing has an electronic circuit disposed therein, and includes a component exposure section in which part of a conductive component disposed in the housing is exposed outward, a plate section made of a conductive material having a predetermined thickness, and spreading at a distance from the component exposure section, and a bridge section with the overall thickness thereof larger than the thickness of the plate section, extending along the component exposure section and electrically connecting the plate section and the conductive component.
US07646595B2
A computing device includes a baseboard, a memory coupled to the baseboard, an input/output coupled to the baseboard and a processor system coupled to the baseboard. The processor system includes a circuit board, a central electronic control coupled to the circuit board and a processor component. The device further includes a first structure coupling the processor component to the circuit board and retaining the processor component relative to the circuit board at a selected one of a plurality of positions in both directions along an axis perpendicular to the circuit board. The first structure is movably coupled to one of the processor component and the circuit board for movement in a direction perpendicular to the first axis at least prior to being coupled to the other of the processor component and the circuit board.
US07646587B2
A solution or dispersion of an ion-permeable compound, a carbon fine particle a, and a solvent is coated on a conductive sheet such as an aluminum foil, the coat is dried to form a film a. which allows to obtain a collector for an electric double layer capacitor. A solution or dispersion of a binder, a carbon fine particle b, an activated carbon b, and a solvent is coated on the film a, the coat is dried to form a film b, which results in obtaining an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor. The electrode is piled on a separator, and immersed in an electrolytic solution to obtain an electric double layer capacitor.
US07646583B2
A common centroid symmetric structure capacitor is provided, which includes a first metal layer, a second metal layer, a third metal layer, and a fourth metal layer. The first metal layer is adjacent to the second metal layer, the third metal layer is adjacent to the first metal layer, the fourth metal layer is adjacent to the second metal layer, and the first metal layer is symmetric to the fourth metal layer, the second metal layer is symmetric to the third metal layer. Each of the metal layers has two sets of metal wires, each set has a plurality of metal wires, and each of the metal wires in each set is arranged in an interlaced manner.
US07646579B2
Embodiments of the invention prevent a spindle motor from stopping rotation while data on a magnetic disk is being erased by using a permanent magnet. In one embodiment, data in the whole area of the magnetic disk is erased as a consequence of the magnetic disk rotating in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet located so as to face a part of the magnetic disk. A back yoke is located so as to face a base. The back yoke gives a magnetic force to the spindle motor in the opposite direction of the magnetic force of the erasing permanent magnet so that the fluid dynamic bearing spindle motor can retain the rotation as required without stopping rotation.
US07646577B1
A power plugging device with a function of releasing charges from electric surges serves for resolving problems caused by the switching surge generated by the electric system load switch, or the lightning surge generated directly or indirectly by the lightning. Accordingly, the damages of the electric appliances caused by electric pulses are avoided. A wrap layer forms between the plugging terminals. The wrap layer comprises a hollowed space. Furthermore, an electric discharging hole penetrates through the wrap layer from the hollowed space. Two terminals are mounted within the wrap layer and separated to each other for a certain distance. The tails of the two terminals are electrically connected to the plugging terminals respectively. While an instant high voltage/electric pulse generates, the terminals are used for point discharging. The hollowed space and the electric discharging hole form an electric discharging path for protecting the circuit.
US07646576B2
An apparatus and method for high-voltage transient blocking employing a transient blocking unit (TBU) that has at least one depletion mode n-channel device interconnected with at least one depletion mode p-channel device such that a transient alters a bias voltage Vp of the p-channel device and a bias voltage Vn of the n-channel device in concert. Specifically, the bias voltages are altered such that the p-channel device and n-channel device mutually switch off to block the transient. The depletion mode n-channel device employs a set of cascaded low-voltage depletion mode field effect transistors (FETs) such as metal-oxide-silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs) connected source-to-drain to achieve the desired high-voltage operation of the TBU.
US07646567B2
A FOS is provided for electrically connecting a data transfer head with a PCCA. The FOS comprises a polymeric layer supporting an electrical trace. The electrical trace comprises an uninsulated pad surface configured for electrically engaging a solder interconnect of the PCCA. The polymeric layer comprises a continuous portion covering the pad and opposing the pad surface. A method is provided comprising providing the FOS comprising the electrical trace and the polymeric covering, contactingly engaging the pad surface portion of the trace with the solder interconnect portion of the PCCA, and conducting heat through the polymeric covering to reflow the solder interconnect, thereby electrically connecting the FOS to the PCCA.
US07646566B1
A disk drive includes a drive circuitry, a storage disk, a suspension and a slider. The slider is supported by the suspension and receives electrical current from the drive circuitry. The slider includes a flying side that generally faces the storage disk, a read/write head, and a slider deformer that is electrically decoupled from the drive circuitry. In one embodiment, the slider deformer is formed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than a coefficient of thermal expansion of other portions of the slider. In this embodiment, the slider deformer causes a deformation of a portion of the flying side when the temperature of the slider deformer changes. Thus, when the read/write head expands or contracts due to a change in temperature of the slider, the slider deformer at least partially offsets the expansion and/or contraction of the read/write head to maintain a substantially consistent head-to-disk spacing of the disk drive.
US07646565B2
A magnetic head assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a tape bearing surface. A plurality of elements are coupled to the substrate and positioned towards the tape bearing surface. The elements selected from a group consisting of readers, writers, and combinations thereof. A base is coupled to the substrate. The base has an outrigger formed integrally therewith. The outrigger causes a tape passing thereacross to approach the substrate at a first wrap angle relative to a plane of the tape bearing surface of the substrate.
US07646559B1
A control system includes a write head that writes servo data on a rotating medium. A control module signals the write head to write a servo test track on the rotating medium and subsequent to a reference servo track. The reference servo track is written prior to an interrupt event. The control module detects a position of the servo test track relative to the reference servo track and signals the write head to write a new servo track based on the position after the interrupt event.
US07646551B2
A method, apparatus and system providing a microlens having a substantially flat upper surface and having a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern in a microlens material which produces a focal point at a desired location.
US07646550B2
A three-dimensional imaging system uses a single primary optical lens along with three collinear apertures to obtain three offset optical channels each of which can be separately captured with an optical sensor.
US07646546B1
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transforming a laser beam to a polarized shaped beam in, for example, a frequency converted laser system. In one embodiment, an anamorphic optical system includes a first prism and a second prism that can be configured to form a Brewster telescope, the first prism and second prism each having an input surface and an exit surface, and wherein at least one surface of the input or exit surfaces are coated with a polarization selective coating. The optical system can include an adjustment system configured to change the position of one or both of the first prism and the second prism to adjust the transformation of the shape of the laser beam. In some embodiments of the optical system, a configuration of the first prism, the second prism, and the polarization selective coating produce a laser beam having a polarization ratio of about 100:1 or higher.
US07646543B2
A non-linear modification to telecentric object space together with alteration of working distance provides a distortion adjustment feature. The modification to telecentric object space can be manifest as a spherical aberration in an entrance pupil. The change in working distance can be made by relatively translating the imaged object through the modified telecentric object space. The distortion adjustment can be made to compensate for distortions accompanying changes in ambient or operating conditions. Distortions accompanying magnification corrections can also be corrected.
US07646536B2
A disclosed reflective screen is configured to display an image projected from a projection device located within a short distance. The reflective screen comprises a first reflective surface configured to reflect, in a substantially same direction, projection light beams projected from a first position, and a second reflective surface configured to reflect, in the substantially same direction, projection light beams projected from a second position different from the first position.
US07646535B1
An eyepiece assembly for use in a rifle scope may include an eyepiece that is made of a material that is transparent to light. A holographic reticle may be positioned within the eyepiece. The eyepiece assembly may also include a chrome reticle. The chrome reticle may be positioned so that the chrome reticle is aligned with the holographic reticle. A cover portion may be attached to the eyepiece.
US07646523B2
An optical scanning apparatus allowing reduction in the size of the overall apparatus and the size of an imaging optical system LB with the use of an optical deflector that swings back-and-forth and an image forming apparatus using such an optical scanning apparatus, comprising: light source means; a condense optical system that condenses a light beam emitted from the light source means; an optical deflector that deflects the light beam emergent from the condense optical system; and an imaging optical system that images the light beam deflected by a deflection surface of the optical deflector on a scanning surface, wherein the optical deflector has a function of moving the deflection surface back-and-forth, the light beam emergent from the condense optical system converges in a sub-scanning cross section, and the convergence position is on the light source side of the deflection surface.
US07646516B2
An image reading apparatus for reading a document image includes: a document feeding tray for placing the document thereon; a first document reading position for reading the first face of the document ejected and conveyed each from the document feeding tray; a document reverse tray for storing the document so that the document having passed through the first document reading position is reversed and conveyed; a stationary document reading position wherein the document having passed through the document reverse tray and having been reversed and conveyed is conveyed to a platen and the stationary document is read; and an image reading unit for reading the document image. The image reading unit stops at the first document reading position to read the first face of the document, and performs scanning movement at the stationary document reading position to read the second face of the document.
US07646512B2
The invention discloses an image processing apparatus and method thereof capable of preserving a great deal of light and dark details, so as to improve the contrast of each image. Furthermore, when calculating the value of gray level, the gray levels may be divided into equal parts, each of which includes four gray levels. Accordingly, the range of gray level is changed from 0˜255 to 0˜63, such that the hardware resources can be saved.
US07646511B2
The invention relates to a method of printing a compressed image having a bi-level black data layer and a continuous tone (contone) CMYK data layer. The method includes the steps of receiving the image from an image host, expanding the image by decompressing the two data layers in parallel, and halftoning the contone CMYK layer data into a bi-level CMYK data layer. The method also includes the steps of compositing the bi-level black layer over the bi-level CMYK layer to form a composited bi-level CMYK image, and finally printing the composited bi-level CMYK image with a pagewidth printhead onto a print medium.
US07646501B2
An image forming apparatus in which a client terminal and a printer are connected to a communication network, includes an image capturing part provided in a vicinity of the printer, a recognizing part to sense a person approaching the printer and to recognize an identity of the person, based on a face image of an image captured by the image capturing part, and a control part to control the printer to perform a print job issued by the person, based on a recognition output from the recognizing part.
US07646494B2
The invention relates to a system and method for detecting the displacement, such as the deflection, of a plurality of elements (1), such as microcantilevers, forming part of an array (2), by emitting a light beam (4) towards the array (2) and by receiving a reflected light beam on an optical position detector, whereby the position of incidence of the light beam is determined by the displacement of the corresponding element. The system further comprises: scanning means (7) for the displacing the light beam (4) along the array (2) so that the light beam is sequentially reflected, by the individual elements (1) along said array (2); and reflection detecting means (11) for detecting when the light beam is reflected by an element. The system is arranged so that when the reflection detecting means (11) detect that the light beam is reflected by an element, the corresponding position of incidence of the light on the detector is taken as an indication of the displacement of the element.
US07646489B2
A film thickness measuring apparatus of the present invention includes: a light source that emits white light to be irradiated onto a multilayer thin film; a spectroscope that disperses reflected light obtained as a result of irradiating the white light onto the multilayer thin film in order to obtain reflectance spectrums; and a computation section, said computation section including: a setting section that sets a plurality of wavelength ranges for the reflectance spectrums; a first conversion section that obtains wavenumber range reflectance spectrums by re-sequencing, among the reflectance spectrums, reflectance spectrums in the plurality of wavelength ranges set in said setting section at equal intervals, respectively; a second conversion section that converts the wavenumber range reflectance spectrums in the plurality of wavelength ranges obtained in said first conversion section into power spectrums, respectively; and a calculation section that obtains a film thickness of the multilayer thin film based on the power spectrums.
