US08374942B2
Systems and methods are provided for processing derivative product orders at an exchange. Traders provide derivative product order risk data to the exchange. The order risk data may include maximum delta, gamma and/or vega utilization values for derivative product contracts based on the same underlying product. Before executing a trade, a match system analyzes the trader's current utilization state and the utilization that would result after the trade. The match system may then execute all or a portion of the trade.
US08374938B1
A computer implemented method and system are provided for implementing a longevity bond management system for managing hedging of longevity of beneficiaries. The method may include issuing, through a special purpose vehicle, using computer processing components, a longevity bond having returns following a longevity index defined for a reference population of a pre-selected cohort of beneficiaries. The method may additionally include receiving from investors a payment amount for investment in the longevity bond, investing the payment amount in a collateral pool held by a custodian, and receiving cash flows from the investment in the collateral pool. The method may further include entering into a swap to exchange the cash flows from the investment for an amount equal to the difference between an actual and best-estimate longevity index amount and calculating, using computer processing components, based on the longevity index, a periodic payment to the investors based on the longevity performance of the pre-selected cohort of beneficiaries, such that the periodic payment increases when longevity exceeds expectations and decreases when longevity falls short of expectations.
US08374937B2
An investment system based on indexes created from various metrics is disclosed. The indexes may be built by selecting from a universe of assets, a subset using selection and weighting metrics substantially independent of market capitalization weighting, price weighting, or equal weighting. These metrics may include, but are not limited to book value, sales, dividends, cash flow, employees, demographics, etc. A combination of financial non-market capitalization metrics may be used along with non-financial metrics to create passive investment systems. Once the index is built, it may be used as a basis to purchase securities for a portfolio. As the data underlying the indexes change because of, e.g., economic activity, the index may be updated and may be used as a basis to rebalance the portfolio. Valuation indifferent indexes of the present invention avoid overexposure to overvalued securities and underexposure to undervalued securities, as compared with conventional capitalization-weighted price-weighted indexes.
US08374933B2
A method is provided that gathers information from a user regarding a desired educational institution and sources for financing an education at the educational institution. The method further estimates a future income and compares the income with the obligations that arise from financing the education. This comparison is subsequently classified according to a risk profile.
US08374929B1
Some embodiments provide a system and method for projecting billing of a specified server configuration. In some embodiments, the projected billing is determined by identifying a set of allocated resources for the server configuration. In some embodiments, the set of resources include an amount of allocated RAM, network bandwidth, disk storage, processing power, etc. The set of resources are then projected over a billing period. Some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration as each component of the configuration is specified within a graphical user interface. Additionally, some embodiments determine a projection for the configuration after the entire configuration is specified within the graphical user interface.
US08374922B1
Methods and systems for customer-transparent inventory fulfillment costs. A method may include an enterprise detecting a customer's selection of a given one of a number of inventory items, and in response to detecting the selection, the enterprise generating a display and instructing that the display be displayed to the customer. The display may include fulfillment options for the given item, where each of the options includes an indication of a corresponding fulfillment entity within a fulfillment network and an indication of a corresponding price. The price may be determined dependent upon fulfillment costs of completing order fulfillment of the given item for the customer from the corresponding fulfillment entity. The method may further include the enterprise detecting placement by the customer of an order specifying the given inventory item and a particular fulfillment option, and the enterprise conveying fulfillment instructions to the fulfillment entity corresponding to the particular fulfillment option.
US08374915B2
A system and method are provided for publishing certain advertising information on-line. Presence indicators are incorporated into merchant advertisements published online. The presence indicators are preferably active hyper-links that are configured to allow a consumer to send a request to a merchant for initiation of a 2-way real time communications session. The system provides for adding one of a pool of merchant representatives to an opened communications session with the consumer. Advertisements may be selectively published or withheld from publication based upon the availability status of an associated merchant.
US08374911B2
A client-side on-board computing device is partitioned into a trusted computing module, and a private computing platform. When a metric report is required, the private computing platform retrieves an original data file and transfers the original data file to the trusted computing module. The original data file includes a global positioning system coordinate stream and time information. Communication between the private computing platform and the trusted computing module is via an unencrypted serial link. The private computing platform applies at least one billing algorithm to the original data file to determine a billing charge. The private computer platform signs and hashes the billing charge using a private key of a public-private endorsement key pair to create a signed metric report. The private computer platform forwards the signed metric report to the trusted computing module via the unencrypted serial link. The trusted computing module then forwards the signed metric report by the trusted computing module to a billing authority.
US08374905B2
A computer implemented method, system, and/or computer program product predicts a success of a currently proposed project. Responsive answers to a survey questionnaire for a currently proposed project are received and used to create a predicted success score for the currently proposed project, based on a pattern of responsive answers to a predetermined combination of questions from the survey questionnaire. The predicted success score for the currently proposed project is compared with and matched to actual success scores from prior projects. If the percentage of prior projects that retained their success scores through completion exceeds a predetermined accuracy threshold, then the currently proposed project is approved for implementation.
US08374900B2
The reliability of a composite service having service components is determined, where the composite service can fail only where underlying resources fail. The composite service is represented as a plurality of continuous-time Markov chains (CTMC's). Each CTMC corresponds to a resource. A product of the CTMC's is constructed. The product encompasses composite service states. Steady-state probabilities for the product are determined. Each steady-state probability corresponds to a likelihood that a corresponding state will be a steady state. For each state of the composite service, a reward structure is determined. The reward structure corresponds to a likelihood that the state will successfully use the resources without failure. The reward structure is determined for a given state based on the given state's steady-state probability and based on discrete-time Markov chains (DTMC's) corresponding to the service components. The reliability of the composite service is determined based on the reward structure of each state.
US08374892B2
The present invention related to a method for retrieving a tumor contour of an image processing system that includes a memory storing a grayscale image and a processor, comprising: receiving an input tumor contour of the grayscale image; defining a tumor contour annular region and a plurality of reference segments of the grayscale image, wherein the input tumor contour is in the tumor contour annular region, and each of the plurality of reference segments is across the tumor contour annular region and includes a plurality of measured points; retrieving a tumor contour suggestion point on each of the plurality of reference segments; and linking all the tumor contour suggestion points on all of the reference segments, for forming the tumor contour. Accordingly, by applying the method of the present invention, a doctor can rapidly and accurately identify the contour of a tumor in a grayscale image.
US08374880B2
The invention relates to the automatic creation of an atmosphere, particularly a lighting atmosphere, based on a keyword input such as a keyword typed or spoken by a user. A basic idea of the invention is to enable a user of an atmosphere creation system such as a lighting system to automatically create a specific atmosphere by simply using a keyword which is input to the system. The keyword, for example “eat”, “read”, “relax”, “sunny”, “cool”, “party”, “Christmas”, “beach”, may be spoken or typed by the user and may enable the user to find and explore numerous atmospheres in an interactive and playful way in embodiments of the invention. Finding atmosphere elements related to the keyword may be done in various ways according to embodiments of the invention. The invention allows also a non expert in designing or creating atmosphere scenes to control the creation of a desired atmosphere in an atmosphere creation system.
US08374867B2
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for selecting a speech recognition model in a standardized speech recognition infrastructure. The system receives speech from a user, and if a user-specific supervised speech model associated with the user is available, retrieves the supervised speech model. If the user-specific supervised speech model is unavailable and if an unsupervised speech model is available, the system retrieves the unsupervised speech model. If the user-specific supervised speech model and the unsupervised speech model are unavailable, the system retrieves a generic speech model associated with the user. Next the system recognizes the received speech from the user with the retrieved model. In one embodiment, the system trains a speech recognition model in a standardized speech recognition infrastructure. In another embodiment, the system handshakes with a remote application in a standardized speech recognition infrastructure.
US08374860B2
Encoding audio signals with selecting an encoding mode for encoding the signal categorizing the signal into active segments having voice activity and non-active segments having substantially no voice activity by using categorization parameters depending on the selected encoding mode and encoding at least the active segments using the selected encoding mode.
US08374858B2
An audio codec losslessly encodes audio data into a sequence of analysis windows in a scalable bitstream. This is suitably done by separating the audio data into MSB and LSB portions and encoding each with a different lossless algorithm. An authoring tool compares the buffered payload to an allowed payload for each window and selectively scales the losslessly encoded audio data, suitably the LSB portion, in the non-conforming windows to reduce the encoded payload, hence buffered payload. This approach satisfies the media bit rate and buffer capacity constraints without having to filter the original audio data, reencode or otherwise disrupt the lossless bitstream.
US08374845B2
A word coinciding with a key word input by speech and a word related to the word are set as retrieval candidate words based on a word dictionary in which words representing formal names and aliases of the formal names are registered in association with a family attribute indicating a familiar relation among the words. Content related to any one of retrieval words selected out of the retrieval candidate words and a word related to the retrieval word is retrieved.
US08374836B2
In an exemplary embodiment, a method and system is disclosed for developing a subterranean geomechanics model of a complex geological environment. The method can include estimating a pore pressure field, a stress field, a geomechanics property field, and a geological structure field from a geological concept model; geostatistically interpolating vectors and tensors from the estimated fields; and combining the results from the estimated fields and the geostatistically interpolated vectors and tensors to derive a geostatistical geomechanical model of the geological environment.
US08374829B2
A computer-implemented method of generating building instructions for a building element model, the model including a plurality of building elements, the building instructions being indicative of a sequential order of construction steps for constructing the building element model, each construction step including adding at least one building element to the building element model. The method comprises determining, from a digital representation of the building element model, a sequential order of deconstruction steps for deconstructing the building element model into building elements, each deconstruction step including removing at least one building element from the building element model; and inverting the determined sequential order of deconstruction steps to obtain the sequential order of construction steps.
US08374827B2
To provide a numerical simulation apparatus capable of executing a numerical simulation with high speed and precision by reducing computational complexity. A numerical simulation apparatus that executes a numerical simulation using a wave function which is a solution of a time dependent Schrödinger equation includes: a real time evolution calculation unit that calculates a second wave function while evolving the second wave function from an initial time in increments of a predetermined time period, the second wave function being obtained by applying a central difference approximation in a real-space finite-difference method to a first wave function expressed using a propagator, and being expressed using a Bessel function; and a calculation result storage unit that stores a calculation result of the second wave function obtained at each time by the time evolution calculation unit while evolving the second wave function in increments of the predetermined time period.
US08374826B2
The present disclosure teaches a calibration system, a calibration apparatus and a method for calibrating a signal path and a method for calibrating a delay. The calibration system comprises an injector, a calibration signal generator, a correlator, a detector unit, a polygon former and a pattern classifier unit. The calibration system is adapted to calculate a fraction of a delay from a set of polygons. The delay is being accumulated along a signal path. The fraction of the delay is indicative of an accuracy of the delay at a fine sampling rate as if the delay was measured at the fine sampling rate being an integer multiple of the coarse sampling rate. The method for calibrating of the signal path uses a calibration signal sampled at a coarse sampling rate. Correlation techniques are used in order to detect a fraction of the delay from a set of polygons.
US08374818B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a number of components that have been assembled onto a substrate. In general, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for inspecting components on the substrate. In particular, the invention relates to the calibration of inspection tools for detecting the accuracy of the array pegs positions on an assembled HTA plate.
US08374812B2
A first frequency analysis range and a second frequency analysis range narrower than the first one are set with an operation panel 34, etc. A first signal path 171 produces first time domain data of a frequency converted signal under test by a first data production rate depending on the first frequency analysis range. A second signal path 172 produces second time domain data of frequency converted signal under test by a second data production rate depending on the second frequency analysis range and slower than the first data production rate. A CPU receives the first and second time domain data in parallel and produces first and second frequency domain data by FFT wherein frequency shift amounts in the frequency conversions in the first and second signal paths are different depending on the difference between the center frequencies of the first and second frequency analysis ranges.
US08374809B2
A transceiver module for monitoring a voltage distribution network that includes a voltage carrying power line and a transmitter along the voltage carrying power line for transmitting a first monitoring signal that includes information related to the condition of the voltage distribution network. The transceiver module comprises a receiver located along the voltage carrying power line at a distance from the transmitter, the receiver configured to receive the first monitoring signal; a sensor that monitors a condition of the voltage distribution network and produces a sensor signal that contains information related to the condition being monitored; and a monitor in communication with the receiver and the sensor thereby receiving the first monitoring signal and the sensor signal, the monitor configured to provide a second monitoring signal that includes the information contained in the first monitoring signal and the sensor signal.
US08374805B2
A Coriolis mass flowmeter includes a vibrator configured to vibrate a measurement conduct line, an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor, which are placed at a certain distance in the measurement conduct line and are configured to detect the vibration of the measurement conduct line, a first effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the first signal, a second effective value reception section configured to receive an effective value of the second signal, a ratio computation section configured to receive the effective value of the first signal and the effective value of the second signal and to compute the ratio of both values, and an anomaly diagnosis section configured to make a comparison between the computed ratio and a certain value and to generate an alarm.
US08374804B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating aircraft dynamic pressure. The load on the flight control surface actuator that is coupled to a flight control surface is measured. An estimate of the aircraft dynamic pressure is calculated from the measured load.
US08374803B2
A damage detection apparatus and method which detect a damage occurring in a specimen include energizing an inspection area on a specimen into a predetermined energized condition, measuring a potential difference at predetermined intervals in the inspection area, and analyzing an existence or otherwise of a damage, and a shape thereof, based on a plurality of items of potential difference data. Parameters specifying a hypothetical damage are hypothesized in advance and, based on the potential difference data, calculation is executed using a maximum likelihood estimation method on a double body in which hypothetical specimens are doubled by bringing together their front surfaces, and furthermore on a quadruple body quadrupled by bringing rear surfaces of hypothetical specimens together, a maximum likelihood estimation value of the parameters is calculated.
US08374802B2
The invention relates to a method for photometrically investigating sample radiations of at least one sample, which are caused by the radiation of N emitter elements of at least one radiation element wherein said N emitter elements are emitting radiation during time periods which at least partially overlap, to detect the sample radiation of at least two samples as a sum signal during time periods which at least partially overlap and to evaluate the sample radiation of at least one individual sample from said sum signal.
US08374800B2
Method and apparatus for determining dielectric function of liquid solutions and thereby concentrations of substances in aqueous solution or the volatile/non-volatile nature of the liquid by self-referenced reflection THz spectroscopy. Having the aqueous solution in any container with a window allows irradiating coherent THz radiation with frequencies within the range 0.05-2 THz on the front of the window, and recording both a reference signal reflected from the front of the window and a sample signal reflected from the back of the window in contact with the aqueous solution. From these signals, the complex index of refraction, (I) or the complex reflection coefficient (II), can be calculated. The calculated components are compared with previously determined components from samples with known concentrations, whereby a concentration of the substance in the mixture can be estimated. The invention is particularly useful for determining alcohol (ethanol) content in aqueous solution containing other substances and particles.
US08374793B2
A method reduces error contributions to gyroscopic measurements from a first gyroscopic sensor and a second gyroscopic sensor. The method includes receiving a first set of measurement signals and a second set of measurement signals indicative of at least one substantially perpendicular component and indicative of a substantially parallel component of the Earth's rotation. The method further includes receiving one or more measurement signals generated by a plurality of accelerometers and calculating a first and second mass unbalance offset error for the first gyroscopic sensor and the second gyroscopic sensor, respectively.
US08374790B2
A device for aligning a vehicle with a next pass through a field comprises a camera which takes a corresponding natural picture. A receiver is provided for receiving a navigational signal from a navigational satellite system. A central processing unit is connected to the camera for receiving the natural picture and the receiver for receiving the natural satellite signal. The CPU generates a master signal comprising a video signal of the navigational picture, an actual indicator signal representing the actual position of the vehicle, and a desired indicator signal representing the desired position of the vehicle. A display is connected to the CPU for receiving the master signal and generating a master image comprising a natural picture image, an actual indicator image, and a desired indicator image. The vehicle is driven to cause an alignment of the actual indicator image with the desired indicator image.
US08374785B2
A tightly coupled GPS and dead-reckoning system collects wheel speed transducer data over a vehicle's network to compute vehicle range and direction. The dead-reckoning bridges over gaps in navigation solutions that would otherwise occur when GPS signal transmission is lost in tunnels, parking garages, and other common situations. Continual calibration of the wheel radii and compensation for speed effects are calculated from GPS position fixes, and such improves the performance and accuracy of dead-reckoning during long outages of GPS signal reception. When the GPS signals are restored, the dead-reckoning solutions provide a high quality starting place for the GPS receiver to search around.
US08374783B2
Systems and methods for determining a position of a vehicle are described. The system includes at least one GNSS sensor mounted to the vehicle for receiving GNSS signals of a global positioning system and at least one physical sensor mounted to the vehicle for generating physical data indicative of a physical parameter of at least a part of the vehicle. The system also includes a recursive statistical estimator, such as a Kalman Filter, in communication with the GNSS sensor(s) for seeding the recursive statistical estimator with an output of the GNSS sensor(s) to determine an estimated position of the vehicle. A data fusion module combines the estimated position and velocity of the vehicle with the physical data thus generating combined data, which is used to seed the recursive statistical estimator to determine an updated estimated position of the vehicle.
US08374780B2
Open area maps and related systems and methods are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving an image of a layout corresponding to a real-world area in which a person walks about. A restriction associated to a passageway within the image is generated. The image is used to generate a routable map for point-to-point routing. Routing through or around the restriction is based on whether or not criteria for passing the restriction is met.
US08374772B2
A method is provided for controlling an internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to the step of measuring in-cylinder pressure of an expansion phase of a combustion cycle of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine and measuring in-cylinder pressure of a compression phase of the combustion cycle of the cylinder of the internal combustion engine. A difference between a polytrophic expansion phase constant of the cylinder of the internal combustion engine and a polytrophic compression phase constant of the cylinder of the internal combustion engine is then determined using the measured expansion phase pressure and the measured compression phase pressure. A misfiring of the cylinder is later detected using the determined difference.
US08374771B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle drive comprising at least one internal combusting engine (10), at least one electric machine (20) mechanically coupled to said internal combustion engine (10) and at least one power storage battery actively connectable to said electric machine (20) and to the internal combustion engine (1) in an on-board electric network, wherein said internal combustion engine (10) and electric machine (20) produces a nominal required drive torque (M) in a substantially common manner, the instant electromotive torque reserve (MEres) of the electric machines(s) (20) is determined and the internal combustion engine torque reserve is taken into account as a minimum reference torque reserve of the internal combustion engine for at least one or several internal combustion engines (10).
US08374764B2
The invention relates to a braking system architecture for an aircraft fitted with electromechanical brakes including at least one electromechanical actuator. In accordance with the invention, the architecture comprises at least one proximity unit disposed in the proximity of the brakes at the bottom of the undercarriage and including input/output means for collecting and calibrating at least signals coming from sensors associated with the brakes, and for transmitting the signals as processed in this way to control members for controlling the actuators by means of a communications bus running along the undercarriage, the proximity unit further including control means for controlling the blocking members of the actuators.
US08374756B2
A control device for an automatic transmission includes a speed change controller configured to generate a speed change instruction. A temperature calculator is configured to calculate a temperature of at least one frictional engagement element among frictional engagement elements. A rotation difference calculator is configured to calculate a rotation difference between an input and an output of the at least one frictional engagement element. A determining unit is configured to determine whether the frictional engagement element is engageable or non-engageable based on the temperature and the rotation difference of the frictional engagement element and a pattern of the speed change instruction. The delay unit is configured to delay engagement until the determining unit determines that the frictional engagement element is engageable, if the determining unit determines that the frictional engagement element is non-engageable when the speed change controller generates the speed change instruction.
US08374746B2
A vehicle event recorder is provided that includes a camera for capturing a video as discrete image frames, and that further includes a managed loop memory and a management system for generating a virtual ‘timeline dilation’ effect. To overcome size limits in the buffer memory of the video event recorder, the maximum time extension of a video series is increased by enabling a reduction in temporal resolution in exchange for an increase in the temporal extension. Memory cells are overwritten in an ‘interleaved’ fashion to produce a reduced frame rate for the recording of certain time periods connected to an event moment. In time periods furthest from the event moment, the resulting frame rate is minimized while in time periods closest to the event moment, the resulting frame rate is maximized.
US08374745B2
A system and method for telemetrically collecting on-road vehicle diagnostic data. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting vehicle diagnostic data from service shops, on-road vehicles and warranty records, aggregating the collected data and extracting knowledge therefrom. The extracted knowledge can be used to enhance algorithms on-board vehicles or at service centers so as to better identify vehicle faults and provide enhanced diagnostics and prognostics. The enhanced algorithms can then be used to provide predictive maintenance suggestions, provide trouble shooting assistance or provide vehicle design improvements.
US08374742B2
A method for launching a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises, during operation with an idle engine speed prior to a pedal tip-in, increasing alternator and boost pressure while maintaining the idle engine speed, and decreasing alternator load responsive to the pedal tip-in. In this way, increased turbocharger output may be used to quickly accelerate the vehicle.
US08374741B2
A sectional electric drive vehicle includes a first motorcycle having a master electric control unit, a second motorcycle detachably connected to the first motorcycle in tandem by a connection mechanism and the second motorcycle including a slave electric control unit, and a system connector detachably connecting the master electric control unit and the slave electric control unit, to allow signals transmission between the master and slave electric control units. When the first and second motorcycles are combined and connected together via the connection mechanism and the system connector, the slave electric control unit relinquishes control to the master electric control unit, and the master electric control unit controls the cooperative motion of the first and second motorcycles. When the first and second motorcycles are detached, the first and second motorcycles are independently operable.
US08374739B2
A train control device includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring a change history of open block numbers as the number of blocks existing between a present train and a leading train, a setting unit for setting a brake pattern having a starting point coinciding with an end point of a block existing just behind a block occupied by the leading train, and a calculating unit for calculating a time taken for the leading train to come out from the block existing just behind the block occupied by the leading train and for calculating, as a target speed, the highest speed available within a range not conflicting with the brake pattern.
US08374736B1
An automatic landing system (ALS) includes an automatic landing module. The automatic landing module receives a radio altitude from a radio altimeter and any other sensor inputs for use by the automatic landing module and generates an ALS elevator command. The ALS also includes a runway slope compensation (RSC) module. The runway slope compensation module receives the ALS elevator command, the radio altitude and an inertial vertical speed from an inertial reference unit and generates an aircraft elevator command and at least one symmetric wing surface command. The aircraft elevator command and the at least one symmetric wing surface command are useable by an aircraft for runway slope compensation.
US08374723B2
Methods of and a system for providing force information for a robotic surgical system. The method includes storing first kinematic position information and first actual position information for a first position of an end effector; moving the end effector via the robotic surgical system from the first position to a second position; storing second kinematic position information and second actual position information for the second position; and providing force information regarding force applied to the end effector at the second position utilizing the first actual position information, the second actual position information, the first kinematic position information, and the second kinematic position information. Visual force feedback is also provided via superimposing an estimated position of an end effector without force over an image of the actual position of the end effector. Similarly, tissue elasticity visual displays may be shown.
US08374721B2
A power-saving robot system includes at least one peripheral device and a mobile robot. The peripheral device includes a controller having an active mode and a hibernation mode, and a wireless communication component capable of activation in the hibernation mode. A controller of the robot has an activating routine that communicates with and temporarily activates the peripheral device, via wireless communication, from the hibernation mode. In another aspect, a robot system includes a network data bridge and a mobile robot. The network data bridge includes a broadband network interface, a wireless command interface, and a data bridge component. The data bridge component extracts serial commands received via the broadband network interface from an internet protocol, applies a command protocol thereto, and broadcasts the serial commands via the wireless interface. The mobile robot includes a wireless command communication component that receives the serial commands transmitted from the network data bridge.
US08374718B2
A preceding-check processing sequence is provided separately from a machine-control processing sequence for an actual machine control, to make it possible to perform a collision check at an accurate position from an operation restart time of a machining program even when an operator interrupts an operation in the middle of the machining program or when the operator interrupts the operation as having detected a collision. This preceding-check processing sequence performs a collision possibility check ahead of an actual machine control. In this arrangement, there is provided a control-state synchronizing unit that matches a state of the preceding-check processing sequence with a state of the machine-control processing sequence during a period from when a machine stops until when the machine restarts an operation.
US08374717B2
A vibration suppressing method and a vibration suppressing device are disclosed. After a tool is attached to a main spindle, a modal parameter of the tool or a workpiece is computed. Thereafter, a relation between chatter frequency and phase difference is calculated as an approximation formula based on the obtained modal parameter and machining conditions. If chatter vibration occurs after initiation of the machining, a chatter frequency corresponding to a target phase difference is obtained using the approximation formula, and based on the obtained chatter frequency, the number of tool flutes and the main spindle rotation speed, the optimum rotation speed is calculated. The rotation speed of the main spindle is then changed in accordance with the obtained optimum rotation speed.
US08374712B2
Various embodiments related to the performance of gapless audio playback of two or more audio tracks are provided. One disclosed embodiment provides a method of performing gapless audio playback comprising rendering a plurality of samples of a current audio track via a current filter graph, and notifying an end-of-stream soon event via a current filter graph. Upon detecting the end-of-stream soon event, a next filter graph corresponding to a next audio track is pre-rolled and then paused. An end-of-stream event is notified at the current filter graph signaling an end of the current audio track. Then, upon detecting an end-of-stream event, the next filter graph is signaled to begin rendering samples of the next audio track.
US08374710B2
An apparatus comprising a vehicle and a media player/recorder physically connected with the vehicle, the media player/recorder comprising a wireless receiver to receive a signal representing encoded media data; a storage device to store the encoded media data; a processor comprising a storage controller to retrieve the encoded media data from the storage device, and a digital signal processor to decode the encoded media data retrieved by the storage controller; and an output circuit to output the decoded media data from the processor.
US08374709B2
A system for optimizing a power plant includes a chemical loop having an input for receiving an input parameter (270) and an output for outputting an output parameter (280), a control system operably connected to the chemical loop and having a multiple controller part (230) comprising a model-free controller. The control system receives the output parameter (280), optimizes the input parameter (270) based on the received output parameter (280), and outputs an optimized input parameter (270) to the input of the chemical loop to control a process of the chemical loop in an optimized manner.
US08374699B2
An implantable stimulation arrangement is described for generating electrode stimulation signals for an implanted electrode array having stimulation electrodes. A filter bank pre-processor processes an input acoustic audio signal to generate band pass signals each corresponding to an associated band of audio frequencies. A signal envelope module computes a corresponding signal envelope for each band pass signal. A stimulation pulse generator extracts stimulation signal information from the rate of change of the signal envelopes such as a time-based derivative to generate stimulation event signals defining electrode stimulation timings and amplitudes for some or all of the stimulation electrodes.
US08374696B2
The invention provides a micro-control neuroprosthetic device and methods for predicting and controlling epileptic neuronal activity. The device includes a detection system that detects and collects electrophysiological information comprising action potentials from single neurons and ensembles of neurons in a neural structure such as an epileptogenic region of the brain in a subject. An analysis system included in the neuroprosthetic device evaluates the electrophysiological information and performs a real-time extraction of neuron firing features from which the system determines when stimulus intervention is required. The neuroprosthetic device further comprises a stimulation intervention system that provides stimulus output signals having a desired stimulation frequency and stimulation intensity directly to the neural structure in which abnormal neuronal activity is detected. The analysis system further analyzes collected electrophysiological information during or following stimulus intervention to assess the effects of the stimulation intervention and to provide outputs to maintain or modify the stimulation intervention.
US08374693B2
A method carried out by an implantable medical device (IMD) for coordinating performance of one or more designated functions includes waiting in a low-power state for a predetermined event, detecting the predetermined event, and, responsive to detecting the predetermined event, searching for a wake-up command from a coordinating device implanted in the human body. The method further includes, receiving the wake-up command, and responsive to receiving the wake-up command, performing the one or more designated functions, and returning to the low-power state. A system includes a network of one or more implantable medical devices (IMDs) implanted in a human body. The system includes a satellite IMD operable to change between a plurality of power states, search for a wake-up command, and transmit an identification signal. The system may include a primary unit operable to receive the signal and coordinate a wake-up time based on the signal.
US08374686B2
System and method for assessing a likelihood of a patient to experience a cardiac arrhythmia. A biological sensor is configured to sense biological parameters of the patient. A processor is coupled to the biological sensor and is configured to determine the likelihood of the patient experiencing a cardiac arrhythmia based, at least in part, on a combination of the biological parameters, the combination dynamically weighting each of the plurality of biological parameters based on another one of the plurality of biological parameters.
US08374683B2
A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.
US08374679B2
In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining the position and orientation of an anchor attached to the skull of a patient from a topographic image of the anchor acquired therefrom. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of simulating an image of the anchor that matches the acquired topographic image of the anchor, determining the position and orientation of the anchor from the simulated image of the anchor, and determining the position and orientation of the anchor in the acquired topographic image of the anchor from the position and orientation of the anchor determined from the simulated image of the anchor. The simulating step comprises the step of modeling the anchor with an object that has a geometric shape simpler than that of the anchor.
US08374675B2
In a magnetic resonance angiography method with flow-compensated and flow-sensitive imaging and a magnetic resonance apparatus for implementing such a method, a first MR data set of the examination region is acquired with an imaging sequence in which vessels in the examination region are shown with high signal intensity, a second MR data set of the examination region with an imaging sequence in which the vessels in the examination region are shown with low signal intensity, and the angiographic magnetic resonance image is calculated in a processor by taking the difference of the first and second data set. The first data set is acquired with an imaging sequence with reduced flow sensitivity and the second data set is acquired with an imaging sequence with an increased flow sensitivity compared to the initial imaging sequence.
US08374674B2
A method of treatment includes delivering an agent into a patient, and providing energy inside the patient so that the energy can interact with the agent to treat a nerve. A system for treatment includes a source of agent for delivery into a patient, and an energy source for providing energy inside the patient so that the energy can interact with the agent to treat a nerve.
