US07957952B2
Emulation systems and method involving invalidating blocks of translated code in emulation of a target system on a host system in are disclosed. One or more blocks of target system code are translated by the host system to produce one or more corresponding blocks of translated code. The host system uses one or more native target system instructions as hints to invalidate or potentially invalidate one or more blocks of translated code. Blocks containing such hints cause the host system to mark some or all of the one or more blocks of translated code as potentially invalid. The potentially invalid blocks may be re-translated immediately. Alternatively, the potentially invalid blocks may be checked to see if the code in these blocks has been modified. If the code has been modified, corresponding blocks of target code may be re-translated.
US07957947B2
The present invention relates generally to polyolefin production and to reducing volatile organic content (VOC) associated with the polyolefin. Techniques include the construction and implementation of a purge column model to calculate or estimate the VOC content in the polyolefin exiting the purge column. The techniques facilitate the design and operation of the polyolefin manufacturing process.
US07957941B2
The present invention relates to the field of extracting resource(s) from a particular location. In particular, the present invention relates to the planning, design and processing related to a mine location in a manner based on enhancing the extraction of material considered of value, relative to the effort and/or time in extracting that material. The present application discloses, amongst other things, a method of and apparatus for determining slope constraints, determining a cluster of material, determining characteristics of a selected portion of material, analysing a selected volume of material, propagating clusters, forming clusters, mine design, aggregation of blocks into collections or clusters, splitting of waste and ore in clumps, determining a selected group of blocks to be mined, clump ordering and identifying clusters for pushback design.
US07957932B1
Data analysis systems and related methods. An implementation of a first method of generating one or more bar plots for evaluating the performance of a process may include generating a plurality of breakpoints using historical data values from a process and generating one or more bar plots for an independent or a dependent variable and distributing the plurality of breakpoints along the one or more bar plots. The method may also include retrieving one or more current data values from the process, plotting at least one indicator at a position along the one or more bar plots using the one or more current data values, and indicating the desirability of the position of the at least one indicator relative to the plurality of breakpoints.
US07957924B2
A method, circuit, and computer program product for receiving a first intermediate signal that is at least partially based upon a first reference signal. A second intermediate signal is received that is a time-shifted version of the first intermediate signal. An output signal is generated that is based upon the difference between the first intermediate signal and the second intermediate signal. An anticipated differential change in the output signal is determined, the anticipated differential change to occur based upon a transition in the first reference signal. A realized differential change in the output signal is measured, the realized differential change occurring based upon a transition in the first reference signal. The realized differential change in the output signal is compared to the anticipated differential change in the output signal to determine a nonlinearity indicator.
US07957922B2
A data logger system utilizing a censor which obtain a plurality of measurements of an environmental parameter and generates a plurality of signals representing such measurements. A processor receives the plurality of signals and produces a table of counts in sequential format. An external prime converter receives the table of sequential counts and converts the same to human readable values representing the environmental parameter measurement.
US07957912B2
In silico nucleic acid recombination methods, related integrated systems utilizing genetic operators and libraries made by in silico shuffling methods are provided. One disclosed method involves identifying and producing a polypeptide. The method may involve (a) receiving data identifying sequences of two or more parental polypeptides or parental nucleic acids that encode the polypeptides; (b) selecting one or more cross-over sites on the sequences thereby defining one or more recombinant polypeptides or recombinant nucleic acids; (c) selecting at least one of the recombinant polypeptides or recombinant nucleic acids; (d) recombining one or more oligonucleotides, at least one of which has a sequence matching some or all of that of the recombinant polypeptides or recombinant nucleic acids selected in (c); (e) selecting at least some of the recombined oligonucleotides produced in (d); and (f) producing a polypeptide encoded by the selected nucleic acid.
US07957907B2
A genealogical research and record keeping system and method for identifying commonalities in haplotypes and other genetic characteristics of two or more individual members of a biological sample. Chromosomal fragments identical by descent identify family ties between siblings, parents and children and ancestors and progeny across many generations. It is particularly useful in corroborating and improving the accuracy of genealogical data, and identifying previously unknown genetic relationships.
US07957899B2
A method is provided for determining the attitude, position, and velocity of a mobile device from knowledge of the direction of the earth's magnetic field in an absolute reference frame. Signals are supplied to a processing means for the signals by gyroscopic measuring means in three axes, accelerometric measuring means in three axes, and magnetic measuring means in three axes, where the measuring means are located on-board the device and according to three three-dimensional reference frames connected to the device reference frame.
US07957897B2
A system and method for calibrating the bias and scale factors of a heading rate sensor, such as a yaw-rate sensor, using GPS signals. The system receives wheel speed or rotation signals, a vehicle odometer reading, GPS signals and yaw-rate signals. The system includes a wheel-slip detection processor that determines whether there is wheel-slip based on the wheel speed signals and the GPS signals. The system also includes a wheel-based acceleration processor that estimates vehicle acceleration. The system also includes a differential odometry processor that determines vehicle heading based on wheel speed. The system also includes a GPS reference data validation processor that determines whether the GPS signals are valid using the estimated vehicle acceleration and wheel speeds. The valid GPS signals are then used to calibrate the yaw-rate sensor signals, which can be used for vehicle heading purposes.
US07957893B2
Methods and systems for generating, deriving, and enhancing drivable road databases are provided. A baseline road in a road network is defined and position and/or trajectory data collected by vehicles traveling the baseline road are compiled and compared to a representation of the baseline road in an existing database. Identity and/or other property information about the road are assigned form the existing database to the new database.
US07957892B2
A method and exhaust control system for controlling a vehicle, including adjusting a vehicle parameter in response to a determined ambient condition or to local time.
US07957891B2
An ECU for a main remote control has a termination resistance having a first terminal connected to a high level signal line CAN of a CAN cable and a second terminal connected to an external terminal of a connector. The CAN cable also has a low level signal line CAN connected to an external terminal of a connector. A power wire VCC is divided at its midportion, and respectively connected to external terminals of the connector. When a connector is connected, the termination resistance is connected between the high level signal line CAN and the low level signal line CAN of the CAN cable by a jumper line, and power is supplied through a jumper line. When the connector is disconnected, the termination resistance is not connected and the ECU for a main remote control does not operate since no power is supplied thereto.
US07957890B2
A valve control device performs control for eliminating or preventing fixation of an EGR valve (30) by opening/closing the valve near its fully closed position. After an engine stops, the valve control device performs “a fixation avoiding operation” for opening/closing EGR valve (30) near the fully closed position, and further, performs “a fixation determining operation”. When it is determined that the fixation of EGR valve (30) is eliminated, EGR valve (30) is positioned at the fully closed position, and a reference position is corrected such that the fully closed position is regarded as a reference position at which a valve opening/closing control is performed during the operation of the engine.
US07957884B2
A running control apparatus for a vehicle controls a state of running using a driving source for generating a driving force of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an accelerator pedal measuring device for measuring a degree of depression of an accelerator pedal of the vehicle; and a vehicle speed measuring device for measuring a vehicle speed of the vehicle. A driving-force maintenance mode for maintaining the driving force or a vehicle-speed maintenance mode for maintaining the vehicle speed is executed based on the measured degree of depression of the accelerator pedal and the measured vehicle speed. The apparatus may include an inter-vehicle distance measuring device for measuring an inter-vehicle distance between the present vehicle and a vehicle ahead thereof. An inter-vehicle-distance maintenance mode is also provided so as to maintain the inter-vehicle distance based on the measured degree of depression of the accelerator pedal and the measured inter-vehicle distance.
US07957879B2
A brake control device is provided to a wheel equipped with a tire, which has a function of applying a brake force to the wheel to put a brake thereon while adjusting the brake force. In the device, an acceleration sensor outputs acceleration data in a radial direction of the rotating tire, a predetermined detection range is set with respect to the acceleration data, a threshold value is set with respect to a corresponding part of the acceleration data falling within the detection range, the corresponding part of the acceleration data falling within the detection range is specified. Values of the specified acceleration data are compared with the threshold value, and a control signal for causing a braking device to adjust the brake force thereof is output in a case where some values of the acceleration data are larger than the threshold value.
US07957873B2
A control method is provided including detecting transmission output speed and a forward and reverse shift request, and executing inhibit limits when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. The inhibit limits slow the output speed to zero upon detection of a shift request at output speeds above the threshold, with a pedal progression map executed upon reaching zero output speed. The limits approach zero output torque as vehicle speed increases, reaching zero at a relatively high speed and simulating a neutral transmission upon a detected shift request at high speed. A vehicle is also provided having a transmission, a sensor for detecting transmission output speed, a sensor for detecting a shift request, and a PCM having an algorithm and a threshold transmission output speed. The algorithm inhibits a shift event in the direction opposite that of vehicle travel upon detection when vehicle speed is greater than the threshold.
US07957869B2
A method of operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed transmission. The automatic transmission includes at least five shift elements, at least three of which are engaged in a forward and a reverse gear to transfer torque or force. When disengaging gears for shifting the automatic transmission from a forward or reverse gear to a neutral position, at least one of the at least three shift elements that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear is completely disengaged.
US07957866B2
In a configuration in which a control is performed for actuating the steering cylinder 17 so that the steering angle of the front wheel 11a (steering wheel), which is detected by the steering angle detector 62, becomes a target steering angle which is set in accordance with an operational state of the steering dial 42, the target steering angle of the front wheel 11a (steering wheel), which is set in accordance with an operational state of the steering dial 42, is compared with a detected steering angle of the front wheel 11a, which is detected by the steering detector 62, and when the difference between the target steering angle and the detected steering angle is a predetermined value or higher, the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 is regulated so that the traveling speed of the vehicle 10 becomes a predetermined speed or lower.
US07957864B2
The invention provides an apparatus for operator control of an in-vehicle system. This comprises an interface device for receiving inputs for control of the in-vehicle system from the operator. There is a sensing system operative to determine a location of the operator seeking to provide the inputs to the interface device, the location consisting of one of a passenger and a driver. A controller adapts the control of the in-vehicle system based upon the location of the operator providing the inputs.
US07957857B2
The present invention discloses a direction guiding apparatus for indicating a guidance direction to a user. The direction guiding apparatus includes an operation device having an operations part movable on an operation plane, and a control part for transmitting control data to the operation device for controlling the movement of the operations part. The guidance direction is distinguishable by the movement of the operations part.
US07957855B2
A control system for a hybrid vehicle, which comprises member for determining a required output of a vehicle-driving motor in conformity to a required vehicle power, a member for determining a required output of a generator in conformity to the required output of the vehicle-driving motor, a member for determining a required output of an engine in conformity to the required output of the generator, a battery for storing an electric energy generated by the generator and charged thereinto through an inverter, and discharging the stored electric energy to the vehicle-driving motor through the inverter, and a member for, in response to occurrence of a waveform difference between a required current waveform of the vehicle-driving motor and an output current waveform of the generator due to a change in the required output of the vehicle-driving motor, to perform a waveform-difference correction operation in a direction for eliminating the waveform difference. The hybrid vehicle control system of the present invention can quickly eliminate a transitional waveform difference while achieving enhanced fuel economy.
US07957839B2
A zone controller having an electronic board with a plurality of electronic components attached thereto. The electronic components are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts. The electronic components include a first grouping of electronic components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that are only accessed to perform operation functions. A first cover is provided that covers and prevents access to the first grouping of electronic components. A second cover is provided that selectively covers and prevents access to the second grouping of electrical components but not the third grouping of electrical components.
US07957837B2
A mobile robot guest for interacting with a human resident performs a room-traversing search procedure prior to interacting with the resident, and may verbally query whether the resident being sought is present. Upon finding the resident, the mobile robot may facilitate a teleconferencing session with a remote third party, or interact with the resident in a number of ways. For example, the robot may carry on a dialogue with the resident, reinforce compliance with medication or other schedules, etc. In addition, the robot incorporates safety features for preventing collisions with the resident; and the robot may audibly announce and/or visibly indicate its presence in order to avoid becoming a dangerous obstacle. Furthermore, the mobile robot behaves in accordance with an integral privacy policy, such that any sensor recording or transmission must be approved by the resident.
US07957835B2
Technology is provided that can compute a center of gravity pathway for a robot in which the ZMP matches the target ZMP, even if the robot is caused to perform a crouching movement during a single leg ground phase. The robot of the present invention is a legged robot that moves the center of gravity in the vertical direction when one leg link is grounded by changing joint angles, and comprises means for generating the vertical pathway of the center of gravity, means for computing the horizontal pathway of the center of gravity, based upon the generated vertical pathway of the center of gravity, a tridiagonal equation which is a discretization of a ZMP equation, a target ZMP, and horizontal speeds of the center of gravity at the beginning and the completion of the vertical pathway, means for computing chronological data of target values of the joint angles, based upon the generated vertical pathway and the computed horizontal pathway of the center of gravity, and means for rotating the joints based upon the computed chronological data of the target values of the joint angles.
US07957832B2
A method for vibration avoidance in automated machinery produces actuator space-time contours that meet design objectives of the machinery while suppressing energy content at frequencies in the space-time contour, by concatenating multiple space-time contour segments together in such a way as to be mostly free of energy at the frequencies of interest while meeting other specified design goals. The segments used to construct these frequency-optimized-contours are a series of concatenated polynomial segments, the independent variable t being time. These segments can define the variable to be controlled (e.g. speed or distance) versus time, or define one of the controlled variable's time-derivatives (e.g., the slope of the speed vs. time, etc.). When these frequency-optimized-contours are fed as a command to a machine controller through an actuator or actuators, the energy at the frequencies of interest is low enough to avoid deleterious vibration from occurring while still meeting the machine performance objectives.
US07957824B2
Method and system for providing volume manufacturing of customizable items including receiving a data package including a plurality of manufacturing parameters, each of the plurality of manufacturing parameters associated with a unique item, verifying the received data package, and implementing a manufacturing process associated with the received data package is provided.
US07957822B2
A method controls a component mounter which includes a mobile unit for mounting a component onto a circuit board, and judges on which side of the component mounter as user, who issues an instruction to the component mounter, is present. Additionally, the method performs position control by shifting the mobile unit to a position which allows a maintenance task to be performed on the component mounter from the side on which the user is judged to be present.
US07957815B2
Electrode assemblies and handpieces for energy-based treatment systems that utilize an impedance assembly to facilitate impedance matching between the system and a patient. The electrode assembly and/or handpiece may include one or more circuit elements configured to introduce at least one supplemental impedance into an electrical circuit coupling the electrode assembly and handpiece. The supplemental impedance, which is related to the impedance of the treatment system and patient, is introduced when the electrode assembly is coupled with the handpiece.
US07957811B2
A visual prosthesis and a method of operating a visual prosthesis are disclosed. Neural stimulation through electrodes is controlled by spatial maps, where a grouped or random association is established between the pixels of the acquired image and the electrodes. In this way distortions from the foveal pit and wiring mistakes in the implant can be corrected. Moreover, broken electrodes can be bypassed and a resolution limit can be tested, together with testing the benefit the patient receives from correct spatial mapping.
US07957808B2
A method for programming a deep brain stimulator implanted in a target region of a brain of a living subject. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of creating an efficacy atlas; acquiring a position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode; mapping the acquired position of each electrode contact of the at least one electrode onto a corresponding position in the efficacy atlas so as to determine the efficacy of stimulation at the acquired position; and selecting one or more electrode contacts having the highest efficacy for stimulation.
US07957805B2
An implantable microstimulator includes a housing, an electronic subassembly, conductive vias, and an electrode arrangement. The housing defines an interior and an exterior with the electronic subassembly disposed in the interior of the housing. The conductive vias extend from the interior to the exterior of the housing. The electrode arrangement is disposed on the housing and includes a film substrate with electrodes disposed on the film substrate and coupled to the electronic subassembly through the plurality of vias.
US07957797B2
Techniques for detecting a value of a sensed patient parameter, and automatically delivering therapy to a patient according to therapy information previously associated with the detected value, are described. In exemplary embodiments, a medical device receives a therapy adjustment from the patient. In response to the adjustment, the medical device associates a sensed value of a patient parameter with therapy information determined based on the adjustment. Whenever the parameter value is subsequently detected, the medical device delivers therapy according to the associated therapy information. In this manner, the medical device may “learn” to automatically adjust therapy in the manner desired by the patient as the sensed parameter of the patient changes. Exemplary patient parameters that may be sensed for performance of the described techniques include posture, activity, heart rate, electromyography (EMG), an electroencephalogram (EEG), an electrocardiogram (ECG), temperature, respiration rate, and pH.
US07957795B2
An abdominal impedance measurement apparatus includes a plurality of electrodes for measuring an abdominal impedance of a human subject, and includes an electrode supporting member for supporting the electrodes in such a manner that the electrodes protrude from the electrode supporting member. The electrode supporting member includes a plurality of segments aligned in a direction, the electrodes being respectively mounted on different segments, neighboring segments being connected rotatably with each other. The electrode supporting member further includes rotation-angle restricting parts for restricting relative rotation-angles between neighboring segments.
US07957783B2
A lead for an electronic device which resists the induction of a current from an electromagnetic field external to said lead includes one or more pairs of adjacent segments of electrical wire, each of the pairs including a first segment of electrical wire and a second segment of electrical wire. The lead also includes one or more shielded RF chokes, wherein each of the shielded RF chokes is provided between the first segment of electrical wire and the second segment of electrical wire of a respective one of the one or more pairs of adjacent segments. Also, an implantable device that includes a generator for generating one or more electrical pulse and a lead as described for delivering the pulses to tissue within a patient's body. A method for making the described implantable device is also provided.
US07957782B2
A binding strap used in connection with a SpO2 sensor comprises two clamping portions each of which is provided with an access opening for passing the light emitting portion or light receiving portion of the SpO2 sensor and a holding recess for holding corresponding light emitting portion or light receiving portion, wherein said access openings are designed to allow corresponding light emitting portion or light receiving portion to pass only when said access openings are undergoing a certain amount of deformation. The binding strap of the present invention is advantageous in that the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the SpO2 sensor might be tightly secured to the binding strap, and the lost of the binding strap when not use is ensured to be hard.
US07957777B1
A system includes a host interface module and a power management module. The host interface module is configured to receive configuration information from a host processor of a wireless device. The configuration information indicates that the host processor is to (i) operate in a power save mode, and (ii) in response to the wireless device receiving data of a predetermined category from a wireless network, transition from the power save mode to an active mode. The power management module is configured to generate a first signal in response to the wireless device receiving data of the predetermined category from the wireless network. The first signal transitions the host processor from the power save mode to the active mode in which the host processor processes the data of the predetermined category.
US07957775B2
A low battery notification service is provided to a user of a wireless device capable of monitoring the voltage level of its internal battery and sending a low battery warning message. The messages are received at a service provider that maintains subscriber profiles associated with a subscriber's wireless device. When a low battery warning message is received, a wireless device identifier in the warning message is used to access a notification list included in a stored subscriber profile. Notification list entries are selected based on their assigned priorities and the existence or absence of conditions of use, permitting low battery notifications to be sent to target systems on the notification list until an acceptable response is received or the notification list is exhausted.
US07957763B2
A wireless communication device (100) includes a transceiver (204) that is operable to communicate with a first wireless communication network (104) and a second wireless communication network (106). The device (100) also includes a memory (216) for storing at least a first destination-device identifier (304) associated with the first wireless communication network (104) and a second destination-device identifier (306) associated with the second wireless communication network (106). The device (100) further includes a controller (210) coupled to the transceiver (204) and the memory (216), for determining whether the device is within coverage of the first wireless communication network (104) and causing only the first destination-device identifier (304) to be selected from the memory (216) if the device is within coverage of the first wireless communication network (104) and causing only the second destination-device identifier (306) to be selected from the memory (216) if the device is outside the coverage of the first wireless communication network (104).
US07957762B2
Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity of an object and operate a proximity sensor of a portable device. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving an ambient light sensor (ALS) output, and altering, based on the ALS output, an effect of a proximity sensor output on control of a proximity determination. The ALS sensor and the proximity sensor may be located adjacent to an earpiece of a portable device. In some cases, the proximity determination may be a proximity of an object to the proximity sensor, and altering the effect may include changing the proximity of the object from a proximity greater than a first threshold to a proximity less than the first threshold. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.
US07957753B2
A mobile terminal device that facilitates location services (LCS) in a cellular network. The system, as embodied in a mobile terminal device, comprises a mobile communications component that communicates wireless signals, and a location services component embodied in the mobile communication component to provide positioning information. A location request is received by the mobile terminal device and processed using the LCS server to activate trigger events. A location-tracking report is autonomously generated for each event and transmitted to the requesting client via MLP or the wireless network signaling protocol.
US07957751B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for receiving a request from a requester to locate a user. The request identifies a personal location code (PLC) for the user. It is determined if the request is allowed based on the PLC. If the request is allowed, the current location of the user is obtained based on the location of one or more devices associated with the user. The current location of the device is then provided to the requester.
US07957733B2
Multimedia communications with cross-layer optimization in multimedia communications with different user terminals. Various optimization for the delivery of multimedia content across different channels are provided concurrently to a plurality of user terminals.
US07957712B2
Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for processing an input information signal having varying amplitude and phase to obtain an amplified output signal having the same amplitude and phase variation. In an exemplary method, an input information signal is decomposed into two pairs of constant-envelope component signals such that the vector sum of the first pair is orthogonal to the vector sum of the second pair, for desired signal amplitudes below a level corresponding to a pre-determined threshold. For desired signal amplitudes above this level, the input information signal is instead decomposed into two pairs of constant-envelope component signals such that the vector sum of the first pair is separated by less than ninety degrees from the vector sum of the second pair. The constant-envelope component signals may be amplified by highly-efficient non-linear amplifier elements and combined to obtain the amplified output signal.
US07957707B2
A system (100, FIG. 1) performs digital pre-distortion using gain values stored in a lookup table (150). A method for performing digital pre-distortion includes identifying (310, FIG. 3) a lookup table entry, based on input data, and updating the lookup table entry by writing an updated gain value into the lookup table entry. In an embodiment, update tracking information corresponding to the lookup table entry may be updated (324) to indicate that the lookup table entry has been updated. Another embodiment includes identifying (412, FIG. 4) consecutive lookup table entries based on input data, determining (413) whether the consecutive lookup table entries have been previously updated, and performing (414) a weighted interpolation process to produce an output gain value. A previous gain value (158, FIG. 1) is used in the weighted interpolation process when at least one of the consecutive lookup table entries has not been updated.
US07957703B2
A current control circuit (5) recognizes whether or not a transmission signal is transmitted based on a control signal outputted from a transmission signal control circuit (4). When the transmission signal is transmitted, the current control circuit (5) controls a current flowing into a reception circuit (3) in accordance with control information representing any of at least two modes where the transmission signal is transmitted. When no transmission signal is transmitted, the current control circuit (5) controls the current flowing into the reception circuit (3) in accordance with control information representing a mode where no transmission signal is transmitted.
US07957700B2
A transmitter, including at least two transmitter units, each transmitter unit being configured to input an instance of a digital transmit signal, to convert the digital transmit signal to an analog radio signal, and to amplify the analog radio signal. The transmitter is configured to determine a timing difference between the amplified signals, and to adjust timing of at least one of the input signals, so that a predetermined criterion is fulfilled.
US07957699B2
A method of measuring a state of a plurality of channels is provided. The method includes transmitting to a second device test signal information needed to transmit/receive a test signal for measuring the state of the plurality of channels; receiving an information received response from the second device, indicating that the second device has received the test signal; if the information received response is received, transmitting the test signal to the second device, using the test signal information, via the plurality of channels; and receiving from the second device the state information regarding the plurality of channels which has been measured by using the test signal.
US07957697B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling home appliances using zigbee wireless communication. The apparatus, includes: a memory for storing a control profile and an operation program, and operating the stored operation program; a display means for supporting interface with a user; a display input/output control means for controlling input/output of the display means; a first wireless network interface for transmitting/receiving wireless data to/from home appliances based on zigbee wireless communication; and a control means for forming Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) with the home appliances based on the first wireless network interface, displaying a list of controllable home appliances based on device product information transferred from the home appliances through the WPAN, reading a control profile in the memory upon home appliances control request of the user, and transferring the control profile through the first wireless network interface.
US07957694B2
A first and/or a second communications system may provide communications service over a geographic area. A method of operating the first and/or the second communications systems may include generating a measure of aggregate interference reaching a satellite of the second communications system substantially from devices of the first communications system. The measure of aggregate interference reaching the satellite of the second communications system may be transmitted to an element of the first communications system.
US07957690B2
An image forming apparatus includes a printer body having a developing portion and a fixing portion therein; a plurality of sheet feeding rollers successively disposed along a sheet discharge path of the printer body and driven to discharge a sheet from fixing portion to an upper portion of the printer body; and a rear cover portion having a rear cover provided on a side of the printer body to open and close, a guide rib member to guide the sheet from the fixing portion, an idle roller to rotate in contact with one of the sheet feeding rollers to feed the sheet, and a supplementary guide member to change a position thereof when the rear cover is open to prevent the sheet being discharged to the guide rib member from running into the idle roller.
US07957683B2
A color image forming apparatus comprising: a first development device which develops an electrostatic image on a first image bearing member with toner of color other than black; a first transfer member which forms a nip portion for nipping an image receiving member with the first image bearing member; a second development device which develops an electrostatic image on a second bearing member with black toner so as to form a toner image and collects the toner on the second image bearing member; and a second transfer member which forms a nip portion for nipping the image receiving member with respect to the second image bearing member and transfers the toner image on the second image bearing member electrostatically to the image receiving member, wherein the position of the second transfer member to the second image bearing member in the moving direction of the image receiving member is in the downstream side relative to the position of the first image bearing member of the first transfer member.
US07957679B2
If a user is not familiar with the operation for the developer supply container, the rotating operation for the developer supply container may be insufficient, so that developer supply container does not reach a predetermined operating position, with the result of abnormal developer supply. by increasing a rotation load of a second gear 6 which is in an operable connection with a drive gear member 12 of the developer receiving apparatus 10 by a function of a locking member 7, the developer supply container 1 mounted to the developer receiving apparatus 10 is rotated toward the supply position. After the developer supply container 1 rotates to the supply position, the locking by the locking member 7 is released, by which the rotation load applied to the second gear 6 is reduced, so that drive transmission, thereafter, to the feeding member 4 for developer supply is smooth.
US07957676B2
A development device includes a developer container reserving a liquid developer containing toner particles and a carrier liquid. A developer supply member supplies a developer supporting member with liquid developer. An agitating member is disposed in the developer container and supplies the developer supply member with the liquid developer. A developer supporting member cleaning member removes liquid developer on the developer supporting member. The developer container includes a first developer holding section having at least one communication section for making liquid developer flow in, a second developer holding section for reserving liquid developer recovered by the developer supporting member cleaning member, and a partition member partitioning between the first and second developer holding sections, and at least one flowing section shifted from the communication section in an axial direction of the agitating member and allowing liquid developer to move between the first and second developer holding sections.
US07957672B2
An image formation apparatus is provided that prevents a belt from becoming displaced or detached from a belt unit. When a belt unit is detached from a main body casing, a tension roller is fixed in an outwardly protruding position by a fixing member. Thereby, the conveyor belt is stretched such that the conveyor belt is configured to be prevented from becoming displaced or detached. When the belt unit is mounted in the main body casing, fixation of the tension roller by the fixing member is released by a releasing protrusion and a suitable operating tensile force is imparted to the conveyor belt by coiled springs provided on the main body casing side.
US07957663B2
A heater is operable with a main power supply unit and a chargeable auxiliary power supplying unit. The heater includes a heater part having one or a plurality of heater elements to receive power from the main and auxiliary power supplying units, a detecting part to detect information related to the heater part, and a controller to vary an amount of power supplied from the auxiliary power supply unit to the heater part per unit time based on the information detected by the detecting part.
US07957662B2
According to an embodiment, a heating device having a plurality of heating members which heat the heating roller, a first thermoelectric converting section having a plurality of thermoelectric converting elements, each of which has a heat-absorbing surface and a cooling surface and generates electromotive force by difference in temperature between the heat-absorbing surface and the cooling surface, and formed along a curved surface of the heating roller, in which the heat-absorbing surface is disposed with a predetermined space from an outer circumferential surface of the heating roller, an auxiliary power supply charged with electric power generated by the first thermoelectric converting section, and a switching section which switches the apparatus between a first state in which electric power is supplied from utility power to the heating members and a second state in which electric power is supplied from the auxiliary power supply to the heating members, based on a predetermined signal.
US07957659B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus has a marginless mode in which the toner image is formed on said image bearing member in an area that covers the recording material and an area outside the recording material, and the toner image is transferred to extend beyond an edge of the recording material carried by said recording material carrying member, the image forming apparatus further including: a detecting device which detects the toner image that extends beyond the edge of the recording material and is transferred to said recording material carrying member in the marginless mode; and a control device which uses a detection result provided by said detecting device to control where said exposure device forms a latent image on said image bearing member.
US07957656B2
A toner image transfer assembly has a tacking assembly, an image transfer assembly, and a media transport assembly. The tacking assembly senses critical properties of media while electrostatically tacking media to a transport device. The tacking assembly forwards data corresponding to the sensed electrical properties to the image transfer assembly so that the image transfer assembly anticipates the electrical properties of an approaching media type.
US07957652B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical modulator which is capable of adjusting optical intensity of optical signals which contains non-desired components so that the intensity of the components become at a similar level, whereby the optical modulator is capable of effectively suppressing the non-desired components when the optical signals are combined.
US07957650B2
A pluggable optical network unit includes a transceiver assembly configured to produce a first electrical signal in response to a first optical signal comprising reception signal data and to emit a second optical signal comprising transmission signal data in response to a second electrical signal. A data processing unit can extract the reception signal data from the first electrical signal and produce the second electrical signal in response to the transmission signal data. An interface unit can receive the reception signal data from the data processing unit, serialize the reception signal data, and send a third electric signal comprising the reception signal data to a network device that the pluggable optical network unit is plugged into. A management unit can modify the third electric signal in accordance to the operation status of at least one of the transceiver assembly or the data processing unit.
