US08014671B1
An optical communication system and method for use in communicating data between nodes using wavelength division multiplexing includes an optical backbone to provide an optical pathway between the nodes. Arbitration information on a dedicated arbitration wavelength transmitted during an arbitration cycle is used by the plurality of nodes to select one of a plurality of wavelengths at which to transmit data during a subsequent data cycle.
US08014669B2
A system generates optical pulses, that include two frequencies within one optical channel, at a first end of an optical link, and receives the optical pulses at a second end of the optical link. The system also sets a frequency difference for the two frequencies of the optical pulses, calculates a relative group delay difference for the two frequencies of the optical pulses, and calculates a residual chromatic dispersion of the channel based on the frequency difference and the calculated relative group delay difference.
US08014668B2
A method and apparatus for distributed measurement of chromatic dispersion in an optical network is disclosed. The network comprises optical switching nodes interconnected by optical links. An optical link may comprise multiple spans, each span ending in a transport module which comprises signal-processing components. At least one optical switching node has a probing signal generator transmitting an optical probing signal along a selected path in the network. Probing-signal detectors placed at selected transport modules determine chromatic-dispersion values and send results to a processing unit which determines appropriate placement of compensators or appropriate adjustments of compensators placed along the path. A preferred probing signal has the form of wavelength modulated optical carrier which is further intensity modulated by a periodic, preferably sinusoidal, probing tone. Variation in the phase-shift of the probing tone corresponding to variation of the wavelength of the optical probing signal determines chromatic-dispersion characteristics for different spans of the path.
US08014664B2
A filter-moving solenoid system for use with a camera is provided. The filter-moving solenoid system includes a solenoid and an armature that has at least first and second operative positions and at least first and second contact segments. A first contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a first operative position and a second contact segment is held against or adjacent the solenoid when the armature is in a second operative position. The filter-moving solenoid system is configured so that the armature is self-stable in each of the first and second positions, allowing the filter to selectively remain fixed in such positions without requiring the solenoid to be energized in so doing.
US08014663B2
A camera includes a camera control unit configured to acquire information on an accessory mounted on the camera by performing communication with an accessory control unit included in the accessory and to control a photographing operation based on the information on the accessory. When the camera control unit acquires, from the accessory control unit, first information that is required prior to start of photographing and second information that is required prior to generation of image data after the start of photographing, if the camera control unit determines that a photographer has performed an operation to start a photographing operation during a period in which the camera control unit is performing communication to acquire the second information, the camera control unit executes a photographic sequence in priority to acquiring the second information and thereafter acquires the second information.
US08014659B2
An image shake correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a pair of guide shafts; an intermediate member; a movable member; a movement restraining section; and a restrained section.
US08014649B2
A method of performing a time-shift function and a television receiver using the same provide the time-shift function for at least one channel that is preferred by a user among a plurality of channels that are not currently viewed as well as for a currently viewed channel. The method includes receiving, in real time via at least one tuner, a first composite video signal of a currently viewed channel and a second composite video signal of at least one different channel preferred by a user; respectively processing the first and second composite video signals; storing the first and second composite video signals in a storage medium enabling the time-shift function; and displaying in a real-time display mode at least one of the first and second composite video signals and displaying in a time-shifted display mode at least one of the stored signals reproduced from the storage medium, the at least one real-time-displayed composite video signal and the at least one time-shifted-displayed composite video signal being simultaneously displayed on different screen areas according to according to a user selection of a display mode.
US08014641B2
A coupler assembly for a fiber laser is disclosed. The assembly includes a tubular housing having a sidewall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first end and a second end. An input collimator unit is also included and configured to be received within the first end of the sidewall of the tubular housing. An output collimator unit received within the second end of the sidewall of the tubular housing. Further included is a compression mechanism configured and arranged to concentrically align the input collimator unit and the output collimator unit about a common central axis. The assembly may further include an alignment mechanism configured and arranged to optically align the input collimator unit and the output collimator unit about a common optical axis. Optionally, a fluid coolant system may also be included.
US08014640B2
A method may include bending a first optical fiber of a plurality of optical fibers; measuring light leaked from the first optical fiber with a photo detector; robotically moving the photo detector to a second optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers; bending the second optical fiber; and measuring light leaked from the second other optical fiber with the photo detector.
US08014635B2
A receiving processing unit receives identical SD pictures transmitted a plurality of number of times, and performs addition for weighting an SD picture stored in a storage and the received SD pictures. The receiving processing unit stores the obtained values as a new SD picture in the storage. A picture-quality determining unit determines the picture quality of the new SD picture stored in the storage, and based on the determined picture quality, a request-signal transmitting unit requests class codes representing classes obtained by classifying the pixels of an HD picture in which the quality of an SD picture is increased. A receiving-control unit receives class codes which are transmitted in response to the request, and based on the SD picture and the class codes, an adaptive processing unit calculates predicted values of an HD picture corresponding to the SD picture.
US08014634B1
A system and method for comparing graphical content (e.g., images) of documents for approval, rating, and other uses are provided. Information may be stored about one or more graphical documents. Graphical content of a first graphical document being evaluated for distribution may be compared to at least one second graphical document. An approval determination may be made for the first graphical document based on the stored information about the at least one second graphical document and the comparison.
US08014632B2
A super-resolution device and method for setting at least one of a plurality of pixels included in image data as target pixels, the image data including pixels arranged in a screen and pixel values representing brightness, an area including the target pixel and peripheral pixels as a target area, and an area for searching pixel value change patterns in the target pixel area; calculating a difference between a first change pattern and second change pattern; comparing a difference between the first and second change patterns; calculating a pixel value of a super-resolution image having a number of pixels larger than a number of pixels included in the image data on the basis of a decimal-accuracy-vector, an extrapolated vector, and pixel values obtained from the image data.
US08014631B2
An image processing apparatus that generates a reduced image from input image data, which includes: a reducing process dividing section that divides a reducing process applied to get the reduced image from input image data into a first and second reducing process; and an image reducing section that executes the reducing process in compliance with the first and second reducing process.
US08014629B2
An image processing apparatus capable of reducing frame loss and smoothly playing back vector data-based images is provided. A determination unit determines an intermediate rendering size smaller than a display rendering size by using vector data and its frame rate. A generation unit generates intermediate raster data by rendering at the intermediate rendering size determined by the determination unit. A scaling unit scales up the intermediate raster data generated by the generation unit to the display rendering size.
US08014628B2
There is provided an image inspection apparatus capable of reliably removing a noise as a non-detection object and stably detecting a defect as a detection object, in which a first threshold setting device sets a minimum luminance value to be detected in a detection object image as a first threshold, a labeling processing device specifies blobs of pixels having luminance values larger than the first threshold from a multi-valued image acquired by an image pickup device, a second threshold setting device sets a second threshold that is larger than the first threshold, and a deletion device deletes the blob made up solely of luminance values smaller than the second threshold from all the blobs of the pixels specified by the labeling processing device and outputs the labeling processing image.
US08014622B2
M×N attribute data for M×N pixels, where M and N are integer multiple of “L” are input. Data expressed by L bits are encoded, A first encoding control step supplies the M×N attribute data to be encoded in an input order, causing encoding to be executed. A second encoding control step converts the M×N attribute data input into bit planes of bit 0 to bit L−1, extracts L-bit data from one converted bit plane, and supplies the extracted L-bit data for each bit plane, causing encoding to be executed. An amount of encoded data generated by the encoding under the control of the first encoding control step is compared with an amount of encoded data generated in the encoding under the control of the second encoding control step, and encoded data with a smaller amount are selected. The selected encoded data and identification information representing the selected data are then output.
US08014621B2
A method of generating and recovering three-dimensional (3D) compression data and an apparatus to perform the method is described. The method includes generating configuration information of a 3D compression data sequence, generating a plurality of pieces of individual 3D compression data to be included in the 3D compression data sequence, and generating the 3D compression data sequence by combining the plurality of pieces of the individual 3D compression data, combining the 3D compression data sequence with the configuration information, and outputting the combined result. The generating of each of the plurality of pieces of individual 3D compression data includes generating individual configuration information of the piece of individual 3D compression data, generating a start code according to a data type of the piece of individual 3D compression data, and generating the 3D compression data according to the data type.
US08014617B2
A decoding apparatus includes a random number generating section and a decoding section. The random number generating section generates random numbers according to distribution of original data corresponding to respective quantization indexes. The decoding section generates decoded data on a basis of the random numbers generated by the random number generating section.
US08014614B2
A method for compressing imaging data includes acquiring a stream of imaging data, and dividing the stream of imaging data into a plurality of interstices, each interstice including a plurality of detected events. The also includes classifying the detected events within each interstice based on a probability of occurrence of the detected event, and reordering the detected events within each interstice based on the probability of occurrence to compress the image data. The method further includes generating a ring pair identification number for each detected event in the plurality of interstices.
US08014613B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for predicting an offset factor for a target block of a multi-layer image having a low-dynamic-range layer and a high-dynamic-range layer wherein the offset factor is used to predict the high-dynamic-range layer from the low-dynamic-range layer. Some aspects relate to determining a first scaling parameter and a first offset parameter for a first adjacent block adjacent to the target block and determining a second scaling parameter and a second offset parameter for a second adjacent block adjacent to the target block. Some aspects relate to fitting a mathematical model to the first scaling parameter, the second scaling parameter, the first offset parameter and the second offset parameter and to determining a target scaling parameter for the target block. Some aspects relate to determining a target offset parameter for the target block using the target scaling parameter and the mathematical model.
US08014603B2
A method of characterizing a word image includes traversing the word image stepwise with a window to provide a plurality of window images. For each of the plurality of window images, the method includes splitting the window image to provide a plurality of cells. A feature, such as a gradient direction histogram, is extracted from each of the plurality of cells. The word image can then be characterized based on the features extracted from the plurality of window images.
US08014600B1
The intelligent saturation controller calculates the exact maximum saturation any valid YCbCr pixel can undergo before it becomes invalid in RGB space. The controller models the saturation operation in RGB color space and calculates the maximum saturation level at which the RGB values falls outside the valid range. The saturation operation is performed independently for every pixel of the incoming video frame and ensures that each output pixel is a valid. The controller finds the maximum saturation for each input pixel and checks whether it is less than the input saturation factor. If so, then this calculated maximum saturation value is applied. If not, the input saturation factor is applied. Accordingly, the output RGB pixels are valid, and no clamping is necessary if no other video processing is done in YCbCr space. Increasing the saturation of the video signal results in a more vivid and more colorful picture.
US08014595B2
Pixel data is stored in a field corresponding to a pixel of an image. The field includes an opacity bit and a set of bits. If the opacity bit is set to an opaque-indicating state, then a color level value of a component color of the pixel is stored in the set of bits. However, if the opacity bit is set to a transparency-indicating state, then a transparency level value is stored in at least one bit of the set of bits and the respective color level value is stored in other bits of the set of bits.
US08014594B2
A method for discriminating a color of an object image. Whether unit data showing a color of a part of the object image corresponds to any position on a two-dimensional color plane is discriminated. A distribution value showing a width of a distribution range of the unit data in the color plane is acquired based on the discrimination result. Whether the object image corresponds to a full color image having mixed color expression, a specific color image not having mixed color expression or an achromatic color image is discriminated based on the distribution value.
US08014593B2
The invention relates to an image color compensating apparatus and related method thereof. A color space conversion operation is implemented in a pixel of a source image to convert first image signals corresponding to the pixel to second image signals corresponding to a color space plane. The color space plane comprises a color compensation region. Mathematical operations are implemented in the second image signals to determine where the pixel is located. When the pixel resides in the color compensation region, a compensation operation is implemented in the second image signals. Thus, the pixel approaches a predetermined direction for adjusting the color of the pixel.
US08014591B2
A computer-implemented pattern recognition method, system and program product, the method comprising in one embodiment: creating electronically a linkage between a plurality of models within a classifier module within a pattern recognition system such that any one of said plurality of models may be selected as an active model in a recognition process; creating electronically a null hypothesis between at least one model of said plurality of linked models and at least a second model among said plurality of linked models; accumulating electronically evidence to accept or reject said null hypothesis until sufficient evidence is accumulated to reject said null hypothesis in favor of one of said plurality of linked models or until a stopping criterion is met; and transmitting at least a portion of the electronically accumulated evidence or a summary thereof to accept or reject said null hypothesis to a pattern classifier module.
US08014590B2
A directed pattern enhancement method receives a learning image and pattern enhancement directive. Pattern enhancement learning is performed using the learning image and the pattern enhancement directive to generate pattern enhancement recipe. An application image is received and a pattern enhancement application is performed using the application image and the pattern enhancement recipe to generate pattern enhanced image. A recognition thresholding is performed using the pattern enhanced image to generate recognition result.The pattern enhancement directive consists of background directive, patterns to enhance directive, and patterns to suppress directive.A partitioned modeling method receives an image region and performs feature extraction on the image region to generate characterization feature. A hierarchical partitioning is performed using the characterization feature to generate hierarchical partitions. A model generation is performed using the hierarchical partitions to generate partition model. The partitioned modeling further performs a partitioned matching step that matches an input point to the partition model to generate a matching score output.A partition model update method receives a partition model and input data for model update. A partition model update is performed using the partition model and the data to generate an updated partition model.
US08014585B2
Obtaining hypothetical image plot point trajectories in original image data corresponding to predetermined hypothetical image plotting trajectories on a substrate; obtaining and storing in advance hypothetical image plotting data corresponding to the hypothetical image plot point data trajectories from the original image data; selecting hypothetical image plot point data trajectories corresponding to the image plotting trajectory on the substrate when an image is plotted, and obtaining information indicating the area corresponding to the image plot point data trajectory in each hypothetical image plot point data trajectory indicated by the selected hypothetical image plot point data trajectories; identifying hypothetical image plotting data corresponding to the hypothetical image plotting data trajectories; obtaining partial hypothetical image plotting data based on the information indicating the area corresponding to the image plot point data trajectory; and obtaining image plotting data based on each partial hypothetical image plotting data.
US08014584B2
A pattern area measuring method includes the steps of: acquiring image data of a pattern; dividing the pattern into partial patterns; calculating the areas of the partial patterns; and calculating the area of the pattern by summing up the areas of the partial patterns. The step of dividing the pattern into partial patterns may further include the steps of: dividing the pattern into fan-shaped partial patterns each having a central angle of a predetermined value; calculating the line profile on a line intersecting the center of the pattern and an edge of the pattern for each of the partial patterns; creating a differential profile; and detecting an edge position of the partial pattern by use of the line profile and the differential profile and then deriving a radius from the center position and the edge position.
US08014579B2
An observation state obtainment unit obtains an observation state of a microscope at the time of obtaining the microscopic image of a specimen obtained by using the microscope. A motion image data generation unit generates data of a motion image from the microscopic images of a time series. A correlation addition unit adds, to data of the motion image, information that correlates microscopic images constituting the motion image with an observation state of the microscope at the time of obtaining the microscopic images. A record unit records data of the motion image and an observation state of the microscope correlated with the data.
US08014571B2
A multimodal biometric identification system captures and processes images of both the iris and the retina for biometric identification. Another multimodal ocular system captures and processes images of the iris and/or the from both eyes of a subject. Biometrics based on data provided by these systems are more accurate and robust than using biometrics that include data from only the iris or only the retina from a single eye. An exemplary embodiment emits photons to the iris and the retina of both eyes, an iris image sensor that captures an image of the iris when the iris reflects the emitted light, a retina image sensor that captures an image of the retina when the retina reflects the emitted light, and a controller that controls the iris and the retina illumination sources, where the captured image of the iris and the captured image of the retina contain biometric data.
US08014568B2
The present invention relates to a method for computer-aided identification of the child octants of a parent octant, which are intersected by a beam, in an octree data tree. The method firstly determines the number of the child octants of the parent octant which are intersected by the beam and, on the basis thereof, the child octants of the parent octant which are intersected by the beam. It is characterized in that, for determination of intermediate octants which do not correspond to the entry and the exit octant and nevertheless are intersected by the beam, look-up tables are used for identification.
US08014565B2
Labeling motion capture volume data includes: receiving a motion capture beat, the motion capture beat including unlabeled body points and unlabeled face points; labeling the unlabeled body points which have a valid fit to a predetermined body model template; verifying the labeled body points using stretch analysis; labeling unlabeled body points using a kinematic skeleton analysis; isolating the unlabeled face points; stabilizing the unlabeled face points; labeling the unlabeled face points; and merging the labeled face points and labeled body points.
US08014564B2
A method of and a system for finding similarities between major boundaries of images using a wavelet detector is described herein. Unimportant edges of the image are disregarded by eliminating Gaussian wavelet coefficients and Haar wavelet coefficients of lower significance. Comparison between the images is made on the basis of quantized color, sign and magnitude of the Haar wavelet coefficients. The method performs the comparison between images in two steps. First, the method checks for exact matches between the Haar wavelet coefficients to determine whether the images are very similar. This is followed by binning of the coefficients into nine spatial bins in the image. A representative is assigned to each of the bins in terms of color, orientation and sign. Each bin of one image is compared with all the bins of the other image. Thus, images that are similar but not identical are still detected.
US08014563B2
The present claims utilize steganographic embedding to help facilitate tracing of unauthorized copies to a location and particular time. One claim recites a method including: obtaining data representing audio or video, the audio or video to be communicated to an audience assembled at a location at a particular time; and steganographic embedding binary information in the data with a programmed electronic processor, said steganographic embedding modifies portions of the data to hide the binary information in the data, the binary information is associated with the location and particular time of communicating the audio or video to the audience assembled at the location at the particular time. The binary information enables an unauthorized version of the communicated audio or video to be traced back to the location and particular time. Of course, other combination and claims are provided too.
US08014562B2
The present invention relates generally to signal processing of media content, e.g., audio or video content. One form of signal processing derives identifying information from media content. One claim recites a method including: upon encountering audio or video content, and using a programmed electronic processor, attempting to derive identifying information from data representing the encountered audio or video content; if a digital watermark is not obtained from the data representing the encountered audio or video content, modifying the encountered audio or video content; and then attempting to attempting to derive identifying information from data representing the modified audio or video content. Of course, other claims are provided too.
US08014558B2
The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for providing fast access to film grain patterns in a film grain simulation process including providing a first memory storing at least one film grain pattern and in response to a film grain pattern required by the film grain simulation process not being stored in the first memory, updating the first memory to obtain at least the required film grain pattern from at least a second memory. In one embodiment, the first memory is a local cache, the second memory is a film grain pattern database and a controller causes the examination of the local cache for a particular film grain pattern required in the film grain simulation process. In response to the required film grain pattern not being stored in the local cache, the controller causes the update of the local cache using the film grain pattern database.
US08014555B2
An electromagnetic transducer includes a housing, a diaphragm, a conductive coil, and a magnetic assembly having a plurality of air passages. The coil communicates with the diaphragm such that a flexible portion of the diaphragm is movable in response to movement of the coil. The coil includes axially spaced first and second coil portions. The magnetic assembly is disposed in the housing and is axially spaced from the diaphragm by an interior region. The coil portions are at least partially disposed in an annular gap formed in the magnetic assembly. Each air passage communicates with the interior region and with a respective aperture of the housing. The air passages provide respective air flow paths between the diaphragm and the ambient environment. Air flow through the passages is affected by movement of the flexible diaphragm portion for transferring heat from the transducer to the ambient environment.
US08014554B2
An automatic tilt speaker has a first subassembly of a speaker unit enclosing an ordinary speaker element. The speaker unit includes a cone-shaped housing having an inner cavity for holding the speaker with its frame or basket fitted snugly in an annular frame. The housing of the speaker unit is pivotally connected to the frame by a pivot arm. The speaker housing has an arcuate exterior wall extending in a radius centered about the pivot connection of the frame. Centrally of the arcuate wall, there is a gear arch, which comprises a vertical column of horizontally elongated teeth extending substantially coplanar with the arcuate wall. On the annular frame at the diametrically opposite side of the pivot connection a tilting system is operatively connected with the teeth. The tilting system includes a motor with a reduction gearbox for driving a worm gear, which in turn drives the gear arch. The annular frame also supports a relay-based motor control board for controlling the polarity and power to the motor. Combined with the power control is a position sensing system including three slight ramp surfaces on the arcuate wall of the speaker unit which translates into three segmented tilting angles to be remotely selected to the user's listening preference.
US08014547B2
A piezoelectric speaker comprises a plurality of diaphragms, connecting components, and piezoelectric elements. The plurality of diaphragms are each formed by a laminated material in which a core layer made of an insulating material is laminated to skin layers each made of a conductive material so as to form the skin layers on both surfaces of the core layer. The connecting components each corresponds to a plate-shaped component of the insulating material and connects between at least two of the plurality of diaphragms. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on surfaces of the plurality of diaphragms, respectively. The plurality of diaphragms are insulated from each other such that separate voltages are applied to the piezoelectric elements mounted thereon, respectively.
US08014545B2
A loudspeaker system includes an enclosure having an open end defining a plane, a baffle, a loudspeaker operating in the 4 kHz to 10 kHz range, and a device, preferably a ribbed portion having a plurality of grooves, coupled to the baffle for modifying the spectral profile of the projected sound waves. The baffle includes first and second angled surfaces each oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the plane. The speaker is coupled to the first angled surface and the ribbed portion is coupled to the baffle along the intersection of the first angled surface and the second angled surface. When mounted in a wall or ceiling, the system projects a sound field substantially indistinguishable from that of a loudspeaker located within the listener's listening plane. The baffle can also have acoustic damping material attached thereto, with grooves formed therein, to prevent reflections of 4 kHz to 10 kHz sound.
US08014543B2
Manually-operable and automatically-driveable fader operators are provided in corresponding relation to a plurality of channels, and a plurality of the fader operators are grouped in such a manner that the fader operators in a same group are operable collectively in an interlocked fashion. On a display screen, a window of a given group is opened in response to selection operation by a user, and a graphic image indicative of settings of the individual fader operators belonging to the given group is displayed. In response to operation by the user on the image displayed on the window of the given group and indicative of the settings of the individual fader operators, an image for effecting a change in the settings is displayed, and the individual fader operators belonging to the given group are automatically driven, to thereby change the settings. Such arrangements allow a grouping state of the operators to be identified visually with an increased ease and also facilitate setting operation.
US08014536B2
Improved audio source separation is provided by providing an audio dictionary for each source to be separated. Thus the invention can be regarded as providing “partially blind” source separation as opposed to the more commonly considered “blind” source separation problem, where no prior information about the sources is given. The audio dictionaries are probabilistic source models, and can be derived from training data from the sources to be separated, or from similar sources. Thus a library of audio dictionaries can be developed to aid in source separation. An unmixing and deconvolutive transformation can be inferred by maximum likelihood (ML) given the received signals and the selected audio dictionaries as input to the ML calculation. Optionally, frequency-domain filtering of the separated signal estimates can be performed prior to reconstructing the time-domain separated signal estimates. Such filtering can be regarded as providing an “audio skin” for a recovered signal.
US08014528B2
A method is provided for accessing a user operable device having limited access ability. The method comprises transmitting an inquiry from a mobile device of a user via a wide area transmission network to a key authority for obtaining an access key for accessing functions of the user operable device, receiving a request for information from the key authority, transmitting the requested information to the key authority, wherein the information is used by the key authority for co-coding the access key with one or more conditions for operating the user operable device, receiving the access key assigned by the key authority via the wide area transmission network, and transmitting the access key to a controller unit of the user operable device via a short range communication network for accessing the functions of the user operable device.
US08014516B2
An exemplary embodiment of an echo cancellation circuit is provided, for use in a voice interaction device simultaneously outputting a remote signal while receiving a local signal. The local signal may comprise an echo generated from the remote signal. A first filter learns the remote signal at a first speed to generate a first coefficient set, and filters the local signal by the first coefficient set to generate a first filter output. A second filter learns the remote signal at a second speed to generate a second coefficient set, and filters the local signal by the second coefficient set to generate a second filter output. A third filter comprises a third coefficient set, canceling the echo from the local signal to generate a third filter output as an echo cancellation result. The controller updates the third coefficient set based on the first, second and third filter outputs.
US08014515B2
The communication terminal device includes a handset, a central controller, a telephone network adaptor unit for converting analog signals transmitted/received between telecommunication network and the communication terminal device into digital signals, an interface unit physically isolating the central controller from the telephone network adaptor unit, and transmitting/receiving the converted digital signals between the central controller and the telephone network adaptor unit, and a telephone circuit unit which transmits the voice signals generated by processing the digital signals received from the telephone network adaptor unit to a handset through the interface unit and transmits the digital signals generated by processing the voice signals received from the handset to the telephone network adaptor unit through the interface unit. The telephone network adaptor unit is controlled by the central controller and changes the physical characteristics of the analog signals to be adapted to the physical characteristics of the telecommunication network.
US08014506B2
Methods for managing and routine multiple telephone calls through a wireless network provide efficient and cost-effective ways in which a subscriber to the network can take advantage of the multiple services being offered. When the subscriber has only one line in the network, or when the subscriber often uses more than one line, multiple telephone calls may attempt transmission to the subscriber and so the subscriber may miss the call. The inventive methods determine what type of incoming call is attempting to contact the subscriber and routes the call to another location, such as the subscriber's voice mail, if the subscriber is otherwise occupying his or her line or lines in the network. The methods are particular useful for storing and forwarding facsimile messages to subscriber.
US08014505B2
A point-of-sale electronic distribution system for distributing an access code (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN)) is provided. The system allows retailers/distributors to purchase access codes for use with pre-paid products using conventional telephones and without requiring the use of a dedicated terminal or personal computer at the point-of-sale. A telephone call relating to a request for an access code is received at a central server. An access code is obtained from a database of access codes and transmitted to the caller by telephone, facsimile, or e-mail. Reports relating to a pre-paid calling card account can be requested during the telephone call.
US08014503B2
In a network system, a notifying apparatus located in the network system is specified. If a predetermined event occurs when a function execution apparatus executes its function, the occurrence of this event can be notified to the specified notifying apparatus via a network.
US08014501B2
A method of authenticating an authorized entity via the telephone network is disclosed. A telephone call is placed from a telecommunications terminal to a server that comprises a valuable resource and that only provides the resource to authorized entities. When the terminal has already demonstrated its authorization to the server, the server indicates to the terminal that the terminal need not provide its authorization credentials. In contrast, when the terminal has not yet demonstrated its authorization to the server, the server indicates to the terminal that the terminal does need to provide its authorization credentials. The server indicates to the terminal whether or not it needs to provide its authorization credentials by deliberating waiting to establish the call with the terminal, wherein in the length of the wait is indicative of whether or not the terminal needs to provide its authorization credentials.
US08014482B2
A signal receiving circuit includes: a sampler, for receiving an analog signal and sampling the analog signal according to a sampling clock to generate a sampling signal; an ADC, coupled to the sampler, for converting the sampling signal to a digital signal; an equalizer, coupled to the ADC, for equalizing the digital signal to generate an equalized digital signal; a quantizer, coupled to the equalizer for quantizing the equalized digital signal to generate a processed digital signal; and a timing recovery circuit, directly connected to the output terminal of the sampler and coupled to the quantizer, for adjusting the timing of the sampling clock according to the processed digital signal and the digital signal. Timing recovery parameter generating circuits are also disclosed.
US08014480B1
Circuitry and methods for supporting serial communications over serial interconnects between circuit modules are provided. A data recovery circuit receives incoming serial data from the serial interconnect path with zero delay. The data recovery circuit includes a data sampler that samples the incoming serial data using a multiphase clock. Data samples are provided to a multiplexer that selects an optimum sampled data signal to use as a recovered data signal. The multiplexer has a control input that receives a phase pointer signal. Control circuitry in the data recovery circuit analyzes the sampled data signals and a current value of the phase pointer to compute a clock phase shift error. If the clock phase shift error exceeds a predetermined value, the phase pointer signal can be updated. The data recovery circuit may be implemented using hardwired circuitry or programmable logic.
US08014470B2
Systems and methods are provided for decoding a signal vector in a transmission scheme that uses transmit diversity as well as HARQ, repetition coding, or any other protocol that allows a receiver to obtain multiple reception of common transmit information. Information obtained in more than one symbol period are treated as a single received vector, and each of the received signal vectors may be processed to reduce or remove phase rotations caused by the channel. The received signal vectors may be combined by addition and decoded using a maximum-likelihood decoder. In some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are configured to communicate using the transmit diversity scheme and a spatial multiplexing scheme. The scheme may be chosen based on the quality of the channel through which communication takes place.
US08014469B2
A wireless communication device processes N Radio Frequency (RF) bursts contained within N slots of a digital communications time divided frame, wherein N is a positive integer greater than one. The wireless communication device includes an RF front end, a baseband processor, and an equalizer module. The RF front end is operable to receive the plurality of received RF bursts and to convert the RF bursts to corresponding baseband signals. The baseband processor is operable to receive the baseband signals, to pre-equalization process the baseband signals to produce processed baseband signals, and to post-equalization process soft decisions. The equalizer is operable to equalize the processed baseband signals to produce the soft decisions. These RF bursts may be contained in adjacent slots or, in non-adjacent slots, or in a combination of adjacent slots and non-adjacent slots.
US08014468B2
The receiver portion of a UWB wireless device is altered by replacing analog-to-digital circuitry with a simple energy detection circuit. In embodiments of the invention, the coding methodology of a transmitter is altered to support the simplified receiver configuration. For example, instead of coding the data to be sent in the phase of the UWB signal, the data is encoded in a binary fashion in discrete frequency subbands of the UWB signal. Although this may reduce the usable bandwidth of the channel, it also decreases the complexity and power consumption of UWB devices. In another embodiment of the invention, a UWB device is able to select a transmission mode (BPSK or Energy Coding) based on its environment. Moreover, in a further embodiment of the invention, receiving devices may switch between coding modes based on the capabilities of a remote transmitter and/or a peer receiver.
US08014467B2
An integrated circuit radio transceiver and method therefor includes an integrated circuit radio transceiver operable to provide pre-distortion settings that correspond to specified analog transmit path gain levels. Further, a change in gain is provided solely through digital gain when the new gain is within a specified range. If the gain change is not within the specified range, the gain is provided by a new transmit path gain module and, if necessary, with additional digital gain. Additionally, a new pre-distortion setting is applied to correspond to the new analog transmit path gain setting.
US08014466B2
There is provided a wide-band direct conversion transmitting apparatus including: a local oscillation unit generating first, second, and third oscillation signal pairs each including a pair of signals having a phase difference of 90°; an image rejection mixer unit mixing baseband transmission signals including an I signal and a Q signal having a phase difference of 90° with the first oscillation signal pair; a harmonic rejection mixer unit mixing each of the first, second, and third oscillation signal pairs with the baseband transmission signals; and an output signal selecting unit selecting output signals from the image rejection mixer unit or from the harmonic rejection mixer unit.