US08374661B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprising a housing and a fastener, such as a clip (101, 201) for fastening the apparatus (100, 200) to an article of clothing. The housing (102, 202) has a recess (103, 203) formed therein, such that at least a portion of the fastener is adapted to fit within the recess. The fastener is adapted to travel slidably within the recess (103, 203) between a first position in which the fastener enables the apparatus (100, 200) to be fastened to an external object and a second position in which the fastener is stowed away.
US08374660B1
An apparatus for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more co-located antennas is described herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus is positioned proximate to a second antenna for intercepting electromagnetic energy radiated from a first antenna during transmission of a signal. To reduce interference at the second antenna, the apparatus includes a plurality of resonant circuit elements, each being configured to resonate at or near a carrier frequency of the transmitted signal for redirecting at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy away from the second antenna. A method for reducing the electromagnetic interference between two or more antennas coupled to a wireless communication device is also disclosed herein.
US08374656B2
A mobile communication device is provided. The mobile communication device includes a first body including a display, a second body foldably connected to the first body, a slider body slidably connected to the second body, the slider body having at least one key that is exposed when the slider body is moved into an open position, and a camera arranged at the second body, the camera being exposed when the slider body is moved into the open position. A method for controlling the same is also provided. The method includes executing a first mode when the first body and second body foldably connected to each other are unfolded, and executing a second mode other than the first mode when a slider body slidably coupled to the second body is moved.
US08374650B2
A system and method for collaboratively designing optimized beamforming vectors is disclosed for a wireless multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) space division multiple access (SDMA) communication system to optimize an aggregate SNR performance metric across the different users, thereby permitting the flexibility to trade off computational requirements and size of control information exchanged with performance. Using adaptive vector space search methods, the space of all receive beamformers is searched to find the set which maximizes either the sum or product of SNRs of the users.
US08374645B2
A hybrid communications link includes a slow, reliable communications link and a fast unreliable communications link. Communication via the hybrid communications link selectively uses both the slow, reliable communications link and the fast, unreliable communications link.
US08374637B2
Systems and methods for assigning short codes to provide uniformity among wireless carriers. In the systems and methods, a Universal Short Code (USC) Administrator maintains a list of short codes and their lease status so that SMS messages sent to a particular short code may be routed to the proper holder of the short code. A network facilitator is in communication with both the USC Administrator and at least one wireless carrier to route the SMS message to the proper holder of the short code. The short code may be leased for a specified period of time so that the short code can be reassigned after expiration of the lease.
US08374626B2
An apparatus and method for providing a location information service using a mobile code in a Mobile Station (MS). The method includes scanning, by an input device of the MS, a mobile code; analyzing identifier information of the scanned mobile code; determining whether the identifier information corresponds to other information stored in the MS; if the identifier information corresponds to other information stored in the MS, acquiring location information, to be matched on a first cyber map in the MS, corresponding to the identifier information; matching the acquired location information on the first cyber map and displaying the matched first cyber map on an output device of the MS; and calculating a moving distance and a path using at least one location corresponding to the acquired location information.
US08374622B2
Call admission control within a wireless network is implemented using a service controller that manages a set of access points. The call admission control (CAC) function for a given access point determines whether the access point has sufficient unused bandwidth to handle an additional call. The service controller makes this determination by monitoring the access points and evaluating certain probability functions and load conditions. In one embodiment, a determination of whether the access point has sufficient unused bandwidth to handle an additional call is a function of two (2) independent probabilities: (i) a probability of an active session moving to the access point from one or more neighbor access points, and (ii) a probability of an idle mobile device already associated with the access point entering into a new active session by initiating an inbound or outbound call. According to another aspect, the service controller issues and manages “call admission credits” among the set of access points, where a call admission credit value indicates a number of calls that idle mobile devices associated with the access point may initiate from the AP. The call admission credits value is a function of a determined load on the AP, and a mobility probability, which is a probability of an active call moving to the access point from one or more neighbor access points. The call admission credit value for the access point is adjusted as a function of a change of the load or in the mobility probability.
US08374617B2
A method for improving a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) functionality in a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method includes steps of configuring a timer for controlling the DRX functionality, which indicates the UE a time length to monitor a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH); and excluding a duration corresponding to a measurement gap from calculation of the time length when a running time of the timer is overlapped with the measurement gap.
US08374609B2
A method for radio resource control (RRC) messaging. The messaging includes transmitting a RRC message upon partial completion of message transmission. The RRC message further comprises an information element (IE) that represents a failed or partially failed condition.
US08374594B2
In a radio communication system formed by a plurality of radio base stations having respective service areas and a mobile radio terminal configured to transmit a data transmission request through one radio base station and receive requested data through at least one radio base stations, a radio control station is provided to predict a moving route of the mobile radio terminal according to a terminal location information obtained from the mobile radio terminal upon receiving the data transmission request from the mobile radio terminal through the one radio base station, select those radio base stations which have service areas containing at least a part of the predicted moving route, and deliver requested data to the selected radio base stations.
US08374593B2
A method of providing a mobile application is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a transmission time and a loading time of the mobile application, and a limitation on a number and a size of the mobile application are minimized, and providing the personalized mobile application is possible.
US08374592B2
A server exchanges information between one or more wireless devices. The server receives second device identifier information from a first wireless device using a wide area wireless network The second device identifier information was previously provided to the first wireless device via short range wireless communication. The server then uses the second device identifier information to determine additional information concerning an entity or object located in proximity to the second device, and then delivers information to the first wireless device or the second wireless device based at least in part upon the second device identifier and feedback ratings relevant to an entity associated with either the first wireless device or the second device identifier.
US08374585B2
The present invention provides systems and method for delivering information to a transmitting and receiving device. The device receives a notification alerting a user of the device that information is available to be obtained and, in some embodiments, providing a short description of the information. After receiving the notification at the device, the user can then use the device to obtain or otherwise act on the information at a time and at a place convenient to the user.
US08374584B1
A first mobile, wireless communication device including a memory and a communication module. The memory is configured to store data associating a first user of the first mobile, wireless communication device with a second user of a second mobile, wireless communication device. The communication module is configured to, based on the data associating the first user of the first mobile, wireless communication device with the second user of the second mobile, wireless communication device, establish a communication link between the first mobile, wireless communication device and the second mobile, wireless communication device. In response to the second user being within a predetermined range of the first user, the first mobile, wireless communication device is configured to automatically receive, via the communication link, notification that the second user is within the predetermined range of the first user.
US08374580B2
An address management method is provided, for use when a mobile terminal accesses a service from a WLAN access network, wherein the service is provided in a 3GPP network or in a service provider network via the 3GPP network. First, the mobile terminal connects to the WLAN access network. Second, the mobile terminal sends a tunnel setup request message from the WLAN access network to a network entity located in the 3GPP network, wherein the tunnel setup request message includes a service request identifier for accessing a requested service and a mobile terminal identifier. Third, the network entity receives the tunnel setup request message, and allocates an address for use by the mobile terminal to access the requested service based on the service request identifier and the mobile terminal identifier.
US08374572B2
In an apparatus and method for automatically detecting the presence of an external device in a port of a mobile terminal, the external device is automatically enabled without the additional operation of the mobile terminal when plugged into a jack. The mobile terminal may be safeguarded against severe damage being done thereto by mistakenly choosing options to enable an external device while an earphone/microphone set is plugged in the jack of a mobile terminal.
US08374568B2
Receiver architectures and methods of processing harmonic rich input signals employing harmonic suppression mixers are disclosed herein. The disclosed receivers, mixers, and methods enable a receiver to achieve the advantages of switching mixers while greatly reducing the mixer response to the undesired harmonics. A harmonic mixer can include a plurality of mixers coupled to an input signal. A plurality of phases of a local oscillator signal can be generated from a single local oscillator output. Each of the phases can be used to drive an input of one of the mixers. The mixer outputs can be combined to generate a frequency converted output that has harmonic rejection.
US08374560B2
Aspects of a method and system for processing signals in a high performance receive chain may include amplifying a plurality of radio frequency signals in one or more respective one or ones of a plurality of amplifier chains in a multistandard radio frequency front-end, which may comprise one or more shared processing stages. The plurality of radio frequency signals may be compliant with a plurality of radio frequency communication standards and may be received concurrently. The one or more shared processing stages may be shared between two or more of the plurality of amplifier chains. Each of the two or more of the plurality of amplifier chains may be operable to amplify signals compliant with different radio frequency communication standards.
US08374556B2
Computer implemented methods and systems for the prediction of the reception of a desired in-band on-channel digital audio broadcast signal (IBOC DAB) are described. A method includes computing a first ratio of a weaker undesired adjacent broadcast signal to a stronger undesired adjacent broadcast signal; computing a second ratio of the desired IBOC DAB signal to the stronger undesired adjacent roadcast signal. The method also includes computing a minimum allowable reception ratio based on the second ratio and the slope and intercept of a line, wherein the slope and intercept of the line is based on both (i) a plurality of ratios of a weaker adjacent broadcast signal to a stronger adjacent broadcast signal and (ii) a plurality of ratios of a desired IBOC DAB signal to a stronger adjacent broadcast signal. Reception is predicted when the computed minimum allowable reception ratio is less than the first ratio.
US08374549B2
A method is disclosed that alters a communication mode in a mobile communication terminal. The method includes: if the mobile communication terminal receives a connection signal for an external device, determining whether the communication mode is set to a bidirectional mode; if the communication mode is not a bidirectional mode, determining whether the communication mode is set to a unidirectional mode; and if the communication mode is a unidirectional mode, paging with the external device. The mobile communication terminal can reduce its power consumption and thus extends its remaining run time.
US08374546B2
A wireless mobile communication device having NFC functionality that is designed to always be capable of NFC functionality, including secure NFC functionality by having a first and second energy source where charging of the second energy source may be achieved by the voltage induced by the received NFC signal.
US08374542B2
A data transmission system transmitting data using a relay is provided. The relay selects a transmission terminal from a plurality of terminals connected to a base station. During a first time slot, the base station transmits base station data to the relay and the transmission terminal transmits terminal data to the relay. The relay transmits the terminal data to the base station and transmits the base station data to the transmission terminal during a second time slot.
US08374536B2
A heating rotator that is used for heating a developer on a recording medium has a cylindrical body that is made of a metal and both end portions of the cylindrical body is rotatably supported. The cylindrical body has a thick-walled portion at both end portions that is thicker than a center portion in an axial direction of the cylindrical body, and a cross-sectional shape of the heating rotator changes from the end portions toward the center portion in a pressure area of an outer peripheral surface to which pressure is applied by a pressure rotator.
US08374529B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an accommodation portion accommodating a tubular powder container containing a powder; and a guide portion guiding a guided portion provided to the powder container. The guided portion includes: a base portion provided with one end portion at downstream side in an insertion direction of the powder container and the other end portion at upstream side, and a part of the one end portion provided along the axial direction and protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the powder container toward a radial direction; a first facing portion provided along the axial direction, protruding from the base portion in one direction and arranged to face the outer circumferential surface with a gap; and a second facing portion provided along the axial direction, protruding from the base portion in a direction opposite to the one direction and arranged to face the outer circumferential surface with a gap.
US08374525B2
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a drum unit which holds photosensitive drums in parallel, a developing cartridge which is detachably mounted in the drum unit, a translation member which is provided in the apparatus body to be movable linearly, a shaft which is provided on the tandem photosensitive drum unit for each developing cartridge; and a pivoting member which is rotatably supported by the shaft. The pivoting member includes an abutting portion which is provided on one side to abut the translation member, a pressing portion which is provided on the other side, and is configured to press a predetermined portion of the developing cartridge in a direction in which the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum; and a spring portion which applies a biasing force in a direction in which the pressing portion is separated from the predetermined portion.
US08374524B2
There is provided a retaining clip apparatus and method for securing a toner feeder gear housing to a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The apparatus comprises a first end configured to engage a protruding edge of the toner hopper. The apparatus further comprises a second end having a first surface configured to engage a portion of the toner feeder gear housing and having a second surface configured to engage a portion of the top cover housing, such that the second end is positioned within a space between the top cover housing and the toner feeder gear housing. The apparatus further comprises an elongated body portion connecting the first end to the second end.
US08374511B2
A transceiver card for a telecommunications box for transmitting data over a first optical fiber and receiving data over a second optical fiber. The card has transmitter for transmitting data over the first optical fiber, the transmitter having a laser and a modulator, a fiber output optically connected to the laser for connecting the first optical fiber to the card, a fiber input for connecting the second optical fiber to the card, a receiver optically connected to the fiber input for receiving data from the second optical fiber, and an OTDR optically connected between the transmitter and the fiber output or between the receiver and the fiber input. An energy level detector is also provided between the receiver and the fiber input.
US08374505B2
A quantum cryptography communication apparatus performs quantum cryptography communication between a transmitter and a receiver. The quantum cryptography communication apparatus includes first communicating unit transmitting and receiving a communication signal including relatively strong pulse light between the transmitter and the receiver, and second communicating unit transmitting and receiving a relatively weak quantum cryptography signal between the transmitter and the receiver in a period in which the communication signal is off and the attitude axis for the receiver can be adjusted to that for the transmitter by the second communicating unit.
US08374504B2
A transmitting apparatus includes a plurality of code spreaders different in spreading code, a reception processing unit that selectively distributes transmission data to the plurality of code spreaders, a plurality of optical transmitters each of which that transmit a code-spread signal to an optical fiber as a CDMA optical signal of a carrier wavelength different from that of the other optical transmitters, and a signal multiplexing unit that selectively supplies outputs of the plurality of code spreaders to the plurality of optical transmitters. A receiving apparatus includes an optical receiver that receives a wavelength-division-multiplexed CDMA optical signal from the optical fiber, and a plurality of despreaders connected to the optical receiver and different in spreading code, wherein each of the despreaders reproduces a CDMA signal corresponding to its spreading code from an output signal of the optical receiver.
US08374497B2
In an autofocusing zoom lens, a depth of focus ε is obtained based on an aperture value Fno of a variable diaphragm and a diameter of a permissible circle of confusion δ. A focal position variation amount Δsk for a predetermined positional displacement amount ΔFp0 of a focusing lens unit is obtained according to a position Fp of the focusing lens unit and a variable magnification state Zp. If a predetermined variation amount ΔFp of the focusing lens unit satisfies a first condition, the focusing lens unit is not driven. If the first condition is not satisfied and a second condition is satisfied, the focusing lens unit is driven based on a second autofocusing unit, and if the second condition is not satisfied, the focusing lens unit is driven based on a first autofocusing unit.
US08374493B2
The present invention provides a playback apparatus for up-converting a video signal without magnifying film grains. An up-converter 5 performs up-conversion on a frame image in a video signal. A film grain detection circuit 6 detects film grains from the video signal. A frequency converter 7 converts spatial frequencies of the detected film grains on the video signal after the resolution conversion to high frequencies.
US08374491B2
To prevent playback of pirated, non-encrypted video, a DVD-based system examines data read from a DVD disk for MPEG-like characteristics. If such attributes are detected, the data is examined for the presence of a video usage-control watermark. The presence of such watermark indicates that the video should be distributed only in encrypted form, so playback of video from the disk is prevented.
US08374489B2
In certain flat screen TV sets, such as LCD monitors, geometric errors can be induced in a video signal by positive going pulses. That is, a shift in a display is provided when one or more positive going pulse is added to the video signal following one or more sync pulse. To illustrate, AGC pulses, generally used for content control and or copy protection in the last lines of an active video field, cause a shift (horizontal displacement) in the picture for these last lines in the active field. Alternatively, turning off or attenuating such positive going pulses in the last lines of the active field, eliminates or reduces the picture shift.
US08374485B2
With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
US08374478B2
A dust cap is adapted to cover an end of a fiber optic connector that includes a release sleeve. The dust cap includes a sleeve with an open end and a closed end, at least one resilient latch, a connector stop, and a sealing face. The dust cap is installed on the fiber optic connector by placing the open end of the sleeve over the end of the fiber optic connector. The resilient latch retains the dust cap on the fiber optic connector by latching to a second end of the release sleeve. The sealing face of the dust cap is adapted to abut a first end of the release sleeve, and the connector stop is adapted to abut a connector body of the fiber optic connector when the dust cap is fully installed.
US08374476B2
A fiber distribution device includes a swing frame chassis pivotally mounted to a support structure. At least a first optical splitter module is mounted to the swing frame chassis. Pigtails having connectorized ends are carried by the swing frame chassis and have portions that are routed generally vertically on the swing frame chassis. An optical termination field includes fiber optic adapters carried by the swing frame chassis. The fiber optic adapters are configured to receive the connectorized ends of the pigtails.
US08374474B2
A structure for optical fiber with single layer coating suitable for field termination process is provided, including a glass core, a cladding layer, and a permanent coating protective layer. The thickness of the permanent coating ranges preferably from about 4 um to 8 um, and remains on the optical fiber during the field termination process to provide protection to the optical fiber after the buffer layer is striped off. In addition, the optical fiber structure of the present invention still conforms to the specification of the standard optical fiber. The optical fiber of the structure according to the present invention can simplify the field termination process so that the quality efficiency of the deployment is improved.
US08374469B2
A waveguide structure includes core 1 formed of a semiconductor such as Si, two external regions 2 which are not optically connected to the core but arranged at a certain distance from the core and bridges 3 which electrically connect the external regions to the core. Light propagating in the waveguide core is strongly confined in the waveguide core and optically disconnected from (i.e. not coupled with) the external regions, so that light can propagate in the waveguide without being affected by the existence of the external regions. Furthermore, the waveguide core is electrically connected to the external regions through the bridges, so that a voltage can be applied and a current can be caused to flow to the core from the external regions.
US08374465B2
The interpolation unit comprises: a fetching unit for fetching a first value of a first original pixel of a first input image, based on a first motion vector applicable to the new pixel; a projection unit for projecting a second value of a second original pixel of a second input image, based on a second motion vector applicable to the second original pixel; and a selection unit for assigning the value of the new pixel by means of comparing the first value with the second value.
US08374463B1
Method for partitioning a digital image into multiple regions where each of the multiple regions is defined using a portion of the digital image and is specified using a width and a height, in unit of pixel. In addition, neighboring pixels for each of the multiple regions are defined as margins and may contain pixels that are part of the digital image and/or newly generated pixels by using various techniques such as on the fly or using a predetermined data information. Each of the multiple regions is combined with its margin pixels to create a new quadrilateral digital image that is completely processed and/or scaled so that the appropriate portion of the processed quadrilateral digital image can be displayed using an electronic display panel, or monitor, with multiple display regions. The concatenation of the images displayed using each region of the display faithfully reproduce the digital image.
US08374461B2
Systems, devices, and methods for facilitating the automatic identification, sorting, and positioning of radiographic images. According to one embodiment of the subject invention, phosphorous plates for intra-oral imaging are encoded for automated image set identification, location, and orientation. In certain embodiments, a processing system is able to process encoded identifiers on the phosphorous plates with digitized images depicted on the phosphorous plates to automatically identify, sort, and rotate the digitized images into proper orientations for user viewing.
US08374460B2
An image processing unit is disclosed that smoothens a notice pixel of input image data with pixel values of pixels around the notice pixel to reduce noise in the image data. The image processing unit includes an edge extraction unit that extracts an edge based on the pixel values of the image data; a region determination unit that determines a region to be processed where a sum of edge intensities of the pixels including the notice pixel becomes greater than or equal to a threshold; and a smoothening unit that changes a smoothening intensity in accordance with a size of the region to be processed to smoothen the notice pixel corresponding to the region to be processed.
US08374459B2
A dynamic image compression method for human face detection includes the following steps. An original image is acquired. The image is divided into a plurality of blocks. A first brightness and a plurality of gradient values of each block are calculated. A second brightness of each block is calculated according to a brightness transformation function and the first brightness. A reconstruction image is generated according to the second brightness and the plurality of gradient values of each block. Human face detection is performed according to the reconstruction image. Therefore, gradient values within an original square are. When the human face detection process is performed through gradient direction information, a success rate of detection is greatly increased.
US08374457B1
An interactive system for separating image information from noise information in noisy input images may include a structure-preserving filter capable of separating high- and low-frequency image structures from random noise. The system may access data representing an initially denoised image and a corresponding initial noise layer, apply the structure-preserving filter to the noise layer to extract image structure, and combine the extracted structure with the initially denoised image to produce a refined image, restoring structure incorrectly removed from an image by a previous denoising operation. The system may provide brush tools to identify regions on which to apply the filter and mechanisms to specify filter parameter values. The filter may be applied iteratively to improve results, and may be employed in noise-consistent image editing tasks to preserve original image noise. The filter may be implemented by program instructions stored on a computer readable medium and executable by CPUs and/or GPUs.
US08374455B2
The original image composed of pixels representing a sample of the alloy, the hydrides being represented by groupings of pixels (21), the method comprises steps of processing the image (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) to obtain the skeleton of the groupings of pixels (21′) contained in the image, the skeletonization step (5) being followed by a step (6, 10) of analysis pertaining to the groupings thus skeletonised. The analysis step allows the determination of the hydrogen content as well as the morphological study of the hydrides so as to determine their danger.
US08374446B2
The invention relates to systems for a transmission of images via channels of communication with a limited capacity by means of application of compression of the images. The technical result consists in an increase of the compression degree upon encoding, and it allows to fulfill the transmission of such encoded images via the channel of communication with the limited capacity, therewith a high degree of the compression is provided without of increase of computational power of encoding device and without of distortions upon decoding. The result is obtained by the usage of more effective method of interpolation of restored subsamples, in this method there is used an adaptive and applicative set of samples, which restore a quantized signal, and this set of the samples allows to improve an accuracy of the interpolation with a number of the subsamples, which is necessary for the right interpolation that is simultaneously decreased one.
US08374431B2
A method and system for processing digital image data taken from a three-dimensional topographic area including terrain and a right of way including a first and a second object to establish a clearance surface to define clearance violations within a boundary area. Waypoints are located to define a centerline and the boundary area to be analyzed. Vegetation coordinate points in the scene are determined from the digital image data. Ground coordinate points are determined from the digital image data. A clearance surface segment is constructed within the boundary area between the first and second object. The clearance surface is determined from the location of the first and second object and clearance criteria. The clearance surface is used to define a violation region.
US08374423B2
A sensor system creates a sequence of depth images that are used to detect and track motion of objects within range of the sensor system. A reference image is created and updated based on a moving average (or other function) of a set of depth images. A new depth images is compared to the reference image to create a motion image, which is an image file (or other data structure) with data representing motion. The new depth image is also used to update the reference image. The data in the motion image is grouped and associated with one or more objects being tracked. The tracking of the objects is updated by the grouped data in the motion image. The new positions of the objects are used to update an application.
US08374421B1
Methods and systems for robot and cloud communication are described. A robot may interact with the cloud to perform any number of actions using video captured from a point-of-view or in the vicinity of the robot. The cloud may be configured to extract still frames from compressed video received from the robot at a frame rate determined based on a number of factors, including the robot's surrounding environment, the available bandwidth, or actions being performed. The cloud may be configured to request that a compressed video with higher frame rate be sent so that the cloud can extract still frames at a higher frame rate. Further, the cloud may be configured to request that a second compressed video from a second perspective be sent to provide additional environment information.
US08374411B2
This invention relates to a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time in an imaging system. An object orientation marker, preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on an organ of interest of a patient during a scan, such as an MRI scan. The marker allows measuring the six degrees of freedom or “pose” required to track motion of the organ of interest. A detector, preferably a camera, observes the marker and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the camera is sent to the scanner via an RGR processing computer and a scanner control and processing computer, allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position (in real-time) for motion of the patient. This invention also provides for internal calibration and for co-registration over time of the scanner's and tracking system's reference frames to compensate for drift and other inaccuracies that may arise over time.
US08374410B2
A reference landmark extracting and pairing unit extracts reference landmarks from each of two three-dimensional medical images and forms reference landmark pairs, while a general landmark extracting unit extracts general landmarks. The landmark pair forming unit forms general landmark pairs using of a distance between each of the reference landmarks and the general landmarks, and also forms general landmark pairs from the remaining general landmarks using the distances from the general landmarks included in the general landmark pairs. A coordinate transformation parameter calculating unit calculates coordinate transformation parameters, based on the positional information of the reference landmark pairs and the general landmark pairs. A corresponding sectional view creating unit creates corresponding sectional views for the two three-dimensional medical images based on the coordinate transformation parameters, and by the display controlling unit the two corresponding sectional views are displayed on a displaying unit.
US08374407B2
A live finger detection system and method includes a drive plate configured to inject radio frequency signals into an object proximate the drive plate. The injected radio frequency energy causes the object to radiate an electric field. A pickup plate is configured to detect an intensity associated with the electric field radiated by the object. A sensor coupled to the pickup plate is configured to determine whether the object is a live finger based on the detected intensity of the electric field radiated by the object.
US08374404B2
The spectral diversity of the iris can be used as a unique biometric identifier. By careful selection of a number of spectral bands, four or more, the hyper-spectral signature derived from data contained in those bands can distinguish color signatures that are not visually distinguishable in RGB color space to uniquely identify a person. Classification of hyper-spectral signatures requires less spatial resolution than the classification of texture signatures, maybe an order of magnitude or more. This reduces the size of the sensor aperture required at a given range.
US08374395B2
Methods and devices for the real-time tracking of an object in a video stream for an augmented-reality application are disclosed herein.
US08374392B2
A person tracking method capable of obtaining information representing a correspondence between a shot image and a three-dimensional real space, without actual measurement, thereby enabling lighter processing is provided. The method includes: calculating a statistically average correspondence between a size of person's head and a position representing a height of the head on the shot image, the camera looking down a measured space and taking the measured space; detecting a position and a size of a head on each of measured frame images; calculating, based on positions and sizes of heads on plural past measured frame images and the correspondence, a movement feature quantity representing a possibility that a head on a current measured frame image is of the same person on the past measured frame images; and determining that the head on the current measured frame image is of the same person on the past measured frame images.
US08374389B2
A method of identifying a living being includes using a camera to capture a blurred visual image of an iris of the living being. The blurred visual image is digitally unblurred based on a distribution of eye image gradients in an empirically-collected sample of eye images and characteristics of pupil region. The unblurred image is processed to determine an identity of the living being.
US08374387B2
A method and system for detection of video segments in compressed digital video streams is presented. The compressed digital video stream is examine to determine synchronization points, and the compressed video signal is analyzed following detection of the synchronization points to create video fingerprints that are subsequently compared against a library of stored fingerprints.
US08374386B2
Several promising techniques have been recently proposed to bind an image or video to its source acquisition device. These techniques have been intensively studied to address performance issues, but the computational efficiency aspect has not been given due consideration. Considering very large databases, the efficiency of the sensor fingerprint based source device identification technique is described. Novel schemes that improve search complexity as compared to a conventional approach are described.
US08374382B2
The present invention relates to a processing device of a sequence of video images intended to be displayed by a digital cinema projection system, a projection system for the digital cinema and a video signal designed to be used by such a system. The use of an anti-camcorder method against copying films is generally carried out entirely in the digital cinema projection system. However, this method requires complex video processing and costly means in the projection system. According to the invention, it is proposed to carry out part of the video processing at the level of the post-production of the video sequence and to save the result of this “pre-processing” in the form of metadata. The remaining part of the video processing is carried out from this metadata in the video projection system.
US08374374B2
In one embodiment, a headset includes a body housing a pivot coupling, a speaker capsule operably coupled to the body, and an arm operably coupled to the body. The arm is capable of pivoting open and close about the pivot coupling for accessing a microphone at a free end of the arm. A method for accessing a headset microphone is also provided. Advantageously, the apparatus and method of the present disclosure provide for improved headset use and speech clarity.
US08374373B2
A headset including an earcup having a front opening adapted to be adjacent to the ear of the user, a baffle disposed within the earcup to define front and rear cavities, a cushion extending around the periphery of the front opening of the earcup and constructed and arranged to accommodate the ear of the user, the cushion having a first density, an inner radial portion, and an outer radial portion opposite the inner radial portion, a cushion cover substantially surrounding the cushion to form a headphone cushion assembly, and a high impedance component having a second density and located near the outer radial portion to increase the transmission loss of the cushion along a radial direction.
US08374371B2
A miniature microphone comprising a diaphragm compliantly suspended over an enclosed air volume having a vent port is provided, wherein an effective stiffness of the diaphragm with respect to displacement by acoustic vibrations is controlled principally by the enclosed air volume and the port. The microphone may be formed using silicon microfabrication techniques and has sensitivity to sound pressure substantially unrelated to the size of the diaphragm over a broad range of realistic sizes. The diaphragm is rotatively suspend for movement through an arc in response to acoustic vibrations, for example by beams or tabs, and has a surrounding perimeter slit separating the diaphragm from its support structure. The air volume behind the diaphragm provides a restoring spring force for the diaphragm. The microphone's sensitivity is related to the air volume, perimeter slit, and stiffness of the diaphragm and its mechanical supports, and not the area of the diaphragm.
US08374370B2
Methods and apparatus for a hearing assistance device housing for use in real ear measurements. The methods and apparatus for configuration of a hearing assistance device using an apparatus including an opening to receive a sound tube for real ear measurements and providing an opening for connection of a sound hook to a housing of the hearing assistance device.
US08374365B2
A frequency-domain method for format conversion or reproduction of 2-channel or multi-channel audio signals such as recordings is described. The reproduction is based on spatial analysis of directional cues in the input audio signal and conversion of these cues into audio output signal cues for two or more channels in the frequency domain.