US07957645B1
A number of fiber optic interconnection systems and apparatuses, optical network nodes, and methods are disclosed. One fiber optic interconnection system embodiment includes a first interconnectivity component for receiving and sending one or more signals between at least a first optical network node and a second optical network node, a second interconnectivity component for receiving and sending one or more signals between at least the first optical network node and the second optical network node, a distribution component that encodes an information signal onto a number of optical signals having different wavelength ranges, and a directional component for directing the number of optical signals having different wavelength ranges through one of the first or second interconnectivity components.
US07957644B2
A flexible open ring optical network includes a plurality of nodes connected by twin or other suitable optical rings. Each node is operable to passively add and passively drop traffic from the rings. The nodes may include a transport element for each ring. The transport elements include an optical splitter element and an optical combiner element. The optical splitter element is operable to passively combine an add signal including local add traffic and a first transport signal including ingress traffic from a coupled optical ring to generate a second transport signal including egress traffic for transmission on the coupled optical ring. The optical combiner element is coupled to the optical splitter element and is operable to passively split a third transport signal including the ingress traffic to generate a drop signal including local drop traffic and a fourth transport signal including the ingress traffic. Protection switching may be provided by selectively openable switches disposed in and distributed around the rings.
US07957643B2
A method and apparatus for controlling the power level of an optical signal includes detecting the loss of a supervisory signal counter-propagating in an optical fiber.
US07957640B2
A positioning device for a reference surface within a lens port having a longitudinal axis, where a reference surface element able to be extended substantially transversely across the port and withdrawn from the extended position are provided. A transverse movement element to effect such extension and withdrawal of the reference surface are provided and the transverse movement element is operable from a position external of the lens port. The device further includes a camera or camera housing with a reference element of this type associated therewith. The invention finds particular use in the field of underwater photography.
US07957639B2
Provided are a method and system for determining an optimal exposure of a structured light based 3D camera. The system includes a projecting means for illuminating a predetermined pattern on a target object, an image capturing means for capturing an image of the target object with the pattern projected, and a processing means for reconstructing 3D data for the target object by identifying the pattern of the captured images from the image capturing means. The system automatically determines an optimal exposure of the structured light based 3D camera system through analyzing the captured image of the target object.
US07957637B2
An imaging device equipped with an imaging system includes an imaging lens optical system which images an object, a flash emitting unit which synchronizes imaging in the imaging system to emit a flash having not less than a prescribed luminance in a charged state not less than a prescribed charged state by power to be charged, and a control unit which determines a charging amount of the charged state of the flash emitting unit and which controls imaging to be performed by using the flash emitting unit with an imaging sensitivity of the imaging lens optical system set in accordance with the charging amount of the charged state in imaging by the imaging lens optical system.
US07957630B2
A mobile video/audio device is provided, comprising a receiving box, a display mounted on a surface of the receiving box for displaying a video content with a corresponding audio content accompanied, a compact disk (CD) drive disposed within the receiving box with an access side thereof exposed and having an eject button formed at a side thereof, a control module comprising a video/audio playing circuit formed in modules for controlling the display, CD drive and other units associated with the video/audio playing circuit, the control module being further disposed within the receiving box and detachable therefrom; and a control panel disposed at a location outside the display within the receiving box and having a plurality of control keys for controlling the control module to play the video/audio content and a plurality of video/audio out/input ports for connecting with an external device.
US07957628B2
According to one embodiment, a playback apparatus includes a multimedia processor configured to allocate a first stream buffer area in a first memory for storing a encoded video data, and includes a decoder configured to decode the encoded video data, a main processor configured to execute a decoding program application for decoding the encoded video data, and to execute a switching program application configured to switch a destination where the decoding is executed between the multimedia processor and the decoding program application such that a picture group which is a unit for managing the encoded video data is not separately supplied to two destinations, in response to a switching request, wherein the decoding program application is configured to allocate a second stream buffer area in a second memory for storing the encoded video data and a decoding buffer area in the second memory for storing data related to decoding.
US07957627B2
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.
US07957617B2
An optical device that comprises an input waveguide, an output waveguide, a high-Q resonant or photonic structure that generate slow light connected to the input waveguide and the output waveguide, and an interface, surface or mode volume modified with at least one material formed from a single molecule, an ordered aggregate of molecules or nanostructures. The optical device may include more than one input waveguide, output waveguide, high-Q resonant or photonic structure and interface, surface or mode volume. The high-Q resonant or photonic structure may comprise at least one selected from the group of: microspherical cavities, microtoroidal cavities, microring-cavities, photonic crystal defect cavities, fabry-perot cavities, photonic crystal waveguides. The ordered aggregate of molecules or nanostructures comprises at least one selected from the group of: organic or biological monolayers, biological complexes, cell membranes, bacterial membranes, virus assemblies, nanowire or nanotube assemblies, quantum-dot assemblies, one or more assemblies containing one or more rhodopsins, green fluorescence proteins, diarylethers, lipid bilayers, chloroplasts or components, mitochondria or components, cellular or bacterial organelles or components, bacterial S-layers, photochromic molecules. Further, the molecular aggregate may exhibit a photoinduced response.
US07957607B2
There is provided a decoding apparatus that decodes data encoded by transform coding in units of predefined image areas, including a coefficient setting unit that sets modification coefficients for each of the image areas; and a dequantized value generating unit that generates a dequantized value corresponding to a first quantized index value of a target area which is an image area to be modified, based on the first quantized index value of the target area, a second quantized index value of other image area in predetermined relative position to the target area, and the modification coefficients set by the coefficient setting unit.
US07957606B2
Presented herein are a system and method for sharpening edges in a region. In one embodiment, there is presented a method for sharpening edges. The method comprises measuring differences between at least a value associated with a first pixel and a value associated with a second pixel of a plurality of pixels; and applying a sharpening mask to the plurality of pixels, wherein the sharpening mask is a function of at least one of the measured differences, a first value associated with any one of the plurality of pixels, and a second value associated with any other of the pixels, thereby resulting in sharpened pixels.
US07957592B2
A method and system of video object segmentation are disclosed herein. A pixel data of an image is received, wherein the pixel data has a corresponding location. A difference value between a pixel value of the pixel data and a pixel value in the corresponding location of a previous image is obtained. Utilizing the difference value and the pixel data, a multi-layered background registration is performed to get a background. Using the background, a background region of the image is removed. Furthermore, a process of removing an average value of luminance from the image and from the background is carried out to prevent object segmentation failure caused by the non-uniform luminance problem, which is produced by variation and flickering of illumination.
US07957584B2
A detection method is based on a statistical analysis of the appearance of model patches from all possible viewpoints in the scene, and incorporates 3D geometry during both matching and pose estimation processes. By analyzing the computed probability distribution of the visibility of each patch from different viewpoints, a reliability measure for each patch is estimated. That reliability measure is useful for developing industrial augmented reality applications. Using the method, the pose of complex objects can be estimated efficiently given a single test image.
US07957581B2
Directions normal to images of an object captured by at least two cameras from different points of view are aligned with each other to form corrected object images, and a correspondence is determined between at least one pixel position on a horizontal line in one of the corrected object images and at least one pixel position on the same horizontal line in another of the corrected object images. The correspondence is determined by determining a similarity in brightness and color components at the pixel positions and a parallax between the corrected object images A robust, accurate image matching can be done by making dynamic matching between all pixels on a scan line in the images captured by the cameras.
US07957571B2
In step S1, image data obtained by imaging is input to an image input unit (1). In step S2, the diagnosis result obtained by a doctor using the image data obtained by imaging is input as diagnosis information to a diagnosis information input unit (2). In step S3, a keyword table (7) is searched for a keyword input to the diagnosis information input unit (2) or a diagnosis information analyzing unit (3). In step S4, a parameter determining unit (5) selects an initial value parameter used in an image search unit (4) from an initial value table (8) on the basis of the input keyword. In steps S5 and S6, the image search unit (4) determines the optimization degree of the selected parameter by applying the parameter to the input image on the basis of the area or connectivity of a morbid region, and also extracts a morbid region by using a general computer aided diagnosis technique.
US07957562B2
A vision system that forms a map of a scene proximate a platform, e.g., a vehicle, that determines the actual ground plane form the map, and that corrects the map for differences between the actual ground plane and an assumed ground plane. The vision system may remove the actual ground plane from the map to prevent false positives. The vision system can further identify and classify objects and, if appropriate, take evasive action.
US07957561B2
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for measuring quality of an image received via a communication network. The apparatus includes an interface unit, a codec unit, a test image detection unit, and a Mean Opinion Score (MOS) measurement unit. The interface unit receives an image, including a start synchronization image and a test image via a communication network. The codec unit decodes the received image into a color signal. The test image detection unit detects any one value of brightness, saturation and hue information of the color signal input from the codec unit, calculates an average value for each frame, and detects the test image from the received image based on the calculated average value. The MOS measurement unit synchronizes the test image with a corresponding reference image, compares the quality of the test image with the quality of the reference image, calculates an MOS value based on the results of the comparison, and outputs the MOS value.
US07957560B2
An abnormal action detector is provided for accurately detecting the position of an object together with an abnormal action using a cubic higher-order local auto-correlation feature. The abnormal action detector comprises a computer which generates inter-frame differential data from moving image data, extracts cubic higher-order local auto-correlation feature data on a pixel-by-pixel basis, adds the feature data for pixels within a predetermined range including each of pixels, calculates an index indicative of abnormality of the added feature data with respect to a subspace indicative of a normal action, determines an abnormality when the index is larger than a predetermined value, and outputs the position of a pixel at which the abnormality is determined. The computer further finds a subspace which exhibits a normal action from past feature data in accordance with a principal component analysis approach. The abnormal action detector is capable of determining abnormality on a pixel-by-pixel basis and correctly detecting the position of an object which has shown an abnormal action.
US07957559B2
In conventional systems using an onboard camera disposed rearward of a vehicle for recognizing an object surrounding the vehicle, the object is recognized by the camera disposed rearward of the vehicle. In the image recognized by the camera, a road surface marking taken by the camera appears at a lower end of a screen of the image, which makes it difficult to predict a specific position in the screen from which the road surface marking appears. Further, an angle of depression of the camera is large, and it is a short period of time to acquire the object. Therefore, it is difficult to improve a recognition rate and to reduce false recognition. Results of recognition (type, position, angle, recognition time) made by a camera disposed forward of the vehicle, are used to predict a specific timing and a specific position of a field of view of a camera disposed rearward of the vehicle, at which the object appears. Parameters of recognition logic of the rearwardly disposed camera and processing timing are then optimally adjusted. Further, luminance information of the image from the forwardly disposed camera is used to predict possible changes to be made in luminance of the field of view of the rearwardly disposed camera. Gain and exposure time of the rearwardly disposed camera are then adjusted.
US07957557B2
A tracing device and a tracing method for realizing a real-time trace of a moving object such as a person from a time-varying image by method of a light processing load, and for learning features through the trace thereby to realize a trace of higher precision. The tracing device divides time-varying data inputted into partial images (in a strip or rectangle shape), and compares the background image containing no tracing object thereby with the current image thereby to extract the divided image having the tracing object. In order to discriminate the tracing object, moreover, the tracing device calculates the color high-level local self-correlated data, from which the features of color and shape can be extracted all at once, and performs the discrimination on the basis of a distance from the featuring data of the tracing object registered. The tracing device updates the background image and the registered featuring data into the latest ones. The features are acquired while tracing the tracing object, and the object is discriminated by utilizing the features so that a strong and highly precise trace can be realized.
US07957551B2
A loudspeaker includes the following components: a frame (5) that has a magnetic circuit (4) including a magnetic gap (4a) therein; and a diaphragm (6) that is bonded to a voice coil (7) fitted into the magnetic gap (4a) in the center thereof, and to the periphery of the frame (5) along the outer periphery thereof. The magnetic circuit (4) includes a yoke (1), a magnet (2), and a top plate (3). Tongue-shaped flanges (1a) are disposed at a substantially equidistant spacing in three positions to protrude from the top end face of the yoke (1). The total area of these tongue-shaped flanges (1a) in the three positions does not exceed a half of the total area corresponding to the flange part without flanges (1a). The frame (5) also includes engaging parts (5a) each for receiving one of the tongue-shaped flanges (1a) therein.
US07957547B2
Techniques described herein allow a user to create and modify a sound design in a user interface. For example, a user imports a sound file into the user interface, where the sound file is displayed graphically along a timeline. The user can then insert multiple control points along the timeline. The control points display the sound properties of the sound file at the selected points in time along the timeline. Accordingly, the user uses controls provided in the user interface to adjust and modify the sound properties displayed on a control point. The modifications the user makes to the sound properties are saved to the sound file.
US07957545B2
A stereo speaker system including: a speaker unit having a plurality of speakers which output audio; and a filter unit selectively receiving low frequency components of the outputted audio. The filter unit eliminates the received low frequency components to decrease back pressure on the speakers. Thus, the phenomenon of air-loading caused by back-pressure is removed and the low frequency characteristic of stereo speakers is improved by activating the vibration of a vibrating plate.
US07957539B2
A system for enhancing sound quality comprising a filter that square roots the instantaneous amplitude of frequencies in an input signal for generating artificial harmonics corresponding to said frequencies. The system can comprise an automatic level control that momentarily boosts the amplitude of a higher frequency portion of the input signal to emphasize attack transients occurring within the input signal.
US07957538B2
A method of audio matrix decoding in which a moving sound image is restored includes decoding multichannel signals from stereo signals, extracting strengths and positions of virtual sound sources existing between channels based on power vectors of the decoded multichannel signals, comparing the strengths and positions of the extracted previous and current virtual sound sources to predict position movement and the strengths of the virtual sound sources, and redistributing powers to positions of channel speakers in a multichannel arrangement based on the predicted position of a sound image.
US07957537B2
An information processing system and method using an encryption key block sets sub-trees classified based on data processing ability of the devices (capability) in a key tree in which respective keys are corresponded to a root, nodes and leaves of a tree in which a plurality of devices are constituted as the leaves, generates a sub-enabling key block which is effective for an entity in a managing subject of each sub-tree (entity), and generates an enabling key block decodable only by the entities having common capability. Also, an information processing system and method using an encryption key block manages a partial tree of a key tree (sub-tree), generates a sub-enabling key block based only on a key set corresponding to nodes or leaves included in the sub-tree, and generates an enabling key block decodable only by selected entities by using the sub-enabling key block. Thus, it is possible to generate and distribute an enabling key block corresponding to data processing ability of a device and to manage devices by dividing a hierarchical key tree structure.
US07957535B2
A method for performing a high-speed search for a content key associated with encrypted content for a key-separation-type content management method where content keys and pieces of encrypted content are correlated by ID information and stored in different recording media. An external recording medium stores content files including: pieces of encrypted content that are encrypted with different encryption keys; and content IDs, each associated with a corresponding piece of encryption content, and a semiconductor recording medium stores a list including: encryption key storage location information, each indicating where a corresponding encryption key is stored; and content IDs, the list sorted in accordance with the content IDs. When encrypted content is played back, the list is searched to find encryption key storage location information associated with content ID that matches the content ID of the encrypted content, and the encryption key is read based on the encryption key storage location information.
US07957533B2
A method of establishing authentication keys at both a network and mobile equipment are provided. The authentication key generated by the mobile equipment is based on both mobile keys and network keys, which are each calculated by the mobile equipment. The authentication key generated by the network is based on both mobile keys and network keys, which are each calculated by the network. The mobile keys are calculated from a challenge generated by the mobile equipment and the network keys generated by the mobile based on a challenge generated by network.
US07957528B2
A near field communication (NFC) sticker which stores a key is attached to a new client device. A remote commander in a home network reads the key using a NFC interface and IR-transmits it to a home network server. Once the client is connected to the network, it encrypts its own device information with the key and sends the encrypted information to the server, which decrypts the data with the key sent from the remote commander. In this way, client device registration is executed easily and securely.
US07957527B2
An apparatus and a method for performing a hyperelliptic curve cryptography process at a high speed in a highly secure manner are provided. A base point D is produced such that the base point D and one or more of precalculated data in addition to the base point used in a scalar multiplication operation based on a window algorithm are degenerate divisors with a weight smaller than genus g of a hyperelliptic curve. An addition operation included in the scalar multiplication operation based on the window algorithm is accomplished by performing an addition operation of adding a degenerate divisor and a non-degenerate divisor, whereby a high-speed operation is achieved without causing degradation in security against key analysis attacks such as SPA.
US07957512B2
The present invention provides an audio source selection process for a conference bridge. The conference bridge receives multiple audio sources and selects at least one of the audio sources based on the relative signal levels associated with the audio signal at each of the audio sources. The audio signals associated with the selected source are delivered to conference participants via one or more audio outputs. The conference bridge will repeatedly employ a selection process to select an audio source based on signal level measurements for the audio signals of the audio sources. During the selection process, the influence of a selected audio source relative to the other unselected audio sources is reduced, after the selected audio source has remained selected for more than a first time period.
US07957509B2
A method for updating communications service parameters includes receiving, at a platform configured for speech recognition functionality and corresponding to a communications address associated with verbally updating communications service parameters, a voice instruction from a requester to update a communications service parameter. The voice instruction is translated into digital command data and the digital command data and the update to the communications service parameter are stored in a database. A change in a communications service corresponding to the update to the communications service parameter is implemented in near real-time.
US07957500B2
A detector arrangement for detecting a frequency error between an input signal (DATA) and a reference signal. The detector arrangement comprising first latch circuitry (L1, L2) for sampling a quadrature component (CKQ) of the reference signal based on the input signal, to generate a first binary signal (PDQ); second latch circuitry (L3, L4) for sampling an in-phase component (CKI) of the reference signal based on the input signal, to-generate a second binary signal (PD I); third latch circuitry (L5) for sampling the first binary signal based on the second binary signal, to generate the frequency error signal (FD). The detector further comprising control circuitry (TS) for selectively suppressing operation of a charge pump (82) to which the first binary signal (PDQ) is supplied, in response to a control signal derived from the second binary signal.
US07957495B2
The method obtains an interference detection result by detecting sampled digital signals in real time in a transform domain, then maps the interference detection result into an interference suppression pulse function on the basis of a unit noise pulse function, and carries out interference suppression filtering in the transform domain according to the interference suppression pulse function. The present invention is capable of detecting narrowband interference such as monotone, frequency modulation, and phase modulation interferences in a receive channel adaptively in real-time, and suppressing the interference adaptively according to the quantity, energy and bandwidth of the interference, so as to reduce the influence of the interference. Therefore, the present invention may enhance robustness of the communication system against interference. Moreover, the present invention does not need multiple notch devices, costs low and may be implemented simply and reliably.
US07957494B2
A system for determining the burst start timing of a signal includes logic configured to receive the signal, generate correlation moduli and generate a first timing output based on the correlation moduli. The logic may also be configured to receive operating mode information and timing information and generate search controls. The logic may further be configured to identify a maximum of the correlation moduli using the search controls and determine a second timing output associated with the maximum correlation modulus. The second timing output represents a more accurate approximation of a burst start time than the first timing output.
US07957484B2
A method and system for performing Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (“MIMO”) detection that reduces complexity by decomposing MIMO detection problem into two less complex problems, Candidate List generation and Interference Cancellation (“CLIC”). Embodiments of the CLIC framework parse an N element channel output into a first set containing S elements and a second set containing N−S elements. A first list of candidate vectors is generated from the first set of elements. A set of interference cancelled elements is generated by using the first list of candidate vectors to cancel interference from the second set of elements. A second list of candidate vectors is generated from the set of interference cancelled elements. A minimum cost is computed for each bit of the candidate vectors and from the costs a log-likelihood ratio is computed.
US07957480B2
A wireless communication apparatus generates transmission signal including first and second pilot signal sequences allocated to first and second frequencies symmetrically located in relation to a center frequency, and third and fourth pilot signal sequences allocated to third and fourth frequencies symmetrically located in relation to the center frequency, quadrature-modulates the transmission signal, to obtain a quadrature modulation signal, quadrature-demodulates the quadrature modulation signal, to obtain a reception signal, extracts first to fourth pilot signal sequences from the reception signal, estimates a first transfer characteristic concerning first and second frequency by using first and second pilot signal sequences, estimates a second transfer characteristic concerning third and fourth frequencies using third and the fourth pilot signal sequences, generates a third transfer characteristic from which an influence of transmission IQ imbalance is removed by using first and second transfer characteristic, and estimates, from the third transfer characteristic, reception IQ imbalance characteristic.
US07957473B2
A data transmission apparatus is provided, which is capable of performing good communication with a noncontact data carrier under the circumstances where pulse noise is generated. A noise detection circuit in a reader/writer detects a generation period of noise contained in received signals. A communication time calculating circuit calculates estimated time for communication to be performed for an IC card. A timing signal generation unit determines transmission start timing based on the noise generation period and the estimated communication time.
US07957472B2
A receiver circuit uses two or more comparators to detect the received data signal. Each comparator is set to compare the data signal to a different reference signal. The output signals of the comparators are received into a detector circuit, which provides a third output signal that establishes the logic state of the received signal based on whether or not the output signals of the comparators are equal. Depending on the logic state of the data signal, one of the comparators provides its output signal sooner than the other. Each comparator may be implemented by a differential amplifier. In one embodiment, the reference signals are threshold voltages which may be provided by the tripping voltages at the trip points for the logic HIGH and LOW states.
US07957470B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods for adaptive video decoding. An example method includes determining that a video decoding rate of received video input is to be reduced, and receiving video input comprising a first and a second plurality of pictures. The method also includes reducing the video decoding rate while maintaining synchronization with an unmodified audio decoding rate, responsive to the determining that the video decoding rate of the received video input is to be reduced. The reducing includes foregoing decoding the first plurality of pictures and decoding the second plurality of pictures.
US07957454B2
There is provided a transmitter that transmits data in a spread spectrum communications system including a spread modulation portion spreading transmitting data with a spread code, an RZ conversion portion converting the transmitting data spread to an RZ signal, and an impulse sequence conversion portion multiplying the RZ signal by an impulse sequence to convert the RZ signal to an impulse radio signal.
US07957450B2
A method and system for frame formats for MIMO channel measurement exchange is provided. Aspects of a method for communicating information in a communication system may comprise transmitting data via a plurality of radio frequency (RF) channels utilizing a plurality of transmitting antenna, receiving feedback information via at least one of a plurality of RF channels, and modifying a transmission mode based on the feedback information. Aspects of a method for communicating information in a communication system may also comprise receiving data via a plurality of receiving antenna, transmitting feedback information via at least one of the plurality of RF channels, and requesting modification of a transmission mode for the received data in transmitted response messages comprising the feedback information.
US07957448B2
The optoelectronic circuit includes a photoreceptor (1) made in a silicon semiconductor substrate (4), and a monomode VCSEL laser diode (2) made in a gallium arsenide substrate. The photoreceptor includes at least one photosensitive area with a pixel array for picking up light and an area with a control and processing unit for the signals supplied by the pixels. The laser diode is mounted and electrically connected directly on one part of the photoreceptor. The laser diode is connected by a conductive terminal (12) to a first contact pad (3) at the bottom of a cavity (13) made through a passivation layer (5) of the photoreceptor. An electrode (17) on the top of the diode is connected by a metal wire (15) to a second contact pad (3) of the photoreceptor. The photoreceptor controls the diode directly via the electrode and the conductive terminal to generate a laser beam (L).
US07957431B2
A laser system has an output/input coupler unit (49) with a circulator (37). An output of the circulator (37) is operationally connected to a detector unit (43). The input/output (EA37) of the circulator is operationally connected to a transmitter and a receiver optics 41. Laser light is input to the circulator (E37). The input (E37), output (A37) and output/input (EA37) of the circulator are optical fibers. The pulsed diode (3) is not temperature stabilized. To reduce amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) generated in the optical fiber amplifier (9), a narrow band-pass filter unit (29) is used. Filter unit (29) has a central wavelength with a temperature dependence which is matched to the temperature dependent wavelength shift of the pulsed diode (3).
US07957424B2
A system processes data units in a network. The system receives a data unit that includes a group of headers and suppresses one or more of the headers to form a reduced data unit. The system suppresses one or more other headers of the reduced data unit to form a further reduced data unit and transmits the further reduced data unit to one or more destination devices using the program identifier (PID) field in the MPEG header as an index to suppressed headers.
US07957423B2
A method for correcting packet errors in a combined stream including steps of receiving a combined and re-packetized transport stream comprising program information for at least two transport streams (A and B), wherein each transport stream (A and B) comprises program information associated with respective distinctive packet IDs (PIDs), detecting an invader packet associated with the combined and re-packetized transport stream A does not belong in the combined and re-packetized transport stream A, offering the invader packet to combined and re-packetized transport stream B in which a gap is detected, and de-combining combined and re-packetized transport stream B such that information from a de-combined version of the invader packet fills a gap in a de-combined version of combined and re-packetized transport stream B.
US07957422B2
In a demultiplexer, if as for a certain packet a packet header detection section has detected a packet header without error, a memory control section controls a payload of the packet which is separated by a payload separation section to be stored in a buffer memory. If, as for a predetermined number of packets, the packet header detection section has detected packet headers without error, the memory control section permits a payload of a packet previous to the predetermined number of packets to be output from the buffer memory.
US07957414B2
A wireless communication apparatus (10) includes: a transmission data acquisition unit (21) that acquires transmission data; a control data judging unit (24) that judges whether or not the acquired transmission data is control data for causing an apparatus that receives the transmission data to perform a predetermined communication control process; and a transmission rate control unit (33) that controls a transmission rate of the transmission data according to a judgment result of the control data judging unit (24).
US07957413B2
A technique for efficiently processing resource allocation requests in an on-demand environment. When a user logs into a resource allocation request manager, various resource requirements entered are immediately sent to a remote resource manager to allow for dynamic, real-time feedback to the user who is entering the resource requirements as to any issues or concerns regarding the requested resource(s) or plug-in element(s), such as lack of availability. The user can thus reconfigure or otherwise modify the various resource requests based on this feedback to optimize the overall resource allocation request. This also allows an organization providing services such as computer hosting services to re-allocate resources in advance if a new resource request would exceed a service level agreement outlined in advance with a customer, thereby improving resource planning in a data center environment. In addition, the dynamic feedback on the new resource request that exceeds a service level agreement can be used to develop a new service level agreement or temporary service offer that addresses the unique resource condition.
US07957409B2
Methods and devices are provided for efficient transmission of data between storage area networks. According to some aspects of the invention, novel methods are provided for processing data packets sent by, or received from, a storage area network. Some such aspects of the invention involve storing a packet (or a portion of a packet) in a single memory location during an encapsulation or de-encapsulation process. Instead of repeatedly copying the packet during processing, pointer information is passed along that indicates the single memory location. In some aspects of the invention, the segment boundaries of a packet are retained after data transmission. If data in the packet need to be re-transmitted, the packet is re-transmitted with the same segment boundaries.
US07957403B2
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for controlling access to telecommunications resources implementing a legacy protocol based upon a policy. These mechanisms and methods for controlling access to legacy protocols based upon a policy can enable embodiments to control access by third party created and other applications to network resources implementing legacy telecommunications protocols. The ability of embodiments to control access by third party created and other applications to network resources can enable network providers to provide greater access to network resources without compromising security of other users. Embodiments may further provide the ability to interface with legacy push protocols, multimedia message protocols and short message peer-to-peer protocols.
US07957385B2
Methods and apparatus for routing a packet in a network are described. The network has a topology characterized by a hierarchical structure of nodes including n layers. L represents a layer in the structure and is an integer with L=0 representing a lowest layer and L=n−1 representing a highest layer. The method includes receiving at least a packet header of a packet at a first node and based on the packet header, determining whether to transmit the packet to a second node in either layer L, layer L+1, or layer L−1. The packet can be transmitted to the second node as soon as the packet is received at the first node without waiting to receive the entire packet and without copying the packet prior to transmission from the first node.
US07957383B2
In a case where internal links connected to plural mobile routers in a mobile network respectively have unique network identifiers initially set, the mobile router, when receiving a network identifier different from the initial setting advertised from another mobile router, selects either one of the network identifier initially set to the self and that advertised, as a network identifier of the internal link connected to the self. Then, if the one selected is identical to that initially set, the mobile router advertises the network identifier to within the mobile network and registers it in a home agent. If not identical, the mobile router registers the one advertised in the home agent as a network identifier of the internal link connected to the self.
US07957369B2
An improved data communication technique may be employed with modems through a packet network. The disclosed technique facilitates a virtual end-to-end connection between two modems such that the two modems can effectively behave as if directly connected to each other, unaware of any modifications to the data being transferred or to the protocols configured within the communication connection. Preferably, a data communication system for carrying out the communication technique demodulates data coming from a first modem, transports the demodulated data in packets between two gateways, and then remodulates the data before delivering to a second modem at the other end. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, various alternatives for calling and quality of service set-up mechanisms, the establishment of a communication session, the transport of data during a communication session, the flow control between all system components involved, and the mechanisms for the termination of communications are also provided.
US07957368B2
Disclosed is a system and a methodology enabling a first provider party to provide to a second recipient party software and services to enable the recipient party to embed in an Internet e-mail of the recipient party directed to an addressee, an HTML hyperlink file which includes a telecommunication initiating trigger, sending the e-mail to the addressee via the Internet, the addressee upon receiving the e-mail actuating the hyperlink via its trigger and, responsive to the trigger actuation, connecting the addressee via the Internet to a web page located on an Internet server, wherein the web page includes a request for a telephone number of the addressee. The addressee entering its telephone number information at the server, which information is communicated to a database associated with the server, the server communicating with the database and with a telephony switch, including sending to the switch instructions which result in the switch originating and managing a public switched telephone network (PSTN) communication between the recipient party and the addressee.
US07957365B2
A method and system for connection routing based on link utilization. A link utilization limit is accessed at a node of a network. The link utilization limit is compared to a utilization of a link coupled to the node. If the utilization of the link is greater than the link utilization limit, then the link is excluded from a virtual circuit.