US08014465B2
Provided is a digital modulator, including a carrier wave output section that outputs a carrier wave, a variable delay section that delays the carrier wave, and a delay amount setting section that sets a delay amount by which the variable delay section delays the carrier wave based on transmission data being transmitted by the carrier wave. The variable delay section may include a multi-stage delay buffer circuit in which delay buffers that delay an input signal by a unit shift amount are connected in a cascade connection, the multi-stage delay buffer circuit may receive the carrier wave at a first-stage delay buffer as input, and the delay amount setting section may include a multiplexer that selects either an output from the carrier wave output section or an output from each stage of the multi-stage delay buffer circuit.
US08014460B2
A MMSE-based deterministic sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) method for MIMO demodulation exhibiting square root complexity in terms of constellation size. Further extensions to the method reduce the search space resulting in significant reduction in computational requirements while minimally impacting performance. As a hard decision algorithm, the methods achieve sphere decoder performance while imposing a much smaller computational load.
US08014459B2
A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing enhanced data, a data formatter generating enhanced data packets including known data, a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets, a data randomizer randomizing the multiplexed data packets, an RS encoder RS-encoding the randomized data packets, and a data interleaver interleaving the RS-coded data packets, where a plurality of known data sequences are included in the interleaved enhanced data packets. Finally, the DTV transmitter further includes an enhanced encoder which codes each block of enhanced data placed between any two of the known data sequences and bypasses the interleaved main data packets.
US08014458B2
A transmitter employing an OFDM system, having a phase rotating portion which gives a same phase rotation amount to each group configured with a plurality of consecutive subcarriers modulated by data or a known signal, a rotation amount determining portion which sets a phase rotation for each antenna set or each transmitter; and, and an allocating portion which allocates a plurality of groups to a receiver.
US08014452B2
A format conversion circuit 100 includes a FIFO memory 101 for writing and reading video data VD in synchronization with a sampling clock CK, a header generation circuit 102 for generating an MPEG2-TS packet header, and a synchronous timing detection circuit 103 for detecting a horizontal synchronizing signal for the video data VD. The format conversion circuit 100 also includes a counter 104 which counts the number of bytes of packet header and the number of bytes of video data VD, and a switch 105 which selects the packet header until the counted number of bytes reaches four bytes, and then selects the video data read out of the FIFO memory 101.
US08014451B2
A video encoder/decoder and a video encoding/decoding method and medium. The video decoder includes a decoding unit which receives a video packet in which more significant items of items included in blocks of macroblocks, which make up the video packet, are arranged in a front part of the video packet and less significant items are arranged in a rear part of the video packet. The decoding unit sequentially decodes the items arranged in the video packet. Accordingly, an FGS encoding function is effectively performed without degrading the bit rate.
US08014447B2
Today's video codecs require the intelligent choice between many coding options. This choice can efficiently be done using Lagrangian coder control. But Lagrangian coder control only provides results given a particular Lagrange parameter, which correspond to some unknown transmission rate. On the other hand, rate control algorithms provide coding results at a given bitrate but without the optimization performance of Lagrangian coder control. The combination of rate control and Lagrangian optimization for hybrid video coding is investigated. A new approach is suggested to incorporate these two known methods into the video coder control using macroblock mode decision and quantizer adaptation. The rate-distortion performance of the proposed approach is validated and analyzed via experimental results. It is shown that for most bit-rates the combined rate control and Lagrangian optimization producing a constant number of bits per picture achieves similar rate distortion performance as the constant slope case only using Lagrangian optimization.
US08014438B2
A method to process DP bits within a WCDMA receiver where a noise estimation that may be implemented within hardware is provided for improved flexibility and performance. DPCH pilot symbols are received, quantized, channel compensated and combined. The computation of an SNR estimate based on the combined DPCH pilot symbols is provided. Noise estimation is used as part of the SNR estimation of the DP bits (used for downlink power control). This method does not rely on the assumption that the channel is constant over the DP field, while prior methods did.
US08014434B2
A semiconductor chip has at least two DFB etched facet laser cavities with one set of facets with AR coatings and a second set of etched facets with HR coatings that have a different relative position with respect to the gratings. This creates a difference in the phase between each of the etched facets and the gratings which changes the operational characteristics of the two laser cavities such that at least one of the lasers provides acceptable performance. As a result, the two cavity arrangement greatly improves the yield of the fabricated chips.
US08014432B2
A laser includes a regenerative ring resonator that includes a discharge chamber having electrodes and a gain medium between the electrodes for producing a laser beam; a partially-reflective optical coupler, and a beam modification optical system in the path of the laser beam. The beam modification optical system transversely expands a profile of the laser beam such that the near field laser beam profile uniformly fills each aperture within the laser and such that the regenerative ring resonator remains either conditionally stable or marginally unstable when operating the laser at powers that induce thermal lenses in optical elements inside the regenerative ring resonator.
US08014431B2
A vertical cavity surface light emitting device (VCSLED) with multiple active layers includes at least one optical resonance unit comprising a highly-doped conduction region (1), an insulating layer (2), a negative electrode (3), confinement layers (4, 6), an active layer (5), and a positive electrode (7). The optical resonance units are stacked repetitively in a vertical thickness of half wavelength to constitute an optical resonant cavity. In the laser produced from the VCSLED with multiple active layers, the VCSLED is sandwiched by reflectors (104, 105) for emitting and receiving laser light. The laser utilizes the ability of photonic crystal to emit coherent light to improve its electro-optical conversion efficiency and eliminate the fabrication of Bragg reflectors.
US08014430B2
A quantum cascade laser utilizing non-resonant extraction design having a multilayered semiconductor with a single type of carrier; at least two final levels (1 and 1′) for a transition down from level 2; an energy spacing E21 greater than ELO; an energy spacing E31 of about 100 meV; and an energy spacing E32 about equal to ELO. The carrier wave function for level 1 overlaps with the carrier wave function for level 2. Likewise, the carrier wave function for level 1′ overlaps with the carrier wave function for level 2. In a second version, the basic design also has an energy spacing E54 of about 90 meV, and levels 1 and 1′ do not have to be spatially close to each other, provided that level 2 has significant overlap with both these levels. In a third version, there are at least three final levels (1, 1′, and 1″) for a transition down from level 2. Each of the levels 1, 1′, and 1″ has a non-uniform squared wave function distribution.
US08014407B2
The invention provides a method and system for distributing personalized content to potentially large numbers of recipients. A pool is selected, from among all content available for distribution, of those content elements that will be made available for simultaneous distribution, and personalized content is selected for distribution from that pool. The content of the pool can change with new selections over time. For each individual recipient, content elements in the pool are examined to determine if they are predicted to be of sufficient interest to that recipient for distribution, and if so, those content elements are distributed. If not, successive content elements in the pool are examined, relaxing the standard for sufficient interest, until at least one content element is found and distributed to the individual recipient.
US08014405B2
An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) signal is phase modulated based on an Internet Protocol (IP) signal to form a combined ATM/IP signal. The ATM signal is phase modulated without exceeding a specified tolerance of symbol period of the ATM signal. The combined ATM/IP signal is communicated on a passive optical network to multiple receiving locations. An ATM stream specific to a receiving location can be extracted from the combined ATM/IP signal by an existing ATM-based optical network termination (ONT). An IP stream can be extracted at a receiving location by phase demodulating the combined ATM/IP signal.
US08014402B2
In one illustrative example, when a message forwarding function is enabled for a mobile communication device which operates in a wireless communication network, an address (e.g. an MSISDN) of the mobile device is assigned to “virtual mobile equipment” in the wireless network. The equipment registers with the wireless network with respect to the address, and stores an association in memory between the address and an alternate address of an alternate communication device. Subsequently, the equipment receives a short message having a destination address that matches the address. In response, the equipment forwards the short message to the alternate address for delivery to the alternate device (e.g. a mobile or server) based on the stored association. When the message forwarding function is disabled for and/or by the mobile device, the address of the mobile device is deassigned from the equipment, so that the mobile device is again able to receive short messages having destination addresses that match the address.
US08014400B2
A method for intelligently distributing packets of a data stream to multiple links of a network for simultaneous transmission via the multiple links, and for periodically re-allocating the distribution, achieves higher network throughput. The method has particular application for streaming audio-video traffic on a home local area network that has a source device, like a media server PC, and a destination device, like a digital TV. One of the links is assigned as the primary link (PL), and another link is assigned as a backup link (BL). Periodically a signal is sent from the source device over each link to the destination device and the round-trip travel time (RTT) for the signal and response for each link is measured. The RTT for a link is a good measure of the current end-to-end link status and generally will change during the time that the data stream is being transmitted as a result of certain events, such as traffic load and interference. The RTT on the PL (RTT-PL) and the RTT on the BL (RTT-BL) are used to adjust the allocation of packets simultaneously transmitted on the links.
US08014398B2
This invention is to cope with users requesting the delivery of stream data, flexibly. In this invention, a user terminal requesting the delivery of the stream data is used as a node in a delivery tree whose root is a delivery source device connected to a camera, and relays the stream data to a lower stage. This delivery tree is managed by a delivery management server. Then, it executes: receiving a delivery request of specific stream data; identifying an apparatus whose number of stages from the root of the delivery tree is the least and having a remaining relay resource with reference to a delivery management database storing the number of stages from the root of the delivery tree, data representing a remaining relay resource and access destination data for each of apparatuses including a root device of the delivery tree and terminals as nodes in the delivery tree; and reading out the access destination data of the identified apparatus from the delivery management database, and transmitting the read access destination data as request destination data of the specific stream data to the delivery requesting terminal.
US08014397B1
A method, system, and medium are provided for correlating and evaluating sets of packets in a networking communications environment even when the sets of packets are communicated in different protocols. One embodiment of the method includes providing a first set of packets sent from a source device, providing a first set of packet attributes that describe the packets, storing the first set of packet attributes, providing a second set of packets that are related to the first set of packets and that are to be received by a destination device, providing a second set of packet attributes that describe a first packet in the second set of packets, storing the second set of packet attributes, and determining which of the first set of packet attributes correspond to the second set of packet attributes.
US08014394B2
A method for communication includes operating a network element, which includes multiple ports and multiple interconnected processing units, such that each processing unit is assigned to process packets that are communicated over a respective set of one or more of the ports. Each processing unit stores a respective list, which indicates one or more multicast packet streams that are permitted for forwarding by the network element, and further indicates a respective subset of the ports over which each of the multicast packet streams is permitted for forwarding. A request relating is disturbed among the multiple processing units, and the respective list in each processing unit is updated responsively to the request. Multicast packets associated with the given multicast packet stream are forwarded selectively by the processing units in accordance with the respective updated lists.
US08014386B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for wireless telecommunication in a packet-based network comprising a Software Radio Port (SRP) which functions as a radio base station and a VoIP gateway to interconnect the wireless network with the VoIP packet network. Together with a Network Server Platform (NSP) and VoIP call-server, the SRP combines mobile call processing signaling with the VoIP call signaling to establish calls between the mobile and VoIP device or between mobiles. The SRP establishes the voice path to the mobile station over the air and the RTP media path to a party over a packet network for a call. These two paths are interconnected at the SRP so that an end-to-end voice path is established.
US08014381B2
The present invention provides a communication system and a communication method for linking the switching of a transmission path with the switching of an application according to the change of a communication condition caused by the movement of a user in a mobile environment. A change of the communication condition caused by the movement of the user is always monitored and the transmission path is switched according to the state change of the transmission path. Here, the state of the transmission path between the terminal and the communication counter part terminal is obtained and compared to a priority reference for each of the applications, thereby selecting a transmission path appropriate for the application becomes possible and a service in corresponding to the communication condition can be provided by changing a content to that appropriate for the transmission path, simultaneously.
US08014363B2
Techniques to mitigate the effects of link imbalance for the uplink between a terminal (or UE) and multiple base stations (or Node Bs). In one aspect, the serving base station (i.e., the one designated to transmit packet data to the terminal) monitors the uplink received SNR for each terminal designated to receive packet data transmission. The serving base station then determines, based on the uplink received SNR and an SNR threshold, whether or not link imbalance potentially exists for each such terminal. In another aspect, if it is determined that link imbalance potentially exists, then a 3-way handshake is performed to check the reliability of a feedback mechanism used for packet data transmission. Appropriate responsive actions may then be performed based on the result of the check.
US08014357B2
Method and system for managing address prefix information associated with handover in network. A fast handover process is achieved for point-to-point communication model. A mobile node send a provisional new care-of-address with an aggregate prefix part to its previous access router, which forwards the address to a new access router. The new access router in response generates a modified new care-of-address with a unique prefix part for the mobile node. Alternatively, the mobile node sends a request to the previous access router for a unique prefix. The request is forwarded from the previous access router to the new access router. The new access router assigns a unique prefix for the mobile node.
US08014337B2
A method (400) and system (100) for a wireless multi-hopping communication system is provided, wherein the system (100) includes an access point (102), a source node (CR1), and a plurality of nodes. The source node (CR1) is in communication with the access point (102), and configured to transmit a signal on at least one of a plurality of frequencies. The plurality of nodes are in communication with the access point (102) and the source node (CR1), and configured to transmit a signal on at least one of the plurality of frequencies, wherein the source node (CR1) and the plurality of nodes are adapted to determine a routing path utilizing at least one intermediate node (CR2) of the plurality of nodes and a transmitting frequency of the plurality of frequencies while reducing interference to a primary user of the transmitting frequency.
US08014335B2
A wireless network system relays a broadcast signal in multiple stages and distributes data to terminals there around, and relay terminals determine whether to relay broadcast packets according to the direction vector and the position information, specified by the information transmission source terminal, referring to their own position information and direction, and relay and accept the packets or ignore them.
US08014331B2
Method and apparatus that provide for broadcast multicast services in an ultra mobile broadband network are disclosed. A broadcast transmission structure provides for efficient indexing of subbands reserved for BCMCS. Transmissions on the logical channels are segmented into error control blocks beginning with zero or one MAC packet received by a MAC layer. A transmitting entity appends parameters relating to content change within a next ultraframe at end of every broadcast packet that is not a stuffing packet. A mapping message of multiple Physical Layer groups addresses a single logical channel when SFN (Single Frequency Network) coverage of an associated subband group is different from SFN coverage of the logical channel.
US08014324B2
In an example embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a first communication interface, a second communication interface and tone control logic coupled to the first interface and the second interface. The tone control logic is operable to continuously transmit a guard tone on the second communication interface responsive to receiving data on the first communication interface, comprising data representative of a guard tone. The tone control logic is operable to discontinue transmitting the guard tone in response to a predefined event.
US08014322B2
In one embodiment, a method includes correlating, for each intermediate device associated with a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) application that connects endpoints through a plurality of intermediate devices across a network, one or more first RTP segments input into the intermediate device with one or more second RTP segments output from the intermediate device. The correlation results are then graphically displayed results of the correlating to obtain a full, end-to-end picture of RTP quality from a source endpoint to a destination endpoint of the RTP application. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
US08014319B2
A path management device of the present invention manages information about communication paths in a communication network, the communication network including a plurality of routers mutually connected by means of a communication line, link states between the plurality of routers being shared among each of the plurality of routers by means of link state advertisement messages that are announced from each of the plurality of routers, and routing tables being created in each of the plurality of routers based on shortest path trees, and the path management device includes: a receiving unit that receives the link state advertisement messages; a routing table creation unit that reproduces the shortest path trees and the routing tables of each of the plurality of routers based on the link state advertisement messages; and a routing table recording unit that records the reproduced routing tables of each of the plurality of routers.
US08014317B1
A route for a data unit through a network may be defined based on a number of next hops. Exemplary embodiments described herein may implement a router forwarding table as a chained list of references to next hops. In one implementation, a device includes a forwarding table that includes: a first table configured to store, for each of a plurality of routes for data units in a network, a chain of links to next hops for the routes; and a second table configured to store the next hops. The device also includes a forwarding engine configured to assemble the next hops for the data units based on using the chain of links in the first table to retrieve the next hops in the second table and to forward the data units in the network based on the assembled next hops.
US08014313B1
A physical layer device includes a transceiver module that communicates with a medium. An autonegotiation module autonegotiates one of N link capabilities with a link partner that advertises one of the link capabilities, where N is an integer greater than or equal to two. The autonegotiation module selects the advertised link capability of the link partner.
US08014302B2
A communication node includes: a routing information storing unit configured to store, as routing information, node information indicating a succeeding node and a preceding node in a ring network using a distributed hash table; and a routing information updating unit configured to update the node information, wherein when the succeeding node becomes inaccessible, the routing information updating unit acquires node information from one predetermined node accessible on the network at all times, determines, based on the acquired node information, whether the node that has supplied the node information satisfies a determination criterion for becoming its succeeding node, and designates the node that has supplied the node information as its succeeding node if the determination criterion is satisfied, while acquires node information from the preceding node indicated by the acquired node information if the determination criterion is not satisfied, and determines whether the node that has supplied the node information satisfies the determination criterion.
US08014300B2
A resource state monitoring method, device and communication network are provided. The method includes: acquiring network event state information of a node in a network running process, detecting a data plane resource state of the node and a control plane resource state of the node when it determines that the network event state information of the node meets a resource state detection triggering condition, and reporting a detection result to a management plane of the node. The device includes an acquiring unit, a checking unit, a triggering unit, a detecting unit and a reporting unit. The network includes several nodes, a communication control device and a resource state monitoring device.
US08014296B1
A technique controls the capacity of a virtual concatenation group (VCG) carried on a SONET path of a data network. Efficient control of VCG capacity is provided by emulating aspects of a Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme (LCAS) protocol in software. A hardware poller facility is employed to manage the status and state of the VCG, as well as members belonging to the VCG. The hardware poller contains one or more VCG state machines (VSMs) and member state machines (MSMs) configured to maintain the status and states of the VCGs and their members.
US08014292B1
Methods and computer-readable media are provided to select the optimal route for communicating a signaling message in a telecommunications networking environment. The method includes receiving a signaling message at a sending proxy that is responsible for sending the signaling message to its destination. To determine the best route, the sending proxy inspect its dynamic routing table to identify one or more potential routes that can be used to communicate the signaling message to its destination. The optimal route is determined by a numeric value, which may be based on one or more of a cost, the relationship between service providers, quality, or the like. Once the optimal route is determined, it is communicated from the sending proxy to the receiving proxy, often through one or more intermediary proxies.
US08014291B2
In one embodiment, a target bandwidth, a lower boundary constraint on bandwidth, and an upper boundary constraint on cost are configured on a path computation device. The device may then compute a set of paths that is within the lower bandwidth boundary and upper cost boundary constraints. If the set of paths contains one or more paths, the device may select a path having a bandwidth value that is closest to the target bandwidth. However if the set of paths contains no paths, the device may search amongst paths that violate either the maximum cost or minimum bandwidth limits, selecting the path closest to the violated constraint (e.g., whose combined violation is minimized). Also, a weighting factor may be configured to establish the relative importance for a cost violation in comparison to a bandwidth violation.
US08014289B2
A method that limits data flow between two network nodes to an amount within a window where a first portion of data within a first segment of the window is separated from a second portion of data within a second segment of the window by a third portion of data not within the window.
US08014280B2
Techniques for performing admission control based on quality-of-service (QoS) performance in a wireless communication network are described. QoS performance (e.g., delay or throughput performance) of admitted data flows may be determined. Whether to admit or reject a new data flow may then be determined based on the QoS performance of the admitted data flows. The admitted and new data flows may have delay bounds. The QoS performance of the admitted data flows may be given by a measured sector delay, which may be determined based on actual delays of packets. A measured flow delay for each admitted data flow may be determined based on delays of packets for that flow. The measured sector delay may then be determined based on the measured flow delays for all admitted data flows. The new data flow may be admitted if the measured sector delay is less than a delay threshold.
US08014274B1
Techniques are described for synchronizing state information between a plurality of control units. A router, for example, is described that includes a primary control unit and a standby control unit. The primary control unit maintains router resources to ensure operation of the router. To ensure operation, the primary control unit receives state information from the router resources and maintains the state information for consumers, i.e. router resources that require or “consume” state information. The primary control unit performs this state information maintenance process by transmitting update operation messages to consumers and the standby control unit. The consumers respond with an acknowledgement message to both the primary control unit and the standby control unit to inform them that the update has been successfully. The control units use the sequence of these messages to keep all components within the router in sync. Upon assuming control, the standby control unit resumes updating the consumers with state information without having to “relearn” state information, e.g., by way of power cycling the router resources to a known state.
US08014267B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transmitting symbols in a multiple antenna wireless communication system, such that the symbols can be interpreted by a lower order receiver (i.e., a receiver having a fewer number of antennas than the transmitter). For example, subcarriers from one or more symbols can be transmitted such that each of the subcarriers are active on only one of the antennas at a given time. In one implementation, the subcarriers are diagonally loaded across logically adjacent antennas. The symbols can include one or more long training symbols and optionally a SIGNAL field that indicates a duration that a receiver should defer until a subsequent transmission. In this manner, a transmitter in accordance with the present invention may be backwards compatible with a lower order receiver and a lower order receiver can interpret the transmitted symbols or defer for an appropriate duration.
US08014264B2
Methods and apparatus for an adaptable frame structure are disclosed, where a transmission frame consists of multiple subframes, each containing a downlink transmission period and an uplink transmission period. A downlink broadcasting signal is used to indicate the configuration of each subframe. The downlink and uplink period configuration in each subframe can be independently adapted to support applications with a variety of traffic patterns, from symmetric to highly asymmetric. A great variety of applications from normal two-way data communications to voice communications and video or data broadcasting can be supported efficiently in a single frequency band, while multiple frequency bands can be used to increase capacity or add more flexibility.
US08014252B2
An information reproducing apparatus (1) is provided with: a correcting device (18) for correcting waveform distortion occurring in a read signal corresponding to a long mark, of read signal (RRF) read from a recording medium (100); an amplitude limiting device (182) for limiting an amplitude level of the read signal in which the waveform distortion is corrected, by a predetermined amplitude limit value (L, −L), thereby obtaining an amplitude limit signal; and a filtering device (183) for performing a high-frequency emphasis filtering process on the amplitude limit signal, thereby obtaining an equalization-corrected signal.
US08014250B2
A method for inspecting an optical information storage medium includes irradiating the medium with a laser beam and rotating the medium by a constant linear velocity control technique by reference to the radial location at which the laser beam forms a spot on the medium; changing the rotational velocities according to the radial location on the medium between at least two linear velocities; generating a focus error signal and/or a tracking error signal based on the light reflected from the medium; performing a focus control and/or a tracking control on the laser beam based on the focus and/or tracking error signal(s); and passing the branched outputs of control loops for the focus and/or tracking error signal(s) through predetermined types of frequency band-elimination filters to obtain residual errors of the focus and/or tracking error signal(s) and comparing the residual errors to predetermined reference values.
US08014244B2
According to one embodiment, a reproduction apparatus includes an execution unit configured to execute an advanced application, a detection unit configured to detect a series of keys which are operated by a user while the advanced application is executed, a recording unit configured to record key macro information formed of the detected series of keys and operation timings of the series of keys, and a key event generating unit configured to read the key macro information recorded by the recording unit and to generate a series of key events corresponding to the series of keys at the operation timings.
US08014237B2
To provide a disk device, which can reliably lead and house a disk into a disk housing section requiring only a small space.The disk device is provided with: a pick arm 130 which swings and inserts a drive unit for playing a disk D into a space created by splitting a plurality of trays 250; and a loading arm 256 which can move between a leading position for abutting on the disk D inserted/ejected with respect to the tray 250 and leading the disk D, and a withdrawing position for withdrawing from the disk to be played. A pick swing cam plate 138, which controls the drive of the pick arm 130 and the loading arm 256, is provided so as to be slidingly moved by a drive mechanism.
US08014235B2
An optical device includes a clad composed of a material having a first refractive index, a core which is embedded in the clad, composed of a material having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, and tapers toward the end-point thereof, and a light-transmitting layer which is composed of a material different from the material having the second refractive index and cuts across an optical path at the end-point thereof.
US08014234B2
A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.
US08014230B2
To provide an adaptive array control device, method, and program adapted to be able to output an enhanced target signal by precisely carrying out a coefficient update control of a plurality of signals input from a group of sensors arranged in an array, the coefficient update control being less influenced by the frequency characteristics of the signals and directions of a target signal and interference.The invention includes: a gain control section 900 having an analyzing section 903 which analyzes characteristics of a target signal and a correcting section 905 which corrects a target signal power estimated value in response to the analysis result; and blocking matrix circuits 310 and 320 which receive and process signals from a plurality of sensors having different intervals.
US08014218B2
According to an embodiment of the invention, a sense amplifier for, e.g., an array of DRAM data storage cells includes one or more amplifier stages connected together in series. The amplifier stages together form the sense amplifier for the DRAM array. Each amplifier stage includes an isolation capacitor to reduce to a relatively small value any mismatch between the threshold voltages of the transistors within each amplifier stage. A bitline from the DRAM array of memory cells connects to the first amplifier stage. An output from the last amplifier stage connects to a write back switch, the output of which connects to the bitline at the input of the first amplifier stage.
US08014216B2
Methods, devices, and systems are provided for a power generator system. The power generator system may include at least one control device including control logic. The at least one control device may be configured to receive at least one control signal and output an upper reference voltage and a lower reference voltage. The at least one control device may be further configured to vary a magnitude of at least one of the upper reference voltage and the lower reference voltage. The power generator system may also include a power generator operably coupled to the at least one control device and configured to receive the upper reference voltage and the lower reference voltage. The power generator may be further configured to output a voltage that is greater than or equal to the lower reference voltage and less than or equal to the upper reference voltage.
US08014214B2
A semiconductor memory device is provided which includes a voltage detecting unit configured to compare a target voltage level with a fed-back internal voltage to output a detection signal in a normal mode, a driving unit configured to selectively drive an internal voltage terminal to a first or second power supply voltage according to an operation mode in response to the detection signal, and an enable control unit configured to control the driving unit in response to a control signal corresponding to the operation mode.
US08014206B2
An integrated circuit including a voltage generator and a control module. The voltage generator is configured to generate a first voltage based on a plurality of codewords, and output the first voltage to a first word line communicating with a first set of transistors. Each of the first set of transistors has a plurality of programmable threshold voltages. The control module is configured to determine values of the threshold voltages of the first set of transistors based on (i) the codewords and (ii) currents sensed through the first set of transistors in response to the first voltage being output to the first word line. The control module is configured to adjust the values of the threshold voltages of the first set of transistors based on at least one of (i) locations of the first set of transistors on the first word line and (ii) a temperature of the integrated circuit.
US08014191B2
In a semiconductor memory including word lines and bit lines arranged in a matrix and a plurality of memory cells provided at intersections of the word lines and the bit lines, a bit line precharge circuit is provided for controlling the potential of a low-data holding power supply coupled to memory cells provided on a corresponding one of the bit lines. In a write operation, the bit line precharge circuit controls the potential of a low-data holding power supply of a memory cell corresponding to a selected bit line to be higher than the potential of a low-data holding power supply of a memory cell corresponding to an unselected bit line.
US08014184B1
A memory cell has a data value storage circuit and a data address circuit that includes a first address transistor formed in a first address transistor well and a second address transistor formed in a second address transistor well. The first address transistor is coupled between a data node and the second address transistor, and the second address transistor is coupled between the first address transistor and the data value storage circuit. The first address transistor well is coupled to an intermediate node between the first address transistor and the second address transistor, and the second address transistor well is coupled to a ground terminal.
US08014182B2
A power supply device of controlling feedback synchronization is connected to an electric power source for obtaining an input power and includes first and second converters for modulating the input power. The first and second converters include first and second output terminals for providing first and second output power respectively. The power supply device further includes a feedback synchronization unit electrically coupled to the first and second output terminals of the first and second converters for obtaining first and second feedback signals, and producing and transmitting a synchronous feedback signal to the second converter according to a voltage difference of the first and second feedback signals to synchronizing output voltage level of the second converter with the first converter. The aforementioned circuit can control the synchronization of a voltage boost time and output time of the first and second converters.
US08014181B2
A power distribution system comprises a power conversion module for performing power conversion between a DC voltage at a DC side and an AC power at an AC side, and a conversion control system. The AC side of the power conversion module is electrically coupled to a grid. The conversion control system includes a phase-locked-loop circuit for receiving a multi-phase reference signal of a grid voltage and for generating a synchronized signal, a regulator for receiving reference commands, a two-phase grid feedback signal, and the synchronized signal and for generating a control signal for the power conversion module, and a phase compensation circuit for receiving the synchronized signal and the multi-phase reference signal of the grid voltage, for obtaining a phase displacement signal, and for generating a phase compensation signal for compensating the reference commands or for compensating the synchronized signal when the phase displacement signal exceeds a threshold value.
US08014179B2
In typical commercial/aerospace applications, synchronous generators provide power to both the high voltage and the low voltage loads. This disclosure describes a method of regulating the output voltage for all of the loads.
US08014177B2
A switching power supply exhibits high conversion efficiency and facilitates reducing the size thereof. The switching power supply includes a half-bridge circuit including a first series circuit formed of switching devices Q1 and Q2 and connected between the output terminals of a DC power supply; and a second series circuit connecting primary inductance Lr1 of transformer T1, primary inductance Lr2 of transformer T2 and capacitor Cr in series. The second series circuit is connected between the output terminals of the half-bridge circuit, and is made to conduct a series resonance operation. The switching devices Q1 and Q2 is controlled at the ON-duties of 0.5 for reducing the breakdown voltages of rectifying diodes D1 and D2 on the secondary side of transformers T1 and T2 and for improving the conversion efficiency of the switching device.
US08014173B2
A resonant converter for improving synchronous rectification control is provided. The resonant converter obtains an input power, and through a switch unit, the period of the input power to be transmitted to a resonant circuit can be modified. The resonant converter further includes two transformers electrically connected to the resonant circuit, two synchronous controllers electrically connected to the primary sides of two transformers respectively, and two synchronous rectifiers electrically connected to the secondary sides of two transformers. The input power modified by the resonant circuit is obtained by the primary sides of two transformers, and two induced power are respectively produced at the secondary sides. Then, through sensing the polarity variation of the voltage, the two synchronous controllers individually provide a synchronous driving signal. Furthermore, the synchronous driving signals respectively drive two synchronous rectifiers to conduct alternatively, so as to rectify the induced power to the output terminal.
US08014171B2
A cable manager provides horizontal cable management of adjacent patch panels or network equipment on network distribution racks. The cable manager includes a central section and a front cable routing section and is mountable on a network rack. The front cable routing section extends from the front side of the central section and includes a first plurality of spaced fingers. The cable manager can also include a rear cable routing section that includes a second plurality of spaced fingers. The first plurality of spaced fingers and the second plurality of spaced fingers may be sloped to provide hand access. One or more passthrough openings can be provided in the central section to allow routing of cabling from the front section to the rear section. An air dam may be inserted into the passthrough openings to control the flow of cool inlet air. Either or both of the front and rear sections can include a removable cover.