US07646485B2
A method and apparatus for enhancing the accuracy of spectroscopic measurements using a cavity ringdown spectrometer (CRDS) is provided. A first aspect of the invention consists of a novel algorithm for the processing of ring-down data that significantly reduces the amplitude of an exponential fitting artifact, and thereby gives a better estimate of the actual loss. The primary cause of the artifact is the presence of an unwanted backwards-traveling wave that counter-propagates within the ringdown cavity. Scattering due to small imperfections at the cavity mirrors produces this wave and its intensity may be minimized by adjustment of the mirror positions during cavity construction. A second aspect of the invention consists of an apparatus for measuring the backscattered wave within a cavity to allow such cavity mirror adjustments to be made.
US07646483B2
A light emitting device with an integrated measuring module for determining at least one measured value for calculating the power consumption of the lamp, the luminosity emitted by the lamp and/or the operating time of the lamp. The measuring module is integrated in the lamp and is used in the light emitting device considerably simplifies the measuring of the energy operating characteristics of the lamp.
US07646482B2
An apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples in a biological sample container containing samples arranged at different locations on the base of the container. An optical acquisition device is provided comprising a detector and an objective. The position of the upper and lower surfaces of the base at each of the sample locations is determined by a confocal polychromatic displacement sensor. Light is collected from each of the sample locations by adjusting the focal plane to be coincident with, or vertically offset from, the upper surface of the base, as determined from the displacement sensor. This allows for rapid scanning of large numbers of samples in a multi-well plate or other biological sample containers.
US07646479B2
An apparatus can correctly discriminate between types of a recording medium, and obtain good fixed image by performing fixing in the optimum fixing conditions for a variety of different types of recording media. The apparatus includes an LED 101 serving as a first irradiation section, an LED 104 serving as a second irradiation section, a phototransistor 103 serving as a first reading section, and a phototransistor 102 serving as a second reading section. The light output from the LED 101 operating as the light source and passing through a slit 111 illuminates a surface of recording paper P on a recording paper conveyance guide 105. Besides, the recording paper conveyance guide 105 has a window opened for illuminating the recording paper from its underside in the present embodiment. The reflected light from the recording paper P is gathered via slits 112 and 113 and is received by the phototransistors 102 and 103.
US07646474B2
A measuring device for analyzing an analyte contained in a sample. The device includes a hollow housing, a sample holding part provided inside the housing for holding the sample, a sample supply inlet provided for the housing so as to communicate with the sample holding part, an optical measurement part provided for the sample holding part for making an optical measurement, a reagent holding part provided for the sample holding part for holding a reagent for the optical measurement, and at least one electrode provided on an outer surface of the housing.
US07646471B2
A level sensor for a lithographic projection apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a light source, a first reflector, a second reflector and a detector. The first reflector is positioned to direct light from the light source towards a wafer surface, and the second reflector is positioned to direct light reflected from the wafer surface to the detector. The first and second reflectors are selected to incur a minimal process dependent apparent surface depression.
US07646470B2
A lithography system and a lithography method is provided for increasing reliability and efficiency of immersion lithography. By varying a scan speed between a wafer and an optical component depending on at least one process parameter during exposure of the wafer, loosening of a fluid meniscus during the relative movement of the optical component and the wafer is avoided.
US07646469B2
An immersion lithography system is provided which includes an optical source operable to produce light having a nominal wavelength and an optical imaging system. The optical imaging system has an optical element in an optical path from the optical source to an article to be patterned thereby. The optical element has a face which is adapted to contact a liquid occupying a space between the face and the article. The optical element includes a material which is degradable by the liquid and a protective coating which covers the degradable material at the face for protecting the face from the liquid, the protective coating being transparent to the light, stable when exposed to the light and stable when exposed to the liquid.
US07646468B2
A double processing technique for device manufacture includes performing a first patterning step to form apertures in a resist layer which apertures are filled before the first resist layer is stripped and replaced by a second resist layer to be used in the second exposure.
US07646446B2
A method for repairing a storage capacitor on gate or a storage capacitor on common line is described. A portion of each pixel electrode is disposed above a scan line or a common line. An upper electrode is disposed between the pixel electrode and the corresponding scan line or the common line. The pixel electrode and the upper electrode are electrically connected. A defective capacitor is formed when a particle/defect is produced between the upper electrode and the common line or the scan line. The method of repairing the defective capacitor includes removing a portion of the pixel electrode corresponding to the upper electrode of a defective storage capacitor and electrically isolating the upper electrode and the corresponding pixel electrode of the defective storage capacitor. The upper electrode and the scan line or the common line of the defective capacitor are welded together.
US07646432B2
A multimedia signal matching system for performing a picture-in-picture function includes: at least one set-top box including a decoder for decoding multimedia signals in a predetermined reference format and generating a control signal for performing the picture-in-picture function; and a multimedia matching device for receiving multimedia signals in various formats from a broadcast communication network and the control signal from the set-top box, processing the received multimedia signals into signals with the predetermined reference format responsive to the control signal.
US07646430B2
Systems and methods are herein given to effect a multiple mode display system that may accept multiple input image data formats and output several possible image data format. In a first embodiment, an image processing system comprises: an input that receives a plurality of source image data, said plurality of source image data further comprising a plurality of source image data formats; circuitry that resamples source image data from said source image data format to a plurality of target image data formats; and a display that renders target image data wherein the resolution of the display comprises approximately one half resolution of the largest of said plurality of target image data formats.
US07646428B2
In a package including a base fixed with a solid image pickup element, a side wall rising up along the periphery of the base, and internal terminals arranged on a step of the side wall, a plurality of recesses are formed at certain intervals in a lower part of the step to prevent bleeding of an adhesive fixing the solid image pickup element from creeping up over the internal terminals. When the adhesive and bleeding thereof spread around the solid image pickup element during die bonding, they flow into the recesses, making even fast-flowing bleeding hardly creep up an inner surface of the side wall including the step, and enabling prevention of the adhesive from adhering to the internal terminal. Strength, questioned by the presence of the recesses upon wire bonding, can be secured by residual parts between the recesses, and defective wire bonding is less likely to occur.
US07646427B2
A mounting board of a camera module of a mobile phone is screwed to an outer cover through cushions formed of rubber, sponge or the like. A solid state imaging device and an optical unit of the camera module are contained in an opening formed in the outer cover and do not contact the outer cover. The mounting board is connected to a main substrate through a flexible board. Accordingly, even if the mobile phone is dropped down, the camera module is prevented from breakage by the vibration or the shock applied to the mobile phone, because the vibration and the shock are not transmitted to the camera module directly.
US07646423B2
An image capturing apparatus illuminates and captures an image of an object using reflected light therefrom, with simplified distance measurement. A plurality of light-emitting devices are mounted around an image sensor, and a light guide member guides the light of the light-emitting devices to an image capturing region for illumination. The image capturing apparatus having the closely disposed image capturing system and illumination system, further has a distance-measuring light-emitting device and an aperture on the distance-measuring light-emitting device and for generating an optical path having narrowed downside and broadened upside. Thus, diffused reflected light rays of distance-measuring light-emitting device can be selected, converged and output to one direction. It becomes possible to obtain sufficient irradiation amount even when using a power-saving light-emitting device of a small emission amount, and to miniaturize a distance sensor irradiating spot light, contributing to miniaturization of the image capturing apparatus.
US07646419B2
A multiband camera system includes: a first sensor for generating a first object image and a first alignment image in a first frequency band; a second sensor for generating a second object image and a second alignment image in a second frequency band; and an internal alignment assembly. A splitter directs radiation in the first frequency band from the object to the first sensor to form the first object image, directs radiation in the second frequency band from the object to the second sensor to form the second object image, directs radiation in the first frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the first sensor to form the first alignment image, and directs radiation in the second frequency band from the internal alignment assembly to the second sensor to form the second alignment image. The first alignment image and the second alignment image establish a reference for aligning the first and second object images.
US07646417B2
The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the orientation of the displayed subject is the same as the actual orientation of the subject. The reference attitude when taking a picture is shown in FIG. 5, with the lid 12 being rotated substantially about 90 degrees about the X-axis with respect to the main body, and a perpendicular of the display 32 is in the same orientation as the optical axis of the CCD 41. In this attitude, the image captured by the CCD 41 is displayed as it is in the display 32. On the other hand, when the angle detector 51 detects that the lid 12 is rotated by a further 90 degrees with respect to the main body 11 from the attitude of FIG. 5 and the lid 12 and the main body 11 are opened by about 180 degrees, the image captured by the CCD 41 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated image is displayed in the display 32. The present invention can be applied to portable type terminals such as mobile phones having a two axially rotatable structure, PDA, personal computers.
US07646415B2
Whether the image of a subject contains a redeye-image area is detected. If the image contains a redeye-image area, this area is corrected. In order that a user can ascertain that a redeye-corrected image area has been corrected, a frame is displayed around this corrected image area. The fact that the image area within the frame has undergone the redeye-image correction can be ascertained owing to display of the frame. The user can ascertain which area in the image of the subject has been subjected to redeye-image correction processing.
US07646403B2
A camera system deblurrs an image by detecting a velocity of a camera as an image is captured by an image sensor. A processor interconnected to the image sensor and the velocity detector processes the sensed image so as to deblurr the image and output the deblurred image to a printer means.
US07646400B2
A method for forming a panoramic image using a camera. The method comprises taking a first photograph using the camera. On a display of the camera a blending area is formed. The blending area includes a part of a first image of the first photograph displayed on the display. The camera is moved before being prepared to take a second photograph. In the blending area only, a pixel matching process is performed for determining an alignment of the portion of the first image in the blending area and part of a second image of the second photograph in the blending area. A camera is also disclosed.
US07646399B2
An imaging module is provided and includes: an imaging section that capturing an image of an object and outputs an image signal; a bus connected to the imaging means; a receiving section that receives the image signal through the bus; an image data generating section that generates an image data based on the image signal; and a transmitting section that transmits the image data through the bus. The receiving section received the image signal at a timing of one of rising and falling of a synchronizing clock, and the transmitting section transmits the image signal at a timing of the other of the rising and falling.
US07646397B2
What exemplifies the invention is an electro-optical device that includes a matrix of pixel elements, a matrix of pixel drivers, each of which corresponds to each of the pixel elements, and a matrix of element processors, each of which corresponds to each of the pixel drivers. The element processors collaborate in executing grayscale calculation for transforming the grayscale resolution of the pixel data into another grayscale resolution, which is intrinsic in the couple of the pixel element and the driver, with reference to error distributed from the adjacent element processors in order to supply the result of calculation to the corresponding pixel driver, and also in distributing the error of grayscale calculation to the adjacent pixel elements.
US07646396B2
In an environment in which a plurality of landscape images are held at distributed locations, virtual walkthrough is implemented by making display transition to another landscape image obtained by sensing a landscape that neighbors a displayed landscape upon displaying an image of a given landscape.
US07646394B1
The present invention relates to a system, method and computer program product for enabling user interaction with objects in a virtual environment independently of apparent virtual viewpoint altitude, by non-linearly scaling the virtual actuator. In doing so, the system receives a virtual-viewpoint position and a virtual actuator position from a virtual environment processing subsystem, and a real-viewpoint position and a real-actuator position from a real-world environment tracking subsystem. An xy-scale factor is then calculated based on the virtual-viewpoint position. A non-linear mapping is thereafter calculated between a real dataset and a virtual dataset based on the xy-scale-factor. The real dataset comprises the real-actuator position and the real-viewpoint position in the real-world environment, and the virtual dataset comprises the virtual-actuator position and the virtual-viewpoint position in the virtual environment.
US07646387B2
Method and apparatus implementing and using techniques for processing a character for display on a raster output device having a resolution defined by a set of output pixel positions. A stem of the character is aligned to a best sub-pixel boundary. The character is rendered at a resolution higher than the resolution of the raster output device. The aligned character is downsampled to the raster output device resolution.