US07957364B2
In an embodiment of a method of tracing a path through a switch mesh from a first device connected to the switch mesh to a second device connected to the switch mesh, hardware addresses of the first and second devices are obtained. At least one switch that is a neighbor to the first device is identified. At least one switch that is a neighbor to the first device is queried to identify at least one port of at least one switch that is forwarding packets having the hardware addresses of the first and second devices.
US07957362B2
A network node is provided that includes a transceiver and a component. The transceiver is operable for communication of messages having a broadcast portion and a beamformed data portion. The broadcast portion includes an indicator. The component is operable to promote the transceiver being enabled for communication with other network nodes, in response to the message including the indicator and further in response to the message being intended for a specific network node other than the network node. The component is operable to promote the transceiver receiving the data portion of the message, in response to the message including the indicator and the message being intended for the network node.
US07957360B2
A method of DRX signaling in a long-term evolution infrastructure between an evolved node B (eNB) and user equipment (UE), the method having the steps of providing a DRX value in a header of a medium access control protocol data unit (MAC-PDU); acknowledging the MAC-PDU; and activating, deactivating or reconfiguring DRX based on the provided DRX value.
US07957353B2
A preset data storing means 108 stores identification data of the user's own subscribed hot spot data and identification data of a hot spot dealer in roaming contract relation to the own hot spot dealer. A wireless communication means 107 obtains the electric field intensity of a channel as a subject of survey and identification data of a dealer. A means functions, when the obtained identification data is identical with the identification data user's own subscribed hot spot dealer as stored in the preset data storing means, to display on a display means 105 that the obtained identification data is the identification data of the user's own subscribed hot spot dealer such that the user can understand the displayed content at a glance, and when the obtained data fails to be identical with the roaming contract relation hot spot dealer, to display on the display means 105 that the obtained electric field intensity is that of the roaming contract relation dealer such that the user can understand the displayed content at a glance.
US07957350B2
A network, computer readable medium, and method for ranking a plurality of available access networks by a provider, the provider serving a user equipment and the user equipment being configured to connect to at least one of the plurality of available access networks. The method includes receiving a selection request at a selection entity of the provider, where the selection request includes a vector parameter P that includes required characteristics of a data flow for the user equipment, sending from the selection entity a capability request, including the vector parameter P, to the plurality of available access networks, receiving at the selection entity a capability response from the plurality of available access networks, wherein each capability response includes a normalized value expressing a capability of a corresponding available access network to provide the required characteristics of the data flow, and generating a ranking list of the available access networks based on the received normalized values.
US07957345B2
The present invention discloses constructs and methods for transmitting a HARQ re-transmission in an adaptive manner in a wireless communication system. The system of the present invention discloses: scheduling the re-transmission of a data packet, based on decoding results from a receiver; determining a plurality of parameters for re-transmission in an adaptive manner; sending an assignment message if required; using a plurality of fields in the assignment message for re-transmission to indicate the plurality of parameters in the re-transmission; using a MACID field in the assignment message for re-transmission to indicate a target mobile station for the re-transmission; transmitting a data packet for the re-transmission; and decoding the data packet at the receiver to determine if a further need of re-transmission exists.
US07957333B2
A receiver system and method for switching among a plurality of antenna elements to receive a signal. At least a portion of plurality of antenna elements receive a transmitted signal, such that the transmitted signal includes a plurality of sub-channels that are transmitted in predetermined time intervals. A switching device is in communication with the plurality of antenna elements, and switches among single antenna elements to receive the transmitted signal. A controller is in communication with the switching device, and commands the switching device to select each of the antenna elements separately in predetermined periods of time based upon the predetermined time intervals of each of the sub-channels. A power level of the transmitted signal is determined during the predetermined period of time that corresponds to the predetermined time intervals, and the controller commands the switching device to switch to an antenna element based upon the determined power level.
US07957322B2
A system associated with a utility network having product distribution pathways, including a device management module for automatically provisioning at least a subset of a plurality of electronic utility devices associated with the pathways based on configuration state information received from the subset of the plurality of electronic utility devices and a comparison of the received configuration state information and predefined configuration state information.
US07957320B2
The invention relates to a method for changing a group key GK for a secure data exchange in a group of network elements P1 . . . Pn (n=2, 3, . . . ) in a network system having a closed peer-to-peer configuration and a virtual synchronism supporting group communication protocol in a communication layer of a system architecture of the network system, wherein in the case of a change in a composition of the group of network elements P1 . . . Pn, caused by the join of a new network element Pn+1 into the group of network elements P1 . . . Pn or by the leave of a network element Pv (1≦v≦n) from the group of network elements P1 . . . Pn, a group key renewal, in which a network element Pi* (1≦i≦n) selected from the group of network elements P1 . . . Pn generates a new group key GKneu, is carried out and the new group key GKneu is transferred from the selected network element Pi to all the remaining network elements Pk (1≦k≦n, k≠i) of the group of network elements P1 . . . Pn in the changed composition, which the selected network element Pi* achieves by carrying out a key exchange with all the remaining network elements Pk in accordance with the Diffie-Hellman principle in order to transfer the new group key GKneu.
US07957319B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to detecting network applications whose data flows have been encrypted. The present invention extends beyond analysis of explicitly presented packet attributes of data flows and holistically analyzes the behavior of host or end systems as expressed in related data flows against a statistical behavioral model to classify the data flows.
US07957318B1
A cable modem termination system that connects to cable modems includes a scheduler and a system manager. The scheduler schedules transmission opportunities for the cable modems and operates in multiple fragmentation modes. The scheduling of transmission opportunities by the scheduler differs among the fragmentation modes. The system manager compares one or more processing parameters associated with the cable modem termination system to one or more thresholds and causes the scheduler to transition among the fragmentation modes based on a result of the comparison.
US07957317B2
An approach is provided for an efficient control signaling associated with an error control scheme. A determination is made whether data has been properly received according to an error control scheme. A first pilot sequence representing an acknowledgement is generated if the data is properly received. A second pilot sequence representing a negative acknowledgement is generated if the data is not properly received. A frame including either the first pilot sequence or the second pilot sequence is output.
US07957316B2
When a management operation for changing an IP address of a device is applied to a plurality of devices, and the devices as operation targets include a network device management apparatus, the self apparatus is put to the end of operations, and the IP address change operation is applied to other devices (1808). As a result, even when the network device management apparatus as an operation target device is rebooted, since the management operations for all devices as operation targets are complete so far, a situation that the management operations for other devices are not executed due to an interruption of processing by rebooting can be avoided.
US07957313B2
A method and diagnosis apparatus are provided. A velocity measuring section measures a bit length of communication carried out between nodes based upon a communication signal inputted from a communication bus. The measured bit length is input to a control section, which sets a bit length based upon input from the velocity measuring section and arranges the communication section to decode the communication signal. The communication section specifies a frame reception time and a frame ID as an identification code of a time slot in which a frame is transmitted. Each time the frame is received after setting the bit length, the control section records information of the frame reception time and the frame ID inputted from the communication section in a log file. The control section determines whether the frame is transmitted in a constant period from each time slot based upon the content of the log file.
US07957291B2
Apparatus and methods for controlling effective communication traffic rates are disclosed. Communication signals that include communication traffic are generated for transfer on a wireless communication link based on fixed signalling characteristics. An effective communication traffic rate of the wireless communication link is controlled by controlling a rate at which communication traffic is provided to a communication module, illustratively a wireless transceiver, that generates the communication signals. Techniques according to embodiments of the invention thereby enable rate control for wireless communication links without changing wireless signalling characteristics or subjecting links to downtime during link reconfiguration. Collaborative rate control, in which rate control information is exchanged between rate control systems, is also contemplated.
US07957283B2
According to one embodiment, an Ethernet physical interface transceiver comprises a link interface configured to be segmented into one or more active ports. First circuitry is configured to transmit and receive data either at a relatively high data rate via a single active port of the link interface when the transceiver is configured in a first mode or at a relatively low data rate via at least two different active ports of the link interface when the transceiver is configured in a second mode. Second circuitry is configured to communicate with a media access controller either at a relatively high data rate when the transceiver is configured in the first mode or at a relatively low data rate when the transceiver is configured in the second mode. Clock circuitry is configured to independently synchronize operation of each active port of the link interface.
US07957270B2
A method and system for provisioning a Resilient Packet Ring (“RPR”) over a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (“WDM”) network is disclosed. A plurality of stations send data packets to each other over a dual ring fiber optic link. The data packets travel over the dual ring fiber optic link at a unique wavelength to distinguish the different data packets. When one station of the plurality of stations detects a location of a failure in the WDM network, the station identifying the location of the failure either notifies all stations of the plurality of stations of the location of the failure or notifies only the stations of the plurality of stations abutting the location of the failure. If all stations of the plurality of stations are notified of the failure, all stations steer data packets sent towards the location of the failure away from the location of the failure. If only the stations abutting the location of the failure are notified, only the stations abutting the location of the failure wrap data packets sent towards the location of the failure away from the location of the failure.
US07957269B2
A message synchronization demarcation method includes: a backup board receives a message of an opposite terminal from an interface board; the message is copied to a main board; the main board processes the message, copies it to the backup board through the buffer unit and transmits the data. Also a message synchronization demarcation system is provided. The data backup between the main board and the backup board is performed through the buffer area without occupying the transport layer resource, so the data flux of communication channels is reduced, the payload is lowered, and the backup steps of messages between the main board and the backup board is simplified. Using the present disclosure, the received message can be demarcated, and the accuracy of message transmission is further improved.
US07957255B2
A storage unit stores a preamble signal defined in a legacy system and a preamble signal defined in a MIMO system. A monitoring unit in a transmitting apparatus monitors the existence of any communication apparatus which is not compatible with the MIMO system but accepts the legacy system. A channel characteristics acquiring unit derives the characteristics of a radio channel between the transmitting apparatus and a receiving apparatus. A selector selects a packet format based on a monitoring result obtained by the monitoring unit. The selector also selects where to place LTS, based on the characteristics of wireless channel derived by the channel characteristics acquiring unit.
US07957252B2
The present invention provides an optical disc on which a visible image can be formed by irradiation of laser light, which comprises a logo area on which visible information is indicated, a pre-pit signal area, and an image forming area on which a visible image can be formed by irradiation of laser light; and an image forming method of forming a visible image by irradiation of laser light on an optical disc, the method including detecting a pre-pit signal from a pre-pit signal area formed on the optical disc, and forming the visible image based on the result of the detection, wherein the optical disc is the optical disc of an aspect of the invention.
US07957241B2
A device for detecting defect signals on an optical disc includes a finite state machine (FSM) to control a servo system of an optical disk drive. When the FSM is in a DETECT state and defect signals are greater than thresholds, a detection counter is set to a first predetermined value and the FSM enters an ARM state. In the ARM state, when the detection counter counts zero, the FSM enters a KICK state and the detection counter is set to a second predetermined value. In the KICK state, a flag signal XDFCT is asserted. When the detection counter in the KICK state counts to zero, the FSM enters a WAIT state and the detection counter is set to a third predetermined value. When the flag signal XDFCT is asserted, corresponding servo control signals for the servo system are clamped to a programmable constant voltage.
US07957238B2
A write strategy for use in recording is determined from recommended write strategy parameters recorded on an optical disk (160) and the characteristics of the optical recording device used in recording; a recommended asymmetry value is determined from the difference between the numerical aperture NA1 of the objective lens, which is a recording condition of the recommended asymmetry value recorded on the optical disk (160) and the numerical aperture NA2 of the objective lens (150) of the optical recording device used in recording, and recording is carried out on the optical disk (160) according to the write strategy and asymmetry value thus determined. Optimal recording can be carried out even on an optical disk for which the optimal write strategy information has not been determined in advance, without the need to store write strategy information suitable for each and every optical disk.
US07957233B2
A gap pull-in method and an optical disc apparatus. Whether light condensed on a disc as an actuator ascends is near-field light is determined using a gap error signal. The range of an actuator driving voltage value during a section where the decrease rate of the gap error signal is constant is obtained when it is determined that the light condensed on the disc is near-field light. Gap pull-in is performed on the disc during a section where the actuator driving voltage value is within the obtained range.
US07957232B2
A gap controller according to the present invention can set a reference level reasonably for a gap control that needs to be done to keep the gap between a solid immersion lens (SIL) and an optical disc constant. With the gap varied at a substantially regular step, gap detection signal levels are logged to find an extreme value of its second-order difference. And the gap control reference level is determined by the gap detection signal level that results in that extreme value.
US07957231B2
A light flux from the first light source forms a converged spot on first optical information recording medium by only a refraction action of the aspheric surface, or by a combination of the refraction action and an optical action given by at least one of the first phase structure and the second phase structure, a light flux from the second light source forms a converged spot on second optical recording medium by a combination of a refraction action of the aspheric surface and an optical action given by at least one of the first phase structure and the second phase structure, and a light flux from the third light source forms a converged spot on third optical recording medium by a combination of a refraction action of the aspheric surface and an optical action given by at least one of the first phase structure and the second phase structure.
US07957229B2
An object of this invention is to provide an optical disc controller and an optical disc drive system which reduce the proceeding time for supplementing data that is deficient at the time of writing to the optical disc. The present invention relates to an optical disc controller and a optical disc drive system. An optical disc controller includes an interface circuit, a buffer, a memory manager, an ECC circuit, a modulation circuit, and an operation processor. The memory manager has a control register part, a copy transfer controller, and a buffer controller. The control register part further includes a copy sector number setting register for taking out and holding information of plural sector numbers of deficient data from a control signal of the operation processor. The copy transfer controller successively conducts copy transfer process for plural sector numbers based on the sector number information.
US07957227B2
The present invention provides for a method for reducing undesirable skipping during playback of a compact disc in a compact disc player. A lens system of the compact disc player reads audio data and subcode data from the compact disc. The subcode data includes Q channel bits and P channel bits. The actual time lapse of the compact disc playback is calculated from the Q channel bits and the P channel bits, while a target time lapse is calculated based on data received from a real-time clock. The difference between the two time lapse values is calculated, and if the differences is greater than a predetermined threshold, the lens system is repositioned to read the audio data from the compact disc corresponding to a predetermined time interval in advance of the current position of the lens system.
US07957223B2
An ultrasonic ranging device for ultrasonic ranging in the near zone. The device may include a transducer for generating an ultrasonic signal and for detecting an echo signal. The device may also include a processor for calculating the distance to a target object based on a first time period defined by a first set of ultrasonic signals when the target object is located outside the near zone and a second time period defined by a second set of ultrasonic signals when the target object is located within the near zone. The processor may also adjust the amplitude of the generated ultrasonic signal until the first set of ultrasonic signals is detected at the transducer.
US07957221B2
A method for determining upgoing pressure components of seismic signals from signals detected by combined pressure responsive sensors and motion responsive seismic sensors disposed in a plurality of laterally spaced apart streamers includes determining a threshold time at which angle of incidence error in the motion responsive signals in the cross-line direction falls below a selected threshold. Below the threshold time, the motion responsive signals are corrected for angle of incidence in the in-line and cross-line directions. Above the threshold time, the motion responsive signals are corrected for angle of incidence only in the in-line direction. Both sets of incidence corrected measured motion responsive signals, and the pressure responsive signals are used to determine upgoing or downgoing pressure components or upgoing or downgoing motion components of the measured motion responsive and pressure responsive seismic signals.
US07957220B2
A seismic survey system having a source array (11) coupled to a deflector device (15) that controls the position of the source array. A positioning system unit (16) is mounted on the source array to provide a signal to a controller, informing the controller of the current position of the source array so that the controller can control the position of the deflector device (15) and the coupled source array. A seismic source (14) on the source array may be triggered when the source array is at a desired location as measured by the positioning system unit. The deflector device (15) comprises one or more wings (18) in a generally vertical or, alternatively, in a generally horizontal arrangement disposed adjacent to a central body (19). The streamlined central body has connection points that allow the deflector device (15) to be connected to a tow cable (13) from the tow vessel (12) and to the source array (11).
US07957215B2
Methods and an apparatuses for generating a word-line voltage are disclosed. A word-line voltage generator includes a first current source, an adjustable current source, adjustable current sink, and a voltage converter, all operably coupled to a current sum node. The first current source generates a first current having a temperature coefficient substantially equal to a temperature coefficient of at least one-bit cell. The adjustable current source generates a second current that is substantially independent of a temperature change. The adjustable current sink sinks a third current that is substantially independent of a temperature change. The voltage converter is configured for generating a word-line signal having a word-line voltage proportional to a reference current, wherein the reference current comprises the first current, plus the second current, and minus the third current.
US07957211B2
A circuit for synchronizing row and column access operations in a semiconductor memory having an array of bit line pairs, word lines, memory cells, sense amplifiers, and a sense amplifier power supply circuit for powering the sense amplifiers, the circuit comprising, a first delay circuit for delaying a word line timing pulse by a first predetermined period, a first logic circuit for logically combining the word line timing pulse and the delayed word line timing pulse to produce a sense amplifier enable signal, for enabling a sense amplifier power supply circuit, a second delay circuit for delaying the word line timing pulse by a second predetermined period, and a second logic circuit for logically combining the word line timing pulse and the second delayed word line timing pulse to produce a column select enable signal, for enabling selected ones of a plurality of column access devices wherein the second predetermined time period is selected so that ones of a plurality of column access devices are activated after the sense amplifier power supply circuit is enabled.
US07957207B2
A memory includes an interface through which it provides access to memory cells, such as phase change memory cells. Such access permits circuitry located on a separate integrated circuit to provide access signals, including read and write signals suitable for binary or multi-level accesses.
US07957206B2
An integrated circuit device (e.g., a logic device or a memory device) having a memory cell array which includes (i) a plurality of memory cells, wherein each memory cell is programmable to store one of a plurality of data states, and (ii) a bit line, having a plurality of memory cells coupled thereto. Memory cell control circuitry applies one or more read control signals to perform a read operation wherein, in response to the read control signals, a selected memory cell conducts a current which is representative of the data state stored therein. Sense amplifier circuitry senses the data state stored in the selected memory cell using a signal which is responsive to the current conducted by the selected memory cell. Current regulation circuitry is responsively and electrically coupled to the bit line during a portion of the read operation to sink or source at least a portion of the current provided on the bit line. Sensing circuitry responsively couples the current regulation circuitry to the bit line during the portion of the read operation.
US07957202B2
A semiconductor device comprises a board, a first semiconductor storage device placed on the board, and a second semiconductor storage device placed on the board. Each of the first and second semiconductor storage devices has a first pad for inputting a chip enable signal, a second pad for inputting a write enable signal, a third pad for inputting an output enable signal, a fourth pad for inputting an address signal, and a fifth pad for inputting data. The first semiconductor storage device has a sixth pad which is electrically connected to the first pad of the second semiconductor device, and the second semiconductor storage device has a seventh pad which is electrically connected to the first pad of the first semiconductor device.
US07957199B2
An erasing method in a nonvolatile memory device is disclosed. The method includes post-programming dummy memory cells; verifying whether threshold voltages of the dummy memory cells are greater than or equal to a first voltage; post-programming normal memory cells; and verifying whether threshold voltages of the normal memory cells are greater than or equal to a second voltage. The first voltage is different from the second voltage, and the post-programming of the dummy memory cells comprises: applying a program voltage to a plurality of dummy word lines coupled to the dummy memory cells to post-program the dummy memory cells; and applying a pass voltage to a plurality of normal word lines coupled to the normal memory cells so that the normal memory cells are not post-programmed.
US07957193B2
There are provided a first nonvolatile memory array including a plurality of nonvolatile memory elements which require an erase operation before a write operation, and a second nonvolatile memory array including a plurality of overwritable nonvolatile memory elements. A request to rewrite data is received by a control circuit. The control circuit writes data to be rewritten to the second nonvolatile memory array when the capacity of the data to be rewritten is not more than that of the second nonvolatile memory array.
US07957183B2
An SMT MRAM device includes a plurality of SMT MRAM cells arranged in an array of rows and columns. Single bit lines connect the columns of the SMT MRAM cells for receiving an in-phase data signal. Source lines connect pairs of rows of the SMT MRAM cells for receiving an out-of-phase data signal. Out-of-phase switching devices are connected to the source lines for selectively transferring the out-of-phase signal to the at least one source lines. Column select transistors are connected to the single bit lines for transferring an in-phase data signal to a selected column of the SMT MRAM cells. A precharge circuit selectively charges or discharges the single bit lines. Ground switching devices selectively connect to the source lines to a ground reference voltage source. A method for programming a selected SMT MRAM cell within a provided SMT MRAM device is described.
US07957180B2
A phase change memory device includes a plurality of intersecting bit lines and word lines. A cell array including a plurality of unit phase change resistance cells is formed at intersections of the plurality of bit lines and the plurality of word lines. A plurality of sub word line driving units are configured to drive the word lines in response to a plurality of sub word line signals. A plurality of main word line driving units are configured to drive the sub word line driving units in response to a main word line signal. A precharge unit is configured to precharge the word lines. In the phase change memory device, the driving units are decentralized.
US07957177B2
Dual port memory elements and memory array circuitry that utilizes elevated and non-elevated power supply voltages for performing reliable reading and writing operations are provided. The memory array circuitry may contain circuitry to switch a power supply line of a column of memory elements in the array to an appropriate power supply voltage during reading and writing operations. Each memory element may contain circuitry to select between power supply voltages during reading and writing operations. During reading operations, an elevated voltage may power cross-coupled inverters that store data in the memory elements while a non-elevated voltage may be used to turn on associated address transistors. During writing operations, the non-elevated voltage may power the cross-coupled inverters while the elevated voltage may be used to turn on the associated address transistors.
US07957172B2
According to one embodiment, a system for retaining M bits of state data of an integrated circuit during power down includes M serially coupled scan flip flops divided into M/N groups, where the M scan flip flops are able to save/restore the M bits of state data. Each group contains a merged scan flip flop coupled to a series of scan flip flops. The merged scan flip flop in each of the groups is coupled to a respective read port of a memory unit, and a final scan flip flop in each of the groups is coupled to a respective write port of the memory unit. The system enables the memory unit to save the M bits of state data in N clock cycles. Each merged scan flip flop has a read select input that enables restoring of the state data into the M scan flip flops in N clock cycles.
US07957170B2
A rectifier for an alternating current generator is provided. The rectifier comprise a plurality of high-side rectifying elements and a plurality of low-side rectifying elements. The high-side rectifying elements are held by a plurality of high-side cooling fins, while the high-side rectifying elements are held by a plurality of low-side cooling fins. By way of example, the plurality of high-side cooling fins are disposed to be apart from each other by a predetermined distance and the plurality of low-side cooling fins are disposed to be apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
US07957168B2
An inverter (1) for feeding electric power into a utility grid (7) or into a load is described. The inverter (1) contains two direct voltage inputs (2, 3), one first intermediate circuit (8) connected thereto and comprising two series connected capacitors (C1, C2) that are connected together at a ground terminal (14), two alternating voltage outputs (5, 6) of which one at least is provided with a grid choke (L1) and one bridge section (10). In accordance with the invention, a second intermediate circuit (9) that is devised at least for selectively boosting the direct voltage and is intended for supplying the bridge section (10) with positive and negative voltage is interposed between the first intermediate circuit (8) and the bridge section (10).
US07957166B2
Systems and methods for improved Variable Speed Drives are provided. One embodiment relates to apparatus for common mode and differential mode filtering for motor or compressor bearing protection when operating with Variable Speed Drives, including conducted EMI/RFI input power mains mitigation. Another embodiment relates to a method to extend the synchronous operation of an Active Converter to the AC mains voltage during complete line dropout. Another embodiment relates to an Active Converter-based Variable Speed Drive system with Improved Full Speed Efficiency. Another embodiment relates to a liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor. The liquid- or refrigerant-cooled inductor may be used in any application where liquid or refrigerant cooling is available and a reduction in size and weight of a magnetic component is desired.
US07957159B2
An electronic module (10) includes a housing having outer surface, a metal gasket (5) attached to the housing and covering the outer surface. The gasket (5) has a set of first detents (53) and a set of second detents (52). The set of first detents (53) are spaced apart from each other and the set of second detents (52) substantially cover seams between the set of the first detents (53).
US07957152B2
A crash-hardened memory device in which only a single electronic component, such as a memory chip, mounted on a small printed circuit board (PCB), is protected against an impact. The portion of the PCB containing the electronic component is wrapped in fire-retardant material. The wrapped PCB assembly is placed in a rigid, hardened enclosure which provides an environmental seal for the portion of the PCB containing the electronic component. A portion of the PCB extends outside of the enclosure to allow electrical connections to be made to the electronic component contained inside. A score line is created on the PCB to create an acceptable shear point between the internal and external portions of the PCB in the event of a crash. Threaded fasteners extend through and beyond both enclosure halves to provide a means for mounting the crash-hardened memory device on an external surface.
US07957149B2
Apparatus for securing or retaining a heatsink. The heatsink retention apparatus includes a heatsink module that cooperates with first and second spring loaded latches secure to a circuit board on opposing sides of a heat-generating component. The heatsink module includes a handle pivotally secured to opposing sides of the heatsink body, and bails pivotally secured to the handle. In addition, the bails extend downward to dispose a lower bail member adjacent the spring loaded latches. As the handle pivots between a first position to raise the bails and a second position to lower the bails, the bails automatically move from a locked position to an unlocked position. Each of the spring loaded latches include a hook and at least one pre-loaded spring to transfer a minimum downforce to the lower bail members when the bails are raised. Accordingly, embodiments may be operated from the top of the heatsink without the use of tools, while providing a desired downforce over a range of heatsink heights.
US07957147B2
An electronic device includes a circuit board comprising a first surface and a second surface, a heat sink positioned on the first surface, and a support positioned on the second surface to support the circuit board. The circuit board includes a pair of first locating holes extending through the first surface and the second surface. The heat sink includes a pair of second locating holes corresponding to the first locating holes. The support includes a pair of locating posts projecting from a pair of diagonal corners thereof and extending through the corresponding first and second locating holes to limit unwanted movement of the heat sink and a shim projecting from a center thereof to prevent the circuit board from flexing. Dimensions of the shim are contoured to provide compensation for bending of the support under an applied load.
US07957140B2
Embodiments disclosed herein include an apparatus that includes an component capable of generating heat, an external wall with an interior surface, an air mover to be positioned to generate airflow between the interior surface of the external wall and the component. A vent may then be formed within the external wall to provide for a volume of air for the air mover to create airflow between the interior surface and the component. In some embodiments, the vent may be positioned in relation to the air mover to deflect at least a portion of the heat from the component from reaching the external wall. In some embodiments, a louvered portion may be included; and may be formed on the air mover or at the vent in the external wall. Other embodiments are described.
US07957139B2
An electronic equipment enclosure system with a side-to-side airflow control system includes an enclosure, having a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and two sides, and a side-to-side airflow control system. The airflow control system includes a side wall disposed adjacent one side of the enclosure, and a manifold disposed adjacent the other side of the enclosure. Electronic equipment having a front, a rear, a top, a bottom and two sides is disposed between the side wall and the manifold. Cooling air is routed into a first of the two sides of the electronic equipment, and heated exhaust air is routed out of a second side of the two sides of the electronic equipment and into the manifold. The side wall prevents the heated exhaust air from mixing with the cooling air at the first side of the electronic equipment.
US07957134B2
A system, in one embodiment, may include an in-line memory module with a plurality of memory circuits disposed on a circuit board, wherein the circuit board may have an edge connector with a plurality of contact pads. The system also may include a heat spreader disposed along the plurality of memory circuits. Finally, the system may include a heat pipe, a vapor chamber, or a combination thereof, extending along the heat spreader. In another embodiment, a system may include a heat spreader configured to mount to an in-line memory module, and an evaporative cooling system at least substantially contained within dimensions of the heat spreader.
US07957119B2
A metal film containing Ni as a main component and Mn and at least one element selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b of the periodic table includes a central part and a peripheral part in which Mn and the element selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b of the periodic table are present in a concentration higher in the peripheral part than that in the central part. The metal film used as a conductor layer can have an increased melting point at the peripheral part and thus can be prevented from shrinking during heating. The metal film used as a conductor layer in electronic components and the like can be prevented from plastically deforming or shrinking during heating so that the conductor layer can have a large effective area and high adhesion to ceramic layers.
US07957105B2
A shield in a magnetic reader includes a magnetic layer having a first surface and a second surface. The magnetic layer includes at least one aperture that extends through the magnetic layer from the first surface to the second surface. Apertures can be provided in both the top shield and bottom shield of the magnetic reader.
US07957101B2
A suspension is provided for improving reliability in reading/writing of data by improving stiffness in a longitudinal direction of a flexure while realizing low pitch/roll stiffness of a tongue part. The suspension includes: a flexure, including two branched outrigger parts extending to the tip side of the flexure, and a tongue part for mounting a magnetic head slider, located between the outrigger parts and linked to the tip sides of the outrigger parts; a trace formed on the flexure; and a fixed part in which at least a part of a bent part formed in the trace is fixed to the tongue part.
US07957096B2
In a perpendicular magnetic recording head comprising a main magnetic pole layer and a return yoke layer which are laminated with a magnetic gap layer interposed therebetween, a nonmagnetic throat height determining layer and a return yoke reinforcement layer made of a magnetic material having a saturated magnetic flux density higher than that of the return yoke layer are provided on the magnetic gap layer. The nonmagnetic throat height determining layer has a front end face parallel to the medium-opposing surface at a position retracted by a desirable throat height from the medium-opposing surface. The return yoke reinforcement layer is formed directly under the return yoke layer so as to extend at least from the front end face of the nonmagnetic throat height determining layer to the upper face thereof, and is exposed at the medium-opposing surface between the magnetic gap layer and return yoke layer.
US07957094B1
A drive system includes a printed circuit board. A first integrated circuit is associated with the printed circuit board. A drive assembly case is connected to the printed circuit board. A first thermal interface material, wherein (i) the thermal interface material is in thermal contact with the first integrated circuit and (ii) the drive assembly case is in thermal contact with the thermal interface material. The drive assembly case dissipates thermal energy generated by the first integrated circuit.