US08014170B2
An electrical device (800, 1100, 1700, 1800) includes: a housing (810, 1110) having a top portion (811, 1111); a bottom portion (816, 1316) opposite the top portion; and a first side portion (917, 1217) between the top portion and the bottom portion; and a first cable management element (850) located at the first side portion, and having a first flexible tube (851) with a first opening (852) along a length of the first flexible tube.
US08014168B2
A wire form rail adapter for use in connecting an electrical component to a mounting rail includes a wire form spring clip that is formed to provide both a connection portion and a spring portion. The connection portion is configured to selectively engage the mounting rail and retain the rail against the rail adapter. The spring portion is configured to provide a biasing force that urges the wire form spring clip toward a position in which the connection portion engages the mounting rail.
US08014166B2
Stacking integrated circuits containing serializer and deserializer blocks using through silicon via
Methods and systems for stacking multiple chips with high speed serialiser/deserialiser blocks are presented. These methods make use of Through Silicon Via (TSV) to connect the dice to each other, and to the external pads. The methods enable efficient multilayer stacking that simplifies design and manufacturing, and at the same time, ensure high speed operation of serialiser/deserialiser blocks, using the TSVs.
US08014165B2
A connector for mounting to a panel is provided that includes a housing that has a front edge configured to be located proximate an opening in the panel. The connector also includes a tab that extends from the front edge of the housing where the tab is oriented to engage an outer surface of the panel. A spring member also extends from the front edge of the housing and is positioned to engage an inner surface of the panel. The spring member is flexible toward and away from the tab.
US08014164B2
A hybrid structure of multi-layer substrates comprises a first multi-layer substrate and a second multi-layer substrate. The first multi-layer substrate stacks up first metal layers, first dielectric layers alternately and has VIAs. A border district of a first metal layer connects with a border district of the corresponding first dielectric layer. The border districts are separated from adjacent first metal layers and adjacent first dielectric layers. The second multi-layer substrate stacks up second metal layers and second dielectric layers alternately. A border district of a second metal layer connects with a border district of the corresponding second dielectric layer. The border districts are separated from adjacent second metal layers and adjacent second dielectric layers. The VIAs are located at the border districts of the first dielectric layers and each VIA has electric conductor therein to connect one first metal layer with one second metal layer.
US08014154B2
In one embodiment, a circuit substrate comprises a substrate; and a warpage preventing pattern disposed on the substrate. The warpage preventing pattern comprises a first pattern at a first corner of the substrate and a second pattern at a second corner of the substrate. The first corner and the second corner are disposed adjacent to each other. An overall orientation of the first pattern is different from an overall orientation of the second pattern with respect to the substrate. The warping of a semiconductor package can be significantly reduced by cutting off stress lines in the corners of the circuit substrate. Various configurations and orientations of the warpage preventing pattern are provided in order to effectively block stress concentration in the corners of the circuit substrate.
US08014147B2
A portable electronic apparatus includes a first casing, a second casing, and an enhanced pivotal mechanism for folding/unfolding the second casing with respect to the first casing. The pivotal mechanism further includes a main pivot to pivot the first casing and the second casing; a combination constructed on the first casing and further including a first driving element driven by the main pivot, a first cam driven by the first driving element, and a first cover pivotally rotated by the first cam; and, another combination constructed on the second casing and further including a second driving element driven by the main pivot, a second cam driven by the second driving element, and a second cover pivotally rotated by the second cam.
US08014141B2
A portable electronic device includes a main body, a display and a writing tablet. The display pivotally connects to a rear wall of the main body to selectively locate in a first state and a second state. In the first state, the display covers a top wall of the main body. In the second state, the display rotates away from the top wall and is arranged on a rear side of the main body. The writing tablet pivotally connects to the main body to selectively locate at a first position and a third position. In the first position, the writing tablet is arranged between the display and the main body and covers the top wall of the main body, and electrically connected with the main body for receiving input signals. In the third position, the writing tablet is arranged on a front side of the main body.
US08014139B2
A protective casing structure of an electronic apparatus capable of keeping the apparatus compact and light is provided. A display-side block includes a display module and a display casing. The display casing is provided with frame edges at a periphery thereof, with projections formed on the frame edges. Grooves engaging with the projections are formed in a system casing. When the display-side block is closed, the projections engage with the grooves to increase rigidity against pressing from the outside in the closed state. The casing structure thereby increases the protective capability of the display module while keeping the apparatus compact and light.
US08014135B2
An opening mechanism includes a base whereon an opening is disposed, and a covering including a main body for covering the opening. The covering further includes a hook connected to the main body for hooking the base. The covering further includes a buckling part connected to a side of the main body. The opening mechanism further includes a sliding component passing through the buckling part. An end of the sliding component is disposed on a breach of the main body. An engaging part is formed on a side of the sliding component for engaging with a fixing end. The opening mechanism further includes an elastic component installed on the side of the main body and disposed on a side of the sliding component for providing elastic force to the sliding component so as to drive the engaging part of the sliding component to engage with the fixing end.
US08014123B2
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body including a plurality of ceramic layers, the ceramic body having a first main surface and a second main surface and a plurality of side surfaces that connect the first main surface to the second main surface, an internal conductor including nickel, the internal conductor being disposed in the ceramic body and having an exposed portion exposed at least one of the side surfaces, and an external terminal electrode disposed on at least one of the side surfaces of the ceramic body, the external terminal electrode being electrically connected to the internal conductor. The external terminal electrode includes a first conductive layer including a Sn—Cu—Ni intermetallic compound, the first conductive layer covering the exposed portion of the internal conductor at least one of the side surfaces of the ceramic body.
US08014116B2
A power control apparatus is disclosed. The power control apparatus includes a temperature sensor, a first voltage converter, an over-temperature protection, a reset unit and a second voltage converter. The temperature sensor is for sensing a measured temperature to output a sensing signal. The first voltage converter converts the power voltage of a computer system into a first voltage. The over-temperature protection unit receives the first voltage and decides whether or not outputting the first voltage according to the sensing signal. When the reset unit has received the first voltage from the over-temperature protection unit, the reset unit decides whether or not to produce a reset signal according to the level of the power voltage. The second voltage converter is for producing a start signal to enable the embedded controller according to the reset signal.
US08014112B2
An integrated circuit includes a substrate of semiconductive material, a first circuit environment made from the substrate which includes an output terminal and a first pair of power supply terminals for receiving a first power supply voltage applicable between the terminals. The integrated circuit also includes a second circuit environment made from the semiconductor substrate which includes an input terminal electrically coupled to the output terminal and also includes a second pair of power supply terminals for receiving a second power supply voltage applicable between the second pair of terminals of said second pair. The circuit further includes a device providing protection from electrostatic discharges which includes an integrated resistive device coupled between the input and output terminals.
US08014108B2
The invention provides a magnetoresistive device of the CPP (current perpendicular to plane) structure, comprising a magnetoresistive unit, and a first shield layer and a second shield layer which are located and formed such that the magnetoresistive unit is sandwiched between them from above and below, with a sense current applied in the stacking direction, wherein said magnetoresistive unit comprises a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a first ferromagnetic layer and a second ferromagnetic layer stacked and formed such that said nonmagnetic intermediate layer is sandwiched between them.
US08014102B2
A data storage device has a cartridge with tape having data and landing zones. One of the landing zones is aligned with a head during stopping of advancement of the tape to minimize damage. A data storage system is provided with a data storage device with data and landing zones, a read/write head, a motor for driving the tape and a processor for identifying the landing zone locations. A method for minimizing damage to data tape conveys base film along a coating head while intermittently dispensing a magnetic layer and a rougher coating layer to form landing zones. A method for minimizing damage to data storage tape provides a cassette with tape having intermittent data and non-data regions, that is inserted into a tape drive and a read or write function is performed. The tape is advanced to align a non-data region with a head and advancement is discontinued.
US08014099B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for using channel bit density estimates to adjust fly-height. For example, various embodiments of the present invention provide methods for adaptively adjusting fly-height. Such methods include providing a storage medium that includes information corresponding to a process data set, and a read/write head assembly that is disposed a variable distance from the storage medium. The process data set is accessed from the storage medium. A first channel bit density estimate is adaptively calculated based at least in part on the process data set and a second channel bit density estimate that was previously calculated. The variable distance is modified based at least in part on the first channel bit density estimate. A third channel bit density is adaptively calculated based at least in part on the process data set and a fourth channel bit density estimate that was previously calculated. The variable distance is modified based at least in part on the third channel bit density estimate.
US08014092B2
A method of detecting a bad servo track of an HDD includes measuring servo AGC of each of servo sectors of a servo track requiring determination of badness, calculating statistic data with respect to the measured servo AGC of each servo sector, and determining whether the servo track is bad based on the calculated statistic data. Since the badness of a servo track is determined based on the statistic data of the servo AGC, a bad servo track generated due to a change in the overall magnitude of a servo signal is easily detected so that reliability in the detection of a detective servo track can be improved.
US08014080B1
This invention provides an optical photographing system comprising four lens elements with refractive power, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element; a second lens element with positive refractive power, and at least one of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface, and both of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; a fourth lens element with positive refractive power, and both of the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; wherein the optical photographing system further comprises an aperture stop positioned between an object and the second lens element. By such arrangement, total track length of the optical photographing system can be effectively reduced. Wide view-angle and high image resolution are also obtained.
US08014073B1
An absorptive coating is in contact with an optical beam splitter such that a signal beam and a reference beam incident on the beam splitter from opposite sides are can be combined to produce two interference beams having a phase difference of about π 2 .
US08014072B2
An erecting equal-magnification lens array plate includes a stack of a plurality lens array plates built such that pairs of corresponding lenses form a coaxial lens system, where each lens array plate is formed with a plurality of convex lenses on both surfaces of the plate. The plate receives light from a substantially straight light source facing one side of the plate, and the plate forms an erect equal-magnification image of the substantially straight light source on an image plane facing the other side of the plate. A light shielding member operative to shield light not contributing to imaging is formed in the neighborhood of a position in the intermediate plane in the erecting equal-magnification lens array plate where an inverted image of the substantially straight light source is formed. The main lens arrangement direction of the convex lenses differs from the main scanning direction of the erecting equal-magnification lens array plate.
US08014067B2
An improved optical switch utilizes one polarization modulator, with the beam components traversing it twice. Because of the twice traverse, the extinction ratio of the switch is doubled without the addition of another polarization modulator, thus avoiding the costs of additional optical components. With no additional components, the switch is more compact than conventional switches with the same extinction ratio. Fewer components also result in more thermal and long-term stability and less crosstalk.
US08014062B2
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for attaching a close proximity filter to an FPA (focal plane array) and more particularly, to a method and apparatus that allows improved spectral discrimination of a mid-wave infra red (MWIR) detector by applying an improved multi-color filter to a focal plane array (FPA), while employing existing production equipment and techniques to reduce cost and improve production yield.
US08014058B2
A method for driving an optical deflecting device array is disclosed, including in a series of processes for the light deflection operation, at least, a state of a first stage writing and recording data for indicating an inclination direction of the plate member to incline in a first inclination direction or a second inclination direction, into a semiconductor memory device arranged immediately under or adjacent to each of the plurality of optical deflecting devices; a state of a second stage switching the inclination direction of the plate member of the arbitrary optical deflecting device to the first inclination direction based on an indication of the data, and deflecting light; and a state of a third stage switching the inclination direction of the plate member of the arbitrary optical deflecting device to the second inclination direction based on the indication of the data, and deflecting light.
US08014055B2
An electro-optic device includes a shift register and another circuit. Source and drain regions of transistors in the shift register contain the same kind of impurity as that contained in the source and drain regions of transistors in the other circuit and contain a higher concentration of the impurity than a concentration of the impurity in the source and drain regions of transistors in the other circuit.
US08014052B2
Generally speaking, the output brightness of an illuminator is varied by chopping an output light beam such that the beam is alternately interrupted and unhindered. An interrupter can be rapidly moved into and out of the transmission path of a light beam. The brightness of the light beam received at a site will be attenuated based on the amount of time per cycle the light beam remains obstructed versus unhindered.
US08014046B2
Disclosed herein is a scanner device which scans a predetermined scan object and generates image data, the scanner device including: an image sensor which converts an optical image of the scan object into corresponding image data; a movement unit which moves a carriage having the image sensor in a sub-scan direction; a first control unit which controls the movement unit by a first control process; a second control unit which controls the movement unit by a second control process different from the first control process; and a selection unit which selects the first or the second control unit according to setting contents relating to a scan.
US08014044B2
An image scanning device of the present invention includes a platen, an image scanning part that scans an image on the manuscript, a light source that irradiates light from the back side of the platen, a platen cover that is allowed to be positioned in a closed state or in an opened state, a light receiving part that is configured to receive light from the manuscript scanning area on the back side of the platen, a range obtaining part that is configured to obtain range between the amount of received light of the light receiving part in the opened state of the platen cover and the amount of received light of the light receiving part in the closed state of the platen cover, and a manuscript detecting part that is configured to detect existence of the manuscript in a manuscript scanning area of the platen based on the range.
US08014043B2
The display system includes the display apparatus and the scanner apparatus disposed so as to be drawable forward below the display apparatus. In addition, the upper unit is attached so as to be openable and closeable to the lower unit. Moreover, in the scanner apparatus, a sheet-like original, an image of which is read by the image reading device, can be fed from a front side of the upper unit. In addition, when the image of the sheet-like original is read by the scanner apparatus, the original is fed from the front face side of the scanner apparatus to read the original image, and when an image of a book original is read, the scanner apparatus is pulled out forward so that an image of the book original is read in a state where the upper unit is opened.
US08014038B2
A double-surface printing type facsimile device is provided with a storage configured to store image data of document data received by facsimile, a printing unit configured to print the image data stored in the storage in one of single-surface printing mode and double-surface printing mode on a recording sheet, the image data being printed on one surface and the other surface of the recording sheet subsequently when the printing unit operates in the double-surface printing mode, a backup memory configured to store only the image data to be printed on the other surface of the recording sheet, and a reprinting unit configured to reprint the image data stored in the backup memory in the single-surface printing mode.
US08014034B2
A method for contrast enhancement for digital images, including filtering an original image having original color values, to generate a first filtered image corresponding to bright color values, and a second filtered image corresponding to dark color values, deriving local highlight multipliers by applying a highlight response curve to the first filtered image, the highlight response curve being a function of color value that increases from a response value of one, corresponding to a color value of zero, to a response value greater than one, corresponding to a maximum color value, deriving local shadow multipliers by applying a shadow response curve to the second filtered image, the shadow response curve being a function of color value that decreases from a response value greater than one, corresponding to a color value of zero, to a response value of one, corresponding to a maximum color value, deriving local offset values by applying an offset curve to the first filtered image, and processing the original image, including subtracting the local offset values from the original color values to generate shifted color values, multiplying the shifted color values by the local highlight multipliers, and further multiplying the shifted color values by the local shadow multipliers, thereby generating a contrast-enhanced image from the original image. A system and a computer-readable storage medium are also described.
US08014032B2
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a halftoning correction method thereof are provided. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the example embodiments of the present invention, comprises a storage unit storing a plurality of dot patterns representing print characteristics of a print engine, a data area dividing unit dividing halftoned print data into data areas respectively having the same size as the dot patterns, a pattern extraction unit extracting an appropriate dot pattern with respect to each of the divided data areas by comparing dots in the data areas to the dot patterns, and a pattern converter changing the data area to the extracted dot pattern. Therefore, an optimal halftoned image can be provided.
US08014028B2
Preservation of rendering intent when a rendering model encapsulated in a transform-based profile is used in a measurement-based CMS. Source device color values are converted to generate perceptually rendered values using a perceptual transform of the transform-based color profile. Perceptually rendered appearance values of a color appearance space are generated by converting the perceptually rendered values using predefined ICC viewing conditions. Using a gamut mapping model (GMM), the generated appearance values are converted to generate destination device color values within a color gamut of a destination device. The GMM uses a PRMG boundary description and a gamut boundary description of the destination device to perform the mapping. A transform is constructed from the source device color values and the corresponding destination device color values. Color values of an image generated by the source device are converted to color values of a destination device using the constructed transform.
US08014024B2
A method for calibrating a printing system including a plurality of printers includes designating one of the plurality of printers as a reference printer and defining color values for a desired response for one or more printed test patches on a control page. Through a first process aimed toward achieving the desired response, a printed control page is generated with the reference printer, the control page including one or more of the test patches which, when measured, has a measured response which approaches the desired response. Through a second process aimed toward achieving a desired response, the desired response being the measured response of the reference printer, a printed control page is generated with a second of the printers, the control page including one or more of the test patches which, when measured, has a response which approaches the measured response of the reference printer.
US08014020B2
There is provided technology which, when producing metadata for correlation with image data to which predetermined processing is to be administered and for characterizing that image data, can produce metadata that is more appropriate to the predetermined processing and can contribute to alleviating the work burden.A metadata producing apparatus produces metadata for correlation with image data to which predetermined processing is to be administered and for characterizing that image data, the metadata producing apparatus including: a type information acquiring unit that acquires information relating to the type of metadata necessary to conduct the predetermined processing; and a metadata producing unit that produces, on the basis of the information acquired by the type information acquiring unit, metadata to be correlated with the image data to which the predetermined processing is to be administered.
US08014014B2
In a status information processor, at least one is selected from a plurality of arbitrators that are different from each other in terms of an OS or specifications of an input-output port. The thus-selected arbitrator is provided in a PC. At least one is selected from a plurality of parsers that are different from each other in terms of an OS or specifications of a printer, and the thus-selected parser is provided in the PC. The plurality of arbitrators are compatible with an interface to the parser. The plurality of parsers are compatible with the arbitrator. The arbitrator and the parser can operate in conjunction with each other even when provided in the PC in any combination.
US08013995B2
A method for determining size and composition of a particulate matter in a fume flow produced by a combustion process. A polarized laser light beam is projected through the fume flow and the scattered light from the fume flow is gathered in a sideward scattering direction and in at least one forward scattering direction. For each of these scattering directions, the gathered light is separated into two polarized light components on the planes parallel and orthogonal to the scattering direction, the light intensity of each of the polarized light components is measured and a scattered light polarization ratio is calculated as a function of the measured light intensities of the polarized light components. The size of the particulate matter and the unburnt carbon percentage in the particulate matter are determined as a function of the calculated scattered light polarization ratios.
US08013992B2
A method of fabricating a surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. In one embodiment, the method has the steps of simultaneously evaporating a metal at a first evaporation rate and a polymer at a second evaporation rate different from the first evaporation rate, to form a nanocomposite of the metal and the polymer, depositing the nanocomposite onto a substrate, and applying an etching process to the deposited nanocomposite on the substrate to remove the polymer material, thereby forming an SERS substrate.
US08013983B2
A three-dimensional surround scanning device and a method thereof are described, which are adopted to perform surround scanning on a scene area, so as to construct a three-dimensional model. The device includes an image acquisition element, a first moving mechanism, a range acquisition element, and a controller. The controller controls the image acquisition element, the range acquisition element, and the first moving mechanism to perform three-dimensional image acquisition, so as to obtain a two-dimensional image covering the scene area, depth information with three-dimensional coordinates, and corresponding position signals. The controller rearranges and combines the two-dimensional image, position signals, and depth information, so as to construct the three-dimensional model.
US08013979B2
An illuminator with substantially reduced telecentricity error relative to conventional illuminators includes one or more modules having movable optical elements with low telecentricity error that may be adjusted to compensate for telecentricity errors. The modules may include a zoom zoom axicon, a condenser, and a multi field relay. The zoom zoom axicon may include one or more lenses adjustable in up to six degrees of freedom. The condenser and the multi field relay may include one or more lenses adjustable in up to six degrees of freedom or a set of two or more mirrors with one or more of the mirrors adjustable in up to six degrees of freedom. The illuminator may also include a control system to control the adjustments of the movable optical elements. A lithography system including such an illuminator is also presented, along with a method of providing illumination with low telecentricity error.
US08013972B2
A method of fabricating a driver circuit for use with a passive matrix or active matrix electrooptical display device such as a liquid crystal display. The driver circuit occupies less space than heretofore. A circuit (stick crystal) having a length substantially equal to the length of one side of the matrix of the display device is used as the driver circuit. The circuit is bonded to one substrate of the display device, and then the terminals of the circuit are connected with the terminals of the display device. Subsequently, the substrate of the driver circuit is removed. This makes the configuration of the circuit much simpler than the configuration of the circuit heretofore required by the TAB method or COG method, because conducting lines are not laid in a complex manner. The driver circuit can be formed on a large-area substrate such as a glass substrate. The display device can be formed on a lightweight material having a high shock resistance such as a plastic substrate. Hence, a display device having excellent portability can be obtained.
US08013970B2
An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device and its fabrication method are discussed. According to an embodiment, the array substrate includes a gate line and a data line crossing the gate line on a base substrate, so as to define a pixel region; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed in the pixel region and connected to the thin film transistor; a common line extending substantially parallel to the gate line; and a plurality of common electrodes alternately arranged with the plurality of pixel electrodes in the pixel region, wherein the plurality of common electrodes include at least one first common electrode adjacent to the data line and connected to the common line, and at least one second common electrode extending substantially parallel to the date line and not directly connected to the common line.
US08013969B2
A thin film transistor substrate for applying a horizontal electric field and a fabricating method thereof for simplifying a process are disclosed. In a liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, a gate line on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line having a gate insulating film there between to define a pixel area; a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a semiconductor layer to define a channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode; a common line on the substrate; a common electrode in the pixel area; and a pixel electrode in the pixel area to form a horizontal electrode field with the common electrode, wherein the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode have an opaque conductive pattern and a transparent conductive pattern, the pixel electrode is formed by an extension of the transparent conductive pattern of the drain electrode, and a protective film borders with the transparent conductive pattern and in the remaining area thereof.
US08013962B2
An LCD apparatus includes an LCD panel having a color filter for a plurality of color components and having a plurality of pixels each associated with one of the color components of the color filter, and a side lighting-type backlight unit disposed under the LCD panel. The backlight unit includes a light guide and a light source disposed at least at one lateral end of the light guide, and further includes a reflecting layer on a side opposite to a side facing the LCD panel to reflect light coming towards the reflecting layer from the light guide. The color filter is configured to compensate a change in color spectrum in the ambient light that has passed through the LCD panel and the light guide and that has been reflected by the reflecting layer back to the light guide and the LCD panel so that the color temperature of white display of the LCD panel by the ambient light remains substantially the same as the color temperature of the original ambient light.
US08013958B2
A liquid crystal device which has a first and second electrodes formed on a second substrate and which controls allows alignment of liquid crystal molecules by an electric field generated between the first and second electrodes, wherein the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer are aligned in a first direction in a plane of the substrate, wherein a phase difference layer having molecules, which are inclined in the plane of the first or second substrate and are aligned in directions different from one another in the transmissive display portion and the reflective display portion, is formed on a surface of the first or second substrate opposed to the liquid crystal layer, and wherein a director of the molecules of the phase difference layer is aligned in a second direction parallel to the first direction at least in the plane of the transmissive display portion, wherein an angle formed by the alignment direction of the molecules of the phase difference layer in the transmissive display portion and the alignment direction of the molecules of the phase difference layer in the reflective display portion is about 67.5°.
US08013955B2
A liquid crystal display is provided that can achieve an improvement in sensitivity of a photodiode disposed within a display region of an active matrix substrate. To this end, a liquid crystal display is used that includes: an active matrix substrate 1 in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in matrix form; and a counter substrate in which a color filter is provided. In the liquid crystal display, the active matrix substrate 1 includes a photodiode 11 within a display region, and the color filter includes colored areas 6a to 6c that are in one-to-one correspondence with sub-pixels 5a to 5c that constitute a pixel. Each of the colored areas 6a to 6c includes a high-transmittance portion 31 having a transmittance higher than a transmittance of a periphery of the high-transmittance portion 31. Of these colored areas 6a to 6c, the colored area 6a is formed so that the high-transmittance portion 31 positionally coincides with an i layer 13 (light detection region) of the photodiode 11 in a thickness direction of the liquid crystal display.
US08013938B2
A method of audio-visual communication using a television and a television using the same are provided, wherein the broadband network and television technologies are used to achieve services of audio-visual communication over a network, such that a user uses the television to conduct audio-visual communications.
US08013929B2
An image display control apparatus includes a determination unit (step S903) adapted to determine whether an image to be displayed is an image captured in a shooting mode in which at least one of focus adjustment, exposure control, white balance adjustment, and light control is executed on a range related to an object that is detected by an image analysis, a range determining unit (step S906) adapted to determine a range of part of the image based on information indicating a size of the detected object when the determination unit determines that the image to be displayed is the image captured in the shooting mode, and a display control unit (step S907) adapted to perform control to display the range of part of the image, which has been determined by the range determining unit.
US08013928B2
An image pickup device includes a signal processing unit which processes a signal generated by separating a luminous signal into wavelength components of two or more colors by use of a sensor unit including two-dimensionally arranged pixels to which a wavelength separating unit for separating light wavelengths is arranged at a front face of a photoelectric converting element which converts the luminous signal condensed by an optical lens unit into electric signals, wherein the optical lens unit includes at least one optical lens having different focusing positions in accordance with the wavelengths of the luminous signal, and the signal processing unit includes an outline signal generating unit which extracts an outline signal from an output signal of the sensor unit.
US08013917B2
A method of filtering an image filter is disclosed. The filter is provided for a digital camera including image sensors sensitive to light, a color filter placed over sensitive elements of the sensors and patterned according to a Bayer mosaic pattern layout and an interpolation algorithm joining together the digital information provided by differently colored adjacent pixels in said Bayer pattern. The filter is adaptive and includes a noise level computation block for operating directly on a said Bayer pattern data set of for each color channel thus removing noise while simultaneously preserving picture detail.
US08013909B2
The invention relates to electronic equipment for performing imaging, including a camera (CAM) for forming image frames (FRp, FRc), using set exposure parameters (ET, AG, DG), and a unit for determining the total exposure level (EV), from at least some of the image frames, and a unit for adjusting the said exposure parameters on the basis of the determined total exposure level of the exposure. In addition, the equipment also includes a motion-detection for detecting movement from at least some of the image frames. In the equipment the exposure parameters are arranged to be adjusted on the basis of the said total exposure level of the exposure and the detected movement.
US08013906B2
An image sensing apparatus that senses objects and processes image signals obtained from such image sensing includes a white balance correction means that performs white balance correction of the image signals using white balance correction values calculated based on a face area and on other areas contained in the image signals, and a CPU that changes the proportion of image signals of the face area used in calculating the white balance correction values when calculating the white balance correction values based on the image signals.
US08013903B2
A color processing method which sets viewing conditions easily and properly from shooting conditions added to an image. Shot image data and shooting conditions of the image data are obtained. Input side viewing conditions from the obtained shooting conditions are set. The image data with a color appearance model based on the set input side viewing conditions are converted.
US08013895B2
Optical motion sensing systems and methods are described. In one aspect, light from subfields of a scene is focused onto respective capture areas of a focal plane. Successive sets of contemporaneous local images are captured from the focused light. Respective saliency measures are derived from respective ones of the local images. Respective local motion measures are determined from comparisons of corresponding ones of the local images in ones of the contemporaneous local image sets. A respective global motion measure is produced for each of the contemporaneous local image sets based on the respective ones of the local motion measures and the respective ones of the saliency measures.
US08013894B2
An image capturing apparatus includes an image capture unit for capturing an image, a reproducing unit for reproducing and displaying an image, an attitude detecting unit for detecting an attitude, and a control unit for executing a preset and predetermined operation if a predetermined attitude change pattern is detected with the attitude detecting unit.
US08013892B2
In this photographing apparatus, when it is recognized that communication with an external device is possible, the operating mode is set to the communication mode, in which communication can be carried out with the external device. Once there is communication connection with the external device, signals to change the mode from the mode selecting device, which directs the operating mode of the photography apparatus, are ignored, and a shift from the communication mode to another mode is prohibited.
US08013890B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes an image-capturing module configured to captures an image, a module configured to detect a first object region from the image, a module configured to extract color information of an image of the first object region, a module configured to detect candidates of a second object region, which is an object of recognition, from the image, a module configured to extract color information of an image of the second object region, and sets reference color data, a module configured to select the candidates of the second object region on the basis of the reference color data and the color information of the image of the first object region with respect to each of the candidates of the second object region, and a module configured to output, as an object of recognition, any one of the candidates of the second object region.
US08013888B2
Aspects of a system and method for processing video data may comprise, for each line of a field of an image, generating noise based on a current seed, inserting the generated noise in a current line of the field, and generating a new seed for processing a subsequent line of the field by shifting the current seed. The current seed may be used to generate a random number and the generated noise may be produced using this generated random number.
US08013870B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, feature receiving an image mask where the image mask identifies a first opacity value of pixels in a raster image. The first opacity value ranges between a value representing foreground and a value representing background. Each pixel in the image has a color. A first boundary pixel is identified in the image. A second opacity value for the first boundary pixel is determined using a first local color model of opacity. The first local color model of opacity is determined based on the colors of the pixels in the image within a local neighborhood of the first boundary pixel.
US08013863B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing texture tiling. The disclosed systems and methods may include copying a source image into a texture of a size the same or larger than the source image. Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods may include displacing texture coordinates corresponding to the texture into a desired range. A displacement map may be used in displacing the texture coordinates. Moreover, the disclosed systems and methods may include rendering, within the desired range, an output image corresponding to the texture coordinates associated with the texture.
US08013862B2
Techniques for pre-processing image blocks containing texture are disclosed herein which reduce memory requirements without degradation of quality. This is accomplished by determining the level of texture in each pixel block of the image and then performing a compression algorithm on such pixel block. Various methods are available to determine the texture level, including identifying the luminescence variation or difference within the pixel block. Depending on the amount of texture level contained within each pixel block, pre-processing may involve assigning the pixel block a single color or replacing the pixel block with an interpolated pixel block. Pre-processing on the pixel block may not be performed when the texture level therein is determined to be at a predetermined amount or level. Additional techniques are also disclosed herein which involve full processing of an image block.
US08013859B2
A graphical display combines multiple dimensions of information relating to resource allocation and usage by a group of computer systems and sub-systems of the computer systems. The graphical display includes a series of graphics, each indicating resource usage by one of the computer systems. In addition, each graphic has multiple sections. Each section of the graphic indicates resource usage by a sub-system that is within the computer system represented by the graphic. Each section of the graphics may also be color-coded. The color code indicates the amount of resources the associated sub-system is receiving relative to the amount of resources that has been designated for that sub-system.