US07646374B2
An exercise keyboard including a substantially vertical keyboard array of keypads arranged for typing alphanumeric letters by pushing of keypads of the array so as to type one the letter per the push of one of the keypads. Each keypad is padded so as to accommodate the pushing of the keypads by striking or kicking of the keypads by a user. The array is mounted in, and advantageously to, a supporting frame and sized for the striking or kicking of the key pads by a user while standing. The keyboard is adapted for communication with a computer.
US07646373B2
Two or more spatial filters are used in determining velocity based on speckle translation. A light source may be turned on, turned off, or both for a variable amount of time during operation. The velocity may then be determined with trend identification, correlation, recursive frequency estimation, or measurement bandwidth variation. A confidence level may also be calculated for the measured velocity, and the measured velocity reported or used only when the calculated confidence level meets or exceeds a given value.
US07646352B2
A log-periodic dipole array system employs a structure for the transmitter and the receiver designed in a way such that they compensate for the non-linear characteristics of each other to realize linear phase characteristics as a pair. Radiation elements on the receiver are positioned with respect to its corresponding transmission line in an order opposite to the positioning of the radiation elements on the transmitter. Although neither the transmitter dipole array nor the receiver dipole array itself has linear phase characteristics, the overall dipole array antenna system can realize linear phase characteristic. The log-periodic dipole array system has the advantages that linear phase characteristics can be obtained without sacrificing high radiation efficiency and gain.
US07646349B2
A mobile terminal that may reduce a specific absorption rate (SAR) includes a case, a circuit board in the case, a ground in the circuit board, an antenna pattern, and a ground pattern spaced apart from the antenna pattern and made of a material that absorbs electromagnetic waves. The ground pattern is connected to the ground of the circuit board or an auxiliary ground.
US07646338B2
The present invention concerns a method of optimization of processing of signals from satellite positioning systems in the case where at least two satellite systems cohabit and are utilized to obtain the position of a receiver.One of the systems is given preference on the basis of a criterion of performance and the satellites of the other systems are eliminated that are situated at an azimuth/elevation angle difference less than a threshold relative to the satellites of the preferred system.
US07646330B2
Communication between a remote locator and a transponder is used to determine the relative position of the transponder. The transponder and locator each include a transmitter and a receiver. The locator transmits an inquiry in the form of a relatively powerful cyclically encoded signal with repetitive elements, uniquely associated with a target transponder. Periodically, each transponder correlates its coded ID against a possible inquiry signal, determining frequency, phase and framing in the process. Upon a match, the transponder transmits a synthesized response coherent with the received signal. The locator integrates multiple cyclical response elements, allowing low-power transmissions from the transponder. The locator correlates the integrated response, determines round-trip Doppler shift, time-of-flight, and then computes the distance and angle to the transponder. The transponder can be wearable, bionically implanted, or attached to, or embedded in, some object.
US07646329B2
A method of detecting a target in a scene comprises the steps of generating a comparison of the value of data elements in first and second data sets, the data elements corresponding to returns from the same part of the scene and setting a detection threshold value for the comparison so as to detect targets entering said that part of scene The method provides improved target detection in the presence of clutter.
US07646328B2
A method and a system to process radar volume scan data along an azimuth angle of a radar, to interpolate the radar volume scan data taken from adjacent elevation angles along the azimuth angle of the radar to obtain radar data corresponding to a predetermined altitude along the azimuth angle, and to display the radar volume scan data obtained corresponding to the predetermined altitude on a PPI display.
US07646323B2
The present invention relates to controlling the timing of a clock signal in high speed circuits, such as an analogue-digital converter (ADC). In some high speed data transfer techniques, the incoming data is latched using a clock signal. Often, the delay between the incoming data being clocked into the circuit and being ready to use (referred to as the “clock-to-Q period”) is large enough to cause problems. In particular, the clock-to-Q period may be sufficient to result in the original clock signal being inappropriate to clock the latched signal. The present invention provides a data capture circuit with matched latch to address this issue, particularly a first latch having an input for receiving a data input signal; a first sense amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the first latch; a second latch having an input coupled to the output of the first sense amplifier and an output providing a first data output; and a clock generator, the clock generator comprising: a third latch having an input for receiving a first clock signal; a second sense amplifier having an input coupled to an output of said third latch; and a fourth latch having an input coupled to an output of said second sense amplifier and an output providing a first adjusted clock signal, wherein said first and third latches are substantially the same, the first and second sense amplifier are substantially the same and the second and fourth latches are substantially the same.
US07646319B2
An apparatus for processing a signal and method thereof are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding are performed with interconnection, and grouping is used to enhance coding efficiency. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining data corresponding to a plurality of data coding schemes and deciding an entropy table for at least one of a pilot reference value and a pilot difference value included in the data using an entropy table identifier unique to the data coding scheme and entropy-decoding at least one of the pilot reference value and the pilot difference value using the entropy table.
US07646303B2
A detector for detecting the presence of a memory tag, the detector comprising a radio frequency source operable to generate a radio frequency signal and a detector resonant circuit part connected to the radio frequency source, the detector resonant circuit part comprising an antenna, the detector further comprising a power monitor responsive to the power of a reflected signal returned from the detector resonant circuit part, the power monitor being operable to generate an output in response to the power of the reflected signal, wherein a decrease in the power of the reflected signal indicates the presence of a tag in the vicinity of the antenna.
US07646298B1
A method for receiving information on measurable conditions using at least one enterprise server and at least one remote terminal unit. The enterprise server is adapted to simultaneously handle multiple types of telemetry and multiple different protocols associated with at least one remote terminal unit on at least one vessel over a network. Selective encryption is used to communicate between the server and the remote terminal unit. The remote terminal unit collects data on measurable conditions, which is stored, streamed to enterprise server, or combinations thereof. When the collected data exceeds a preset limit, an alarm is automatically initiated. During communication, the enterprise server simultaneously on-line configures and reconfigures the remote terminal unit.
US07646292B2
A device for tracking an item or a box may include a conductive mesh configured to at least partially cover the item or the box, and a wireless tag coupled to the conductive mesh. The wireless tag may be configured to report a breaching of the conductive mesh or an opening of the box by issuing a first predetermined RF signal. The wireless tag may include a GPS device and the first predetermined signal may include GPS-derived geographical information.
US07646284B2
Print media (28) having a plurality of radio frequency data storage devices (88) passes through a print media pathway (110) of a printer assembly (14). The devices (88) can be programmed using groups (142, 144) of antennas which are arranged about the print media pathway (110) such the simultaneous programming of multiple devices (88) can be achieved. A data programming device (94) consisting of multiple reader/programmers (94a, 94b, 94c) can be utilized in combination with one or more RF multiplexers (152, 154) to reduce the time necessary to program the devices (88) separately.
US07646282B2
An insulator for a cutout switch and fuse assembly used in connection with an electrical power grid, including a body including a first end and a second end, a guide connector, a conductor strip, and a tool structure is located, a pivot connector is located at the second end of the body, and a mounting connector is located on the body between the first end and the second end. In an alternative embodiment, universal connectors are located at the first end and the second end. The body is manufactured by a filament winding process.
US07646279B2
Apparatus for supplying energy to a load, comprises a power supply unit (102) e.g. a switched mode electronic transformer or electronic ballast having an input for receiving current at mains frequency and a means for stepping-up said mains frequency to a higher frequency e.g. 30-50 kHz and an output for delivering energy at the higher frequency. A two part connector (108) has a first core portion (106) that has a primary winding (104) connected to the output of the power supply unit and a mating second core portion (112) that has a secondary winding (110) for delivery of energy to a load (114), the core portions being of a high resistivity material, e.g. a ferrite having a resistivity of at least 104 Ωcm. The apparatus may be used to power e.g. low voltage halogen or other incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, or an electric motor, a power supply for a computer, radio, television or like electronic device, a heater or the like.
US07646266B2
A Q-factor of a resonator at a high frequency is improved. An insertion loss of a filter using such a resonator and steepness of the filter are improved. A plurality of surface acoustic wave resonators including an interdigital transducer and reflecting electrodes provided on both sides thereof are connected in parallel on a piezoelectric substrate. Resonance frequencies of the surface acoustic wave resonators are rendered equal among all the resonators connected in parallel. In this way, the Q-factor of the resonance can be improved. A surface acoustic wave filter using such surface acoustic wave resonators is formed in order to improve the insertion loss and the steepness.
US07646263B1
An antenna feed system having a single corrugated horn wave guide ports in one of the corrugations, a combiner network which receives signals at approximately 20 GHz from the four wave guide ports and provides sum and difference signals, and a transducer which provides transmit signals at approximately 30 GHz and approximately 44 GHz to a rear end of the single horn.
US07646262B2
An exemplary device that operates as a differential splitter includes a plurality of differential signal conductors. Each of the conductors is coupled to at least one other of the conductors by a connector and a resistor. The coupled conductors are impedance matched by a combination of a spacing between the connector and the resistor, an impedance of the conductors and a resistive value of the resistor. An input is associated with two of the differential signal conductors. A plurality of outputs are each associated with a respective two of the differential conductors.
US07646261B2
The present invention is directed to a coupler structure that includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. L first transmission line layers are disposed in the structure. Each first transmission line layer includes a first transmission line conforming to a predetermined geometric configuration. The first transmission line is disposed on a first dielectric material between the first port and the second port. L is an integer. M second transmission line layers are disposed in alternating layers with the L first transmission line layers to form a total of N transmission line layers within the structure. M and N are integers and N is greater than or equal to three. Each second transmission line layer includes a second transmission line substantially conforming to the predetermined geometric configuration. The second transmission line is disposed on a second dielectric material between the third port and the fourth port. Each second transmission line is disposed in a predetermined position relative to a corresponding first transmission line within the structure.
US07646259B2
A toolless video balun is disclosed to include a bottom cover shell covered with a top cover shell to hold a circuit board and a BNC connector, two metal terminals bonded to the circuit board with the respective sharp-edged top metal holder portions respectively inserted into respective insertion slot in a terminal block at the top cover shell, and a pressure cap pivoted to the top cover shell for holding down electrical wires of a network line in wire grooves in the terminal block for causing the metal holder portions of the metal terminals to make contact with conductors of the electrical wires of the network line respectively.
US07646257B2
A plurality of varactors are coupled via a first electrode to a shared terminal that in turn can operably couple to a source of control voltage. A second electrode for each varactor couples to a corresponding switch, where each switch couples to at least two different voltage levels. So configured, the second electrode of each varactor can be individually connected to either of two voltage levels. This can be leveraged to control, in coarse steps, the overall aggregate effective capacitance presented by these components. At least some of these varactors can have differing corresponding capacitances, the specific values of which can be selected in order to facilitate relatively equal spacing and substantially equal rates of reactance change versus the control voltage value between aggregate-capacitive reactance ranges as correspond to differing settings for the switches at various levels for the control voltage source.
US07646246B2
A semiconductor device includes a phase compensation circuit 6 using a MOS capacitor with a structure in which an insulating film is disposed between a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate and a diffusion layer. The phase compensation circuit includes first and second MOS capacitors 14, 15. A gate electrode terminal of the first MOS capacitor is connected equivalently to a diffusion layer terminal of the second MOS capacitor that is a terminal opposite to the gate electrode terminal. A potential difference generating element 16 that generates a potential difference by allowing a current to flow therethrough is connected between a diffusion layer terminal of the first MOS capacitor and a gate electrode terminal of the second MOS capacitor. When the MOS capacitors having the voltage dependence are used, e.g., as a phase compensation circuit element of an operational amplifier, the MOS capacitance is not reduced, no matter the range of the input or output voltage of the operational amplifier, so that the phase margin will not reduced.