US08374364B2
An acoustic sensor lengthens the portion of the beam portion not fixed with the anchor without lowering the strength of the beam portion and the supporting strength of the diaphragm. On an upper surface of a silicon substrate, a beam portion made of polysilicon is formed through a second sacrifice layer made of silicon dioxide film on an extended portion of a first sacrifice layer made of polysilicon. The extended portion is formed under a region excluding a distal end of the beam portion. The extended portion is removed by etching from a back chamber arranged in the silicon substrate to form a hollow portion in a region excluding the distal end of the lower surface of the beam portion, and then the second sacrifice layer is removed by etching. The second sacrifice layer remaining on the lower surface of the distal end of the beam portion forms an anchor.
US08374363B2
In an amplifier circuit of a capacitor microphone, when a too high input signal from the capacitor microphone is inputted, the levels of output signals of the amplifier circuit are limited. A first feedback capacitor of an operational amplifier is formed using a changeable capacitance type MOS capacitor element, and has a characteristic of increasing the capacitance value CAf1 according to the amplitude of an input signal generated by a capacitor increases. Therefore, CAf (=CAf1+CAF2) increases according to the amplitude of the input signal increases, and accordingly the gain of the operational amplifier decreases, thereby limiting the output signals of the operational amplifier. This realizes the appropriate limitation of the output signals of the operational amplifier, even when the amplitude of the input signal becomes too high.
US08374356B2
Disclosed herein is a noise canceling apparatus including: a microphone configured to pick up ambient sound as noise; a first signal generator configured to receive a signal from the microphone to generate a noise cancel signal that is inverted in phase to the signal received from the microphone and has an amplitude level considered with an attenuation in accordance with a distance from the microphone to an observation point separated away from the microphone; a first loudspeaker configured to be arranged in the proximity of the microphone and output the noise cancel signal; a second signal generator configured to receive the signal from the microphone to generate a positive-phase signal that has the same phase as that of the signal from the microphone; and a second loudspeaker configured to be arranged in the proximity of the microphone and output the positive-phase signal.
US08374355B2
An audio signal is processed by transforming the signal into a frequency domain representation having a plurality of frequency subbands. A decorrelated signal is derived from the frequency domain representation using a phase rotation.
US08374345B2
A technique for efficient encryption for use with devices such as smartcards restricted in memory resource, including a calculation unit for reconstructing a large number of small primes, a sieving unit for checking the divisibility of an integer by small primes, a recoding unit for changing the representation of an integer, and a primality testing unit. The sieving unit eliminates “bad” candidates by checking their divisibility by small primes reconstructed by the calculation unit. The primality of the remaining candidates is tested using the primality testing unit. The primality testing unit uses the recoding unit to change the representation of prime candidates. The primality testing unit performs a primality test using the representation after change.
US08374339B2
Method, program, network system and client device each has a structure of being given encryption information different from given present encryption information by use of the given present encryption information and being given different encryption information in incremental steps, to one or a plurality of the connection destinations (client device CLm), for security setting of wireless communication network (wireless LAN device 2) to one or a plurality of connection destinations.
US08374338B2
In a method for testing a transport packet decrypting module of a client device, a first decryption operation of the transport packet decrypting module is implemented on a test encrypted control word using a content decryption key ladder to derive a test control word, a second decryption operation of the transport packet decrypting module is implemented on one or more test transport packets using the test control word via a predetermined content decryption algorithm, the KIV is derived from the decrypted transport packets, and the derived KIV is compared with a value stored in the client device to verify whether the transport packet decrypting module of the client device is functioning properly.
US08374333B1
An apparatus and methods for a call routing system is disclosed whereby the call routing service provider is associated with a series of partners. By providing a system supporting not only the main user, but also the partners, efficiencies are gained through cost-spreading. Agents can be qualified to field calls for multiple business entities. Cross-selling and proactive servicing based on caller demographic and profile data can be effectuated. The system employs a centralized or global bank of shared Interactive Voice Response (IVR) units so that unnecessary post-routing and call site interflow are reduced. The system comprises a central server system that interfaces with a long distance provider so that route requests are received, caller data is retrieved from one or more databases, routing and handling strategies are developed, load balancing is effectuated, and calls are appropriately routed to one of a plurality of geographically separated call center systems with queues staffed by agents. Each call center system is designed to support various queues, and agents may be qualified or assigned to various queues based on their skill sets and skill levels.
US08374329B2
During establishing a communication or power characteristics, an idle state is activated such that a communication terminal is at least temporarily unattainable. The idle state results in reducing electric power consumption in the communication terminal for which switchings off such as Always-on-Device are not provided.
US08374327B2
The provision of call handling treatments to callers interacting with an automated call-handling system is managed by, for each of a plurality of callers, providing a sequence of call handling treatments to the caller in accordance with workflows; monitoring a measurable performance indicator associated with that caller's behavior; determining an association between the performance indicator and the call handling treatments provided to the caller; and recording the association. Then, based on the recorded associations, the system determines a pattern of deviation in the performance indicator attributable to the call handling treatments; and alters the workflow in response to the deviation by making a change in the workflow selected from promoting a call handling treatment to an earlier point in the workflow; demoting a call handling treatment to a later point in the workflow; adding a call handling treatment to the workflow; and removing a call handling treatment from the workflow.
US08374320B2
When changes occur in an environment of the service user terminal, a network operator terminal acquires hashed environment information indicative of the changes from the service user terminal. The network operator terminal sends the hashed environment information to an environment management authority terminal. The environment management authority terminal calculates an evaluation value based on the hashed environment information and transmits the evaluation value to a network operator terminal. The network operator terminal transmits status change information to the service provider terminal. The service provider terminal updates information about the user information previously stored and decides whether to provide the service to the service user terminal based on the updated information.
US08374312B2
A radiotherapy couch top includes a cantilevered section adapted to support at least a portion of a prone patient's upper body. The cantilevered section may be provided with an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the body portion to extend into from above and to allow a radiation beam to pass through from below.
US08374310B2
A method and a system for contraband detection in an object using photoneutrons and x-rays includes an x-ray generator that generates an x-ray main beam including a first x-ray beam and a second x-ray beam, the first x-ray beam being directed to pass through the object. A photoneutron conversion target is arranged to receive the second x-ray beam so as to generate photoneutrons, the photoneutrons being directed to enter the object and react with the object to emit characteristic γ-rays. An x-ray detecting arrangement is arranged to receive the first x-ray beam that has passed through the object in order to perform x-ray imaging detection of the detected object. A γ-ray detecting arrangement is arranged to receive the characteristic γ-rays in order to perform neutron detection of the object based on the characteristic γ-rays. The x-ray imaging detection and the neutron detection are simultaneously performed.
US08374305B2
A serial input signal is sampled in synchronization with a plurality of first clock signals to obtain a plurality of sampling data pieces. A phase comparison circuit outputs a serial phase information signal based on the sampling data pieces. A serial-parallel conversion circuit performs a serial-to-parallel conversion on the serial phase information signal in synchronization with a second clock signal having a lower frequency, to output a parallel phase information signal. A digital filtering circuit calculates phase deviation and phase advance-delay signals based on the parallel phase information signal in synchronization with the second clock signal. By these signals, a phase control amount processing circuit generates a phase control signal. The phase control signal is in synchronization with third clock signals having a higher frequency. A phase interpolation circuit adjusts the phases of the third clock signals based on the phase control signal to output the first clock signals.
US08374301B2
A wireless relay apparatus relaying wireless communication between a transmission station and a receiving station includes M (M is an integer >1) receiving antennas receiving a radio signal from the transmission station, a signal processing section performing orthogonal transformation and phase rotation on M received signals received by each of the receiving antennas as an input signal so as to obtain M output signals having a same average power level, and M transmission antennas individually transmitting the M output signals obtained by the signal processing section to the receiving station.
US08374299B2
An interference cancelling receiver combines data from multiple paths after aligning to transmitter timing, and uses either an equalizer or a Rake receiver to compute symbol estimates. Interference estimates are generated from the symbol estimates, and multiple interference estimates are combined after re-aligning the interference estimates to receiver timing. At least two segments of symbol estimates are computed for each segment of interference cancelled data.Various techniques may be employed for controlling the latency and sequencing of these operations, and the subsystems within the canceller may use different processing clock speeds.
US08374292B2
Various embodiments are described herein for a system and method of detecting Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals in space and decoding these signals. In one aspect, a system for performing this function is described which includes a receiver configured to receive the plurality of AIS signals and pre-process the plurality of AIS signals to produce digital input data, and a processing unit configured to process the digital input data to identify one or more candidate AIS message signals based on Doppler offsets associated with the digital input data, determine corresponding Doppler offset estimates and time estimates of the one or more candidate AIS message signals, decode the one or more candidate AIS message signals to obtain corresponding message segments and validate the decoded message segments for proper AIS formatting.
US08374291B1
A radio receiver including a memory storing a reference sample sequence and a synchronizer. The synchronizer receives a data packet, samples and modulates symbols from the data packet and then generates phase-information samples from the modulated samples. The phase-information samples are low-pass to generate a filtered phase-information sample sequence. Samples of the filtered phase-information sample sequence are selectively compared with samples of the reference sample sequence and bit synchronization is established when a selected number of samples of the filtered phase-information sample sequence match a selected number of samples of the reference sample sequence.
US08374286B2
A method and apparatus for decoding encoded data bits of a wireless communication transmission are provided. A set of a-priori bit values corresponding to known bit values of a response message expected to be transmitted in response to a previously transmitted message. Example expected response messages include clear to send (CTS) messages transmitted in response to request to send (RTS) messages and positive acknowledgement (ACK) messages transmitted in response to messages with data payloads.
US08374283B2
A single sideband mixer circuit includes a voltage controlled oscillator operable a tunable frequency f1. The mixer circuit outputs a frequency signal at a frequency f1±f2. A tracking filter operates to filter the frequency signal and generate a first output signal at the frequency f1±f2. A resonance frequency fr of the tracking filter is tunable to substantially match the frequency f1±f2 of the frequency signal. The output signal of the tracking filter may be processed by a phase lock loop circuit to generate a control signal for controlling the setting of the tunable frequency f1 and resonance frequency fr. Alternatively, the output signal of the tracking filter may be divided and the divided signal processed by a phase lock loop circuit to generate the control signal for controlling setting of the tunable frequency f1 and resonance frequency fr.
US08374282B2
A method, apparatus, and electronic device for using digital predistortion are disclosed. A transmitter 212 may transmits a transmission signal. A receiver 214 may monitor the transmission signal to execute digital predistortion of the transmission signal to compensate for distortion. A field programmable gate array or application specific integrated circuit 226 may adjust a power amplifier bias to improve the digital predistortion.
US08374277B2
Provided is a wireless communication mobile station device capable of suppressing an increase in an SRS resource even when the mobile station is provided with a plurality of antennas. In the device, a weighting section (115) weights transmission data inputted from an IFFT section (111) and an SRS inputted from an IFFT section (114) by using a precoding matrix (φ) and a precoding matrix (φinv) orthogonal to the precoding matrix (φ). A control unit (106) controls the interval for using the precoding matrix (φinv) independently of the interval for using the precoding matrix (φ).
US08374264B2
Disclosed herein is a signal processing apparatus, including: a computation device operable to perform transform computation adapted to Fourier-transform a time domain OFDM i.e., Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing signal into a frequency domain OFDM signal; a processing device operable to perform carrier frequency offset detection adapted to detect an estimated carrier frequency offset that is an error of a carrier used for demodulation of the OFDM signal; and a carrier frequency offset correction device operable to perform carrier frequency offset correction adapted to correct the carrier frequency offset of the frequency domain OFDM signal in accordance with the estimated carrier frequency offset.
US08374262B2
A method and a device for determining an unabbreviated channel-impulse response in an OFDM transmission system, of which the duration is greater than the length of the guard interval, estimates the channel-transmission factor at frequency-time positions of a relatively-coarse frequency-time raster, interpolates the channel-transmission factor at frequency-time positions of a relatively-fine frequency-time raster and calculates the unabbreviated channel-impulse response by means of inverse Fourier transform from the estimated or interpolated values of the channel-transmission factor at the frequency-time positions of the relatively-fine frequency-time raster. In this context, estimated values of the channel-transmission factor optimized at the individual frequency-time positions of the relatively-fine frequency-time raster are determined from received symbols and from transmitted symbols estimated by means of decision from the received symbols.
US08374250B2
An image coding apparatus includes: a division unit configured to divide a coding target picture included in an input video signal into a plurality of slices each including one or more data blocks; a coding unit configured to code the video signal in a unit of the slice divided by the division unit; and a setting unit configured to set at least one of a division position of the slice and a number of divisions of the slice, to the division unit. In the image coding apparatus, the setting unit sets at least one of the division position of the slice and the number of divisions of the slice so that slice boundaries differ from each other between adjacent pictures.
US08374244B2
A motion compensation method and apparatus that sequentially use global motion compensation and local motion compensation, a video decoding method, a video encoder, and a video decoder are provided. The motion compensation method includes extracting global motion information of a reference block, performing global motion compensation by applying the extracted global motion information to the reference block, extracting local motion information of the global motion-compensated reference block, and performing local motion compensation by applying the local motion information to the global motion-compensated reference block.
US08374232B2
A channel equalizer having a filter arranged to filter an input signal, the filter including a plurality of taps, each tap generating an output signal based on a coefficient, an input for receiving the coefficients and an output for outputting a filtered signal; and coefficient generating circuitry including a graduation unit arranged to receive the input signal and an error signal indicating an error in the filtered signal, to accumulate gradient values relating to each of the coefficients based on a plurality of error values of the error signal, each of the gradient values indicating a required change in one of the coefficients, and to sequentially output the gradient values; and coefficient update unit arranged to sequentially update each of the filter coefficients in turn, based on the gradient values.
US08374230B2
A receiver 31 receives a wireless signal of, for example, an RFID system that conducts communication with a wireless signal based on reflection modulation. A demodulation block 33 demodulates the received signal obtained at the receiver 31 with orthogonal demodulation. A display block 36 provides signal points derived from the orthogonal demodulation onto an orthogonal coordinate display to display characteristics of the reflection modulation concerning an RF tag that conducts the reflection modulation of the wireless signal. The display of the signal points may have vector display or at least numerical values indicating magnitudes of the vectors. The processed results may be stored and signal points based on the stored results may be displayed on the orthogonal coordinate to compare sets of the characteristics of the reflection modulations on the display.
US08374228B2
A remote endpoint monitor device includes a remote endpoint device including a meter, a position locator, a frequency selector, and a communication unit. The meter is configured to measure a service parameter to provide a measured service parameter value. The position locator is configured to determine a position of the remote endpoint device. The frequency selector is configured to select a transmission frequency device based on the determined position. The transmitter is configured to transmit service information data including the service parameter value at the transmission frequency selected by the frequency selector. A method of a remote endpoint monitor device includes measuring a service parameter, determining a position of the remote endpoint device, selecting a transmission frequency of the remote end point device, and transmitting service information data at the transmission frequency. Thus, the remote endpoint monitor device is capable of handling an automatic frequency switchover without direction provided externally.
US08374224B2
One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of data processing. In the method, an initial data stream is received. A series of bytes having a total byte length is selected from the initial data stream, the series of bytes having a span in the initial data stream that is greater than the total byte length. At least one redundancy byte is calculated based on the series of bytes. An output data stream is transmitted over a transmission medium, where the output data stream includes the initial data stream with the at least one redundancy byte therein, and where consecutive bytes in the output data stream have an order that corresponds to an order of consecutive bytes in the initial data stream. Other devices and methods are also described.
US08374218B2
A method can include receiving, at a transmitter, during a symbol time that comprises a plurality of chip times, a data value for each of a plurality of distinct data channel inputs. During each chip time, the method can include (a) indexing a different row of a matrix of data bits; (b) decoding one channel input using a first subset of one or more columns of the indexed row; (c) determining a code value for the decoded one channel from a second subset of one or more columns of the indexed row; and (d) providing the coded data value to a transmission circuit for transmission to a receiver. Actions (a) to (d) can be performed for each of the plurality of chip times in the symbol time. In some implementations, the matrix of data bits is a Hadamard matrix with randomly shuffled rows.
US08374217B2
Systems (100) and methods (400) for selectively controlling access to multiple data streams which are communicated using a shared frequency spectrum and shared spreading codes. The methods involve generating a first product signal (FPS) by spreading first symbols of a first amplitude modulated (AM) signal using a first spreading code (SC). The methods also involve generating a second product signal (SPS) by spreading second symbols of a complimentary AM signal using a second SC. The FPS (124) and SPS 126 are combined to form a protected data communication signal (PDCS) including first data recoverable by a receiver (106). A global data communication signal (GDCS) is combined with PDCS (128) to form an output signal (140) having a spread spectrum format. The GDCS is generated using a digital modulation process and includes second data recoverable by a plurality of receivers (106, 108).
US08374214B2
A method comprises generating, by logic, a random number. The method also comprises determining a next frequency in said sequence using the random number and one or more of a minimum separation, a channel number, and a number of channels. The method further comprises hopping to the next frequency.
US08374212B2
RRC signaling is used to configure a user device for N secondary cells SCells on license-exempt channels wi in a frequency hopping channel set W={wi} where i=1, 2, . . . N. Then cross-carrier scheduling is sent on a primary cell PCell to schedule a frequency hopping FH resource block hi on the ith license-exempt channel wi. Based on measurements of at least some of the license-exempt channels wi received from at least the user device, parameters for the frequency hopping are adapted. The FH resource block contains M physical resource blocks, scheduled for the SCell during a FH time interval Tu*L+j by a resource grant sent on a PDCCH of the PCell. In an embodiment the RRC signaling is sent by a micro access node/HeNB on the PCell, the cross carrier scheduling is sent also by the micro access node/HeNB on the PCell, and the PCell lies within an LTE licensed frequency band.
US08374211B2
A method for data transmission is provided for determining movement speed and/or location of a mobile communication device; selecting, based on the movement speed and/or the location of the mobile communication device a frequency hopping mode from a plurality of frequency hopping modes to be used for data transmission to or from the mobile communication device; and transmitting the data using the selected frequency hopping mode.
US08374194B2
A communication device, which provides a bandwidth allocation opportunity to ONUs each having different data transmission rates, not depending on any specific bandwidth-request notifying method, thereby realizing fair upstream transmission data delay between data transmission rates of respective ONUs, includes a bandwidth-update-cycle division processor that divides the bandwidth update cycle into slots of each of the data transmission rates, a bandwidth-allocation-amount calculating unit that allocates a bandwidth to the slave station devices in a slot of the data transmission rate, and a transmission-start-time calculating unit that sets a transmission start time and a transmission time of data of the slave station devices, based on an overhead length of a data frame transmitted by the slave station devices.
US08374177B2
In order to provide a network element for switching time-division multiplex signals in a transport network, which allows higher capacity at moderate equipment costs, the network element has a number of input ports (I; IO1-IO8), a number of output ports (O; IO1-IO8) and a switch fabric ( ) SF; 58) interconnecting the input and output ports (IO1-IO8). The switching fabric ( ) SF; 58) is a cell based switch comprising one or more switch modules ( ) SE1-SEn) which are adapted to switch fixed-length cells on the basis of addresses contained in cell headers of the cells. The input ports (I) contain a segmentation device (11) for segmenting an input time-division multiplex signal into fixed-length cells and assigning address information to each cell. The output ports (O) contain a reassembly device (14) for reassembling cells received from said switch fabric (SF; 58) into an output time-division multiplex signal. The address information contains a fabric address (H1, H2) and a TDM address (P0, P1). The switch fabric switches the cells in accordance with the fabric address (H1, H2) to a corresponding output port (O) and the reassembly device (14) reassembles the cells in accordance with the TDM address (P0, P1).
US08374172B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server operably couplable to an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network and an Interactive Television (ITV) system, where the server includes a controller to receive a session transfer request from a first communication device operably connected to the ITV system and presenting media content where the session transfer request includes identification information associated with a second communication device operably connected to the ITV system, and transmit an INVITE message to the second communication device and transmit a media adjustment message to a Media Resource Function Processor (MRFP) of the IMS network, where the media content is adjusted and transmitted to the second communication device based on receipt of the media adjustment message, where the adjusted media content is generated by the MRFP based on the identification information associated with the second communication device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08374171B2
A method for reducing a risk of a call connection failure in a video communication providing a multimedia ring back tone service includes replying to a call connection request from a calling terminal, receiving a first message, determining whether the first message includes predetermined data and if the first message includes the predetermined data, setting a second message from the calling terminal as an initial value for a Numbered Simple Retransmission Protocol (NSRP) session with the calling terminal. The predetermined data may include a video temporal spatial tradeoff command, miscellaneous video temporal spatial indication, or a video fast update picture command. A system to perform the method includes a receiving unit, a determination unit, and a setting unit.
US08374170B2
Power management systems and methods for use in an electronic device are provided. The system comprises a baseband processing unit, a wireless communication module, and an application processing unit. The baseband processing unit connects to a base station via a communication network, thereby enabling the electronic device equipped with a communication capability. The wireless communication module receives a data packet via an Internet, and determines whether the data packet conforms to a packet pattern. If so, the wireless communication module transmits a wake-up signal to the application processing unit. In response to the wake-up signal, the application processing unit enters a normal state from a sleep state, and performs an application operation in the normal state according to the data packet.
US08374169B2
A system and method of providing an assignable registration between a device and a user for IP telephony, wireless telephony and other forms of collaborative systems is provided wherein loss of association is detected and a policy language is used to capture and execute user preferences in the event of such loss. A method and system are also provided for utilizing coupling between a thin client and a telephone to provide for device association.
US08374161B2
Techniques for sending control information in a communication system are described. In an aspect, control information may be sent in a first frequency location (e.g., a first set of subcarriers) if data is not being sent and in a second frequency location (e.g., a second set of subcarriers) if data is being sent. In another aspect, control information may be processed in accordance with a first processing scheme if data is not being sent and with a second processing scheme if data is being sent. In one design of the first scheme, a CAZAC sequence may be modulated with each modulation symbol for control information to obtain a corresponding modulated CAZAC sequence, which may be sent on the first set of subcarriers. In one design of the second scheme, modulation symbols for control information may be combined with modulation symbols for data, transformed to frequency domain, and mapped to the second set of subcarriers.
US08374158B2
An operational method interfaces a second communication network containing an access node with a first communication network encompassing a contact node. In a first step, an access node reads or receives an identity which is specific for the second communication network and is stored in a storage medium of a memory node. Then an interfacing message containing the identity that is specific for the second communication network is transmitted from the access node to the contact node, which is defined by an address stored in the storage medium. A packet data service to the access node is supplied by the contact node such that the second communication network is interfaced with the first communication network. An assembly and a storage medium are provided for interfacing the second communication network with the first communication network.
US08374150B2
Techniques for re-synchronizing Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifiers (C-RNTIs) in a wireless communication system are described. In one design, a user equipment (UE) sends a random access preamble for random access. A base station receives the random access preamble, assigns a Temporary C-RNTI to the UE, and sends a random access response including the Temporary C-RNTI. The UE uses the Temporary C-RNTI as a C-RNTI for itself if a valid C-RNTI is not already available. The UE discards the Temporary C-RNTI and uses the valid C-RNTI if available. The UE sends a transmission after receiving the random access response, and the transmission may include the valid C-RNTI if available. For handover, the base station (a target base station) receives a handover request from a source base station, assigns the valid C-RNTI to the UE, and sends the valid C-RNTI to the source base station for forwarding to the UE.
US08374148B2
A handoff method for a mobile station in a wireless local area network, the handoff method includes outputting a handoff alert message to a present access point, receiving a response message from the present access point, the response message including channel information on access point in an extended service set, and scanning channels by using the channel information to select a new access point.
US08374145B2
Method for requesting and reporting channel quality information in wireless portable internet system
A method for requesting and reporting channel quality information (CQI) in a wireless portable Internet system is disclosed. Timing of a channel quality information request by a base station is determined, existence of an automatic repeat request acknowledgment (ARQ_ACK) message of downlink data is determined on requesting the channel quality information from the subscriber station, the automatic repeat request acknowledgment message and the radio resource for the channel quality report to the subscriber station is allocated, the automatic repeat request acknowledgment message and the channel quality report information is received, and a modulating and coding level of downlink data is determined by extracting the channel quality report information form the automatic repeat request acknowledgment message.
US08374139B2
In advanced wireless OFDMA communication systems, hierarchical synchronization is adopted to synchronize between a base station (BS) and a mobile station (MS). In a hierarchical synchronization architecture, primary advanced preamble (PA-Preamble) is used for coarse time domain synchronization while cell ID is detected using several accumulated secondary advanced preambles (SA-Preambles). Network entry latency can be reduced by adjusting the relative location of superframe header (SFH), PA-Preamble and SA-Preambles within a superframe. Three different synchronization channel (SCH) architectures are proposed to provide different tradeoffs between network entry latency and the robustness of SA-Preamble design and cell ID detection.
US08374138B2
A self-configuring method of a femtocell base station extracts preambles from signals received from adjacent macrocells and femtocells. Transmission power of the femtocell base station is set using the extracted macrocell preambles. In addition, the preambles of the femtocell base station are selected using the correlation values between the macrocell preambles and the pre-stored femtocell preambles. Moreover, the resources for data transmission of the femtocell base station are allocated considering the adjacent macrocells and the femtocells.
US08374135B2
Methods and systems for reusing macro cell resources in femto cell base stations or relay stations in a non-collaborative manner are disclosed. In addition, orthogonal resource allocation between a macro cell base station and femto cell base stations/relay stations may be dynamically adjusted by considering user-population variance. Moreover, an additional level of spatial reuse by femto cell base stations or relay stations can be provided by employing macro cell user location information.
US08374134B2
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for transmitting data for applications using one or more available channels of a spectrum. One example method comprises transforming data into a digital broadcast format, identifying at least one available channel of a spectrum, and transmitting the transformed data in the at least one identified available channel.
US08374133B2
A mobile station (MS) operating within a radio network includes a processing unit having an active mode and an inactive mode. The mobile station includes a transmitter in communication with the processing unit. The mobile station includes a memory in communication with the processing unit for storing uplink payload. The mobile station includes a radio interface in communication with the radio network and the transmitter; when there is uplink payload to transmit when the processing unit is in the inactive mode, the transmitter transmitting an activity indication to a base station over the radio interface, the processing unit changing to active mode, and the transmitter transmitting the uplink payload to the base station over the radio interface. A method for a mobile station operating within a radio network. A method for a base station operating within a radio network.
US08374126B2
A switching server 100 relays VoIP packets transmitted from a cellular phone terminal 300A to an IP phone terminal 42, and sequentially acquires the receiving times of the VoIP packets received from the cellular phone terminal 300A. In addition, the switching server 100 switches a communication route R1 via a radio IP network 10A to a communication route R2 via a radio IP network 10B, on the basis of the multiple receiving times thus acquired.
US08374120B2
A base station (BS) apparatus in a broadband wireless communication system is provided. The base station apparatus includes at least one function board for processing a baseband digital signal; at least one processor board for controlling the at least one function board; and at least one switch for routing a signal between the at least one function board and the at least one processor board.
US08374117B2
A method and apparatus of setting up a radio bearer (RB) in a wireless communication system is provided. At least one UnRB is set up based on a quality of service (QoS) guaranteed between a relay node and a base station. The relay node sets up a connection with a user equipment, and selects a UnRB of which a QoS corresponds to a QoS of the service request from the at least one UnRB according to a service request from the user equipment. A UuRB which is to be mapped to the selected UnRB is set up between the relay node and the user equipment.
US08374111B2
A technique for on-demand power wake up for digital signage includes providing 400 a detector operable to detect an envelope of a digital signal, receiving 402 an extended length packet by the detector, wherein the packet consists of a same, repeated data symbol, detecting 404 the extended length packet in the detector to provide an output signal, comparing 406 the output signal against a reference threshold, and providing 410 a wake up signal if the output signal exceeds the reference threshold. This can then be followed by receiving 416 information to display on the sign.
US08374110B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for transmitting a packet. The apparatus and method indicate a policy with respect to an acknowledgement packet and a retransmission packet, which correspond to the type of data to be transmitted, in a packet included in the data. The apparatus includes a Media Access Control (MAC) control unit which determines the type of packet to be transmitted, and sets the packet to indicate an acknowledgement policy and a retransmission policy with respect to the packet; and a communication unit which transmits the packet.
US08374105B1
A specialized preamble is provided to facilitate matrix channel estimation of a MIMO channel. In a particular implementation, a channel training preamble provided by the IEEE 802.11a standard is modified to facilitate MIMO channel estimation.
US08374098B2
An encoder for generating check data to accompaning payload data uses parallel lane encoders each using a common encoder matrix. Mask circuitry applies mask values to the lane check data generated by the lane encoders. The mask circuitry generates check data for the K-bits of payload data. The mask values applied by the mask circuitry may be selected so as to bring about a re-ordering of the M-bit words.
US08374093B2
A monitor terminal transmits a monitor request command to monitor a repeater station designated by an operator to a monitor server via the Internet. The monitor server detects a monitor station located in the communication range of the designated repeater station from the content of the received monitor request command, and transmits a monitor instruction command to the detected monitor station via the Internet. The monitor station intercepts a radio signal during transmission from the repeater station to a radio communication device or vice versa. Upon reception of the monitor instruction command, the monitor station transmits the intercepted radio signal as monitor data to the monitor server. The monitor server transfers the monitor data to the monitor terminal. Upon reception of the monitor data transferred from the monitor server, the monitor terminal radio-transmits the received monitor data using a radio wave format receivable by the radio communication device.
US08374091B2
An extension to TCP is generally provided that allows TCP to handle heterogeneous applications, especially those with delay and smoothness-sensitive contents, and wireless transmission media having noisy, fading radio channels. The TCP extension decouples reliability control from rate control, sacrificing reliability for delay control (transmission rate and retransmission decision) that may be suitable for delay and smoothness-sensitive contents. Furthermore, the TCP extension may select TCP variants and modifications to the TCP variants based on one or more of application needs, channel conditions, or local observables such as loss and delay to better adapt to different types of applications and physical layers.