US08013847B2
Apparatus for providing haptic feedback are described. One described apparatus comprises a braking surface, an electromagnet core disposed in the braking surface, a disk operable to contact the braking surface such that a gap is defined between the disk and the braking surface, and a damping material disposed within the gap.
US08013841B2
A method for detecting lift from a surface portion of an optical pointing device comprising a coherent light source, a photodetector device including an array of pixels, and extracting motion features including comparators with an adjustable offset value, the method comprising the steps of: (i) illuminating the surface portion with radiation by the coherent light source; (ii) detecting radiation patterns reflected from the illuminated surface portion with the photodetector device; (iii) comparing light intensity between neighbouring pixels in the detected radiation patterns; (iv) extracting motion features as a function of the result of the comparison; (v) counting the total number of motion features extracted; (vi) increasing or decreasing the comparator offset value when the total number of motion features increases or decreases; (vii) comparing the comparator offset value with an offset threshold; (viii) enabling detection of a lift condition if the comparator offset value is lower than the offset threshold.
US08013837B1
The apparatus and method help physically-disabled persons perform point-and-click activities or input text or control characters, which typically require the user to simultaneously control two independent dimensions to select options presented on a computer display. Computer users operate a control in a single dimension (i.e., two directions—first embodiment) or in just one direction (second embodiment). Different input strategies allow a person using the one- or two-directional control method to emulate pointer functions and input characters or character strings. An embodiment augments antagonistic muscle groups for persons exhibiting adequate control in one direction but not the other. An additional embodiment uses available two-dimensional pointers but restricts their operation to one dimension. The output of existing sensors is converted to a form that can be input directly to a computer to be used with a one-dimensional control strategy.
US08013832B2
A display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix array; a plurality of gate lines applying a same gate signal to at least two rows of the pixels; a plurality of data lines crossing the gate lines; a TFT disposed at an intersection of each gate line and each data line; and a light source part sequentially providing at least two colors of light to each pixel every frame, thus enhancing a charging rate of each.
US08013825B2
In a method for addressing rows and columns in a liquid crystal display, each phase for addressing rows and columns in the display includes precharging pixels of the display before a row write, to apply a precharge voltage to all pixels. Depending on the selected black or white precharge level, the light box is either switched on permanently, or is switched on during each addressing phase immediately after the precharge or immediately after the row write. The display brightness is thus improved. The display may be of sequential color type.
US08013824B2
A sequence control unit includes a voltage input/output unit to receive a driving voltage, and to output the driving voltage after a delay time. A memory stores an output time corresponding to the driving voltage, a clock generating unit generates a clock, a clock counter counts the clock in response to a counting signal, and a sequence controller supplies the counting signal corresponding to the output timing to the clock counter from the memory. The sequence controller receives the number of clock cycles or time associated with the number of clock cycles counted by the clock counter as clock counting information, and controls the delay time output of the driving voltage according to the clock counting information. A driving method for driving the sequence control unit is disclosed, and the sequence control unit may be included in a liquid crystal display device.
US08013820B2
A method, device and computer program are detailed for modulating write light. For a plurality of pixel locations of an electro-optic layer of an optical write valve and across each of a plurality of consecutive frames, a set of pixel data bits is modulated across a first and a second pulse width period of the frame. The first and second pulse width periods, and adjacent pulse periods of sequential frames, are separated from one another by a pulse-off period that is at least equal to a response time of the electro-optic layer during which no bits are modulated. Separately in each frame, write light is output from each of the plurality of pixel locations according to the modulated pixel data bits in the frame. In an embodiment, the set of pixel data bits are modulated by applying a voltage at a pixel location of the electro-optic layer in synchronism with illuminating a light source that illuminates that pixel location.
US08013819B2
A cholesteric liquid crystal display device comprises three cells each comprising a layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material and an electrode arrangement capable of providing independent driving of a plurality of pixels across the layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material by respective drive signals. A drive circuit applies a respective drive signal to each pixel to drive the pixel into states which are variable to provide a reflectance varying within a predetermined range of reflectances. The drive signals involve a combination of two drive schemes to provide reflectances in different portions of the range. In particular, (a) when providing a reflectance in a first portion of higher reflectance, the drive signals comprise a first waveform shaped to drive the pixel into a stable state, the waveform having a shape which is variable to provide a stable state having a varying reflectance; and (b) when providing a reflectance in a second portion of lower reflectance, the drive signals comprise a second waveform shaped to drive the pixel into the homeotropic state and the planar state alternately, the periods of time during which the pixel is driven into the homeotropic and planar states being variable to provide a varying average reflectance as perceived by a viewer. Such a combination of drive schemes allows a good contrast ratio and color gamut to be achieved because of the use of the homeotropic state but only increases the power consumption by a relatively small amount as the homeotropic state is only used for a portion of the pixels.
US08013810B2
A scan driver may include first signal processor adapted to receive an initializing signal, a base clock signal, a base negative clock signal and a feedback signal, and to generate a first output signal, a second signal processor adapted to receive the initializing signal, the first output signal, the base clock signal and the base negative clock signal, and to generate a second output signal and a second negative output signal, a first logic gate adapted to receive the base clock signal and the second output signal, and to generate a first clock signal, and a second logic gate adapted to receive the base clock signal and the second negative output signal, and to generate a second clock signal.
US08013808B2
A panel driving method has, in one filed time period, an all-cell initializing subfield for causing initializing discharge in all discharge cells for displaying an image in the initializing period, and a selection initializing subfield for selectively causing initializing discharge in the discharge cell that has caused sustaining discharge in the last subfield in the initializing period. The number of all-cell initializing subfields can be increased and decreased, and the initializing voltage for causing initializing discharge in the all-cell initializing subfield can be varied. At least one of the number of all-cell initializing subfields and the initializing voltage of the all-cell initializing subfields in one field is controlled based on the accumulation of the panel power-on time.
US08013798B2
According to the invention, a system for aiming an antenna in a direction below-horizon is disclosed. The system may include a support member, a spherical structure, and at least one arm. The support member may be coupled with a surface. The spherical structure may be coupled with the support member and the spherical structure may be at least partially spherical in shape about a central point. The at least one arm may be rotatably coupled with the spherical structure. The at least one arm may be coupled with the antenna. The at least one arm may at least partially defines a void. And the support member may be at least partially disposed within the void when the antenna is aimed in the direction below-horizon.
US08013794B2
A surface mount antenna with small size and broadband is provided. The surface mount antenna includes: a substrate including a dielectric material or a magnetic material as a main material; a feed radiation conductor formed on the substrate, one end of the feed radiation conductor being a first feed end to be supplied with power, and the other end being a first open end; and a parasitic radiation conductor formed on the substrate at a distance from the feed radiation conductor, one end of the parasitic radiation conductor being a second feed end to be supplied with power from the feed radiation conductor through electromagnetic coupling, and the other end being a second open end. A region having a dielectric constant or a magnetic permeability lower than that of the main material of the substrate is provided between the feed radiation conductor and the parasitic radiation conductor.
US08013793B2
A multi-band antenna, being made from an integrated metal patch, includes a grounding element, a first antenna and a second antenna, both of which are works in wireless local area net, and a third antenna working in wireless wide area net. The first, second, and third antennas extends from the grounding element and substantially along a lengthwise direction.
US08013790B2
A method for establishing a wireless communication link between a first communication device having a beam antenna to be steered to different positions and a second communication device. The method includes transmitting a link request signal from the first communication device to the second communication device via the beam antenna. The link request signal includes information relating to a current position of the beam antenna. The method further includes obtaining, in case the link request signal is received in the second communication device, channel quality information representative of a current transmission path.
US08013787B2
Control and feature systems for processing signals from a satellite positioning system include an expert system receiver manager; a joint detection, carrier centering and bit sync acquisition subsystem; peak detection; a multi-dimensional measurement interpolation subsystem; a subsystem for mode switching between a navigational signal; and power control module for a receiver.
US08013786B2
Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for limiting the functionality of a mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to determine a GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement corresponding to a GNSS signal. A control component is configured to control an operation of the mobile electronic device in response to a control signal which is generated when the GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement is used to determine that the speed of the mobile electronic device exceeds a speed threshold.
US08013784B2
A radar apparatus comprises a substrate having first and second sides, an antenna including radiative elements disposed on the first side of the substrate, a Butler matrix supported by the substrate having input and output ports, where each output port of the Butler matrix is electrically connected to a group of radiative elements, and input connections between a radio-frequency (RF) circuit and the input ports of the Butler matrix. The RF circuit may be supported by the second side of the substrate.
US08013783B2
A phased antenna arrangement and a method for estimating the calibration ratio of an active phased antenna having a plurality of phased array antenna elements are described. The phased antenna arrangement includes a plurality of antenna elements, a plurality of receiving channels, an injection unit for injection of calibrating signals into the receiving channels, a point RF-source, located in a far field zone, a distance measurement unit, an amplitude and phase measurement unit and a data processing unit. The method comprises injecting an internal calibrating signal having a known amplitude and phase to each antenna element. An external calibration signal from a stationary RF-source is sequentially injected to all of the phased array antenna elements so that different phases of the external calibration signal arrive at each of the antenna elements. The differences in phases of the external calibration signal reaching the antenna elements are compensated so as compute an effective signal amplitude that would reach all of the antenna elements at zero phase difference. Calibration ratio is calculated as the ratio between the amplitude of the internal calibrating signal to the effective signal amplitude of the external calibration signal.
US08013782B2
A method and arrangement for processing signals emitted by a plurality of apparent emitters that is detected by an Electronic Measures System/Direction Finder unit (ESM1). The ESM1 unit is adapted to identify a real emitter and at least one false emitter among said apparent emitters, based on the variance of emitter characterizing parameters for each apparent emitter. When false and real emitters have been identified, this information may be used to suppress clutter from false emitters, and/or to determine the position of the real emitter using observations from only one ESM/DF unit.
US08013781B2
In a radar system using a radar clutter map comprising a plurality of range-azimuth cells containing parameter data values indicative of time averaged echo returns for affecting alarm threshold levels at range-azimuth locations scanned by the radar system antenna, a method for detecting comprising the steps of obtaining from the radar clutter map a first parameter data value associated with a given cell under test (CUT); determining a second parameter data value using parameter data values of other cells from the plurality of range-azimuth cells from the radar clutter map; comparing the first parameter data value associated with the CUT with the second parameter data value; and generating a signal indicative of a target detection when the first parameter data value exceeds the second parameter data value by a given threshold corresponding to a target false alarm rate.
US08013780B2
A radar sensing system for a vehicle includes a radar sensor device, a cover panel and a control. The radar sensor device is disposed at a pocket established at an upper edge of the vehicle windshield and having a forward transmitting and receiving direction that is not through the windshield. The cover panel is disposed at the radar sensor device and is substantially sealed at the vehicle windshield at or near the pocket at the upper edge of the vehicle windshield. The cover panel has a material that is substantially transmissive to radar frequency electromagnetic radiation waves. The radar sensor device emits radar frequency electromagnetic radiation waves that transmit through the cover panel. The control is responsive to an output of the radar sensor device.
US08013779B2
The present disclosure relates to an airborne radar notably for a drone. In at least one embodiment, the airborne radar has a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is mechanically attached to an aircraft carrying the radar. The first structure has a degree of rotational freedom relative to the aircraft on a first axis. The second structure is attached to the first structure. The second structure has a degree of rotational freedom relative to the first structure on a second axis converging with the first axis. An antenna is attached to the second structure and configured to receive and send electromagnetic waves. An electronic module configured to process the electromagnetic waves sent or received by the antenna is attached to the second structure.
US08013768B2
An upstream amplifier is integrated on a substrate with a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to form an integrated circuit. In an embodiment, a low-pass filter is also integrated on the substrate. The output signal level of the upstream amplifier is controllable. In embodiments, fine adjustments are made to the output signal level of the upstream amplifier by varying a bias current of the DAC. A software control bit is used to switch between a power-on mode of operation and a power-down mode of operation. The upstream amplifier transmits in a burst mode. The power consumption of the upstream amplifier scales with the amplifier's output signal level. A high degree of matching is attained between the positive and negative paths of the upstream amplifier. This provides high immunity from common-mode disturbances such as substrate noise, clock spurs, and glitches caused by a gain change.
US08013767B2
The present invention relates to a method for using the peak-to-average power ratio (PAR) of signals received by a receiver to control the gain of the receiver for an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and/or to control the dynamic range of the ADC.
US08013763B2
A method is provided. In this method, a clock signal and an input signal are received, where the input signal is a Manchester encoded signal. A unit interval (UI) number is incremented for each UI received upon receipt of a valid UI. The UI number is compared to a plurality of threshold values after the each increment of the UI number, where each threshold value is associated with at least one of a plurality of sum values. For each threshold value, once exceeded by the UI number, its sum value is incremented for each cycle of the clock signal, and a plurality of window lengths are calculated, where each window is calculated based at least in part on at least one of the sum values at predetermined values of the UI number.
US08013756B2
Measurements made with at least two sensors (flow rate or pressure) during generation of a message concurrently with operation of a noise source are used to estimate a channel transfer function. The estimated transfer function is then used to attenuate pump noise in a mud pulse telemetry system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08013745B2
A passive microwave thermography apparatus uses passive microwave antennas designed for operation, for example, at WARC protected frequencies of 1.400 to 1.427 GHz and 2.690 to 2.70 GHz (for core body gradient temperature measurement) and 10.68 to 10.700 GHz or higher microwave frequency (for surface body gradient temperature measurement) and a related directional antenna or antenna array to measure microwave radiation emanating from an animal, especially, a human body. The antennae may be radially directed toward a point within or on the surface of a human body for comparison with known temperature distribution data for that point and a given ambient temperature. Each frequency band may provide a plurality of adjacent noise measuring channels for measuring microwave noise naturally emitted by the human body. The apparatus measures short-term changes in, for example, core and body surface temperatures to establish a basal metabolic rate. Changes in core body temperature may be stimulated by the administration of food or certain organic and drug-related substances or stress to induce a change in basal metabolic rate over time. These changes correlate directly with a human subject's metabolism rate at rest and under certain dietary constraints and can be used to determine courses of treatment for obesity, metabolic disease, and other disorders. The apparatus can also be used to remotely monitor patients and subjects without physical contact.
US08013742B2
An Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) tag and method and system for deactivating EAS tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor (“MOS”) capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the MOS capacitor results in destruction of the MOS capacitor rendering the EAS tag undetectable in the EAS interrogation system.
US08013741B2
A system uses a large loop antenna, connected with a transceiver operating below 1 MHz. The loop antenna is deployed from a spool to surround a crime scene, and may carry indicia communicating that it is a crime scene boundary. The system interrogates devices, including evidence bags and badged personnel, as they enter and leave the scene. The system can optionally log the time of salient events. A second loop antenna can log evidence bags as they enter a vehicle. The devices can be silenced by the transceiver and thus collisions can be reduced and avoided among responses from devices. The system performs “area reads” that would not be possible if higher RF frequencies were employed.
US08013736B2
A system and method of implementing an alarm hierarchy in a remote tracking device tracked by a monitoring center is described. The remote tracking device is worn by a wearer and includes a location determining mechanism, a wireless communication mechanism and a processor operable to monitor the status of the remote tracking device and to compare the location of the remote tracking device to a set of programmed rules. Detected alarm conditions and corresponding automated responses are escalated, respectively, in response to detecting the alarm conditions remain unresolved.
US08013733B1
An emergency alert system and method are disclosed. The invention employs an emergency alert message, which directs end users to take some particular action like evacuating an identified geographic area. The invention further employs a geographic area message, which is based on a particular geographic area within which all persons should receive the emergency alert message. The invention utilizes an emergency alert enabled device that receives both the emergency alert message and the geographic area message. The emergency alert enabled device determines whether it is located within the geographic area of concern, and if so, presents the emergency alert message to the end user.
US08013732B2
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator. Other aspects, features, and embodiments are also claimed and described.
US08013724B2
A tire-pressure control apparatus includes time calculation means for calculating an up time over which the tire pressure of each wheel increases from a lower limit set value to an upper limit set value and a down time over which the tire pressure of the wheel decreases from the upper limit set value to the lower limit set value, on the basis of the detection value of a corresponding pressure sensor; average-rotational-speed calculation means for calculating an average rotational speed of the wheel during the up time on the basis of the detection value of a corresponding wheel speed sensor; first-pump-supplied-air-quantity calculation means (403) for calculating a first pump-supplied air quantity Qvw* of a corresponding air pressure generation unit in a single generation and non-generation cycle on the basis of the up time and the average rotational speed; second-pump-supplied-air-quantity calculation means (404) for calculating a second pump-supplied air quantity Qp* of the air pressure generation unit in a single generation and non-generation cycle on the basis of the up time and the down time; and determination means (405) for comparing the first pump-supplied air quantity Qvw* and the second pump-supplied air quantity Qp*.
US08013723B2
A vehicle meter display system that displays vehicle information including important information includes: a steering wheel that has at least one opening formed between spokes; a meter display unit disposed at a position closer to the front of the vehicle than the steering wheel; a steering angle detection unit that detects the steering angle of the steering wheel; and a meter display control unit that changes the manner in which an important information display area is displayed based on the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection unit so that a diver is able to see the important information through the at least one opening.
US08013721B2
A display apparatus displaying an image of surroundings of a vehicle includes a camera capturing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle, and a display monitor provided inside the vehicle for superimposingly displaying the image of the surroundings of the vehicle captured by the camera, and a first distance indicator line and a second distance indicator line, wherein the first distance indicator line indicates a first predetermined distance from the vehicle and the second distance indicator line indicates a second predetermined distance from the vehicle, the second distance indicator line is positioned farther away from the vehicle than the first distance indicator line, and the first distance indicator line is wider than the second distance indicator line.
US08013718B2
An electric street light controller apparatus and monitoring method allows automatic street light turn-on and turn-off characteristics to be field programmable using RFID technology, lamp current magnitude recording, auxiliary sensor input, diagnostic alarming and data storage for later retrieval in a remote electric street lighting monitoring system. The apparatus and method includes, from a remotely located exciter apparatus using an antenna to transmit a specific frequency and code key to the antenna of an electric street light control and monitoring apparatus associated with the electric street light allowing remote wireless field programming of turn-on fight levels, turn-off light levels, rate of change of light levels, specific turn-on, turn-off, and turn back on sequences during dark hours, and specific remote wireless sensors or internal sensor inputs useful for radiological, biological, chemical, or environmental sensing and alarming. Additionally the method and apparatus includes a method of providing automatic diagnostics for the street lamp bulb, starter and self diagnostics of the controller itself.
US08013706B2
System for contactless energy transmission includes a primary side winding and a secondary side winding that is rotatable relative to the primary side winding, a coil core being provided on the primary side winding, whose sectional view in at least one sectional plane containing the axis of rotation is formed as a U shape or C shape around the winding region of the primary side winding.
US08013703B2
A multi-parallel magnetic-filed cancellation type transformer includes a plurality of coils which generate magnetic flux during energization and a core having a plurality of magnetic leg portions on which the coils are wound, and bases for fixing the magnetic leg portions. The plurality of coils are wound on the magnetic leg portions in such a manner that the magnetic flux generated from the coils are formed in the directions opposite to each other. A plurality of closed magnetic circuits of the magnetic flux are formed at the magnetic leg portions and the bases. The magnetic resistance of the closed magnetic circuits is homogeneous. Accordingly, the transformer can reduce the size thereof, and prevent the deterioration of electric power conversion efficiency.
US08013690B2
An electronically tuned, absorptive, low-loss notch filter with high RF power handling capability is obtained using a four-port quadrature hybrid coupler connected to a matched pair of band pass resonator devices and resistive terminations. The notch filter design uses series-only tuning elements for the band pass resonator devices to raise the RF power handling of the band pass resonators far above conventional techniques while also being tunable at high speeds. The notch filter architecture and method can be used for interference cancellation in a wide range of wireless technologies, such as cellular phone, wireless routers, hand-held radios, satellite communications, and any other environments where there are a number of wireless technologies in close signal proximity.
US08013689B2
An integrated circuit (IC) inductor structure is provided with transverse electrical interfaces. The inductor structure is formed on at least one IC circuit layer and has a first axis planar to a circuit layer surface, bisecting the inductor into opposite first and second sides. An input interface is formed on the circuit layer and connected to the inductor first side, parallel to a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis. An output interface is formed on the circuit layer and connected to the inductor second side, parallel to the second axis. In one aspect, the inductor has a center tap electrical interface parallel to the axis. In another aspect, the inductor includes a three-dimensional (3D) loop formed over a plurality of the circuit layers.
US08013686B2
A miniaturized multilayer hybrid-phase signal splitter circuit is proposed, which is fully equivalent in function to a conventional rat-race coupler, but with a specialized circuit layout structure that allows its IC implementation to be more miniaturized than the conventional rat-race coupler. The proposed hybrid-phase signal splitter circuit features the use of a multilayer substrate for the layout of six transmission lines in such a manner that the transmission lines in the middle layer are inductively coupled to the transmission lines on the overlying layer as well as the transmission lines on the underlying layer to form a Marchand balun. In IC implementation, the required layout area is only about 10% of the layout area for the conventional rat-race coupler.
US08013681B2
A communications device (100) includes a frequency divider circuit (106) having a plurality of frequency division ratios. The device also includes at least one phase-lock loop (PLL) circuit (101, 102, 103, 104, 110, 112) coupled to at least a signal input of the frequency divider circuit. The PLL circuit includes a local oscillator (LO) circuit (104) including a plurality of voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) having different frequency tuning ranges. The device further includes at least one control input (105) coupled to at least the frequency divider circuit and the PLL circuit for specifying one of the plurality of VCOs and one of the plurality of frequency division ratios of the frequency divider circuit.
US08013678B2
A Hybrid feedback Controlled Oscillation Modulator (HCOM) is disclosed, having a 1st feedback path from the output voltage of the switching stage and a second feedback path from the filter output, the two feedback paths being superposed to provide a weighted state feedback signal. The state feedback path signal is subtracted from the input signal to form an error signal, the error signal filtered by a forward path compensation block B(s), closing the loop by feeding the pulse modulator, the loop having a transfer function such that self-oscillation can be established in the closed loop system. In an example embodiment, the first feedback path has a low pass characteristic and the second feedback path lead characteristic, the first feedback path being weighted by a weighting factor β. Further embodiments include a pure passive realization without a forward path device and the application of 3rd feedback loops to enhance global amplifier performance.
US08013673B2
An RF power amplifier according to an implementation of the present invention includes: a first power amplifier which linearly amplifies a first RF signal of a first frequency band; a second power amplifier which linearly amplifies a second RF signal of a second frequency band lower than the first frequency band; a third power amplifier which nonlinearly amplifies a third RF signal of the first frequency band; a fourth power amplifier which nonlinearly amplifies a fourth RF signal of the second frequency band, and input lines of the respective power amplifiers do not cross each other on semiconductor substrates, and the output lines of the respective power amplifiers do not cross each other on the semiconductor substrates.
US08013656B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device including an I/O circuitry capable of low-voltage high-speed operation at low cost is provided. In the I/O circuitry, when an I/O voltage (for example, 3.3 V) is lowered to a predetermined voltage (for example, 1.8 V), portions causing a speed deterioration are a level conversion unit and a pre-buffer unit for driving a main large-sized buffer. In view of this, a high voltage is applied to a level up converter and a pre-buffer circuit. By doing so, it is possible to achieve an I/O circuitry capable of low-voltage high-speed operation at low cost.
US08013655B2
An apparatus is provided that uses a first level shifter for performing a voltage shift of a low level input signal of a first voltage domain to a high level output signal of a second voltage domain. The first level shifter comprises a storing element in the second voltage domain, an input stage coupled to the storing element for providing a signal state to be stored in the storing element and a feedback loop from an output of the storing element to the input stage for controlling the input stage in response to a transition of a high level output signal of the storing element.
US08013653B2
A method, system and device for eliminating intra-pair skew are disclosed. The method includes: measuring a phase difference between the received differential signals as a transmission delay difference; and compensating delays of the differential signals using the transmission delay difference, to eliminate intra-pair skew of the differential signals. A phase difference measuring apparatus is used to measure a phase difference between the differential signals as the transmission delay difference, so that the transmission delay difference may be adjusted according to the phase difference. Therefore, the procedure for eliminating intra-pair skew is effectively simplified, and the effect of adjusting the transmission delay difference is improved.
US08013639B2
A MOS integrated circuit includes: a voltage-to-current conversion circuit configured to convert first and second voltages to a first current having a current value corresponding to the first voltage and a second current having a current value corresponding to the second voltage; and a current comparison circuit configured to compare the respective current values of the first and second currents and to output a voltage showing the comparison result. Oxide films of MOS transistors of the current comparison circuit are thinner than oxide films of MOS transistors of the voltage-to-current conversion circuit.
US08013633B2
A thin-film logic circuit, which can be fabricated entirely of TFTs of the same conductivity type, includes a logic stage connected to a supply voltage and a level shifter connected to a wider voltage range provided by the supply voltage and ground. The logic circuit produces output signals with full rail-to-rail signal range from ground to the supply voltage and can implement or include a basic logic component such as an inverter, a NAND gate, or a NOR gate or more complicated circuits in which many basic logic components are cascaded together. Such logic circuits can be fabricated directly on flexible structures or large areas such as in flat panel displays.
US08013630B2
A pull-up switching device for controlling connection and non-connection of an input terminal IN and a first supply VDD and a pull-down switching device for controlling connection and non-connection of the input terminal IN and a second supply VSS are provided. The pull-up switching device and the pull-down switching device are operated exclusively on and off in time division to hold and output the state of the input terminal during each operating state from the two output terminals.
US08013619B2
A system and method for performing a continuity test on a lightning conduction system of a wind turbine are disclosed. The system generally includes a testing device having a blade ring configured to be positioned around at least a portion of an outer perimeter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine. A carriage may be attached to the testing device and a cable may be attached to the carriage. The cable may generally extend between a first anchor point and a second anchor point, wherein the anchor points are spaced apart from one another such that a lightning receptor of the lightning conduction system is disposed between the anchor points. Additionally, the cable may be coupled between the anchor points such that, as the cable is displaced, the testing device is moved to a position at which an electrically conductive member of the testing device contacts the lightning receptor.
US08013617B2
A test method for a spark plug ceramic insulator includes placing a first electrode in an inner hole of the ceramic insulator and placing a second electrode on an outer peripheral side of the ceramic insulator, developing a defect in the ceramic insulator by the application of a first voltage onto the ceramic insulator between the first and second electrodes and detecting the defect in the ceramic insulator by the application of a second voltage, which is lower than a flashover voltage that causes a flashover of the ceramic insulator, onto the ceramic insulator between the first and second electrodes.
US08013616B2
A modified Series A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle connector is equipped with the functionality to allow the electronic system in which it resides to be configured either as a host device or a peripheral device. The modified USB Series A receptacle connector, according to one embodiment of the invention may include a mechanism such as an additional pin or a mechanical switch to detect the presence of a standard USB Series A plug being inserted into it. Upon detection of a plug, an algorithm may allow the system to determine whether it is to act as a host device or a peripheral device and to determine which device supplies power.
US08013614B2
A system and method for enhanced accuracy in cable diagnostics of cable length. Conventional cable diagnostics such as time domain reflectometry can be used to determine cable length. This conventional technique can have accuracy limitations in certain situation such as with perfectly terminated cable. A cable length can also be determined through the use of link delay measurements that are based on clock synchronization between nodes in a network. Notwithstanding the accuracy issues of these link delay measurements, overall accuracy can be increased through the combination of the two cable length delay measurements into a final estimate.
US08013609B2
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging system and a corresponding method having a transmit phase and a receive phase. Further, the present invention relates to a detuning circuit and a corresponding detuning method for detuning an RF receive coil during the transmit phase in such a magnetic resonance imaging system. In high-field MRI systems the transmit mode operating frequency is higher than normal high breakdown voltage rectifiers can handle when they are used to forward bias a passive detuning circuit PIN diode switch. The proposed circuit uses a current-limiting capacitor (C5) in series with a fast (e.g. schottky) rectifier diode (V2) with a reverse breakdown voltage of e.g. 20 volts and a fast reverse recovery time to generate a DC current. The rectifying circuit is isolated from the PIN diode (V1) with a relatively high-value inductor (L2), which ensures that no harmful transient current spikes can flow from the PIN diode anode to the rectifying circuit. The inductor (L2) still passes and maintains the DC current generated by the rectifying circuit through the PIN diode, thus enabling the robust forward-biasing of the PIN-diode during transmit mode. The use of a fast (and thus low-power) rectifier results in less dissipation on the detuning circuit, and helps in fulfilling the surface temperature limits posed on receiver coils.
US08013605B2
A data acquisition unit of a magnetic resonance system has an examination region therein, relative to which an examination subject is conveyed by a patient bed. The data acquisition unit has a built-in radio-frequency transmission arrangement, that radiates radio-frequency energy into the examination subject, and a built-in reception arrangement that receives radio-frequency magnetic resonance signals emitted from the examination subject as a result of excitation by the radiated radio-frequency energy. The reception arrangement operates as a resistive arrangement when the radio-frequency energy is being radiated by the transmission arrangement, and operates as a superconducting arrangement when the magnetic resonance signals are being received thereby.
US08013593B2
A voltage measuring apparatus for a semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first delay unit configured to delay a reference clock in a first region, a second delay unit configured to delay the reference clock in a second region and an analysis unit configured to analyze a difference in voltage level between the regions based on the phases of associated with the delayed clock signals generated by the first and second delay units.
US08013592B2
The technology relates to detecting the wiring phase of an unknown phase voltage relative to a reference phase voltage in an electric power distribution system having a polyphase power line. In order to reliably detect the wiring phase at the remote location relative to a reference wiring phase even if the remote location is at a larger distance from the reference location, at least one relay location is arranged between the reference location and the remote location and connected to the wiring phase of the polyphase power line. A first phase relation is detected between the reference wiring phase voltage at the reference location and the wiring phase voltage at the relay location. A second phase relation is detected between the wiring phase voltage at the relay location and the wiring phase voltage at the remote location. The wiring phase of the remote location relative to the wiring phase at the reference location is detected based on the first phase relation and the second phase relation. The technology is advantageous in that a direct communication channel between the remote location and the reference location for detecting the phase relation is not required.
US08013582B2
A voltage control circuit accepts an input voltage and produces a regulated output voltage. Embodiments provide improved responsiveness to variations in input voltage, load current, and ambient temperature. Exemplary embodiments include an NPN transistor connected between the input and output terminals, which is controlled by a feedback circuit. In an embodiment, the feedback circuit includes a PMOS transistor and in another embodiment the feedback circuit includes a PNP transistor.