US07646244B1
A unity gain buffer is provided. The unity gain buffer includes two complementary pairs of emitter followers and two bias current sources. The top bias current source is arranged to provide a bias current so that, if the input voltage is greater than zero, the bias current provided by the top current source increases at the input voltage increases. The bottom current source is arranged to provide a bias current so that, if the input voltage is less than zero, the bias current provided by the bottom current source decreases as the input voltage decreases.
US07646240B2
A Class D amplifier includes a ramp generator that generates a ramp signal and an inverted ramp signal. A signal generator generates first, second, third and fourth signals by comparing the ramp and inverted ramp signals to an input signal. A frequency of the ramp signal is approximately two orders of magnitude higher than a frequency of the input signal. The signal generator transitions from a first state to a second state of a first control signal after one of the first and second signals occurs, transitions from a first state to a second state of a second control signal after one of the third and fourth signals occurs, and transitions from the second state to the first state of one of the first and second control signals when the other of the first and second control signals transitions to the second state. An output stage includes first and second switches that are controlled based on the first and second control signals, respectively, and generates output current based on the first and second control signals.
US07646239B2
There is provided a feed-forward amplifier which enables a predistortion circuit to obtain sufficient distortion compensation effects even if ambient temperature or the like changes. The feed-forward amplifier includes a variable attenuator for controlling the amount of attenuation of a signal input to a main amplifier, a variable attenuator for controlling the amount of attenuation to prevent deterioration of distortion compensation due to a change in the ambient temperature of the main amplifier, a variable attenuator for controlling the amount of attenuation of a signal input to an auxiliary amplifier, and a variable attenuator for controlling the amount of attenuation to prevent deterioration of distortion compensation due to a change in the ambient temperature of the auxiliary amplifier, wherein a control circuit controls the variable attenuators to reduce the amount of attenuation according to the reduced gain of the main amplifier and the reduced gain of the auxiliary amplifier, and a control circuit controls the variable attenuators to optimize the amount of attenuation according to the ambient temperature of the main amplifier and the ambient temperature of the auxiliary amplifier.
US07646235B2
A programmable current generator includes a decoder unit to generate a first and a second set of control signals as a function of a current control word. The current generator further includes a first and a second array of current sources, wherein the current sources of the first array generate a first current and an auxiliary current, each depending on the first set of control signals and on a reference current. The second array of current sources generates a second current depending on a second set of control signals and on the auxiliary current. An output current is generated depending on the first and the second current.
US07646232B2
A signal adjusting circuit is provided. The signal adjusting circuit includes a first operational unit, a second operational unit, an auto-gain controller (AGC), a first clamp circuit, and a second clamp circuit is provided. The first operational unit performs an operation to a digital signal and a first gain value, to obtain a first adjusting signal. The second operational unit performs an operation to the digital signal and a second gain value, to obtain a second adjusting signal. The AGC generates a third gain value according to the first adjusting signal. The first clamp circuit receives and restricts the third gain value between a first upper limit and a first lower limit for generating the first gain value. The second clamp circuit receives and restricts the third gain value between a second upper limit and a second lower limit for generating the second gain value.
US07646227B2
A phase discriminator for being used in a phase-locked loop to determine if a phase difference between a reference signal and a target signal has reached a programmable gap value is disclose which comprises a programmable phase gap selector receiving the reference signal, a first phase digital converter converting an output signal from the programmable phase gap selector to a first digital code, a second phase digital converter converting a phase difference between the target signal and the reference signal to a second digital code, and a code comparator comparing the first and second digital code and generating a first instructional signal based on a change of order of the values of the first and second digital code.
US07646220B2
A rail-to-rail high speed subLVDS receiver demonstrates good jitter and duty cycle performance for high-speed signals at low power supply levels. A sample receiver includes a voltage shifter for shifting the voltage levels of a differential input signal so that a shifted differential input signal is produced. The shifted differential input signal can be applied to a first differential pair, and the differential input signal can be applied to a second differential pair. The outputs of the first and second differential pairs can be summed together to produce a differential output signal. The differential output signal can be output using an output block. A clamp circuit can be used to adjust the gain of the first differential pair responsive to a common mode voltage of the first and second differential input signals.
US07646209B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit, able to repair a fault and normally operate as an overall circuit even when a fault occurs in a portion of the circuit, and able to reduce a change of signal delay along with the repair of the fault, including N (larger than 2) number of circuit modules which can replace each other's functions; circuit blocks each including R (larger than 1 but smaller than N) number of I/O units for outputting at least one signal to one circuit module, and receiving at least one signal generated in the one circuit module; and a circuit module selection unit configured to select R number of circuit modules from among the N number of circuit modules in response to a control signal, connect the selected R number of circuit modules and R number of I/O units of the circuit block in a 1:1 correspondence, and connect one circuit module selected from at least two circuit modules in response to the control signal to each of the R number of I/O units, and a method of producing the same.
US07646206B2
A measuring apparatus is provided which has least one voltage source for providing a supply voltage for a semiconductor device to be tested, at least one first tester channel connected to the supply voltage source via a first RC element having a first resistor and a first capacitor connected in series therewith, wherein the first tester channel is adapted for the temporally resolved measurement of a charging voltage of the first capacitor.
US07646202B2
A method for measuring a resistance and an inductance of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in a static state includes inputting a rated current of the PMSM and 150% of the rated current at a state of locking an axle of the PMSM, recording corresponding voltages V100% and V150%, and dividing the voltage difference with the current difference to obtain the resistance of the PMSM. The method continues dividing an electrical period into six voltage vectors, and performing four voltage cycles for every the voltage vector. The voltage cycle includes step of outputting a quarter of the voltage V150%, and outputting the voltage V150% after the current being stable. After one of the six voltage vectors being finished, the method switches to the other voltage vectors and repeats the voltage cycles, and the method is completed till all of the six voltage vectors being finished. Finally, the method continues to compare rising times of the voltage vectors and convert the rising times to inductances, and to define the maximum of the inductances as an inductance of a q axis and to define the minimum of the inductances as an inductance of a d axis.
US07646200B2
A coolant sub-assembly is provided for use in a DNP apparatus. The sub-assembly comprises a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends. The jackets are adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region. A coolant supply path extends adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube. An auxiliary coolant supply path supplies coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one aperture in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region. One or both ends of the inner bore tube opens into a coolant waste path for conveying coolant away from the inner bore tube, and wherein the coolant, auxiliary coolant, and waste paths are coupled to pumping means in use to cause coolant to pass along the coolant, auxiliary coolant and waste paths.
US07646198B2
The present invention is directed to methods for chemical species signal suppression in magnetic resonance imaging procedures, wherein Dixon techniques are enhanced by continuously sampling techniques. In the invention, k-space data is acquired during the entire period of read gradient associated with a gradient echo pulse acquisition scheme. The invention utilizes a total sampling time (TST) acquisition during the entire read gradient, using three echoes of a TST data set to achieve chemical species separation in both homogenous fields as well as areas of field inhomogeneity. As an example, a continuously sampled rectilinearly FLASH pulse sequence is modified such that the time between echoes was configured to be 2.2 milliseconds, with TE selected to allow 180° phase variation in the fat magnetization between each of the three TE's (TE1, TE2, and TE3). Data collected during the dephase and rephase gradient lobes are defined as a first Dixon acquisition, with data collected by the read gradient lobe being defined as a second Dixon acquisition. Two point Dixon reconstruction techniques are used to form images for each chemical species, such as for generating water and fat images of the scanned object region. Other corrections, such as off-resonance correction may be applied on the image data.
US07646191B2
A method for detecting a leading edge blanking parameter of a power management chip includes generating a pulse signal and inputting the pulse signal to the power management chip, wherein the amplitude of the pulse signal will cause a PWM signal of the power management chip to change its duty cycle; detecting the PWM signal to generate a detecting result; when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal does not change, adjusting a pulse width of the pulse signal to generate an adjusted pulse signal, inputting the adjusted pulse signal to the power management chip and detecting the PWM signal; and when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal changes, determining the leading edge blanking parameter of the power management chip according to the pulse width of the pulse signal.
US07646190B2
A stress measurement device includes a current supply portion; a series circuit which is connected to the current supply portion and has a piezoresistive element that forms a single gauge resistance and a compensating diode that is connected in series to the piezoresistive element; and a voltage measuring portion that measures voltage between both ends of the series circuit. The single gauge resistance has a piezoresistive effect in which a resistance value changes according to applied stress, and a positive temperature characteristic in which the resistance value increases depending on an increase in temperature. The compensating diode is provided in a forward direction with respect to the current supply portion and has a negative temperature characteristic in which a voltage between an anode and a cathode of the compensating diode decreases depending on the increase in temperature.
US07646189B2
In one embodiment, a PWM controller uses the input power of a power system to regulate a duty cycle of a switching PWM signal.
US07646188B2
A voltage regulator has an output transistor that receives an input voltage inputted via an input terminal and that outputs a constant output voltage via an output terminal. A voltage divider circuit divides the output voltage to generate a divided voltage. A reference voltage circuit generates a reference voltage. An error amplifier circuit generates an error signal by comparing the divided voltage with the reference voltage. A protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator. A control circuit controls the output transistor to increase the output voltage to maintain the output voltage constant when an error signal is generated by the error amplifier circuit, and does not control the output transistor to increase the output voltage when the protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator.
US07646185B2
A synchronous switching regulator controller incorporates a switch detection circuit to determine the presence or absence of a power switch at the output of a switch driver so that the switch driver can be disabled when it is left unused. In one embodiment, the synchronous controller includes a switch detection circuit receiving a power cycle signal and the PWM ramp clock signal and measuring a voltage at an output node of the switch driver. The switch detection circuit provides a driver enable signal in response to the assertion of the power cycle signal. The driver enable signal has a first logical state when the voltage at the output node of the switch driver is greater than a reference voltage and a second logical state when the voltage at the output node is less than a reference voltage. The switch driver can be disabled based on the driver enable signal.
US07646181B2
A control circuit of a DC-DC converter is provided. A mode selection section selects an Active Clamp Forward (ACF) or a Logic Link Control (LLC) mode. A soft start section generates a soft start signal in the ACF and LLC modes. A PWM comparison section compares a current detection signal with a feedback signal, a feedback reference signal and the soft start signal in the ACF mode, and generates a PWM signal based on a comparison result. A selection section selects the PWM signal of the PWM comparison section in the ACF mode. A clock generation section generates a clock signal having a fixed frequency in the ACF mode, and generates a clock signal having a frequency based on an operating current and the soft start signal in the LLC mode. A latch section maintains the PWM signal in response to the clock signal in the ACF mode and maintains the clock signal in the LLC mode.
US07646178B1
A brushless generator with permanent-magnet multi-pole rotor disks and coreless stator winding disks includes integral electronics to efficiently generate regulated DC current and voltage from shaft input power over a broad speed range. Its power rating is scalable, and it incurs no cogging torque, or friction from gearing. Integral power control electronics includes high-frequency pulse-width-modulated boost regulation, which provides regulated current at requisite voltage over its broad speed range. A main embodiment to produce DC power at widely variable speeds includes signal processing so output power varies according to the third power of speed. A version for use with vertical-axis wind turbines has a relatively large diameter to facilitate a large number of poles. Combined boost-regulation, zero cogging torque, and no gearing, enable a wide speed range, for better power quality and higher wind energy yields. An alternate embodiment is intended to produce DC power from a variety of shaft drive sources, with selectable shaft torque.
US07646176B2
A controller for a rechargeable battery and a temperature estimation method and a deterioration determination method for a rechargeable battery enabling an accurate battery temperature to be obtained through calculation. The controller calculates a heat generation amount of Joule heat generated in the rechargeable battery and a heat generation amount of chemical reaction heat generated in the rechargeable battery to calculate the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery based on the calculated Joule heat generation amount and the calculated chemical reaction heat generation amount. When a cooling device is connected to the rechargeable battery, the controller preferably calculates the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery using the Joule heat generation amount, the chemical reaction heat generation amount, and a value indicating the cooling capability of the cooling device.