US07957088B1
According to one embodiment, a system includes a plurality of synchronous servo channels, where each channel receives a signal from a servo reader of a magnetic head. The system also includes logic for estimating a tape velocity, logic for determining a first and second time instant representing a time at which a flag is generated by a related servo channel, logic for determining a first and second correction term representing a time difference between a time at which a peak of a correlation signal and a time at which the flag occur, logic for calculating a skew error estimate based on a reference shift value associated with a servo band pair being spanned by a head module, and logic for applying a control signal including a skew correction that corresponds to the calculated skew error estimate to the skew-following loop. Other systems and methods are disclosed as well.
US07957084B2
Extracting transducer position information from bit patterned magnetic media includes providing a magnetic storage medium having at least one data array with multiple discrete and separated recording bits and providing the transducer adjacent the data array. A readback signal dependent upon the multiple recording bits is generated with the transducer. Determining the transducer position information further includes generating at least a first position signal and a second position signal from the readback signal.
US07957080B2
It is to provide an imaging lens that can improve optical performance while reducing size and weight.An imaging lens includes, in order from an object side to an image surface side: a diaphragm 2, a first lens 3 having a positive power whose convex surface faces the object side, and a second lens 4 that is a meniscus lens having a negative power whose convex surface faces the object side, wherein a condition expressed by the following expression is to be satisfied: 0.4≦r1/FL≦0.55 (where, r1: center radius curvature of the object side face 3a of the first lens, and FL: focal distance of the entire lens system).
US07957071B2
A focus adjustment method of a zoom lens system is provided for correcting a focal point shift caused by manufacturing error. The zoom lens system includes three movable lens groups in which at least two of said lens groups are moved to perform zooming to form an image onto an imaging device. In the zoom lens system, a finite number of focal length positions at which a focus adjustment is performed is provided. The lens group closest to the imaging device out of the three lens groups includes a focusing lens group. A position of the focusing lens group is controlled via pulses of a stepping motor. The focus adjustment method includes the combination of performing the above control of the focusing lens group to determine a position of the focusing lens group via pulses of the stepping motor and determining an amount of adjustment of the imaging device.
US07957070B2
A zoom lens includes: first, second and third lens groups having negative refracting power, positive refracting power and positive refracting power, respectively, disposed in the order listed from an object side to an image side, wherein during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end, the first lens group is moved and the second lens group is moved toward the object such that an air space between the first and second lens groups decreases and an air space between the second and third lens groups increases; and the first lens group is formed by first and second lenses, the first and second lenses being disposed in the order listed from the object side to the image side, and the zoom lens satisfying the following Conditional Expressions (1) and (2) nd12>2.0 (1) νd12<21.6 (2).
US07957067B2
A lens array includes a plurality of lens units each of which includes a plurality of microlenses linearly arranged, and a light shielding member having a plurality of openings as apertures. The openings are disposed so as to face the microlenses of respective lens units. Facing microlenses of the lens units have optical axes substantially aligned with each other and passing the openings of the light shielding member. Light absorbing portions are provided in the openings.
US07957065B2
A non-specular skylight collimator has at least two axially successive collimator segments from top to bottom, with the segments becoming successively less flared from top to bottom. A skylight diffuser assembly typically covers the open end of the bottom segment.
US07957063B2
A diffractive optical device 1 is composed of resins of different materials, and has a laminated structure, in which a second diffractive device element 20 is bonded between a first diffractive device element 10 and a third diffractive device element 30; a first diffraction optical surface 6 is formed by adhering a diffraction grating groove 2, which is formed on the first diffractive device element 10, to a diffraction grating groove 3, which is formed on the second diffractive device element 20, on a bonding surface of the first diffractive device element 10 and the second diffractive device element 20, a second diffractive optical surface 7 is formed by adhering a diffraction grating groove 4, which is formed on the second diffractive device element 20, and a diffraction grating groove 5, which is formed on the third diffractive device element 30, on a bonding surface of the second diffractive device element 20 and the third diffractive device element 30, and both the non-bonded surface of the first diffractive device element 10 and the non-bonded surface of the third diffractive device element 30 are composed of planes.
US07957060B2
An aspect of the present invention provides an optical filter that includes a plurality of slits arranged in parallel, each slit corresponding to a pair of displays including at least a first display of a first image, and a second display of a second image, wherein the slits form a slit row in a horizontal direction arranged essentially in the same interval spacing and parallel to each other, with the slit row arranged with slit pitch patterns that differ by at least between the upper and lower positions.
US07957051B2
The invention relates to a flexible display (40) comprising a frontplane (42), positioned on top of the backplane (44). Preferably, the frontplane (44) is laminated on top of the backplane (42). The flexible display (40) further comprises a bonding area (48). In accordance to the invention the frontplane (44) extends over an area (46) substantially corresponding with the bonding area (48). Preferably, the frontplane in the region of the bonding are (48) is provided with spacings (47) for arrangement of suitable electrical contacts for enabling a connectivity to the array of electronic pixels and/or to the array of electro-optic elements. The spacings (47) may be of any suitable shape being arranged individually or being interconnected with each-other to form a sole spacing on top of the bonding area (48).
US07957046B2
In an image forming apparatus according to the invention, an optical beam scanning apparatus of an overillumination scanning optical system includes a laser, a pre-deflection optical system, a polygon mirror, and a post-deflection optical system, wherein the post-deflection optical system includes at least one optical element configured by allowing a resin to flow into a molding die through a gate opening provided in advance to the molding die and then molding the resin into a prescribed shape; and in the optical element, a side corresponding to aside of the gate opening through which the resin flows is provided to a light incidence side where the luminous flux enters into the polygon mirror.
US07957035B2
A transport amount correcting method, including: (A) storing in a memory, in regard to a medium of a predetermined size, correction values associated with relative positions of the medium and a head; and (B) when carrying out recording on the medium of the predetermined size, transporting the medium while correcting a target transport amount using a correction value associated with a relative position of the medium and the head, and when carrying out recording on a medium smaller than the predetermined size, transporting the medium while correcting the target transport amount by not using a portion of the correction values, the portion of the correction values being a portion of the correction values among the correction values used when the medium of the predetermined size is being transported by both an upstream side roller and a downstream side roller.
US07957032B2
Defect and maintenance detection for an image capture device (ICD) capable of distinguishing between a defect in the ICD and one on the imaged object. The defect detection system includes, inter alia: a value combiner that combines a brightest image video value for each sensing element of the ICD experiencing the imaged object with a corresponding stored device video value to create a combined value for each image video value; and a defect determinator determines the presence of a defect(s) by comparing the combined values to a defect threshold. The maintenance detection system includes a determinator that determines when maintenance is required based on whether a single image is considered defective or whether a number of consecutive defective images have been created. Device video values are updated sluggishly according to corresponding image video values.
US07957026B2
An image transmitting apparatus receives a first reading condition relating to an image from an external apparatus via a network. The image transmitting apparatus compares the first reading condition with a pre-set second reading condition, if the two conditions are different, decides one of the first reading condition and the second reading condition as a reading condition when selecting an image data to be transmitted to the external device. The image transmitting apparatus selects an image data that matches with the reading condition, and sends the selected image data to the external apparatus.
US07957025B2
An apparatus and method for processing pixel data is presented that includes an image forming apparatus that includes an image forming module coupled to a data control module that comprises a plurality of memory units, wherein each of the memory units stores a corresponding portion of pixel data of an image. The data control module writes out portions of pixel data stored in corresponding memory units to the image forming module and dynamically associates each memory unit with a further portion of pixel data after its corresponding portion of pixel data has been written out.
US07957021B2
An image handling apparatus is disclosed, including an operation panel, hardware resources, a transferring part, and an image generation controlling part. The transferring part transfers image handle information input at the input screen to an external apparatus. The image generation controlling part receives and parses image generation information for at least one of the hardware resources to execute an image generation based on the image handle information, from the external apparatus in response to an instruction of the image generation, so that at least one of the hardware resources executes the image generation.
US07957020B2
An image forming apparatus is provided, in carrying out an image forming operation using a paper sheet, that uses a sheet containing a wireless tag that stores an address storing control information for performing an optimum image forming. The image forming apparatus obtains the address from the wireless tag using a receiving device, and obtains control information from a server via a network based on the obtained address. The image forming apparatus controls an image forming condition based on the control information, and carries out the image forming under image forming conditions optimum for the sheet.
US07957016B2
A method for image processing loads a cache line width column of image data into a data cache. The cache line width column of image data is then processed to enhance the image data; and the enhanced image data is then outputted.
US07957015B2
In a control system or method for input or output of operating information and control data of a printing or copying system, the operating information is input or output with aid of at least one operating unit. The printing or copying system is controlled via a first control unit and at least one second control unit. Control data are transferred between the control units via a data line with aid of a data transfer protocol. A server which the operating unit accesses as a client is provided. At least one part of the transferred control data is input or output with aid of the operating unit of the printing or copying system.
US07957012B2
A relay device is provided which is configured to relay data processed by a sensing device to a computer system and which has a memory storing an ID of the relay device, a first interface for receiving, from the sensing device, region data of an interactive surface and a sensing device ID, the region data being extracted by the sensing device through sensing coded data on the interactive surface, and a second interface for transmitting the received sensing device ID and the relay device ID to the computer system, receiving, from the computer system, permission to communicate the received region data based on a registration of the sensing device with the relay device recorded in the computer system, and transmitting the received region data to the computer system when said permission is received.
US07957006B2
There is provided an optical perturbation sensing system, including a probing beam incident on a medium, a sensing beam redirected from the medium and incident on a surface area of a photodetector, an array of photodetector elements, and a constructive combiner for constructively combining detected signals from the elements, to form a stronger detected signal. A method for detection of perturbations in a medium is also provided. The invention avoids the need for detection of the phase or the frequency variations of the scattered signal as used in the more complex hitherto-proposed approaches.
US07957000B2
Systems and methods for calibrating a web inspection system.
US07956997B2
A method for detecting an ingredient in a food product includes establishing a spectral signature in a Raman spectrum obtained from a chemical substance; allowing a food sample solution obtained from a food product to come to contact with a first nano-scale surface structure in a first sensor, wherein the first sensor comprises a substrate, wherein the nano-scale surface structure comprises a plurality of columns over the substrate or a plurality of holes in the substrate; illuminating the food sample solution and the first nano-scale surface structure on the first sensor by a laser beam; scattering the laser beam by the food sample solution and the first nano-scale surface structure to produce a scattered light; obtaining a first Raman spectrum from the scattered light using a spectral analyzer; and identifying the spectral signature in the first Raman spectrum to determine the existence of the chemical substance in the food product.
US07956988B1
A sensitivity modulated light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system and related methods. Implementations of sensitivity modulated LIDAR systems may include a pulsed laser and a light detection system coupled with the pulsed laser through a timing system. The light detection system may include a high-bandwidth detector coupled with the timing system, at least one imaging detector coupled with the timing system, and at least one sensitivity modulator coupled with the at least one imaging detector and with the timing system.
US07956979B2
A display apparatus includes a display module displaying an image using power and a control signal, the display module having a first surface including at least one power supply unit for supplying the power and a control board for supplying the control signal, and a heat radiation cover portion covering a part of the first surface of the display module including the power supply unit and the control board, wherein the heat radiation cover portion forms an air passage between the first surface of the display module and the heat radiation cover portion.
US07956977B2
A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer filling between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a plurality of sealant observation windows arranged on the second substrate, wherein each sealant observation windows is an enclosed pattern formed by smooth curve; and a sealant covering a portion of sealant observation windows and surrounding the liquid crystal layer to bond the first substrate and the second substrate. In the present invention, those sealant observation windows can avoid the condition of unequal cell gap and increase the convenience of monitoring the spreading condition of the sealant.
US07956975B2
A flat panel display device is disclosed. The flat panel display device includes a flat display panel, a driving integrated circuit driving the flat display panel, a cover shield, and a flexible connecting film on which the driving integrated circuit is mounted. The cover shield includes adhesive areas each having an adhesive portion and a non-adhesive area having a non-adhesive portion. An end of the flexible connecting film is electrically connected to an edge of the flat display panel, and the other end is positioned in the non-adhesive area of the cover shield.
US07956968B2
An LCD device including first and second substrates that face each other; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; first alignment layers are on the first and second substrate; and a second alignment layer on at least one of the first and second substrates. The second alignment layer is based on a CDR (continuous director rotation) mode liquid crystal.
US07956961B2
A pixel structure disposed on a substrate having a plurality of protrudent patterns is provided. An area where the protrudent patterns are disposed defines a first display area. The arrangement of the protrudent patterns forms a plurality of arc loci. The arc loci have a same arc center disposed at a corner of the first display area. The abovementioned protrudent patterns avails improvement of a displaying effect of the pixel structure.
US07956960B2
A display panel and a manufacturing method are disclosed. The method is to thin the thickness of a pair of transparent substrates for the display panel by grinding or lapping only, or grinding with simplified polishing, so that at least one of the outer surface of the transparent substrates has Haze substantially less than 90% and a profile arithmetic mean roughness ranged from about 0.02 μm to about 0.66 μm.
US07956954B2
An optical sheet, a backlight unit including the optical sheet and a liquid crystal display including the backlight unit are disclosed. The optical sheet includes a reflective polarizing film, and a first diffusing layer on the reflective polarizing film. The first diffusing layer includes a plurality of first diffusion particles. The first diffusion particles have a volume distribution as a function of diameter. For a diameter D of a first diffusion particle corresponding to a maximum value of the volume distribution, a summation of volumes of a portion of the first diffusion particles having diameters between D−2 μm and D+2 μm is about 40% to 80% of a total volume of the first diffusion particles.
US07956952B2
A liquid crystal module includes a liquid crystal panel and a back light unit. The back light unit has a rear frame, a light guide plate and a lamp reflector assembly. The lamp reflector assembly including a light source, a lamp reflector and a lamp socket. The lamp reflector has a front plate, a rear plate and a side plate with a tab. At least one of the front plate and the rear plate has a fixing hole. The lamp socket has a fixing protrusion that is fitted into the fixing hole of the lamp reflector, and a slit that receives the tab of the lamp reflector.
US07956944B2
Active matrix display devices having improved opening and contrast ratios utilize light blocking lines to improve display contrast ratios yet position the light blocking lines on the same level of metallization as the gate lines to thereby limit parasitic capacitive coupling between the data lines and the pixel electrodes. The light blocking lines are also positioned on only one side of the data lines so that improvements in the display's opening ratio can also be achieved. The light blocking lines are preferably patterned so that no overlap occurs between a display's data lines and the light blocking lines. The elimination of overlap reduces the step height in the display's pixel electrodes and thereby reduces the extent of disclination of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material extending opposite the pixel electrodes. The light blocking lines are also preferably patterned beneath the display's data lines so that parasitic capacitive coupling between the data lines and the pixel electrodes is reduced. The light blocking lines are also preferably formed with beveled edges so that the step height in the display's pixel electrodes can be reduced even further.
US07956942B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first gate electrode, a storage electrode having a body and an extension, a first semiconductor formed on a gate insulating layer, a first drain electrode formed on the first semiconductor, separated from a first source electrode, and having an end portion overlapping the first gate electrode, and an expansion overlapping the body of the storage electrode and distanced from the end portion with a connection connecting the end portion and the expansion and overlapping the extension of the storage electrode, a passivation layer having a contact hole exposing the expansion of the first drain electrode, and a first field-generating electrode connected to the first drain electrode through the contact hole.
US07956924B2
Method and apparatus for a fast (low F/number) computational camera that incorporates two arrays of lenses. The arrays include a lenslet array in front of a photosensor and an objective lens array of two or more lenses. Each lens in the objective lens array captures light from a subject. Each lenslet in the lenslet array captures light from each objective lens and separates the captured light to project microimages corresponding to the objective lenses on a region of the photosensor under the lenslet. Thus, a plurality of microimages are projected onto and captured by the photosensor. The captured microimages may be processed in accordance with the geometry of the objective lenses to align the microimages to generate a final image. One or more other algorithms may be applied to the image data in accordance with radiance information captured by the camera, such as automatic refocusing of an out-of-focus image.
US07956915B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus including: a solid-state imaging device having a pixel section formed of a plurality of pixels in a two-dimensional array each containing a photoelectric conversion section for generating a signal corresponding to a quantity of incident light, a read drive section for setting one or more pixels in the pixel section as a read unit group to effect read operation by the unit of the read unit group, and a global shutter function setting section for obtaining an imaging signal where an exposure start timing and an exposure period of all subject pixels in the pixel section are the same; a light quantity distribution detecting means for detecting a distribution of said quantity of incident light to the pixel section of the solid-state imaging device; and a drive control means for setting to the read drive section an order of read sequence of the read unit groups based on a light quantity distribution information of the pixel section detected at the light quantity distribution detecting means.
US07956909B2
A noise reducing device captures image data obtained by capturing a field with an image capturing part and a plurality of blackout image data obtained by capturing the field with the image capturing part under a light shielded state. This device reduces non-correlative random noise in the plural blackout image data. With random noise reduced, fixed pattern noise appears more accurately in resultant as blackout image data B. This device reduces the fixed pattern noise in the image data by using this blackout image data B.
US07956905B2
An apparatus for giving a title to a captured image includes a unit for storing a captured image group including a plurality of captured images, a unit for storing an image capturing time when each of the stored images is captured, a unit for judging an image capturing period and an image capturing season including the stored image capturing time, a unit for storing terms respectively related to a plurality of periods with different time widths each of which includes a period and a season, the term corresponding to the period and the season, and a unit for giving a title to the stored captured image group by using a term related to a period of a wider time width out of the stored terms as a difference between the image capturing time and either the image capturing season or the acquired output time, whichever is longer.
US07956899B2
An imaging device includes an imager, with which an optical image of an object scene is repetitively captured. A first movement detector detects, as to each of a plurality of object scene images according to a time series output from the imager, a movement of a first feature point between the object scene image and the object scene images immediately before, and a clipper performs clipping processing on each of the plurality of object scene images on the basis of the detection result. When a still image recording operation is performed, a CPU changes an exposure time of the imager in such a direction as to shorten the time, and a second movement detector detects a movement of a second feature point between the object scene image immediately after the recording operation (reference object scene image) and the three object scene images being successive thereto out of a plurality of object scene images, and an adder adds the respective three object scene images to the reference object scene image while displacing the same on the basis of the detection result.
US07956895B2
A digital camera 40 transmits to a printer 20 a command for transmitting RAW format compatibility information which is information of a RAW file format directly printable by the printer 20. Upon receipt of the RAW format compatibility information from the printer 20, the digital camera 40 determines, on the basis of the received RAW format compatibility information and the format of a RAW file stored in a flash memory 46 thereof, whether the RAW file can be directly printed by the printer 20. If the RAW file can be directly printed, the digital camera 40 transmits the RAW file to the printer 20. If the RAW file cannot be directly printed, the digital camera 40 transmits to the printer 20 the RAW file and a development enabling parameter which enables analysis of RAW data included in the RAW file as image data. The printer 20 prints the RAW file with the use of the development enabling parameter.
US07956894B2
An apparatus for multi-media data organization and transmission is provided. The apparatus has a computer having a microprocessor, a memory storage, a display for providing information to a user, and an input device. An image-recording device is electrically-coupled to the computer for capturing images for storage in the memory storage of the computer. A database, which has a structure defined in the memory storage, receives and stores a plurality of information relating to an event. A program, being executable by the computer, provides a graphical user interface on the display. The program has an imaging module with document and image capture filing and scanning functions. The graphical user interface receives an input from the input device and from the image-recording device. In a further aspect of the invention, the program has a communications module for transmission of the plurality of information relating to the event to a remote location.
US07956883B2
A light-emitting device includes: light-emitting elements whose luminous energy is controlled according to a current value and a pulse width of a driving signal; a storage unit that stores first and second coefficients for every light-emitting element; a pulse width determining unit that determines the pulse width of the driving signal supplied to each light-emitting element on the basis of the first coefficient, a current value determining unit that determines a current value of the driving signal supplied to each light-emitting element on the basis of the second coefficient, a driving unit that supplies the driving signal having the current value determined by the current value determining unit within the determined pulse width determined, to the light-emitting element, and a coefficient determining unit that calculates the first coefficient based on target values of a light amount and first peak light amounts of one of the light-emitting elements, and calculates the second coefficient.
US07956880B2
A heating resistor element component has supporting substrate with a concave portion formed in a surface of the supporting substrate. A glass substrate is disposed on the surface of the supporting substrate. At least a region of the glass substrate opposite to the concave portion of the support substrate has a heterogeneous phase structure with physical properties different from those of the material of the glass substrate such that an overall mechanical strength of the glass substrate is increased. The heterogeneous phase structure is formed by laser processing using a phemtosecond laser having a power intensity of 1×106 W to 1×108 W. Heating resistors are arranged at intervals on the glass substrate and have heating portions disposed opposite to the concave portion of the supporting substrate. A common wire is connected to one end of each of the heating resistors. Individual wires are each connected to another end of each of the heating resistors.
US07956877B2
A method of converting a three primary color input signal into a four primary color drive signal, includes defining three functions representing the first, second, and third drive signals as a function of the fourth drive signal, determining the intersection values of the fourth drive signal at a set of intersections of the three functions mutually, and of the three functions and a line defined by the fourth drive signal being equal to itself, determining boundary values of a valid range of the fourth drive signal in which all drive signals have valid values, determining calculated values of the first, second and third drive signals at the intersection values and the boundary values, calculating the maximum value (Vmax) or minimum value (Vmin) of the calculated values at the intersection, and selecting the intersection value at which the maximum value or minimum value is minimum or maximum, respectively.
US07956876B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of dark display on sub-pixels, a sub-frame processing section is disclosed which sets video data for a sub-frame to a value falling within the range for dark display, and increases or decreases video data for a sub-frame so as to control luminance of the sub-pixels. In the case of bright display, the sub-frame processing section sets video data to a value falling within the range for bright display, and increase or decreases video data so as to control luminance of the sub-pixels. A modulation processing section corrects video data of each frame and then outputs corrected video data to the sub-frame processing section. Also, the modulation processing section predicts luminance that the sub-pixels reach at the end of the frame and then stores prediction results for correction and prediction in the subsequent frame. This realizes a display device which is brighter, has a wider range of viewing angles, restrains deteriorated image quality caused by excessive emphasis of grayscale transition, and has improved moving image quality.
US07956872B2
A system, including apparatuses, software and methods, is disclosed for capturing and delivering images as to which various interactive functions are enabled for a user. The images introduced to the system can come from any one of a variety of sources, including from a digital camera. A graphical user interface permits a user to customize a set of interactive functions to be enabled for a given set of images. The interactively enabled images can be delivered via a webpage to a user, for example, via email, the Internet or downloaded from a disk or from disk drive on a computer on which the webpage is stored. Each image is delivered to a user in its own layer of software, which permits complex sets of images of relatively high resolution to be delivered to users without any appreciable delay associated with the delivery or the need for the user to have additional software, such as a plug-in to receive images and enable interactive functions with respect to the images. Whenever an interactive function is being carried out, a viewer perceives only one image layer at a given time, but the currently viewable image layer can be changed rapidly, so that the user can perceive the illusion of motion, including virtual rotation of an object depicted in a set of images.
US07956861B2
Provided is a method for converting an input vector outline image to an output monochrome raster image consisting of only corner-contiguous pixels in a checkerboard pattern. Using a combination of a monochrome checkerboard raster image and a vector-based diamond grid, a determination is made as to which output raster pixels are activated. Efficiencies in file size and computational complexity are realized by using a checkerboard pattern and only half the possible number of raster output pixels. The method improves monitor and printer raster displays for any personal computing or related device, reducing the need for anti-aliasing and font hinting.
US07956856B2
A method and system for reading data from a link buffer for output to a display device. A link buffer read period is determined which balances a write throughput over a source video frame time and a read throughput over a display frame time. A threshold is determined indicating a required number of pixels stored in a link buffer prior to starting to read data out of the link buffer for a next line display. A read signal is issued when the link buffer read period ends and the threshold is reached.
US07956842B2
In a pointing input system and method, a pointer applies a light spot on a screen, an array sensor shoots on the screen to generate a first data for an identification system to retrieve a second data therefrom, the second data includes the position information of the light spot for an information system to apply a correlated output on the screen. The second data is generated based on an optical distortion information and a spatial rotation and displacement information determined by an alignment procedure that comprises applying an input for alignment on the screen for the array sensor to shoot to generate an alignment data, and comparing the alignment data with a reference data.
US07956841B2
Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.
US07956839B2
An apparatus for managing the power of an illumination device supplied by a power source includes a switch, a switch controller, an imaging unit, and a pattern recognition unit. The switch is configured for electrically connecting or disconnecting the illumination device and the power source. The switch controller is configured for controlling the switch, thereby switching off the illumination device. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an illuminated area illuminated by the illumination device. The pattern recognition unit is configured for detecting whether any person is contained in the captured image, and if not, instructing the switch controller to switch off the illumination device.
US07956838B2
A display device includes an illuminator; a display panel for performing displaying by using light which is emitted from the illuminator; and a control circuit for controlling the illuminator. The illuminator includes a plurality of light source blocks, at least one light source belonging to each of the plurality of light source blocks. A displaying region of the display panel has a plurality of regions each performing displaying by using light which is emitted from a respective one of the light source blocks. The control circuit detects a level of a display signal which is input to each of the plurality of regions, and is capable of controlling a luminance of the respective light source block in accordance with the detected level of the display signal.
US07956835B2
An image display device includes a first display panel having a substrate with first scanning lines, first signal lines which intersect the first scanning lines, and first switching elements, a second display panel having another substrate with second scanning lines, second signal lines which intersect the second scanning lines, and second switching elements, and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the first display panel with the second display panel. The image display device drives the first display panel in a line inversion mode when only the first display panel displays images, drives the second display panel in a frame inversion mode when only the second display panel displays images, and drives the first display panel and the second display panel in the line inversion mode when both of the first display panel and second display panel display images.
US07956830B2
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel and driving method thereof is provided. The OLED panel includes a plurality of data lines, scan lines, pixels, sampling voltage lines and compensation voltage lines. The sampling voltage line transmits a compensation voltage in response to compensation signals from the data lines, threshold voltages of driving transistors and organic light emitting diodes in the pixels connected to the same scan line. The corresponding compensation voltage line adjusts data signals transmitted into the pixels connected to the same scan line in response to the compensation voltage.
US07956829B2
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus includes, a pixel array and a driver configured to drive the pixel array. The pixel array includes rows of scanning lines, columns of signal lines, a matrix of pixels disposed at crossings of the scanning lines and the signal lines, and feeding lines associated with respective rows of the pixels, the pixels including respective sampling transistors having respective gates connected to the scanning lines; and the driver includes a main scanner configured to supply control signals to the scanning lines, the main scanner including a shift register, output buffers connected respectively between the shift register and the scanning lines, and a pulse power supply configured to supply power supply pulses, each having a predetermined pulse duration, to the output buffers, and wherein the main scanner outputs power supply pulses supplied from the pulse power supply as the control signals to the respective scanning lines in response to a shift pulse output from the shift register.
US07956828B2
In an organic electroluminescence display device (30) comprising an organic EL element (26) having a structure wherein an organic luminescent medium (24) is sandwiched between a top electrode (20) and a bottom electrode (22), and a driving circuit (14) for driving the organic EL element (26), the organic luminescent medium (24) comprises a host compound and a triplet-related luminous compound and the driving circuit (14) applies a electric pulse voltage or pulse current having a frequency of 30 Hz or more and a duty ratio of 1/5 or less. In this way, it is possible to provide an organic EL display device which consumes a low electric power and has a long luminous life span, and a method for driving the same.
US07956826B2
An electroluminescent (EL) display device has current-driven pixels and is operable in at least two phases within each frame period. In one phase, one of a first plurality (31) of analogue drive currents can be driven through EL display element. In another longer phase, one of a second plurality (33) of analogue drive currents is independently driven through the EL display element. This device combines a time ratio method with an analogue drive scheme. A shorter phase may provide the higher resolution (smaller) increments and one longer phase may provide lower resolution (larger) increments. Low brightness outputs can be achieved with a higher drive current, but over a short duration, which reduces non-uniformity in the pixel output.
US07956821B2
LCD unit includes first and second LCD panels stacked one on another. An image-data processing unit outputs monochrome image data to the second LCD panel, and color image data to the first LCD panel. The monochrome image data specifies a full transmission for a pixel having a luminance not less than a threshold, the original gray-scale level for a pixel having a luminance less than the threshold. The color image data is generated based on the monochrome image data and input image data.
US07956819B2
There is provided a stereoscopic two-dimensional image display device including: a stereoscopic image display unit that includes a display unit having an image display surface that displays an image, and an image transmitting panel apart from the image display surface, and a stereoscopic two-dimensional image by imaging light emitted from the image display surface, on an imaging surface at a side opposite to the display unit with respect to the image transmitting panel; a position detecting sensor that outputs an output signal corresponding to a position of a detection target inserted to the imaging surface; and a control unit that changes the image displayed on the image display surface in accordance with the output signal from the position detecting sensor so as to change the stereoscopic two-dimensional image displayed on the imaging surface. A user interface region is formed on a peripheral portion of the imaging surface.
US07956805B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for obtaining time references for signals received from transmitters in a satellite and/or terrestrial navigation system.
US07956802B1
A vertical integrity monitoring method and system are described. The vertical integrity monitoring method includes determining a noise sigma ratio parameter. The method also includes determining two vertical protection limit slopes and an associated covariance matrix. The method further includes determining a vertical integrity limit and set of weights based on the VPL slopes, covariance and the parameter; and applying the set of weights based on the parameter to calculate a vertical solution. An integrity monitoring system may have hardware and/or software embodying the one or more methods described.
US07956799B2
A frequency scanning radar system includes a controller for controlling a frequency generator and a signal processor arranged to determine a Doppler frequency associated with a target. The frequency generator generates three or more sets of signals, each set of signals having a different characteristic frequency and including signals transmitted at a selected rate, and the radar controller selects the rate in substantially direct proportion to the characteristic frequency, whereby to normalize the Doppler frequency determined by the signal processor, such that the normalized Doppler frequency is substantially constant in relation to variation in the carrier frequency. In a frequency modulated radar system, each set of signals includes a sequence of modulation patterns, and the radar controller modifies a given modulation pattern in dependence on the characteristic frequency of the signal being modulated.