US08013581B2
An exemplary power supply circuit configured for supply power for a load includes: a main power supply configured for converting received voltages into required direct current voltages; a microprocessor configured for providing control signals; a stand-by control circuit configured for controlling the main power supply; an energy storage circuit configured for supplying the stand-by control circuit. When the load stops operating, the microprocessor outputs a control signal to the stand-by control circuit, the stand-by control circuit outputs a corresponding control signal to turn off the main power supply. In response to when the load starts operating, the stand-by control circuit outputs a corresponding control signal to turn on the main power supply, and the main power supply charges the energy storage circuit.
US08013579B2
Embodiments are provided that include a memory die, memory devices, and methods, such as those comprising a voltage generator, including an output voltage and an adjustment circuit configured to cause adjustment of the output voltage based on a latch signal. Further one such method includes applying an input voltage to an input of a voltage generator, adjusting the input voltage to an adjusted voltage, comparing the adjusted voltage to a reference voltage, generating trim data based on the comparison and storing the trim data.
US08013578B2
The present invention relates to an alternator comprising: an alternator stator (2) comprising a main secondary winding (7) delivering an output voltage; at least one auxiliary winding (3); and an exciter field winding (5) powered by the auxiliary winding(s); a regulator (20) for regulating the output voltage of the alternator; and an alternator rotor (8) comprising an exciter secondary winding (6); a rotary field winding (4) powered by the exciter secondary winding (6); and a control circuit (10) for controlling the power supply to the rotary field winding (4) and configured to maintain the amplitude of the output voltage from the alternator at a predetermined level by controlling the power supply to the rotary field winding (4) in response to a control signal coming from the voltage regulator (20), the auxiliary winding(s) (3) generating a voltage because they are exposed to a varying magnetic field generated by the rotary field winding (4) in rotation.
US08013577B2
A charging system includes a secondary battery which includes a heat-resistant member between a negative electrode and a positive electrode thereof, a charging-voltage supply section which conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery, a charge control section which controls the operation of the charging-voltage supply section, and a mode-setting acceptance section which chooses and accepts the setting of either of an ordinary charge mode and a high-voltage charge mode. When the ordinary charge mode is accepted, the charge control section conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery by supplying a voltage equal to, or below, the reference voltage, and when the high-voltage charge mode is accepted, the charge control section conducts a constant-voltage charge of the secondary battery by supplying a voltage above the reference voltage.
US08013573B2
A battery pack is constructed with a plurality of secondary batteries or a plurality of battery assemblies, each having a plurality of unit batteries, and at least one safety switch, which can facilitate precise measurement of the voltages of the plurality of secondary batteries or battery assemblies. The battery pack is constructed with a plurality of secondary batteries, at least one safety switch electrically connected between two adjacent batteries among the plurality of secondary batteries, and a plurality of sensing lines for measuring voltages of the plurality of secondary batteries. The quantity of the sensing lines is equals to a sum of the number of the secondary batteries, and the number of the safety switches, and plus one.
US08013564B2
A multi-phase AC motor driving device in which occurrence of failure is not erroneously determined is provided. In a multi-phase AC motor driving device including an inverter circuit; current detecting resistances Ru, Rv, and Rw, respectively arranged on lower arm of the respective phase of the inverter circuit, for detecting phase current of the motor; and a control portion and a PWM circuit for controlling ON/OFF operation of switching devices of the inverter circuit, the determination on the occurrence of failure based on the current values detected by the current detecting resistances is not made if relays connected between the inverter circuit and the motor are turned ON and all the switching devices of the lower arms of the respective phases are turned OFF.
US08013553B2
In a rotary electric system, a controller works to turn high-side and low-side switching elements of first and second multiphase inverters on and off to thereby cause: the first multiphase inverter to intermittently supply a first phase current to the first star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase to charge first electromagnetic energy in first star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase, the first electromagnetic energy charging a capacitor; the second multiphase inverter to intermittently supply a second phase current to the second star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase to charge second electromagnetic energy in the second star-connected multiphase stator windings per phase, the second electromagnetic energy charging the capacitor. The first phase current for each phase and the second phase current for a corresponding one phase have a predetermined second phase difference from each other, and the first phase difference is matched with the second phase difference.
US08013548B2
A system includes a first energy storage system electrically coupled to a DC-link, and the first energy storage system comprises a first energy source that can exchange electrical power with an electric motor through the DC-link; a boost converter coupled to the DC-link; a second energy storage system that can be reversibly electrically coupled to the boost converter through a contactor, and wherein an operating voltage of the second energy storage system is less than an operating voltage of the first energy source; and the second energy storage system comprises both an energy battery and a second energy source, and the second energy source has an operating voltage that is higher than the energy battery and is lower than the first energy source operating voltage. A vehicle incorporating the system and a related method are provided.
US08013547B2
A device for driving a magnetic levitation train has at least one controllable power supply unit that feeds at least one multi-phase power supply line, and a long stator with stator windings that extend in switching sections of the long stator. Each switching section can be connected to at least one of the power supply lines via an assigned section feed switch and each stator winding has at least one assigned current sensor for detecting a current and at least one assigned evaluation unit connected to the sensor. In order to permit a simple, precise overcurrent protection, each current sensor is configured to detect the current in one phase of each assigned stator winding and the evaluation unit is configured to deactivate the section feed switch, if the current detected in each case exceeds a previously defined threshold value.
US08013545B2
Various methods of manufacturing a lighting apparatus and embodiments of a modular networked lighting apparatus are disclosed. One method defines a mechanical form factor with a minimum set of electrical connections for a networking module, builds a subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the subassembly comprising attachment points compatible with the mechanical form factor for the networking module and contacts for the minimum set of electrical connections for the networking module, installs a networking module into the subassembly of the networked lighting apparatus, the networking module compatible with a selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus, completes the final assembly of the networked lighting module, and marks the networked lighting apparatus to indicate the selected networking protocol for the networked lighting apparatus. In some embodiments, the lighting apparatus may function without the networking module installed. One embodiment of the modular, networked light bulb has means for supporting and holding an electronics module conforming with a predetermined form factor in place, and means for allowing the electronics module to control at least a brightness level of the at least one LED. The modular networked light bulb may have a networked controller conforming with the predetermined form factor used as the electronics module. The networked controller is able to connect to a network and may be positioned and held by the means for supporting and holding an electronics module.
US08013538B2
A lighting arrangement includes a light fixture including a plurality of light sources wherein each light source is configured to generate a different color light when energized; and a circuit arrangement included in the light fixture and operatively interposed between the plurality of light sources and a source of electrical power. This circuit arrangement is responsive to brief interruptions in the supply of electrical power of less than a predetermined period to simultaneously de-energize all of the light sources for a full duration of the interruption and to subsequently toggle energization from one light source to the next and thereby produce different color light in response to the cessation of the brief interruption.
US08013533B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining drive values for driving a lighting device at a desired brightness and color. The method comprising the steps of determining a first luminous flux weight ratio based on the desired color and a first drive current for driving each of the differently colored LEDs, determining a first luminous flux for each of the differently colored LEDs based on the desired brightness and the first luminous flux weight ratio, comparing, for each of the differently colored LEDs, the first luminous flux with a nominal luminous flux for a plurality of different drive currents, selecting, for each of the differently colored LEDs, a preferred drive current that at least can produce the first luminous flux, determining a second luminous flux weight ratio based on the desired color and the selected drive currents for each of the differently colored LEDs, determining a second luminous flux for each of the differently colored LEDs based on the desired brightness and the second luminous flux weight ratio, and determining a duty cycle for each of the differently colored LEDs at the selected drive currents, wherein the selected currents at the determined duty cycles produces the second luminous flux for each of the differently colored LEDs. The present invention provides for the possibility to limit the number of necessary computational steps for determining preferred drive currents. Furthermore, an increase in number of current level and/or differently colored LEDs would only slightly increase the computational cost.
US08013530B2
A plasma display panel (PDP) having improved discharge efficiency, low discharge firing voltage, and high reliability. A plasma display device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate and a second substrate spaced apart and facing each other. A plurality of address electrodes are between the first and second substrates. A plurality of barrier ribs are between the first and second substrates and define a plurality of discharge cells and a non-discharge region located between adjacent ones of the discharge cells. A carbon-based material is in the non-discharge region. A phosphor layer is in the plurality of discharge cells. A plurality of display electrodes are between the first and second substrates and extend in a direction crossing the address electrodes.
US08013524B2
An organic EL display of the present invention includes a plurality of organic EL devices, each including a first electrode, an intermediate insulating film disposed on the first electrode so as to have an exposed portion in which the first electrode is partially exposed, an organic layer disposed on the exposed portion, and a second electrode disposed on the organic layer. The organic layer has, on a part disposed on the exposed portion, a thick film portion disposed around the center of the exposed portion and a thin film portion disposed around the end of the exposed portion and having a smaller thickness than the thick film portion, and the thin film portions of the adjacent organic EL devices are substantially equal in width.
US08013521B2
An organic EL device includes: a first electrode which have a light-transmitting property; a transflective film; an organic light emission layer which is disposed between the first electrodes and the transflective film; a reflective film which is disposed on opposite side of the first electrode than the transflective film; and a first light emission pixel which includes a connective conduction portion formed to cover a stepped portion of the end of the reflective film. The connective conduction portion includes conductive films having a light-transmitting property and is electrically connected to a switching element of the first light emission pixel. In addition, the first electrode is formed by selecting and patterning at least one layer of the conductive films included in the connective conduction portion.
US08013514B2
The invention is directed to an organic electroluminescent (EL) display device having an improved light extracting efficiency due to a photonic crystal layer formed proximate one side of a stack. Among other elements, the stack may include a first electrode formed on a substrate, an organic light emitting layer formed above the first electrode, and a second electrode formed above the organic light emitting layer. Additionally, the photonic crystal layer may be configured to correspond to a wavelength of colored light. An organic EL display device having an improved light extracting efficiency may be manufactured using a thermal transfer donor film to adhere the photonic crystal layer to the stack.
US08013512B1
A flat panel display including: a plurality of electrically addressable pixels; a plurality of thin-film transistor driver circuits each being electrically coupled to an associated at least one of the pixels, respectively; a passivating layer on the thin-film transistor driver circuits and at least partially around the pixels; a conductive frame on the passivating layer; and, a plurality of nanostructures on the conductive frame; wherein, exciting the conductive frame and addressing one of the pixels using the associated driver circuit causes the nanostructures to emit electrons that induce the one of the pixels to emit light.
US08013511B2
An electron-emitting device has a pair of device electrodes formed on a substrate and an electroconductive film connected to the device electrodes. The electroconductive film has a first gap between the device electrodes and has a carbon film having a second gap at least in the first gap. The substrate is formed by stacking a nitrogen-contained activation suppressing layer and an activation accelerating layer having a nitrogen containing ratio smaller than that of the activation suppressing layer onto a base and has nitrogen containing ratio distribution in the activation suppressing layer in a film thickness direction. The nitrogen containing ratio of the activation suppressing layer at the activation accelerating layer side is smaller than that at the base side.
US08013505B2
A field emission electron source includes a CNT needle and a conductive base. The CNT needle has an end portion and a broken end portion; the end portion is contacted with and electrically connected to a surface of the conductive base. The CNTs at the broken end portion form a taper-shape structure, wherein one CNT protrudes and is higher than the adjacent CNTs.
US08013503B2
A spark plug including: a ground electrode including a thick portion provided on a base end side, a thin portion provided on a distal end side, and a stepped portion provided on an inner peripheral surface between the thick portion and the thin portion; a noble metal tip partially embedded in an inner peripheral surface of the thin portion; and a bulge portion provided on the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion between the stepped portion and the noble metal tip. When viewed from a side surface of the ground electrode, a relationship [a protruding height of the noble metal tip from the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion]≧[a protruding height of the bulge portion from the inner peripheral surface of the thin portion].
US08013495B2
A stator and a piezo ultrasonic motor including the same. The piezo ultrasonic motor includes a stator including an elastic body having a flat portion at its outer surface and a central hole penetrating the center of the stator with a predetermined size, and a piezoelectric body including a first internal piezoelectric body and a second internal piezoelectric body integrally disposed parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the flat portion and providing an external force deforming the elastic body when an AC voltage is applied, a rotor inserted in the central hole and including a contact frictionally contacting an inner surface of the central hole, an elastic part providing an elastic force maintaining close attachment of the contact to the stator. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost decreases by reducing the number of elements and simplifying a structure, and a stable driving characteristic can be achieved.
US08013493B2
A MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8, 78) is driven at a higher order eigenmode (32) than the fundamental eigenmode (31). The route of flow of a sense current (22) is arranged in relation to a characteristic of the higher order eigenmode (32), for example by being at a point of maximum displacement (50) or at a point of maximum rate of change with respect to distance (x) of displacement of the higher order eigenmode (32). The route of flow of the sense current (22) may be arranged by fabricating the MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8, 78) with a trench (15) formed between two beams (11, 12) of the MEMS piezoresistive resonator (8, 78), the end of the trench being located at the above mentioned position.
US08013492B2
According to the present invention, a stable operation of an actuator is realized. An actuator 1 according to the present invention includes: a movable section 5; a stationary section 10 for supporting the movable section 5; driving electrode portions 8 and 9 for driving the movable section 5; and a repulsion generation section 6 for generating a repulsion acting between the movable section 5 and the stationary section 10. The repulsion generation section 6 is provided at a position of the stationary section 10 opposing the movable section 5. At least a portion of the repulsion generation section 6 opposes an end of the movable section 5 that is located closer to the movable comb electrodes 9 than to hinges 7. By applying the same driving voltage to the movable section 5 and the repulsion generation section 6, a repulsion is generated. The repulsion acts in a direction of suppressing a rotation of the movable section 5 around an axis which is perpendicular to the planar direction of the movable section 5.
US08013490B2
An armature includes a plurality of armature elements, wherein each of the armature elements has an armature element core that has a predetermined core length and has end faces spaced apart in a core length direction and side faces connecting the end faces, a first coil that is formed by winding a wire over the side faces and the end faces, a second coil that is formed, after forming the first coil, by winding a wire over the side faces and the end faces so that on the side faces the second coil is formed contiguously to the first coil, and an end structure member that is provided on each of the end faces, has a first-winding face and a second-winding face on which the wires of the first coil and the second coil are wound, respectively, and has a riser formed between the first-winding face and the second-winding face, the end structure member in which a vicinity of the riser on the second-winding face is positioned farther from the each of the end faces than the first-winding face.
US08013489B2
A small DC motor includes a motor frame having a cylindrical portion, the cylindrical portion having a constant thickness and having a cross section in a shape that comprises four sides and connecting portions, each of the connecting portions connecting adjacent two of the four sides and being located inward from a corresponding corner in a quadrangle comprising the four sides; and a magnet having a circumferential surface on an inside thereof and having conformable contact with the motor frame on an outside thereof.
US08013488B2
A starter/generator mechanically coupled to a gas turbine transmission housing is disclosed. The starter/generator includes a generator with a rotor forming a field winding and a stator forming an armature, and an energizer with a stator forming a field winding and a rotor forming an armature connected to the generator field winding. The generator rotor and the energizer rotor are mounted on a common shaft with a transmission housing gear wheel, on either side of the gear wheel.
US08013483B2
The hybrid drive device wherein: a case space is divided by a partition wall into a first case part and a second case part; a drive electric motor is provided in the first case part; a friction engagement element is provided in the second case part; and a through hole that communicates the case spaces is formed.
US08013481B2
A solution is provided for tuning the frequency of a torsional mode of interest of a rotating body (such as a generator rotor torsional mode) by adding a detuner to act as an undamped torsional vibration absorber. The detuner may be coupled to an overhung shaft extending from the rotating body. The detuner may be modular, therefore weight can be added or subtracted easily from the detuner in order to adjust the stiffness and/or inertia of the overhung shaft. This change in stiffness and/or inertia yields a torsional frequency of oscillation in the overhung shaft substantially similar to the natural frequency of the torsional mode of interest of the rotating body, therefore forcing the frequency of the torsional mode of interest of the rotating body above or below its torsional natural frequency.
US08013478B2
A power bank apparatus includes a power storage unit, a first power output port and a first power input port. The power storage unit is connected to the first power input and output ports. The power bank apparatus is connected to a controller through the first power output port. The controller includes a control unit, a second power input port and a second power output port. The control unit is connected to the second power input and output ports, and the second power input port is connected to the first power output port, and the control unit is provided for controlling an output voltage value of the second power output port.
US08013471B2
Charge on a storage capacitor in a backup power supply is managed by discharging the capacitor into an aircraft recorder that is to be powered when a primary power source fails. During the discharging, a first amount of energy discharged from the capacitor is measured along with the length of the discharge time. The first amount of energy and the discharge time are employed to define a target energy level to which the capacitor should be charged to enable the backup power supply to adequately power aircraft recorder. Then charging of the capacitor commences while a second amount of energy stored in the capacitor is measured. The capacitor charging terminates when the second amount of energy reaches the target energy level. Definition of the target energy level also may take into account variation in temperature of the capacitor.
US08013468B2
A system transmits electric signals, electric energy or media over short distances between units movable relative to each other. The system has at least one first unit disposed along the trajectory of the movement and at least one second unit disposed for movement relative to the first unit. A diagnosis unit is associated with at least one of the units to detect the condition of at least one of said movable units and signals that detected condition to a central control unit.
US08013461B2
A power generation system includes a rotary power generator for generating a variable-frequency alternating current, a generator side converter for converting the variable-frequency alternating current into a DC current, a DC link coupled to the generator side converter for receiving the DC current, a line side converter coupled to the DC link for converting the DC current into an alternating current with controlled amplitude or frequency, a generator side controller for receiving a DC link voltage command signal and a DC link voltage feedback signal and generating control signals for the generator side converter, and a line side controller for receiving a generator torque command signal and a generator torque feedback signal and generating control signals for the line side converter.
US08013458B2
A vehicle heat exchanger arrangement is provided basically with a heat exchanger, a pusher fan and a power recovery device. The heat exchanger has a first side and a second side. The pusher fan is disposed on the first side of the heat exchanger to push air through the heat exchanger to the second side. The power recovery device is disposed on the second side of the heat exchanger to receive the air pushed through the heat exchanger by the pusher fan such that the power recovery device generates electricity.
US08013457B2
An electric power generation system is disclosed. The electric power generation system includes: a first string and a second string configured to be pulled; a first portion of a bobbin configured to rotate in a direction when the first string is unwound from the bobbin as the first string is pulled; a second portion of a bobbin configured to rotate in the direction when the second string is unwound from the bobbin as the second string is pulled; and an electric power generator having a rotor wherein the rotor is mechanically coupled to the bobbin. The pulling of the second string causes the first string to retract and the pulling of the first string causes the second string to retract.
US08013452B2
Consistent with an example embodiment, there is a semiconductor component comprising a semiconductor chip made of a doped silicon substrate. The chip is doped into a semiconductor device and structured, and includes an inner connection metallization in a contact window. The inner connection metallization of said semiconductor chip is connected to the respective outer connection metallization by a wire bond connection, wherein the inner connection metallization comprises a reinforcing system having an open grid structure on the doped silicon substrate.
US08013449B2
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric and a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide post-passivation interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick passivation interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate.
US08013446B2
An interconnect structure is provided that has enhanced electromigration reliability without degrading circuit short yield, and improved technology extendibility. The inventive interconnect structure includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less. The dielectric material has at least one conductive material embedded therein. A nitrogen-containing noble metal cap is located predominately (i.e., essentially) on an upper surface of the at least one conductive region. The nitrogen-containing noble metal cap does not extend onto an upper surface of the dielectric material. In some embodiments, the nitrogen-containing noble metal cap is self-aligned to the embedded conductive material, while in other embodiments some portion of the nitrogen-containing noble metal cap extends onto an upper surface of a diffusion barrier that separates the at least one conductive material from the dielectric material. A method of fabricating such an interconnect structure utilizing a low temperature (about 200° C. or less) chemical deposition process is also provided.
US08013442B2
In a semiconductor device according to the present invention, a plurality of opening regions 5 to 8 are formed in an insulating film on a pad electrode 3. A metal layer 9 formed on the pad electrode 3 has a plurality of concave portions 10 to 13 formed therein by covering the opening regions 5 to 8. Moreover, in a peripheral portion at a bottom of each of the concave portions 10 to 13 in the metal layer 9, the metal layer 9 and a Cu plating layer 19 react with each other. By use of this structure, the metal reaction area serves as a current path on the pad electrode 3. Thus, a resistance value on the pad electrode 3 is reduced.
US08013440B2
In a semiconductor chip, a thermal adhesive is used to bond an internal heat spreader to an active functional die. In an alternative embodiment a dummy die is place directly on top of the active functional die and a thermal adhesive is used to bond an internal heat spreader to the dummy die. This provides a direct and relatively low thermal conductivity path from the heat source, i.e., the functional device to the top of the package, that is, the internal metal heat spreader which is also exposed to the air.
US08013434B2
The present invention discloses a package substrate comprising an insulative carrier having a through-hole penetrating the top and bottom surfaces thereof; at least one first and second conductive layers comprising circuits respectively formed on the top and bottom surfaces and covering an opening of the through-hole; a conductive element set in the through-hole for electrically connecting the first and second conductive layers; a first metal layer formed on the first and/or the second conductive layer; and at least one chip receiving bay formed by removing a portion of the carrier from the upper to the lower surfaces until the second conductive layer is exposed for accommodating at least one chip therein on the exposed second conductive layer. The package structure has a reduced overall thickness and an enhanced heat-dissipation effect for the chip and prevents from humidity penetration. A manufacturing method for the package structure is also disclosed.
US08013429B2
An air cavity package is manufactured by attaching a die to a surface of a copper heat sink, dispensing a bead of epoxy around a periphery of the heat sink surface after the die is attached to the copper heat sink so that the bead of epoxy generally surrounds the die and placing a ceramic window frame on the bead of epoxy. The epoxy is cured to attach a bottom surface of the ceramic window frame to the copper heat sink.
US08013411B2
Methods and structures to reduce optical crosstalk in solid state imager arrays. Sections of pixel material layers that previously would have been etched away and disposed of as waste during fabrication are left as conserved sections. These conserved sections are used to amend the properties and performance of the imager array. In the resulting structure, the conserved sections absorb incident light. The patterned portions of conserved material provide additional light shielding for array pixels.
US08013410B2
An imaging device includes a lens (3), an optical filter (5), a semiconductor imaging element (4) having a light receiving section, and a tridimensional substrate (2) on which the semiconductor imaging element (4) and the optical filter (5) are mounted, wherein the tridimensional substrate (2) has an opening (14) corresponding to the light receiving section of the semiconductor imaging element (4), the semiconductor imaging element (4) and the optical filter (5) are located on one side of the opening (14), the lens (3) is located on the other side of the opening (14), and the semiconductor imaging element (4) and the optical filter (5) are fixed to the tridimensional substrate (2) under the condition that the semiconductor imaging element (4) and the optical filter (5) are curved, and have respective centers moved in a direction away from the lens (3).
US08013408B2
A magneto-resistive device has a magnetic free layer (33), a magnetic pinned layer (31) having a magnetic moment larger than that of the magnetic free layer, and an intermediate layer (32) provided between the magnetic free layer and the magnetic pinned layer. The negative-resistance device is characterized in that the negative-resistance device shows negative resistance by making the magnetic free layer continually change the magnetization direction along with the increase of the voltage which is applied to a magneto-resistive device so that electrons flow into the negative-resistance device from a magnetic free layer side.
US08013398B2
A semiconductor device includes a first pMISFET region having an Si channel, a second pMISFET region having an Si channel and an nMISFET region having an Si channel. First SiGe layers which apply first compression strain to the Si channel are embedded and formed in the first pMISFET region to sandwich the Si channel thereof and second SiGe layers which apply second compression strain different from the first compression strain to the Si channel are embedded and formed in the second pMISFET region to sandwich the Si channel thereof.
US08013397B2
The present invention provides a semiconducting device including a gate region positioned on a mesa portion of a substrate; and a nitride liner positioned on the gate region and recessed surfaces of the substrate adjacent to the gate region, the nitride liner providing a stress to a device channel underlying the gate region. The stress produced on the device channel is a longitudinal stress on the order of about 275 MPa to about 450 MPa.
US08013393B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. According to this method, a first gate electrode and a second gate electrode are formed overlying a first portion of a silicon substrate, and ions of a first conductivity-type are implanted into a second portion of the silicon substrate to define a first conductivity-type diode region within the silicon substrate. Ions of a second conductivity-type are implanted into a third portion of the silicon substrate to define a second conductivity-type diode region within the silicon substrate. During one of the steps of implanting ions of the first conductivity-type and implanting ions of the second conductivity-type, ions are also implanted into at least part of the first portion to define a separation region within the first portion. The separation region splits the first portion into a first well device region and a second well device region. The separation region is formed in series between the first well device region and the second well device region.
US08013392B2
Semiconductor structure formed on a substrate and process of forming the semiconductor. The semiconductor includes a plurality of field effect transistors having a first portion of field effect transistors (FETS) and a second portion of field effect transistors. A first stress layer has a first thickness and is configured to impart a first determined stress to the first portion of the plurality of field effect transistors. A second stress layer has a second thickness and is configured to impart a second determined stress to the second portion of the plurality of field effect transistors.
US08013367B2
A compact semiconductor structure including at least one FET located upon and within a surface of a semiconductor substrate in which the at least one FET includes a long channel length and/or a wide channel width and a method of fabricating the same are provided. In some embodiments, the ordered, nanosized pattern is oriented in a direction that is perpendicular to the current flow. In such an embodiment, the FET has a long channel length. In other embodiments, the ordered, nanosized pattern is oriented in a direction that is parallel to that of the current flow. In such an embodiment, the FET has a wide channel width. In yet another embodiment, one ordered, nanosized pattern is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the current flow, while another ordered, nanosized pattern is oriented in a direction parallel to the current flow. In such an embodiment, a FET having a long channel length and wide channel width is provided.
US08013365B2
A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor (CIS) includes a semiconductor substrate including a photodiode therein as a light sensing unit. A floating diffusion region of a first conductivity type is provided in the semiconductor substrate, and is configured to receive charges generated in the photodiode. A power supply voltage region of the first conductivity type is also provided in the semiconductor substrate. A reset transistor including a reset gate electrode on a surface of the substrate between the floating diffusion region and a power supply voltage region is configured to discharge charges stored in the floating diffusion region in response to a reset control signal. The reset transistor includes a channel region in the substrate extending between the floating diffusion region and the power supply voltage region such that the floating diffusion region and the power supply voltage regions define source/drain regions for the reset transistor. An impurity region is provided in a first portion of the channel region adjacent to the floating diffusion region. The impurity region has a doping such that the first portion of the channel region adjacent to the floating diffusion region has a different built-in potential than a second portion of the channel region adjacent to the power supply voltage region.
US08013364B2
A structure having air gaps between interconnects is disclosed. A first insulating material is deposited over a workpiece, and a second insulating material having a sacrificial portion is deposited over the first insulating material. Conductive lines are formed in the first and second insulating layers. The second insulating material is treated to remove the sacrificial portion, and at least a portion of the first insulating material is removed, forming air gaps between the conductive lines. The second insulating material is impermeable as deposited and permeable after treating it to remove the sacrificial portion. A first region of the workpiece may be masked during the treatment, so that the second insulating material becomes permeable in a second region of the workpiece yet remains impermeable in the first region, thus allowing the formation of the air gaps in the second region, but not the first region.
US08013351B2
A leak-proof LED (Light Emitting Diode) base structure includes a ceramic substrate and a ceramic reflection ring. The ceramic reflection ring is coupled to the ceramic substrate by a heat-resistant epoxy resin to prevent encapsulant filled in an LED base from flowing out through a junction between the ceramic reflection ring and the ceramic substrate. A groove for receiving an overflow of the heat-resistant epoxy resin is formed on a coupling surface of the ceramic reflection ring. The ceramic reflection ring has a polished reflecting surface for reflecting light emitted by an LED die so as to increase luminosity of the light emitted by the LED. A lens positioning portion is formed on the top of the polished reflecting surface for allowing a lens to be precisely aligned with the ceramic reflection ring, enhancing preciseness of lens assembly, and improving resultant optical configuration of the light emitted by the LED.
US08013349B2
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device includes: forming a plurality of independent light emitting portions on a growth substrate; separating the light emitting portions from the growth substrate; mounting the light emitting portions onto a receiving substrate; and dicing the receiving substrate, onto which the light emitting portions are mounted, into a light emitting unit. Residual stress, which occurs when the light emitting portions are separated from the substrate, can be reduced, and the light emitting portions can be mounted onto the receiving substrate in a fluid state, whereby the light emitting device can be easily mass produced with excellent quality, and its manufacturing costs can be reduced.
US08013348B2
A novel semiconductor device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes, a plurality of transistors, a source pad, and a plurality of wires. The plurality of transistors drive the plurality of light emitting diodes. The source pad is connected to sources of the plurality of transistors and supplies an electric current to each of the plurality of transistors. The plurality of wires connect the source pad and the sources of the plurality of transistors. The plurality of wires also provide substantially equal resistance to the electric current passing therethrough.
US08013347B2
A remote-controllable lighting device comprising a first substrate and an adjacent second substrate maintained in a spaced apart relationship to allow airflow therebetween and at least partly overlapping each other, at least the second substrates carrying thereon at least one emission sources, the first substrate being located towards a proximal end of the device and the second substrate being located towards a distal end of the device; said first substrate being arranged so as to allow light generated by the at least one located second light emission source to pass thereby in a direction defining a primary light emission direction and said first light emission source located so as to emit light in said primary light emission direction; said first and second substrate being in thermal communication so as to allow heat generated by the at least one light emission sources to flow between the substrates so as to provide thermal distribution between the substrates, the first and second substrate being formed of a thermally conductive material suitable for convection of the generated heat therefrom; a signal detector for receiving a wirelessly transmitted control signal from a remote control device; said signal receiver being located proximal of the first substrate in the primary light emission direction; and a controller in communication with said signal detector and the light emission sources and for controlling at least one characteristic of at least one light emission source responsive to said control signal.
US08013346B2
There is provided a light emitting device in which low power consumption can be realized even in the case of a large screen. The surface of a source signal line or a power supply line in a pixel portion is plated to reduce a resistance of a wiring. The source signal line in the pixel portion is manufactured by a step different from a source signal line in a driver circuit portion. The power supply line in the pixel portion is manufactured by a step different from a power supply line led on a substrate. A terminal is similarly plated to made the resistance reduction. It is desirable that a wiring before plating is made of the same material as a gate electrode and the surface of the wiring is plated to form the source signal line or the power supply line.