US07646175B2
A device or a method for supplying a current to a load. A peripheral temperature of the load is detected. Based on the detected peripheral temperature and a predetermined time period, the unit amount of the current being supplied is switched between a first current and a second current.
US07646172B2
A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.
US07646166B2
A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.
US07646165B2
A converter circuit for converting an output voltage from an AC power supply includes a rectifier circuit for rectifying the output voltage of the AC power supply; first and second capacitors connected in series, for smoothing the output of the rectifier circuit; and a switch circuit for switching the connections between the respective capacitors and the AC power supply so that the output voltage of the AC power supply is applied to each of the respective capacitors at a cycle that is shorter than the cycle of the AC power supply.
US07646162B2
A control circuit for fan operating comprises a drive operating circuit, a potential modulating circuit, a comparator and a switch circuit. The drive operating circuit at least has a voltage source, a drive IC, a Hall IC and a motor coil winding, the drive IC is connected with the voltage source, and the Hall IC and the motor coil winding are connected with the drive IC. The potential modulating circuit is connected with the drive IC of the drive operating circuit and has a modulating signal source to provide a PWM signal with a duty cycle. The comparator has an input end and an output end, the input end is connected with the potential modulating circuit, and potential state of the output end is determined in accordance with the duty cycle of the PWM signal. The switch circuit is connected with the drive IC of the drive operating circuit and the output end of the comparator, and operating state of the drive IC of the drive operating circuit is determined in accordance with potential state of the output end.
US07646150B2
A plasma display panel that is capable of reducing power consumption and improving exhaust efficiency. The plasma display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a plurality of discharge cells partitioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of phosphor layers arranged within the plurality of discharge cells, a plurality of address electrodes extending in a first direction on the second substrate and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction, arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, arranged apart from the plurality of address electrodes, and protruding in a third direction away from the second substrate, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes face each other with a space therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of first electrodes and each of the plurality of second electrodes respectively include a plurality of expanded portions corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of discharge cells and extending in the third direction, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting ones of the plurality of expanded portions.
US07646144B2
An OLED device, comprising: a substrate; a first electrode formed over the substrate; one or more organic layers formed over the first electrode, at least one organic layer being a light-emitting layer; and a bi-layer electrode comprising a first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer formed over the one or more organic layers, and a second transparent conductive non-hermetic layer formed over the first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer.
US07646132B2
An axial gap EDM deploys as a stator coils a series of two parallel serpentine windings that each circumscribe an arc segment of a circle. Each arc segment that forms the stator winding assembly is powered as a separate phase. The two winding are readily formed by shaping one or more wire segment. Preferably the parallel winding are arranged to overlap with a half period rotational offset such that the radial directed serpentine segments of that are disposed above and below the stator disk are interlaced when viewed in projection through the disk. In one embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap so that they can be inserted on the stator disk from the edge. A separate rotor disk is adjacent each side of this stator disk. In another embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap, so they can be inserted to surround a single rotor disk which has two series of magnets disposed on opposite sides.
US07646129B2
The invention relates to a stator for an electric machine, which has a core comprised of laminated sheet metal (1), the pole teeth (2) of each laminated sheet metal (1) of the core being connected to one another via respective webs (3). The laminated metal sheets (1) of the core are made from a two-state steel and, in the area of the pole teeth (2), have a high relative permeability and, in the area of the webs (3), have a section (5, 6, 7) with a low relative permeability.
US07646128B2
A rotor for an electric motor according to the invention comprises a substantially cylindrical core, conductive rods and two short-circuit rings. The cylindrical core is formed from a core material and provided with a plurality of longitudinal grooves which extend substantially in the direction of the cylinder axis. The conductive rods are formed from an electrically conductive material and are provided in the longitudinal grooves of the cylindrical core. The two short-circuit rings conductively connect the axial ends of the conductive rods to one another. A diffusion layer extends between the conductive rods and the cylindrical core. The diffusion layer comprises a diffusion material.
US07646118B2
A portable power working machine includes a drive unit disposed in a motor housing connected to a proximal end of an operating arm. The drive unit rotates a cutting blade at a distal end of the operating arm. The motor housing has an inlet and an outlet for cooling air in front and rear sections, respectively. The drive unit includes an electric motor disposed near the front end of the motor housing, a cooling fan disposed near the rear end of the motor housing and connected to an output shaft of the electric motor, and a heat sink disposed between the cooling fan and the electric motor so as to extend from the electric motor. The cooling air drawn in through the inlet by the cooling fan is guided through a gap between the drive unit and an inner surface of the motor housing and is discharged through the outlet.
US07646108B2
Some embodiments include a die having an output control circuit to interact with an output circuit to convert a source voltage into at least one output voltage. The die may also have a converter circuit to convert the output voltage into at least one additional output voltage.
US07646107B2
Methods and systems for programmable power adaptors that can be programmed to adapt electrical power for one or more electronic devices. A programmable power adaptor optionally includes a user interface and/or other user input mechanism(s), which allows users to preset voltage requirements for one or more electronic devices. The pre-settings are stored in memory for future use. The programmable power adaptor is optionally configurable for multiple electronic devices, and/or multiple users. The programmable power adaptor optionally informs users of faults, proper device usage, and/or provides database access.
US07646104B2
A semiconductor circuit element for reducing undesirable charging effects for a connection element of test structures for semiconductor circuits is disclosed. A surface of a semiconductor circuit element has interconnect structures that are electrically insulated from the remainder of the surface of the semiconductor circuit element, where exclusively the interconnect structures are connected to semiconductor circuit elements arranged downstream.
US07646097B2
Bond pads for semiconductor devices and method for fabricating the same are provided. A bond pad has a first passivation layer having a plurality of openings. A conductive layer which overlies the openings and portions of the first passivation layer, having a first portion overlying the first passivation layer and a second portion overlying the openings. A second passivation layer overlies the first passivation layer and covers edges of the conductive layer.
US07646094B2
A semiconductor device (10) includes: a substrate (1), including an electrode pad (1a); an IC chip (4), mounted on the substrate (1); and an externally connecting terminal (7), formed on the electrode pad (1a) and electrically connected with the IC chip (4), the externally connecting terminal (7) including a resin core (7a) made of an elastic material and including a metal layer (7b) formed outside the resin core (7a), thereby providing a semiconductor device having high packaging reliability.
US07646092B2
A semiconductor device of the invention includes: a substrate having a hollowed hollow section on a top surface; a semiconductor chip mounted in the hollow section of the substrate; and a lid having a substantially plate-shaped top plate section that opposes the substrate and covers the hollow section, and having at least one pair of side wall sections that project from a circumference of the top plate section towards the substrate and that engage with a side surface of the substrate. The substrate and the lid can be accurately positioned.
US07646087B2
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die. The first semiconductor includes a plurality of first bond pads formed on a peripheral region of the first semiconductor die, a plurality of re-distributed layer (RDL) pads formed on a center region of the first semiconductor die, and a plurality of wire routes interconnecting the first bond pads and the RDL pads. The second semiconductor die is disposed over the first semiconductor die, wherein the second semiconductor die has a plurality of second bond pads electrically connecting to the RDL pads via bonding wires; wherein the RDL pad is supported by at least a layer of stress-releasing metal disposed directly underneath the RDL pad.
US07646070B2
A spacer structure for FinFETs. The structure includes (a) a substrate, (b) a semiconductor fin region on top of the substrate, (c) a gate dielectric region on side walls of the semiconductor fin region, and (d) a gate electrode region on top and on side walls of the semiconductor fin region. The gate dielectric region (i) is sandwiched between and (ii) electrically insulates the gate electrode region and the semiconductor fin region. The structure further includes a first spacer region on a first side wall of the gate electrode region. A first side wall of the semiconductor fin region is exposed to a surrounding ambient. A top surface of the first spacer region is coplanar with a top surface of the gate electrode region.
US07646069B2
An integrated circuit memory of the read-only memory type includes at least one memory cell. Each memory cell includes a storage transistor realized in a semiconductor substrate and presenting a source connected to a reference potential, a gate connected to an electrically conductive word line, and a drain connected to an electrically conductive bit line by an optional connection depending on whether the memory cell is assigned the value 0 or 1. The storage transistor of each memory cell includes a gate formed on the substrate, in the form of a window whose inner contour delimits a central drain region in the substrate, and whose outer contour delimits at least one source region in the substrate.
US07646063B1
Transistor structures for relatively even current balancing within a device and methods for fabricating the same are disclosed. These devices can be used in relatively compact MOSFET Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protection structures, such as in snapback devices. One embodiment utilizes a salisided exclusion layer for segmentation of the source and/or drain diffusion areas, while the others utilize poly for segmentation of the source and/or drain area. Also, diffusion is used generically herein and, for example, includes implants. These techniques provide relatively good ESD tolerance while consuming a relatively small amount of area, and provide significant area and parasitic capacitance reduction over the state of the art without sacrificing ESD performance. These techniques are also applicable to current balancing within relatively high current devices, such as drivers.
US07646056B2
In a gate structure of a non-volatile memory device is formed, a tunnel insulating layer and a charge trapping layer are formed on a substrate. A composite dielectric layer is formed on the charge trapping layer and has a laminate structure in which first material layers including aluminum oxide and second material layers including hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide are alternately stacked. A conductive layer is formed on the composite dielectric layer and then a gate structure is formed by patterning the conductive layer, the composite dielectric layer, the charge trapping layer, and the tunnel insulating layer.
US07646054B2
In order to reduce the integrated circuit area that is occupied by an array of a given number of flash memory cells, floating gate charge storage elements are positioned along sidewalls of substrate trenches, preferably being formed of doped polysilicon spacers. An array of dual floating gate memory cells includes cells with this structure, as an example. A NAND array of memory cells is another example of an application of this cell structure. The memory cell and array structures have wide application to various specific NOR and NAND memory cell array architectures.
US07646051B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a storage pad and a bit line pad on the semiconductor substrate, a first interlayer insulating layer covering the bit line pad and including a bit line contact hole having a width greater than a width of the bit line pad, a barrier insulating layer on sidewalls of the first interlayer insulating layer and upper portions of sidewalls of the bit line pad that are exposed by the bit line contact hole, a bit line plug in the bit line contact hole and on the barrier insulating layer; and a storage plug penetrating the first interlayer insulating layer and contacting the storage pad.
US07646034B2
The present invention discloses a surface mount type light-emitting diode package device and a light-emitting element package device. In the device, the encapsulation layer comprises an encapsulation material and at least one material having a refraction index different from the encapsulation material distributed therein. The distribution of the material having a refraction index different from the encapsulation material is in a way such that the refraction index of the encapsulation layer is gradually reduced from the bottom portion upward to the top portion or the inner portion outward to the outer portion of the encapsulation layer. Accordingly, a difference between the refraction indexes of two adjoining media can be reduced to eliminate a total reflection and the Fresnel loss and enhance light extraction efficiency.
US07646030B2
A flip chip type LED lighting device manufacturing method includes the step of providing a strip, the step of providing a submount, the step of forming a metal bonding layer on the strip or submount, the step of bonding the submount to the strip, and the step of cutting the structure thus obtained into individual flip chip type LED lighting devices.
US07646026B2
An integrated vertical SiC—PN power diode has a highly doped SiC semiconductor body of a first conductivity type, a low-doped drift zone of the first conductivity type, arranged above the semiconductor body on the emitter side, an emitter zone of a second conductivity type, applied to the drift zone, and at least one thin intermediate layer of the first conductivity type. The intermediate layer is arranged inside the drift zone, has a higher doping concentration than the drift zone, and divides the drift zone into at least one first anode-side drift zone layer and at least one second cathode-side drift zone layer. There is also disclosed a circuit configuration with such SiC—PN power diodes.