US07956797B2
A system for measuring relative distance between a first component on a vehicle and a second component on the vehicle is provided. The system includes a wireless ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver attached to the first component. The wireless UWB transceiver transmits a UWB measurement pulse toward the second component, and receives a reflected UWB pulse from a reflective surface of the second component. The reflected UWB pulse represents a reflected version of the UWB measurement pulse. The system also includes a processor coupled to the wireless UWB transceiver. The processor derives a relative distance between the first component and the second component, based upon characteristics of the UWB measurement pulse and the reflected UWB pulse. The system further includes a power generating system for the wireless UWB transceiver. The power generating system generates operating voltage for the wireless UWB transceiver from kinetic energy associated with motion of the first component relative to the second component.
US07956793B2
Methods and apparatus for providing a tunable absorption band in a wavelength selective surface are disclosed. A device for selectively absorbing incident electromagnetic radiation includes an electrically conductive surface layer including an arrangement of multiple surface elements. The surface layer is disposed at a nonzero height above a continuous electrically conductive layer. An electrically isolating intermediate layer defines a first surface that is in communication with the electrically conductive surface layer. The continuous electrically conductive backing layer is provided in communication with a second surface of the electrically isolating intermediate layer. The arrangement of surface elements couples at least a portion of the incident electromagnetic radiation between itself and the continuous electrically conductive backing layer, such that the resonant device selectively absorbs incident radiation, and reflects a portion of the incident radiation that is not absorbed.
US07956792B2
A remote controller with memory capability includes a status button, a memory, a processing unit, and a transceiver device. The memory is utilized for storing a status information of an electronic product. When the status button is pressed, the processing unit generates a control signal and determines whether the status information exists in the memory. When the status button is pressed and the status information does not exist in the memory, the transceiver device outputs the control signal and receives the status information and the memory stores the status information. When the status button is pressed and the status information exists in the memory, the transceiver device outputs the control signal and the status information stored in the memory.
US07956788B2
In an inventive photonic analog-to-digital signal converter (ADC), multiple opto-electric sampling devices are employed to successively sample an analog signal input. Optical clock signals having the same frequency but different clock phases are used, which are associated with the opto-electric sampling devices, respectively. Each sampling device takes samples of the analog signal input in response to the optical clock signal associated therewith. The resulting samples are processed to produce quantized samples. The inventive ADC outputs a digital signal representing the quantized samples.
US07956784B2
A DA converter includes an IV conversion amplifier with output voltage having good linearity, to thus improve total harmonic distortion (THD) characteristics. In the DA converter, a first current path in which current flows due to differential switches being in the ON state in a differential switch section, and a second current path in which current flows due to differential switches being in the OFF state in the differential switch section are connected to the output side of the IV conversion amplifier. A first current flows in the first current path and a second current flows in the second current path. A current equal to the first current plus the second current that is of fixed current amount is drawn by an amplifier stage of the IV conversion amplifier.
US07956779B2
A non-linear interpolation circuit includes current interpolation units and an I-V converter. The current interpolation units receive an operating voltage corresponding to digital image data and corresponding reference voltages to generate corresponding operating currents. When the operating voltage changes, at least one of the corresponding current interpolation units generate the corresponding operating current, and the operating currents with respect to the operating voltage are superimposed to form an interpolation current. The I-V converter converts the interpolation current into an interpolation voltage. An interpolation current generating circuit and a method for converting digital data into analog data are also disclosed herein.
US07956761B2
A gas detection system and method for analysis of infrared gas spectra is used for chemical threat detection, quantification and alarm, using a chemical library, a chemical threat list, and a background model that incorporates the data history, allows spectra containing interferent signals into the background model, the model being updated using delay buffering to prevent threat spectra incorporation and using exponential decays to preferentially represent recent background history, all computed in the logarithmic space for rapid detection and alarm.
US07956753B2
A tether apparatus having a housing which includes a cavity, and further wherein the housing is adapted for association with a user; a securement member, wherein the securement member is associated with at least a portion of the housing; and a tracking sub-assembly having a communication member, wherein the communication member is at least partially positioned within the housing and wherein the communication member transmits a position signal; an energy storage device, wherein the energy storage device is at least partially positioned within the housing and/or a user's footwear and wherein the energy storage device electrically communicates with the communication member; and a kinetic energy charger, wherein the kinetic energy charger is at least partially positioned within at least one of the housing and a user's footwear and wherein the kinetic energy charger electrically communicates with at least one of the communication member and the energy storage device.
US07956751B2
A system is disclosed for minimizing coupling nulls between an electromagnetic field derived from one or more sources and a plurality of randomly oriented RFID tags, wherein the electromagnetic field is rotated relative to the tags such that no tag is persistently located in a coupling null relative to the field. The source of the electromagnetic field may include a passive antenna or loop that changes its orientation relative to a direction of movement of the tags. The source of the electromagnetic field may further include an active antenna or loop that is electromagnetically coupled to the passive antenna or loop. A method for minimizing coupling nulls between the electromagnetic field and the randomly oriented tags is also disclosed.
US07956746B2
A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is a closed circuit device which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the closed circuit is opened, which confirms the removal of the tag from the asset, and an alert is activated by the system.
US07956738B2
A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop. The loop carries data and provides power to the field device. RF circuitry in the field device is provided for radio frequency communication. A power supply powers the RF circuitry using power received from the two-wire process control loop.
US07956736B2
A communication system is provided that can be added to a legacy alarm system to provide a plurality of communication modes to a remote server system from the legacy alarm system and provide remote control and monitoring to a user of the system via two-way communication links. The communication system can be configured to communicate with an alarm processor of the legacy alarm system through use of a keypad bus typically used by the legacy alarm system for communication between the alarm processor and one or more keypads. Communication modes that can be provided by embodiments of the present invention can include, for example, communication over a public switched telephone network, cellular transmission, broadband transmission, and the like. The communication system can monitor all configured communication modes and determine which communication mode is the best for providing communication between the alarm system and the remote server. Through these communication modes and by virtue of being coupled to the alarm processor via the keypad bus, the communication system can provide both transmission to the remote server of the status and alarm condition of the legacy alarm system as well as provide control signals from the remote server to the legacy alarm system. The remote server provides pre-determined responses to information received from the alarm system, including providing alarm system condition information to a user or a monitoring station for response.
US07956731B2
An actuator, designed to be used in a pressurized enclosure, creates a relative movement between two parts, in response to a variation of hydrostatic pressure. The actuator includes a closed-cell foam block fixed to the two parts. The actuator may be used in the deployment of wheel units and antennas inside a cavity formed by a tire and a wheel rim.
US07956713B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a substrate with vias extending between first and second surfaces thereof, and at least one helical inductor adapted within a via, which may be formed of a conductive material. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07956711B2
Tool attachments and extensions handles may be removably connected to each other. In an example embodiment, a tool attachment is capable of being connected to an extension handle having an extension handle connector, which includes a first field emission structure. The tool attachment has a tool implement and a tool attachment connector, which includes a second field emission structure. The tool attachment connector is adapted to be mated to the extension handle connector with the second field emission structure in proximity to the first field emission structure such that the first and second field emission structures have a predetermined alignment with respect to one another. Each of the first and second field emission structures include multiple Field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to a predefined spatial force function that corresponds to the predetermined alignment of the first and second field emission structures within a field domain.
US07956704B1
The present invention provides a novel structure that can be used to filter certain selected frequencies of common mode signals. The structure comprises a stub connected in parallel to a transmission line with termination at the end. It is suitable for implementation on printed circuit boards or backplanes, but it can be also used within the chip, either on die or package substrate. The structure can be also used as an equalizer, and can be used in designing an analog equalizer for high-speed circuits.
US07956703B2
A multi-band transducer is described incorporating a coaxial waveguide interface for use with a multi-band feed and incorporating bent shaped probes yielding all-planar interfaces in microstrip for all frequency ranges and suitable for mass production. Hybrids can be incorporated for linear or circular polarization applications.
US07956701B2
A method for the contactless transmission of at least one differential signal between a transmitter and a receiver given the existence of at least one common-mode noise signal, which has a low frequency in comparison with at least one signal to be transmitted, is provided. The suppression of at least one common-mode noise signal within the receiver a ground reference potential assigned to the receiver is separated into two ground reference potentials decoupled from one another. At least one common-mode noise signal may be suppressed by a filter unit at the input of a receive amplifier of the receiver.
US07956700B2
A junction (100) for connecting two waveguides (102, 104) having a first angular offset (α) between longitudinal symmetry axes of their cross-sections, said junction (100) comprising a first interface and a second interlace for connecting said waveguides (102, 104). The junction further comprises at least a first transformer section (106) and a second transformer section (108), both having cross-sections of substantially rectangular shape, and both having said first angular offset (α) between longitudinal symmetry axes of their cross-sections. Each of said transformer sections (106, 108) has two protruded ridges (202, 204, 206, 208) on its opposite walls.
US07956694B1
A modified Costas control loop (80) using switched analog low pass filters (R2, C1, C2) (R3, C3, C4) and rectangular to polar conversion (341) computes an angular phase reference error that is processed by a digital loop filter (342) to control a counter (441) and a state machine (442) that are used to control the gating of a controllably conductive circuit (84) interposed between an AC source (81) and a phase-controlled load (83) such as a dimmable lamp.
US07956686B2
A differential amplifier circuit is provided with a first input stage including a transistor pair of a first conductivity type, of which transistor pair receives differential input signals; a first output stage connected to the first input stage; a second input stage including a transistor pair of a second conductivity type different from the first conductivity type, of which transistor pair receives the differential input signals; a second output stage connected to the second input stage; and an output terminal. The second output stage is structured with a circuit topology in which transistors of the first conductivity type in the first output stage are replaced with transistors of the second conductivity type, transistors of the second conductivity type in the first output stage are replaced with transistors of the first conductivity type, ground terminals in the first output stage are replaced with power supply terminals, and power supply terminals in the first output stage are replaced with ground terminals. The output terminal is commonly connected to outputs of the first and second output stages.
US07956683B2
The present invention addresses the problem to extend the dynamic power range where the amplifier operates linearly for a full input amplitude swing with improved efficiency. According to the present invention, the above presented problem is solved by changing the delivered power to the load by changing the value of the load and still keeping the amplifier in its linear condition. The invention enables the amplifier to maintain high efficiency over a wider power range.
US07956676B2
A semiconductor apparatus includes a constant voltage circuit that converts an input voltage and outputs a prescribed constant voltage. The constant voltage circuit includes an output transistor that receives an input of a control signal and outputs a current (from an input terminal to an output terminal) in accordance with the control signal. Also included is an error amplifier circuit that controls the output transistor to create a voltage in proportion to an output voltage outputted from the output terminal becomes a prescribed reference level. A direct current power source supplies direct current power to the constant voltage circuit. A voltage creating circuit creates and outputs a voltage higher than that of the direct current power.
US07956671B2
In one embodiment of an e-fuse programming/re-programming circuit, the e-fuse has two short high atomic diffusion resistance conductor layers positioned on opposite sides and at a same end of a long low atomic diffusion resistance conductor layer. A voltage source is used to vary the polarity and, optionally, the magnitude of voltage applied to the terminals in order to control bi-directional flow of electrons within the long conductor layer and, thereby formation of opens and/or shorts at the long conductor layer-short conductor layer interfaces. The formation of such opens and/or shorts can be used to achieve different programming states. Other circuit structure embodiments incorporate e-fuses with additional conductor layers and additional terminals so as to allow for even more programming states. Also disclosed are embodiments of associated e-fuse programming and re-programming methods.
US07956668B2
A method of driving an array of switches comprising supplying the same drive signal to a first drive terminal of a plurality of the switches of an array and supplying second drive signals to a second drive terminal of each of the plurality of switches, the second drive signal supplied to a first of the switches being of a form selected to close the first switch, the form of the second drive signal supplied to the remaining switches being selected to prevent false activation of those switches.
US07956661B2
The present invention provides a standard cell and a scan flip flop circuit capable of introducing a scan test also to a system LSI having an ACS circuit. One standard cell is configured by: a 3-input selection circuit for selecting one signal from three input signals; and a flip flop circuit. The 3-input selection circuit receives a control signal and a test signal at its control input part and its first input part, respectively. First and second signals are supplied to second and third input parts, and a selection signal is supplied to a selector input part. On the basis of the control signal and the selection signal, any of the signals input to the first to third input parts is output from the output part.
US07956658B2
There is provided a digital lock detector and a frequency synthesizer using the same. The digital lock detector includes a comparator unit receiving a plurality of control bits, and generating a bit signal to notice a lock condition of the plurality of control bits; a delay cell block generating a plurality of delay signals based on the bit signal, and outputting a clock signal by combining the bit signal and the plurality of delay signals; and a detection unit detecting a shift time of the clock signal, and generating a lock indication signal according to the detection result.
US07956649B1
A window sampling system and method are provided for comparing a signal with an unknown frequency to a reference clock. A pattern modulator accepts a compClk signal and supplies a test window with a period equal to n compClk periods, where n is an integer greater than 1. A pattern detector accepts the test window and a reference clock, and contrasts the test window with the reference clock. In response to failing to fit n reference clock periods inside the test window, the pattern detector supplies a frequency pattern detector output signal (fpdOut) indicating that the frequency of the compClk is greater than the reference clock frequency.
US07956646B2
The present disclosure has been worked out to provide a buffer circuit and a control method thereof capable of controlling the timing at which the output switching element is changed from an OFF state to an ON state, and preventing the output characteristic from becoming unstable. The buffer circuit includes: a driving portion 20 driving output switching elements M1 and M2; a detecting portion 30 detecting that the voltage values of control terminals of the output switching elements M1 and M2 have exceeded the threshold voltage value; an auxiliary driving portion 40 being connected to the driving portion 20 and changing driving capability of the output switching elements M1 and M2 in accordance with the result of detection by the detecting portion 30.
US07956642B2
A level shifter includes an inverting circuit, a cross-coupled level shifting latch, and a SR logic gate latch. The first and second outputs of the level shifting latch are coupled to the set (S) and reset (R) inputs of the SR latch. The inverting circuit, that is powered by a first supply voltage VDDL, supplies a noninverted version of an input signal onto a first input of the level shifting latch and supplies an inverted version of the input signal onto a second input of the level shifting latch. A low-to-high transition of the input signal resets the SR latch, whereas a high-to-low transition sets the SR latch. Duty cycle distortion skew of the level shifter is less than fifty picoseconds over voltage, process and temperature corners, and the level shifter has a supply voltage margin of more than one quarter of a nominal value of VDDL.
US07956631B2
A test socket, adapted for connecting the semiconductor package and a printed circuit board comprises a base and a plurality of contacts received in the base. The base has a retaining board defining a plurality of first receiving holes and a positioning board defining a plurality of second receiving holes. The contacts has a contacting portion, an elastic portion and a retaining portion, the elastic portion is disposed between the retaining board and the positioning board and protruding rightward, and the contacting portion extends beyond the elastic portion and defines a acute angle with a horizontal line in a right hand before contacting with the semiconductor package to prevent the contacting portion from scratching with the left inner sidewall of the second receiving hole when pushed downward by the semiconductor package and rotating leftward.
US07956626B2
A circuit with switchable functionality has a first integrated circuit, which has, in a first operating mode, full functionality and which has, in at least one other operating mode, a functionality which is reduced in comparison with the full functionality. The circuit further has an output terminal to which a coupling element can be coupled, an identification device which identifies whether a first supply potential has been applied to the output terminal via the coupling element and in this case produces a status signal with a first value and otherwise produces a status signal with a second value, a setting device, which sets the full or reduced functionality as a function of the value of the status signal in the first integrated circuit. The invention also relates to an electronic component having such a circuit arrangement.
US07956620B2
An impedance monitoring circuit for an electrosurgical generator is disclosed. The monitoring circuit includes an isolation transformer coupled to at least one of an active terminal and a return terminal of an electrosurgical generator, wherein the isolation transformer includes a primary winding coupled to a reference resistor and a secondary winding coupled to a load. The monitoring circuit also includes a driver configured to transmit a sensor signal to the reference resistor and the load, a primary converter coupled to the reference resistor and the load and configured to detect a primary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal passing through the reference resistor and the load. The monitoring circuit further includes a secondary converter coupled to the driver and configured to detect a secondary converted signal as a function of the sensor signal prior to passing through the reference resistor and the load and a controller configured to determine a fault condition based on the primary and secondary converted signals.
US07956617B1
A system (S) for testing of electronic circuits (14) includes at least one input signal (18) influenced by the tested circuit (14) for generating a resultant signal (22) conveying characteristics of selected critical performance parameters from the tested circuit (14). A reference circuit (80) receives comparable test signals (19) and produces a reference resultant signal (23). A comparator block circuit (82) further generates an output signal (52) that results from an application of selected comparison criteria to the signals (22 and 23). The output signal (52) is reflective of desired performance of the electronic circuit (14) that is tested and deterioration with time is detected by analysis and comparison with the results of previous tests.
US07956613B2
A method for producing a magnetic resonance image indicative of mechanical waves applied to a subject is provided. Mechanical waves are applied to the subject at a selected frequency to induce oscillatory motion in tissues within the subject at the same frequency. A spin-lock radiofrequency pulse, having a resonance frequency matched to that of the induced oscillatory motion, is applied to the subject. This results in a spin-lock condition, during which transverse magnetization experiences rotary saturation resulting from magnetic field fluctuations produced by the oscillatory motion. Image data is acquired from the saturated transverse magnetization and images are reconstructed. As a result of the rotary saturation, these images exhibit darkening in those voxel locations affected by the oscillatory motion. In this manner, an image indicative of the applied mechanical waves is produced.
US07956609B2
The magnetic sensor comprises a spin-valve GMR including a free layer having an elongated form as seen in a laminating direction and a permanent magnet layer having an elongated form as seen in the laminating direction. The permanent magnet layer is arranged in parallel with the free layer.
US07956605B2
The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting a body moving in relation to an, in particular, tubular container. Said device comprises at least one magnet unit which generates a magnetic field, measures this magnetic field and which is assigned to the container and/or to the magnetic body. The device also comprises at least one evaluation device connected to the magnet units and provided for receiving measurement signals of the magnet units. The aim of the invention is to improve a measuring device of this type in order to be able to easily determine, in addition to the position of the body in relation to the container in a longitudinal direction, the position of the body in relation to the container in the transverse direction with a relatively high level of accuracy. To this end, the magnet units comprise a maximum magnetic flux that is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the relative motion of the body and container.
US07956604B2
Embodiments of the invention are related to integrated sensor and magnetic concentrator devices and methods. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a sensor device and a magnetic field concentrator. The sensor device comprises a first sensor element, a second sensor element, and a third sensor element, the first sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a first gap, and the second sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a second gap. The magnetic field concentrator comprises a first magnetic element disposed in the first gap and a second magnetic element disposed in the second gap.
US07956602B2
To provide a tilt angle sensor that is capable of detecting acceleration, a tilt angle, and the like of a device to which the tilt sensor angle is mounted, and also capable of reducing the size and the cost with a simple structure. The tilt angle sensor comprises: a spring member having a fixed end a free end that has a flexibility to be bent at least in one direction; a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, which is mounted at the free end of the spring member; a magnetic field detecting device provided by facing the magnetic field generating device for detecting a direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device; and a damping device for giving a damping force to a bending action of the spring member.
US07956595B2
An adaptive power converter controller coupled to a load and a power converter circuit is provided. The adaptive power converter controller has an adaptive voltage sensing unit and a converting control circuit. The adaptive voltage sensing unit is coupled to the load and output a voltage sensing signal according to a load current and a load voltage from the load. The converting control circuit is utilized for receiving the voltage sensing signal and comparing the voltage level of the voltage sensing signal with a current sensing signal, which is corresponding solely to the load current, so as to decide whether the power converter circuit is controlled according to the voltage sensing signal or the current sensing signal.
US07956593B2
A power generation circuit generates and stores electric power utilizing electromagnetic wave energy. The power generation circuit has one of an antenna or a coil that receives an electromagnetic wave. A rectifying circuit is formed on a silicon substrate and rectifies a signal from the antenna or the coil. A storage circuit stores an output power obtained from the rectifying circuit for driving a load. A MOS transistor has a source and a drain connected to an output of the storage circuit and the load, respectively, so that the load is connected to the storage circuit in accordance with a threshold voltage of the MOS transistor.
US07956592B2
A digital controller configured to inject a signal into a digital feedback path that facilitates regulation of a power converter and measure the corresponding phase, gain, or frequency. The digital controller may also include an adaptive tuning controller for adjusting power converter operating attributes based in part on the measurements. In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptive tuning controller uses the phase, gain, and/or frequency measurements to adjust the digital feedback signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the adaptive tuning controller compares the operating measurements with desired values and generates adjusted operating attributes. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the monitoring and adjusting of the digital feedback signal occurs while the digital controller is regulating a power signal in the power converter.
US07956588B2
A voltage regulator has an error amplifier circuit, and a phase compensation circuit having a capacitor connected in parallel to first and second series-connected resistors. A control transistor has its source-drain path connected between input and output terminals of the phase compensation circuit and its gate connected to a junction point between the first and second resistors. In a transient stage in which the output voltage of the error amplifier circuit changes, the resistance of the phase compensation circuit decreases thereby improving the transient response characteristics of the voltage regulator.
US07956579B2
Battery charge management systems for charging a battery bank including a plurality of batteries connected in series are disclosed that include: a power source having a charging port, the power source capable of providing power to each battery in the battery bank; a multiplexer connected to the battery bank, the multiplexer capable of connecting the charging port to a single battery at a time and capable of switching the connection of the charging port to each battery in the battery bank; and a microcontroller connected to the multiplexer and operatively coupled to each battery in the battery bank, the microcontroller capable of receiving discharge data and charge data for each battery in the battery bank, the microcontroller capable of instructing the multiplexer to switch the connection of the charging port with each battery in dependence upon the discharge data and the charge data for that battery.
US07956578B2
There is provided a power supply capable of reducing switching elements. In a power supply, an AC/DC adapter 121 supplies electric power to a load 125 and a battery charger 122. The battery charger comprises a high side FET 102 and a low side FET 103 which operate according to a synchronous rectification method, and charges batteries 108 and 109. When a commercial power supply fails, a power outage detection circuit provided in the battery charger detects the power outage, and outputs a power outage signal. The battery charger which has received the power outage signal sets the high side FET to be ON KEEP. A discharge current from the battery flows via a discharge path 119. This enables a reduction in the number of FETs in comparison with other power supplies.
US07956574B1
A system and method interconnects battery packs using a flexible bus bar to prevent vibration from breaking or damaging the connections therebetween.
US07956571B2
Apparatus for measuring electrochemical properties of materials, and methods of measuring electrochemical properties of materials, are provided.
US07956570B2
A system for network-controlled charging of electric vehicles comprises charge transfer devices networked as follows: charge transfer devices and electric vehicle operators communicate via wireless communication links; charge transfer devices are connected by a local area network to a data control unit, which is connected to a server via a wide area network. The server stores consumer profiles and utility company power grid load data. A charge transfer devices comprises: an electrical receptacle for receiving an electrical connector for recharging an electric vehicle; an electric power line connecting the receptacle to a local power grid; a control device on the electric power line, for switching the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device on the electric power line, for measuring current flowing through the receptacle; a controller for operating the control device and monitoring the output from the current measuring device; a local area network transceiver connected to the controller, for connecting the controller to the data control unit; and a communication device connected to the controller, for wireless communication between the operator of the electric vehicle and the controller.
US07956567B2
A motor drive control device for controlling a rotational speed of a motor includes: a motor driver for rotationally driving a motor; a correction amount calculating section for detecting a rotational speed of an output of the motor in accordance with an alternate current signal outputted from an FG sensor and detecting a rotational position of a photoconductive drum, which is rotated by a rotational drive force of the motor, in accordance with a pulse outputted from an encoder; a speed controller for generating a speed control signal corresponding to a total correction amount, which is a sum of a correction amount calculated in the correction amount calculating section based on a rotational speed of the motor and a correction amount calculated based on a rotational position of the photoconductive drum, and outputting the generated speed control signal to the motor driver.
US07956564B2
A valve timing adjusting apparatus adjusts valve timing of at least one of intake and exhaust valves of an engine that are opened and closed by a camshaft driven by torque transmitted from a crankshaft. The apparatus includes an electric motor, a plurality of switching elements, a motor driver, and a phase adjusting mechanism. When a target rotational direction of a motor shaft of the electric motor is coincident with the actual rotational direction of the same, the motor driver continuously turns on a selected one of the switching elements for the whole of a predetermined rotation angle range of the motor shaft. When the target rotational direction is opposite to the actual rotational direction, the motor driver continuously turns on the selected switching element only for part of the rotation angle range, and continuously turns off the selected switching element for the remaining part of the rotation angle range.
US07956563B2
Systems and apparatus are provided for an inverter system for use in a vehicle having a first energy source and a second energy source. The inverter system comprises an electric motor having a first set of windings and a second set of windings. The inverter system further comprises a first inverter coupled to the first energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the first set of windings are coupled to the first inverter. The inverter system also comprises a second inverter coupled to the second energy source and adapted to drive the electric motor, wherein the second set of windings are coupled to the second inverter. A controller is coupled to the first inverter and the second inverter to achieve desired power flow between the first energy source, the second energy source, and the electric motor.
US07956553B2
A light source driving circuit includes a power supply circuit, a first dimming circuit, and a control circuit. The power supply circuit has a control terminal and an output terminal that is connected to a terminal of a first light-emitting element. The first dimming circuit has a first terminal connected to the other terminal of the first light-emitting element, a second terminal connected to a common potential, and a pulse width signal input terminal. The control circuit is connected between the pulse width input terminal of the first dimming circuit and the control terminal of the power supply circuit. The first dimming circuit determines an ON/OFF state according to a logic state of the pulse width signal. The power supply circuit determines whether or not to output the voltage. The control circuit delays the power supply circuit, turns off the power supply circuit, and delays the first dimming circuit.
US07956543B2
A radio frequency plasma generator power supply, including: an interface that receives a request to determine an optimal control frequency; an output interface configured to be connected to a plasma generation resonator; a power supply module configured to apply a voltage at a set point frequency to the output interface, the voltage, depending on its frequency, selectively unable to allow generation of plasma of the resonator on receipt of a request during a phase optimizing power supply frequency of the generator and able to allow generation of plasma of the resonator during an operating phase; an interface that receives an electrical measurement of power supply of the resonator; a module that determines optimal control frequency, successively provides various set point frequencies to the power supply module on receipt of a request, and determines an optimal control frequency depending on electrical measurements received by the reception interface.
US07956536B2
A light emitting device 10 includes: a lead frame 12a serving as a mounting portion having a cup 13; a light emitting element 14, mounted on the bottom face 13a of the cup, for emitting light having a predetermined peak wavelength; a layer of first phosphor particles 16, absorbed and formed on the light emitting element, for absorbing light emitted from the light emitting element and for emitting light having a longer peak wavelength than that of the light emitted from the light emitting element; second phosphor particles 18 for absorbing at least one of light emitted from the first phosphor particles and light emitted from the light emitting element and for emitting light having a longer peak wavelength than that of the at least one of the light emitted from the first phosphor particles and the light emitted from the light emitting element; and a sealing member 20, in which the second phosphor particles are dispersed, for sealing the light emitting element and the layer of first phosphor particles in the cup.
US07956534B2
A light emitting device comprises a first pixel portion that includes a light emitting portion arranged between two electrodes on a first substrate, a transistor portion formed on a second substrate arranged to be opposed to the first substrate, a connection electrode extended from one of the two electrodes, and an electrical contact portion in surface contact with both the connection electrode and a drain of the transistor portion.
US07956528B2
An organic electroluminescent device is provided and includes: electrodes containing a back electrode and a transparent electrode; and a light-emitting layer disposed between the electrodes. On a side of the back electrode opposite to the light-emitting layer, a ceramic sheet having a thermal emissivity of 0.8 or more and a thickness of from 50 to 1,000 μm or a graphite sheet having a thermal conductivity of 200 W/m·K or more is provided, or the graphite sheet and the ceramic sheet adjacent thereto are provided.
US07956523B2
A carbon film is coated over the surface of a spacer. The carbon film has the following three features when the binding state of carbon is analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: (a) an integral area of a region of 284.5 eV or below is 27% or less of an integral area attributed to carbon, (b) an integral area of a region of 286.0 eV-287.0 eV is 18% or less thereof, and (c) an integral area of a region of 287.0 eV or above is 9% or more thereof.
US07956518B2
The invention provides a (Li, Na, K)(Nb, Ta, Sb)O3 type piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition excellent in the electric field-induced strain at the time of high electric field application. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive film of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is a sintered body of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramic composition comprises a perovskite type oxide comprising as A site elements, Li, Na, and K and as B site elements, Nb and Sb and having a ratio of the total number of atoms of the A site elements to the total number of atoms of the B site elements greater than 1 and not less than 1 mol % and not more than 10 mol % of the number of Sb atoms in the total number of atoms of the B site elements and a Mn compound added to said perovskite type oxide.
US07956514B2
Improved acoustic attenuation materials and applications are provided. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include a woven layer of fibers made of porous polymers, such as porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that include interstitial space. An improved acoustic attenuation material may include sheets of porous polymers interleaved with layers of epoxy. The sheets of porous polymers may include through holes. An embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer that includes a backing with woven layers of porous PTFE fibers is provided. The ultrasonic transducer that includes a backing with woven layers of porous PTFE fibers may be used in a three-dimensional ultrasound imaging apparatus. An embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer that includes a plurality of sheets of porous PTFE interleaved with layers of epoxy is provided. The ultrasonic transducer that includes a plurality of sheets of porous PTFE may be used in an ultrasonic imaging catheter.
US07956512B2
A surface acoustic wave device includes a LiNbO3 substrate and is constructed such that the reflection coefficient of an IDT is not only high but the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2 is also high, and the range of Euler angles of the LiNbO3 substrate can be increased to realize a wide range of the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2. A plurality of grooves are provided in an upper surface of the LiNbO3 substrate, an IDT including a plurality of electrode fingers is provided by filling a metal material in the plurality of grooves, and the metal material is Pt or W or an alloy primarily including at least one Pt or W.