US08374090B2
A system and method routing content over a packet network. A call request is received at a call control manager to communicate data packets including real-time over a packet network. A determination is made of at least one network node through which a call path for a call is to be routed, the network performance information including real-time bandwidth usage and non-real time bandwidth usage. Network performance information associated with communications are accessed over the at least one network node. An automatic determination is made whether the at least one network node is impaired or congested. The real time bandwidth usage and the non-real time bandwidth usage is determined from the network performance information if the at least one network node is determined to be impaired or congested. The communications of the data packets are altered including the non-real-time content to modify the real-time bandwidth usage by decreasing the non-real time bandwidth usage based on the network performance information if the at least one network node is determined to be impaired or congested. Otherwise, the call is established through the at least one network node.
US08374088B2
Methods are provided for managing hierarchically organized subscriber profiles. According to one embodiment, a connection for a subscriber is created based on a service context of the subscriber. A connection request is received from a subscriber of a network service delivery environment. The subscriber is associated with a first-level profile identifier indicative of a service context for the subscriber. One or more other subscribers can be associated with the first-level profile identifier. Lower-level profile identifiers are determined using the first-level profile identifier. The lower-level profile identifiers indicate a set of services that is available to the subscriber during the connection. Creating a connection for the subscriber that enables forwarding of packets based on the lower-level profile identifiers.
US08374085B2
A method (400) for managing a data stream (30) encoded according to a digital transmission protocol and configured for broadcasting to a consumer network device (14) within a broadband communications network (10). A message relating to the data stream is encapsulated (402) within a transport layer data packet (502). The packet has a destination port number field. A value associated with a predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol is created (404) within the field. Based on the value, the packet is forwarded (406) to the consumer network device according to a network layer protocol. When the forwarded message is received by the consumer network device, the consumer network device processes the data stream based on the message, and establishes an application layer communication socket based on the destination port number value. The socket is usable to receive further messages associated with the predetermined parameter of the digital transmission protocol.
US08374078B2
In one embodiment, a technique for detecting a break in a pseudowire and automatic shutting down user network interface (UNI) ports affected by the break is provided. In response to the loss of connectivity on the shut down ports, customer edge devices may automatically switch over to redundant circuits (e.g., other UNI ports not affected by the break in the pseudowire) and establish a different pseudowire.
US08374063B2
A heat-assisted magnetic write head includes: a magnetic pole having an end surface exposed to an air bearing surface; a waveguide extending toward the air bearing surface to propagate light; a plasmon generator provided between the magnetic pole and the waveguide and generating near-field light from the air bearing surface, based on the light propagated through the waveguide; and a clad provided to surround both the waveguide and the plasmon generator collectively, the clad having a refractive index lower than that of the waveguide, and exhibiting a thermal conductivity higher than that of the waveguide. The clad may be provided to collectively surround the magnetic pole, as well.
US08374062B2
The magnetic read write head has a read head and a write head, each having an end face exposed on an air bearing surface. The write head performs heat assist magnetic recording, and is provided with: a magnetic pole having an end face exposed on the air bearing surface; a waveguide extending toward the air bearing surface to propagate light; and a plasmon generator provided between the magnetic pole and the waveguide, and generating near-field light based on the light propagated through the waveguide to emit the generated near-field light from the air bearing surface. The waveguide is surrounded by a clad layer, and the magnetic pole is in contact with a heat sink having a heat conductivity higher than that of the clad layer. Although the near-field light causes temperature rise, heat energy from the plasmon generator to the magnetic pole is released through the heat sink.
US08374056B2
Direct digital speaker apparatus receiving a digital input signal and generating sound accordingly, the apparatus comprising an array of pressure-producing elements and a controller operative to compute a timing pattern determining if and when each pressure-producing element is actuated so as to achieve a desired directivity pattern.
US08374045B2
Disclosed are methods, circuits, devices and systems for operating one or more non-volatile memory (NVM) cells within an array of NVM cells. According to embodiments, there may be provided a nonvolatile memory (NVM) device comprising an array of NVM data cells including one or more border/periphery data cells and one or more non-periphery cells. Array control circuitry may be adapted to gauge a state of the one or more periphery data cells differently than non-periphery data cells.
US08374040B2
A memory system that includes a plurality of memory arrays having memory cells characterized by a variable write time. The memory system also includes a memory bus configured to receive write commands, and a plurality of data buffers configured to communicate with the memory arrays. The memory system further includes an address buffer configured to communicate with the memory arrays to store the write addresses. A mechanism configured to receive a write command and to split a data line received with the write command into a number of parts is also included in the memory system. The parts of the data line are stored in different data buffers and the writing of the parts of the data line to memory arrays at the write address is initiated. The write command is completed when write completion signals specifying the write address have been received from all of the memory arrays.
US08374028B2
Methods for sensing and memory devices are disclosed. One such method for sensing determines a threshold voltage of an n-bit memory cell that is adjacent to an m-bit memory cell to be sensed. A control gate of the m-bit memory cell to be sensed is biased with a sense voltage adjusted responsive to the determined threshold voltage of the n-bit memory cell.
US08374008B2
The present invention relates to power converters of the type known generally as switch mode power converters (SMPCs). In particular, the present invention addresses the problem of reducing thermal stress across the phases of a multi phase converter. Specifically, a method of controlling a multi-phase switch mode power arrangement is provided. The multi-phase arrangement comprises a plurality of phases configured to deliver DC power to a common load. The method comprises the steps of: determining the thermal stress of each phase along with at least one other stress for each phase and controlling the share of DC power provided by the individual phases in an effort to equalize the thermal and other stress across the individual phases.
US08373997B2
A semiconductor device includes a structure in which a semiconductor element (chip) is mounted in a cavity formed in a wiring board with an adhesive interposed between the chip and a bottom surface of the cavity, and electrode terminals of the chip are connected via wires to wiring portions formed on the board around the cavity. The chip is mounted in close contact with a side wall of the cavity, the side wall being near a region where a wiring for higher frequency compared with other wirings within the wiring portion is formed. A recessed portion is provided in a region of the bottom surface of the cavity, and a thermal via extending from the bottom surface of the recessed to the outside of the board is provided, the region being near a portion where the chip is in close contact.
US08373994B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing, a circuit board in the housing, a module, a holder, and a buffer. The housing includes a wall. The circuit board includes a first connector. The module includes a second connector configured to engage with the first connector. The holder holds the module. The buffer is configured to be interposed between the wall and the holder such that a gap remains between the first connector and the second connector in a range in which the first connector is electrically connected to the second connector.
US08373984B2
A docking station includes a connector, a first sliding component whereon a first incline and at least one incline are formed, and a second sliding component whereon a third incline is formed. When the second sliding component moves in a first direction so that the third incline slides relative to the first incline, the second sliding component pushes the first sliding component in a second direction for driving the connector to electrically connect with a notebook computer. The second sliding component further includes at least one protrusion. When the second sliding component moves in a third direction opposite to the first direction so that the protrusion slides relative to the second incline, the protrusion drives the first sliding component to move in a fourth direction opposite to the second direction so as to drive the connector to separate from the notebook computer.
US08373977B2
A movable touch module and an electronic device using the same are provided. The movable touch module is disposed at a main body. The movable touch module includes a movable element, a touch unit, a plurality of elastic elements, at least four movement sensing elements, and at least two rotation sensing elements. The movable element is disposed at the main body and is movable relative to the main body on a plane. The touch unit is fastened to movable element. The elastic elements are fastened to the main body and are against the periphery of the movable element. The movement sensing elements are fastened to the main body and are located around the movable element. The rotation sensing elements are fastened to the main body.
US08373973B2
A capacitor includes a main body, a first seat, and a second seat. The main body includes a first end surface and a second end surface opposite to the first end surface. Two first pins extend upward from the first end surface. Two second pins extend downward from the second end surface. The first pins electrically connect the second pins. The first seat includes a first substrate and two first pads, the first seat is positioned on the second end surface of the main body and the first pads are electrically connected to the second pins. The second seat includes a second substrate and two second pads, the second seat is positioned on the first end surface of the main body and the second pads are electrically connected to the first pins.
US08373972B2
A solid electrolytic capacitor with a protective structure, which includes stacked capacitor elements electrically connected to the positive and negative terminal. A packaging material such as synthetic resin is used to encapsulate the capacitor elements, the positive terminal, and the negative terminal. Before packaging, a protective layer is formed by a colloid material, which covers the main body of the capacitor that includes the capacitor elements, the positive terminal, and the negative terminal. The protective layer provides a better seal and relieves the external pressure exerting on the capacitor during the packaging process. The protection prevents structural damage to the capacitor's main body while reducing the risk of short-circuits and excessive current leakage.
US08373967B2
The present invention includes method and apparatus for a device including two capacitors separated by a gap within one package thereby the two capacitors are coupled to each other in such a way that the impedance between them are matched with respect to the other components along a transmission path.
US08373955B2
An electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit having first and second transistors and an ESD clamp circuit. The first and second transistors are coupled in series between first and second voltage input pins of a chip. The ESD clamp circuit is coupled between the first and second voltage input pins. The drains of the first and second transistors are coupled to an I/O pin of the chip. The doping regions of the first and second transistors are of distinct doping concentrations. The first transistor comprises four doping regions, and has a source formed by the first and third doping regions, and has a drain formed by the second and the fourth doping regions. The first doping region is within the third doping region. The second doping region is within the fourth doping region. The doping concentration of the fourth doping region is less than that of the third doping concentration.
US08373949B2
A hybrid power plant is characterized by a substantially constant load on generators regardless of momentary swings in power load. Short changes in power load are accommodated by DC components such as capacitors, batteries, resistors, or a combination thereof. Resistors are used to consume power when loads in the power plant are generating excess power. Capacitors are used to store and deliver power when the loads in the power plant demand additional power. Reducing rapid changes in power load as seen by the generators allows the generators to operate at higher efficiencies and with reduced emissions. Additionally, power plants employing combinations of generators, loads, and energy storage devices have increased dynamic performance.
US08373946B2
A removable hard disk drive storage system includes a data storage cartridge having a write protect switch, and a reader configured to couple to and read data from the data storage cartridge. The reader includes a physical block that aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge. The physical block aligns with the write protect switch of the data storage cartridge to prevent the reader from coupling to the data storage cartridge when the write protect switch is in a write protect position.
US08373945B1
A method and system for providing a magnetic transducer are described. The magnetic transducer includes a first pole, a write gap, a second pole, a first coil, and a second coil. The first pole has a front portion on which at least a portion of the write gap resides. The second pole includes a split yoke that includes a first portion and a second portion. At least a portion of the first coil resides between the first portion of the split yoke and the first pole. At least a portion of the second coil resides between the second portion of the split yoke and the first pole.
US08373944B2
A magnetic head according to one embodiment includes outer modules each having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers; and an inner module positioned between the outer modules, the inner module having a tape bearing surface and an array of transducers selected from a group consisting of readers and writers, wherein portions of edges of the tape bearing surface of the inner module are non-skiving in regions not aligned with the array of transducers in a direction of media travel thereacross, wherein an outer edge of the tape bearing surface of each of the outer modules are adapted for skiving air from the magnetic medium when the magnetic medium travels in a direction from the respective outer module towards the inner module.
US08373940B2
According to one embodiment, a magnetic head for recording magnetic data by changing the magnetization direction of a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic medium comprises a magnetic pole for generating a magnetic field to change the magnetization direction of the magnetic recording layer, and a facing electrode pair for generating an electromagnetic field and applying energy to the magnetic recording layer to assist the change of the magnetization direction of the magnetic recording layer caused by the magnetic field from the magnetic pole. Other embodiments are also presented.
US08373934B2
A lens barrel includes a zoom optical system in which a focal distance is changeable; a first group frame moving together with the first lens group; and first and second cam mechanisms transmitting drive force to the first group frame. In a zoom region, each of a first group cam groove and a cam slot includes a first section, a second section which adjoins the first section and has an absolute value of a gradient smaller than that of the first section, and the third section which adjoins the second section and has the absolute value of the gradient larger than that of the second section, and in which a sign of the gradient is the same as that of the first section. A distance from an imaging surface to the first group frame in the optical axis direction has a local minimum in the second section.
US08373931B2
A liquid lens includes a vessel having an inner wall and configured to contain liquid, an electrolyte liquid and a non-electrolyte liquid forming an interface therebetween and being contained in the vessel, and a voltage applying unit which applies a voltage to the electrolyte liquid. A shape of the interface between the electrolyte liquid and the non-electrolyte liquid is changed by application of the voltage. The inner wall of the vessel has varying affinity with the non-electrolyte liquid depending on a position on the inner wall where an end of the interface contacts the inner wall; and the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the non-electrolyte liquid is situated is lower than the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the electrolyte liquid is situated.
US08373915B2
An optical scanning device for scanning a photoreceptor surface with a beam, said optical scanning device having: a light source for emitting the beam; an optical system for causing the beam emitted from the light source to converge; and a deflector that includes a polygon mirror with a plurality of reflecting surfaces and that deflects the beam that has passed through the optical system by rotations of the polygon mirror. Between the deflector and the photoreceptor surface, no optical system for causing the beam to converge or diverge is disposed. The optical system for causing the beam emitted from the light source to converge generates spherical aberration depending on which part of the optical system in a main-scanning direction the beam passes through. The beam enters into three or more adjacent reflecting surfaces of the polygon mirror at a time.
US08373912B2
A portable device is configured to obtain an image of a document, the document being of no predefined format and containing numerical data. The numerical data is extracted and automatically organized into a report in a predefined or customized format and stored into a database. The database is accessible and searchable by a user to obtain either the numerical data of the image or the report.
US08373909B2
A mailpiece scanner device in a module of a franking system, said mailpiece scanner device comprising: a contact image sensor or “CIS” disposed in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the mailpieces are conveyed through the module; and a support to which said sensor is fastened and which is mounted firstly to move vertically under the action of at least one drive lever and secondly to pivot about a longitudinal hinge pin; the device further comprising guide means secured to a stationary portion of the module for the purpose of limiting firstly the vertical movement of the image sensor support and secondly pivoting of said support about the longitudinal hinge pin.
US08373898B2
A general framework for adaptive gamut mapping is presented in which the image is first decomposed in two bands, one containing the local means, the other the local variations. Two spatial and color adaptive gamut mapping algorithms are introduced. Based on spatial color bilateral filtering, they take into account the color properties of the neighborhood of each pixel. Their goal is to preserve both the color values of the pixels and their relations between neighbors.
US08373879B1
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a mail package in real time. Electronic mail jobs are sent to a distribution center. At the distribution center, the mail jobs are received and stored in a database. The mail jobs are converted into program control language (PCL) scripts and sent to print centers. The print centers execute the PCL scripts producing documents, tabs and mail labels. The documents are packaged and the mail labels affixed to the packages. The packages are mailed to the customers from the print center.
US08373878B2
To create a job flow having machine type dependence and commonly usable among different types of devices, a CPU of a client PC displays first task information relating to tasks usable in a first print processing device and creates a first task cooperative job flow executable in the first print processing device. Then, the CPU of the client PC creates definition information of the first task cooperative job flow based on an edit instruction entered using the first task information. Furthermore, the CPU of the client PC produces definition information of a second task cooperative job flow executable in a second task processing device based on the definition information of the created first cooperative job flow as well as based on second task information relating to tasks usable in the second print processing device.
US08373871B2
An image forming apparatus includes a scanning device and a printing device. The scanning device and the printing device are configured to be separately arranged when the image forming apparatus is in use. The printing device includes a control unit that transmits and receives signals to and from a plurality of units included in the scanning device, and a power supplying unit that supplies electric power to the units. The scanning device includes a first relay substrate that receives electric power from the power supplying unit and distributes the electric power to the units, and relays signals between each of the units and the control unit.
US08373870B2
An information processing apparatus having multiple operating systems is disclosed. Among the multiple operating systems, a first operating system, the startup time of which is short, controls a particular device, and a second operating system, the startup time of which is longer than that of the first operating system, controls the emulated particular device.
US08373853B2
A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.
US08373846B2
A radiation source is configured to produce extreme ultraviolet radiation. The radiation source includes a chamber in which, in use, a plasma is generated, and an evaporation surface configured to evaporate a material formed as a by-product from the plasma and that is emitted to the evaporation surface. A method for removing a by-product material in or from a plasma radiation source of a lithographic apparatus includes evaporating a material which, in use, is emitted to that surface from the plasma.
US08373845B2
According to one embodiment, an exposure control apparatus includes exposure setting unit that performs an exposure setting of setting an exposure shot as a shot that is exposed or a shot that is not exposed based on height information on a height of a substrate in the exposure shot arranged in a substrate peripheral portion, and an exposure instructing unit that outputs an exposure instruction to the shot that is exposed and an instruction to skip an exposure to the shot that is not exposed.
US08373844B2
An exposure apparatus having an element to be cooled and that exposes a substrate to patterned radiation by using the element. A reservoir houses a liquid coolant therein. A first pump, disposed between the reservoir and the element, supplies the coolant from the reservoir to the element. A heater, disposed between the first pump and the element, heats the coolant supplied from the first pump. A jacket receives the coolant from the heater and cools the element. A second pump, disposed between the jacket and the reservoir, reduces a pressure of the jacket and supplies the coolant from the jacket to reservoir. A cooler, disposed between the second pump and the reservoir, cools the coolant supplied from the second pump.
US08373839B2
A process for producing a liquid crystal display device enabling to produce with simple process, and such a liquid crystal display device, are provided, the process comprising: a step of forming transparent electrodes (41, 42) on first and second substrates (11, 12); a step of applying an uncured raw seal material; a step of dropping a first functional material; a step of dropping a second functional material; a step of sandwiching the raw seal material (13a, 14a), the first functional material (32a) and the second functional material (31a) between the first and second substrates under a predetermined reduced pressure atmosphere, and thereby forming a sealed product wherein the first functional material is isolated from the second functional material by the raw seal material and sealed between the first and the second substrates; a step of exposing the sealed product to a normal atmospheric pressure; and a step of curing at least the raw seal material.
US08373834B2
An array substrate of an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes, among other features, a gate electrode and a gate line having a first double-layered structure consisting of a first barrier layer and a first low resistance metallic layer; a data line defining a pixel region with the gate line, the data line having a second double-layered structure consisting of a second barrier layer and a second low resistance metallic layer; a plurality of common electrodes disposed in a direction opposite to an adjacent gate line; a thin film transistor (TFT) near a crossing of the gate and data lines, each of the source and drain electrodes of the TFT having the same double-layered structure as the data line; and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an alternating pattern with the common electrodes and disposed in the direction opposite the adjacent gate line.
US08373832B2
An electrode film, which is not peeled off from an oxide thin film and in which a copper atom does not diffuse into the oxide thin film, is provided. A wiring layer is composed of a high-adhesion barrier film 37, which is a thin film of Cu—Mg—Al and a copper thin film 38; and the high-adhesion barrier film 37 is brought into contact with the oxide thin film. When a total number of atoms of copper, magnesium, and aluminum is set to 100 at %, if the high-adhesion barrier film 37 contains magnesium in a range of between 0.5 at % and 5 at and aluminum in a range of between 5 at % and 15 at %, then wiring layers 50a, 50b, can be obtained, whereby the adhesion and the barrier property are compatible with each other, adherence is strong, and a copper atom does not diffuse.
US08373825B2
To provide a display device having an input function that is not dependent on the light environment, multiple sensor pixel circuits that detect light in a specified detection period and hold the light amount when not in the specified detection period are disposed in a pixel region. In a frame in which input is performed using the sensor pixel circuits, a backlight is lit one time for a time in a frame period, and a first detection period and a second detection period are set one time each in the frame period. The difference between the light amount in the first detection period and the light amount in the second detection period is obtained using a difference circuit. The backlight is in an extinguished state at the beginning of the first detection period, and lighting of the backlight is started at a time during the first detection period.
US08373822B2
A surface emitting device includes a light guide plate having a light outgoing surface and a reflection surface and an LED light source that includes an LED element provided so that light from the LED element enters the light guide plate through a light incoming end surface of the light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a concave portion corresponding to the LED element on a side of the reflection surface just in front of the LED light source. The concave portion has dimensions in which a width of the light guide plate is equal to or larger than a width of a light outgoing surface of the LED element, and a depth from the reflection surface in a thickness direction of the light guide plate is set so that the concave portion does not overlap with a region opposed to the light outgoing surface of the LED element.
US08373817B2
A backlight unit includes a rectangular light guide plate including a first edge and a second edge orthogonally crossing each other. A light source arranged on a flexible substrate emits light to the first edge of the light guide plate and then the light emitted from the light source is emitted to outside from an upper surface of the light guide plate. A connection flexible substrate is connected to the flexible substrate and arranged along the second edge of the light guide plate to outside of the backlight unit. The second edge of the light guide plate facing the connection flexible substrate is cut out at an acute angle to the first edge of the light guide plate to pass around the connection flexible substrate.
US08373814B2
An approach of a circuit configuration is provided for operating a display panel and a liquid crystal display with high aperture ratio, transmittance and visibility, the circuit configuration includes: a gate line; a data line intersecting the gate line; a first transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a second transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a storage electrode line separated from the gate line; a third transistor connected to the storage electrode line and the second transistor; a first pixel electrode connected to the first transistor; and a second pixel electrode connected to the second transistor and the third transistor. The third transistor being separated from an additional gate line is connected to the storage electrode line such that the aperture ratio can be increased, and visibility and transmittance can be enhanced.
US08373813B2
An array substrate includes a substrate including a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, data lines disposed in the display area and including a portion thereof extending from the display area into the peripheral area at a first side of a periphery of the display area, and a repair line disposed in the peripheral area and crossing the portion of the data lines extending into the peripheral area. The array substrate also includes a static electricity diode part electrically connected to the repair line and a first data line of the data lines.
US08373810B2
A micro-array of optical vortex retarders is provided by forming an alignment layer having a plurality of discrete alignment patches with different orientations. A layer of birefringent material, including one of a liquid crystal and a liquid crystal polymer precursor material, is provided adjacent to the alignment layer. The aligning orientation and position of each discrete alignment patch in the plurality of discrete alignment patches is selected to induce the layer of birefringent material to form at least one optical vortex retarder adjacent to a substantially non-oriented region of the alignment layer.
US08373806B2
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, an electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel including a display area. The electro-optical panel has an incidence face side that faces incident light from a light source and an opposite side which is opposite to the incidence face side. A holding member houses the electro-optical panel. A heat radiation member is provided at the opposite side of the electro-optical panel. A light-shielding plate is formed so as to at least partially surround the display area of the electro-optical panel. The light-shielding plate is provided so as to make contact with the holding member and the incidence face side of the electro-optical panel.
US08373801B1
Embodiments for video content source resolution detection are provided. Embodiments enable systems and methods that measure video content source resolution and that provide image-by-image source scale factor measurements to picture quality (PQ) processing modules. With the source scale factor information. PQ processing modules can be adapted dynamically (on a picture-by-picture basis) according to the source scale factor information for better picture quality enhancement. In addition, embodiments provide source resolution detection that is minimally affected by video coding artifacts and superimposed content (e.g., graphics).
US08373800B2
Embodiments of the invention include a subtitling format encompassing elements of enhanced syntax and semantic to provide improved animation capabilities. The disclosed elements improve subtitle performance without stressing the available subtitle bitrate. This will become essential for authoring content of high-end HDTV subtitles in pre-recorded format, which can be broadcast or stored on high capacity optical media, e.g. the Blue-ray Disc. Embodiments of the invention include abilities for improved authoring possibilities for the content production to animate subtitles. For subtitles that are separate from AV material, a method includes using one or more superimposed subtitle layers, and displaying only a selected part of the transferred subtitles at a time. Further, colors of a selected part of the displayed subtitles may be modified, e.g. highlighted.
US08373799B2
An apparatus including a display, an input unit and a processor connected to the display and input unit, the processor being configured to recognize an input and embed at least one effect, in response to the input, into a video feed transmitted from the apparatus.
US08373794B2
A movable sensor including a plurality of photo pixel sites arranged in an array comprising a photo sensor and a neutral density filter filtering the photo sensor. Each of the neutral density filters have a density value that are graduated over a range of densities. The sensor is linearly movable across an image. Each point in the image is exposed to at least one pixel site with the graduated density values and each of the photo pixel sites of the array is exposed to a same light input during a time span of exposure, such that the image is captured at a defined range of exposure values and can be combined into a single high dynamic range image.
US08373792B2
An autofocus apparatus with a photographic optical system having a movably disposed focus adjusting lens, an optical element to split light beams received from an object, a plurality of image forming lenses to form images from portions of the split light beams, a plurality of focusing estimating portions to create focusing data for focusing the image of the object on the corresponding image forming lenses, a data detecting device to detect data for focusing the image, a data creating device to correct the detected focusing data, a selecting portion to select from among the focusing estimating portions, and a moving device to move the focus adjusting lens.
US08373787B2
An image sensing apparatus sets a trimming area for an image file obtained by image sensing. An image processing apparatus acquires the image file to which the trimming area has been added, and displays the acquired image file on a display unit. The image processing apparatus then sets a new trimming area for the displayed image file, and distinguishably displays the trimming area set by the image sensing apparatus and the trimming area set by the image processing apparatus on the display unit.
US08373783B2
A photoelectric conversion device may include a plurality of A/D converters each of which receives a pixel signal from a pixel array that includes pixels arranged two-dimensionally. Each of the pixels may have a photoelectric conversion element. The pixel array may output the pixel signal in accordance with an incident light amount to the photoelectric conversion element. The plurality of A/D converters may convert the pixel signal to a digital value based on a reference voltage. The plurality of A/D converters may output the digital value. A reference voltage wire, which supplies the reference voltage to each of the plurality of A/D converters, may be branched into a plurality of branched reference voltage wires each of which is corresponding to one of the plurality of A/D converters. Each of the plurality of branched reference voltage wires may be connected only to constituent components in a corresponding A/D converter.
US08373780B2
A solid-state image sensor includes: a transfer control section configured to control charge transfer from the vertical transfer section to the horizontal transfer section. The transfer control section has a plurality of unit control sections corresponding to the transfer packets. The unit control section has a vertical transfer channel and a plurality of control section electrodes formed over the vertical transfer channel. The control section electrodes include a signal charge accumulating electrode and a transfer inhibiting electrode, which are sequentially formed from a side of the vertical transfer section. The vertical transfer channels are independently connected to a horizontal transfer channel. When stopping the charge transfer from the vertical transfer section to the horizontal transfer section, a high-level voltage is applied to the signal charge accumulating electrode, and a low-level voltage is applied to the transfer inhibiting electrode.
US08373779B2
A signal processing method is provided. The method includes: generating an output signal containing a high-precision component at a level not determined by quantization of an input digital signal by subjecting each of pixels constituting the input digital signal to a predetermined filter operation such that a set of predetermined number of pixels including a target pixel and surrounding pixels thereof is obtained, the operation is carried out on the surrounding pixels when a variation from the target pixel is within a predetermined threshold range, and the operation is carried out on the target pixel when a variation from the target pixel is out of the predetermined threshold range; separating the high precision component from the signal output from the edge-preserving smoothing filter; and adding the high precision component separated from the high-precision component separating part to the input digital signal.
US08373774B2
An image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens, and an image pickup element having an image pickup surface which receives optically an image formed by the zoom lens, and which converts the image received to an electric signal. The image pickup apparatus satisfies the following conditional expressions (1) Lv 1 Er/Lv 1 EL<0.49, (2) 0.93
US08373767B2
A digital photographing apparatus capable of acquiring data about an image having a wide dynamic range and a high grayscale resolution, a method of controlling the digital photographing apparatus, and a recording medium storing a program to implement the method are provided. An embodiment includes an imaging device that acquires a reference image and additional images at different exposures and a multi-level threshold map generation unit that classifies the pixels of the images into levels according to brightness. The embodiment further includes a motion data acquiring unit that acquires motion data for each pixel based on its respective brightness level and a first weight data acquiring unit that acquires first weight data based on the motion data of each pixel. In addition, the embodiment includes a final image data acquiring unit that synthesizes the pixels of the reference image and the additional images based on first weight data.
US08373763B2
A system and method for calibrating a camera on a vehicle as the vehicle is being driven. The method includes identifying at least two feature points in at least two camera images from a vehicle that has moved between taking the images. The method then determines a camera translation direction between two camera positions. Following this, the method determines a ground plane in camera coordinates based on the corresponding feature points from the images and the camera translation direction. The method then determines a height of the camera above the ground and a rotation of the camera in vehicle coordinates.
US08373759B2
A television band device has DTV pilot signal detection logic that generates DTV pilot signal detection decisions associated with a monitored television channel. A wireless microphone detection logic generates wireless microphone detection decisions associated with the monitored television channel. A sensing manager receives DTV pilot signal detection decisions and the wireless microphone detection decisions and analyzes at least one the respective decisions to determine whether the monitored television channel is available white space.
US08373757B1
Various techniques are provided to perform flat field correction for infrared cameras. In one example, a method of calibrating an infrared camera includes calibrating a focal plane array (FPA) of the infrared camera to an external scene to determine a set of flat field correction values associated with a first optical path from the external scene to the FPA. The method also includes calibrating the FPA to a shutter of the infrared camera to determine a set of flat field correction values associated with a second optical path from the shutter to the FPA. The method also includes using the flat field correction values associated with the first and second optical paths to calculate a set of supplemental flat field correction values to apply to thermal image data obtained with the infrared camera. The method also includes storing the supplemental flat field correction values.