US07646025B1
LED devices incorporating diamond materials and methods for making such devices are provided. One such method may include forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal SiC layer on a substantially single crystal Si wafer, forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal diamond layer on the SiC layer, doping the diamond layer to form a conductive diamond layer, removing the Si wafer to expose the SiC layer opposite to the conductive diamond layer, forming epitaxially a plurality of semiconductor layers on the SiC layer such that at least one of the semiconductive layers contacts the SiC layer, and coupling an n-type electrode to at least one of the semiconductor layers such that the plurality of semiconductor layers is functionally located between the conductive diamond layer and the n-type electrode.
US07646022B2
The present invention provides an active matrix type display device having a high aperture ratio and a required auxiliary capacitor. A source line and a gate line are overlapped with part of a pixel electrode. This overlapped region functions to be a black matrix. Further, an electrode pattern made of the same material as the pixel electrode is disposed to form the auxiliary capacitor by utilizing the pixel electrode. It allows a required value of auxiliary capacitor to be obtained without dropping the aperture ratio. Also, it allows the electrode pattern to function as a electrically shielding film for suppressing the cross-talk between the source and gate lines and the pixel electrode.
US07646014B2
Disclosed is an organic thin film transistor, including a substrate, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, an organic semiconductor layer, and source/drain electrodes, in which a fluorine-based polymer thin film is provided between the source/drain electrodes and the organic semiconductor layer. A method of fabricating such an organic thin film transistor is also provided. According to example embodiments, the organic thin film transistor may have increased charge mobility and an Ion/Ioff ratio, due to decreased contact resistance between the source/drain electrodes and the organic semiconductor layer. Moreover, upon the formation of the organic semiconductor layer and insulating film, a wet process may be more easily applied, thus simplifying the fabrication process and decreasing the fabrication cost.
US07646006B2
A switching circuit configured for controlling static power consumption in integrated circuits includes a plurality of three-terminal, phase change material (PCM) switching devices connected between a voltage supply terminal and a corresponding sub-block of integrated circuit logic. Each of the PCM switching devices further includes a PCM disposed in contact between a first terminal and a second terminal, a heating device disposed in contact between the second terminal and a third terminal, the heating device positioned proximate the PCM, and configured to switch the conductivity of a transformable portion of the PCM between a lower resistance crystalline state and a higher resistance amorphous state; and an insulating layer configured to electrically isolate the heater from said PCM material, and the heater from the first terminal. The third terminal of a first of the PCM switching devices is coupled to a set/reset switch, and the third terminal of the remaining PCM switching devices is coupled to the second terminal of an adjacent PCM switching device in a cascade configuration.
US07646003B2
A focusing apparatus and a lithography system using the same capable of adjusting a uniformity of an electromagnetic field by moving a portion of a magnetic field generator. The focusing apparatus may control a path of an electron beam generated from an electron-beam emitter of the lithography system. In the focusing apparatus, a uniformity of the magnetic field in the vacuum chamber may be adjusted through movement of the portion of the magnetic field generator with respect to the vacuum chamber.
US07645998B2
A detector module includes an array of detector elements and a printed circuit board. On a first side of the circuit board, the array of detector elements is arranged, and on a second side at least one component used for signal processing is arranged. The printed circuit board makes electrical contact with a plug connector having a free space in which the component is held. The detector module is provided for a detector of a computed tomography unit.
US07645994B2
Disclosed is a device for outputting high and/or low energy X-rays, in which the electron gun power supply provides power to the electron linear accelerating tube under the control of the control system; the microwave power source accelerates electron beams generated by the electron linear accelerating tube under the control of the control system; the electron linear accelerating tube is connected to the electron gun power supply and the microwave power source respectively, to generate high energy electron beams; the high-voltage electron gun power supply provides power to the high-voltage electron gun under the control of the control system; the high-voltage electron gun is connected to the voltage electron gun power supply to generate low energy electron beams; the radiation target receives the high energy electron beams to generate high energy transmission X-rays, and/or receive the low energy electron beams to generate low energy reflection X-rays. The present invention can be applied in the radiotherapy and the medical imaging, or can be applied in the nondestructive inspection.
US07645990B2
Thermal-type infrared imaging device comprises an infrared ray detection unit in which pixels, each of which includes a bolometer, are arranged two-dimensionally; and a signal processing unit that sequentially reads signal of each bolometer in synchronization with switching operation of a horizontal shift register and a vertical shift register, integrates the read signal using an integration circuit, and outputs the integrated signal. The signal processing unit is configured so that it can set a sensitivity (for example, voltage applied to bolometer, capacitance of a capacitor in the integration circuit, and/or period of time for integrating the signal) for each pixel according to a predetermined pattern in synchronization with switching operation for classifying a plurality of pixels into a plurality of types of pixels for which different sensitivities are set, for example, high-sensitivity pixels 15 with a narrow temperature measurement range and a high temperature resolution and low-sensitivity pixels 16 with a wider temperature measurement range and a lower temperature resolution than those of the high-sensitivity pixels 15.
US07645987B2
A method for producing gas phase molecules includes providing a sample of molecules, the sample being characterized by a charge distribution, and directing acoustic radiation at the sample of molecules to desorb at least some of the molecules from the sample such that the desorbed molecules have a charge distribution that is substantially the same as the charge distribution of the sample of molecules.
US07645979B2
Apparatus for buffering of a web feed system using feedback based on the amount, or extent, of loop of the web within a buffering module. The extent of the loop is measured optically. An opaque extensor is inserted within the loop to mark the extent of the loop so as to enable the optical sensor to work accurately even if the web is transparent.
US07645978B2
An image sensing apparatus and an image sensing method of the invention are configured in such a manner that an image sensor having two or more different photoelectric conversion characteristics is used, a gain of image signals having the respective photoelectric conversion characteristics acquired by the image sensor is calculated based on the image signals having the respective photoelectric conversion characteristics, and gain control is performed with respect to each of the photoelectric conversion characteristics, using the calculated gain. This arrangement enables to control the imaging sensitivity without changing the dynamic range.
US07645977B2
An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.
US07645976B2
A radiation detecting apparatus includes plural pixels each provided with a switching element disposed on an insulating substrate and a conversion element disposed on the switching element, and plural signal wirings arranged in one direction and connected with the plural switching elements, wherein the conversion elements have electrodes separated respectively for the pixels, the switching element is connected with the electrode for each pixel, and both ends of the signal wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction, and both ends of the control wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction are disposed inside of an area of the electrode when seen from above the conversion element.
US07645968B2
A method is provided for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter ha6 ving a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.
US07645964B2
A high frequency heat treatment method for a fine bottom-closed hole includes preparing a coil so as to be completely inserted into the fine bottom-closed hole, preparing a core for controlling a magnetic flux within the coil such that the core protrudes from upper and lower sides of the coil, heat-treating a target part of the fine bottom-closed hole under conditions of a heating time of 2˜3 seconds, an output power of 200˜300 kW, a quenching time of 3˜5 seconds, a positive electrode voltage of 4 ˜8 kV, and a positive electrode current of 2.0˜4.5 A, and quenching the heat-treated part of the fine bottom-closed hole with cooling nozzles fixed around the heat-treated part such that a sufficient amount of cooling water is injected uniformly over the whole heated part with a sufficient pressure via the cooling nozzles.
US07645957B2
A nozzle for a medium or high voltage gas switching device of the type having at least a couple of separable arc contacts (1, 2), comprising a hollow shaped body (100) suitable to be positioned inside the device around the zone (20) where electric arcs form between said arc contacts (1, 2) during switching operations, characterized in that said hollow shaped body (100) has a first portion (101) electrically conductive and a second portion (102) made of electrically insulating material which surrounds at least partially said first portion (101).
US07645953B2
An electrical conductor mount is provided for an accessory including a number of electrical conductors and an actuator. The electrical conductor mount includes an accessory enclosure from which or to which the electrical conductors extend. A mounting element is disposed on the enclosure proximate the electrical conductors external to the accessory enclosure. The mounting element includes a receiving portion structured to receive the electrical conductors, and a retaining portion retains the electrical conductors within the receiving portion. The mounting element mounts the electrical conductors in a position in which they do not obstruct operation of the actuator. The mounting element may be a resilient hook including a first end disposed on the enclosure of an accessory module. The retaining portion may be a hook disposed on the second end of the resilient hook.
US07645950B2
At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an electronic apparatus includes a switch contact and a control unit. The switch contact is constituted of a fixed contact and a movable contact. The fixed contact includes a plurality of detection contacts and a common contact. The movable contact can be moved to a contact/noncontact state. The control unit detects a signal generated when all of the contacts in the fixed contact are simultaneously made conductive by contact of the movable contact.
US07645944B2
A printed circuit board exit arrangement is disclosed for use in high speed connector mounting applications. A ground plane has one or more open areas formed in it that surround pairs of signal vias formed in the board that are used to convey differential signals. The ground plane has a thin interconnecting strip, or web, that passes between the two vias of each pair and which divides the open areas into sub-areas, each sib-area containing a single via.
US07645942B2
An electrical interconnect has an adhesive layer in which is formed an array of apertures, the apertures being of non-circular shape. An electrical circuit apparatus has a first circuit having at least one electrical contact, a second circuit having at least one electrical contact aligned to the electrical contact of the first circuit, and a standoff structure between the first and second circuits having at least one aperture aligned to one electrical contact of the first and second circuits, the aperture being of a non-circular shape.
US07645934B1
Nanostructured layers with 10 nm to 50 nm pores spaced 10-50 nm apart, a method for making such nanostructured layers, optoelectronic devices having such nanostructured layers and uses for such nanostructured layers are disclosed. The nanostructured layer can be formed using precursor sol, which generally includes one or more covalent metal complexes, one or more surfactants, a solvent, one or more optional condensation inhibitors, and (optionally) water. Evaporating the solvent from the precursor sol forms a surfactant-templated film. Covalently crosslinking the surfactant-templated film forms a nanostructured porous layer. Pore size is controlled, e.g., by appropriate solvent concentration, choice of surfactant, use of chelating agents, use of swelling agents or combinations of these.
US07645931B2
One embodiment of the invention includes a PV array and an electrolyzer operatively connected together and each operatively connected to a utility power grid so that electricity produced by the PV array is selectively delivered to the utility power grid and the electrolyzer. The resulting process increases the efficiency of the solar-hydrogen production process, and results in lower-cost renewable hydrogen.
US07645927B1
A pitch adjustment device for selectively adjusting the pitch of the string(s) of a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the instrument is attached to a respective pitch adjustment device. Each pitch adjustment device comprises a pivotable string puller wherein pivoting of the string puller adjusts the pitch on the string. The string puller is pivotably mounted on a puller pivot and has a string support surface upon which the string rests, wherein pivoting of the string puller about an axis adjusts the pitch on the string. A pivoting link is pivotably coupled to the string puller. A plurality of pull rods and levers are operably coupled to the pivoting link and actuators are coupled to the pull rods for causing the pivoting link to pivot thereby causing the string puller to pivot and adjust the pitch of the string.
US07645919B2
The present invention relates to DNA polynucleotides for regulating gene expression in plants. In particular, the invention relates to 5′ regulatory sequences isolated from Zea mays that are useful for regulating gene expression of heterologous DNA molecules in plant roots. The invention also relates to transgenic plants containing the heterologous DNA molecules.
US07645916B2
An appliqué for the skin for the management of scars that includes an elastically deformable woven fabric having an imperforate, tacky gel coating on one side thereof. The fabric is preferably woven from a thread comprising an elastic polyester or polyether fiber such as LYCRA® or Spandex. The gel coating, which is applied to one side of the fabric, is preferably silicone gel. The appliqué is used for the management of hypertrophic skin conditions.