US08013320B2
A nitride semiconductor device includes a semiconductor stacked structure which is formed of a nitride semiconductor having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to the first principal surface and which includes an active layer. The first principal surface of the semiconductor stacked structure is formed with a plurality of indentations whose plane orientations are the {0001} plane, and the plane orientation of the second principal surface is the {1-101} plane. The active layer is formed along the {1-101} plane.
US08013319B2
A phase change memory device includes heaters which are formed in their respective memory cells and vertically positioned stack patterns having phase change layers and top electrodes which are formed to come into contact with the heaters. The heaters have horizontal cross-sectional bent shapes which can have any number of shapes such as a shape similar to that of a boomerang. The horizontal cross-sectional bent shapes of the heaters are for minimizing the contact area between the heaters and the phase change layer so that programming currents can be reduced or minimized.
US08013317B2
A nonvolatile storage device having a plurality of unit memory layers, and a plurality of layer selection transistors is provided. The plurality of unit memory layers are laminated in a direction perpendicular to a layer surface of the unit memory layers. Each of the unit memory layers includes a plurality of first wirings, a plurality of second wirings provided non-parallel to the plurality of first wirings, and a recording layer provided between the plurality of first wirings and the plurality of second wirings. The plurality of layer selection transistors are connected to at least one of the plurality of first wirings and the plurality of second wirings of each of the unit memory layers, and collectively selects the at least one in the same plane.
US08013316B2
A method and apparatus for near-field focusing of an incident wave, over a range of frequencies from microwaves to optical frequencies, into a sub-wavelength spot having a peak-to-null beamwidth of λ/10. The screen may be made out of closely spaced, unequal slots cut on a metallic sheet. Nano-scale focusing capability may be achieved with a simple structure of three slots on a metallic sheet, which can be readily implemented using current nanofabrication technologies. Unlike negative-refractive-index focusing implementations, this “meta-screen” does not suffer from image degradation when losses are introduced and is easily scalable from microwave to Terahertz frequencies and beyond. The slotted geometry is designed using a theory of shifted beams to determine the necessary weighting factors for each slot element, which are then converted to appropriate slot dimensions.
US08013309B2
A movement distance measuring device that measures, as a movement distance, an amount of change per unit of time in a distance to a detected detection target object, an alarm signal output control device that performs control such that an alarm signal is outputted when the measured movement distance is a predetermined determination threshold value or more, and a determination threshold value varying device that varies the determination threshold value to a larger value when a state in which the movement distance is not less than the determination threshold value continues for not less than a first predetermined period and when a state in which the movement distance is less than the determination threshold value and a difference between the determination threshold value and the movement distance is not greater than a predetermined value continues for not less than a second predetermined period.
US08013308B2
A method for reconstructing an image of a source (S) of photons from interactions of photons emitted by this source with a detector (2) of a gamma-camera, positioned behind a collimator (4), the method including associating with each photon interaction with the detector, a piece of information relating to the depth in the detector, of this interaction, and reconstructing an image of the source (S) of photons from said depth information in the detector.
US08013304B2
In one embodiment, a thermographic imaging device having a visual compare mode that allows a user to compare a live image of a subject to a previously captured image of the same subject to aid the user in aligning the live image with the previously captured image. In this manner, a user can capture a series of images of the subject with the device located and oriented at a common location and orientation that is consistent throughout the series. In another embodiment, trend analysis software that includes a thermographic tool copying feature for copying one or more thermographic tools from a tooled thermographic image file to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files. In some embodiments, the software includes a trend-graphing feature that generates one or more trend plots after one or more tools have been copied to one or more non-tooled thermographic image files.
US08013301B2
The invention provides a method and a measurement system. The method includes: providing a measurement model that includes measurement image information; locating a measurement area image area by utilizing the measurement image information; and performing at least one measurement to provide measurement result information.
US08013300B2
Disclosed herein are methods that include: (a) exposing a sample in a chamber to a first gas, where the first gas reacts with surface contaminants on the sample to form a second gas; (b) removing at least a portion of the second gas from the chamber; and (c) exposing the sample to a charged particle beam to cause a plurality of particles to leave the sample and detecting at least some of the plurality of particles. The charged particle beam can include particles having a molecular weight of 40 atomic mass units or less.
US08013294B2
This ion detector includes an MCP and a plurality of planar dynodes respectively having a plurality of slits. The plurality of planar dynodes are stacked via spacers parallel to an electron output plane of the MCP, and the first stage planar dynode is opposed parallel to the electron output plane. In accordance with this ion detector, it is possible to obtain output signals having the linearity reaching mV order, and to shorten its pulse width to approximately 600 ps.
US08013288B2
In a method for correcting a control of an optical scanner (14) which has a beam deflecting element (31) for deflecting a beam of optical radiation and a drive unit (30, 30′) for moving the beam deflecting element (31), said drive unit deflecting a beam of optical radiation directed at the beam deflecting element (31) according to a predetermined target movement using at least one parameter and/or a transfer function, preferably optical, said parameter or transfer function being used to control or regulate the system. In a determination step at least one current value of a drive unit transfer function that reproduces the response of the drive unit (30, 30′) to a predetermined target movement or a change in a target movement is ascertained for at least one frequency, and in a correction step at least one parameter and/or the transfer function is corrected as a function of the current value of the drive unit transfer function.
US08013287B2
An optical pointing device includes: an image obtaining part for continuously obtaining an image on a work surface as a sample image; a movement value calculator for comparing the sample image with the previously obtained image to calculate and output a movement value; a button selection signal generator for outputting a button selection signal corresponding to a specific reference pattern, when the sample image is the same as the specific reference pattern of a plurality of reference patterns; and a controller for providing the button selection signal and the movement value to a computing device when the button selection signal is transmitted from the button selection signal generator, and providing the movement value only to the computing device when the button selection signal is not transmitted from the button selection signal generator. Therefore, it is possible to recognize a plurality of specific patterns to generate button selection signals and replace mechanical selection buttons, thereby minimizing manufacturing cost and size of the optical pointing device. In addition, it is possible to readily change the number of button selection signals provided from the optical pointing device by changing the number of specific patterns.
US08013282B2
An imaging system, such as for recording images as digital data, comprises a plurality of imaging chips. Each chip includes a plurality of imaging elements; a data-in input, the data-in input accepting control data of a first type and control data of a second type, the control data of each type having an effect on at least one operational aspect of the imaging elements; and a selection input, the selection input selectably causing the imaging chip to ignore control data in the data-in input. A data-in line is common to the data-in input of all imaging chips. By controlling the selection input to all chips, the chips can be loaded with control signals in parallel, or in serial, with control data specifically intended for each chip.
US08013281B2
A system and method for calibrating light output from an LED is provided. The system includes a support on which an LED is positioned, a photosensor to measure the light output from the LED, and means for calibrating and adjusting the light output of the LED. Calibration is accomplished by measuring the light output from the LED, comparing such output against a reference value, and adjusting the measured output against the reference value.
US08013276B2
A pair of soldering tweezers having a first arm having a distal end that is adjustably positionable in a direction parallel to its central longitudinal axis and a second arm having a distal end that is adjustably positionable in a direction perpendicular to its central longitudinal axis. The tweezers also include a biasing mechanism configured to urge the distal ends of the first and second arms apart.
US08013275B2
A hair styling appliance including a first arm pivotable with respect to a second arm. Each arm has a respective housing and heat plate, the heat plate at least partially defines a styling portion of each arm. The appliance also includes a light source positioned to illuminate a work area adjacent the styling portions.
US08013274B2
A hair iron 1 includes a pair of grips 9 being rotatably connected to a base end so as to be openable and closable; and a heating part 11 being provided to be opposed to a tip end side of each grip 9 wherein each heating part 11 has a flat opposing surface, a rear surface side of the heating part 11 has a curved curling part 13, and at least one curling part 13 has an auxiliary case 15 with a curved surface having a different curvature from that of the curling part 13 so as to be attachable and detachable thereto and therefrom.
US08013267B2
A system and method for feeding and sorting mail pieces, and for moving the mail pieces to sorter bins according to delivery information on the mail pieces, includes a plurality of feeders, and a plurality of sorters configured to receive and sort the mail pieces from the feeders. A separating mechanism is configured to separate the feeders from the sorters in order to provide a plurality of pathways, so that each of the feeders is connectable by pathways to substantially all of the sorters. Each sorter includes sorter bins, and each sorter bin receives a subset of the mail pieces. Also included is a mechanism for selecting the pathways according to the delivery information read from each of the mail pieces.
US08013266B2
A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device includes the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes key buttons. The key button includes a circuit board portion; a pad portion made of elastic material and fixed on the circuit board portion; a supporting portion forming a cavity and connecting to the circuit board portion; a key portion slidably positioned on the supporting portion and forming a containing area between the key portion and supporting portion; and a vibrating portion contained in the cavity formed by the supporting portion and the containing area, the vibrating portion being powered by the circuit board portion, such that when the vibrating portion is powered on and off, the vibrating portion vibrates and makes the key portion slide along the supporting portion.
US08013252B2
A cable assembly has a number of wires each having a central conductor and a surrounding insulating layer. Each wire is unshielded from the other wires, so that the conductor is the only conductive portion of the wire. Each wire has a first end and an opposed second end. The first ends of the wires are secured to each other in a flat ribbon portion in a first sequential arrangement, and the second ends of the wires are secured to each other in the same sequence as the first arrangement, with indicia identifying a selected wire in the sequence. The intermediate portions of the wires are detached from each other, and a sheath having a braided conductive shield may loosely encompass the wires, permitting significant flexibility of the cable.
US08013241B2
Disclosed is a novel ionic liquid gel electrolyte having high photoelectric conversion efficiency. Also disclosed are a novel dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device using such an ionic liquid gel electrolyte, and a solar cell composed of such a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device. Specifically disclosed is an ionic liquid gel electrolyte obtained by gelling a liquid electrolyte by using an ionic organic oligomer gelling agent represented by the general formulae (1) and (2) below. Also specifically disclosed are a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion device, wherein the ionic liquid gel electrolyte is arranged between a counter electrode and a dye-absorbed semiconductor substrate which is arranged in contact with a transparent conductive substrate, and a solar cell.
US08013236B2
A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.
US08013231B2
A sound signal processing apparatus which is capable of correctly detecting expression modes and expression transitions of a song or performance from an input sound signal. A sound signal produced by performance or singing of musical tones is input and divided into frames of predetermined time periods. Characteristic parameters of the input sound signal are detected on a frame-by-frame basis. An expression determining process is carried out in which a plurality of expression modes of a performance or song are modeled as respective states, the probability that a section including a frame or a plurality of continuous frames lies in a specific state is calculated with respect to a predetermined observed section based on the characteristic parameters, and the optimum route of state transition in the predetermined observed section is determined based on the calculated probabilities so as to determine expression modes of the sound signal and lengths thereof.
US08013229B2
There is provided a method for automatically creating a music video thumbnail (50) from a music video signal (12). The music video signal is separated into a music signal (16) and a video signal (18). The music signal is analysed by detecting similarity regions and the sections of the music signal corresponding to the chorus are extracted (20). The video signal is analysed by detecting repeated lyrics (34). The extracted chorus sections from the music signal and the sections of the video signal containing repeated lyrics are then matched. A matched pair is then selected for use in the music video thumbnail and the timing of the pair are aligned (42) to form the thumbnail.
US08013224B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV332045. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV332045, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV332045 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV332045 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV332045.
US08013220B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5638947. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5638947. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5638947 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5638947 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08013216B2
The present invention relates to the production of γ-linolenic acid (18:3Δ6,9,12) or stearidonic acid (18:4Δ6,9,12,15) or γ-linolenic acid (18:3Δ6,9,12) and stearidonic acid (18:4Δ6,9,12,15) in transgenic plants of the family Brassicaceae, where the transgenic plants comprise at least 10% by weight of oleic acid based on the total fatty acid content and, as the result of the activity of the Δ6-desaturases used in the method, have an increased Δ6-C18-fatty acid content. The invention furthermore relates to novel nucleic acid sequences which code for the Δ6-desaturases used in the method, gene constructs comprising these nucleic acid sequences, a vector and transgenic plants comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence or a gene construct.
US08013215B2
Oilseed plants which have been transformed to produce arachidonic acid, recombinant constructs used in such transformations, methods for producing arachidonic acid in a plant are described and uses of oils and seeds obtained from such transformed plants in a variety of food and feed applications are described.
US08013214B2
The invention relates to a maize plant having a decrease in the CCR enzyme activity due to the presence of the 3318 allele and its use for ensilage.
US08013207B2
A method and a device of forming a composite web containing at least one layer of superabsorbent particulate material and at least one layer of fibrous material, the web being intended for use as an absorbent structure in absorbent articles. The layers of fibrous material and at least one layer of particulate material are deposited in consecutive steps on a moving foraminous support (12), wherein the airborn stream of particulate material when entering an applicator chamber (15) is allowed to expand and is forced to change flow direction at an angle between about 90 and about 125°, preferably between 100 and 120°, with respect to the first flow direction, resulting in a considerable reduction of speed of the stream of particulate material as it exits the outlet opening (19) of the applicator chamber (15). The invention further refers to an absorbent structure has a composite web made according to the method and includes at least one discrete layer (22a,b) of superabsorbent particles arranged between discrete layers (19a-c) of fibrous material.
US08013204B2
A novel use of delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime (“DRQL”), which is comprised of 40 to 98% by weight of CaO and of 60 to 2% by weight of Ca(OH)2, preferably of 80 to 92% by weight of CaO and of 20 to 8% by weight of Ca(OH)2, and more preferably of 85 to 90% by weight of CaO and of 15 to 10% by weight of Ca(OH)2, in the field of the separation of solid matter from the liquid of a suspension. The invention also involves a novel method for treating a sludge, in which the solid matter is concentrated, dried and recovered using the delayed reactivity partly prehydrated lime. It additionally relates to, as a novel industrial product, the purified sludge obtained according to the method.
US08013194B2
A method for producing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene using a single set of four unit operations, the unit operations being (1) hydrogenation of a starting material comprising hexafluoropropene and optionally recycled 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene; (2) separation of the desired intermediate hydrofluoroalkane, such as 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane; (3) dehydrofluorination of the intermediate hydrofluoroalkane to produce the desired 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropene and/or 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene, followed by another separation to isolate the desired product and, optionally, recycle of the 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropene.
US08013193B2
Disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester, which enables to produce an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester under relatively mild conditions with high yield and high catalytic efficiency. This method also enables to produce an optically active alcohol from an optically active lactone or an optically active carboxylic acid ester. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol by hydrogen reducing a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst containing ruthenium and a phosphine compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a spacer; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; and R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 independently represent an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.
US08013178B2
Mercaptosilanes are disclosed of the formula I wherein R1 is an alkyl polyether group —O—(R5—O)m—R6. They are prepared by a procedure in which a silane of the formula II is subjected to a catalyzed reaction with an alkyl polyether R1—H, R7—OH being split off, the molar ratio of the alkyl polyethers R1—H to the silane of the formula II is at least 0.5 and R7—OH is separated off from the reaction mixture continuously or discontinuously. They can be used in shaped articles.
US08013175B2
There is disclosed an episesamin refining method in which a mixture of sesamin components that contains sesamin, episesamin and the like is brought into contact with an aqueous medium to form a slurried mixture, and thereafter the solids are separated from the mixture or the slurried mixture is dissolved in a suitable aqueous medium under heating and, thereafter, the solution is slowly cooled to recrystallize, thereby yielding an episesamin-enriched composition with an increased relative episesamin content. By the present invention, episesamin can be conveniently and efficiently refined from a mixture of sesamin components that mainly comprises sesamin and episesamin.
US08013170B2
Embodiments of this invention provide novel peptidomimetics that contain a macrocycle, an embodiment of which is 2S,9′S,12′S)-2-{[(1′,4′-Diaza-2′-oxobicyclo[7.3.0]dodecyl)-12′-carbonyl]amino}-1,5-pentanedioic acid trifluoroacetate. Such compounds are neuroprotective and have utility as therapeutic agents for treatment of diseases, injuries and other conditions characterized by neuronal degeneration and/or neuronal cell death caused by in embodiments, toxicity or hypoxia. Compounds are also useful for manufacture of medicaments useful for treatment of such conditions.
US08013169B2
Disclosed herein is a compound of the formula (a): Therapeutic methods, compositions and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US08013166B2
This invention relates to certain aryl alkyl acid compounds, compositions, and methods for treating or preventing obesity and related diseases.
US08013165B2
The present invention is directed to ethanamine compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of treating depression by administering the ethanamine compound.
US08013164B2
N-Substituted (6-haloalkylpyridin-3-yl)alkyl sulfoximines are effective at controlling insects.
US08013162B2
Sterically hindered hydroxy substituted alkoxyamine stabilizer compounds are made water compatible via certain backbones with affinity towards water. The sterically hindered amines are for example of formulae (5)-(7) These compounds are particularly effective in stabilizing aqueous polymer systems against the deleterious effects of oxidative, thermal and actinic radiation. The compounds are effective for example in stabilizing water borne coatings, aqueous inks, aqueous ink jet media and photocured aqueous systems.
US08013153B2
The present invention is directed to substituted pyrimidine compounds of formula (I): and forms thereof, their synthesis and use for treating a chronic or acute protein kinase mediated disease, disorder or condition.
US08013148B2
The present application discloses a molded article, and a process for preparing a molded article consisting essentially of (i) high molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan and (ii) low molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan, wherein the process comprises the step of: adding the low molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan to a solution comprising the high molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan to gel the solution, wherein the low molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan has a degree of polymerization of greater than or equal to 180 and less than 620, and has a molecular weight distribution of not greater than 1.25 and, the high molecular weight linear α-1,4-glucan has a degree of polymerization of greater than or equal to 620 and less than 37000, and has a molecular weight distribution of not greater than 1.25.
US08013143B2
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating chemokine receptor (CXCR) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of CXCR gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of CXCR genes such as CXCR4 and CXCR7A.
US08013137B2
Disclosed are novel enteropeptidase polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, nucleotide constructs, vectors, host cells comprising the polynucleotides, and methods for producing the polypeptides and polynucleotides. Such polypeptides are useful as protein engineering tool for enzymatic cleavage of fusion proteins. Also provided are kits comprising the polypeptides of the invention.
US08013133B2
Disclosed are methods and systems for preventing or treating cardiac dysfunction, particularly cardiac pacing dysfunction by genetic modification of the conduction system of the heart. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of genetically modifying the cells by delivering to the cells one or more coding sequence in a genetic construct capable of modifying the expression of ion channels of the cells.
US08013132B2
The present invention relates to synthetic compounds that are active on plants, especially as legume nodulation factors, and also as plant growth stimulators, and to methods for preparing such compounds, which are of formula (I).
US08013128B2
Antibodies and molecules derived therefrom that bind to novel PSCA protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein PSCA exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, PSCA provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The PSCA gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with PSCA can be used in active or passive immunization.
US08013115B1
The invention concerns the use of at least a synthetic compound comprising: a carrier molecule having at least a hydrocarbon chain comprising at least 10, advantageously at least 12, preferably at least 14 and not more than 300, advantageously not more than 100, preferably not more than 50, selected'among C, N, O, S, P and Si, and comprising at least two reactive functions, or capable of reacting, for grafting lateral arms on said chain, and at least two different epitopes carried by said lateral arms grafted on said carrier molecule, as standard or control for immunoassay of said biological molecules, in particular of polypeptides or proteins.
US08013114B2
The present invention is directed to fusion proteins that can be used to assay gene transfer and expression both in vitro and in vivo. The fusion proteins contain a reporter protein, e.g. a somatostatin receptor, fused to a second protein, which may be a protein fusion tag. Alternatively, a fusion protein may be fused to a leader sequence. A leader sequence may localize an expressed protein, e.g localize a fusion protein to the cell membrane. The invention includes nucleic acids encoding the fusion proteins and methods of assaying for gene expression.
US08013108B2
2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid is heat-dehydrated in a molten state at a temperature not lower than 200° C. in a flow of an inert gas in a reactor 10 having at least one reaction vessel 11 by stirring the molten material to produce 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride. Thus obtained 2,3,3′,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride in the molten state is subsequently cooled and solidified in an inert gas or dry air, or cooled and solidified in the ambient air at a temperature of 40° C. or lower or 100° C. or higher.
US08013105B2
Provided are a polycarbonate resin composition containing a glass filler, which is excellent in transparency, strength, and heat resistance and provided with high flame retardancy, and a polycarbonate resin molded article obtained by molding the resin composition. The flame-retardant polycarbonate resin composition contains a combination including (A) 55 to 95 mass % of an aromatic polycarbonate resin and (B) 45 to 5 mass % of a glass filler having a refractive index smaller or larger than a refractive index of the aromatic polycarbonate resin by 0.002 or less, and further contains, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the combination, (C) 0.05 to 2.0 parts by mass of a silicone compound having a reactive functional group and (D) 0.03 to 0.4 part by mass of an organic alkali metal salt compound and/or an organic alkaline earth metal salt compound. The polycarbonate resin molded article has a thickness of 0.3 to 10 mm which is obtained by molding the composition.
US08013101B2
Golf ball compositions, and components formed therefrom, including trifunctional materials, such as trifunctional isocyanates, polyols, and amines, that have improved performance and durability characteristics, e.g., improved heat resistance, improved resiliency, and dimensional stability.
US08013093B2
The present invention is directed generally to the use of propylene-based elastomers in articles. The propylene-based elastomers have isotactic polypropylene crystallinity, a melting point by DSC of 110° C. or less, a heat of fusion of from 5 to 50 J/g, and comprise at least 75 wt % propylene-derived units, at least 6 wt % ethylene-derived units, and optionally diene-derived units. The present invention is also directed to processes for making articles comprising propylene-based elastomers.
US08013089B2
A composition of tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) copolymer particles and metal powder is disclosed that enables the composition to be used for adhering a lining to an interior surface of a hollow article.
US08013075B2
A curable composition includes (A) a (meth)acrylate, (B) a radical polymerization initiator, (C) an epoxidized polyisoprene containing an epoxy group at 0.15 to 2.5 meq/g in the molecule and having a number-average molecular weight of 15000 to 200000, and (D) a curing accelerator. The curable composition shows high elongation and excellent rubber elasticity even in a cured state and has superior compatibility, transparency, waterproofness and flexibility, so that cracks and separation of cured products are reduced. Accordingly, the composition is suitable for use as adhesives, coating agents, encapsulating materials, inks, sealing materials and the like.
US08013071B2
A composition for aqueous coating material which has a low content of an organic solvent and presents little burden on the environment and which is excellent in storage stability. A composition for aqueous coating material, which comprises a synthetic resin containing a fluorinated copolymer (A) comprising from 40 to 60 mol % of a fluoroolefin unit, from 3 to 50 mol % of an alkyl vinyl ether or alkyl vinyl ester unit, from 4 to 30 mol % of a hydroxyl group-containing vinyl ether unit and 0.4 to 7 mol % of a structural unit of the following formula (a4):
US08013063B2
The present invention relates to acryl-silicone hybrid impact modifiers, the method of their manufacture, and vinyl chloride resin compositions containing the above. The acryl-silicone hybrid impact modifier of the present invention contains a seed obtained through emulsion copolymerization of vinyl monomers and hydrophilic monomers; an acryl-silicone hybrid rubber core covering the seed in which a polyorganosiloxane rubber phase is dispersed locally onto the inner part and surface of the acrylic rubber core containing alkyl acrylate polymers and a shell covering the above rubber core and containing alkyl methacrylate polymers. Thermoplastic resins containing the above, particularly by being added to vinyl chloride resins, they have effects of granting superior impact resistance, weatherability, and high gloss.
US08013062B2
The invention relates to the production and use of block copolymers which are obtained by means of controlled radical polymerization in the presence of nitroxides for the purpose of reinforcing fragile polymer matrices. The invention offers advantages such as (i) simplicity of copolymer synthesis and use and (ii) fine dispersion of the copolymer molecules in the fragile matrix, which ensures both the transparency of the material and high reinforcement against impact. More specifically, the invention relates to the radical synthesis of block copolymers comprising at least three blocks, which include one block having a glass transition temperature of less than 0° C. and a thermoplastic end block having a glass transition temperature of more than 0° C., thereby guaranteeing compatibility with the fragile matrix to be reinforced against impact.
US08013049B2
The present invention discloses a production method of core-shell type highly liquid absorbent resin particles comprising: (1) a first step in which a particle core portion is formed by suspension polymerizing an aqueous solution (e) containing (meth)acrylic acid, a crosslinking agent (c) and an anionic surfactant (d) in a hydrophobic organic solvent (a) containing a nonionic surfactant (b), and(2) a second step in which a shell portion that covers the particle core portion is formed by suspension polymerizing an aqueous solution (g) containing a water-soluble vinyl polymer (f), having carboxyl groups and polymerizable unsaturated double bonds and having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 10000, in a suspension obtained in the first step.
US08013047B2
The instant invention relates to oligo- and poly-carbonates terminated with silicon containing groups which are useful as reducers of surface energy for organic materials such as polycarbonates, polyesters or polyketones or their mixtures, blends or alloys. Polymers with such reduced surface energy possess self-cleaning, anti-soiling, anti-graffiti, oil resistance, solvent resistance, chemical resistance, self-lubricating, scratch resistance, low moisture absorption, dirt pickup resistance, slip properties and a hydrophobic surface; and display anti-adhesion properties against proteins and against microorganisms such as for example, bacteria, fungi and algae.
US08013045B2
A process for mass-coloring high molecular weight material, in which process a compound of formula or a tautomer thereof, wherein M1 is H, ½ M2, ⅓ M3 or NR4R5R6R7, preferably H, ½ M2 or NR4R5R6R7, especially H, M2 is an alkaline earth or transition metal in oxidation state II or an oxo-metal in oxidation state IV, M3 is Al(III), a transition metal in oxidation state III or an oxo-metal in oxidation state V, R1 is H or a non-ionic substituent, R2 is H or, independently of R1, a further non-ionic substituent, R3 is H, C1-C6alkyl, phenyl, CO—C1-C6alkyl or CO-phenyl, preferably H or CO—C1-C6alkyl, especially H, and R4, R5, R6 and R7 are each independently of the others H or phenyl, benzyl or C1-C6alkyl, which are unsubstituted or may be substituted by hydroxy or by halogen and in the case of C3-C6alkyl is uninterrupted or interrupted by O, is incorporated into the high molecular weight material before or during shaping. The colorations obtained have good light stability and thermal stability, especially in polyolefins.
US08013041B2
The invention relates to a cellulosic product containing thermoplastic microspheres and a charged aromatic acrylamide-based polymer. The invention further relates to a process for a process for producing a cellulosic product which comprises providing an aqueous suspension containing cellulosic fibers; adding to the suspension thermoplastic microspheres and a charged aromatic acrylamide-based polymer; and dewatering the obtained suspension. The invention also relates to the use of the cellulosic product as a liquid packaging board.
US08013039B2
An encapsulant composition for a light-emitting diode is provided. One embodiment of the encapsulant composition comprises: (a) about 100 parts by weight of at least one liquid bi-functional epoxy resin containing about 40˜50 weight % of aromatic ring; (b) about 55˜120 parts by weight of a curing agent comprising at least one bi-functional thiol curing agent containing aromatic ring and at least one aliphatic tetra-functional thiol curing agent, wherein the curing agent contains about 10˜50 weight % of aromatic ring and about 20˜35 weight % of sulfur; and (c) about 0.05˜0.5 parts by weight of a catalyst. The encapsulant composition having a high refractive index can be used for a solid state light emitting device to enhance light extraction efficiency.
US08013023B2
An emulsion including a continuous phase, a discontinuous phase which is immiscible in the continuous phase, and optionally a surfactant, the surfactant has a first part which is compatible with the continuous phase and a second part which is compatible with the discontinuous phase. The continuous phase has a high volume resistivity and the discontinuous phase is electrically charged. The discontinuous phase can be a reagent, a solvent which carries an active chemical reagent or a carrier liquid for a solid or insoluble liquid dispersed in the discontinuous phase. The surfactant, if present, is selected to not significantly reduce the volume resistivity of the continuous phase. The emulsion can also include a charge control agent. The emulsions can be used for the electrostatically controlled placement of matter in a spatially defined manner from the discontinuous phase for combinatorial chemistry and micrometer and nanometer scale deposition with or without reaction.
US08013010B2
Compounds of 5-thioxylopyranose, preferably derivatives of the 5-thioxilopyranose type, a method for preparing such compounds, and the use of such compounds as an active ingredient in pharmaceutical compositions which are useful, in particular, for treating or inhibiting thrombosis or heart failure or thromboembolic disease states.
US08013005B2
The invention is directed to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Y, Z, Q, W, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US08013004B2
A class of novel non-steroidal compounds are provided which are useful in treating diseases associated with modulation of the glucocorticoid receptor, AP-1, and/or NF-κB activity including obesity, diabetes, inflammatory and immune diseases, and have the structure of formula (I) or (II): including a stereoisomer thereof, a tautomer thereof, a prodrug thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where Q is selected from N, O, and S; Y is aryl or heteroaryl; Z is H, C2-6alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, halo, or alkoxy; and A, B, R, Ra, Rb, Rc and Rd are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating obesity, diabetes and inflammatory or immune associated diseases comprising said compounds.
US08013001B2
Compounds of the invention, such as compounds of formula (I): where n, m, A, B, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are defined herein, are useful as modulators of the activity of liver X receptors. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of using the compounds are also disclosed.
US08012996B2
The present invention comprises a group of compounds that effectively inhibit angiogenesis. More specifically, thalidomide and various related compounds such as EM-12 and its derivatives have been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and to treat disease states resulting from angiogenesis. Importantly, these compounds can be administered orally.
US08012991B2
The present disclosure relates to pyridoindolone derivatives of general formula (I): to processes for preparing the same and to their use in therapeutics.
US08012975B2
Antitumor compounds have the five membered fused ring ecteinascidin structure of the formula (XIV). The present compounds lack a 1,4-bridging group as found in the ecteinascidins. They have at the C-1 position a substituent selected from an optionally protected or derivatised aminomethylene group or an optionally protected or derivatised hydroxymethylene group.
US08012960B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein Ar, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are as defined in the specification; and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula I. Also disclosed is the method of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases. Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases using the compounds of formula I in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor or a muscarinic m1 agonist or m2 antagonist.
US08012956B2
A compound according to Formula I or II: wherein R1, R1b, R2, L1, and L2 and L2b are as defined in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof.
US08012954B2
A chelation complex including 8-hydroxyquinoline and zinc mixed with a carrier demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in treating lesions including cancerous lesions, precancerous lesions, cysts and warts.
US08012944B2
The invention features methods, compositions, and kits for treating a patient having a proliferative disease.