US08373752B2
A detection apparatus, a detection method and a computer readable medium thereof for detecting an object in real time are provided. The detection apparatus is electrically connected to a video capturing apparatus for capturing a video sequence comprising the object. The detection apparatus generates a first transformed frame and a second transformed frame according to the video sequence, and retrieves a plurality of target pixel bits and a plurality of adjacent pixel bits from the first transformed frame. The detection apparatus further interlaces the target pixel bits and the adjacent pixel bits to enhance the accuracy of determining the position where the object appears in the second transformed frame without considerably increasing the computational complexity.
US08373733B2
A thermal printer avoids or reduces difficult to correct problems caused by recording paper that has passed the printing position leaving the paper transportation path. A printing mechanism has a head mounting plate that carries a line thermal head, a front guide plate disposed downstream from the head mounting plate, a platen roller that defines the printing position A, and a back guide member disposed downstream from the platen roller. The head mounting plate and front guide plate have interlocking parts that interlock with each other widthwise to the paper transportation path. A paper detector that detects entry of the recording paper 45 is disposed to a gap E between the back guide member and platen roller. When the paper detector detects the recording paper 45, a rotation control unit stops the platen roller.
US08373729B2
A technique for reducing the kickback voltage error between two or more common voltage signal lines in a display device is provided. The kickback voltage error may be caused by driving a first and second common voltage at different levels. In one embodiment, a common voltage offset may be applied to the second common voltage such that the magnitude of the voltage kickback error is approximately equalized at the maximum and minimum pixel voltages for pixels coupled to the second common voltage. A data voltage offset, which may be determined based upon gray level data, may be applied to the data voltage supplied to the pixels coupled to the second common voltage. The foregoing technique may compensate for the kickback voltage error between the first and second common voltage lines, thereby reducing visual artifacts and improving color accuracy of the display.
US08373720B2
Obtaining an original set of two or more original colors associated with an artwork is disclosed. An input set of one or more user selected colors is received. For each original color in the original set, a mapping from the original color to one of a plurality of derived colors is determined. The plurality of derived colors is derived based at least in part on one or more user selected colors. The artwork is colored with at least two of the plurality of derived colors using the mapping.
US08373719B2
A control method for improving the luminous uniformity of a display device includes a panel which includes a plurality of sampling pixels, wherein each sampling pixel corresponding to a coordinate of the panel. The control method includes receiving an input pixel, determining the neighboring pixels of the input pixel according to a coordinate of the input pixel and the coordinates of the plurality of the sampling pixels, receiving the gamma table of the neighboring sampling pixels, each gamma table including a luminous calibrating value of a neighboring sampling pixel, retrieving the corresponding specific luminous calibrating value according to the corresponding grey level of the input pixel, and calculating the luminous calibrating value of the input pixel according to the coordinate of the input pixel, the coordinates of the neighboring sampling pixels and the specific luminous calibrating value.
US08373716B2
Method for parallel approximation of distance maps on a discrete representation of a manifold, the method comprising: for at least one Euclidean grid applied on the discrete representation of a manifold, iterating over rows of the Euclidean grid in a first direction, and for each row currently visited during the iterating in the first direction, calculating a distance value for each single cell of the currently visited row in parallel, wherein the calculating is carried out according to a predefined approximation rule, using a distance value calculated for each one of respective cells of a row visited immediately before the currently visited row, wherein the cells of the row visited before the currently visited row are adjacent to the single cell in the Euclidean grid.
US08373713B2
An image display apparatus includes a memory 1 having a first mode and a second mode in which image data are sequentially written and read per frame and per sub-frame area respectively, a compressor 10 capable of switching a compression output state and an uncompressed output state in which a compression image data and an uncompressed image data are outputted respectively, and a decompressor 20 capable of switching a decompression output state and a non-decompression output state. A controller 6 switches the compressor from the uncompressed output state to the compression output state during a first input vertical blanking period, switches the decompressor from the non-decompression output state to the decompression output state during a first output vertical blanking period immediately after the first input vertical blanking period, and switches the memory from the second mode to the first mode during a first output vertical blanking period.
US08373709B2
Embodiments of a multi-processor architecture and method are described herein. Embodiments provide alternatives to the use of an external bridge integrated circuit (IC) architecture. For example, an embodiment multiplexes a peripheral bus such that multiple processors can use one peripheral interface slot without requiring an external bridge IC. Embodiments are usable with known bus protocols.
US08373704B1
Methods and systems for facilitating object movement using markers are disclosed. A marker may provide information about a “binding” that specifies how a component of an object will automatically move in response to a movement of another component of the object. By using bindings to link the movements of an objects' components, a developer can simplify how the object's movement is controlled, for example, so that moving one component causes the rest of the components to automatically move in a desired manner. Displaying markers for these bindings provides, among other things, a convenient means for a developer to observe and/or change a component's movement behavior (i.e., the behavior that is specified by the bindings).
US08373703B2
A system, method and computer writeable medium for creating a personalized font and which includes an electronic pad exhibiting a display. A stylus pen is manipulated to mark upon at least one field exhibited by the pad on its display. A separate processor operable device incorporates a keyboard, and to which the electronic pad is communicated. In this fashion, the pad is utilized in combination with the keyboard in order to create a personalized font associated with a software writing program of the processor operable device.
US08373697B2
An image processing apparatus includes: a filter-coefficient storing unit that stores filter coefficients respectively associated with spatial frequencies, which are the numbers of strips displayed per unit angle with respect to an angle of field of a display apparatus; a viewing-condition determining unit that determines, as viewing conditions, a viewing distance between a viewer and the display apparatus and pixel density of the display apparatus; a filter-coefficient setting unit that sets a filter coefficient selected on the basis of a spatial frequency calculated from the viewing conditions among the stored filter coefficients; and a gradation modulating unit including a quantizing unit that quantizes a pixel value in a predetermined coordinate position in an image signal and outputs the pixel value as a quantized pixel value in the predetermined coordinate position, the gradation modulating unit gradation-modulating the image signal by multiply-accumulating a set filter coefficient with respect to quantization errors caused by the quantizing unit to feedback the quantization errors to an input side of the quantizing unit.
US08373695B2
A display panel drive apparatus is provided with: a drive circuit outputting drive voltages to a display panel in response to a timing control signal used for timing control of image display on the display panel; and a booster circuit feeding a boosted power supply voltage to the drive circuit. The booster circuit includes a charge pump circuit generating the boosted power supply voltage by boosting an input power supply voltage in response to a boosting clock; and a pulse skip circuit monitoring a voltage level of the boosted power supply voltage and controlling an boosting operation of the charge pump circuit in response to the voltage level of the boosted power supply voltage. The pulse skip circuit is configured to allow the charge pump circuit to initiate the boosting operation in synchronization with the timing control signal.
US08373683B2
A position input device is provided in which signals are transmitted from a position indicator, and signals transmitted from the position indicator are received by a position detector device. According to certain embodiments, an electrical double-layer capacitor, a charging circuit which charges the electrical double-layer capacitor, and a power transmission unit which relays and supplies to the charging circuit power supplied from a power supply unit external to the position indicator, are provided in the position indicator. In other embodiments the position input device has a built-in power supply unit, transmitting units, and a control unit for switching the transmitting units between energized and de-energized states. Also provided are position input systems and computer systems including the position input device, and methods of operating the position input device and the systems.
US08373682B2
A stylus comprises a housing, a stylus body and a shaft. The housing has a receptacle defined therethrough. The stylus body assembly is slidably and non-rotatably accommodated in the receptacle of the housing, the stylus body assembly includes a threaded hole defined therethrough. The shaft rotatably passes through the housing, the shaft includes a threaded portion engaging with the threaded hole such that rotation of the shaft relative to the housing causes the stylus body assembly to slide relative to the housing to extend out or retract into the housing.
US08373672B2
Thin film capacitive touch sensors and applications thereof are described herein. Embodiments include construction of one-sided and two-sided thin film capacitive touch sensors with partial fill patterns, one-sided thin film capacitive touch sensors including conductive ground plane layers, one-sided thin film capacitive touch sensors including air gap layers, one-sided thin film capacitive touch sensors including a combination of both separation layers to create air gap layers and conductive ground plane layers.
US08373671B2
Touch positions can be detected with a high accuracy. A receiver receives a charge-discharge current signal of a receiving electrode in response to a drive (pulse) signal applied to a transmission electrode, and outputs a level signal of each electrode intersection. The receiver includes an IV converter that converts the charge-discharge current signal to a voltage signal. A conversion characteristic of the IV converter is set such that phases of amplitude of the voltage signal corresponding to a leading edge and a trailing edge of a pulse wave of the drive signal substantially match each other, and phases of amplitude of the voltage signal corresponding to the trailing edge of the pulse wave and a leading edge of a succeeding pulse wave substantially match each other.
US08373645B2
A light source driving device includes a resolution analyzing part, a dimming block adjusting part, a local dimming part and a light source unit. The resolution analyzing part obtains an image resolution. The dimming block adjusting part adjusts the size or the number of dimming blocks generating light in a local dimming method in response to the resolution. The local dimming part generates a local dimming signal for individually driving the dimming blocks in response to the image data and the size or the number of dimming blocks. The light source unit is driven by the local dimming signal to generate light. The size or the number of the dimming blocks is adjusted to be optimized for the obtained image resolution, so that regardless of the image resolution, a local dimming signal corresponding to the size and the number of the dimming blocks may be generated.
US08373642B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of driving a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal panel, and a backlight assembly providing light to the liquid crystal panel by a field sequential driving method, the method includes: displaying an image, at the liquid crystal panel and the backlight assembly, by time-dividing two frames into five sub-frames, wherein when images are displayed in the two frames, images of a first frame and a second frame of the two frames share one blue light.
US08373633B2
In a multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display wherein a pixel that has two sub-pixels, an additional switching element is used to achieve a voltage differential between the electrode voltage potential in one sub-pixel and the other during and after the charge-sharing period. The electrodes in the sub-pixels are connected to each other through a charge-sharing capacitor and a controlling switching element, such as another transistor. Before the charge-sharing period, the controlling switching element is operated in a non-conducting state and the voltage potentials of the sub-pixel electrodes are substantially equal. During the charge-sharing period, the controlling switching element is operated in a conducting state to facilitate charge-sharing. The additional switching element is used to achieve the voltage differential more effectively and without additional capacitors.
US08373622B2
The present method is to drive a plasma display panel which displays a frame composed of a plurality of sub-fields having different weights of luminance. The method comprises using plural kinds of application voltage waveforms different in light emission luminance, as pulse voltages for sustain discharges in display of each sub-field, and adjusting the number of waves in each of the plural kinds of application voltage waveforms according to the weight of luminance set for each sub-field, thereby performing gradation display.
US08373620B2
There is provided an in-vehicle display apparatus including a display unit that displays different images to be seen from a driver's seat side and a passenger's seat side; and an image control unit that causes the driver's seat side to display a navigation image, when operation mode is switched from a second operation mode in which an operation on a second image displayed on the passenger's seat side is allowed, to a first operation mode in which an operation on a first image displayed on the driver's seat side is allowed.
US08373609B1
A reconfigurable polarization antenna includes a microwave dielectric substrate having a ground plane that has a centrally located slot with five conducting patches, four of which form an evenly spaced apart perimeter group with a gap between each and the fifth, centrally positioned conducting patch. A conducting pad is positioned in each gap and is connected via a switch to the ground plane. A microstrip feed line including a short stub is positioned on the opposite side of the substrate and electromagnetically coupled to the slot. The polarization of the antenna is reconfigured by a selection of an on or off state of each of said switches.
US08373607B2
A tunable antenna structure having a variable capacitor includes a substrate, a first metal strip, a second metal strip and a third metal strip formed on the substrate, a variable capacitor element located between the first metal strip and the second metal strip, an inductor element located between the second metal strip and the third metal strip, a first capacitor element located between the first metal strip and the third metal strip, and a second capacitor element located on the third metal strip.
US08373606B2
A slim mobile communication device includes an antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a dielectric substrate, a ground element, an antenna element, and a feeding line. The antenna element is a planar structure and is disposed on a no-ground portion of the dielectric substrate. At least two edges of the no-ground portion are surrounded by a ground element of the dielectric substrate, wherein one of the edges used as a feeding edge and the other edges are non-feeding edges. A distance between the non-feeding side edge of the antenna element and the second edge of the no-ground portion is smaller than 3 mm. A length of the non-feeding side edge of the antenna element is at least 5 mm. The non-feeding side edge of the antenna element is short-circuited to the ground element. The feeding line is coupled to the feeding side edge of the antenna element.
US08373605B2
The invention relates to an electromagnetic antenna that comprises a radiating element composed of a first, electrically conducting, fluid substance (F1) sitting on a first element (S1) and of a second fluid substance (F2) sitting on a second element (S2), the first fluid substance (F1) being in contact with the second fluid substance (F2), said fluid substances being immiscible and said first and second elements being electrically conducting and electrically isolated from one another.
US08373603B2
A multi-port antenna structure for a wireless-enabled communications device includes a coupler-antenna having a first antenna port for transmitting electromagnetic signals and a second antenna port for receiving electromagnetic signals. The coupler-antenna is positioned on a chassis of the wireless enabled communications device to transmit energy between the chassis and the first and second antenna ports. Resonant modes of the chassis for one antenna port are orthogonal to resonant modes of the chassis for the other antenna port, such that the first and second antenna ports are isolated from each other.
US08373601B2
A multi-band antenna includes a connecting conductor, first and second conducting arms, and a loop conductor. The connecting conductor has a feed-in end and a connecting end. The first conducting arm is connected to the connecting end of the connecting conductor. The second connecting arm is connected to the connecting end of the connecting conductor and is substantially perpendicular to the first connecting arm. The loop conductor has first and second radiator sections, each adjacent and substantially parallel to a respective one of the first and second conducting arms. The loop conductor forms a substantially L-shaped gap with the first and second conducting arms, further has a grounding end adjacent to the feed-in end, and extends from the grounding end to the feed-in end.
US08373598B2
An antenna device includes a substrate, and a dual-band antenna disposed on a surface of the substrate. The dual-band antenna includes a feed-in section, a first radiator arm, a second radiator arm, a third radiator arm, and a ground section. The feed-in section is for signal feed-in, and has opposite first and second ends. The first radiator arm extends from the first end of the feed-in section and is parallel to the feed-in section. The second radiator arm is connected to the second end of the feed-in section and extends parallel to the feed-in section. The third radiator arm is disposed adjacent to and extends parallel to the first radiator arm in a manner that the feed-in section is disposed between the third radiator arm and the second radiator arm. The ground section is connected to the third radiator arm.
US08373591B2
A system for sensing aircraft and other objects uses bistatic radar with spread-spectrum signals transmitted from remotely located sources such as aircraft flying at very high altitudes or from a satellite constellation. A bistatic spread spectrum radar system using a satellite constellation can be integrated with a communications system and/or with a system using long baseline radar interferometry to validate the digital terrain elevation database. The reliability and safety of TCAS and ADS-B are improved by using the signals transmitted from a TCAS or ADS-B unit as a radar transmitter with a receiver used to receive reflections. Aircraft and other objects using spread spectrum radar are detected by using two separate receiving systems. Cross-Correlation between the outputs of the two receiving systems reveals whether a noise signal is produced by the receiving systems themselves or is coming from the outside.
US08373584B2
A technique includes compressing or decompressing data using a relative displacement of a location of a data pattern.
US08373581B2
In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624). The range and bearing are calculated by determining the range between the mobile control node (624) and vehicle (630), preferably using a time of flight methodology, and by processing the travel distance of the mobile control node and compass data in order to triangulate the position of the vehicle (630) relative to the mobile control node (624).
US08373577B2
A vehicle-mounted communication device includes a non-directional antenna provided at a vehicle and having a directional characteristic in all directions uniformly in a horizontal plane, at least one of directional antennas provided at the vehicle and having a directional characteristic in a specific direction, an antenna switching portion switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be sent in a case where the information is sent from the vehicle and switching so as to be connected to one of the non-directional antenna and the directional antenna on the basis of information to be received in a case where the information transmitted through the air is received.
US08373573B2
A display system utilizes a tilting sensor in a viewing device to transmit a wireless signal containing tilting information to a display device when a person who puts on the viewing device has tilting movements about an axis that connects between the viewing device and the display device. The display device adjusts a multimedia content displayed on a panel according to the tilting information by physically rotating the panel about the same axis or rotating the multimedia content about the same axis before the content is displayed on the panel to synchronize with the tilting angle of the viewing device.
US08373568B2
To achieve gas detection in a precise and reliable way, but at the same time without consuming too much energy, a gas detection system is provided which generally comprises a pair of two different gas detectors. The first detector (DLP) is active continuously and sense substantially for an unspecific change in the local gas mixture. As a reaction upon the change, the second detector (DHP) of the pair is activated. This detector (DHP) performs the determination of the concentration of a specific gas or several specific gasses. The second detector (DHP) may be of a type which consumes more power, but will be active for a short period of time before returning to an inactive state where only the first detector (DLP) is active. The first detector (DLP) however is of a type using little power.
US08373563B2
A system for tracking at least one plant includes an electronic tag including an interrogation interface and memory circuitry and a package for the electronic tag, the package being configured for physical association with at least one corresponding plant. The package may be configured for self-contained physical association with the at least one plant. The electronic tag may be interrogated by multiple trading partners in a supply chain.
US08373559B2
An apparatus including an electronic device having a plurality of substantially collocated components, the plurality of components including an antenna, an energy supply and an integrated circuit chip. The integrated circuit chip is electrically coupled to the antenna and the energy supply. A material substantially encloses the electronic device.
US08373552B2
Pre-alert device (1) for vehicle comprising an access (20) to data making it possible to define a journey, an access (10) to data relating to the pressure of at least one tire of a vehicle provided to make said journey, a test module (30) specially adapted, on the basis of a set of criteria making it possible to detect pre-alert conditions according on the one hand to data relating to pressure and on the other hand to data relating to the defined journey, to generate a pre-alert condition when at least one of the alert triggering conditions is satisfied.
US08373551B2
A tire pressure sensor is provided having a housing, a pressure transducer within the housing electronically coupled to a transmitter, a battery within the housing connected to deliver electrical power to the pressure transducer and to the transmitter, and a pressurized compartment within the housing bounded at least partially by a flexible membrane. A first conduit extends from the pressure transducer to the compartment. An inlet port extends through the housing to allow pressurized air within the tire to contact the membrane. In particular embodiments, the pressure transducer, transmitter and battery are rubber coated and encapsulated with epoxy.
US08373547B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that uses power-line phase-cut signaling to change energy usage for one or more devices that share a common power signal. During operation, the system receives a request to change power usage. In response to the request, the system inserts a phase-cut notch into the common power signal. A device that is located downstream from the inserted phase-cut notch detects this notch in the common power signal, and in response triggers a power-state change. For instance, the device may trigger a reduced-power state when it detects a phase-cut notch.
US08373543B2
A tag operates in an environment where transmitted interrogators are not possible or desired. High-efficiency diode rectifiers and low-power oscillators are used in combination with an energy storage element and hysteretic switch. The combination of multi-diode rectifier, low power tunnel diode oscillator, energy storage element and hysteretic switch allow for nanowatt levels of received RF power to be stored to produce micro-watts of RF transmit power. The device trickle charges off of ambient RF radiation until enough energy is stored for transmission.
US08373533B2
A power module includes a first bobbin, a primary winding coil, a circuit board assembly and a first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil is wound around the first bobbin. The circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a second winding structure, at least one current-sensing element, a rectifier circuit and an electrical connector. The second winding structure has an output terminal. The current-sensing element includes a first conductor. The first conductor is a conductive sheet. A first end of the first conductor is in contact with the output terminal of the second winding structure. A second end of the first conductor is connected to the rectifier circuit. The primary winding coil is aligned with the second winding structure of the circuit board assembly and arranged within the first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil and the electrical connector are electrically connected with a system board.
US08373521B2
In a conventional Bagley polygon power divider of a planar configuration, a length of transmission lines from an input port to output ports adjacent thereto on both sides is determined to be a quarter wavelength and a geometry thereof is an odd regular polygon with each side being a length equal to half of a wavelength at a designed frequency, which is large in size. Since the output ports are located at vertices of the regular polygon, inconvenience can be caused, e.g., in arrangement of the output ports.The present invention is directed to a design wherein only a characteristic impedance of a transmission line is designated for achieving matching and wherein a length of the line is allowed to be arbitrarily selected. This permits the line length between adjacent output ports to be appropriately adjusted to a short one according to a design object, and also enables fabrication of a power divider in which output ports are aligned in a line.
US08373514B2
Wireless power transfer is received using a magneto mechanical system. A magneto mechanical system may include an array of magneto-mechanical oscillators, wherein each oscillator may comprise a magnetic symmetrical part and a suspension engaged to the magnetic part. The system may further include a coil formed around the array and electromagnetically coupled to the oscillators to produce an electric current caused by electromagnetic coupling with the oscillators.
US08373512B2
A signal generator provides a plurality of oscillating signals, whereby each oscillating signal has a different peak voltage and has a predictable and consistent phase relationship with the other oscillating signals. The signal generator includes a plurality of stacked oscillators arranged between two reference voltages, such that each oscillator in the stack generates an oscillating signal having a different peak voltage. Each oscillator stage in a designated oscillator includes a transistor that is connected to a transistor of a corresponding stage in another oscillator. This arrangement of the oscillators provides for charge transfer between the corresponding stages to provide for similar voltage swings in each oscillating signal, as well as to provide for predictable phase relationship between the oscillating signals.
US08373508B2
A pre-driver for an amplifier comprising a load network in which the following elements are connected in the following order: a resistor-an inductor-a capacitor. Also described are a power amplifier comprising such a pre-driver, a method of fabricating a pre-driver for an amplifier, and a method of performing power amplification.
US08373501B2
Provided is a reference voltage circuit having a soft start function, which is small in circuit size and is capable of providing a continuous voltage. The reference voltage circuit includes a reference voltage section and a soft start circuit. The reference voltage section includes a depletion mode MOS transistor and a first enhancement mode MOS transistor. The soft start circuit includes: a second enhancement mode MOS transistor having a gate connected to a gate and a drain of the first enhancement mode MOS transistor, and a drain connected to an output terminal of the reference voltage circuit; a MOS switch having one terminal connected to an output terminal of the reference voltage section, and another terminal connected to the drain of the second enhancement mode MOS transistor; and a constant current source and a capacitor connected in series between a power supply and a ground.
US08373496B2
A temperature compensated current source forms an uncompensated source current that is proportional to a reference voltage applied to an impedance, wherein the impedance varies with temperature. A temperature compensation current is formed that is proportional to absolute temperature (IPTAT). The uncompensated source current and the temperature compensation current is combined to form a temperature compensated source current and provided as an output of the current source.
US08373490B2
Embodiments of RF and DC switching are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08373487B1
Systems and methods are provided for power measurement of signals such that the power measurement is insensitive to PVT variations of the measurement systems. A power measurement system includes an analog squarer circuitry, an integrating ADC, and a controller. The squarer circuitry calculates the power of a signal whose power is to be measured while the integrating ADC integrates the calculated power over a runup interval to generate an integrated power. The squarer circuitry also calculates the power of a reference for the integrating ADC to de-integrate the integrated power over a rundown interval. The power measurements are independent of PVT variations of the analog squarer circuitry and integrating ADC. The controller digitally controls the runup interval and measures the rundown interval to provide digitized power measurements. The analog squarer circuitry have replica squarer circuits. Process dependent mismatches between the replica analog circuitry may be removed through a calibration process.
US08373485B2
A voltage level shifting apparatus is disclosed. The voltage level shifting apparatus has a cross-coupled transistor pair, a plurality of transistor pairs, a first diode string, a second diode string and an input transistor pair. One of the transistor pairs is coupled to the cross-coupled transistor pair, and the transistor pairs are controlled by a plurality of reference voltages. The first and the second diode strings are coupled between two of the transistor pairs. Each of the first and the second diode strings has at least one diode. The input transistor pair receives a first and a second input voltage, and the first and second input voltages are complementary signals. The cross-coupled transistor pair generates and outputs a first output voltage and a second output voltage by shifting the voltage level of the first and the second input voltage.
US08373484B2
The present invention provides a voltage clamping circuit which is operated in a stable manner with the simple constitution and a switching power source device which enables a high-speed operation. In a switching power source device, one of source/drain routes is connected to an input terminal to which an input voltage is supplied, a predetermined voltage to be restricted is supplied to a gate, and using a MOSFET which provides a current source between another source/drain route and a ground potential of the circuit, a clamp output voltage which corresponds to the input voltage is obtained from another source/drain route. The switching power source device further includes a first switching element which controls a current which is made to flow in an inductor such that the output voltage assumes a predetermined voltage and a second switching element which clamps an reverse electromotive voltage generated in the inductor when the first switching element is turned off to a predetermined potential. In such a switching power source device, the voltage clamping circuit is used in a feedback route for setting a dead time.
US08373478B2
A semiconductor device includes a first phase detector for detecting a phase of a second clock by comparing the phase of the second clock with the phase of the first clock, a second phase detector for detecting a phase of a clock obtained by delaying the second clock by a set delay amount, a third phase detector for detecting the phase of the second clock by delaying the first clock by the set delay amount, and a phase difference detection signal generator for setting a logic level of a phase difference detection signal corresponding to a phase difference between the first and second clocks detecting that the phase of the first or second clock is changed, and change the logic level of the phase difference detection signal.
US08373467B2
A phase locked loop circuit and method for use, in accordance with an embodiment, implements a digital phase delay quantizer to replace the analog charge-pump and phase frequency detector in an analog PLL circuit. Therefore, the built-in loop filter can be a compact-sized, high order, high bandwidth, and high attenuation digital filter as well. The digital PLL circuit takes advantage of the deep sub-micron process technology which features high speed, high resolution, compact size, and low power.
US08373459B2
An integrated circuit provides a power on reset signal with respect to a supply voltage level supplying the electronic device. The integrated circuit comprises a bias current generating stage having a first current mirror and an output stage having first, second and third series connected MOS transistors. A connection between the second MOS transistor and the third MOS transistor forms a POR output node. A gate of the second MOS transistor and a gate of the third MOS transistor are coupled to each other and to the first current mirror. This allows a current through the third MOS transistor when the supply voltage is higher than a first MOS transistor threshold and a current through the second MOS transistor only when the supply voltage is greater than or equal to the sum of the first MOS transistor threshold and a second MOS transistor threshold voltage.
US08373458B2
According to one embodiment, a circuit comprises a Capacitive Trans-Impedance Amplifier (CTIA) configured to receive a current pulse at an input and convert the current pulse to a voltage step. The voltage step is directed to a first signal path and a second signal path. When the voltage step exceeds a first threshold, the first signal path directs an enable pulse to the second signal path. The second signal path generates an output pulse when the voltage step exceeds a second threshold and the enable pulse is enabled. The second signal path comprises a first, a second, and a third amplifier to increase detection of the voltage step by the second signal path.
US08373455B1
An output driver circuit can include at least a first driver transistor having a source-drain path coupled between a first power supply node and an output node. A first variable current supply can generate a current having at least one component that is inversely proportional to a power supply voltage. A first driver switch element can be coupled in series with the first variable current supply between a gate of the at least first driver transistor and a second power supply node.
US08373452B2
A buffer circuit includes a first node receiving a first voltage, a second node receiving a second voltage lower than the first voltage, a third node, an output node driving the first voltage and the second voltage, a first transistor coupled between the first node and the output node, a second transistor coupled between the second node and the output node, one end of the second transistor being connected to the second node, another end of the second transistor being connected to the third node, and a switch circuit coupled between the output node and the third node. Both of the first transistor and the switch circuit include a transistor having a first breakdown voltage. The second transistor has a second breakdown voltage being different from the first breakdown voltage.
US08373448B2
An electronic load for a semiconductor element is provided. The electronic load includes at least two slope generating circuits, each of which generates a current according to a current for the electronic load corresponding to an output voltage of a power supply. Each slope generating circuit comprises at least a first slope generating circuit that simulates a first slope when the output voltage of the power supply is between 0V to a rated voltage, and a second slope generating circuit that simulates a second slope when the output voltage of the power supply is higher than the conducting state voltage of the semiconductor element by subtracting the forward bias voltage from the output voltage of the power supply.
US08373446B2
Power supply detection circuit. The power supply detection circuit includes an input circuit responsive to a core power supply voltage to generate a first output voltage at a first node. The power supply detection circuit also includes a sense logic circuit to sense a voltage drop associated with the first output voltage, when the first output voltage is at a logic level HIGH. Further, the power supply detection circuit includes a current mirror circuit responsive to the voltage drop to increase voltage of the first output voltage to an input and output power supply voltage. Moreover, the power supply detection circuit also includes an output circuit that inverts the first output voltage to generate a second output voltage at a second node.
US08373445B2
This transmission input circuit is provided with an adjustment processing section which turns ON a switch at an empty timing where transmission current from a slave device is not flowing, to allow a reference current to flow from a constant current circuit to a current detection resistor, generates in the current detection resistor a target adjustment voltage, in which a threshold voltage corresponding to the reference current is added to a load current detection voltage corresponding to the load current, and adjusts a digital value so that a reference voltage output from a digital variable resistor matches with the target adjustment voltage.
US08373440B2
A three dimensional multilayer circuit includes a via array made up of a set of first vias and a set of second vias and an area distributed CMOS layer configured to selectively address said first vias and said second vias. At least two crossbar arrays overlay the area distributed CMOS layer. These crossbar arrays include a plurality of intersecting crossbar segments and programmable crosspoint devices which are interposed between the intersecting crossbar segments. The vias are connected to the crossbar segments such that each programmable crosspoint devices can be uniquely accessed using a first via and a second via.