US07645915B2
A composite dressing including a first polymeric layer, a second polymeric layer, a metal oxide, and a pharmaceutical active material is provided. The second polymeric layer is biocompatible and is disposed on a surface of the first polymeric layer. The metal oxide is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the first polymeric layer, while the pharmaceutical active material is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the second polymeric layer.
US07645914B2
Process for telomerizing noncyclic olefins having at least two conjugated double bonds with at least one nucleophile using a catalyst containing a metal of group 8, 9 or 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, wherein hydrogen is added via a hydrogen source to the process in at least one process step in the overall telomerization process.
US07645910B2
Process for the obtaining of 1-adamantane (tricycle[3.3.1.1 (3,7)]decane) derivatives, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, based on a carboxylation reaction, via metallation, of a precursor compound with an adequate leaving group. It also comprises the preparation of the precursor compound by means of a selective coupling of the corresponding boron, magnesium or zinc derivative with the corresponding disubstitute aromatic derivative. It is especially useful for the obtaining of Adapalene at industrial scale with good yield and high purity.
US07645909B2
Compounds for controlling aquatic breeding insects including an ethoxylated alcohol with a carbon chain length of about 10 to about 24 carbon atoms and about 0 to about 16 moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, where the carbon chain is linear or branched with an alkyl group are provided. Methods for making branched alcohol ethoxylated compounds and linear secondary alcohol ethoxylated compounds are also provided. Methods for controlling insects with the compounds are also provided.
US07645907B2
This invention relates to a Polyoxometalate (POM) represented by the formula: (An)m+[HqM16X8W48O184(OH)32]m− or solvates thereof, wherein: A represents a cation, n is the number of the cations A, m is the charge of the polyoxoanion, q is the number of protons and varies from 0 to 12, M represents a transition metal, and X represents a heteroatom selected from P, As and mixtures thereof. This invention also relates to a process to produce such POMs and to a process for the homogeneous or heterogeneous oxidation of organic substrates comprising contacting the organic substrate with such POMs.
US07645898B2
This invention provides SARM compounds and uses thereof in treating a variety of diseases or conditions in a subject, including, inter-alia, a muscle wasting disease and/or disorder or a bone-related disease and/or disorder.
US07645891B2
This invention describes the new 6-alkenyl- and 6-alkinyl-epothilone derivatives of general formula (I) in which R1a, R1b, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4, R5, R6, R7, A, Y, D, E, G, Y and Z have the meanings that are indicated in the description. The new compounds interact with tubulin by stabilizing microtubuli that are formed. They are able to influence the cell-splitting in a phase-specific manner and thus find use in treating diseases or conditions associated with the need for cell growth, division and/or proliferation. Thus the compounds are suitable for treating malignant tumors, for example, ovarian, stomach, colon, adeno-, breast, lung, head and neck carcinomas, malignant melanoma, acute lymphocytic and myelocytic leukemia. In addition, they are suitable for anti-angiogenesis therapy as well as for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases (such as psoriasis, arthritis). Methods of use and preparation of the compounds are also described.
US07645887B2
The present invention relates to indolone-acetamide derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as for the treatment of epilepsy, epileptogenesis, seizure disorders and convulsion.
US07645886B2
The invention relates in a first embodiment to a method for the manufacture of esters of the formula (I), or especially of amides of the formula (II), wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification, as well as other intermediates and compounds useful in the synthesis of tryptamines and other substances mentioned in the title. The synthesis methods and intermediates are useful in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
US07645885B2
The invention provides non-steroidal ligands for the androgen receptor, methods for making non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor, compositions of non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor and methods of using non-steroidal ligands and compositions of non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor for treating or preventing diseases (e.g., prostate cancer) associated with androgen binding to the androgen receptor.
US07645881B2
In accordance with the present invention, compounds that can inhibit viral replication, preferably Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) replication, have been identified, and methods for their use provided. In one aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of a viral infection are provided. In another aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the treatment or prevention of HCV infection are provided.
US07645877B2
The present invention relates to unsymmetrical and symmetrical phosphorus-comprising heptazine derivatives, represented by the formula (1): in which Ra, Rb and Rc are, independently of one another, an azide group —N3 or an —N═PR1R2R3 group, with the proviso that at least one radical from Ra, Rb and Rc is an —N═PR1R2R3 group, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof.
US07645871B2
Methods are provided for identifying compounds that decrease the expression or activity of an overexpressed Sprouty protein in certain cancers. Such compounds can be useful for treating cancers in which a Sprouty protein is overexpressed. Also provided are therapeutic formulations and pharmaceutical formulations for treating cancers characterized by overexpression of a Sprouty protein.
US07645870B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to PSMD10.
US07645869B2
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rationale design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes.
US07645868B2
A family of minimally cross-hybridizing nucleotide sequences, methods of use, etc. A specific family of 1168 24mers is described.
US07645867B2
The present invention relates in part to isolated nucleic acid molecules (polynucleotides) which encode Dermacentor variabilis ligand gated ion channel proteins. The present invention also relates to recombinant vectors and recombinant hosts which contain a DNA fragment encoding D. variabilis LGIC/GluCl channels, substantially purified forms of associated D. variabilis channel proteins and recombinant membrane fractions comprising these proteins, associated mutant proteins, and methods associated with identifying compounds which modulate associated Dermacentor variabilis LGIC/GluCl, which will be useful as insecticides and acaracides.
US07645866B2
The present invention encompasses methods for producing a modified polynucleotide sequence that comprises a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage, methods for determining a polynucleotide sequence comprising a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage, and methods for separating forward and reverse extension products that comprise a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage. The invention also encompasses kits for producing and/or determining the sequence of a modified polynucleotide that comprises a (e.g., one or more) phosphorothiolate linkage.
US07645858B2
A method for synthesizing a given peptide or its derivative which contains a proline residue or a proline derivative, at proximity to, or at, the C-terminal end of said peptide is provided. The method comprises a) synthesizing on a first resin a C-terminal portion of said peptide, or its derivative, comprising at least three successive amino acid residues or their derivatives, by successive coupling of selected amino acids, small peptides or their derivatives; b) cleaving the C-terminal portion from said first resin; c) reattaching said C-terminal portion to a second resin which is generally suitable for the synthesis of peptides but is unsuitable for the formation of peptides having a proline residue positioned at the C-terminal end of said peptide; and d) coupling selected amino acids, small peptides or derivatives to the C-terminal portion.
US07645857B2
The present invention provides fragments of SNT and FGFR which can form a binding complex that is amenable to structural determinations by NMR spectroscopy. The three-dimensional structural data is also included as part of the invention. In addition, the present invention provides methodology for related structure based rational drug design using the three-dimensional data. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the fragments are also provided.
US07645854B2
We report Michael addition products between primary amines and activated α,β-unsaturated compounds exemplified by diethyl methylenemalonate (DEMM). In various embodiments, the reaction proceeds with high yields in the absence of strong base or Lewis acid catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Depending on the state of steric hindrance in the amine, the reaction products are a double Michael addition product or a so-called vicarious Michael addition reaction product.
US07645844B2
The present invention relates to a transition metal complex and a transition metal catalyst composition comprising the same for the preparation of an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and α-olefin. More particularly, it relates to a group IV transition metal catalyst having a cyclopentadiene derivative and at least one aryl oxide ligand in which an oxygen-containing heterocycle is fused at the ortho-position around a group IV transition metal, with no crosslinkage between the ligands, a catalyst composition comprising the transition metal catalyst and an aluminoxane cocatalyst or a boron compound cocatalyst, and a process for preparing an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and α-olefin using the same.
US07645840B2
A uniformly premixed sealant is extruded into a packaging form and allowed to pressure equilibrate prior to freezing. Upon warming the sealant begins to cure. The storage of the preformed sealant formulation under cold conditions arrests the activity of cure catalysts and accelerators mixed therethrough. The sealant is readily extruded into a preform shape containing a lightweight filler. A release film is provided to avoid contact with the sealant preformed in a shape during application to a substrate.
US07645839B2
A biodegradable mixture obtained by melt mixing polyesters comprising (A) an aliphatic polyester obtained from aliphatic diacids selected from the group consisting of azelaic acid, sebacic acid, brassilic acid, mixtures thereof and mixtures of said acids with aliphatic dicarbossilic acids and/or aliphatic hydroxyacids containing more than 50 mole % of azelaic acid, sebacic acid and brassilic acid, and from aliphatic diols; (B) a polymer of lactic acid in which the concentration by weight of A with respect to (A+B) is in the range of 30 to 60% and in which the sum of the fusion entalpy ΔHA and ΔHB of the two polyesters in the mixture is greater than the sum of the fusion entalpies ΔH1 and ΔH2 of the polyesters prior to melt mixing.
US07645837B2
A chlorinated propylene-based polymer of the present invention having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of 5,000 to 100,000 and a chlorine content of 0.1 to 70% by mass has the following properties: (1) it has a high solubility in a non-aromatic solvent having a low environmental burden even when it has a low degree of chlorination, and (2) it can be inhibited from suffering a decrease in the properties inherent to polypropylenes, such as durability, mechanical properties, appearance and hydrophobicity, by regulating its degree of chlorination at a low value.
US07645835B2
Blend compositions containing a novel homopolymer, the use of which allows the incorporation of more comonomer in the additional components of the blend (for the same overall density) resulting in increased tie molecule formation and improvement in properties such as ESCR, toughness and impact strength are disclosed. The homopolymers are important for applications where a high density is needed to ensure certain mechanical properties like abrasion resistance, indentation resistance, pressure resistance, topload resistance, modulus of elasticity, or morphology (for the chlorination of PE to CPE) and additional advantages such as melt processability. The blend can be obtained by dry or melt mixing the already produced components, or through in-situ production by in parallel and/or in series arranged reactors. These resins can be used in applications such as films, blow molded, injection molded, and rotomolded articles, fibers, and cable and wire coatings and jacketings and, various forms of pipe.
US07645828B2
Monodisperse silica spheres containing polyamine, which comprise a polymer (A) having a linear polyethyleneimine chain, a compound (B) having an acidic group, and silica (C).
US07645821B2
The invention relates to moldings or molding compositions composed of polyoxymethylene and featuring very low formaldehyde emission, comprising from 0.1 to 50.0% by weight of a tribological modifier, from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a cyclic stabilizer which contains at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, and from 0.05 to 1% by weight of at least one ester composed of a polyhydric alcohol and of at least one (C10-C32) fatty acid, and also to their production and use.
US07645820B2
In methods of preparing asphalt and elastomeric polymer compositions crosslinked with phenol aldehyde resins and sulfur, such as polymer modified asphalt (PMA), it has been discovered that the MP1 compatibility may be improved by adding certain ionic metal oxides. Suitable ionic metal salts include, but are not necessarily limited to, zinc oxide, cadmium oxide, and the like. Acceptable elastomeric polymers include, but are not necessarily limited to, styrene-butadiene copolymers. Additional sulfur-containing crosslinkers may also be used.
US07645817B2
Methods of cementing comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, a cement, and a particulate elastomer comprising a carboxy group; and allowing the cement composition to set. Cement compositions comprising water, a cement, and a particulate elastomer comprising a carboxy group.
US07645813B2
The invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive for the skin excellent in pressure-sensitive adhesiveness to the human skin and repeelability therefrom, which does not cause the horny layer to be torn away in peeling and is lowly irritant to the skin; and tapes or sheets made by using the same. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is characterized by comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a copolymer which is prepared from an olefinic macromonomer and a vinyl monomer and whose molecular weight (in terms of polystyrene and as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) has a two-peak distribution (with the proviso that when the copolymer is to be post-cured, the distribution is one as determined before the post cure) and (b) 20 to 250 parts by weight of a softener which is compatible with the copolymer and liquid or pasty at room temperature and has a boiling point of 250 or above (with the proviso that when the content of the softener (b) exceeds 80 parts by weight, the copolymer must be post-cured).