US08012930B2
A therapeutic method for treating an individual diagnosed with PDD pervasive developmental disorder comprises determining the efficacy of digestive enzyme administration for the treatment of the individual based on a measure of the individual's chymotrypsin level, and administering digestive enzymes to the individual based on the determination of the measure of the individual's chymotrypsin level. A method for reducing the amount of methylphenidate (Ritalin) being taken by an individual with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by administering a therapeutic amount of digestive enzymes is also provided.
US08012919B2
The present invention is directed to a lubricating oil composition, a diesel engine comprising a lubricating oil composition, and a method of lubricating a diesel engine provided with an exhaust gas recirculation system, comprising lubricating said engine with a lubricating oil composition comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity, and a polymeric N-dispersant booster comprising monomer units of: a) 0 to 40 wt. % of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (I) wherein R is equal to H or CH3, R1 represents a linear or branched alkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 and R3 independently represent H or a group of the formula —COOR′, wherein R′ is H or an alkyl group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, b) 10 to 98 wt. % of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (II) wherein R is equal to H or CH3, R4 represents a linear or branched alkyl group with 6 to 15 carbon atoms, R5 and R6 independently represent H or a group of the formula —COOR″, wherein R″ is H or an alkyl group with 6 to 15 carbon atoms, c) 0 to 30 wt. % of one or more ethylenically unsaturated ester compounds of formula (III) wherein R is equal to H or CH3, R7 represents a linear or branched alkyl group with 16 to 30 carbon atoms, R8 and R9 independently represent H or a group of the formula —COOR′″, wherein R′″ is H or an alkyl group with 16 to 30 carbon atoms, d) 0 to 30 wt. % vinyl monomers, e) 7 to 25 wt. % of at least one N— dispersant monomer, wherein a)-e) add up to 100 wt. %.
US08012917B2
The present invention provides a lubricating composition comprising: (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity; and (b) a crosslinked polymer derived from monomers comprising: (i) 0.001 wt % to 7 wt % of a di- or higher functional crosslinking monomer; (ii) 30 wt % or higher of a hydrocarbyl-substituted (meth)acrylic monomer, wherein each hydrocarbyl contains greater than 8 carbon atoms; and (iii) 0 wt % to 40 wt % of a hydrocarbyl-substituted (meth)acrylic monomer, wherein each hydrocarbyl contains 8 or fewer carbon atoms. The invention further provides a method of preparing the crosslinked polymer and its use in a lubricating composition for lubricating an internal combustion engine.
US08012913B2
A new class of sulfur scavenging or converting compositions is disclosed comprising diamine terminated, amine-aldehyde adducts, where the adducts are substantially bimolecular amine-aldehyde adducts and the composition is substantially free of trimer and/or triazines. Methods for making and using the new class of sulfur scavenging or converting composition are also disclosed.
US08012907B2
The present invention relates to cationic, gel forming, guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I, their use as absorbent materials, and to processes for producing same: Formula I wherein Z1, Z2, and Z3 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, substituted C1-C10 alkyl, C5-C7 cycloalkyl, and benzyl; and m is an integer ranging from 1 to 2,000,000. The absorbent guanidinated polysaccharides of Formula I have absorbent properties suitable for use in personal care products.
US08012905B2
A method for preparing platinum (Pt) based nano-size catalyst which is useful as an electrode catalyst of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). This method includes the implementation of a reduction reaction of a platinum precursor and an optional ad-metal precursor with a reducing agent in a solvent and in the presence of a stabilizer to form a suspension containing colloidal particles of platinum or platinum/ad-metal; mixing the suspension with a co-solvent; subjecting the resultant mixture to a centrifugal treatment to form a platinum or platinum/ad-metal colloidal particle portion and a liquid portion, repeating the co-solvent mixing and centrifugal treatment to the platinum or platinum/ad-metal colloidal particle portion until the resultant liquid portion no longer contains the product of the reduction reaction; and drying the resultant platinum or platinum/ad-metal colloidal particle portion to obtain a platinum based nano-size catalyst.
US08012903B2
Methods are provided to prepare a catalyst system that includes at least one titanium compound, at least one magnesium compound, at least one electron donor compound, at least one activator compound, and at least one silica support material, the at least one silica support material having a median particle size in the range of from 20 to 50 microns with no more than 10% of the particles having a size less than 10 microns and no more than 10% of the particles having a size greater than 50 microns and average pore diameter of at least ≧220 angstroms.
US08012902B2
Disclosed are partially deactivated metal catalysts useful for modifying structures of nanomaterials. The present invention is also directed to a method for preparing the partially deactivated metal catalysts, which comprises patterning a substrate with micelles containing iron nanoparticles, removing the micelles from the patterned substrate to deposit the iron nanoparticles thereon, nitriding the iron nanoparticles using a nitrogen plasma, and exposing the nitrided iron nanoparticles to a mixture of ethanol and nitric acid to remove iron from the surface of the nitrided nanoparticles. The iron nitride metal catalyst with a nano-size according to the present invention comprises a core that includes deactivated iron nitride and an active shell surrounding the core. Thus, when preparing a carbon nanotube, the metal catalyst can be effectively used to control the number of walls formed in the carbon nanotube.
US08012901B1
A practical and efficient procedure for the enantioselective synthesis of mexiletine analogues using 10% of a novel spiroborate ester as chirality transfer agent is presented. A variety of mexiletine analogues were prepared with excellent enantioselectivities (91-97% ee) in good yield from readily available starting materials. The developed methodology was also successfully applied for the synthesis of novel β-amino ethers containing thiophenyl and pyridyl fragments.
US08012900B2
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel dinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08012896B2
The present invention relates to an optical glass having optical constants in the form of a refractive index nd of 1.70 or higher and an Abbé number nud of 50 or higher, a preform for precision press molding comprised of this glass, an optical element comprised of this glass, and methods for manufacturing the preform and the optical element.
US08012891B2
A process for imparting flame resistance and the flame resistant fabrics produced by such process are provided. The process for imparting flame resistant properties involves treating a target fabric with one or more flame retardant chemicals (and, preferably, a softening agent) and then curing the treated fabric to durably affix the flame retardant to the fabric. In many cases, it may be desirable to subject the treated fabric to mechanical face finishing to increase softness. Optionally, stain release agents, soil repellent agents, permanent press resins, and the like may be added to the bath of flame retardant chemicals, eliminating the need for one or more additional manufacturing processes. Alternately, soil repellent agents may be applied to only one side of the treated fabric after the application of the flame retardant chemicals. The present fabrics exhibit improved performance and tear strength, even after repeated launderings, as compared to conventionally treated fabrics.
US08012884B2
A predicted film formation rate value is computed based on a film formation rate prediction formula obtained in advance and apparatus parameters obtained during a previously-performed film formation process. A processing time required for an amount of film formed on a wafer to reach a predetermined target film thickness is computed based on the computed predicted film formation rate value and the target film thickness. Then, according to the computed processing time, a film-formation process is performed on wafers. In addition, it is determined whether the computed predicted film formation rate value is within a predetermined range, and only when it is determined to be within the predetermined range, the film formation process may be performed.
US08012870B2
In a wiring structure between steps in which a step portion is covered by an insulating slope formed by providing and drying droplets of an insulating ink in which an insulating material is dispersed in a dispersion medium and a wiring line formed by drying and firing provided droplets of a conductive ink in which a conductive material is dispersed in a dispersion medium is laid out between the steps and passes on a top surface of the insulating slope, the structure includes a liquid repellent layer formed of a liquid repellent material repelling the dispersion medium in the insulating ink, and a plurality of dot lines including a plurality of dots that is formed by hardening arranged droplets of a resin ink including a resin material. In the structure, the liquid repellent layer covers a surface including the step portion where the wiring line to be laid out. The droplets for forming the dot lines are arranged on a surface of the liquid repellent layer so as not to contact with each other in a region partitioned by a side serving as a start point and a side serving as an end point in a direction in which the wiring line is laid out. The insulating slope is formed by drying the droplets of the insulating ink provided to the step portion so as to connect the plurality of dot lines.
US08012868B1
A semiconductor device has a substrate having a plurality of metal layers. A die coupled to the substrate. A first wire fence structure is formed on the substrate. A second wire fence structure is formed on the substrate. A mold compound is used for encapsulating the die, a first surface of the substrate, the first wire fence structure, and the second wire fence structure, wherein a top portion of at least one of the first wire fence structure or the second wire fence structure is exposed. A conductive coating is applied to the mold compound and to the portion of the at least one of the first wire fence structure or the second wire fence structure is exposed.
US08012865B2
A method of forming packages containing SiC or other semiconductor devices bonded to other components or conductive surfaces utilizing transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding to create high temperature melting point bonds using in situ formed ternary or quaternary mixtures of conductive metals and the devices created using TLP bonds of ternary or quaternary materials. The compositions meet the conflicting requirements of an interconnect or joint that can be exposed to high temperature, and is thermally and electrically conductive, void and creep resistant, corrosion resistant, and reliable upon temperature and power cycling.
US08012859B1
A method is provided for depositing silicon and silicon-containing films by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The method includes disposing the substrate in a batch processing system configured for performing ALD of the silicon-containing film, exposing the substrate to a non-saturating amount of a first precursor containing silicon, and evacuating or purging the first precursor from the batch processing system. The method further includes exposing the substrate to a saturating amount of a second precursor containing silicon or a dopant, where only one of the first and second precursors contain a halogen, and a reaction of the first and second precursors on the substrate forms a silicon or silicon-containing film and a volatile hydrogen-halogen (HX) by-product, evacuating or purging the second precursor and the HX by-product from the batch processing system, and repeating the exposing and evacuation or purging steps until the silicon or silicon-containing film has a desired thickness.
US08012856B2
A method is provided for producing a semiconductor component (1) comprising at least one semiconductor body (2) and one connection carrier region (5). A semiconductor layer sequence (20) with an active region (23) intended for generating radiation is deposited on a substrate (25). The semiconductor layer sequence is arranged on a first auxiliary carrier (3) and the substrate is removed. A plurality of semiconductor bodies are formed from the semiconductor layer sequence. A second auxiliary carrier (4) is arranged on the side of the semiconductor layer sequence remote from the first auxiliary carrier. The first auxiliary carrier is removed. A connection carrier (50) with a plurality of connection carrier regions (5) is provided. The second auxiliary carrier is positioned relative to the connection carrier in such a way that at least one of the semiconductor bodies overlaps an associated connection carrier region when viewed in plan view. The at least one semiconductor body is transferred onto the connection carrier region.
US08012850B2
According to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a short-circuit wiring is formed in a region on a wafer including a dicing region, and electrode pads for input and output signals of a plurality of devices disposed in a semiconductor device forming region are electrically short-circuited by the short-circuit wiring, so that occurrence of plasma damage is suppressed even if the wafer is subjected to various plasma processes. When the wafer subjected to the plasma processes is cut along the dicing region to separate a semiconductor device, the electrical short-circuit of the electrode pads by the short-circuit wiring is released, so that the functionally unwanted short-circuit of the devices or the like is appropriately released.
US08012834B2
A method of fabricating a saddle-fin transistor may include: forming a buffer oxide film and a hard mask oxide film over a semiconductor substrate; etching the buffer oxide film, the hard mask oxide film and the semiconductor substrate corresponding to a mask pattern to form a trench corresponding to a gate electrode and a fin region; oxidizing the exposed semiconductor substrate in the trench to form a gate oxide film; depositing a gate lower electrode in the trench; and depositing a gate upper electrode over the gate lower electrode to fill the trench.
US08012832B2
A process manufactures a multi-drain power electronic device integrated on a semiconductor substrate of a first type of conductivity whereon a drain semiconductor layer is formed. The process includes: forming a first semiconductor epitaxial layer of the first type of conductivity of a first value of resistivity forming the drain epitaxial layer on the semiconductor substrate, forming first sub-regions of a second type of conductivity by a first selective implant step with a first implant dose, forming second sub-regions of the first type of conductivity by a second implant step with a second implant dose, and forming a surface semiconductor layer. The process also includes forming body regions of the second type of conductivity aligned with the first sub-regions, and carrying out a thermal diffusion process so that the first sub-regions form a single electrically continuous column region aligned and in electric contact with the body regions.
US08012831B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method of forming an isolation layer of a flash memory device. An isolation layer is formed using a PSZ-based material and a nitride film of liner form is deposited on a trench before the PSZ film is deposited. An oxide film can be prevented from remaining on a top of the sidewalls of a conductive film for a floating gate through an etch process employing the etch rate. The thickness of a dielectric film can be prevented from increasing when a dielectric film is deposited. Accordingly, the contact area of the floating gate and the dielectric film can be increased and the coupling ratio between the floating gate and the control gate can be improved.
US08012822B2
A process for forming dielectric films containing at least metal atoms, silicon atoms, and oxygen atoms on a silicon substrate comprises a first step of oxidizing a surface portion of the silicon substrate to form a silicon dioxide film; a second step of forming a metal film on the silicon dioxide film in a non-oxidizing atmosphere; a third step of heating in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to diffuse the metal atoms constituting the metal film into the silicon dioxide film; and a fourth step of oxidizing the silicon dioxide film containing the diffused metal atoms to form the film containing the metal atoms, silicon atoms, and oxygen atoms.
US08012814B2
A first portion of a top semiconductor layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is protected, while a second portion of the top semiconductor layer is removed to expose a buried insulator layer. A first field effect transistor including a gate dielectric and a gate electrode located over the first portion of the top semiconductor layer is formed. A portion of the exposed buried insulator layer is employed as a gate dielectric for a second field effect transistor. In one embodiment, the gate electrode of the second field effect transistor is a remaining portion of the top semiconductor layer. In another embodiment, the gate electrode of the second field effect transistor is formed concurrently with the gate electrode of the first field effect transistor by deposition and patterning of a gate electrode layer.
US08012798B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first opening in a substrate to expose an interconnect structure, forming a seed film on the substrate, forming a first projecting electrode buried inside the first opening protruding outward from the substrate, forming a first metal film on the first projecting electrode, attaching a first supporting substrate to the substrate with a first adhesion layer, forming a second opening in the substrate to expose the interconnect structure, forming a second projecting electrode buried inside the second opening and protruding outward from the substrate, forming a second metal film on the second projecting electrode, attaching a second supporting substrate to the substrate with a second adhesion layer, removing the first supporting substrate, the first adhesion layer, and an exposed part of the seed film, removing the second supporting substrate and the second adhesion layer, and cutting the substrate into the plurality of chips.
US08012795B2
The method enables an assembly of chips, initially formed on a wafer, to be formed. Each chip comprises two parallel main faces joined by side faces. At least one of the side faces comprises at least one groove for housing a thread element. The wafer is first of all stuck onto a flexible film and the chips are then cut. The film is then deformed to space the chips apart from one another and to make the grooves accessible. A daisy chain is then formed joining the chips via at least one thread element, each chip being inserted in the daisy chain by inserting the thread in the groove of said chip and then removing the chip from the deformable film.
US08012791B2
The invention relates to a method for producing electronic components comprising adjacent electrodes interspaced at distances ranging between 10 nanometers and several micrometers on a substrate of any type. According to the invention, the electrodes are structured by means of overlapping edges on the deposited layer or by undercutting the deposited layers. The electronic components are then produced either in the conventional manner or using a lithographic process from the underside of the transparent substrate and finally by means of a succession of known method steps for the production of electronic components.
US08012787B2
The manufacturing method includes: forming a P-type silicon substrate and a high-concentration N-type diffusion layer, in which an N-type impurity is diffused in a first concentration, on an entire surface at a light-incident surface side; forming an etching resistance film on the high-concentration N-type diffusion layer and forming fine pores at a predetermined position within a recess forming regions on the etching resistance film; forming recesses by etching the silicon substrate around a forming position of the fine pores, so as not to leave the high-concentration N-type diffusion layer within the recess forming region; forming the low-concentration N-type diffusion layer, in which an N-type impurity is diffused in a second concentration that is lower than the first concentration, on a surface on which the recesses are formed; and forming a grid electrode in an electrode forming region at a light-incident surface side of the silicon substrate.
US08012781B2
A nanocrystal electroluminescence device comprising a polymer hole transport layer, a nanocrystal light-emitting layer and an organic electron transport layer wherein the nanocrystal light-emitting layer is independently and separately formed between the polymer hole transport layer and the organic electron transport layer. According to the nanocrystal electroluminescence device, since the hole transport layer, the nanocrystal light-emitting layer and the electron transport layer are completely separated from one another, the electroluminescence device provides a pure nanocrystal luminescence spectrum having limited luminescence from other organic layers and substantially no influence by operational conditions, such as voltage. Further, a method for fabricating the nanocrystal electroluminescence device.
US08012774B2
A light emitting diode (LED) device having a substantially conformal wavelength-converting layer for producing uniform white light and a method of making said LED at both the wafer and individual die levels are provided. The LED device includes a metal substrate, a p-type semiconductor coupled to the metal substrate, an active region coupled to the p-type semiconductor, an n-type semiconductor coupled to the active region, and a wavelength-converting layer coupled to the n-type semiconductor.
US08012768B2
The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials between these carousels. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.
US08012766B2
Aspirating a liquid, includes: providing an aspirating probe comprising probe tip and piston pump, wherein the probe tip and piston pump are in fluid communication; measuring an initial gas pressure in the probe prior to liquid entering the liquid being aspirated; moving the tip into the liquid; moving the piston a distance corresponding to the volume of liquid being aspirated; measuring gas pressure in the volume of gas when the piston stops moving and the liquid pulled into the tip has equilibrated; determining piston volume created by movement of the piston; and determining volume of liquid aspirated by the following formula: Vliquid aspirated=Vpiston volume−((Pinitial−Pfinal)*Volume/unit pressure), wherein Pinitial is initial gas pressure before liquid enters the tip, Pfinal is the final pressure of volume of gas after the liquid has equilibrated, and Volume/unit pressure is the change of gas volume for each change of unit pressure.
US08012750B2
A biodegradable device for activating T-cells includes a biodegradable support and a binder attached to the biodegradable support, the binder having reactivity to one or more agents capable of binding to a T-cell surface antigen.
US08012749B2
A novel cell suited for mass production of Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan (HVJ), a method for obtaining the cell and use of the cell are disclosed. The human cell is originated from a transformed human kidney cell line, the doubling time thereof in logarithmic growth phase in suspension culture in a serum-free medium is not more than 40 hours, the cell has a freeze-recovery property, the maximum density of viable cells in suspension culture is not less than 106 cells/mL, and HVJ can grow in the cell. The method for obtaining the human cell comprises the steps of suspension-culturing a human transformed kidney cell line in a serum-free medium, and cloning the grown cells; and selecting, from the cloned cells, a cell whose doubling time in logarithmic growth phase in suspension culture in a serum-free medium is not more than 40 hours, which has a freeze-recovery property, whose maximum density of viable cells in suspension culture is not less than 106 cells/mL, in which HVJ can grow.
US08012739B2
This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.
US08012736B2
Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided.
US08012735B2
An isolated polynucleotide molecule includes a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA molecule encoding a modified live viral strain of an Equine arteritis virus, wherein the DNA sequence is SEQ ID NO:1 or a degenerate variant thereof. Also provided are transformed or transfected host cells including that sequence, vectors including the sequence, and isolated infectious RNA molecules encoded by the sequence. Further, a modified DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA molecule encoding a modified live viral strain of an Equine arteritis virus is provided wherein the DNA sequence is SEQ ID NO:2 or a degenerate variant thereof, including a silent point mutation allowing distinguishing the modified sequence from the parent and other strains of Equine arteritis virus.
US08012734B2
A Family 6 cellulase variant enzyme comprising one or more than one amino acid substitution selected from a basic, polar or non-polar amino acid at position 103, a valine or isoleucine at position 136, a tyrosine at position 186, a glutamic acid or glutamine at position 365 and a glutamine at position 410 is provided (said position determined form alignment of the parental Family 6 with SEQ ID NO: 1). Genetic constructs and genetically modified microbes comprising DNA sequences encoding the Family 6 cellulase variant are also provided. Family 6 cellulases of the invention display reduced inhibition by glucose relative to the parent Family 6 cellulases. Such cellulases find use in a variety of applications in industry, e.g., in the hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic feedstock, that require cellulose activity in the presence glucose concentrations that would otherwise inhibit the activity of the parental enzyme.
US08012725B2
The present invention relates to enzymic processes for preparing S-butan-2-ol; and to enzymes for carrying out said processes; to nucleic acid sequences coding for said enzymes, to expression cassettes, vectors and recombinant hosts containing said nucleic acid sequences.
US08012723B2
The present invention discloses a new strain of Streptomyces sp. BICC 7522, its variants or mutants and use of the strain for the production of macrolides, process of production and purification of macrolides.
US08012720B2
A protein detecting device, which comprises: (1) a detecting unit having a bonding section, which has properties for specifically bonding to a protein to be detected, a detecting section for detecting the bonding of the protein to be detected to the bonding section, the detecting section being made up of a polynucleotide double strand and a charge separating group, and an electrode section detecting the change in electrical conductivity of, or amount of transferred charge in, the polynucleotide double strand modified by the bond of the protein, (2) a standard electrode, (3) a reference electrode, (4) a container for housing the detecting unit, the standard electrode and the reference electrode, and containing a sample solutions comprising the protein to be detected, and (5) a measuring unit for measuring the protein based on a signal detected in the detecting unit.
US08012717B2
A method for producing cladribine (2-chloro-2′ deoxyadenosine) comprising the steps of: a) reaction of 2-deoxyuridine with 2-chloroadenine, in the presence of uridine phosphorylase (UPase) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNPase) in an aqueous reaction medium possibly containing up to 40% v/v of an aprotic dipolar solvent, to obtain cladribine dissolved in said reaction medium; b) isolation of the cladribine by precipitation by means of concentration and alkalinisation of the reaction medium up to pH 11.5-12.5.
US08012715B2
The current invention provides methods for producing a polypeptide as inclusion bodies in bacterial host cells. The present methods are carried out by forming a gene construct comprising the genetic sequence encoding a polypeptide operatively linked to that of an inclusion partner protein, such as E. coli thioredoxin or a modified E. coli thioredoxin, such that host cells comprising the gene construct produce the polypeptide as intracellular inclusion bodies. The methods of the present invention facilitate the rapid isolation and purification of recombinant proteins. In addition, the present methods may be useful for producing polypeptides or proteins which are small and are typically difficult to express, as well as those proteins that are toxic to host cells such as E. coli. The present invention also provides plasmids, vectors and host cells to be used in the present invention for production of polypeptides, and methods of production of polypeptides using these vectors and host cells. The invention further provides methods for producing protein molecular weight ladders for use in protein gel electrophoresis, as well as proteins and protein molecular weight ladders produced by these methods.
US08012711B2
The instant methods and compositions represent an advance in controlling drug resistance in microbes. AcrAB-like efflux pumps have been found to control resistance to drugs, even in highly resistant microbes. Accordingly, methods of treating infection, methods of screening for inhibitors of AcrAB-like efflux pumps, and methods of enhancing antimicrobial activity of drugs are provided. Pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor of an AcrAB-like efflux pump and an antimicrobial agent are also provided.
US08012710B2
A method for treating a Parkinson's patient with digestive/pancreatic enzymes involves administering an effective amount of digestive/pancreatic enzymes to an individual having the disorder in order to improve a symptom of the disorder. In addition, a method is provided for determining whether an individual has, or may develop, Parkinson's disease or related dysautonomic disorders and for determining whether an individual will benefit from the administration of pancreatic/digestive enzymes to treat the dysautonomic disorder.
US08012707B2
A new gene—MN—and proteins/polypeptides encoded therefrom are disclosed. Recombinant nucleic acid molecules for expressing MN proteins/polypeptides and recombinant proteins are provided. Expression of the MN gene is disclosed as being associated with tumorigenicity, and the invention concerns methods and compositions for detecting and/or quantitating MN antigen and/or MN-specific antibodies in vertebrate samples that are diagnostic/prognostic for neoplastic and pre-neoplastic disease. MN-specific antibodies are disclosed that can be used diagnostically/prognostically, therapeutically, for imaging, and/or for affinity purification of MN proteins/polypeptides. The invention still further concerns antisense nucleic acid sequences that can be used to inhibit MN gene expression.
US08012706B2
Methods for regulating the serine protease of Plasmodium. Recombinant DNA constructs which express the Plasmodium serine protease, especially those comprising a sub2 3′UTR and coding segment which express a SUB2 a serine protease. Recombinant Plasmodium containing such constructs and exhibiting increased virulence. Methods for detecting virulent Plasmodium strains by detecting the presence or amount of sub2 3′UTR sequences, sub2 mRNA or cDNA, SUB2 polypeptide expression, or other Plasmodium proteins, such as AMA1 or MSP1, which have been post-translationally modified by SUB2.
US08012704B2
Proteins having serine/threonine kinase domains, corresponding nucleic acid molecules, and their use
The invention relates to the molecule referred to as ALK-1, and its role as a type I receptor for members of the TGF-β family. The molecule has a role in the phosphorylation of Smad-5 and Smad1, which also act as activators of certain genes. Aspects of the invention relate to this interaction.
US08012695B2
This invention relates to regulation of cell signaling, cell growth, and more particularly to the regulation of cancer or inflammatory cell growth and/or activation. The invention provides methods of, and compositions useful for, inhibiting interactions between MUC1 and a kruppel-like factor (KLF), method of inhibiting interactions between a KLF protein and the p53 promoter, methods of inhibiting the interaction between MUC1 and the p53 promoter, methods of increasing p53 activity, and methods of increasing histone acetylation. The invention also provides screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit the aforementioned interactions. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the identified compounds can be useful in treating cancers and inflammatory conditions.
US08012691B2
The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.
US08012689B2
Tools are provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification elite event A2704-12 in biological samples.
US08012684B2
The present invention relates to mutation genes of the AQP (aquaporin), a method for detecting cancer using mutations and expressions of the AQP and a DNA chip possessing oligonucleotides of mutated AQP base sequence. In case of the present method for detecting cancer and DNA chip using the AQP's mutations and expressions, it is highly accurate, rapid and effective in cancer diagnosis.
US08012682B2
Nucleic acid compositions encoding novel chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof are provided. The subject proteins of interest are proteins that are colored and/or fluorescent, where this feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. The subject proteins are further characterized in that they are either obtained from non-bioluminescent Cnidarian, e.g., Anthozoan, species or are obtained from non-Pennatulacean (sea pen) species. Specific proteins of interest include proteins obtained from the following specific Anthozoan species: Anemonia majano (NFP-1), Clavularia sp. (NFP-2), Zoanthus sp. (NFP-3 & NFP-4), Discosoma striata (NFP-5), Discosoma sp. “red” (NFP-6), Anemonia sulcata (NFP-7), Discosoma sp “green” (NFP-8), and Discosoma sp.“magenta” (NFP-9). Also of interest are proteins that are substantially similar to, or mutants of, the above specific proteins. Also provided are fragments of the nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid compositions, are provided.
US08012681B2
The invention provides, inter alia, models of bone metastasis, methods for identifying agents that modulate skeletal related events and metastasis, methods for modulating skeletal related events and metastases, and methods for detecting skeletal related events and metastases. The methods and models generally comprise co-culturing cancer cells and host cells and comparing biological markers from such co-cultured cells to control cells.
US08012674B2
Pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features of an integrated circuit, e.g., features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit, are formed by processing a substrate through a mask. The mask is formed by patterning a photoresist layer which simultaneously defines mask elements corresponding to features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit. The pattern is transferred to an amorphous carbon layer. Sidewall spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the patterned amorphous carbon layer. A layer of protective material is deposited and then patterned to expose mask elements in the array region and in selected parts of the interface or periphery areas. Amorphous carbon in the array region or other exposed parts is removed, thereby leaving a pattern including free-standing, pitch multiplied spacers in the array region. The protective material is removed, leaving a pattern of pitch multiplied spacers in the array region and non-pitch multiplied mask elements in the interface and periphery areas. The pattern is transferred to a hard mask layer, through which an underlying substrate is etched.
US08012672B2
Compounds of the formula (I), wherein L1, L2, L3 and L4 independently of one another are hydrogen or an organic substituent; R is for example C1-C20alkyl, C5-C12cycloalkyl, C2-C20alkenyl, substituted C1-C20alkyl; X is O, S, NRa or NCORa; Ra is for example hydrogen or C1-C20alkyl; and Y is an inorganic or organic anion; are suitable as photolatent acid generators.
US08012669B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) consisting of a compound represented by general formula (b1) shown below (wherein Q1 represents a divalent linkage group containing an oxygen atom; Y1 represents a fluorinated alkylene group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, with the proviso that the carbon atom adjacent to the sulfur atom within the —SO3− group has a fluorine atom bonded thereto; X represents a hydrocarbon group of 3 to 30 carbon atoms which may have a substituent; and A+ represents an organic cation), and the resist composition further including an organic compound (C) which generates an acid exhibiting a weaker acid strength than the acid generated from the acid generator (B1) upon exposure. [Chemical Formula 1] X-Q1-Y1—SO3+A+ (b1)
US08012667B2
A soft mold may be manufactured that is used for forming a pattern. Semiconductor devices and flat panel display devices include a plurality of fine patterns on a substrate. The soft mold may be photo-curable and formed of a material with a hydrophobic property similar to heat-curable molds. The photo-curable mold may be created on a master plate with a resin layer that is removed with a back plate and adhesive layer after embossed or depressed portions are formed on the mold that correspond with embossed or depressed portions of the master plate.
US08012665B2
A positive photosensitive composition comprising: (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (B1) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (B2) a resin that has at least one group selected from (a) an alkali-soluble group and (b) a group capable of decomposing under an action of an alkali to produce an alkali-soluble group, and the resin (B2) does not have a group capable of decomposing under an action of an acid; and a pattern forming method using the same.
US08012663B2
A method of manufacturing a toner includes preparing a droplet forming device, comprising a storage portion to store a toner composition solution, a thin film formed from a rigid material, bonded to the storage portion by a bonding material, and provided with a nozzle and an oscillation device including an oscillation generation device configured to generate an oscillation upon the thin film and an oscillation amplification device which has an oscillation surface including a position that is parallel and opposite to the thin film and is configured to amplify the oscillation, periodically forming a droplet of the toner composition solution including at least a resin and a coloring agent to be supplied between the thin film and the oscillation surface and discharging the droplet via the nozzle, and solidifying the droplet of the toner composition solution discharged via the nozzle, and forming a toner particle.
US08012656B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a backing layer, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a charge transport layer, and wherein the outermost layer of the backing layer is comprised of an acrylic resin and a crosslinkable fluoro additive.