US07956509B2
A pump is driven by a compact electric motor in which a coil is disposed in a ring form around and along a stator core which has a plurality of claw magnetic poles that extend alternately from both ends of one member of the stator core toward the end of the other member thereof. A stator core can be made from a compressed powder core by molding with resin, with the molded portion able to serve as a partition separating pump and motor units.
US07956508B2
The invention relates to a generator, especially for motor vehicles, which comprises a generator stator (36) having winding slots and subcoils (10 21) lying in said winding slots (35). The subcoils (10 21) are connected to each other via a bridge circuit (3) in order to produce a DC voltage from a multiphase AC voltage produced by a rotary field. The generator is configured as a multiphase generator (30), preferably a three-phase or six-phase generator (30). The aim of the invention is to reduce magnetic nose and torque ripple merely by modifying the subcoil wiring. For this purpose, the subcoils (10 21) are connected to an angular ring and the bridge circuit (3) connected to the ring has a lower phase number than corners of the angular ring circuit (1).
US07956506B2
A rotating electric machine comprises a stator having stator salient poles, three-phases windings would around said stator salient poles, a rotor rotatable held inside the said stator, and permanent magnets inserted into said rotor and positioned opposite to said stator salient poles. The three-phase windings are concentratively wound around each of the stator salient poles, with windings of each phase wound around at more than one stator salient pole. The windings of each phase have a phase difference of voltage between at least one of the windings and the other.
US07956505B2
A rotor of an electric motor includes lamination core formed by laminating a plurality of individual cores, and at least one pair of magnet members that generate rotating torque by electromagnetic interaction with a stator, are provided at the lamination core such that a magnetic sensor can sense magnetic flux, and have magnetic poles opposite to each other, such that a position of the rotor of the electric motor can be accurately detected and a process of manufacturing the electric motor can be simplified.
US07956500B2
A machine includes an inner air-cooled rotor and an outer liquid-cooled stator, in which the stator includes a radial cooling arrangement arranged to convey a cooling liquid radially in the stator.
US07956491B2
Methods, systems, and devices are described for integrating multiple transformers on a shared core, while avoiding interference between the transformers and other potentially undesirable effects of the integration. In one embodiment, multiple transformers are wound on a shared core. Each transformer is wound on the core, so that its primary and secondary windings are magnetically coupled to each other through the core without being coupled to the windings of other transformers sharing the core. The multiple integrated transformers may then be provided in a circuit arrangement by placing only a single core element in the arrangement.
US07956485B1
An apparatus and method for storing and using wind energy. The apparatus has a hub, blades extending radially outwardly from the hub, a first shaft interconnected to the hub, a generator connected to the first shaft, a first coupler, a transmission connected to a portion of the first shaft opposite the hub, a second shaft extending from the transmission, a second coupler, a first pulley connected to the second shaft, a second pulley positioned below the first pulley, a line extending around the first and second pulleys, a fluid receptacle affixed to the line, an elevated reservoir positioned adjacent the first pulley, a base reservoir positioned below the second pulley, a pump positioned between the elevated reservoir and the base reservoir, and a control valve connected to the elevated reservoir.
US07956468B2
A semiconductor device where an outside connection terminal of a semiconductor element and an electrode of a wiring board are connected to each other via a conductive adhesive, the conductive adhesive includes a first conductive adhesive; and a second conductive adhesive covering the first conductive adhesive; wherein the first conductive adhesive contains a conductive filler including silver (Ag); and the second conductive adhesive contains a conductive filler including a metal selected from a group consisting of tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt).
US07956464B2
A sputtering target includes a tungsten (W)-nickel (Ni) alloy, wherein the nickel (Ni) is present in an amount of between about 0.01 weight % and about 1 weight %.
US07956458B2
An integrated optical I/O and semiconductor chip with a direct liquid jet impingement cooling assembly are disclosed. Contrary to other solutions for packaging an optical I/O with a semiconductor die, this assembly makes use of a metal clad fiber, e.g. copper, which will actually enhance cooling performance rather than create a design restriction that has the potential to limit cooling capability.
US07956456B2
An electronic package comprising a semiconductor device, a heat spreader layer, and a thermal interface material layer located between the semiconductor device and the heat spreader layer. The thermal interface material layer includes a resin layer having heat conductive particles suspended therein. A portion of the particles are exposed on at least one non-planar surface of the resin layer such that the portion of exposed particles occupies a majority of a total area of a horizontal plane of the non-planar surface.
US07956455B2
An RF power transistor package with a rectangular ceramic base can house one or more dies affixed to an upper surface of the ceramic base. Source leads attached to the ceramic base extend from at least opposite sides of the rectangular base beneath a periphery of a non-conductive cover overlying the ceramic base. The cover includes recesses arranged to receive the one or more die, the ceramic base, gate and drain leads and a portion of the source leads. The cover further includes bolt holes arranged to clamp the ceramic base and source leads to a heat sink. Bosses at corners of the cover outward of the bolt holes exert a downward bowing force along the periphery of the cover between the bolt holes.
US07956452B2
Flip chip packages and methods of manufacturing the same are provided, the flip chip packages may include a package substrate, a semiconductor chip, conductive bumps, a ground pattern and an underfilling layer. The semiconductor chip may be over the package substrate. The conductive bumps may be between the semiconductor chip and the package substrate to electrically connect the semiconductor chip and the package substrate with each other. The ground pattern may ground one of the package substrate and the semiconductor chip. The underfilling layer may be between the package substrate and the semiconductor chip to surround the conductive bumps. The underfilling layer may have a diode selectively located between the ground pattern and the conductive bumps by electrostatic electricity applied to the underfilling layer to protect the semiconductor chip from the electrostatic electricity.
US07956449B2
A stacked integrated circuit package system includes: forming a recessed integrated circuit package system having a first encapsulation over a first integrated circuit and an interior cavity in the first encapsulation; forming a mountable integrated circuit package system having a second integrated circuit over a carrier; and mounting the recessed integrated circuit package system over the mountable integrated circuit package system with the second integrated circuit within the interior cavity and the first integrated circuit coupled with the carrier.
US07956448B2
A stacked structure includes a first substrate bonded to a second substrate such that a first pad structure of the first substrate contacts a second pad structure of the second substrate. A transistor gate is formed over the second substrate, and a first conductive structure extends through the second substrate and has a top surface that is substantially planar with a top surface of the second substrate. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is disposed over the transistor gate, and a passivation layer is disposed over the ILD layer and includes a second pad structure that makes electrical contact with the second conductive structure. The ILD layer includes at least one contact structure that extends through the ILD layer and makes electrical contact with the transistor gate. A second conductive structure is disposed in the ILD layer and is at least partially disposed over a surface of the first conductive structure.
US07956440B2
A capacitor includes a first capacitor structure on a substrate, the first capacitor structure including a first electrode, a first dielectric layer pattern, and a second electrode, a second capacitor structure on the first capacitor structure, the second capacitor structure including a third electrode, a second dielectric layer pattern, and a fourth electrode, at least one first contact pad on a side of the first electrode, and a wiring structure connecting the at least one first contact pad and the fourth electrode.
US07956439B2
Void boundary structures, semiconductor devices having the void boundary structures, and methods of forming the same are provided. The structures, semiconductor devices and methods present a way for reducing parasitic capacitance between interconnections by forming a void between the interconnections. The interconnections may be formed on a semiconductor substrate. An upper width of each of the interconnections may be wider than a lower width thereof. A molding layer encompassing the interconnections may be formed. A void boundary layer covering the molding layer may be formed to define the void between the interconnections.
US07956431B2
A method of manufacturing a micromodule including the steps of: producing an integrated circuit on an active face of a chip made of a semi-conductive material, making a via passing through the chip, electrically linked to the integrated circuit, and inserting the chip into a box comprising a cavity and an electrically conductive element, the active face of the chip being disposed towards the bottom of the cavity, forming on at least one part of a lateral face of the chip a conductive lateral layer made of an electrically conductive material, electrically linked to a conductive element of the rear face of the chip, and producing a connection between the conductive lateral layer and the conductive element by depositing an electrically conductive material in the cavity.
US07956430B2
An accelerator sensor includes a semiconductor substrate having a main front surface and a main rear surface, a first groove portion being formed along a front surface pattern, in the main front surface, a second groove portion being formed along a rear surface pattern, in the main rear surface, a through-hole being formed because of connection between at least parts of the first groove portion and the second groove portion and at least one groove width variation portion being formed in at least one of inner walls of the first groove portion. An offset of the rear surface pattern to the front surface pattern can be inspected easily by existence of the groove width variation portion.
US07956417B2
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for reducing stacking faults in an epitaxial semiconductor layer. In accordance with such method, a substrate is provided which includes a first single-crystal semiconductor region including a first semiconductor material, the first semiconductor region having a <110> crystal orientation. An epitaxial layer including the first semiconductor material is grown on the first semiconductor region, the epitaxial layer having the <110> crystal orientation. The substrate is then annealed with the epitaxial layer at a temperature greater than 1100 degrees Celsius in an ambient including hydrogen, whereby the step of annealing reduces stacking faults in the epitaxial layer.
US07956408B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device relating to one embodiment of this invention includes a substrate, a plurality of memory strings formed on said substrate, said memory string having a first select gate transistor, a plurality of memory cells and a second select gate transistor, said first select gate transistor having a first pillar semiconductor, a first gate insulation layer formed around said first pillar semiconductor and a first gate electrode being formed around said first gate insulation layer; said memory cell having a second pillar semiconductor, a first insulation layer formed around said second pillar semiconductor, a storage layer formed around said first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed around said storage layer and first to nth electrodes (n is a natural number 2 or more) being formed around said second insulation layer, said first to nth electrodes being spread in two dimensions respectively, said second select gate transistor having a third pillar semiconductor, a second gate insulation layer formed around said third pillar semiconductor and a second gate electrode being formed around said second gate insulation layer, and a channel region of at least either said first select gate transistor or said second select gate transistor formed by an opposite conductive type semiconductor to a source region and a drain region.
US07956407B2
A vertical pillar semiconductor device includes a substrate, a single crystalline semiconductor pattern, a gate insulation layer structure and a gate electrode. The substrate may include a first impurity region. The single crystalline semiconductor pattern may be on the first impurity region. The single crystalline semiconductor pattern has a pillar shape substantially perpendicular to the substrate. A second impurity region may be formed in an upper portion of the single crystalline semiconductor pattern. The gate insulation layer structure may include a charge storage pattern, the gate insulation layer structure on a sidewall of the single crystalline semiconductor pattern. The gate electrode may be formed on the gate insulation layer structure and opposite the sidewall of the single crystalline semiconductor pattern. The gate electrode has an upper face substantially lower than that of the single crystalline semiconductor pattern.
US07956402B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a double-doped polysilicon floating gate in a semiconductor memory element. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate and forming a floating gate above the first dielectric layer, the floating gate comprised of a first layer doped with a first type of dopant material and a second layer doped with a second type of dopant material that is opposite the first type of dopant material in the first layer. The method further includes forming a second dielectric layer above the floating gate, forming a control gate above the second dielectric layer, and forming a source and a drain in the substrate.
US07956400B2
An integrated metal-insulator-metal capacitor is formed so that there is an extension portion of its top plate that does not face any portion of the bottom plate, and an extension portion of its bottom plate that does not face any portion of the top plate. Vias connecting the MIM capacitor plates to conductors in an overlying metallization layer are formed so as to contact the extension portions of the top and bottom plates. Etching of the via holes is simplified because it is permissible for the via holes to punch through the extension portions of the capacitor plates. The bottom plate of the MIM capacitor is inlaid. The top plate of the MIM capacitor may be inlaid.
US07956398B2
Disclosed are a capacitor of a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. The capacitor includes a capacitor top electrode, a capacitor bottom electrode aligned with a bottom surface and three lateral sides of the capacitor top electrode, and a capacitor insulating layer between the capacitor top electrode and the capacitor bottom electrode.
US07956396B2
A method for forming a floating gate semiconductor device such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory is provided. The device includes a silicon substrate having an electrically isolated active area. A gate oxide, as well as other components of a FET (e.g., source, drain) are formed in the active area. A self aligned floating gate is formed by depositing a conductive layer (e.g., polysilicon) into the recess and over the gate oxide. The conductive layer is then chemically mechanically planarized to an endpoint of the isolation layer so that all of the conductive layer except material in the recess and on the gate oxide is removed. Following formation of the floating gate an insulating layer is formed on the floating gate and a control gate is formed on the insulating layer.
US07956395B2
A spin transistor includes a first ferromagnetic layer provided on a substrate and having an invariable magnetization direction, a second ferromagnetic layer provided on the substrate apart from the first ferromagnetic layer in a first direction, and having a variable magnetization direction, a plurality of projecting semiconductor layers provided on the substrate to extend in the first direction, and sandwiched between the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer, a plurality of channel regions respectively provided in the projecting semiconductor layers, and a gate electrode provided on the channel regions.
US07956392B2
An imaging element comprises: an optical element substrate part in which the imaging element generates a signal charge by photo-electrically converting an incident light applied from one surface side of the optical element substrate part to read the signal charge from the other surface side of the optical element substrate part and picks up an image; and a CMOS circuit substrate part connected to the other surface side of the optical element substrate part so as to transfer the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer, wherein the optical element substrate part comprises: a photoelectric conversion layer to generate the signal charge by photo-electrically converting the incident light; a charge storage part that stores the signal charge; and a reading transistor that reads the signal charge stored in the charge storage part.
US07956389B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor substrate; photoelectric conversion elements; vertical charge transfer paths that transfer charges generated in photoelectric conversion elements, in a vertical direction; a horizontal charge transfer path that transfers the charges transferred in vertical charge transfer paths, in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction; a plurality of charge accumulating sections between the vertical charge transfer paths and the horizontal charge transfer path; a plurality of electrodes disposed above the respective charge accumulating sections, the plurality of electrodes being classified into a plurality of kinds of electrodes; wirings corresponding to the respective kinds of electrodes and extending in the horizontal direction above the plurality of electrodes; and a planarizing layer disposed between the wirings and an uneven surface caused by the plurality of electrodes that are present in areas overlapping the wirings, so as to planarize the uneven surface.
US07956385B1
A circuit for protecting a transistor during the manufacture of an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The circuit comprises a transistor having a gate formed over an active region formed in a die of the integrated circuit device; a protection element formed in the die of the integrated circuit device; and a programmable interconnect coupled between the gate of the transistor and the protection element, the programmable interconnect enabling the protection element to be decoupled from the transistor.
US07956384B2
A semiconductor power device supported on a semiconductor substrate that includes a plurality of transistor cells, each cell has a source and a drain region disposed on opposite sides of a gate region in the semiconductor substrate. A gate electrode is formed as an electrode layer on top of the gate region for controlling an electric current transmitted between the source and the drain regions. The gate electrode layer disposed on top of the semiconductor substrate is patterned into a wave-like shaped stripes for substantially increasing an electric current conduction area between the source and drain regions across the gate.
US07956382B2
A wafer having heterostructure therein is formed using a substrate with recesses formed within a dielectric layer. A magnetized magnetic layer or a polarized electret material is formed at the bottom of each recess. The magnetized magnetic layer or a polarized electret material provides a predetermined magnetic or electrical field pattern. A plurality of heterostructures is formed from on an epitaxial wafer wherein each heterostructure has formed thereon a non-magnetized magnetic layer that is attracted to the magnetized magnetic layer formed at the bottom of each recess or dielectric layer that is attracted to the polarized electret material formed at the bottom of each recess. The plurality of heterostructures is etched from the epitaxial wafer to form a plurality of heterostructure pills. The plurality of heterostructure pills is slurried over the surface of the dielectric layer so that individual heterostructure pills can fall into a recess and be retained therein due to the strong short-range magnetic or electrical attractive force between the magnetized magnetic layer in the recess and the non-magnetized magnetic layer on the heterostructure pill or between the polarized electret material in the recess and the dielectric on the heterostructure pill. Any excess heterostructure pills that are not retained in a recess formed within the dielectric layer are removed and an overcoat is applied to form a substantial planar surface.
US07956381B1
A multi-layered semiconductor apparatus capable of producing at least 500 W of continuous power includes at least two device substrates arranged in a stack. Each of the at least two device substrates has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and each of the at least two device substrates is configured to produce an average power density higher than 100 W/cm2. A plurality of active devices are provided on the first side of each of the at least two device substrates. The plurality of active devices are radiatively coupled among the at least two device substrates. At least one of the at least two device substrates is structured to provide a plurality of cavities on its second side to receive corresponding ones of the plurality of active devices on the first side of an adjacent one of the at least two device substrates.
US07956374B2
The invention discloses a semiconductor light-emitting device. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to the invention includes a substrate, a multi-layer structure, at least one electrode structure, and a light reflector. The substrate has an upper surface. The multi-layer structure is formed on the upper surface of the substrate. The multi-layer structure includes a light-emitting region and at least one semiconductor material layer. The multi-layer structure also has a top surface. The at least one electrode structure is formed on the top surface of the multi-layer structure. The light reflector is formed on the top surface of the multi-layer structure.
US07956368B2
An LED bare chip which is one type of a semiconductor light emitting device (2) includes a multilayer epitaxial structure (6) composed of a p-GaN layer (12), an InGaN/GaN MQW light emitting layer (14) and an n-GaN layer (16). A p-electrode (18) is formed on the p-GaN layer (12), and an n-electrode (20) is formed on the n-GaN layer (16). An Au plating layer (4) is formed on the p-electrode (18). The Au plating layer (4) supports the multilayer epitaxial structure (6) and conducts heat generated in the light emitting layer (14). The Au plating layer (4) is electrically divided into two portions by a polyimide member (10). One of the two portions (4A) is connected to the p-electrode (18), to be constituted as an anode power supply terminal, and the other portion (4K) is connected to the n-electrode (20) by a wiring (22), to be constituted as a cathode power supply terminal.
US07956366B2
A monolithic light-emitting device and driving method therefore includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes, array-arranged monolithically on a single substrate. The light-emitting diodes include a pn junction-containing semiconductor material and a phosphor-containing layer passing light emitted from the semiconductor material, absorbing part, or whole of the light for conversion into light having a different wavelength. The array is constituted of a light-emitting diode group consisting of m (m≧2) pieces of the light-emitting diode, the light emitting diode group being constituted of N types (N≧2, providing N≦m) of light-emitting diodes, each having either one of preset N types of light-emitting spectrum patterns. An average light-emitting spectrum from the whole array can be changed by regulating a power supplied to the light-emitting diodes for each light-emitting diode group sorted according to the type of the light-emitting spectrum pattern.
US07956359B2
To improve the reliability of contact with an anisotropic conductive film in a semiconductor device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a terminal portion (182) of a connecting wiring (183) on an active matrix substrate is electrically connected to an FPC (191) by an anisotropic conductive film (195). The connecting wiring (183) is manufactured in the same process with a source/drain wiring of a TFT on the active matrix substrate, and is made of a lamination film of a metallic film and a transparent conductive film. In the connecting portion with the anisotropic conductive film (195), a side surface of the connecting wiring (183) is covered with a protecting film (173) made of an insulating material. Accordingly, the portion in which the metallic film is surrounded by the transparent conductive film, the insulating base film, and the protecting film (173) to which it is in contact with, can be avoided from exposure to air because the side surface of the metallic film of the connecting wiring is covered with the protecting film (173).
US07956354B2
Provided is a method of patterning an organic thin film which can prevent surface damage of an organic semiconductor layer. Also, an organic thin film transistor that can reduce an off-current and can prevent surface damage of the organic semiconductor layer and a method of manufacturing the organic thin film transistor, and an organic electroluminescence display device having the organic thin film transistor are provided. The method of patterning the organic thin film includes forming the organic thin film on a substrate, selectively printing a mask material on a portion of the organic thin film, dry etching an exposed portion of the organic thin film using the mask material, and removing the mask material.
US07956352B2
On object of the invention is to provide a non-volatile memory device, in which data can be added to the memory device after a manufacturing process and forgery and the like by rewriting can be prevented, and a semiconductor device including the memory device. Another object of the invention is to provide a highly-reliable, inexpensive, and nonvolatile memory device and a semiconductor device including the memory device. A memory element includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first insulating layer with a thickness of 0.1 nm or more and 4 nm or less being in contact with the first conductive layer, and an organic compound layer interposed between the first conductive layer, the first insulating layer, and the second conductive layer.
US07956350B2
Novel 2,7-di(arylamino)-substituted fluorenes that are further substituted at the 9-position with one or more crosslinkable moieties, oligomers or polymers formed by crosslinking of said crosslinkable moieties, methods for their preparation, and use thereof in forming solvent resistant films having use as interlayers in electronic devices, especially electroluminescent devices.
US07956348B2
A quantum device comprises first conductive members and second conductive members confining carriers in the z direction and having two dimensional electron gas on the xy plane. Third conductive members generating an electric field having an effect on the first conductive members. An insulating member easily passing a tunnel current between the first conductive members and the second conductive members. Another insulating member hardly passing a tunnel current between the first conductive members and the third conductive members. An electric field generated by a potential applied to the third conductive members has an effect on the sub-band of the first conductive members.
US07956340B2
An optical receiving device (31) for an optical code reader is described, comprising a solid body, of a transparent material, having a light input face (32), a light output face (33) for coupling with a photodetector device (30), said output face (33) being substantially perpendicular to said input face (32), and an oblique face (34) with respect to both said input face (32) and said output face (34), characterized in that the mutual orientation of the faces (32-38, 40-42, 40′, 41′, 42′) of the optical receiving device (31) is such that the light entering from said input face (32) within a desired field of view is concentrated onto said output face (33) by total internal reflection.
US07956337B2
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a computer-implemented method for tuning laser scribe parameters during the fabrication of a solar module. The method includes analyzing the visual appearance of a laser scribe to extract various morphological parameters related to the quality of a laser scribe process used to produce the scribe. Based on the morphological parameters, the laser scribe parameters may be modified in-situ to achieve settings that are optimal for performing laser scribing in each layer of the solar module. As a result, laser scribe process cycle time may be minimized while providing better indication of the laser scribe process stability and quality relative to the prior art approaches.
US07956333B2
A moving module of a wafer ion-implanting machine includes a wafer carrier, a moving shaft, a base, a pair of first magnets, a fixture body, and a plurality of second magnets. One end of the wafer carrier is pivotally connected to a wafer tray; and the other end is fixed onto one end of the moving shaft. The base is fixed to the other end of the moving shaft. The moving shaft drives the wafer carrier and the base to move lengthwise. The pair of first magnets is fixed to the base. The fixture body is located between the pair of first magnets. The second magnets are fixed onto the fixture body and one of them forms compelling magnetic force between one of the first magnets. Thereby, the friction generated by contacting any of the first magnets with the fixture body can be prevented, thus increasing the production yield.
US07956330B2
Closeness of a housing is maintained in a normal handling state, and electric power shortage is solved to perform prompt action by quick charge in emergency situations. Normally an electronic cassette is loaded in a cradle to charge a battery by a non-contact charging function. In a case of contact charge, a pair of electrodes and a pair of terminals are brought into contact with each other by removing a packing, and the battery is charged in a state where wiring is physically connected. Therefore, energy efficiency is better compared with the non-contact charge, and the charge can be performed in a short time.
US07956321B2
In-plane distribution of a target object contained in a sample is measured. The sample dispersedly placed on a substrate is treated to promote ionization of the target object. Then, the mass and flying amount of an ion containing the target object or a component thereof is determined by irradiating an ion beam to the sample and performing time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry of the ion that flies from a portion in the sample where the ion beam is irradiated, and the in-plane distribution of the target object is determined from the mass and flying amount data obtained at plural portions by scanning the beam on the sample plane. The step of treating the sample to promote ionization of the target object includes contacting an aqueous solution of an acid that does not crystallize at ordinary temperature with the sample. A high spatial resolution two-dimensional image can be obtained.
US07956318B2
An optical scanning device includes a light source, a light deflector for deflecting and scanning a light beam from the light source, a scanning imaging optical system for imaging the light beam via the light deflector onto a scanned face, a light beam detecting device for detecting a position of the light beam, a separation optical system provided in the light beam detecting device for separating the light beam into a plurality of separation light beams in a sub-scanning direction, a plurality of light detectors provided in the light beam detecting device to be disposed in different positions in the sub-scanning direction, and a plurality of light receiving sections provided in the light detectors, respectively, at least one light receiving section provided in the light detector being disposed such that the end portion on a side for detecting the separation light beam has a predetermined angle to the end portion of the other light detector.
US07956316B2
A sensor for a security system is disclosed to detect intrusions at one or more predetermined locations wherein each location includes a moveable member which must be moved in order to intrude the location. The system includes a fiber network routed in close proximity to one or more locations. The sensor comprises a sensor housing for being disposed at a location to detect a predetermined movement of the moveable member from a secure position to an unsecured position, and means for mounting the sensor housing in a stationary position at the location without a physical connection to the moveable member. The sensor housing includes a fiber inlet and a fiber outlet, and a fiber chamber for receiving a predetermined sensor fiber of the fiber network being routed through the sensor housing. The sensor has a sensor actuator for engaging the sensor fiber to generate an intrusion signal upon detecting predetermined movement of the moveable member, and causing the intrusion signal to be transmitted along the sensor fiber to a processor whereby the intrusion and location of the intrusion may be determined by the processor. Preferably, the sensor includes a magnetic actuator having a magnetic attraction to the moveable members whose interruption causes activation of the sensor and generation of the intrusion signal.
US07956315B2
A discharge lamp lighting device includes: a power control circuit adapted to generate discharge lamp driving power; an alternating current conversion circuit adapted to execute polarity reversal on a direct current output from the power control circuit, thereby generating an alternating current; and a control section adapted to perform alternating current conversion control of controlling the polarity reversal timing of the alternating current, wherein the control section executes a steady drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a given frequency, a first low frequency drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a first low frequency driving frequency lower than the given frequency, and starting from a first polarity and ending with the first polarity, and a second low frequency drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a second low frequency driving frequency lower than the given frequency, and starting from a second polarity and ending with the second polarity.
US07956304B2
A combination switch is provided for a high-speed oven, the oven having a door. The combination switch has a rotatable cam (40) that is rotated when the door of the oven is moved between a closed position and an open position. The cam (40) has at least one lobe (50, 52) for engaging at least one safety-switch (44, 46) for actuation by the at least one lobe of the cam as the cam rotates. The at least one safety switch controls operation of at least a portion of the oven. A locking latch (48) is selectively moveable between an engaged position, in which the latch engages the cam (40) to limit rotation of the cam and thereby prevent opening of the door, and a disengaged position, in which the latch (48) does not engage the cam (40) and thereby allows opening of the door.
US07956303B2
An apparatus includes a protective covering. An electronics module and a pair of electrodes are disposed within the protective covering. The pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the electronics module. The electrodes are separated by a distance in an open position when unloaded and are configured to contact each other in a closed position when loaded. In one example, a plurality of resilient spacing structures is disposed between the electrodes. The electronics module is configured to obtain electrode position data by determining whether the electrodes are in the open or closed position. In one example, the electronics module is configured to remotely communicate the electrode position data. The electrodes and electronics module are embedded within the protective covering, which is integrally molded therearound.
US07956302B1
A hermetically packaged G-switch includes a MEMS structure having a bottom substrate layer, a top device layer and an intermediate oxide layer. A mass disposed in the top device layer is connected to one, two or three anchor portions using spring arms. One end of a spring arm is connected to the mass and another end to an anchor portion. The connection to the anchor portion includes a T shaped arrangement, which has a torsional spring cross piece connected to the spring arm. A cap containing a conductive pad is hermetically sealed to the MEMS structure. When a predetermined acceleration is attained, the mass makes electrical contact with the conductive pad to close the G-switch.
US07956298B2
A movable contact board is engaged to a detent plate and the movable contact board is provided with a plurality of support portions, for example, four legs for supporting a stationary contact board and, on the other hand, the stationary contact board is provided with a plurality of guide grooves for reciprocally guiding the four support portions (legs) in the movable contact board along the rotational direction. Further, the plurality of the support portions (leg) are configured of the support portions, for example, four legs extending generally vertically from the movable contact board so as to straddle stationary contact points and bending portions provided in the four respective legs to penetrate through the pair of the guide grooves in the stationary contact board for supporting the stationary contact board from the backside. Thereby, an inhibitor switch preferable in view of reduction in the number of components and reduction in a plastic amount can be provided.
US07956296B2
A transport system for transporting articles along a transport path having a plurality of pusher members coupled to a control mechanism for moving the pusher members along the transport path. A support for supporting articles as they are pushed by the pusher members extends along the transport path, and a weighing system includes a weighing member supported on a weight detection device. The weighing member is adapted to transfer an article from the support to the weighing member and out of contact with the pusher members.
US07956284B2
An in-ceiling cabling enclosure for supporting communications network equipment and cables interconnecting the network equipment including a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls extending between the front wall and the rear wall creating a volume inside the enclosure. An access door assembly is pivotally connected to either the rear wall or the two side walls. The access door assembly pivots through an arc of ninety degrees between a first position opening the enclosure and a second position closing the enclosure. An equipment mount plate is attached to an interior portion of the access door assembly, and opposed equipment mount rails are removably attached to the equipment mount plate. The equipment mount rails are adapted to receive the network equipment and to secure the network equipment to the access door assembly. A cable slack management tray extends between the opposed equipment mount rails, and the slack management tray has a surface adapted to support and maintain the position and the contour of cable bundles located in the enclosure. A thermal management system is also disposed in the housing to provide efficient exhaust of hot air generated by active equipment in the enclosure to the space outside of the enclosure.
US07956283B2
Methods for fabricating solar cells without the need to perform gasification of metallurgical-grade silicon are disclosed. Consequently, the costs and health and environmental hazards involved in fabricating the solar or silicon grade silicon are being avoided. A solar cell structure comprises a metallurgical grade doped silicon substrate and a thin-film structure formed over the substrate to form a p-i-n junction with the substrate. The substrate may be doped p-type, and the thin film structure may be an intrinsic amorphous layer formed over the substrate and an n-type amorphous layer formed over the intrinsic layer.