US08373436B2
An apparatus for consolidated data services comprising a plurality of devices, a plurality of data services and a content application programming interface (API). A user API provides user identification for each of the plurality of devices. A feedback API configured to receive data from each of the plurality of devices. A device API configured to provide a client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one or more of a plurality of device API methods. An update API configured to provide an updated client system to one or more of the plurality of devices using one more of a plurality of update API methods. A web service consolidator configured to control interactions between the content API, the user API, the feedback API, the device API, the update API, a plurality of data services and the plurality of devices.
US08373428B2
A probe card assembly includes a probe card, a space transformer having resilient contact structures (probe elements) mounted directly to (i.e., without the need for additional connecting wires or the like) and extending from terminals on a surface thereof, and an interposer disposed between the space transformer and the probe card. The space transformer and interposer are “stacked up” so that the orientation of the space transformer, hence the orientation of the tips of the probe elements, can be adjusted without changing the orientation of the probe card. Suitable mechanisms for adjusting the orientation of the space transformer, and for determining what adjustments to make, are disclosed. The interposer has resilient contact structures extending from both the top and bottom surfaces thereof, and ensures that electrical connections are maintained between the space transformer and the probe card throughout the space transformer's range of adjustment, by virtue of the interposer's inherent compliance. Multiple die sites on a semiconductor wafer are readily probed using the disclosed techniques, and the probe elements can be arranged to optimize probing of an entire wafer. Composite interconnection elements having a relatively soft core overcoated by a relatively hard shell, as the resilient contact structures are described.
US08373426B2
An arrangement for indicating correct installation of a plug-in unit (102) of a telecommunications device includes at least one distance indicator (106) located in the plug-in unit and adapted to produce an indication for correct installation of the plug-in unit in response to a situation where the distance of the distance indicator from a wall (107) of the frame of the telecommunications device is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. The distance indicator, which may be e.g. an electromechanical limit switch or capacitive distance sensor, is adapted to produce the indication for correct installation without a need for a galvanically conducted electric current between the distance indicator and the frame of the telecommunications device. There is thus no need to make any electric circuit arrangements in the frame of the telecommunications device for the indication of correct installation of a plug-in unit.
US08373414B2
A method for spatially resolved detection and display of movement processes in an examination subject by means of magnetic resonance tomography includes the steps of imposing a magnetization pattern on at least a portion of a fluid medium located in the intestine of the examination subject, acquiring at least one image data set or a portion of an image data set that images the region of the examination subject on which the magnetization pattern was imposed, determining at least one item of movement information from the at least one image data set or portion of an image data set, by an analysis of the magnetization pattern in a processor, and presenting the at least one item of movement information through presentation device in communication with the processor.
US08373413B2
A magnetic sensing method comprises irradiating a pump light having a circularly polarized component and a probe light having a linearly polarized component onto a group of atoms contained in a cell so as to make the lights produce an intersection region and detecting a change of rotation angle of a plane of polarization of the probe light before and after passing the cell. The pump light and the probe light are irradiated in a state where a magnetic field of the direction in which the pump light strikes the intersection region is provided with a gradient.
US08373412B2
An apparatus for estimating a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole, the apparatus including: a logging tool having a source of a static magnetic field configured to polarize a region of investigation in the earth formation; a transmitter antenna disposed at the logging tool and configured to transmit electromagnetic energy into the region of investigation; at least one receiver sensor disposed at the logging tool and configured to receive NMR signals from the region of investigation in response to an interaction between the static magnetic field and the transmitted electromagnetic energy; and a processor configured to: receive the NMR signals from the at least one receiver sensor; associate the NMR signals received from the at least one receiver sensor with an azimuthal direction at which the NMR signals were received; and estimate the property from the NMR signals and the associated azimuthal directions.
US08373406B2
Electrical power quality test circuitry for testing response of an electrical device to input power disturbances is provided. The test circuitry includes a power structure having a rectifier configured to convert incoming AC voltage to DC voltage on a DC bus, and a power inverter configured to convert DC voltage from the bus to three-phase output AC voltage applied to the electrical device. The test circuitry also includes a control circuit configured to apply control signals to at least the power inverter to emulate at least one of a change in the amplitude of at least one phase of the output AC voltage at least one phase angle of at least one phase of the output AC voltage, and a frequency change for all phases of the output AC voltage.
US08373396B2
The present invention discloses an adaptive two-stage voltage regulator and a method for controlling the same. The adaptive two-stage voltage regulator includes: a voltage regulator for converting an input voltage (Vin) to a middle voltage (Vm), wherein Vin≦Vin_max; a linear regulator for converting the middle voltage to an output voltage (Vout); and a middle voltage controller for adjusting the middle voltage according to (1) an input voltage indicator and one of (2a) an output voltage indicator and (2b) a predetermined reference signal, such that when Vin≦Vout, Vm=Vout+ΔV and (Vout+ΔV)
US08373390B2
The present invention provides a safety device for cutting off high voltage for a hybrid electric vehicle, which cuts off the connection between an interlock pin and a battery management system to cut off the current flow after electric power is supplied from a high voltage battery, thus preventing the occurrence of arc when an external connected is disconnected.For this purpose, the present invention provides a safety device for cutting off high voltage for a hybrid electric vehicle, the safety device including: a male housing including a guide hole formed on the bottom thereof; a female housing into which the male housing is inserted; a cover including a projection formed on the bottom thereof to rotate along the guide hole; a locker connected to the projection and rotating along the guide hole; and an interlock housing including an interlock pin attached to the bottom thereof and moving up and down in the rotational direction of the locker to control the current flow between the interlock pin and a battery management system, thus preventing the occurrence of arc when an external connector is disconnected.
US08373382B2
A system of a plurality of series-connected fuel cell converter devices and a method for controlling the system are provided. The system includes a plurality of fuel cell converter devices, a series connection unit, a power control unit, a Mux control unit, and a master controller. The output ends of a plurality of fuel cell converter devices are connected in series by the series connection unit. The master controller reads signals from the power control unit and the Mux control unit and determines accordingly which fuel cell converter devices need to be turned on to meet the requirement of a load. The method includes the steps of estimating a load, determining the number of the fuel cell converter devices to be turned on, calculating an output power, discharging, and charging. Thus, a plurality of fuel cell converter devices is controlled to output the required power of the load.
US08373381B2
A fuel cell system that employs a matched battery that matches the battery voltage to a fuel cell power bus voltage so as to eliminate the need for a DC/DC converter. The internal characteristics and parameters of the matched battery allow it to operate over the large load dependent voltage swing of the fuel cell, and prevent the battery state of charge from going below a damaging value. The battery type, number of battery cells and the battery internal impedance are selected to provide the desired matching. In one embodiment, the battery is a lithium ion battery. The system also includes a diode electrically coupled to the power bus line and a by-pass switch electrically coupled to the power bus line in parallel with the diode. The by-pass switch is selectively opened or closed to allow the fuel cell stack to recharge the battery and prevent the battery from being overcharged.
US08373380B2
A device for controlling an alternating-current motor includes a resolver for detecting a rotational position of an alternating-current motor; and a rectangular wave voltage control unit for performing control based on an output of the resolver to provide a rectangular wave voltage to each phase of the alternating-current motor. The control unit causes an amount of change Δθ in a voltage phase of the rectangular wave voltage of each phase from a switching reference phase of each phase to increase or decrease equally for each switching in one cycle of an electrical angle determined based on the output of the resolver. In this way, a device for controlling an alternating-current motor is provided to restrain occurrence of an offset current upon rectangular wave voltage control.
US08373375B2
Embodiments of the invention comprise a multi-input range box driven by multiple electric drives. Range shifting involves momentarily increasing the current through all but a given motor, to a level that will carry the entire load, comprising specified constant power. Simultaneously, torque of the given motor is reduced to zero. The given motor is then disconnected from supplying power, is synchronized to the input speed of the new speed range, and is then engaged for the new range. The above sequence is then repeated for each remaining motors, in turn. The motor current is re-equalized for all of the motors, after all the motors have been connected to provide power at the new range. Thus, there is no interruption in power flow during a range shift, and the motors are always used to deliver power, rather than to serve as a brake.
US08373372B2
The present disclosure includes electrical motor/generator drive systems and methods that significantly reduce inverter direct-current (DC) bus ripple currents and thus the volume and cost of a capacitor. The drive methodology is based on a segmented drive system that does not add switches or passive components but involves reconfiguring inverter switches and motor stator winding connections in a way that allows the formation of multiple, independent drive units and the use of simple alternated switching and optimized Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes to eliminate or significantly reduce the capacitor ripple current.
US08373363B2
Apparatus and associated methods reduce harmonic distortion of a excitation current by diverting the excitation current substantially away from a number of LEDs arranged in a series circuit until the current or its associated periodic excitation voltage reaches a predetermined threshold level, and ceasing the current diversion while the excitation current or voltage is substantially above the predetermined threshold level. In an illustrative embodiment, a rectifier may receive an AC (e.g., sinusoidal) voltage and deliver unidirectional current to a string of series-connected LEDs. An effective turn-on threshold voltage of the diode string may be reduced by diverting current around at least one of the diodes in the string while the AC voltage is below a predetermined level. In various examples, selective current diversion within the LED string may extend the input current conduction angle and thereby substantially reduce harmonic distortion for AC LED lighting systems.
US08373353B2
An alternating current light emitting diode device is disclosed, which comprises a substrate having a supporting surface and two supporting elements locating on the two sides of the supporting surface; a plurality of LED grains set on the supporting surface; a first chip resistor set on one of the two supporting elements; and a plurality of electrical wires providing electrical connections between the LED grains, and between the LED grain and the first chip resistor. Therefore, the total wattage of the AC LED device can be lowered to a designed range by using a chip resistor with proper resistance, and the total illumination efficiency can be increased.
US08373352B2
An electrodeless plasma lamp array structure uses multiple plasma lamps to produce large amounts of electromagnetic radiation (visible, IR, UV, or a combination of visible, IR, and UV). An M by N array configuration is powered by either a single RF power source or multiple RF power sources. The array incorporates controllers to adjust the power delivered from the RF power source to each lamp within the array. By adjusting the delivered RF power, the intensity of electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from each lamp is controlled independently allowing for the creation of an array of lamps that emit electromagnetic radiation of varying intensity levels at different places within the array. Using lamps with different color temperatures as part of the array allows the color temperature and the color rendering index of the illumination to achieve different lighting conditions.
US08373350B2
The present invention is to provide a ballast circuit, which includes a preheat circuit configured to perform a fixed-time, fixed-frequency preheating process on filaments at both ends of a fluorescent light tube before it is lit. While the filaments are being preheated, a power driving circuit generates an output signal whose frequency is far higher than resonant frequency of a resonant circuit, and controls the preheat circuit for enabling a filament transformer and a high-frequency coupling capacitor in the preheat circuit to couple the voltage of the output signal to the filaments and thereby preheat the filaments, but not light up the light tube. When the preheat period is up, the power driving circuit stops the preheating process and changes the frequency of the output signal to a level close to the resonant frequency, thereby oscillating the resonant circuit and generating a high voltage enough for lighting the light tube.
US08373348B2
The present invention relates to a parallel light emitting diode (“LED”) drive circuit and provides a drive circuit configured to drive a parallel array of LEDs. The drive circuit comprises: a switching control signal generator, a plurality of switches, a plurality of sampling resistors, and a plurality of chopper amplifiers. Each switch is coupled to a respective LED in the LED array. Each chopper operational amplifier configured to receive a reference voltage and a switching control signal generated by the switching control signal generator and generate an input offset voltage. Each chopper operational amplifier includes a differential amplifier including an input transistor pair and a current mirror transistor pair, of which the electrical positions can be reserved when the switching control signal is switched between a first state and a second state, wherein the offset voltage, which causes the lightness mismatching in a parallel LED circuit, can be cancelled.
US08373335B2
Actuator elements can be used for mechatronic, adaptive applications under the most varied conditions of use. These actuator elements have improved properties and can be manufactured inexpensively. The actuator elements are formed with at least one dielectric separation layer which is encompassed by two electrically conductive electrodes. The electrodes and the separation layer are in this respect formed using the same visco-elastically deformable plastic. The plastic forms a matrix in which carbon nanotubes are embedded at least in the electrodes.
US08373326B2
An axial gap motor includes a stator having stator teeth, and also includes a rotor opposed to the stator with a gap in an axial direction of the stator. Each of the stator teeth includes a stator tooth body, a stator tooth end joined to at least one axial-direction end of the stator tooth body, and a stator coil disposed around the stator tooth body. The stator tooth body includes a wound core comprised of a multi-layered amorphous foil strip winding. The stator tooth end is formed by a compact including a powder magnetic core, and the stator tooth end includes a surface opposed to the rotor. A cross-sectional area of the stator tooth end perpendicular to an axis of the amorphous foil strip winding is larger than a cross-sectional area of the stator tooth body perpendicular to the axis of the amorphous foil strip winding.
US08373323B2
A motor, including: a body, including a housing, a stator, and a rotor; and a controller, including a control box, and a control board. The body is disposed at the top of the motor. The controller is disposed at the bottom of the motor. The control board is disposed in the control box. A debug window is disposed on side wall or at the bottom of the control box. A sealing cover is disposed on the debug window. The sealing cover can be opened. The control board can be exposed for wire connection, adjustment of parameters of electronic components, and fixation of a rotating shaft according to requirements of users for installation and use.
US08373310B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a plunger for mechanically interconnecting a remote device with the power supply. The plunger may be extendable/retractable to interfit with the remote device. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply with a movable primary that allows for close alignment between the primary and the secondary when the remote device is disposed within a range of different positions with respect to the charging surface. The movable primary may, for example, be coupled to the remote device by a peg, a plunger or a magnet. Alternatively, the position of the movable primary may be adjusted manually. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a charging bowl having a plurality of charging stations disposed about a common axis. Each charging station may include a movable primary that permits some freedom in positioning of the remote device on the charging surface. In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a wireless power supply having a manually movable primary.
US08373308B2
A solar power plant includes at least one photovoltaic module for generating power to be fed in a multi-phase grid. At least one inverter is provided for converting a direct voltage generated by the at least one photovoltaic module into an alternating mains voltage. A mains transformer is coupled to receive the alternating mains voltage from the inverter. The inverter is coupled to a primary side of the mains transformer. A direct voltage source coupled between an output of the at least one inverter and an input of the mains transformer such that a potential of the at least one photovoltaic module is displaced and that a bias voltage is set which is different from zero volts.
US08373296B1
A system for converting the tidal variations of water to electrical energy. The system has a stabilizing column, a platform configured to float at least partially above the water surface moving relative to the at least one stabilizing column, and an electrical generating system configured to transform the movement of the platform relative to the at least one stabilizing column into electrical energy. The platform can have a top side and floating retail structures and can be configured for constructional development.
US08373291B2
A wind park and operating method thereof. The wind park includes at least two wind energy systems each comprising a generator and converter for generating electrical energy and a control system, a park master designed for active and idle power control that transmits a control signal for idle power via a communications network to the wind energy systems, and a connection network feeding generated electrical energy into a grid. The wind energy system can include an idle power regulator and a supplementary regulator, the control signals of each of which are linked together. Thus, a combination of idle power and voltage regulation is achieved that combines the advantages of each. Accordingly, the wind park can have high dynamic and stability notwithstanding erratic changes in the grid.
US08373277B2
Semiconductor devices and stacked die assemblies, and methods of fabricating the devices and assemblies for increasing semiconductor device density are provided.
US08373262B2
A source driver of a film package type including a film substrate; a semiconductor chip on a surface of the film substrate, the semiconductor chip having a plurality of terminals, the plurality of terminals including input terminals, output terminals, and third terminals; an input terminal wiring region for receiving first wiring lines which are connected to the input terminals; an output terminal wiring region for receiving second wiring lines which are connected to the output terminals; sprocket portions at opposite ends of the film substrate; and a heat conducting patterns for connecting the third terminals. This makes it possible to provide a source driver, a method for manufacturing the source driver, and a liquid crystal module, each of which can increase a heat dissipation amount.
US08373260B1
A chip package includes a circuit board, a pad, a chip, and an adhesive layer. The circuit board includes a substrate and a circuit layer formed on the substrate. The pad includes an electrical connection area in a center portion thereof and an extending area extending outward from the electrical connection area. The electrical connection area covers the circuit layer. The extending area surrounds the electrical connection area and the circuit layer. The chip includes two chip areas and an enlarging area. The two chip areas are separated from each other and electrically connected to the electrical connection area. The enlarging area surrounds the two chip areas. The adhesive layer attaches the chip to the pad. The chip and the pad are positioned on opposite sides of the adhesive layer.
US08373250B2
The present invention relates to a an on-chip inductor structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The an on-chip inductor structure according to the present invention comprises a substrate, a porous layer, a plurality of conductors, and an inductor. The porous layer is disposed on the substrate and has a plurality of voids; each of the plurality of conductors is disposed in the plurality of voids, respectively; and the inductor is disposed on the porous layer. Because the plurality of conductors is used as the core of the inductor, the inductance is increased effectively and the area of the an on-chip inductor is reduced. Besides the manufacturing method according to the present invention is simple and compatible with the current CMOS process, the manufacturing cost can be lowered.
US08373249B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for a programmable capacitor associated with an input/output pad in the semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a semiconductor die having an upper surface, a first capacitor deployed above the upper surface of the semiconductor die, a separation layer deployed above the first capacitor, and a bond pad deployed above the separation layer such that at least a portion of the bond pad lies above the first capacitor.
US08373248B2
A device includes a well region over a substrate, and a heavily doped well region over the well region, wherein the well region and the heavily doped well region are of a same conductivity type. A gate dielectric is formed on a top surface of the heavily doped well region. A gate electrode is formed over the gate dielectric. A source region and a drain region are formed on opposite sides of the heavily doped well region. The source region and the drain region have bottom surfaces contacting the well region, and wherein the source region and the drain region are of opposite conductivity types.
US08373247B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type, a second semiconductor region of the first conductivity type, a first main electrode, a third semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, a second main electrode, and a plurality of embedded semiconductor regions of the second conductivity type. The second semiconductor region is formed on a first major surface of the first semiconductor region. The first main electrode is formed on a face side opposite to the first major surface of the first semiconductor region. The third semiconductor region is formed on a second major surface of the second semiconductor region on a side opposite to the first semiconductor region. The second main electrode is formed to bond to the third semiconductor region. The embedded semiconductor regions are provided in a termination region. A distance between the embedded semiconductor region and the second major surface along a direction from the second major surface toward the first major surface becomes longer toward outside from the device region.
US08373246B2
Provided is a semiconductor device having an anode of a Si-FRD and a cathode of a Si-SBD which are serially connected. The Si-SBD has a junction capacitance whose amount of accumulable charge is equal to or more than an amount of charge occurring at the time of reverse recovery of the Si-FRD, and has a lower breakdown voltage than the Si-FRD does.
US08373245B2
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including: a base substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the base substrate; an ohmic electrode part which has ohmic electrode lines disposed in a first direction, on the semiconductor layer; and a Schottky electrode part which is disposed to be spaced apart from the ohmic electrode lines on the semiconductor layer and includes Schottky electrode lines disposed in the first direction, wherein the Schottky electrode lines and the ohmic electrode lines are alternately disposed in parallel, and the ohmic electrode part further includes first ohmic electrodes covered by the Schottky electrode lines on the semiconductor layer.
US08373228B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device with back side conductive plugs is provided here. The method begins by forming a gate structure overlying a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The SOI substrate has a support layer, an insulating layer overlying the support layer, an active semiconductor region overlying the insulating layer, and an isolation region outboard of the active semiconductor region. A first section of the gate structure is formed overlying the isolation region and a second section of the gate structure is formed overlying the active semiconductor region. The method continues by forming source/drain regions in the active semiconductor region, and thereafter removing the support layer from the SOI substrate. Next, the method forms conductive plugs for the gate structure and the source/drain regions, where each of the conductive plugs passes through the insulating layer.
US08373220B1
A NAND type flash memory for increasing data read/write reliability includes a semiconductor substrate unit, a base unit, and a plurality of data storage units. The semiconductor substrate unit includes a semiconductor substrate. The base unit includes a first dielectric layer formed on the semiconductor substrate. The data storage units are formed on the first dielectric layer. Each data storage unit includes two floating gates formed on the first dielectric layer, two inter-gate dielectric layers respectively formed on the two floating gates, two control gates respectively formed on the two inter-gate dielectric layers, a second dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer, between the two floating gates, between the two inter-gate dielectric layers, and between the two control gates, and a third dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer and surrounding and connecting with the two floating gates, the two inter-gate dielectric layers, and the two control gates.
US08373217B2
A fin for a finFET is described. The fin is a portion of a layer of material, where, another portion of the layer of material resides on a sidewall.
US08373214B2
A semiconductor device, comprising: a vertical pillar transistor (VPT) formed on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, the VPT including a body that has a lower portion and an upper portion, a source/drain node disposed at an upper end portion of the upper portion of the body and a drain/source node disposed at the lower portion of the body; a buried bit line (BBL) formed continuously on sidewalls and an upper surface of the lower portion, the BBL includes metal sificide; and a word line that partially enclosing the upper portion of the body of the VPT, wherein the BBL extends along a first direction and the word line extends in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. An offset region is disposed immediately beneath the word line.
US08373212B2
The semiconductor device has an insulation layer formed over a semiconductor substrate, a conductor plug 46 buried in the insulation layer, a capacitor formed above the insulation layer and the conductor plug and including a lower electrode formed of the first conduction film and the second conduction film formed over the first conduction film and formed of Pt, Pt alloy, Pd or Pd alloy, a capacitor dielectric film formed of a ferroelectric or a high dielectric formed over the lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over the capacitor dielectric film, the capacitor dielectric film contains a first element of Pb or Bi, and the concentration peak of the first element diffused in the lower electrode from the capacitor dielectric film positioning in the interface between the first conduction film and the second conduction film.
US08373200B2
Disclosed herein is a nitride based semiconductor device. The nitride based semiconductor device includes: a base substrate; an epitaxial growth layer disposed on the base substrate and having a defect generated due to lattice disparity with the base substrate; a leakage current barrier covering the epitaxial growth layer while filling the defect; and an electrode part disposed on the epitaxial growth layer.
US08373197B2
Provided is a circuit device having a configuration in which thermal interference between built-in elements is suppressed and being miniaturized in total size. A hybrid integrated circuit device of the present invention includes: a circuit substrate, a sealing resin and leads. The circuit substrate in its upper surface is incorporated with a hybrid integrated circuit formed of semiconductor elements and the like respectively fixed to heat spreaders. The sealing resin coats the circuit substrate and thus seals the hybrid integrated circuit. The leads each extend to the outside while being fixed to a pad formed of a conductive pattern. In this hybrid integrated circuit device, the semiconductor elements are mounted on the respective heat spreaders at positions offset from each other, and thereby are arranged to be spaced away from each other.
US08373194B2
A support module (1), comprising a conducting layer (2) having a trough hole (5) and a receiving surface adapted to receive a solid state light source (3) with the electrical contact pad (4) being aligned with the through hole (5). The support module (1) further comprises an electrical insulation element (8) and at least one contact pin (9), extending through the electrical insulation element (8), and protruding through the through hole (5). Furthermore, the electrical insulation element (8) comprises a channel (10) allowing access to the end of the contact pin (9) and the electrical contact pad (4) of the solid state light source (3) received by the surface of the conducting layer (2). Such a channel makes it possible to reach the end of the contact pin and the contact pad through the insulation element with a soldering tool. Thus, it is possible to attach the solid state light source on a metal surface by soldering the contact pin to the contact pad. Mounting a solid state lighting device on a metal surface is advantageous in applications requiring good heat dissipation, since the heat dissipation properties of a metal surface is better than of a printed circuit board.
US08373171B2
A multi-layered gate electrode of a crystalline TFT is constructed as a clad structure formed by deposition of a first gate electrode, a second gate electrode and a third gate electrode, to thereby to enhance the thermal resistance of the gate electrode. Additionally, an n-channel TFT is formed by selective doping to form a low-concentration impunty region which adjoins a channel forming region, and a sub-region overlapped by the gate electrode and a sub-region not overlapped by the gate electrode, to also mitigate a high electric field near the drain of the TFT and to simultaneously prevent the OFF current of the TFT from increasing.
US08373170B2
A display apparatus is disclosed. The display apparatus includes a transistor formed on a substrate; an interlayer insulator formed on the transistor; a pixel electrode formed on the interlayer insulator; a first partition located above a contact hole which penetrates the interlayer insulator; and a second partition which intersects with the first partition, or which is located on a straight line intersecting with the first partition, and which brings a width value of the pixel electrode to a predetermined value.
US08373164B2
A structure by which electric-field concentration which might occur between a source electrode and a drain electrode in a bottom-gate thin film transistor is relaxed and deterioration of the switching characteristics is suppressed, and a manufacturing method thereof. A bottom-gate thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor layer is provided over a source and drain electrodes is manufactured, and angle θ1 of the side surface of the source electrode which is in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer and angle θ2 of the side surface of the drain electrode which is in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer are each set to be greater than or equal to 20° and less than 90°, so that the distance from the top edge to the bottom edge in the side surface of each electrode is increased.
US08373158B2
Disclosed is a surface modifying agent including a compound having an ethynyl group at one terminal end, a laminated structure manufactured using the surface modifying agent, a method of manufacturing the laminated structure, and a transistor including the same.
US08373149B2
A resistance change element including: a lower electrode formed on at least one of a semiconductor and insulating substrate; a resistance change material layer formed on the lower electrode and including a transition metal oxide as a major component; and an upper electrode formed on the resistance change material layer. The resistance change material layer is formed of a nickel oxide containing nickel vacancy and having a higher oxygen concentration than a stoichiometric composition, and has a stacked structure with different composition ratios.
US08373143B2
This invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to a computer controlled patient positioning, immobilization, and repositioning method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-field charged particle cancer therapy coordinated with patient respiration patterns and further in combination with charged particle beam injection, acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus.
US08373136B2
An achromatic beam separator device for separating a primary charged particle beam from another charged particle beam and providing the primary charged particle beam on an optical axis (142) is provided, including a primary charged particle beam inlet (134), a primary charged particle beam outlet (132) encompassing the optical axis, a magnetic deflection element (163) adapted to generate a magnetic field, and an electrostatic deflection element (165) adapted to generate an electric field overlapping the magnetic field, wherein at least one element chosen from the electrostatic deflection element and the magnetic deflection element is positioned and/or positionable to compensate an octopole influence.
US08373131B2
A PET apparatus includes an optical coupling detachment testing unit. In one example, the optical coupling detachment testing unit inputs an electric signal to a piezoelectric element or the like adhered to a detector module and generates a sound wave within the detector module. Further, the optical coupling detachment testing unit detects the sound wave propagated within the detector module and performs a frequency analysis on the detected sound wave. Subsequently, as a result of the analysis, the optical coupling detachment testing unit detects whether an optical coupling detachment has occurred by looking for a frequency distribution specific to a surface having an optical coupling detachment and/or comparing a frequency distribution with another frequency distribution from a previous test.
US08373129B2
A system and method for detection of special nuclear materials within a larger space is disclosed and claimed. Gamma rays emitted from special nuclear materials upon neutron interrogation detected. An associated-particle neutron generator provides interrogation neutrons.
US08373124B2
An infrared detection circuit includes a charge transferring transistor, a gate control circuit and a negative potential generating circuit. The charge transferring transistor is disposed between a read node configured to be connected to one end of an infrared detection element and a tank node to transfer an electric charge from the infrared detection element to the tank node. The gate control circuit is connected to a gate of the charge transferring transistor. The negative potential generating circuit is connected to the tank node to set the tank node to a negative electric potential when the charge transferring transistor transfers the electric charge.
US08373121B2
An achromatic magnetic mass spectrometer, for example of the SIMS type with double focusing, comprises means for canceling the four aberrations of the second order, and means for canceling the off-axis achromatism and for modulating the dispersion in mass.
US08373119B2
An aerosol particle analyzer includes a laser ablation chamber, a gas-filled conduit, and a mass spectrometer. The laser ablation chamber can be operated at a low pressure, which can be from 0.1 mTorr to 30 mTorr. The ablated ions are transferred into a gas-filled conduit. The gas-filled conduit reduces the electrical charge and the speed of ablated ions as they collide and mix with buffer gases in the gas-filled conduit. Preferably, the gas filled-conduit includes an electromagnetic multipole structure that collimates the nascent ions into a beam, which is guided into the mass spectrometer. Because the gas-filled conduit allows storage of vast quantities of the ions from the ablated particles, the ions from a single ablated particle can be analyzed multiple times and by a variety of techniques to supply statistically meaningful analysis of composition and isotope ratios.
US08373115B2
Protein identification in a complex sample begins by selecting a database having proteins likely to be in the sample. In-silico digestion is performed and a target peptide is selected from produced peptides. The masses of the Y- and B-ion fragments of the target peptide are determined. These masses are used to search previously obtained low- and high-energy AMRTs obtained from LC/MS analysis of the complex sample for masses on the list. Any mass observed in the data within a detection threshold are considered a hit. If enough hits accumulate in a given retention time, the target peptide is identified as being in the sample. The list of peptides identified in the complex sample can be used to identify the proteins present in the sample, track the chromatographic retention times of peptides between samples, and quantitate the peptides and proteins present in complex samples.
US08373114B2
There is disclosed a method for direct quantitation of total carbon and 14C/12C ratios in a single measurement using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). More specifically, measurement of both total carbon and 14C/12C ratio is performed in the same sample at the same time. The disclosed method provides improved sensitivity and accuracy for reliably calculating 14C-labeled compound concentrations in biological samples. There is also a reduction in measurement time, sample volume requirement and measurement cost compared to existing procedures.