US07645810B2
A foamed sheet of a base resin containing 50 to 100% by weight of a polylactic acid resin and having an apparent density of 63 to 630 kg/m3, a thickness of 0.5 to 7 mm and endothermic and exothermic calorific values of ΔHendo:2 and ΔHexo:2, respectively, as measured by heat flux differential scanning calorimetry at a heating rate of 2° C./min. The endothermic calorific value ΔHendo:2 is at least 10 J/g and the difference (ΔHendo:2−ΔHexo:2) between the endothermic calorific value ΔHendo:2 and the exothermic calorific value ΔHexo:2 is less than 40 J/g. A foam molding such as a receptacle is prepared by thermoforming the foamed sheet.
US07645804B2
A stable complex oil-in-water emulsion which is useful in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food fields. The stable complex oil-in-water emulsion is formed by the mixing of individual oil-in-water emulsions, each individual emulsion being obtained from an air/water pre-emulsion of a preferably-nonionic surfactant; a cosurfactant selected from hydrophilic compounds, preferably with at least one hydroxyl group selected from polyols; and an aqueous phase. A method of preparing a stable complex oil-in-water emulsion whereby individual oil-in-water emulsions, chosen for properties desired in the stable complex oil-in-water emulsion, are optionally diluted and mixed without exerting a shear force.
US07645790B2
The present invention is directed to certain hydroisoindoline compounds of formula I which are useful as neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of tachykinin and in particular substance P. The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including emesis, urinary incontinence, depression, and anxiety.
US07645779B2
Compounds, compositions and methods that are useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases and cancer are provided herein. In particular, the invention provides compounds which modulate the expression and/or function of proteins involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation and cell proliferation. The subject compounds are linked biaryl compounds.
US07645778B2
The present invention provides novel heteroaryl compounds and analogues thereof, which are selective inhibitors of the human P2Y1 receptor. The invention also provides for various pharmaceutical compositions of the same and methods for treating diseases responsive to modulation of P2Y1 receptor activity.
US07645773B2
Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of diseases such as, for example, type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.
US07645771B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, useful in the treatment of prophylazis of CCR5-related diseases and disorders, for example, in the inhibition of HIV replication, the prevention or treatment of HIV infection, and in the treatment of the resulting acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
US07645770B2
Phenylalanine enamide derivatives of formula (1) are described: wherein R1 is a group Ar1L2Ar2Alk- in which: Ar1 is an optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group; L2 is a covalent bond or a linker atom or group; Ar2 is an optionally substituted arylene or heteroarylene group; and Alk is a chain —CH2—CH(R)—, —CH═C(R)— or in which R is a carboxylic acid (—CO2H) or a derivative or biostere thereof; X is an —O— or —S— atom or —N(R2)— group in which: Rx, Ry and Rz which may be the same or different is each a hydrogen atom or an optional substituent; or Rz is an atom or group as previously defined and Rx and Ry are joined together to form an optionally substituted spiro linked cycloaliphatic or heterocycloaliphatic group; and the salts, solvates, hydrates and N-oxides thereof. The compounds are able to inhibit the binding of integrins to their ligands and are of use in the prophylaxis and treatment of immuno or inflammatory disorders or disorders involving the inappropriate growth or migration of cells.
US07645748B2
Sterol and stanol phosphorylnitro derivatives and their use in treating or preventing cardiovascular disease, its underlying conditions and other disorders are disclosed. The disclosed compounds include a phosphate linker, at least one moiety that releases nitric oxide (NO), and a sterol or stanol moiety. Some compounds additionally include an ascorbyl moiety to make the compound more readily soluble in aqueous and non-aqueous media.
US07645742B2
A composition for enhancing cellular energy that includes creatine, L-arginine-α-ketoglutarate, D-ribose, L-carnitine, L-citrulline, and pyruvate. The composition is administering to a subject to enhance cellular energy, to increase relative intensity of physical activity performed by the subject, to increase endurance of the subject during the physical activity and to increase the muscle mass of the subject.
US07645737B2
The invention concerns a cell support comprising an RGD-enriched gelatine that has a more even distribution of RGD sequences than occurring in a natural gelatine and with a minimum level of RGD sequences. More precise the percentage of RGD sequences related to the total number of amino acids is at least 0.4 and if the RGD-enriched gelatine comprises 350 amino acids or more, each stretch of 350 amino acids contains at least one RGD motif. Preferably the RGD-enriched gelatines are prepared by recombinant technology, and have a sequence that is derived from a human gelatine or collagen amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to RGD-enriched gelatines that are used for attachment to integrins. In particular The RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention are suitable for coating a cell culture support for growing anchor-dependant cell types. Further, the RGD-enriched gelatines of the invention may find use in medical applications, in particular as a coating on implant or transplant material or as a component of drug delivery systems.
US07645735B2
Provided herein are peptides from the N-terminal of endostatin proteins, including the first histidine of the protein, nucleic acids encoding the peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nucleic acids and proteins and methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions to treat or prevent endometriosis in a subject.
US07645726B2
A novel crankcase dispersant reaction product having fused therein an antioxidant moiety whereby the dispersant reaction product can function as an antioxidant while retaining at least two structural domains, one being a polar domain for association with sludge and a hydrocarbyl domain for oil solubility, so that the dispersant can function as a chemical agent to suspend sludge and prevent agglomeration of sludge precursors and soot so the latter can be readily removed from the system, such as by filtering, instead of being deleteriously deposited on internal engine components, as well as lubricant compositions incorporating such novel dispersant and, for instance, engines lubricated with such lubricant compositions.
US07645720B2
Compositions comprising disiloxane surfactant compositions comprising a silicone composition comprising a silicone having the formula: MM′ where M=R1R2R3SiO1/2; M′=R4R5R6SiO1/2; with R1 selected from the group consisting of branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical of from 3 to 6 carbon atoms and R7, where R7 has the formula: R8R9R10SiR12 with R8, R9, and R10 each independently selected from the group of monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and monovalent aryl or alkaryl hydrocarbon radicals having from 6 to 13 carbon atoms and R12 is a divalent hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from the group of from 1 to 6 carbon atom monovalent hydrocarbon radicals or R1, with R4 an alkylpolyalkyleneoxide of the general formula: R13(C2H4O)a(C3H6O)b(C4H8O)cR14 where R13 is a divalent linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having the structure: —CH2—CH(R15)(R16)dO— where R15 is H or methyl; R16 is a divalent alkyl radical of 1 to 6 carbons where the subscript d may be 0 or 1; R14 is selected from the group consisting of H, monovalent hydrocarbon radicals of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl where the subscripts a; b and c are zero or positive and satisfy the following relationships: 2≦a+b+c≦20 with a≧2, and R5 and R6 are each independently selected from the group of monovalent hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms or R4 that exhibit resistance to hydrolysis over a wide pH range.
US07645705B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device including forming a pre metal dielectric liner over a semiconductor substrate on which a transistor is formed. The pre metal dielectric liner is sputter etched to form an unstable interface at the surface. The boron is trapped in an interface in an unstable state in a surface of the PMD liner to effectively suppress the boron penetration phenomenon to the semiconductor substrate.
US07645704B2
The present invention provides a method for removing sacrificial materials in fabrications of microstructures using a selected spontaneous vapor phase chemical etchants. During the etching process, an amount of the etchant is fed into an etch chamber for removing the sacrificial material. Additional amount of the etchant are fed into the etch chamber according to a detection of an amount or an amount of an etching product so as to maintaining a substantially constant etching rate of the sacrificial materials inside the etch chamber. Accordingly, an etching system is provided for removing the sacrificial materials based on the disclosed etching method.
US07645703B2
A method for chemical mechanical polishing of mirror structures. Such mirror structures may be used for displays (e.g., LCOS, DLP), optical devices, and the like. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, e.g., silicon wafer. The method forms a first dielectric layer overlying the semiconductor substrate and forms an aluminum layer overlying the dielectric layer. The aluminum layer has a predetermined roughness of greater than 20 Angstroms RMS. The method patterns the aluminum layer to expose portions of the dielectric layer. The method includes forming a second dielectric layer overlying the patterned aluminum layer and exposed portions of the dielectric layer. The method removes a portion of the second dielectric layer. The method processes regions overlying the patterned aluminum layer using a touch-up polishing process to reduce a surface roughness of the patterned aluminum to less than 5 Angstroms and eliminate the dielectric residue overlaying the patterned aluminum to form a mirror surface on the patterned aluminum.
US07645702B2
The manufacturing method of the present invention provides a silicon wafer, both sides of the wafer having a highly accurate flatness and small surface roughness, which is a single surface mirror-polished wafer with the front and rear surfaces of the wafer identifiable by visual observation, and excellent in flatness when held by a stepper chuck and the like. The manufacturing method of the present invention includes an etching process, a lapping process, and a double surface polishing process to simultaneously polish the front and rear surfaces of a wafer after the etching process. The polishing removal depth (A) of the wafer front surface is 5 to 10 μm in the double surface simultaneous polishing process, and the polishing removal depth (B) in the rear surface is 2 to 6 μm, and a difference between the polishing removal depth A and the polishing removal depth B is 3 to 4 μm.
US07645695B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor element, includes forming a lower metal wiring layer and an interlayer insulating film on a substrate, forming an opening through the interlayer insulating film, such that the opening is in communication with an upper surface of the lower metal wiring layer, cleaning the opening, forming a metal wiring line protecting film in the opening, such that the metal wiring line protecting film covers the lower metal wiring layer, washing the opening to remove the metal wiring line protecting film, such that a top surface of the lower metal wiring layer is exposed, and drying the substrate.
US07645693B2
A semiconductor device includes bit lines (14) provided in a semiconductor substrate (10), word lines (16) provided above the bit lines and running in a width direction of the bit lines (14), metal lines (22) provided above the word lines (16) and running in a length direction of the bit lines (14), and bit line contact regions (28) running in the length direction of the word lines (16) and located between word line regions (26) in which a plurality of word lines (16) are disposed. Each of the bit lines (14) is connected with every other metal line (22) in the bit line contact regions (28). It is thus possible to provide a semiconductor device and a fabrication method therefor in which an alignment margin can be ensured between a contact hole (18) and the bit line (14) to enable downsizing of a memory cell.
US07645682B2
The invention relates to improvements in a method for molecularly bonding first and second substrates together by placing them in surface to surface contact. The improvement includes, prior to placing the substrates in contact, cleaning the surface of one or both of the substrates in a manner to provide a cleaned surface that is slightly roughened compared to a conventionally polished surface, and heating at least one or both of the substrates prior to placing the substrates in contact while retaining the heating at least until the substrates are in surface to surface contact.
US07645680B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device and an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device. A device at a low voltage device formation region may be substantially immune to electric fields from a high voltage device formation region. A field insulation film pattern in a low voltage device formation region (e.g. a logic region) may implement a relatively small design rule at an isolation layer pattern. A method of manufacturing an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device (e.g. which may embody a device relatively immune to an electric field from a high voltage device formation region) may include field insulation film patterns with a relatively small design rule in a low voltage device formation region (e.g. a logic region).
US07645679B2
A method for forming an isolation layer for a semiconductor device is provided. The preferred method is capable of securing a gap fill margin during formation of an isolation layer. A device isolation layer formed according to a preferred method includes a trench formed in a device separation area of a semiconductor substrate; a thermal oxidation layer formed in a part of the trench; an oxidation silicon layer formed on the thermal oxidation layer; and an oxidation isolation layer formed on the oxidation silicon layer and filling the trench.