US07956281B2
A photovoltaic (“PV”) array includes a plurality of interconnected PV modules. A PV array perimeter assembly may be positioned along the perimeter of the PV array to restrain horizontal movement of the array. For improved wind performance, the PV array perimeter assembly may include curbs that come with pre-attached flexible wind deflectors configured to prevent wind from penetrating underneath the PV array. The flexible wind deflectors may be made of a flexible membrane and may include water drainage holes to allow water to flow out of the PV array. The curbs do not necessarily have to be fixedly attached to a rooftop, and may include ballasts to prevent array movement. Embodiments of the invention may be employed on PV arrays installed on flat rooftops, and are especially advantageous when used on uneven roof surfaces.
US07956277B2
A thermoelectric module having an excellent durability is provide.The thermoelectric module comprises: a first support substrate having a first inner surface, a first outer surface and a plurality of first connecting electrodes formed on the first inner surface; a second support substrate having a second inner surface opposed to the first inner surface, a second outer surface and a plurality of second connecting electrodes formed on the second inner surface; a plurality of P-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric elements provided between the first inner surface and the second inner surface; a temperature-detecting element provided on the first inner surface.
US07956270B1
The present invention specifically relates to a SELF-CLOSING HOODED COVER FOR A STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT that is specifically designed to protect a stringed musical instrument from the deleterious effects of dust and debris in addition to providing protection to the instrument's finish from scratches and minor low velocity impacts. The self-closing hooded cover for a stringed instrument may comprise a fabric panel having a contour that loosely approximates the given musical instrument of symmetrical construction, which has a hood and a body element having a self-closing closure about the front midline and bottom. The invention further provides additional protection from the damaging effects of exposure from sunlight, and exposure to harsh environmental elements wherein instances for such exposure may exist. In another embodiment the self-closing hooded cover may be converted to a bag or case cover. Additional embodiments providing differing arrangements of the primary elements are also disclosed.
US07956261B2
A lever 40 is supported by a lever supporting portion 41. The lever 40 is urged by a first spring 45 and a second spring 46. The urging force of the first spring 45 varies over the entire operational range of the lever 40. The second spring 46 and a third spring 47 are provided serially through a movable supporting member 48. The displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is restricted by a fixed supporting member FR. If the urging force of the second spring 46 exceeds the urging force of the third spring 47, the restriction on the displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is removed. Therefore, the present invention provides a player with feeling similar to that the player perceives when he manipulates a damper pedal of an acoustic piano.
US07956257B1
A novel maize variety designated PHW9Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW9Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW9Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW9Z or a locus conversion of PHW9Z with another maize variety.
US07956247B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH421690. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH421690, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH421690 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH421690.
US07956245B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS53001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS53001, to the plants of soybean RJS53001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS53001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS53001 with another soybean plant, using RJS53001 as either the male or the female parent.
US07956244B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS25004. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS25004, to the plants of soybean RJS25004 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS25004 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS25004 with another soybean plant, using RJS25004 as either the male or the female parent.
US07956240B2
The present invention concerns a method for improving the growth characteristics of plants by increasing expression of at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11, RKS4 or an orthologue of these). One such method comprises introducing into a plant a nucleic acid encoding at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11 or RKS4 or an orthologue thereof). The invention also relates to transgenic plants having introduced therein a nucleic acid or variant thereof encoding at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11 or RKS4 or an orthologue thereof), which plants have improved growth characteristics relative to corresponding wild type plants. The present invention also concerns constructs useful in the methods of the invention.
US07956238B2
The present invention relates to a novel promoter and its use in driving expression of foreign genes in transgenic animals (especially pigs). Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for producing transgenic animals harboring heterologous genes regulated by the promoter of the present invention.
US07956228B2
A process for the preparation of acetylene and synthesis gas by partial thermal oxidation in a reactor which has a burner having passages, wherein the starting materials to be reacted are rapidly and completely mixed only immediately before the flame reaction zone in the passages of the burner, a mean flow rate which exceeds the flame propagation velocities under the given reaction conditions being established in the mixing zone within the passages.
US07956225B2
A polyfluoro-1-alkene represented by the general formula: CF3(CF2)nCH2(CF2)mCH═CH2 [I], wherein n is an integer of 0 to 5, and m is an integer of 1 to 7, is produced by reacting a polyfluoroalkyl iodide represented by the general formula: CF3(CF2)nCH2(CF2)m(CH2CH2)I [II], wherein n is an integer of 0 to 5, and m is an integer of 1 to 7, with an inorganic basic compound in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst. Alternatively, the polyfluoro-1-alkene is produced by reacting the polyfluoroalkyl iodide [II] with a nitrogen-containing organic basic compound, and is obtained product [I] as one fraction thereof. By the copolymerization of the polyfluoro-1-alkene with other fluorinated olefin monomers, a fluorine-containing copolymer having excellent light transmittance in the visible light range is formed.
US07956224B2
The invention provides palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of bio-oils and certain organic compounds. Experimental results have shown unexpected and superior results for palladium-catalyzed hydrogenations of organic compounds typically found in bio-oils.
US07956223B2
A method for producing a halogen-substituted benzenedimethanol represented by the formula (2): wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are the same or different and each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, provided that X1, X2, X3 and X4 are not hydrogen atoms at the same time, by reacting a halogen-substituted terephthalic acid represented by the formula (1): wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are the same meanings as defined above, with a borohydride compound in an organic solvent, followed by contacting the obtained reaction mixture with hydrogen chloride at 40 to 70° C.
US07956211B2
The invention relates to novel sulphur compounds, to the production thereof by a method carried out in an aqueous medium and the use thereof in the form of transfer agents in a method for controlled radical polymerization of acrylic acid and/or acrylic acid with water-soluble monomers in water. The thus obtained polymers are usable in the form of dispersing agents or grinding aid agents and/or aid agents for combined grinding of mineral materials in an aqueous suspension and in the form of dispersing agents directly incorporated into aqueous formulations containing mineral materials.
US07956210B2
Alkyl silanes are prepared by silylating an unsaturated hydrocarbon with an Si—H functional silane employing an iridium chloride coordination compound as a catalyst and a polymeric polyene as a cocatalyst. Reaction bottoms can be worked up to provide an iridium-containing composition which remains catalytically active.
US07956209B2
The invention relates to polyisocyanates containing allophanate groups and silane groups, to a process for preparing them and to their use as a starting component in the production of polyurethane polymers, more particularly as a crosslinker component in polyurethane paints and coatings.
US07956206B2
A light emitting device comprising an anode, a cathode, a light emissive layer located between the anode and the cathode, said light emissive layer comprising a compound for emitting light, said compound comprising a metal complex and X, said metal complex containing a metal (M) and a phosphorous atom that is coordinated directly to M, and an aryl or heteroaryl group Ars that is directly bonded to the phosphorous atom, where Ars is substituted with X, and characterized in the X comprises an aryl or heteroaryl group.
US07956202B2
Disclosed are novel amino acid derivatives of formula (I) and (II) processes for the preparation thereof, and their use in the preparation of trans-5-chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydro-1H-dibenz[2,3:6,7]oxepino-[4,5-c]pyrrole.
US07956201B2
The present invention relates to a process of the preparation of (S)-4-fluoromethyl-dihydro-furan-2-one of the formula by employing a dialkylmalonate of the formula wherein R1b is lower alkyl, and the use of this process for the manufacture of DPP-IV inhibitors that are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases such as diabetes.
US07956199B2
Methods of adding substituents to a benzodithiophene are disclosed. A benzodithiophene is reacted with a reagent to directly add the substituent to the benzene core of the benzodithiophene. This method eliminates steps from prior process and eliminates the need for hydrogenation, allowing for a safer and more scaleable process. The resulting benzodithiophenes are suitable for use in semiconductor polymers and have no loss of performance.
US07956193B2
Cobalt (II) complexes of porphyrins are effective catalysts for intramolecular nitrene insertion of C—H bonds with arylsulfonyl azides. The cobalt-catalyzed process can proceed efficiently under mild and neutral conditions in low catalyst loading without the need of other reagents or additives, generating nitrogen gas as the only byproduct. Using the simple tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) as the ligand, the cobalt-catalyzed intramolecular amidation can be applied to primary, secondary, and tertiary C—H bonds and suitable for a broad range of arylsulfonyl azides, leading to the syntheses of various benzosultam derivatives in excellent yields
US07956192B2
A process for preparing a compound having the formula L2IrL′ is provided. The process comprises:combining and L′ in the presence of an organic solvent to form a mixture, wherein L is a suitable carbene ligand precursor coordinated to Ir; and L′ is a bidentate ligand or two monodentate ligands, and L is different from L′; Also provided is a process for preparing a compound having the formula The process comprises: (a) combining L, a carbene ligand precursor, with an organic solvent; (b) maintaining the mixture of step (a) at a temperature from about 175° C. to less than the boiling point of the organic solvent in (a). A process for preparing a compound with the formula L3Ir is also provided. This process comprises combining and L in the presence of alcohol and a base to form a mixture, wherein L is a bidentate ligand that may form a five-membered chelate ring.
US07956189B2
Disclosed are maleate, tosylate, fumarate, and oxalate salts of the compound 5-(1(S)-Amino-2-Hydroxyethyl)-N-[(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-Methyl]-2-[8-Methoxy-2-(Trifluoromethyl)-5-Quinoline]-4-Oxazolecarboxamide, represented by Formula I, and methods of preparing the same.
US07956175B2
The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of bacteria by molecular mass and base composition analysis.
US07956174B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules corresponding to regulatory portions of genes whose expression is constitutive. The invention also relates to compositions and methods of using the same to regulate the expression, in a constitutive manner, of genes and/or any kind of nucleotide sequences in a plant. Nucleic acid molecules and its compositions include novel nucleotide sequences for constitutive promoter identified in and isolated from poplar (Populus spp). Methods for expressing genes and/or any kind of nucleotide sequences in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein are provided. The methods comprise stably incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to one or more of the constitutive promoters of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.
US07956169B1
The invention provides a novel group of azo quencher compositions that are useful as quenchers of fluorescence and to methods for making and using them. The quenchers contain an azo bond and 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-methyleneindoline ring system. The quenchers can be derivatized to facilitate their conjugation to a variety of biologically relevant compounds, including lipids, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and the like.
US07956168B2
This invention relates to organometallic compounds represented by the formula M(NR1R2)x wherein M is a metal or metalloid, R1 is the same or different and is a hydrocarbon group or a heteroatom-containing group, R2 is the same or different and is a hydrocarbon group or a heteroatom-containing group; R1 and R2 can be combined to form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated cyclic group; R1 or R2 of one (NR1R2) group can be combined with R1 or R2 of another (NR1R2) group to form a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated cyclic group; x is equal to the oxidation state of M; and wherein said organometallic compound has (i) a steric bulk sufficient to maintain a monomeric structure and a coordination number equal to the oxidation state of M with respect to anionic ligands, and (ii) a molecular weight sufficient to possess a volatility suitable for vapor deposition; a process for producing the organometallic compounds, and a method for producing a film or coating from organometallic precursor compounds.
US07956157B2
A method for the separation of hydrocarbon compounds utilizing a dividing wall distillation column is described. The dividing wall distillation column enables one or more side draw stream to be removed from the dividing wall distillation column in addition to an overhead stream and a bottoms stream.
US07956154B2
A polymer containing a polyester polymer unit having the formula -(I-III-II)-, wherein III is derived form a di-carboxylic acid, wherein I is derived from 1,3 cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein II is derived from 1,4 cyclohexanedimethanol and wherein the polymer is a solid at room temperature.
US07956152B2
The present invention is directed to a multifunctional organo-silicone compound and the use of the that compound in personal care and other applications. These compounds by virtue of their unique structure provide outstanding micro emulsions and provide outstanding skin feel.
US07956149B1
Polysiloxane phosphoramide fire retardants are provided having the basic structural unit: wherein, Y is O or S; R′ is selected from a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, an aryl, a heterocyclic, and a cycloaliphatic; R is selected from H, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, an aryl, a heterocyclic, and a cycloaliphatic; X is selected from H, a saturated or unsaturated alkyl, an aryl, a heterocyclic, and a cycloaliphatic; n is selected from 0 to 500; and χ is selected from 1-500.
US07956148B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of polypropylene using a catalyst system of low porosity, the catalyst system comprising an asymmetric catalyst, wherein the catalyst system has a porosity of less than 1.40 ml/g.
US07956139B2
The present techniques relate to catalyst compositions, methods, and polymers encompassing a Group 4 metallocene compound comprising bridged η5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, typically in combination with a cocatalyst, and an activator. The bridged η5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands are connected by a cyclic substituent.
US07956128B2
A thermoplastic resin composition for a refrigerator according to the present invention can include (A) about 20 to about 40 parts by weight of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene graft copolymer resin prepared by grafting in emulsion polymerization about 60 to about 30% by weight of a monomer mixture comprising a cyanide vinyl compound and an aromatic vinyl compound to about 40 to about 70% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 0.4 μm; (B) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a styrenic copolymer comprising (b1) about 0 to about 75% by weight of a styrenic copolymer prepared by copolymerizing about 5 to about 20% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 10 μm, about 10 to about 30% by weight of a cyanide vinyl compound, and about 65 to about 85% by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound, and (b2) about 25 to about 100% by weight of a styrenic copolymer prepared by copolymerizing about 5 to about 20% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 10 μm and about 80 to about 95% by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound; and (C) about 50 to about 79 parts by weight of a cyanide vinyl-aromatic vinyl copolymer.
US07956125B2
A (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition is disclosed. A method of making the (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition is also disclosed, the method further including a step of purification. A high purity (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition suitable for use in the preparation of encapsulants for high brightness light emitting devices is further disclosed.
US07956124B2
A composition which provides surface effects to substrates comprising a polymer containing at least one urea linkage prepared by (i) reacting (1) at least one organic diioscyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, and (2) at least one fluorochemical compound of Formula I Rf—O(CF2CF2)r(CH2CH2)q(R1)sXH Formula (I) wherein Rf is a linear or branched C1 to C7 perfluoroalkyl optionally interrupted by one to three oxygen atoms, r is 1 to 3, q is 1 to 3, s is 0 or 1, X is O, S, or NR2 wherein R2 is H, or C1 to C6 alkyl, and R1 is a divalent radical selected from —S(CH2)n—, p is 1 to 50, and R3, R4 and R5 are each independently H or C1 to C6 alkyl; (ii) and then reacting with (3) water, a linking agent, or a mixture thereof.
US07956122B2
A polyurethane sealant is provided that includes a fatty acid ester that is used to replace volatile solvent in the sealant formulation and a reaction product of polyoxyalkylene polyol and polyisocyanate. The polyurethane sealant produced has a non-volatile materials content of at least 96%. In addition to reducing the volatile organic compounds (voc) content and maintaining the attributes of a sealant, the use of fatty acid esters provides the sealant with superior material extrusion, improved gunning and tooling, and improved package stability. Also provided is a method for making a polyurethane sealant where the polyisocyanate component the polyol component are combined to form a reaction product, and the reaction product is combined with the fatty acid ester component, wherein the polyurethane sealant has a non-volatile materials content of at least 96%.
US07956116B2
Provided is an electronic device comprising a thermally conductive sheet including a methacrylic polymer, a thermally conductive filler containing aluminum hydroxide in an amount of at least 10% by volume of the thermally conductive sheet, a combination of a phenolic antioxidant and a sulfur based antioxidant in an amount sufficient to impart thermal stability to the thermally conductive sheet, and a heat radiator.
US07956110B2
A non-halogen flameproof resin composition is disclosed. The resin composition includes a base resin including (A) about 80 to about 99% by weight of an aromatic vinyl resin and (B) about 1 to about 20% by weight of a polyphenylene ether; and (C) about 0.5 to about 30 parts by weight of a cyclic t-butyl phosphonate, based on about 100 parts by weight of the base resin comprising (A) and (B).
US07956109B2
The invention relates to novel composition comprising hydroxylamine esters and thio compounds, which are suitable for lowering the molecular weight of polypropylene, propylene copolymers or polypropylene blends and result in an excellent degradation performance at temperatures below 220° C.
US07956091B2
The use of propionyl L-carnitine in combination with acetyl L-carnitine, or one of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, is disclosed for the preparation of a medicament, or of a nutritional supplement, for the prevention and/or treatment of the disorders of the male andropause caused by ageing or by chemical or surgical castration.
US07956088B2
Natural and synthetic compounds having a lactone structure methods for using and making the compounds have been disclosed. The compounds are useful as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents, and for treating proliferation disorders such as melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, esophagus cancer, liver cancer, and lymphatic cancer. The compounds are also effective for treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, lung fibrosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis, glomerulitis, and organ transplant rejection. They are also effective for treatment or prevention of bacterial and fungal infections, including treatment of peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia and gastric cancer, gingivitis and periodontitis.
US07956076B2
Provided herein are novel compounds that inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RR) by binding to RRM2 and interfering with the activity of the RRM1/RRM2 holoenzyme. These inhibitors may be used to inhibit RR activity and to treat various conditions associated with RRM2 expression, such as for example certain cancer types, mitochondrial diseases, or degenerative diseases.
US07956070B2
Compounds of formula (I): are modulators of chemokine (for example CCR3) activity (for use in, for example, treating asthma).
US07956067B2
Novel compositions comprising a combination of at least one higher primary aliphatic alcohol preferably selected from those having 18 to 40 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, at least one source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) optionally additionally comprising a source of caffeine and/or catechin-polyphenol and/or epigallocatechin gallate as active agents, either alone or in combination with other active agent(s), optionally with one or more excipient(s) are provided. Particularly, the invention relates to compositions and process for preparation of such compositions and method of use thereof for the management of obesity and associated disorders.
US07956065B2
This application describes method of treating dementia and cognitive deficits associated with dementia that involve administration of dihydrotetrabenazine, and isomers and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US07956064B2
The invention relates in part to fused tricyclic compounds having certain biological activities that include, but are not limited to, inhibiting cell proliferation, modulating protein kinase activity and modulating polymerase activity. The fused tricyclic compounds of the invention can modulate casein kinase (CK) activity and/or poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) activity. The invention also relates in part to methods for using such fused tricyclic compounds.
US07956056B2
Provided is at least one chemical entity chosen from compounds of Formula I and Formula II: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, compositions thereof, and methods for their use in modulating one or more of skeletal myosin, skeletal actin, skeletal tropomyosin, skeletal troponin C, skeletal troponin I, skeletal troponin T, skeletal muscle, and skeletal sarcomere.
US07956052B2
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.
US07956049B2
The present application provides compounds, including all stereoisomers, solvates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable forms thereof according to Formula I wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, Q, A, R3, W, D and R2 are defined herein. Additionally, the present application provides pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one compound according to Formula I and optionally at least one additional therapeutic agent. Finally, the present application provides methods for treating a patient suffering from an MCHR-1 modulated disease or disorder such as, for example, obesity, diabetes, depression or anxiety by administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a compound according to Formula I.
US07956047B2
The present invention comprises the use of chondroitin sulphate (CS-E) or an active fragment thereof for the treatment of diseases or conditions related to collagen fibril formation. Said compounds can be administrated either by oral, topical, injectable or by any other suitable route.
US07956044B1
Compositions for inhibiting RNA binding proteins, as well as methods of producing and using same, are disclosed herein.
US07956043B2
The invention relates to a class of CpG immunostimulatory oligonucleotides containing a 5′TCG motif or a CG at or near the 5′ end that are useful for stimulating an immune response.
US07956033B2
An modified peptide of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), comprising a native human aFGF shortened by a deletion of a deletion of 20 amino acids from N-terminal of the native human aFGF, and an addition of Alanine (Ala) before the shortened native aFGF is provided.
US07956018B2
A lubricant composition includes a base oil having a consecutive number of carbon atoms and a viscosity index greater than a Viscosity Index Factor calculated by the following equation: 28×Ln(Kinematic Viscosity at 100° C.)+95. The lubricant composition also includes greater than 15 weight % detergent inhibitor (DI) additive package. The lubricant composition has a dynamic viscosity at −35° C. of less than 6200 mPa·s, a Mini-Rotary Viscosity (MRV) at −40° C. of less than 60,000 mPa·s, and a Cold Cranking Simulator (CCS) Viscosity at −35° C. of less than 6200 mPa·s.
US07956015B2
A method of providing a substantially constant rheological profile of a drilling fluid over a temperature range of about 120° F. to about 40° F. includes adding a drilling fluid additive to the drilling fluid, wherein the drilling fluid additive includes the reaction product of a carboxylic acid with at least two carboxylic moieties; and a polyamine having an amine functionality of two or more. A composition, such as an oil based drilling fluid, includes the reaction product of a carboxylic acid with at least two carboxylic moieties and a polyamine having an amine functionality of two or more.
US07956012B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method comprising introducing into a well bore a fluid comprising a zwitterionic polymer. The polymer is prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization of at least one monomer Ab comprising a betaine group and optionally one or more nonionic monomers Ba. The well bore is chosen from a natural gas well bore and an oil well bore.
US07956010B2
Disclosed is an amide compound represented by the formula (1) below, which has excellent plant disease controlling activity. In the formula, X1 represents a fluorine atom or a methoxy group; X2 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or the like; X3 represents a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group or the like; Z represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; and A represents an A1-CR11R12R13 group, an A2-Cy1 group or an A3-Cy2 group, wherein A1 represents a CH2 group or the like, A2 represents a single bond, a CH2 group or the like, A3 represents a C1-C3 haloalkyl group, a C2-C4 alkenyl group or the like, Cy1 represents a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group substituted with a C1-C6 alkoxy group or the like, Cy2 represents a C3-C6 cycloalkyl group which may be substituted with a halogen atom or the like, R11 and R12 independently represent a C1-C4 alkyl group, and R13 represents a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or the like.
US07955999B2
Disclosed are a system and an apparatus for regenerating an ionic liquid catalyst, which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers during any type of reaction producing conjunct polymers as a by-product, for example, isoparaffin-olefin alkylation. The system and apparatus are designed such that solvent extraction of conjunct polymers, freed from the ionic liquid catalyst through its reaction with aluminum metal, occurs as soon as the conjunct polymers de-bond from the ionic liquid catalyst.
US07955989B2
Semiconductors are textured with aqueous solutions containing non-volatile alkoxylated glycols, their ethers and ether acetate derivatives having molecular weights of 170 or greater and flash points of 75° C. or greater. The textured semiconductors can be used in the manufacture of photovoltaic devices.
US07955987B2
An exposure mask and a method of forming a contact hole of a semiconductor device using the same, in which micro patterns can be formed are disclosed herein. In an aspect, an exposure mask method includes a mask substrate, a light-shield pattern formed on the mask substrate, and a transparent pattern in which a plurality of patterns, which are limited to the light-shield pattern and have different short-direction widths and long-direction widths, form a group which is repeatedly arranged. Accordingly, micro photoresist patterns can be formed uniformly.
US07955978B2
Silicon containing substrates are coated with nickel. The nickel is coated with a protective layer and the combination is heated to a sufficient temperature to form nickel silicide. The nickel silicide formation may be performed in oxygen containing environments.
US07955971B2
A structure and methods of fabricating the structure. The structure comprising: a trench in a dielectric layer; an electrically conductive liner, an electrically conductive core conductor and an electrically conductive fill material filling voids between said liner and said core conductor.
US07955969B2
Processes are described for forming very thin semiconductor die (1 to 10 microns thick) in which a thin layer of the upper surface of the wafer is processed with junction patterns and contacts while the wafer bulk is intact. The top surface is then contacted by a rigid wafer carrier and the bulk wafer is then ground/etched to an etch stop layer at the bottom of the thin wafer. A thick bottom contact is then applied to the bottom surface and the top wafer carrier is removed. All three contacts of a MOSFET may be formed on the top surface in one embodiment or defined by the patterning of the bottom metal contact.
US07955968B2
A method and apparatus are described for fabricating an ultra low-k interconnect structure by depositing and curing a first via layer (43) of ultra low dielectric constant (ULK) material, depositing a second uncured trench layer (51) of the same ULK material, selectively etching a via opening (62) and trench opening (72) with a dual damascene etch process which uses a trench etch end point signal from the chemical differences between uncured trench layer (51) and the underlying cured via layer (43), and then curing the second trench layer (83) before forming an interconnect structure (91) by filling the trench opening (72) and via opening (62) with an interconnection material so that there is no additional interface or higher dielectric constant material left behind.
US07955962B2
By providing a protective layer in an intermediate manufacturing stage, an increased surface protection with respect to particle contamination and surface corrosion may be achieved. In some illustrative embodiments, the protective layer may be used during an electrical test procedure, in which respective contact portions are contacted through the protective layer, thereby significantly reducing particle contamination during a respective measurement process.
US07955944B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a wiring layer in a first insulating layer, forming a second insulating layer over the first insulating layer, forming a first conductive layer over the second insulating layer, forming a dielectric layer on the first conductive layer, forming a second conductive layer on the dielectric layer, selectively removing the second conductive layer to form an upper electrode on the dielectric layer, forming a first layer over the upper electrode and the dielectric layer, selectively removing the first layer, the dielectric layer, and the first conductive layer to form a lower electrode over which the dielectric layer and the first layer is entirely left, the upper electrode remaining partially over the lower electrode.
US07955939B1
The present invention is a method for the production of a high capacitance foil for use as a cathode in an electrolytic capacitor by forming a nitride layer on at least one surface of the foil by annealing the foil at an elevated temperature in the presence of nitrogen gas (N2). By this method, an enhanced foil surface area can be achieved. Since the double layer capacitance of a cathode is proportional to the effective surface area of the cathode, the annealing process increases the cathode capacitance such that it can be effectively used in a high-gain multiple stacked anode electrolytic capacitor. After production of the foil by said method, the foil is cut into a shape that is suitable for assembly in such an electrolytic capacitor, which is commonly used in an implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD).
US07955935B2
A method of fabricating a memory cell including forming nanodots over a first dielectric layer and forming an intergate dielectric layer over the nanodots, where the intergate dielectric layer encases the nanodots. To form sidewalls of the memory cell, a portion of the intergate dielectric layer is removed with a dry etch, where the sidewalls include a location where a nanodot has been deposited. A spacing layer is formed over the sidewalls to cover the location where a nanodot has been deposited and the remaining portion of the intergate dielectric layer and the nanodots can be removed with an etch selective to the intergate dielectric layer.
US07955930B2
A semiconductor substrate has a trench in a first main surface. An insulated gate field effect part includes a gate electrode formed in the first main surface. A potential fixing electrode fills the trench and has an expanding part expanding on the first main surface so that a width thereof is larger than the width of the trench. An emitter electrode is formed on the first main surface and insulated from the gate electrode electrically and connected to a whole upper surface of the expanding part of the potential fixing electrode. Thus, a semiconductor device capable of enhancing reliability in order to prevent an aluminum spike from generating and a manufacturing method thereof can be provided.
US07955921B2
A method is provided for fabricating an n-type field effect transistor (“NFET”) and a p-type field effect transistor (“PFET”) in which the NFET and PFET are formed after which a protective hard mask layer, e.g., a dielectric stressor layer is formed to overlie edges of gates, source regions and drain regions of the PFET and NFET. Sputter etching can be used to remove a portion of the protective hard mask layer to expose the gates of the PFET and NFET. The semiconductor elements can be etched selectively with respect to the protective hard mask layer to reduce a thickness of the semiconductor elements. A metal may then be deposited and caused to react with the reduced thickness semiconductor element to form silicide elements of the gates.
US07955919B2
A transistor integration process provides a damascene method for the formation of gate electrodes and gate dielectric layers. An interlayer-dielectric film is deposited prior to the gate electrode formation to avoid the demanding gap fill requirements presented by adjacent gates. A trench is formed in the interlayer-dielectric film followed by the deposition of the gate material in the trench. This process avoids the potential for damage to high-k gate dielectric layers caused by high thermal cycles and also reduces or eliminates the problematic formation of voids in the dielectric layers filling the gaps between adjacent gates.
US07955916B2
A method for making a semiconductor apparatus including the steps of: forming a laminate structure of an insulating film made of a metal oxide and a semiconductor thin film on a substrate; forming a light absorption layer on top of the laminate structure; and irradiating an energy beam of a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorption layer on the light absorption layer and simultaneously crystallizing the insulating film and the semiconductor thin film by means of heat generated in the light absorption layer.
US07955912B2
Formation of LDD structures and GOLD structures in a semiconductor device is conventionally performed in a self aligning manner with gate electrodes as masks, but there are many cases in which the gate electrodes have two layer structures, and film formation processes and etching processes become complex. Further, in order to perform formation of LDD structures and GOLD structures only by processes such as dry etching, the transistor structures all have the same structure, and it is difficult to form LDD structures, GOLD structures, and single drain structures separately for different circuits. By applying a photolithography process for forming gate electrodes to photomasks or reticles, in which supplemental patterns having a function of reducing the intensity of light and composed of diffraction grating patterns or translucent films, are established, GOLD structure, LDD structure, and single drain structure transistors can be easily manufactured for different circuits through dry etching and ion injection process steps.
US07955910B2
An island-like interlayer insulating film is formed selectively in a region where a source interconnection and a gate interconnection intersect. For example, by use of ink jet method, a solution containing an insulating material is dropped on a region where the gate interconnection and the source interconnection intersect or a region where a holding capacitor is formed, that enable to reduce a photolithography process and to reduce the number of masks that are used in a TFT.
US07955908B2
A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: a gate line, a gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer sequentially formed on a substrate; a data line and a drain electrode formed at least on the semiconductor layer; a first passivation layer formed on the data line and the drain electrode and having a first contact hole exposing the drain electrode at least in part; a second passivation layer formed on the first passivation layer and having a second contact hole that is disposed on the first contact hole and has a first bottom edge placed outside the first contact hole and a second bottom edge placed inside the first contact hole; and a pixel electrode formed on the second passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode through the first and the second contact holes.