US08373109B2
The invention provides a detection device for determining position information from an object to the detection device, wherein the position information includes at least a distance from that object to the detection device. The detection device includes: a light source arranged to emit light; a control device arranged to control the light source; a light measuring device comprising a 2D classification of light sensitive elements and arranged to measure reflected light and to generate a corresponding measuring signal; a signal processing device arranged to process the measuring signal to position information, including distance information, of the object with respect to the detection device, wherein the signal processing device includes an object recognition device is configured to recognize at least one of: an udder, a teat, a and respective parts thereof, and wherein at least one of the light measuring device has an absolute sensitivity maximum with a wavelength between 400 and 570 nm, and the light source has an absolute emission maximum with a wavelength between 400 and 570 nm.
US08373108B2
Indicia reading terminal operative for processing of frames having plurality of frame featurizations
The present invention relates to an indicia reading terminal operative to capture and process a succession of frames of image data during an operator activated read attempt. The succession of frames can comprise alternating frames, wherein the alternating frames can have first and second frame featurizations. The frames having the first frame featurization can have a first window position and the frames of the second featurization can have a second window position. In one embodiment, exposure of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first exposure control process and exposure of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to a second exposure control process. In one embodiment, gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first gain control process and gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to second gain control process.
US08373105B2
This disclosure includes embodiments of laser-seeking munitions, and methods of constructing laser-seeking munitions. Some embodiments of these munitions comprise a body; one or more sensors; a plurality of lenses coupled to the body and configured to be capable of transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise one or more baffles coupled to the plurality of lenses, the one or more baffles configured to substantially block a portion of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the sensor(s) and the lense(s), where the fibers are configured to substantially block a portion of each of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors.
US08373087B2
The invention is a plasma torch for insertion through an opening in the wall of a waste processing chamber. The plasma torch of the invention is characterized by comprising a coaxial sleeve having an upper end and a lower end. The sleeve surrounds at least the portion of the outer surface of the torch that is located in the opening, thereby forming an insulating chamber between the outer surface if the torch and the inner surface of the sleeve. At least a portion of the portion of the coaxial sleeve that surrounds at least the portion of the outer surface of the torch that is located in the opening in the wall of the processing chamber is porous or permeable to a heat exchanging fluid. The torch comprises an inlet for introducing the heat exchanging fluid into the insulating chamber. When the plasma torch is inserted through the opening, a gap exists between the processing chamber wall and the coaxial sleeve. Thus the coaxial sleeve and the insulating chamber shield the outer surface of the plasma torch from a significant amount of the heat that radiates from the processing chamber wall and from inside the processing chamber and the heat exchanging fluid that flows through the inlet exits the insulating chamber into the processing chamber.
US08373078B2
Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method for determining a weight of a load associated with an excavating machine, the method comprising: determining a load torque of an excavating machine, the excavating machine comprising a bucket and a hoist motor adapted to vertically move the bucket; and calculating a load weight from the load torque.
US08373071B2
A method for manufacturing an embedded wiring board is provided. An activating insulation layer is formed, in which the activating insulation layer includes a plurality of catalyst particles, and covers a first wiring layer. An intaglio pattern and at least one blind via partially exposing the first wiring layer are formed on the activating insulation layer, in which some of the catalyst particles are activated and exposed in the intaglio pattern and the blind via. The activating insulation layer is dipped in a first chemical plating solution, and a solid conductive pillar is formed in the blind via through electroless plating. The activating insulation layer is dipped in a second chemical plating solution after the solid conductive pillar is formed, and a second wiring layer is formed in the intaglio pattern through the electroless plating. Components of the first chemical plating solution and the second chemical plating solution are different.
US08373070B2
Disclosed is a metal structure of a multi-layer substrate, comprising a first metal layer and a dielectric layer. The first metal layer has an embedded base and a main body positioned on the embedded base. The base area of the embedded base is larger than the base area of the main body. After the dielectric layer covers the main body and the embedded base, the dielectric layer is opened at the specific position of the first metal layer for connecting the first metal layer with a second metal layer above the dielectric layer. When the metal structure is employed as a pad or a metal line of the flexible multi-layer substrate according to the present invention, the metal structure cannot easily be delaminated or separated from the contacted dielectric layer. Therefore, a higher reliability for the flexible multi-layer substrate can be achieved.
US08373061B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to photovoltaic cells configured with two or more nanowire-based, light-absorption layers, each layer capable of absorbing a different portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic cell comprises a substrate configured with a first planar surface, a second planar surface opposite the first planar surface, and an opening. The photovoltaic cell includes a first photovoltaic cell disposed on the first planar surface and having a first set of nanowires extending over the opening. The photovoltaic cell includes a second photovoltaic cell disposed on the second planar surface and having a second set of nanowires extending over the opening opposite the first set of nanowires.
US08373053B2
The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring different levels of detail for displaying monophonic and polyphonic characteristics of an input signal.
US08373047B1
A novel maize variety designated X08A119 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A119 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A119 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A119, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A119. This invention further is relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A119.
US08373035B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV989165. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV989165, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV989165 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 CV989165 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 CV989165.
US08373032B1
A soybean cultivar designated 03284882 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 03284882, to the plants of soybean cultivar 03284882, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 03284882, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 03284882. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 03284882. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 03284882, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 03284882 with another soybean cultivar.
US08373024B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acid sequences coding for polypeptides with ω-3-desaturase activity. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors and organisms comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence according to the invention, at least one vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence and/or the nucleic acid constructs, and transgenic organisms comprise the abovementioned nucleic acid sequences, nucleic acid constructs and/or vectors.
US08373017B2
Reconstituted human breast tumor models are disclosed. The models, which are incorporated into mice, provide actual tumors that arise spontaneously, thereby mimicking naturally occurring breast cancer. The tumors are genetically human, because they arise from human mammary tissues that develop from human mammary epithelial cells implanted into host mice. Prior to implantation, the mammary epithelial cells are genetically modified to contain either: (a) a recombinant human oncogene and an SV40er; or (b) a recombinant human oncogene, a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the p53 pathway, and a transgene or shRNA that inhibits the Rb pathway.
US08373016B2
An absorbent member (10) of the invention has a hydrophilic continuous fiber web (12) and lumpy particles of an absorbent polymer (13) held in the web (12). The absorbent polymer (13) is localized in part in a planar or thickness direction of the absorbent member (10). The continuous fibers in a region (M) in a planar direction of the web (12) where the absorbent polymer is distributed are in a state cut into a large number of staple fibers (122). A method of producing an absorbent member includes the step of spreading lumpy particles of an absorbent polymer (13) on a continuous fiber web (12) and pressing the continuous fibers in part of the web (12) onto the absorbent polymer (13) to cut the continuous fibers.
US08373013B2
A process for combining the catalytic conversion of organic oxygenates and the catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons: an organic oxygenate feedstock is contacted with a Y-zeolite containing catalyst to produce a reaction stream, and a coked catalyst and a product stream are obtained after separating the reaction stream; a hydrocarbon feedstock is contacted with a Y-zeolite containing catalyst to produce a reaction stream, a spent catalyst and a reaction oil vapor are obtained after separating the reaction stream, and the reaction oil vapor is further separated to give the products such as gas, gasoline and the like; a part or all of the coked catalyst and a part or all of the spent catalyst enter the regenerator for the coke-burning regeneration, and the regenerated catalyst is divided into two portions, wherein one portion returns to be contacted with the hydrocarbon feedstock, and the other portion, after cooling, returns to be contacted with the organic oxygenate feedstock. This process not only reasonably utilizes the excessive thermal energy of the hydrocarbon conversion, but also solves the problem of heat supply for the conversion of the organic oxygenate, thus ensuring the continuous catalytic conversion of the organic oxygenate.
US08373006B2
Provided is an anti-leishmanial compound represented by formula (3):
US08373005B2
Ethers of aromatic acids are produced from halogenated aromatic acids in a reaction mixture containing a copper (I) or copper (II) source and a diamine ligand that coordinates to copper.
US08373003B2
The present invention relates to a method of removing heavy hydrocarbon from reaction products in producing sec-butyl acetate, characterized in that the method comprises: drawing out materials from the enrichment area of the heavy hydrocarbon; contacting the materials with water sufficiently to make the heavy hydrocarbon in materials and the water stratify naturally wherein the heavy hydrocarbon is contained in the upper layer and the water is contained in the lower layer; and discharging the upper layer and recycling the lower layer into the system. The enrichment area of heavy hydrocarbon refers to the area enriched with heavy hydrocarbon and formed in the bottom of an azeotropic distillation tower during the process of azeotropic separation, while the process of azeotropic separation refers to a process of feeding the mixture of sec-butyl acetate, acetate acid and heavy hydrocarbon into the azeotropic distillation tower and adding azeotropic agent into the azeotropic distillation tower to conduct azeotropic distillation, then evaporating the azeotropic mixture formed by sec-butyl acetate and azeotropic agent from the top of the azeotropic distillation tower, and meanwhile, the acetic acid and the heavy hydrocarbon falling into the bottom of the tower.
US08372999B2
Disclosed and claimed is a novel protective coating for metal surfaces. The protective coating includes one part by weight of the organosilane-modified silica nanoparticles made by the disclosed process and further includes from 0.3 to 3 parts by weight of the reaction product of (1) a compound comprising a polyamine in which a plurality of amine groups are bonded to at least one radical selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon and hydrocarbon ether groups that separate nitrogen atoms of said amine groups by at least four intermediate atoms in a chain, and (2) a silane which carries a plurality of silicon-bonded hydrolyzable groups and a silicon-bonded organic group that is covalently reactive to and which bonds with said amine group, said silane also comprising hydrolyzable groups, to provide a reaction product molecule which comprises an average of 2.5 to 3.5 silane groups per molecule.
US08372988B2
The present invention relates to crystalline forms of [3-(4-{2-butyl-1-[4-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-phenyl]-1H-imidazol-4-yl}-phenoxy)-propyl]-diethylamine (“COMPOUND I”) useful in the treatment of RAGE mediated diseases.
US08372986B2
A convenient process for the regioselective synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles and 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles from organic azides and alkynes employs catalytic ruthenium.
US08372983B2
Provided herein are novel compounds that inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RR) by binding to RRM2 and interfering with the activity of the RRM1/RRM2 holoenzyme, as well as methods of synthesizing these novel compounds. The compounds may be used to inhibit RR activity and to treat various conditions associated with RRM2 expression, such as for example certain cancer types, mitochondrial diseases, or degenerative diseases.
US08372973B2
The present invention relates to certain novel compounds of Formula (I): and methods for preparing these compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and for the treatment of prokineticin 1 or prokinetin 1 receptor mediated disorders.
US08372970B2
Provided herein are PAK inhibitors and methods of utilizing PAK inhibitors for the treatment of CNS disorders such as neuropsychiatric disorders.
US08372951B2
A cell penetrating peptide which has following sequence: NYBX1BX2BNQX3, wherein B represents a basic amino acid, X1 represents an amino acid with an aromatic, a hydrophobic or an uncharged side chain, X2 represents any amino acid, and X3 represents N or none is described. A method for delivering a cargo into a subject by administrating a complex comprising the cell penetrating peptide and the desired cargo to the subject is also described.
US08372943B2
Provided herein are isosorbide-based bisphenol polymer structural units and methods of making the same. These structural units may be polymerized with one or more other types of structural units to form polymers, such as polycarbonates.
US08372937B2
The present invention discloses a two-component adhesion promoter composition for surface pretreatment, comprising two components, the first component, K1, comprising at least one hydrolyzable adhesion promoter substance A which is selected from the group comprising organosilicon compounds, organotitanium compounds, organozirconium compounds, and mixtures thereof; and the second component, K2, comprising at least one compound B which reacts with the adhesion promoter substance A or triggers or catalyzes condensation of the adhesion promoter substance A, and the first and the second components in the unopened state being present in two compartments (1, 2) separated from one another by at least one dividing wall (3).Additionally disclosed are the use of a pack (5) having two compartments (1, 2) which are separated from one another by a dividing wall, and a package (6) composed of a pack (5) and of a two-component adhesion promoter composition, in the compartments (1, 2) separated from one another by a dividing wall 3.
US08372932B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive based on at least one polymer, in the course of which said at least one polymer is crosslinked, the polymer having functional groups Y and having been admixed, further, with at least one kind of functionalized particles which have at least one nonpolymeric base unit, wherein the particles having a surface modification of the base unit, the surface modification of the particles having at least one kind of functional groups X, and the crosslinking of the polymer being brought about at least in part by a reaction of the functional groups X of the particles and the functional groups Y of the polymer, and further to pressure-sensitive adhesives based on at least one crosslinked polymer component, the crosslinking of the polymer component being brought about at least in part by incorporation of the functionalized particles, the particles having at least one nonpolymeric base unit and also a surface modification of this base unit, and the surface modification of the particles having at least one kind of functional groups X which are capable of reacting with functional groups Y present in the polymer component, and also to the use of surface-modified functionalized particles having a nonpolymeric base unit as crosslinking reagents for crosslinking polymers for preparing pressure-sensitive adhesives.
US08372926B2
Novel fatty acid monomers and methods for their synthesis are provided for use in polymerization reactions. Fatty acid monomers are employed as reactive diluents in the polymerization of vinyl esters and polyesters for one or more purposes selected from improving the fracture resistance, lowering the processing viscosity and reducing the volatile organic compounds present in the polymerization mixture.
US08372925B2
In general the present invention provides a process for forming conjugated diene polymer, the process comprising the step of polymerizing conjugated diene monomer in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst composition formed by combining (a) a nickel-containing compound, (b) an alkylating agent, (c) a fluorine-containing compound, (d) a carboxylic acid, and (e) an alcohol.
US08372921B2
Compounds or polymers that contain carbon-carbon unsaturation are brominated using a quaternary phosphonium tribromide as the brominating agent. The bromination process proceeds easily under mild conditions. The process can be highly selective. When the substrate is a butadiene polymer or copolymer, the brominated product tends to have excellent thermal stability.
US08372914B2
Urethane modified water-reducible alkyd resins ABCD, comprising moieties derived from polyhydric alcohols A, modified fatty acids B made hγ grafting olefinically unsaturated carboxylic acids B2 onto fatty acids B1, ungrafted fatty acids C and polyfunctional isocyanates D, a process for their production, and a method of use thereof in coating binders
US08372913B2
An inkjet printing method includes the steps of a) providing a first radiation curable composition curable by free radical polymerization or cationic polymerization; b) applying a layer of the first radiation curable composition on a substrate; c) curing the layer; d) jetting on the cured layer a second composition curable by a different polymerization than the first composition but selected from the group consisting of free radical polymerization and cationic polymerization; and e) curing the jetted second composition by a different polymerization than the first composition. The first composition includes a cationically polymerizable compound having at least one (meth)acrylate group present in the first curable composition in an amount of at least 25 wt % based upon the total weight of the first curable composition. An inkjet ink set may be used in the above inkjet printing method.
US08372910B2
Reduced hysteresis silica-containing black sidewall compounds having increased toughness properties are provided, as are methods for preparing the same. Tires comprising the black sidewall compounds prepared according to the present embodiments are also provided.
US08372901B2
The invention relates to a tire tread having a composition based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler and one vulcanization system, characterized in that the composition comprises a xanthan gum powder in a proportion of 10 to 40 pce.The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a rubber composition for a tread based on at least one diene elastomer, one reinforcing filler and one vulcanization system which comprises a first phase of thermomechanical kneading of the constituents of the composition, with the exception of the vulcanization system, characterized in that the composition comprises a xanthan gum powder in a proportion of 10 to 40 pce and in that the xanthan gum powder is incorporated during the first kneading phase.
US08372900B2
Provided is a cellulosic composite comprised of cellulosic material and a binder. The binder comprises an aldehyde or ketone and amine salt of an inorganic acid. The composition when mixed with cellulosic material and cured forms a cellulosic composite.
US08372899B2
Flame retardant compositions are disclosed which comprise (a) at least one particulate material which expands on the application of heat and (b) at least one particulate nano-filler, together with at least one polymer and/or at least one curable monomer or oligomer. The compositions may also contain certain silicon-based materials. Flame-retardant compositions comprising polyorganosiloxanes containing one or more functional groups selected from amino, hydroxyl, methacrylic, acrylic and epoxy groups, are also disclosed.
US08372890B2
Components that demonstrate an α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and hyperglycemic inhibitory activity have clearly been provided from among the components included in Yacon. The present inventors found that as a result of screening for a strong anti-oxidant component in a Yacon aerial portion extract, an antioxidant activity was converged in a DIAION HP-20 column chromatography 50% methanol-eluted fraction of hot water extract. Thus, since a previously unidentified high-content component was confirmed, the present inventors conducted purification thereof, and thereby separated TCAA. As a result, this TCAA was found to be the component that demonstrates the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and hyperglycemic inhibitory activity.
US08372887B2
The present invention relates to the administration of compositions comprising an antiestrogen, preferably trans-clomiphene, for treating metabolic syndrome in a subject. The invention is also directed to methods for reducing fasting glucose levels in a subject by administering a composition comprising an antiestrogen, preferably trans-clomiphene.
US08372884B2
Among other things, the present invention provides novel isoprenyl compounds capable of effectively modulating inflammatory responses and pharmaceutical, cosmetic, cosmeceutical and topical compositions comprising these isoprenyl compounds. Anti-inflammatory compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing diseases or conditions associated with inflammation. Proinflammatory compounds of the present invention are useful in treating or preventing diseases or conditions associated with suppression of inflammatory responses. Thus, the present invention also provides methods useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with inflammation as well as methods useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with suppression of inflammatory responses.
US08372880B2
Compounds having one or more phenol moieties, derivatives thereof, compositions containing same and uses thereof for the treatment of amyloid-associated diseases are provided.
US08372874B2
Compounds of formula (I) are disclosed. Compounds according to the invention bind to and are agonists, antagonists or inverse agonists of the CB2 receptor, and are useful for treating inflammation. Those compounds which are agonists are additionally useful for treating pain.
US08372863B2
The present invention relates to tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo fused pyridone compounds useful as HIF prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors to treat anemia and like conditions.
US08372860B2
In accordance with the present invention, compounds that inhibit the expression of VEGF post-transcriptionally have been identified, and methods for their use provided. In one aspect of the invention, compounds useful in the inhibition of VEGF production, in the treatment of solid tumor cancer, and in reducing plasma and/or tumor VEGF levels, are provided. In another aspect of the invention, methods are provided for the inhibition of VEGF production, the treatment of cancer, and the reduction of plasma and/or tumor VEGF levels, using the compounds of the invention.
US08372856B2
Erlotinib hydrochloride hydrate is formed from an aqueous solution and is useful as a pharmaceutical and as a purification intermediate.
US08372854B2
Described herein are pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds, their use as Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods for their preparation.
US08372850B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions.
US08372849B2
This invention relates to heterocyclic compounds of the formulas shown in the specification. It also relates to methods for treating inflammatory diseases or immune diseases, developmental or degenerative diseases, and tissue injuries with one of the heterocyclic compounds.
US08372848B2
This invention relates generally to N-benzylamino cyclic thioureas, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and their use as antagonists of melanin-concentrating hormone receptor (MCH receptor).
US08372831B2
The present invention provides compounds of general formula (5a-d) and (9a-h) useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo [2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids of general formula (5a-d) and (9a-h).
US08372828B2
Ingenol angelate is a potent anticancer agent, and can be stabilized by dissolving it in an aprotic solvent in the presence of an acidic buffer.
US08372827B2
Ingenol angelate is a potent anticancer agent, and can be stabilized by dissolving it in an aprotic solvent in the presence of an acidic buffer.
US08372814B2
Provided by the present invention are compositions or formulations suitable for application to a patient's eyes which utilizes a topical ophthalmically-acceptable formulation comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of an ophthalmically-active antimicrobial agent, and an ophthalmically-active anti-inflammatory or steroidal agent in combination with physiologic levels of serum electrolytes in an ophthalmic formulation for the treatment of changes in the normal eye condition. The invention also includes methods of treating patient's having an ophthalmic disease, injury or disorder, utilizing the compositions or formulations. Also provided are kits comprising the compositions or formulations and a means of applying the compositions or formulation to the patient's eyes.
US08372796B2
Solid cleaning products suitable for use as a floor cleaner are disclosed. The solid cleaning products are essentially free of unbound water and include an acid, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and a builder. The present invention also discloses methods of using the solid cleaning products by dissolving the solid cleaning product in water to form a use solution; and applying the use solution to a floor.
US08372791B2
The present invention describes a cosmetic composition for skin cleansing, the end product of which has peculiar and improved physical characteristics with regard to plasticity, malleability, moldability and non-friability. Said peculiar and improved physical characteristics occur because of the presence of a structural analog of vegetable starch in the formulation of the end product. Said cosmetic composition for skin cleansing comprises: at least one surfactant; fecula; at least one cosmetic agent and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
US08372788B2
A method of making a styryl phenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant by alkoxylation of a styryl phenol using propylene oxide (PO) and/or ethylene oxide (EO) followed by a sulfation reaction. The styrylphenol alkoxylate sulfate surfactant of the present invention is made by a facile and inexpensive method. The large hydrophobe surfactants of the present invention find uses in EOR applications where it is used for solubilization and mobilization of oil optionally containing asphaltene, and for environmental cleanup. Further, the unsulfated version of the large hydrophobe styrylphenol alkoxylate surfactant of the present invention can be used as an ultra-high molecular weight non-ionic surfactant.
US08372770B2
This invention is directed to a process for regenerating a deactivated reforming catalyst by circulating a first oxygen-containing gas stream from a gas compressor to a catalyst bed in a reforming reaction zone in order to remove at least a portion of the carbonaceous deposits on the reforming catalyst. Then, a second oxygen-containing gas stream is further circulated from the gas compressor to the reforming catalyst bed, for oxidizing the reforming catalyst, and an inert gas stream is passed from the gas compressor through the reforming catalyst bed to purge a substantial portion of the oxygen contained therein for a time sufficient to reduce the oxygen content of an exiting purge gas stream to less than about 2% by volume oxygen.
US08372769B2
Method for producing a mold for use in casting reactive metals comprising preparing a slurry of a yttria-based refractory composition and a binder, and using said slurry as a mold facecoat by applying said slurry onto a surface of a mold pattern, wherein said yttria-based refractory composition is obtainable by (a) mixing particles of a yttria-based ceramic material and a fluorine containing dopant, and (b) heating the resulting mixture to effect fluorine-doping of said yttria-based ceramic material.
US08372768B2
An optical glass in which a Cr content is less than 5 ppm, or a Sm content is 3 ppm or less, with respect to a 100% basic glass composition containing 2-10% SiO2, 5-45% B2O3, 0-15% RO (R═Zn, Sr, Ca, Ba), 30-60% La2O3, 0-40% Ln2O3 (Ln=Y, Gd), and, 0-30% ZrO2+Nb2O5+Ta2O5 by weight, and an optical apparatus which is provided with an optical system having the optical glass.
US08372758B2
Combinatorial plasma enhanced deposition techniques are described, including designating multiple regions of a substrate, providing a precursor to at least a first region of the multiple regions, and providing a plasma to the first region to deposit a first material on the first region formed using the first precursor, wherein the first material is different from a second material formed on a second region of the substrate.
US08372754B2
A method for removing at least one photoresist defect is disclosed. The photoresist defect is exposed to a plasma produced from a source gas including oxygen and a non-oxidizing gas in a plasma reactor, wherein the oxygen is present in the source gas at from 1% by volume to about 89% by volume. The non-oxidizing gas includes a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, ammonia or combinations thereof. A method for processing a semiconductor device structure is also disclosed, as are embodiments of the source gas.
US08372752B1
Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating an ultra fine nanowire, which relates to a manufacturing technology of a microelectronic semiconductor transistor. This method obtains a suspended ultra fine nanowire base on a combination of a mask blocking oxidation process and a stepwise oxidation process. A diameter of the suspended ultra fine nanowire fabricated by this method is precisely controlled to 20 nm by controlling a thickness of a deposited silicon nitride film and a time and temperature of the two oxidation process. Since a speed of a dry oxidation process is slower, the size of the final nanowire may be precisely controlled. This method can be used to fabricate an ultra fine nanowire with a lower cost and a higher applicability.
US08372746B2
An electrode of a semiconductor device includes a TiCN layer and a TiN layer. A method for fabricating an electrode of a semiconductor device includes preparing a substrate, forming a TiCN layer, and forming a TiN layer.
US08372741B1
A microelectronic assembly includes a substrate having a first and second opposed surfaces. A microelectronic element overlies the first surface and first electrically conductive elements can be exposed at at least one of the first surface or second surfaces. Some of the first conductive elements are electrically connected to the microelectronic element. Wire bonds have bases joined to the conductive elements and end surfaces remote from the substrate and the bases, each wire bond defining an edge surface extending between the base and the end surface. An encapsulation layer can extend from the first surface and fill spaces between the wire bonds, such that the wire bonds can be separated by the encapsulation layer. Unencapsulated portions of the wire bonds are defined by at least portions of the end surfaces of the wire bonds that are uncovered by the encapsulation layer.
US08372730B2
An electric fuse includes: a first interconnect and a second interconnect, formed on a semiconductor substrate; a fuse link, formed on the semiconductor substrate and provided so that an end thereof is coupled to the first interconnect, the fuse link being capable of electrically cutting the second interconnect from the first interconnect; and an electric current inflow terminal and an electric current drain terminal for cutting the fuse link, formed on the semiconductor substrate and provided in one end and another end of the first interconnect, respectively.
US08372728B2
The invention relates to a process for fabricating a multilayer structure that includes bonding a first wafer onto a second wafer, where the first wafer may have a chamfered edge and the bonding interface has an adhesion energy of less than or equal to 1 J/m2, and thinning the first wafer so as to form a transferred layer, where before thinning the first wafer, a step of trimming the edge of the first wafer is carried out using a grinding wheel having a working surface which comprises grit particles with an average size of greater than or equal to 800 mesh or less than or equal to 18 microns, and wherein the trimming step is carried out by lowering the grinding wheel at a rate of descent of greater than or equal to 5 microns per second, such that the descent of the grinding wheel into the first wafer continues to a distance from the bonding interface that is less than or equal to 30 μm.
US08372724B2
A device manufacturing method includes forming a first insulation film on a semiconductor substrate. A first mask is formed on the first insulation film to extend in a first direction and have a linear pattern. The first insulation film is etched using the first mask as mask to process the insulation film into a linear body. A second mask is formed on the linear body to extend in a second direction different from the first direction and have a linear pattern. The linear body is etched using the second mask as mask to process the linear body into a pillar element. A first conductive film is formed to cover the pillar body. The first conductive film is etched to form a first electrode of the first conductive film on side surfaces of the pillar body.
US08372722B2
A method of fabricating semiconductor device includes forming a recess having a substantially rectangular section and forming an oxide layer on sidewalls and an oxide layer on a bottom of the recess by anisotropic oxidation, wherein the oxide layer on the sidewalls is thinner than the oxide layer on the bottom of recess. The method further includes completely removing the oxide layer on the sidewalls and partially removing the oxide layer on the bottom of the recess. The method also includes performing an orientation selective wet etching on the recess using a remaining oxide layer of the recess as a stop layer to shape the sidewalls into a Σ shaped section. The method includes removing the remaining oxide layer using an isotropic wet etching.
US08372721B2
Embedded DRAM MOSFETs including an array NFET having a gate stack comprising a high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited a first metal oxide layer (CD1) then a conductive layer (TiN), and then a polysilicon layer (Poly). A logic PFET having substantially the same gate stack as the array NFET, and a logic NFET having a third gate stack comprising the high-K dielectric layer upon which is deposited the conductive layer (TiN) and then the polysilicon layer (Poly), without the first metal oxide layer (CD1) between the high-K dielectric layer and the conductive layer (TiN). The array NFET may therefore have a higher gate stack work function than the logic NFET, but substantially the same gate stack work function as the logic PFET.
US08372715B2
Provided are a vertical channel transistor and a method for fabricating a vertical channel transistor. The method includes forming an active layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of vertical channels on the active layer, forming a plurality of isolated gate electrodes to surround sidewalls of the plurality of vertical channels, forming a buried bitline to extend along the active layer between the plurality of vertical channels, forming a plug-in between the plurality of vertical channels to connect the plurality of isolated gate electrodes and forming a wordline on a location where the plug-in and the plurality of isolated gate electrodes are connected.
US08372706B2
Provided is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. A first hard mask layer is formed on a substrate. A second hard mask layer s formed the substrate overlying the first hard mask layer. A dummy gate structure on the substrate is formed on the substrate by using at least one of the first and the second hard mask layers to pattern the dummy gate structure. A spacer element is formed adjacent the dummy gate structure. A strained region on the substrate adjacent the spacer element (e.g., abutting the spacer element). The second hard mask layer and the spacer element are then removed after forming the strained region.
US08372701B2
The present invention provides a thin film transistor array panel comprising an insulating substrate; a gate line formed on the insulating substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line; a drain electrode and a data line having a source electrode formed on the gate insulating layer, the drain electrode being adjacent to the source electrode with a gap therebetween; and a pixel electrode coupled to the drain electrode, wherein at least one of the gate line, the data line, and the drain electrode comprises a first conductive layer comprising a conductive oxide and a second conductive layer comprising copper (Cu).