US08012652B2
A method of forming a thin film pattern includes: providing a printing roller and a substrate including a thin film; coating the printing roller with an etch-resist solution including a base polymer, a carrier solvent, a tackifier and a surfactant; removing the carrier solvent from the coated etch-resist solution thereby transitioning the etch-resist solution from liquid phase to solid phase; patterning the solid etch-resist; transferring the patterned etch-resist from the printing roller to the substrate; and patterning the thin film corresponding to the transferred etch-resist.
US08012648B2
A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.
US08012647B2
The invention relates to a membrane-electrode unit comprising a) two electrochemically active electrodes divided by a polymer electrolytic membrane, wherein the surfaces of said polymer electrolytic membrane are in contact with the electrodes in such a way that the first electrode partially or entirely covers the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane and the second electrode partially or entirely covers the rear side thereof, b) a sealing material is applied to the front and rear sides of the polymer electrolytic membrane, wherein the polymer electrolytic membrane is provided with one or several recesses and the sealing material applied to the front side of the polymer electrolytic membrane is in contact with the sealing material applied to the rear side thereof. A method for producing said membrane-electrode unit and fuel cells provided therewith are also disclosed.
US08012644B2
A fuel cell stack with a plurality of fuel cell elements which are layered on one another with separating plates located between the fuel cell elements. Inside channels are formed to supply a combustion gas and discharge the exhaust gas. The fuel cell stack is characterized in that, on a first side of the fuel cell elements, several parallel lengthwise channels are formed for routing of the combustion gas, and on the ends of the channels, a distributor zone is formed which connects the supply channel to the respectively first ends of the lengthwise channels, and a collecting zone is formed which connects the discharge channel to the second ends of the lengthwise channels, and that there is an oxidizer guide on the second side of the fuel cell elements, the oxidizer guide running in the direction of the lengthwise channels.
US08012642B2
A power supply apparatus comprising a plurality of planar fuel cell assemblies is disclosed. Each planar fuel cell assembly comprises two fuel cell members, a channel-forming member interposed between the two fuel cell members and defining a first channel for flowing a fluid fuel along with the two fuel cell members, and a coupling member to be coupled with an adjacent planar fuel cell assembly to define a second channel for flowing an ambient air, wherein the coupling member has a plurality of openings for flowing the ambient air therethrough.
US08012641B2
Control systems, sensors and methods for controlling the fuel concentration in a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack are provided. In certain examples, the control system may be configured to detect a performance degradation, and the fuel concentration provided to the fuel cell may be adjusted in response to detection of the performance degradation.
US08012634B1
An apparatus including storage means containing methanol and a peroxide, a housing containing a catalyst comprising at least one group 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 transition metal, and means for introducing the methanol and the peroxide into the housing.
US08012623B2
Disclosed herein is a battery module constructed in a structure in which unit modules are horizontally stacked while the unit modules are vertically erected, wherein the battery module includes a base plate on which the unit modules are horizontally stacked while the unit modules are vertically erected, a pair of side plates fixed to the base plate at lower ends thereof such that the side plates are brought into tight contact with outer surfaces of the outermost unit modules, and a housing fixed to the base plate in a structure to surround the unit modules, the housing being provided at the inside thereof with supporting parts for supporting upper ends of the side plates, respectively.
US08012621B2
A nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen absorbing alloy, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a solid alkali metal ion super ion conducting material, wherein the alkali metal is Na, K, or Li.
US08012620B2
A structure for mounting a battery onto an electric vehicle comprises: a pair of first body members extending in a longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle; a second body member, which connects the pair of first body members, extending in transversal direction of the electric vehicle; a battery case, which contains a battery, disposed between the pair of first body members and rear of the second body member; a plurality of first supporting members, which connect between the pair of first body members, fixed on a bottom of the battery case; and a second supporting member connecting between one of the first supporting members, which is disposed in the forefront of the battery case.
US08012618B2
Known rechargeable batteries contain a cell that is received in a cell cup. For monitoring the temperature of the rechargeable batteries, PTC elements are used, but they increase the amount of space needed and can be accommodated in a battery pack only with difficulty. For the sake of simple accommodation, a rechargeable battery has a cell, which is received in a cell cup. According to the invention, for monitoring the temperature of the cell, a temperature-dependent element, in particular a PTC element, is provided that at least partially surrounds the cell cup. The invention is intended in particular for battery packs in which temperature monitoring is required.
US08012617B2
Disclosed herein is a plate-shaped secondary battery constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a battery case, and the battery case is sealed by thermal welding, wherein the battery case is provided at a sealing portion around an electrode assembly receiving part thereof with an exhaust guide sealing portion configured in a structure in which a width of the exhaust guide sealing portion decreases from an inside of the sealing portion toward an outside of the sealing portion such that a sealing force of the exhaust guide sealing portion is first released, when high-pressure gas is generated in a battery cell, and therefore, the high-pressure gas is exhausted outside, the exhaust guide sealing portion being thermally welded with a sealing force less than that of a sealing portion located at a remaining region (‘a remaining sealing portion’), and the battery case is further provided at a middle of the exhaust guide sealing portion with a bridge sealing portion extending in parallel to the electrode assembly for interconnecting opposite sides of the remaining sealing portion with a predetermined width, the bridge sealing portion being thermally welded with a sealing force greater than that of the exhaust guide sealing portion.
US08012615B2
A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above. A method of manufacturing such a CID comprises forming first and second conductive plates as described above, and welding the second conductive plate onto the first conductive plate while a temperature of the first conductive plate is controlled so as not to exceed the melting point of a surface of the first conductive plate opposite the weld.
US08012600B2
A material for electric sliding contact comprising, on a conductive substrate, a first layer composed of a noble metal or an alloy comprising the noble metal as a major component with an arithmetic average roughness Ra of (A) μm and, as an upper layer of the first layer, a second layer composed of a noble metal or an alloy comprising the noble metal as a major component with a covering thickness of from 0.001×(A) μm or more to (A) μm or less, wherein the noble metal forming the second layer or the noble metal as a major component of the alloy forming the second layer is a different element from the noble metal forming the first layer or the noble metal as a major component of the alloy forming the first layer.
US08012583B2
An intermediate transfer member that includes a core shell component where the core is, for example, a polyaniline, and the shell is a polyhedral silsesquioxane.
US08012582B2
A method of making a proppant is provided, wherein the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a particulate comprising: (i) a binder; and (ii) a filler; and (b) sintering the particulate to form a sintered proppant, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent. A method of treating (e.g., fracturing) a subterranean formation is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) suspending the sintered proppant in a treatment fluid; and (b) introducing the sintered proppant into the subterranean formation. The sintered proppant is made with a raw material selected from the group consisting of: unhydrated cement, hydrated cement (e.g., construction cement or concrete waste), kiln dust, fly ash, limestone, lime, talc, olivine, dolomite, clay that contains a substantial concentration of alkaline earth oxide equivalent, and any combination thereof in any proportion.
US08012581B2
The invention relates to a bilayer pressure-sensitive adhesive. Provision is made for the bilayer pressure-sensitive adhesive to comprise an apolar layer and a polar layer, the apolar layer and the polar layer each comprising a polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesive having a static glass transition temperature of not more than +15° C., and the surface energy of the apolar layer differing from the surface energy of the polar layer by at least 5 mN/m.
US08012567B2
Light-collimating films as well as other microstructured film articles are described that comprise a (e.g. UV) cured light transmissive film comprising the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition. Polymerizable resin compositions are also described that comprise aliphatic urethane(meth)acrylate oligomer(s), bisphenol-A ethoxylated diacrylate(s), and a crosslinker having at least three (meth)acrylate groups.
US08012566B2
Methods and structures including a release mechanism for use with the formation and then separation of a multi-layered structure are provided. The methods and structures provide for a master substrate on which is formed a temperature-sensitive release layer. A releasable structure is then formed on top of the temperature-sensitive release layer. The releasable structure can be freed from the master substrate by exposing the temperature-sensitive release layer to a temperature sufficient to soften or melt of the release layer.
US08012563B2
A large-size substrate adapted for light exposure is of a plate shape having a diagonal length or diameter of 500-2,000 mm, a thickness of 1-20 mm, and a peripheral surface with a roughness Ra of 0.05-0.4 μm. The number of particles released from the substrate periphery during cleaning is minimized, leading to an improved yield in the cleaning step. The substrate can be manually handled, achieving an improvement in substrate quality without a need for a handling mechanism.
US08012547B2
The invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, Z1, Z2, Z3, V, a, b and c have the meanings indicated in claim 1, and to liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one compound of the formula I and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.
US08012544B2
An aqueous silicone emulsion forms a resin reinforced elastomeric film upon water evaporation. The emulsion composition contains a dispersed phase consisting of a silicone mixture composed of (i) a linear hydroxy terminated polydiorganosiloxane, (i) a silicone MQ resin, and (iii) an organofunctional polysiloxane. The aqueous silicone emulsion is prepared by mixing ingredients (i) to (iii) to form a mixture, adding emulsifiers and water to the mixture, mixing the ingredients to obtain an aqueous base emulsion, adjusting the pH of the base emulsion to an acidic or basic pH to facilitate crosslinking, and subsequently neutralizing the emulsion. Elastomeric films can be obtained by drying the emulsion on a substrate at ambient conditions.
US08012542B2
A liquid fluoropolymer coating composition and a process for using the composition to make fluoropolymer coated polymeric substrates. The liquid fluoropolymer composition comprises fluoropolymer selected from homopolymers and copolymers of vinyl fluoride and homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene fluoride polymer, solvent, and compatible adhesive polymer comprising functional groups selected from carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, aziridine, amine, isocyanate, melamine, epoxy, hydroxy, anhydride and mixtures thereof. In the process, the composition is applied to a polymeric substrate comprising functional groups on its surface that interact with said compatible adhesive polymer to promote bonding of said fluoropolymer coating to said substrate. The solvent is removed from the coating composition applied to the substrate to form a fluoropolymer coating on the substrate.
US08012535B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a coated substrate body by chemical vapor deposition at least on one layer made of a carbonitride of a metal of IVa-Vla-groups of the periodic table, wherein a monocyclic hydrocarbon is used in the gas atmosphere during the deposition, in addition to a nitrile. According to the invention, the thus produced coated substrate body has a high degree of hardness and is used, preferably, in cutting operations where the cutting speeds are ≧250 m/min.
US08012534B1
A process is provided for coating particulate materials with a thermoset polymeric coating that is less prone to creep or abrasion than a thermoplastic coating. The process provides for the coating of water-reactive and water-soluble materials which require a non-aqueous media for processing and also provides for the coating of particulate materials which must be processed in water. Also, all organics may be recovered, and there is no solvent contamination of water. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.
US08012532B2
There is disclosed a method of forming crystalline tantalum pentoxide on a ruthenium-containing material having an oxygen-containing surface wherein the oxygen-containing surface is contacted with a treating composition, such as water, to remove at least some oxygen. Crystalline tantalum pentoxide is formed on at least a portion of the surface having reduced oxygen content.
US08012525B2
Compositions having whole soybean powders and soymilks produced therefrom are described.
US08012513B2
The present invention relates to a method for promoting eye health by administering to a companion animal a composition comprising at least one polyphenol selected from the group consisting of rosemary, rosemary extract, coffeic acid, coffee extract, turmeric extract, cucurmin, blueberry extract, grapeseed extract, rosemarinic acid, tea extract, and mixtures thereof.
US08012508B2
The present invention relates to method of targeting therapeutic agents for treating lung diseases.
US08012500B2
Apparatus is provided including a chamber, which is adapted to be implanted in a body of an individual, the chamber including functional cells and chlorophyll-containing elements comprising chlorophyll of an obligate photoautotroph.
US08012498B2
The present invention provides a topical gel pharmaceutical formulation of insecticide suitable for treating an ectoparasite in a mammal, comprising: a) about 0.1-10% by weight of an insecticide; b) at least about 75% by weight of an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of a lower alkyl alcohol, a ketone, a glycol and a mixture thereof, wherein the organic solvent contains at least about 40% by weight of the lower alkyl alcohol; and c) at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a cellulosic polymer, acrylates, methacrylates, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The present gel pharmaceutical formulation preferably contains malathion and optionally contains isopropyl myristate. The present invention further provides a process of preparing as well as a method of treating ectoparasites in a mammal using the same.
US08012494B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one inhibitor of lipases, preferably an inhibitor of gastrointestinal and pancreatic lipases, such as orlistat, at least one surfactant, and at least one dispersant.
US08012480B2
The protein EGFR, ERCC1, RRM1, thymidylate synthase, or beta-tubulin from cancer cells is detected in a blood sample by enriching the cancer cells from the blood sample followed by performing on the enriched cancer cells an immunoassay capable of detecting the proteins mentioned above. Cancer patients overexpressing EGFR are treated with an anti-EGFR agent, for example cetuximab, panitumumab, erlotinib or gefitinib.
US08012479B2
Antigenic compositions are provided comprising a single chain polypeptide comprising first and second domains, wherein said first domain is a clostridial neurotoxin light chain or a fragment or a variant thereof and is capable of cleaving one or more vesicle or plasma membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis; and said second domain is a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain HN portion or a fragment or a variant thereof, wherein said second domain is capable of (i) translocating the polypeptide into a cell or (ii) increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own or (iii) both translocating the polypeptide into a cell and increasing the solubility of the polypeptide compared to the solubility of the first domain on its own; and wherein the second domain lacks a functional C-terminal part of a clostridial neurotoxin heavy chain designated HC thereby rendering the polypeptide incapable of binding to cell surface receptors that are the natural cell surface receptors to which native clostridial neurotoxin binds. Antibodies that bind to the polypeptides, and compositions comprising these antibodies, are also provided, as are DNA vaccines comprising polynucleotides that encode these polypeptides.The antigenic and antibody compositions, and the DNA vaccine compositions, can be used in methods of immunising against, or treating, clostridial neurotoxin poisoning in a subject by administering to that subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition.
US08012475B2
Method of treating autoimmune conditions are disclosed comprising administering to a mammalian subject IL-12 or an IL-12 antagonist. In certain preferred embodiments the autoimmune condition is one which is promoted by an increase in levels of IFN-γ or TNF-α. Suitable conditions for treatment include multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmune thyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes melitis and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease.
US08012474B2
The invention relates to fully human monoclonal antibodies, and fragments thereof, that bind to the chemokine Regulated upon Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted (RANTES, CCL5), thereby modulating the interaction between RANTES and one of more of its receptors, such as, e.g., CCR1, CCR3, CCR4 and CCR5, and/or modulating the biological activities of RANTES. The invention also relates to the use of these or any anti-RANTES antibodies in the prevention or treatment of immune-related disorders and in the amelioration of one or more symptoms associated with an immune-related disorder.
US08012473B2
The present invention concerns antibodies to C3b and the prevention and treatment of complement-associated disorder using such antibodies.
US08012462B2
The present invention relates to a spiroheterocycle derivative which is a useful perfuming ingredient. Furthermore, the present invention concerns also the compositions or articles containing this compound.
US08012450B2
A method for making the mesoporous material includes the following steps: dissolving a nanocrystal powder in an organic solvent, and achieving a solution A with concentration of 1-30 mg/ml; dissolving a surfactant in water, and achieving a solution B with an approximate concentration of 0.002-0.05 mol/ml; mixing the solution A and the solution B in a volume ratio of 1:(5-30), and achieving a mixture; stirring and emulsifying the mixture, until an emulsion C is achieved; removing the organic solvent from the emulsion C, and achieving a deposit; washing the deposit with deionized water, and achieving a colloid; and drying and calcining the colloid, and eventually achieving a mesoporous material. The mesoporous material has a large specific surface area, a high porosity, and a narrow diameter distribution.
US08012449B2
A method of manufacturing a complex metal oxide powder, the method including: preparing a raw material composition for forming a complex metal oxide; mixing an oxidizing solution including an oxidizing substance into the raw material composition to produce complex metal oxide particles to obtain a liquid dispersion of the particles; and separating the particles from the liquid dispersion to obtain a complex metal oxide powder. The complex metal oxide is shown by a general formula AB1−xCxO3, an element A including at least Pb, an element B including at least one of Zr, Ti, V, W, and Hf, and an element C including at least one of Nb and Ta. The raw material composition includes: at least one of a thermally-decomposable organometallic compound including the element A, the element B, or the element C, a hydrolyzable organometallic compound including the element A, the element B, or the element C, and a partial hydrolyzate and/or a polycondensate of the hydrolyzable organometallic compound; at least one of a polycarboxylic acid and a polycarboxylic acid ester; and an organic solvent.
US08012447B2
Methods are provided for the preparation of single-walled carbon nanotubes using chemical vapor deposition processes. In some aspects, single-walled carbon nanotubes having narrow distribution of diameters are formed by contacting a carbon precursor gas with a catalyst on a support, wherein the catalyst has an average diameter of less than about 2 nm.
US08012444B2
A solution is to be created, with a method and a device for generating hydrogen, in which silicon and/or an alloy that contains silicon is reacted in a reaction vessel (1), with an alkaline solution as a catalyst, so that the process, after starting, runs continuously and catalytically in the presence of silicon dioxide as a nucleating agent, without further addition of lye and without using higher pressures and temperatures (hydrothermal conditions).This is achieved in that the alkaline solution is used in a strongly sub-stoichiometric amount with reference to the entire reaction, whereby the silicon dioxide that is formed is precipitated onto crystallization nuclei.
US08012442B2
A method is provided for depositing a gate dielectric that includes at least two rare earth metal elements in the form of a nitride or an aluminum nitride. The method includes disposing a substrate in a process chamber and exposing the substrate to a gas pulse containing a first rare earth precursor and to a gas pulse containing a second rare earth precursor. The substrate may also optionally be exposed to a gas pulse containing an aluminum precursor. Sequentially after each precursor gas pulse, the substrate is exposed to a gas pulse of a nitrogen-containing gas. In alternative embodiments, the first and second rare earth precursors may be pulsed together, and either or both may be pulsed together with the aluminum precursor. The first and second rare earth precursors comprise a different rare earth metal element. The sequential exposing steps may be repeated to deposit a mixed rare earth nitride or aluminum nitride layer with a desired thickness. Purge or evacuation steps may also be performed after each gas pulse.
US08012440B2
A method is provided for operating a device having at least one electrically heatable honeycomb body through which an exhaust gas can flow. The electrically heatable honeycomb body has at least one current distribution structure to which a plurality of short, successive voltage pulses are initially applied during activation, before a constant heating voltage is applied to the current distribution structure to heat the honeycomb body. A suitable device for the catalytic conversion of exhaust gases in an exhaust system is also provided.
US08012439B2
A filter for filtering particulate matter (PM) from exhaust gas emitted from a positive ignition engine, which filter comprising a porous substrate having inlet surfaces and outlet surfaces, wherein the inlet surfaces are separated from the outlet surfaces by a porous structure containing pores of a first mean pore size, wherein the porous substrate is coated with a washcoat comprising a plurality of solid particles wherein the porous structure of the washcoated porous substrate contains pores of a second mean pore size, and wherein the second mean pore size is less than the first mean pore size.
US08012433B2
A device for dispersing a sample of dry powder onto a surface in a dispersion chamber. The device includes a dispersion chamber situated in an environment, and a pressure source that provides a pressure difference between the environment and an inside of the dispersion chamber. The surface is positioned in the dispersion chamber. The sample of dry powder is introduced into the dispersion chamber through a membrane that is interposed between the environment and the inside of the dispersion chamber and on which the sample is disposed. The membrane is rupturable so as to open into the dispersion chamber when a predetermined pressure difference across the membrane is exceeded. This permits entry of a fluid in the environment through the ruptured membrane, and movement of the dry powder sample in an evenly dispersed manner without producing an ordered movement of powder grains in the dispersion chamber.
US08012432B2
A disposable apparatus for use in blood testing and being adapted for simultaneous dilution of a blood sample into two different dilution ratios, said apparatus including a block-shaped housing having integrated therein a first and a second receptacle, one of which as a first blood sample receiver being adapted to receive a blood sample; a first and a second container, each containing a defined volume of a diluting agent; a valve including a valve body having three valve body channels extending therethrough and being positionable in three distinct positions, one of which putting the receptacles in simultaneous communication with a respective one of the containers through pairs of the channels; and displacers for displacing the diluting agent and the diluted sample through said channels between said containers and said receptacles.
US08012415B2
An object to be sterilized is disposed inside a vacuum chamber, and the inside of the vacuum chamber is evacuated. When the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 3 Pa, a cutoff valve disposed between the vacuum chamber and the vacuum pump is closed. High-frequency power is supplied to an electrode. Oxygen gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber for 0.1 sec. Thereafter, the pressure is held constant for 3 sec. Until the pressure inside the vacuum chamber reaches 10 kPa, introduction of oxygen gas into the vacuum chamber is repeated. When the pressure reaches 10 kPa, the cutoff valve is opened to evacuate the inside of the vacuum chamber and the supply of the high-frequency power is stopped. Introducing the oxygen gas and determining pressure inside the vacuum chamber is repeated, and after 90 min, the pressure inside the vacuum chamber is returned to atmospheric pressure.
US08012408B2
A metal powder manufacturing device for manufacturing a metal powder includes a feed for supplying a molten metal, a fluid spout unit, and a course modification unit. The fluid spout unit further includes a channel and an orifice. The channel is provided below the feed, allowing passing of the molten metal supplied from the feed. The orifice is opened at a bottom end of the channel, spouting a fluid into the channel. The above course modification unit is provided below the fluid spout unit, and forcibly changes the traveling direction of a dispersion liquid. This dispersion liquid is composed of multiple fine droplets dispersed into the fluid. The above droplets are a resultant of a breakup caused by a contact between the molten metal and the fluid ejected from the orifice. Here, the dispersion liquid is transported so that the droplets is cooled and solidified in the dispersion liquid in order to manufacture the metal powder.
US08012405B2
A method for regulating metal melt throughflow through a melt throughflow aperture in a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The bottom nozzle has an upper nozzle arranged in a floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. The method includes introducing inert gas through at least one inert gas inlet aperture into the melt throughflow aperture in the bottom nozzle, arranging a temperature sensor on or in the lower nozzle for determining a temperature in a wall of the bottom nozzle, and regulating an inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle using measurement signals from the sensor. A decrease in the temperature signals an increase of metal clogging and an increase in the temperature signals a decrease of metal clogging.
US08012404B2
A new type of composite with wooden quality, which contains a plastic inner layer and an outer envelope is described. The plastic inner layer is crosslinked with the outer envelope, the latter of which is made up from a plastic material containing a 5-20 wt. % of wood flour.
US08012397B2
A method of forming a fishing rod with at least one integrally formed support includes providing a bladder over a mandrel, wrapping a resin-impregnated material over the bladder to provide a wrapped resin-impregnated material, removing the mandrel from the wrapped resin-impregnated material, folding the wrapped resin-impregnated material onto itself at least once to form a tubular body, wherein folding the wrapped resin-impregnated material forms at least two separate bladder portions and the integrally formed support within the tubular body, placing the tubular body into a mold, and molding the tubular body to provide the fishing rod with the integrally formed support.
US08012385B2
The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, and more particularly, to a method of fabricating a color filter for an LCD device.A method of fabricating a color filter uses a mold (PDMS mold) having a plurality of grooves.Particularly, the mold (PDMS mold) is attached to a substrate such that the plurality of grooves face into the substrate. When a color resin is dropped into a side opening of each groove, the color resin is injected into each groove of the mold (PDMS mold) by a capillary force.After the mold (PDMS mold) having the injected color resin is cured, the mold (PDMS mold) is detached from the substrate and a color filter pattern is formed at a desired position.As compared with a method of fabricating a color filter according to the related art, since an exposure step and an etching step are not required in a method of fabricating a color filter of the present invention, a method of fabricating a liquid crystal panel of high resolution does not have a limitation due to an exposure apparatus, and material cost and production time are reduced.
US08012384B2
A method for manufacturing a polarizing plate protective film including the steps of: 1) mixing a cellulose ester resin and an organic additive to obtain a mixing composition, 2) placing the mixing composition in a mold to obtain an integral molding, and 3) heating to melt the integral molding so as to form the polarizing plate protective film, wherein the integral molding has a size of 1 mm×1 mm×1 mm to 20 mm×20 mm×20 mm, and the cellulose ester resin is contained in the integral molding in a state of particles.
US08012381B2
A white heat-curable silicone resin composition comprising (A) a heat-curable organopolysiloxane, (B) a white pigment, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a condensation catalyst cures into a white uniform product having heat resistance, light resistance and minimal yellowing. The cured composition has a reflectance of at least 80% at wavelength 350-400 nm. The composition is useful for forming cases on optoelectronic parts, typically LED.
US08012380B2
A multi-phase proton conducting material comprising a proton-conducting ceramic phase and a stabilizing ceramic phase. Under the presence of a partial pressure gradient of hydrogen across the membrane or under the influence of an electrical potential, a membrane fabricated with this material selectively transports hydrogen ions through the proton conducting phase, which results in ultrahigh purity hydrogen permeation through the membrane. The stabilizing ceramic phase may be substantially structurally and chemically identical to at least one product of a reaction between the proton conducting phase and at least one expected gas under operating conditions of a membrane fabricated using the material. In a barium cerate-based proton conducting membrane, one stabilizing phase is ceria.
US08012373B2
An anti-corrosion compound including a hydrocarbon grease and an aluminum/indium/zinc powder blended into the hydrocarbon grease.
US08012369B2
A liquid crystal composition is described, which satisfies at least one characteristic among high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, small viscosity, large optical anisotropy, large dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light, high stability to heat and so on, or is properly balanced regarding at least two of the characteristics. To provide an AM device having short response time, large voltage holding ratio, large contrast ratio, long service life and so forth, the liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase and contains a specific three-ring compound having a large optical anisotropy as a first component, a specific four-ring compound having a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and a specific two-ring compound having a particularly small viscosity as a third component. A liquid crystal display device containing the liquid crystal composition is also described.
US08012368B2
The present invention relates to fluoroolefin compositions. The fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention are useful as refrigerants or heat transfer fluids and in processes for producing cooling or heat. Additionally, the fluoroolefin compositions of the present invention may be used to replace currently used refrigerant or heat transfer fluid compositions that have higher global warming potential.
US08012360B1
A pressure sensor for measuring an external pressure fabricated upon a ceramic substrate penetrated by a via extending from the top to the bottom of the ceramic substrate is disclosed. A sacrificial layer is deposited on a portion of the top of the ceramic substrate in communication with a via. A diaphragm material is then deposited on the sacrificial layer, thereby creating a diaphragm surface. A sensor element for transducing a mechanical deflection into an electrical signal is applied to the diaphragm surface. When the sacrificial layer is removed, the diaphragm is able to deflect in response to the external pressure, which is sensed by the sensor element in order to measure the external pressure.
US08012359B2
A radial or crossflow media filter comprising a housing such as a vessel or tank (1), the housing containing filter media (9), a contaminated flow inlet (2) and a discharge outlet (8), the inlet comprising a manifold (5) situated within the housing, the manifold (5) having flow outlets (6) which are directed laterally, away from the discharge outlet (8). The flow inlet may comprise a substantially vertically aligned elongate tubular manifold (5) with a plurality of flow distribution holes or slots disposed along its length. Furthermore, the discharge outlet (8) may be accessed through a chamber within the housing which contains a second filter media (11) which is of larger average particle size than the first filter media (9).
US08012353B2
A method for treatment of nitrified wastewater, the method including supplying wastewater to be treated to a tank having a layer of biomass supporting media near or at the top thereof, retaining biomass on and below the biomass supporting media for a sufficient time such that the biomass hydrolyses and supplies organic carbon to the wastewater in the tank; denitrifying and simultaneously clarifying the wastewater by providing an upward flow of the wastewater in the tank through the layer of biomass supporting media and discharging excess sludge from the bottom of the tank at a rate which is selected to maintain nitrate and ammonia concentrations below selected thresholds.
US08012342B2
This invention relates to lubricant base oil having high viscosity indexes and low pour points, and particularly to lubricant base oil consisting essentially of a normal paraffin and an isoparaffin, wherein (a) an average carbon number Nc in one molecule is not less than 28 but not more than 40, and (b) an average branch number Nb in one molecule calculated from a ratio of CH3 carbon to total carbon determined by 13C-NMR analysis and the average carbon number Nc in one molecule is not more than (0.2Nc−3.1) but not less than 1.5.
US08012339B2
A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
US08012334B2
Disclosed are metal plating compositions and methods. The metal plating compositions provide good leveling performance and throwing power.
US08012327B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which simultaneity can be ensured between sensitivity and data acquisition to decrease a pull-up signal while spectral data acquisition is eliminated in each capillary exchange. The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus in which capillary position shift is detected in each capillary exchange by detecting a capillary position. A capillary position measuring light source is provided in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the invention. The capillary is irradiated with light emitted from the capillary position measuring light source, a capillary image is detected with a two-dimensional detector, and thereby a position deviation of the capillary is determined. On the basis of the position deviation of the capillary, a data acquisition area is set in the two-dimensional detector, or a reference fluorescent light spectrum determined from the capillary at the standard position is corrected.
US08012326B2
Polymer nanofibers, such as polyaniline nanofibers, with uniform diameters less than 500 nm can be made in bulk quantities through a facile aqueous and organic interfacial polymerization method at ambient conditions. The nanofibers have lengths varying from 500 nm to 10 μm and form interconnected networks in a thin film. Thin film nanofiber sensors can be made of the polyaniline nanofibers having superior performance in both sensitivity and time response to a variety of gas vapors including, acids, bases, redox active vapors, alcohols and volatile organic chemicals.
US08012325B2
A plural-cell gas sensor including at least an oxygen pump cell (40) comprising a solid electrolyte ceramic layer; an internal space (210) formed between the cells; and a heater substrate (190) arranged on the side of the oxygen pump cell; the heater substrate heating the oxygen pump cell that pumps oxygen out of the internal space.
US08012317B2
This invention relates to a photovoltaic device including an electrode such as a front electrode/contact. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of the photovoltaic device includes a multi-layered transparent conductive coating which is sputter-deposited on a textured surface of a patterned glass substrate. In certain example embodiments, a maximum transmission area of the substantially transparent conductive front electrode is located under a peak area of a quantum efficiency (QE) curve of the photovoltaic device and a light source spectrum used to power the photovoltaic device.
US08012311B2
The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an absorbent sheet comprising at least two plies of cellulose wadding, consisting in combining said plies under pressure by passing between two steel cylindrical components, the first being smooth on the outside and the second being equipped with raised components on the outside and the hardness of the first cylindrical component being lower than that of the second cylindrical component. According to the invention, the first cylindrical component has a treated hardened surface layer and a deformable underlayer; the second cylindrical component has a hardened outer surface, and the sheet, when it passes between the two cylindrical components is compressed at a specific pressure between 40 and 250 N/mm2. Another subject of the invention is an assembly of steel cylindrical components intended for the manufacture of multiply absorbent sheets.