US07955905B2
A method and system for locally processing a predetermined microstructure formed on a substrate without causing undesirable changes in electrical or physical characteristics of the substrate or other structures formed on the substrate are provided. The method includes providing information based on a model of laser pulse interactions with the predetermined microstructure, the substrate and the other structures. At least one characteristic of at least one pulse is determined based on the information. A pulsed laser beam is generated including the at least one pulse. The method further includes irradiating the at least one pulse having the at least one determined characteristic into a spot on the predetermined microstructure. The at least one determined characteristic and other characteristics of the at least one pulse are sufficient to locally process the predetermined microstructure without causing the undesirable changes.
US07955904B2
A wirebond protector has an elongated shape that corresponds to the elongated array of wirebonds along the edge of a microelectronic device that connect a semiconductor die to electrical conductors on a substrate. In making the microelectronic device with wirebond protection, wirebonds are first formed in the conventional manner The wirebond protector is then attached to the device in an orientation in which it extends along the array of wirebonds to at least partially cover the wirebonds.
US07955890B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for depositing an amorphous film that may be suitable for using in a NIP photodiode in display applications. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a deposition chamber, supplying a gas mixture having a hydrogen gas to silane gas ratio by volume greater than 4 into the deposition chamber, maintaining a pressure of the gas mixture at greater than about 1 Torr in the deposition chamber, and forming an amorphous silicon film on the substrate in the presence of the gas mixture, wherein the amorphous silicon film is configured to be an intrinsic-type layer in a photodiode sensor.
US07955888B2
An image sensor includes a light receiving device, a field effect transistor, a stress layer pattern, and a surface passivation material. The light receiving device is formed in a first region of a substrate. The field effect transistor is formed in a second region of the substrate. The stress layer pattern is formed over the field effect transistor for creating stress therein to improve transistor performance. The surface passivation material is formed on the first region of the substrate for passivating dangling bonds at the surface of the light receiving device.
US07955884B2
A semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip including a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of cell transistors arranged on the semiconductor substrate. Channel regions of the cell transistors have channel lengths that extend in a first direction, and the package further includes a supporting substrate having an upper surface on which the semiconductor chip is affixed. The supporting substrate is configured to bend in response to a temperature increase in a manner that applies a tensile stress to the channel regions of the semiconductor chip in the first direction. Related methods are also disclosed.
US07955870B2
The present invention relates generally to semiconductor fabrication and particularly to fabricating magnetic tunnel junction devices. In particular, this invention relates to a method for using the dielectric layer in tunnel junctions as an etch stop layer to eliminate electrical shorting that can result from the patterning process.
US07955869B2
Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In some embodiments, a nonvolatile memory device includes a lower conductive member formed on an upper part of or inside a substrate, a ferroelectric organic layer formed on the lower conductive member, a protective layer formed on the ferroelectric organic layer, and an upper conductive member formed on the protective layer to cross the lower conductive member.
US07955857B2
The invention relates to a spray pyrolysis method characterized in that it is used in the synthesis of nanoparticles with a closed structure of metal chalcogens having a lamellar crystalographic structure of general formula MaXb, wherein M represents a metal and X represents a chalcogen, a and b represent the respective proportions of metal and chalcogen, and in that it comprises pyrolysis of a liquid aerosol obtained from a solution of at least one metal precursor (M) and a chalcogen (X), or at least one precursor of said metal (M) and at least one precursor of said chalcogen (X) dissolved in a solvent, said solution being atomized into fine droplets in a suspension in a vector gas.
US07955856B2
An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so as to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information.
US07955853B2
Disclosed is a method of creating a real-time oxidation-reduction potential signature in a hot water system to detect REDOX stress and inhibit corrosion in the hot water system. The method includes defining one or more operational protective zones in the hot water system. One or more of the operational protective zones includes an oxidation-reduction potential probe that is operable to measure a real-time oxidation-reduction potential in the hot water system at operating temperature and pressure. The probe transmits the measured real-time potential to the controller, which analyzes and interprets the transmitted potential to create an oxidation-reduction potential signature for the hot water system. If the signature does not conform to an oxidation-reduction potential setting, the controller is operable to feed one or more active chemical species into the hot water system.
US07955847B2
The present invention provides a method for enhancing the immune function of leukocytes in a subject, which comprises the steps of: (a) isolating leukocytes from the subject; (b) treating the leukocytes obtained from step (a) with an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticulum calcium ion pump; and (c) administrating the treated leukocytes obtained from step (b) back to the subject. A pharmaceutical composition for enhancing the immune function of leukocytes in a subject and a method for preparing said pharmaceutical composition are also provided.
US07955843B2
An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site. Another step is cleaning the sampling conduit before sample collection by directing the wash fluid through at least one valve selected from the inlet and outlet valves, and subsequently through the waste valve to the waste site.
US07955842B2
A microfluidic device for concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses, the device including an anode chamber including an anode electrode, a cathode chamber including a cathode electrode and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The cathode chamber includes a solid support therein. A method of producing the microfluidic device and a method of concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses therein using the microfluidic device.
US07955839B2
Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products. Organic waste materials having a wide range of compositions such as, for example, yard waste, food waste, paper, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are converted into a uniform biomass that is suitable for conversion to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost.
US07955837B2
The present invention relates to a process for detecting one or more analytes in one or more samples of biological origin having complex composition. The present invention also relates to a microarray for quantitative determination of one or more analytes in samples of biological origin having complex composition which are immobilized in measurement ranges of microarray, and also to a quantitative detection method based thereon.
US07955834B2
Selected strains of Lactobacillus and products containing cells of the selected strains to improve breast milk for feeding to babies, more precisely to increase the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 in the milk and reduce the risk that the feeding baby will develop allergies and simultaneously reduce the cause and thereby the amount of TGF-beta-2 in the milk, thus resulting in reduced risk for the lactating mother to develop mastitis.
US07955832B2
The present invention describes an assay method comprising: (A) generating (1) at least a first fragment of a reporter molecule linked to a first interacting domain and at least a second fragment of a reporter molecule linked to a second interacting domain, or (2) nucleic acid molecules that code for (A)(1) and subsequently allowing said nucleic acid molecules to produce their coded products; then, (B) allowing interaction of said domains; and (C) detecting reconstituted reporter molecule activity, where said reporter molecule can react with a penicillin- or a cephalosporin-class substrate.
US07955831B2
The present invention relates to a lactase solution comprising a lactase solution comprising less than 10 g/kg of poly and oligosaccharides, a process for the production of such a lactase solution from an untreated lactase solution, a sterilized lactase solution and to a process for the production of milk containing sterilized lactase, whereby such lactose is filter sterilized in-line with the milk production process.
US07955823B2
Disclosed herein are mutant strains, KCCM-10784P and KCCM-10785P, which are obtained through gene manipulation of Corynebacterium glutamicum KFCC-11074, and a process of producing L-glutamic acid using the mutant strains. The mutant strains are capable of producing L-Glutamic acid at high yield.
US07955814B2
A method for the in situ production of an emulsifier in a foodstuff, wherein a lipid acyltransferase is added to the foodstuff. Preferably the emulsifier is produced without an increase or without a substantial increase in the free fatty acid content of the foodstuff. Preferably, the lipid acyltransferase is one which is capable of transferring an acyl group from a lipid to one or more of the following acyl acceptors: a sterol, a stanol, a carbohydrate, a protein or a sub-unit thereof, glycerol. Preferably, in addition to an emulsifier one or more of a stanol ester or a stanol ester or a protein ester or a carbohydrate ester or a diglyceride or a monoglyceride may be produced. One or more of these may function as an additional emulsifier.
US07955803B2
The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in urotensin II (UTS2) and urotensin 2 receptor (UTS2R) genes and their associations with beef marbling score (BMS), ribeye area (REA), amounts of saturated (rSFA) and monounsaturated (rMUFA), and Δ9 desaturase activity R2=16:1 to 16:0. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data, haplotype data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US07955802B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process.
US07955794B2
The invention is directed to a variety of multiplexing methods used to amplify and/or genotype a variety of samples simultaneously.
US07955793B2
Known cell lines derived from silkworm exhibit low propagation efficiency of BmNPV. Accordingly, systems using known culture cell lines derived from silkworms take a long time to establish recombinant viruses, and are not suitable for preparation of virus solutions with high titers. The present invention provides a cell line Bme21 (FERM P-20852) that is derived from a silkworm embryo and is highly susceptible to BmNPV or its variant having the same biological characteristics. The present invention also provides a method of producing a recombinant virus, a method of producing a recombinant protein, a method of increasing efficiency of recombinant virus production, and a method of increasing efficiency of recombinant protein production, using the cell line Bme21 or its variant.
US07955788B2
Methods for treating xenogenic tissue for implantation into a human body including in-situ polymerization of a hydrogel polymer in tissue, and tissue treated according to those methods, where the polymerization takes place in tissue that has not been fixed with glutaraldehyde. The polymerization may only fill the tissue, bind the polymer to the tissue, or cross-link the tissue through the polymer, depending on the embodiment. One method includes free radical polymerization of a first vinylic compound, and can include cross-linking through use of a second compound having at least two vinyl groups. Another method utilizes nucleophilic addition polymerization of two compounds, one of which can include PEG and can further include hydrolytically degradable regions. In one embodiment, applicants believe the in-situ polymerization inhibits calcification, and that the polymerization of tissue un-fixed by glutaraldehyde allows for improved penetration of the polymer. The methods find one use in the treatment of porcine heart valve tissue, intended to extend the useful life of the valves by inhibiting calcification. The incorporation of degradable hydrogel regions may initially fill the tissue and reduce any initial inflammatory response, but allow for later infiltration by cells to remodel the tissue.
US07955784B2
A photoresist composition includes about 100 parts by weight of resin mixture including novolak resin and acryl resin and about 10 parts to about 50 parts by weight of naphthoquinone diazosulfonic acid ester. A weight-average molecular weight of the novolak resin is no less than about 30,000. A weight-average molecular weight of the acryl resin is no less than about 20,000. The acryl resin makes up about 1% to about 15% of the total weight of the resin mixture. When a photoresist film formed using the photoresist composition is heated, a profile variation of the photoresist composition is relatively small. Therefore, a residual photoresist film has a uniform thickness, and a short circuit and/or an open defect in a TFT substrate may be reduced.
US07955782B2
Bottom antireflective coating (BARC) that exhibit enhanced wet strip rates, BARC compositions for fabricating such BARCs, and methods for manufacturing such BARC compositions are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, a bottom antireflective coating (BARC) composition comprises an inorganic-based compound, an absorbing material, and a wet strip-rate modifier combination. The wet strip-rate modifier composition comprises a combination of a short chain linear alcohol and dipropylene glycol (DPG), a combination of the short chain linear alcohol and tetraethylene glycol (TEG), a combination of DPG and TEG, or a combination of the short chain linear alcohol, DPG, and TEG.
US07955780B2
Provided is a positive resist composition using a resin having, in the polymer main chain, a specific acid decomposable structure and further having, in the side chain thereof, several specific acid decomposable groups, satisfactory in an exposure latitude, a focus latitude, and pattern collapse prevention at a high level, and having reduced development defects; and a pattern forming method.
US07955778B2
Overcoating layer compositions are provided that are applied above a photoresist composition including for immersion lithography processing as well as non-immersion imaging.
US07955771B2
A toner for electrostatic image development, comprising an organic pigment and a binding resin, and satisfying the formula (I): 1−R/A≦0.014C (I), wherein A represents an entire area of a graph (x-axis: wavelength of a visible radiation region (380 to 780 nm), y-axis: transmittance (0 to 100%)) showing a spectral transmittance curve of a supernatant fluid, the supernatant fluid being obtained by subjecting the toner to an extraction process, the extraction process using a supercritical fluid; R represents an area determined by a Rectangular method on the basis of a spectral transmittance curve in the graph; and C represents a concentration (wt %) of the organic pigment in the toner, the organic pigment having a particle diameter of 1/10 to ½ ( 1/10 to 4/7 when the organic pigment is an organic yellow pigment) of a maximum absorption wavelength of the organic pigment, and the toner having a haze of 16 or less.
US07955766B2
A software-controlled maskless optical lithography system uses fluorescence feedback to control an aspect of the lithography, such as light source dose, wavelength, or flashing instances or duration, spatial light modulator (SLM) pattern, an optics parameter, a beamsplitter control parameter, or movement or positioning of a stage carrying a target workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer.
US07955763B2
A method of manufacturing a mask blank glass substrate or mask blank that includes a mark forming step, and a mask blank glass substrate or mask blank that includes a mark. The mark is a pit formed by irradiating laser light onto a mirror-like surface in an area, having no influence on transfer, on a surface of the mask blank glass substrate. The pit is used as a marker for individually identifying or managing the mask blank glass substrate. The marker may be correlated with information including at least one of substrate information about the mask blank glass substrate, thin film information about the mask pattern thin film, and resist film information about the resist film. A mask blank glass substrate with marker correlated to at least one of the resist film information and thin film information may be used to manufacture a new mask blank.
US07955762B2
The present invention provides an optically semitransmissive film that has a near-zero phase shift, has a desired transmissivity, and is relatively thin; a novel phase-shift mask that uses the optically semitransmissive film; a photomask blank that can [be used to] manufacture the phase-shift mask; and a method for designing the optically semitransmissive film. The film is formed on a translucent substrate and transmits a portion of light having a desired wavelength λ, wherein the film has at least one phase-difference reduction layer that fulfills the following functions. Specifically, the phase-difference reduction layer is a layer that has a refractive index n and a thickness d that satisfy the expression 0
US07955758B2
A technique for fabricating an MEA. The technique includes providing a polymer electrolyte proton conducting membrane, and then spraying a catalyst ink directly on the membrane to form a catalyst layer. In one embodiment, the catalyst ink includes the proper ionomer to carbon ratio, such as 0.8/1, for the desired fuel cell performance. In another embodiment, the catalyst ink includes too little ionomer for the proper ionomer to carbon ratio for the desired fuel cell performance. An ionomer layer is sprayed on the membrane before the catalyst layer to provide the proper final ionomer to carbon ratio.
US07955756B2
The cathode catalyst for a fuel cell of the present invention includes A-S—B, where A is selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, and combinations thereof, and B is selected from the group consisting of Se, Te, and combinations thereof.
US07955755B2
Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.
US07955751B2
An electrochemical cell has an anode cavity and a cathode cavity. The anode cavity and the cathode cavity sandwich an electrochemically conductive medium. The anode cavity and/or the cathode cavity have electrically conductive plates assembled using a solid bonding material. Each plate has nesting volumes and protrusions provided in the perimeter seal area. The protrusions of one plate fit into the volumes of an adjacent plate to eliminate the offset introduced by the bonding material thickness.
US07955750B2
A membrane electrode assembly includes a membrane layer, a cathode or anode catalyst layer adjacent to a surface of the membrane layer, an anode or cathode catalyst layer adjacent to an other surface of the membrane layer, an adhesive layer adjacent to the other surface of the membrane layer, wherein the adhesive layer abuts a surface of the anode or cathode catalyst layer, and a subgasket layer having an edge portion, wherein the subgasket layer is adjacent to a surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the cathode catalyst layer and anode catalyst layer extend along a length of the membrane layer relative to the edge portion of the subgasket layer, wherein the cathode or anode catalyst layer extends a greater length along the length of the membrane layer than the anode or cathode catalyst layer relative to the edge portion of the subgasket layer.
US07955742B2
A fuel cell housing comprising at least one surface configured to condense fluid from exhaust air passing over or through the surface and configured to return the condensed fluid to electrolyte of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack within the fuel cell housing is disclosed. Fuel cell assemblies comprising the fuel cell housing are also disclosed.
US07955741B2
A fuel cell which can directly extract electric power from a polysaccharide, such as starch, is provided. A fuel electrode is formed by immobilizing with an immobilizer, on an electrode comprised of, e.g., carbon, an enzyme responsible for decomposing a polysaccharide into monosaccharides, an enzyme responsible for decomposing the monosaccharide formed, a coenzyme (e.g., NAD+ or NADP+) which forms a reductant due to the oxidation reaction in the monosaccharide decomposition process, a coenzyme oxidase (e.g., diaphorase) for oxidizing the reductant of the coenzyme (e.g., NADH or NADPH), and an electron mediator (e.g., ACNQ or vitamin K3) for receiving electrons generated due to the oxidation of the coenzyme from the coenzyme oxidase and delivering the electrons to the electrode. The fuel cell comprises the fuel electrode and the air electrode that sandwich an electrolyte layer.
US07955738B2
Polymeric ionic gels of ionic liquids having melting points below about 100° C. that are formed by the reaction of a heterocyclic amine with about 2.8 and about 3.2 moles of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride per mole of amine nitrogen. Electrochemical devices having non-aqueous electrolytes containing the ionic liquids and polymeric ionic gels are also disclosed.
US07955734B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m, and contains lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented by the molecular formula Li[LixNiyMnz]O2-a where: 0
US07955726B2
Disclosed herein is a battery module including a plurality of unit cells stacked one on another. The battery module has a cooling system that accomplishes contact type cooling by a coolant flowing through gaps (flow channels) defined between the unit cells, and the flow channels defined between the unit cells are at a predetermined angle to the flowing direction of the coolant at inlet ports of the flow channels. The contact rate of the coolant to the unit cells in the battery module is increased and a large number of turbulent flows are created by the changing the flow channel through which the coolant flows. Consequently, the occurrence of the velocity gradient of the coolant in the flow channel defined between the unit cells is prevented, and therefore, the cooling efficiency of the battery module is improved.
US07955717B2
An organic electroluminescent device and a method of preparing the same are provided. The organic electroluminescent device includes a sealing layer which is formed on a sealing substrate, and which includes a cohesion layer, a transparent polymer layer, and a transparent moisture absorption layer. Since the transparent moisture absorption layer of the organic electroluminescent device is provided to a sealing substrate using an attaching method, the organic electroluminescent device has an improved life span property due to a firm sealed structure and better light extraction efficiency due to the transparent moisture absorption layer below the sealing substrate.
US07955716B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a phosphorescence-emitting material that emits light in a wide visible light range from blue to red and has excellent color purity and reliability, etc. The present invention relates to a metal coordination compound represented by any one of Formulae (1) to (6), B: >NR, >O, >S, >C═O, >SO2, >CR2 (in the formulae, M is Ir, Rh, Ru, Os, Pd, or Pt, and n is 2 or 3; when M is Ir, Rh, Ru, or Os and n is 2, another bidentate ligand further bonds to M; ring A is a cyclic compound containing a nitrogen atom bonded to M.
US07955712B2
A semifinished product of composite material consists of a metallic matrix material and high tensile strength fibers embedded in the matrix material, whereby the metallic matrix material is formed of titanium or a titanium based alloy. Ceramic particles are encased or embedded in the matrix material for increasing the strength of the semifinished product with respect to torsional loading or transverse loading. The product is produced by a method in which the fibers are coated with the matrix material, ceramic particles are embedded in the matrix material coating the fibers, and then the thusly coated fibers are arranged in a desired geometry and are consolidated to form the product.
US07955708B2
The invention is directed to high purity zirconia-based and/or hafnia-based materials and coatings for high temperature cycling applications. Thermal barrier coatings made from the invention high purity material was found to have significantly improved sintering resistance relative to coatings made from current materials of lower purity. The invention materials are high purity zirconia and/or hafnia partially or fully stabilized by one or any combinations of the following stabilizers: yttria, ytterbia, scandia, lanthanide oxide and actinide oxide. Limits for impurity oxide, oxides other than the intended ingredients, that lead to significantly improved sintering resistance were discovered. High purity coating structures suitable for high temperature cycling applications and for application onto a substrate were provided. In one structure, the coating comprises a ceramic matrix, porosity and micro cracks. In another structure, the coating comprises a ceramic matrix, porosity, macro cracks and micro cracks. In another structure, the coating comprises ceramic columns and gaps between the columns. In another structure, the coating comprises ceramic columns, gaps between the columns and nodules distributing randomly in the gaps and columns.
US07955706B1
A cermet armor material for highly effective ballistic performance which is comprised of a layer of base metal in which is deposited a layer or layers of ceramic and a compatible metal such that the deposited metal in combination with the base metal forms a continuous matrix around the ceramic particles. The body has a structure which is continuously graded from a highest ceramic content at the outer surface (strike face) decreasing to zero within the base substrate, and contained no abrupt interfaces.
US07955698B2
A fiber-based acoustic treatment material is provided. The material includes between about 3% and about 25% by weight of fibrillated microfibers, between about 20% and about 75% by weight of reinforcement microfibers, and between about 15% and about 60% by weight of a binder. Methods of making the material are also provided.
US07955696B2
The present invention is directed to a conductive article and method of making the same that includes a substrate; a conductive composite including a conductive material in a matrix that includes one or more film forming resins having at least one functional group capable of polymerization; one or more adhesion promoters; and one or more compounds, which are reactive with the film forming resin and which also contain at least one acidic moiety.
US07955689B2
The present invention provides a metal clad laminate or a resin coated metal foil having a metal foil whose both surfaces are not substantially roughening-treated and an insulating resin composition layer using generally used insulating resin, and a printed wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the metal clad laminate or the resin coated metal foil is used, the reliability and circuit formability are high, and the conductor loss is extremely low.
US07955679B2
The invention is an impermeable floor cover for protecting a surface while working along door regions, which utilizes one or more cover components, designed to allow full door movement variability. The specialized cover is made with a light, flexible and durable fabric, which maintains a flat composure and is adapted to register with one or more door jambs to substantially cover a floor space. Each cover component includes multiple grooves adapted to register with a door's jambs for protecting a surface area from undesired exposure to substances such as paint.
US07955676B2
Medical tubes are well balanced in transparency, flexibility, heat resistance, scratch resistance and rubber elasticity.The medical tubes including a propylene polymer composition (A) that contains a polymer with propylene units, at least part of the polymer having an isotactic structure and the total of the propylene units of the polymer being in an amount of 65 to 82 mol % (the total of the structural units of the polymer in the composition is 100 mol %), and that satisfies the following (a1), (a2) and (b1): (a1) the modulus in tension is in the range of 5 to 25 MPa as determined in accordance with JIS K 6301; (a2) the penetration temperature is 120° C. or above as determined in accordance with JIS K 7196; and (b1) when a tube being made of the composition (A) and having an inner diameter of 2.1 mm, an outer diameter of 3.5 mm and a length of 20 cm is looped by inserting both ends thereof into a hollow jig having a hole 10 mm in diameter and 5 mm in height and, then, the both ends of the tube are pulled down until a kink occurs in the loop, the distance H from the upper surface of the jig to the upper end of the loop is not more than 60 mm.
US07955664B2
The chroman compounds of the formula I according to the invention R1-(A1-Z1)a—W1—(Z2-A2)b-Z3—W2—(Z4-A3)c-R2 in which R1, A1, A2, A3, W1, W2, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, a, b and c have the meanings indicated in claim 1, have two moieties W1 and W2 derived from chroman. The compounds are suitable as components of anisotropic switching media, as used, for example, in liquid-crystal display devices.
US07955663B2
Processes for the simultaneous and selective growth of single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a single set of experiments are disclosed. The processes may include preparing a graphite electrode rod containing catalyst selected from Fe, Co, Ni, and a mixture thereof, acting as an anode. The process may include preparing another graphite electrode rod, each electrode having a distal and a proximal end. The process may include placing the above said two electrodes parallel to each other and their axis being substantially aligned in a chamber. The process may further include creating a DC-arc discharge inside the chamber by applying a DC-current voltage. The process may further include an cooling assembly having a cooling coil that surrounds the two electrodes. The cooling assembly may be used to maintain a temperature gradient that permits the depositing of single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes simultaneously in one experiment.
US07955662B2
An aligned metal-particle film, in which metal particles are aligned in a polymer as a layer with a certain interval in parallel with a substrate is disclosed. The aligned metal-particle film is manufactured by forming a polymer film containing a metal component on a reflecting substrate; and irradiating the polymer film with light at a particular wavelength, whereby metal particles are aligned in parallel with the substrate in the polymer.
US07955660B2
A method for producing a polymer for semiconductor optoelectronics, comprising the steps of providing a monomer is produced having the formula: wherein: R1 is a hydrolysable group R2 is hydrogen, and R3 is a bridging linear or branched bivalent hydrocarbyl group, said monomer being produced by hydrosilylation of the corresponding starting materials, and homo- or copolymerizing the monomer to produce a polymer.
US07955658B2
The present disclosure provides a building material composition which is suitable in particular for use as a bitumen-free sealant for sealing structures and contains a polymer dispersion or a corresponding redispersion powder, in particular based preferably on emulsion polymers which are redispersible in an aqueous medium, together with polystyrene particles, hollow ceramic and synthetic microspheres and, if appropriate, at least one binder and, if appropriate, further additives. The sealant according to the invention can in principle be formulated as a 1C or 2C application system. In addition to excellent sealing properties, as can conventionally be achieved only with bitumen-containing sealants, the bitumen-free building material composition according to the invention shows in particular excellent shrinkage behavior after application.
US07955657B2
This aqueous composition for coating supports to provide same with anti-blocking properties, comprises: 50 to 99 parts of a binding polymer; 1 to 50 parts of expansible microspheres, The binding polymer is a copolymer having at least one crosslinkable function.
US07955655B2
The present invention provides a thermosetting and photocurable coating composition comprising: (A) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of radical-polymerizable unsaturated monomers, resins containing radical-polymerizable unsaturated groups, and resins containing radical-polymerizable unsaturated groups and thermosetting functional groups; (B) a hydroxyl-containing polyester resin produced by esterifying a polybasic acid (a) and a polyhydric alcohol (b), wherein an alicyclic polybasic acid (a1) and/or an alicyclic polyhydric alcohol (b1) are included in a ratio of 20% or more based on the total weight of polybasic acid (a) and polyhydric alcohol (b); (C) a crosslinking agent; and (D) a photopolymerization initiator; and a method of forming a coating film using the coating composition.
US07955650B2
A method for reducing a dielectric constant of a cured film, includes: introducing a source gas at a flow rate of A, a porogen gas at a flow rate of B, an oxidizing gas at a flow rate of C, and an inert gas into a reaction space in which a substrate is place; increasing a ratio of B/(A+B) used as a parameter for controlling a dielectric constant of a cured film, by a degree substantially or nearly in proportion to a target decrease of dielectric constant of a cured film; applying RF power to the reaction space, thereby depositing a film on the substrate by plasma CVD; and curing the film to remove the porogen material, thereby forming pores in the cured film.
US07955642B2
A method for layering lenses includes: plasma treating a lens surface; applying a removable ink layer onto the lens surface; applying a base ink layer over the removable ink layer; applying at least one colored ink layer over the base ink layer; and removing the removable ink layer. Additional steps may include drying the lens, sealing the sides of the lens, and applying liquid to the lens before removing the removable ink layer.
US07955640B2
The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The stent framework with the thin drug-polymer layer, which is insoluble in the second polymeric solution, is dipped into a second polymeric solution including a second polymer and a second solvent and is dried to form a thin barrier layer on the thin drug-polymer layer. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, dipping the stent framework into the second polymeric solution, and drying the second polymeric solution are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework.
US07955617B2
Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury or bTBI needs objective and subjective testing that can be made quickly in the field. Subjective tests using shapes, textures, tastes and odors as disposable, edible candies on a stick may be carried in a field kit. An objective test that employs a similar candy on a stick bearing antibodies bound to bioluminescent marker reads whether molecules believed to be released into the mouth from an injured brain are present if they bind to the specific antibody which may then be read.
US07955614B2
A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.
US07955606B2
The present invention is drawn to a aqueous composition containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound having at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one phosphate ester chosen from alkoxylated alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate esters; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition is both homogeneous, and clear to substantially clear in appearance.
US07955600B2
The present invention relates to vaccines, in particular, to an attenuated gram-negative cell comprising the SPI2 gene locus, wherein at least one gene of the SPI2 locus is inactivated, wherein said inactivation results in an attenuation/reduction of virulence compared to the wild type of said cell, and to a carrier for the presentation of an antigen to a host, which carrier is said attenuated gram-negative cell, wherein said cell comprises at least one heterologous nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for said antigen, wherein said cell is capable of expressing said nucleic acid molecule or capable of causing the expression of said nucleic acid molecule in a target cell.
US07955595B2
The invention provide methods and compositions for localized delivery of a vector comprising a therapeutic agent to a specific region of the brain that is overstimulated in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions used to deliver an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to cells in the hippocampus, subthalamic nucleus of the basal ganglia, mesaphilia and thalamus.
US07955594B2
An alternating copolymer comprising a backbone of residues of a maleic anhydride derivative and those of a compound containing vinylic unsaturation, which also comprises residues of an active compound containing a nucleophilic group, bound to the backbone by a residue of the nucleophilic group, including such copolymer comprising residues of an active compound containing alcohol, thiol or amine group. The chemical and biological propertieis of actives, such as protease inhibitors, neurotransmitter drugs, and other small molecule active drugs, are enhanced, and new applications enabled. Also, artefacts, including a solid medical implant device, dressing or scaffold or a fluid adhesive or medicinal composition comprising such a polymer, and a method of use of such polymer, including a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of wounds
US07955590B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for enhancing the immunogenicity of a preselected protein or peptide antigen in a mammal. Immunogenicity is enhanced by fusing the preselected antigen to an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region to produce an Fc-antigen fusion protein. The Fc-antigen fusion proteins bind Fc receptors on the surface of antigen presenting cells, thereby targeting the antigen to the antigen presenting cells in the mammal. In addition, disclosed is a family of adjuvants, for example, an Fc-adjuvant fusion protein, for use in combination with the Fc-antigen fusion proteins to enhance or modulate a particular immune response against the preselected antigen.
US07955587B2
The present invention relates to a system and associated method for the production of gypsum in manufacturing plant. More specifically, the invention relates to the production of alpha-type gypsum in a gypsum board manufacturing plant. The system yields increased efficiencies by capturing heat given off during processing steps and using that heat to reduce the energy needed for calcination. The invention finds particular application in the production alpha-type gypsum. The present invention is described in greater detail hereinafter in conjunction with the following specific embodiments.