US08372692B2
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatuses, systems, and methods for stacking chips. A first chip may be mounted on a substrate, wherein an active surface of the first chip faces away from the substrate, and wherein the first chip includes a plurality of bump pads located on the active surface of the first chip, and a wire may bond a first bump pad of the plurality of bump pads to the substrate. An intermediate layer may be disposed on at least a portion of the active surface of the first chip, and a via within the intermediate layer may extend to a second bump pad of the plurality of bump pads. A second chip may be disposed on the intermediate layer, wherein an active surface of the second chip faces towards the substrate, and wherein the second chip includes a third bump pad (i) located on the active surface of the second chip and (ii) aligned with the via formed in the intermediate layer. A corresponding bump may be disposed on one or more of (i) the second bump pad located on the active surface of the first chip and (ii) the third bump pad located on the active surface of the second chip, and within the via, wherein the corresponding bump electrically connects the second bump pad with the third bump pad. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08372685B2
Methods and devices are provided for forming thin-films from solid group IIIA-based particles. In one embodiment, a method is provided for bandgap grading in a thin-film device using such particles. The method may be comprised of providing a bandgap grading material comprising of an alloy having: a) a IIIA material and b) a group IA-based material, wherein the alloy has a higher melting temperature than a melting temperature of the IIIA material in elemental form. A precursor material may be deposited on a substrate to form a precursor layer. The precursor material comprising group IB, IIIA, and/or VIA based particles. The bandgap grading material of the alloy may be deposited after depositing the precursor material. The alloy in the grading material may react after the precursor layer has begun to sinter and thus maintains a higher concentration of IIIA material in a portion of the compound film that forms above a portion that sinters first.
US08372679B2
A process of forming a front-grid electrode on a silicon wafer having an ARC layer wherein thin parallel fingers lines that form the front side grid electrode are double printed from a metal paste, and the metal pastes used for the first and second printing differ in their content of glass frit plus optionally present other inorganic additives.
US08372675B2
A fabricating method of a microelectronic device including the following steps is provided. First, a substrate is provided. Second, a semi-conductor element is formed in a CMOS circuit region of the substrate. Next, a plurality of metallic layer, a plurality of contact plugs and a plurality of oxide layer are formed on the substrate. The metallic layers and the oxide layers are interlaced with each other and the contact plugs are formed in the oxide layers and connected with the metallic layers correspondingly so as to form a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) structure within a MEMS region and an interconnecting structure within the CMOS circuit region. Then, a first protective layer is formed on at least one of the oxide layers and a second protective layer is formed on the interconnecting structure. Predetermined portions of the oxide layers located within the MEMS region are removed and thereby the MEMS structure is partially suspended above the substrate. The present invention also provides a microelectronic device, a MEMS package structure and a fabricating method thereof.
US08372666B2
The present disclosure relates to the field of integrated circuit packaging and, more particularly, to packages using embedded microelectronic die applications, such a bumpless build-up layer (BBUL) designs. Embodiments of the present description relate to the field of alignment correction of microelectronic dice within the bumpless build-up layer packages. This alignment correction may comprise characterizing the misalignment of each microelectronic die mounted on a carrier and forwarding this characterization, along with data regarding the orientation of the carrier, to processing equipment that can compensate for the misalignment of each microelectronic die.
US08372663B2
In a disclosed good chip classifying method capable of classifying the good chips on a wafer, defective chips are divided into defective groups so that the defective chips contiguous to each other are placed into the same defective group based on the wafer test results; the defective group is judged as a defective chip concentrated distribution area when the number of the defective chips exceeds the prescribed value; a defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area including all the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area and nearby good chips is formed; and the good chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution nearby area are classified to have a chip index based on four directions (X and Y axis directions) on which the defective chips in the defective chip concentrated distribution area are disposed.
US08372662B2
A nonvolatile ferroelectric perpendicular electrode cell comprises a ferroelectric capacitor and a serial PN diode switch. The ferroelectric capacitor includes a word line perpendicular electrode as a first electrode and a storage perpendicular electrode as a second electrode apart at a predetermined interval from the word line perpendicular electrode to have a column type, where a ferroelectric material is filled in a space where the first electrode are separated from the second electrode. The serial PN diode switch, which is connected between a bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor, selectively switches a current direction between the bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor depending on voltage change between the bit line and the ferroelectric capacitor.
US08372661B2
A STT-RAM MTJ that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) is disclosed. The MTJ has a MgO tunnel barrier layer formed with a natural oxidation process to achieve a low RA (10 ohm-um2) and a Fe or Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer which provides a lower intrinsic damping constant than a CoFeB free layer. A Fe, FeB, or Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer when formed with a MgO tunnel barrier (radical oxidation process) and a CoFeB AP1 pinned layer in a MRAM MTJ stack annealed at 360° C. provides a high dR/R (TMR)>100% and a substantial improvement in read margin with a TMR/Rp_cov=20. High speed measurement of 100 nm×200 nm oval STT-RAM MTJs has shown a Jc0 for switching a Fe free layer is one half that for switching an amorphous CO40Fe40B20 free layer. A Fe/CoFeB/Fe free layer configuration allows the Hc value to be increased for STT-RAM applications.
US08372657B2
According to various embodiments, a microfluidic system for detecting a biological entity in a sample volume is provided. The microfluidic system may include: a chamber configured to receive the sample volume, wherein the chamber includes a detection region for detecting the biological entity; a first port in fluid communication with the chamber; and a second port including a filter in fluid communication with the chamber; and wherein a fluid provided to the first port or the second port flows between the first port and the second port through the chamber.
US08372654B2
The invention is concerned with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), particularly NMR spectroscopy. It provides hyperpolarization methods offering enhanced sensitivity of detection over conventional NMR for studying the fate of a test compound in a biological system. The methods are particularly suitable for studying metabolism and toxicity of drugs. The resulting NMR sensitivity increase is advantageous in two key aspects of NMR detection: test compounds can be detected at lower concentrations and substantial time saving can be achieved in cases where extensive averaging is conventionally employed to increase the signal to noise ratio of the corresponding NMR spectra. The methods can be used for studios that were not practical or not possible using conventional NMR.
US08372653B2
A molecule identification and quantitation method is provided wherein a mass tag is conjugated to an analyte and the signature ion of the mass tag remains attached to the analyte after tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation (MS-MS or MS2). Rather than losing the signature ion, a mass-balance part of the structure can be lost as a charge neutral group under tandem mass spectrometry fragmentation. The signature ion can be used for quantitation and, upon further fragmentation, can also provide ion-signals characteristic of the analyte and useful in identifying the analyte. In some embodiments, the ion-signals generated from a third mass spectrometry fragmentation (MS3) can be compared with a known mass spectrum, for example, from a look-up table, from a library, or from a database, to provide an unambiguous identification of the analyte.
US08372643B2
There is provided a method of culturing a stem cell on extracellular matrix extracted from support cells and in a stem cell culture medium comprising medium conditioned by the support cells.
US08372635B2
Provided are methods of assaying and improving protein folding using circular permutants of fluorescent proteins, including circular permutants of GFP variants and combinations thereof. The invention further provides various nucleic acid molecules and vectors incorporating such nucleic acid molecules, comprising polynucleotides encoding fluorescent protein circular permutants derived from superfolder GFP, which polynucleotides include an internal cloning site into which a heterologous polynucleotide may be inserted in-frame with the circular permutant coding sequence, and which when expressed are capable of reporting on the degree to which a polypeptide encoded by such an inserted heterologous polynucleotide is correctly folded by correlation with the degree of fluorescence exhibited.
US08372632B2
A method and apparatus for sequestering CO2 using algae comprises a plurality of vertically suspended bioreactors, each bioreactor being translucent and including a flow channel formed by a plurality of baffles. A culture tank contains a suspension of water and at least one algae and includes a plurality of gas jets for introducing a CO2-containing gas into the suspension. The culture tank is in fluid communication with an inlet in each channel for flowing the suspension through the channel in the presence of light. A pump pumps the suspension into the channel inlet.
US08372629B2
A device for individually analysing cells of interest, comprising (a) a channel for receiving the contents of a cell of interest, wherein the channel has an input end and an output end, and (b) a cell trapping site in proximity to the input end of the channel, wherein (i) the input end of the channel is adapted such that an intact cell of interest cannot enter the channel; and (ii) the channel contains one or more analytical components for analysing the contents of the cell of interest. In use, a cell is applied to the device, where it is trapped by the cell trapping means. The cell cannot enter the channel intact, but its contents can be released in situ to enter the channel's input end. The contents can then move down the channel, towards the output end, and they encounter the immobilised reagents, thereby permitting analysis of the cell contents.
US08372623B2
Preparation and use of isolated nucleic acids useful in altering the oil phenotype of plants are described. Isolated nucleic acids and their encoded polypeptides are described that alter the content of alpha-tocotrienol, beta-tocotrienol, or both, in transformed seeds and oil obtained from the transformed seeds. Expression cassettes, host cells and transformed plants are described that contain the foregoing nucleic acids.
US08372618B2
A subject of the present invention is mutated hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterases (PTEs) possessing a lactonase activity, and their uses as bioscavengers within the context of the decontamination of the surfaces of materials, of the skin or mucous membranes, contaminated with organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the preparation of medicaments which can be used within the context of the prevention or treatment of an external contamination or of an internal poisoning by ingestion or inhalation by organophosphorus compounds, or within the context of the pollution control of water polluted with organophosphorus compounds.
US08372617B2
The present invention provides an extremely useful and novel β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase having an optimum reaction pH in a neutral to alkaline range, and a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase. The present invention further provides a vector carrying a nucleic acid encoding the sialyltransferase, and a host cell transformed with the vector, as well as a method for producing a recombinant β-galactoside-α2,6-sialyltransferase.
US08372605B2
A high-sensitivity, low-background immuno-amplification assay is provided, which offers a streamlined workflow suitable for high-throughput assays of clinically relevant samples, such as blood and other bodily fluids. The assay comprises the use of two proximity members that each comprise an analyte-specific binding component conjugated to an oligonucleotide. Binding an analyte brings the oligonucleotide moieties of the proximity members in sufficiently close contact that the oligonucleotides form an amplicon. The presence of the analyte then is detected through amplification of the amplicon and detection of the amplified nucleic acids. The sensitivity of the assay of the present invention is improved by preventing spurious or non-specific amplicon formation by proximity members that are not complexed with an analyte.
US08372603B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods for increasing the longevity of a cell culture and permitting the increased production of proteins, preferably recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, peptides, enzymes, growth factors, interleukins, interferons, hormones, and vaccines. Cells transfected with an apoptosis-inhibiting gene or vector, such as a triple mutant Bcl-2 gene, can survive longer in culture, resulting in extension of the state and yield of protein biosynthesis. Such transfected cells exhibit maximal cell densities that equal or exceed the maximal density achieved by the parent cell lines. Transfected cells can also be pre-adapted for growth in serum-free medium, greatly decreasing the time required to obtain protein production in serum-free medium. In certain methods, the pre-adapted cells can be used for protein production following transformation under serum-free conditions. The method preferably involves eukaryotic cells, more preferably mammalian cells.
US08372593B2
The invention provides methods and kits for detecting conformationally altered proteins, such as prions or other proteins associated with disease states, in a sample. The methods comprise selectively capturing and separating complexes of peptide and conformationally altered protein from substances that interfere with detection of such complexes, and preferably amplification of the detection signal b addition of a second double-labeled peptide.
US08372571B2
Provided is a method for forming an image containing the steps of: supplying a clear toner on a surface of an image forming support; heating the supplied clear toner on the surface of the image forming support to melt; close contacting the surface of the image forming support supplied with the clear toner with a belt; and cooling the clear toner in a state of close contacting with the belt so as to form a clear toner layer on the image forming support, wherein the aforesaid clear toner contains at least a resin formed with a polymerizable monomer represented by Formula (1) and a vinyl monomer, Formula (1): H2═CR1—COOR2, wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; and R2 represents a chain alkyl group having 12 to 22 carbon atoms, or a cyclic alkyl group.
US08372567B2
In an electrophotographic photoreceptor having a photosensitive layer on an electroconductive substrate, the photosensitive layer is a positive-charging laminate comprising at least a charge transport layer and a charge generating layer laminated in that order, with the charge generating layer containing at least a resin binder, a charge generating agent, a space filler and an electron transport agent, while the charge transport layer contains at least, as a resin binder, polystyrene and a hole transport agent, and mineral oil of the charge transport layer is in an amount of 1% by mass or less of an amount of polystyrene. Thus, a highly durable and economic positive-charging multilayer electrophotographic photoreceptor and a manufacturing method therefor may be achieved.
US08372566B1
A imaging member, such as a photoreceptor, having an outermost layer that is a structured organic film (SOF) comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers including a first fluorinated segment and a second electroactive segment.
US08372565B2
A method for illuminating a mask with a source to project a desired image pattern through a lithographic system onto a photoactive material including: defining a representation of the mask; obtaining a fractional resist shot noise (FRSN) parameter; determining a first relationship between a first set of optical intensity values and an edge roughness metric based on the FRSN parameter; determining a second relationship between a second set of optical intensity values and a lithographic performance metric; imposing a set of metric constraints based on one of the first and second relationships; setting up an objective function of optimization based on the remaining of the two relationships; determining optimum constrained values of the representation of the mask based on the set of metric constraints and the objective function; and outputting these values.
US08372563B2
The present invention discloses a MEMS lithography mask with improved tungsten deposition topography and a method for making the same. The MEMS lithography mask includes: a pattern including at least two sections forming a conjunction with each other, each of the at least two sections having a width not less than a minimum width, the conjunction having a center and a plurality of corners, wherein at least one of the corners is inwardly recessed to reduce a width of the conjunction, the sections being for defining trenches on a substrate to be filled with tungsten as apart of a MEMS device, whereby the lowest height of the tungsten surface is not lower than 80% of the trench height.
US08372557B2
A carbon-fiber-based gas diffusion layer (GDL) for use in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells (FC) having structured hydrophilic properties, wherein materials with hydrophilic properties and selected from the group of metal oxides in an average domain size of 0.5 to 80 μm are present as hydrophilic wicks in the gas diffusion layer.
US08372555B2
A fuel cell system that employs end cell heaters in the end cells of a fuel cell stack in the fuel cell system that consistently maintain the temperature of the end cells above the operating temperature of the stack so as to reduce water in the end cells. In one embodiment, the temperature of the end cells is maintained within the range of 80° C.-85° C. across the entire output power range of the fuel cell stack. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the end cells are electrically coupled in series, and the control signal for controlling the end cells heaters is selected to heat the warmest end cell to the desired temperature.
US08372553B2
A fuel cell system that includes a cell voltage monitoring sub-system that measures the cell voltage of each cell in a fuel cell stack and provides an indication of a low performing or failed cell. The fuel cell system uses the cell voltage monitoring sub-system to determine if one of the wires connected to a bipolar plate in the stack is broken or has otherwise failed. The cell voltage monitoring sub-system uses differential amplifiers to compare the positive side voltage and the negative side voltage of a cell to determine if the cell voltage is low or the cell is failing. By looking at the outputs of two differential amplifiers in the cell voltage monitoring sub-system, it can be determined whether adjacent cells provide an indication of both cells failing, which would indicate that a connection wire has failed.
US08372550B2
The present invention provides a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound, as well as an electrochemical device comprising the cathode. Also, the present invention provides an electrochemical device comprising: (1) a cathode having a protection layer formed by a complex between the surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic nitrile compound; (2) an anode having a passivation layer formed by a compound selected from the group consisting of vinylene carbonate, its derivative and an ether compound; and (3) an electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt and a solvent.
US08372549B2
The present invention provides an electrolyte solvent for batteries, which comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. Also, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte comprises fluoroethylene carbonate and linear ester solvent. The inventive electrolyte solvent can improve the battery safety without deteriorating the battery performance.
US08372546B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a gel non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode has an active material layer containing an ambient temperature molten salt and polyvinylidene fluoride; the ambient temperature molten salt and the polyvinylidene fluoride are complexed; the non-aqueous electrolyte contains one or more kinds of a non-aqueous solvent having a relative dielectric constant of 20 or more; and the content of the solvent having a relative dielectric constant of 20 or more in the non-aqueous electrolyte is 60% by mass or more relative to the whole of the non-aqueous solvent.
US08372545B2
A method for manufacturing battery separators for use in a lithium-ion battery containing non-aqueous electrolytes, producing batteries being resistant to thermal runaway and explosion, includes the steps of preparing a dryblend comprising two UHMW Polyethylenes and Calcined Kaolin, feeding said dry-blend into an extruder, melt-kneading said dry blend in the extruder while feeding mineral oil, making a solution from a die into the form of a sheet, using casting rolls, thereby cooling the solution down, producing a thick gel sheet, stretching the gel sheet in both machine and transverse directions, producing a 20 micron thick gel sheet containing oil thereby, extracting the oil by use of a solvent and drying the film, heat-setting the film and producing a microporous membrane.
US08372542B2
An improved Ni—Zn cell with a negative electrode substrate plated with tin or tin and zinc during manufacturing has a reduced gassing rate. The copper or brass substrate is electrolytic cleaned, activated, electroplated with a matte surface to a defined thickness range, pasted with zinc oxide electrochemically active material, and baked. The defined plating thickness range of 40-80 μIn maximizes formation of an intermetallic compound Cu3Sn that helps to suppress the copper diffusion from under plating layer to the surface and eliminates formation of an intermetallic compound Cu6Sn5 during baking to provide adequate corrosion resistance during battery operation.
US08372538B2
A cell electrode plate is constituted by band-like core member made of metal foil and a plurality of sheets of electrode active material applied discontinuously on and longitudinally of at least one of upper and lower surfaces of the core member, the mutually adjacent sheets of the electrode active material having mutually different end positions widthwise of the core member. Thereby, an increase in worn amount of surfaces of press rolls is prevented when the cell electrode plate is pressed by a roll press machine with the press rolls so as to prolong the service life of the press rolls. Thus, the number and/or amount of grinding the press rolls is reduced to reduce the roll maintenance cost and enhance production efficiency.
US08372534B2
A battery pack having battery connectors for connecting batteries in series and a battery connector are disclosed that reduce the risks of potential electric shocks during assembly and servicing of a battery pack.
US08372521B2
A method for producing a twisted wire (1) by twisting two wires (2) together. When that portion of the twisted wire (1) extending from one ends (3) of the two wires (2) to a first predetermined position (4) is defined as a one end-side twisted portion (5), and that portion of the twisted wire (1) extending from the first predetermined position (4) to a second predetermined position (6) is defined as an intermediate twisted portion (7), and that portion of the twisted wire (1) extending from the second predetermined position (6) to the other ends (8) of the two wires (2) is defined as an other end-side twisted portion (9), a twisting pitch of the one end-side twisted portion (5) and the other end-side twisted portion (9) is smaller than a twisting pitch of the intermediate twisted portion (7).
US08372519B2
The present invention relates to a composition in the form of a mixture comprising at least two components a) and b), wherein component a) comprises at least one mono and/or multifunctional thiol and component b) comprises at least one mono and/or multifunctional ene, wherein the molar ratio between the thiol groups and the ene groups is 1:0.1 to 1:100. Further, the invention relates to an impregnated wood element, wherein it is obtainable by impregnating a wood element with a composition according to the present invention or a mixture of the components of the composition in batch form (multi-component) according to the present invention and thereafter curing the composition or the mixture. The invention also relates to a method of impregnating a wood element.
US08372517B2
An acrylic thermoplastic resin composition is obtained by melt-kneading a methacrylic resin (A) and a polyvinyl acetal resin (B) at a resin temperature of not less than 140° C. while applying shear at a shear rate of 100 sec−1 or more, and then cooling the kneaded product to not more than 120° C. In the acrylic thermoplastic resin composition, at least the methacrylic resin (A) forms a continuous phase, and among glass transition temperatures of the acrylic thermoplastic resin composition, a glass transition temperature TgA P ascribed to the methacrylic resin (A) indicates a value between a glass transition temperature (TgA) of the methacrylic resin (A) alone and a glass transition temperature (TgB) of the polyvinyl acetal resin (B) alone. A film- or sheet-like molded article is obtained by molding the resin composition. An acrylic resin composite is obtained by laying a layer of metal and/or metal oxide on at least one side of the acrylic resin molded article.
US08372513B2
The subject of the invention is a transparent substrate (6) having at least one antireflection coating, made from a film (A) comprising multiple thin layers of alternately high and low refractive indexes. The multilayer film comprises, in succession, a high-index first layer (1), having a refractive index n1 of between 1.8 and 2.3 and a geometrical thickness e1 of between 5 and 50 nm, a low-index second layer (2), having a refractive index n2 of between 1.30 and 1.70 and a geometrical thickness e2 of between 5 and 50 nm, a high-index third layer (3), having a refractive index n3 of between 1.8 and 2.3 and a geometrical thickness e3 of at least 100 nm, and a low-index fourth layer (4), having a refractive index n4 of between 1.30 and 1.70 and a geometrical thickness e4 of at least 80 nm. This antireflection coating can be used in solar modules.
US08372508B2
A method, apparatus, and kit adapted for installation over windows or the like. Included is a window film frame assembly that comprises a frame having a plurality of frame segments and a plurality of connector members. Pressure-sensitive adhesive strips are attached to one side of the frame and serve to attach a generally flexible film sheet structure thereto. The film sheet structure is provided so as to conform to the shape of the frame across the frame opening. The film sheet structure does not have an exterior surface coated with an adhesive material.
US08372502B2
Structures for containing liquid materials and maintaining part alignment during assembly operations
Components may be interconnected using liquid materials such as liquid adhesive and solder. To prevent undesired movement between the components during the assembly process and to prevent the liquid material from flowing into undesired areas, an attachment and dam structure may be provided. The structure may be formed from a substrate such as a flexible polymer film coated with adhesive. When interposed between first and second components, the structure attaches the first and second components and prevents movement between the first and second components. The structure may have one or more edges adjacent to the liquid material to block the liquid material from flowing while the liquid material is in its liquid state. Once the components have been connected, the liquid material can be solidified.
US08372501B2
An optical information recording medium includes: a supporting substrate; a light-transmitting protective layer which becomes a layer on the incident side of recording and reproducing laser light; and an information recording layer intervening between the supporting substrate and the light-transmitting protective layer, wherein the information recording layer includes a phase-change material layer, a dielectric layer and a metal layer in this order from the incident side of laser light; and the dielectric layer is constituted of, as a main component, (In2O3)x(SnO2)1-x, wherein x is satisfied with the relationship of (0.4
US08372500B2
A Flexible VCD Having Domed Center and Method of Making Thereof is disclosed. The disc will has a flat data storage section of its substrate that is less than 0.7 millimeters thick, while the central region of the disc is defined by a dome structure adjacent to the spindle aperture that is of standard digital disc thickness. The disc is thin enough such that its substrate is flexible. The dome structure is shaped to provide the widest compatibility with player/recorders, as well as with disc printing systems. Disc versions are available that provide conical dome structures, as well as slivered dome structures of both conical and rectangular cross-section. The method for manufacturing the discs simply requires the replacement of the conventional stamper holder with a stamper holding having a non-flat face.
US08372495B2
A housing for an electronic device or other object formed in a layered configuration. The layer or sandwich construction imparts strength and rigidity while decreasing the overall weight to the housing. The case/housing may have a first layer and a second layer formed from a first material. The case may also include a core formed from a second material. Where the first layer may be bonded to a top surface of the core and the second layer may be bonded to a bottom surface of the core.
US08372489B2
A method for depositing material on a substrate is described. The method comprises directionally depositing a thin film on one or more surfaces of a substrate using a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) formed from a source of precursor to the thin film, wherein the deposition occurs on surfaces oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of incidence of the GCIB, and deposition is substantially avoided on surfaces oriented substantially parallel to the direction of incidence.
US08372485B2
A gallium ink is provided, comprising, as initial components: a gallium component comprising gallium; a stabilizing component; an additive; and, a liquid carrier; wherein the gallium ink is a stable dispersion. Also provided are methods of preparing the gallium ink and for using the gallium ink in the preparation of semiconductor films (e.g., in the deposition of a CIGS layer for use in photovoltaic devices).
US08372483B2
Methods for controllably forming Sb—Te, Ge—Te, and Ge—Sb—Te thin films are provided. ALD processes can be used to deposit a first film comprising ZnTe. Providing an antimony source chemical, such as SbI3 replaces the zinc, thereby forming Sb2Te3 thin films. Ge—Te and Ge—Sb—Te films can also be made by providing Ge sources to ZnTe and Sb—Te thin films, respectively.
US08372473B2
Methods and compositions for depositing a cobalt containing film on one or more substrates are disclosed herein. A cobalt precursor, which comprises at least one pentadienyl ligand coupled to the cobalt for thermal stability, is introduced into a reaction chamber containing one or more substrates, and the cobalt precursor is deposited to form a cobalt containing film onto the substrate.
US08372464B2
Methods for producing a partially hydrated bean paste are disclosed. The methods include inputting a quantity of uncooked whole beans or split beans into an extruder comprising an inlet, one or more temperature zones in series downstream of the inlet, and a die downstream of the one or more temperature zones; rotating a screw assembly of the extruder to extrude the beans and force the beans through the one or more temperature zones, wherein a quantity of steam and a quantity of water is added to the beans as the beans are forced through each temperature zone; and forcing the beans exiting the final temperature zone of said one or more temperature zones in series through the die to produce a bean paste. The partially hydrated bean paste produced by the methods of the disclosure comprises a water content of at least about 45% by weight. The partially hydrated bean paste can be further processed into partially hydrated bean products, such as refried beans.
US08372462B2
A device for producing froth includes means (1) which are adapted to perform a pumping function and to perform a mixing process of at least one liquid and a gas at the same time. Furthermore, the device includes suitable means (2) for supplying the liquid and the gas to the pumping means (1), and suitable means (3) for discharging froth from the pumping means (1). In order for the device to be capable of producing hot froth, means (4) for supplying steam are provided, and arranged such as to supply the steam directly to the pumping means (1), in particular to an outlet side of the pumping means (1). This way of attributing a heating functionality to the pumping means (1) has many advantages, including the option of a most compact design. Furthermore, the steam may be used for cleaning the pumping means (1).
US08372450B2
The present invention provides a Chinese herb composition for the treatment of macular degeneration and its preparation method. The composition comprises Salviae miltiorrhizae, Chuanxiong rhizoma, Lycii fructus, Chrysanthemi flos, Schisandrae chinensis fructus, Imperatae rhizoma, and Scutellariae radix, where the number of units by weight are: 0.8-3.0 units of Salviae miltiorrhizae, 0.3-2.0 units of Chuanxiong rhizoma, 0.6-2.4 units of Lycii fructus, 0.5-2.0 units of Chrysanthemi flos, 0.2-1.2 units of Schisandrae chinensis fructus, 0.9-6.0 units of Imperatae rhizoma, and 0.5-2.0 units of Scutellariae radix. The preparation method includes taking concentrated powder of each ingredient according to the number of units prescribed and mixing them together. The Chinese herb composition, conveniently delivered orally or parenterally, has been clinically proven to be safe and effective for all types of macular degeneration regardless of wet or dry forms.
US08372449B2
The disclosure provides a method for isolating the bioactive component of the water-soluble extract of Uncaria tomentosa known as C-MED-100®, comprising (i) precipitating the spray drying carrier from C-MED-100®; (ii) using the resulting C-MED-100® to obtain a spotting mixture for thin layer chromatography (TLC); (iii) spotting the C-MED-100® spotting mixture on pre-run TLC plates and eluting the plates to obtain the fluorescing band with Rf=0.2-0.3; (iv) scraping off the Rf=0.2-0.3 band, eluting it in ammonia and freeze drying the eluted band to form a powder; and (v) extracting the powder with methanol to remove solubilized silica gel, concentrating the methanol solution and crystalizing the concentrated solution to obtain the bioactive component. The isolated bioactive component in vitro is a quinic acid analog, preferably quinic acid lactone. By contrast, the disclosure further shows the isolated bioactive component in vivo is quinic acid, whether as free acid or as a quinic acid salt, including quinic acid ammonium salt. The disclosure then provides for a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of the bioactive component and a nontoxic inert carrier or diluent. The pharmaceutical composition and bioactive component may be used to enhance immune competency, treat disorders associated with the immune system, inhibit the inflammatory response, treat disorders associated with the inflammatory response, enhance the anti-tumor response, and treat disorders associated with the response to tumor formation and growth, all in mammals.
US08372441B2
The subject invention concerns methods for preparing alkaline earth ferrates and the preparation of hemostatic compositions from alkaline earth ferrates. In one embodiment, the alkaline earth ferrate is strontium ferrate. In one embodiment, methods of the invention comprise heat treating mixtures of alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides with iron oxides, such as hematite or magnetite. The subject invention also concerns hemostatic compositions produced using metallic oxides that are reacted with alkaline earth oxides and/or peroxides and the methods used to produce the hemostatic compositions.
US08372436B2
The present invention is directed to a method of producing nano- and microcapsules from spider silk proteins The invention is further directed to nano- or microcapsules obtainable by this method as well as pharmaceutical, cosmetical and food compositions containing same.
US08372426B2
The present invention provides a chewable composition containing granules of water-soluble dietary fiber. The chewable composition has highly agreeable organolpetic properties and is consumable without the need of an ingestion aid.
US08372424B2
This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10−7 reciprocal second.
US08372423B2
This disclosure provides implantable devices coated with microporous surface layers with macrotopographic features that improve bio-integration at the interface of the implantable devices and the surrounding tissue.
US08372412B2
The invention provides a bioassay for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection comprising artificially modified peptide subsequences of the T-cell epitope from M. tuberculosis Ag85B. Particularly preferred peptides have the form: SGGNNSPAX (SEQ ID 26), where X is Methionine (SEQ ID 18), Leucine (SEQ ID 17), Alanine (SEQ ID 15) or Valine (SEQ ID 10) and NNSPAV (SEQ ID 14). The invention also provides peptides for use in such an assay.
US08372406B2
The invention relates to novel compositions of general formula (1) consisting of X1 Trp Gly Gln X2 or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters or amides thereof, wherein X1 is absent or contains at least one type of aminoacid, X2 is absent or contains at least one type of aminoacid. The inventive compositions produce an antitumoral and antiviral effect by suppressing a tumoral cells proliferation, potentiating the action of other antitumoral preparations and by stimulating antitumoral and antiviral immunologic mechanisms.
US08372402B2
Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.
US08372401B2
Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor α (hTNFα) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNFα (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNFα dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNFα activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNFα and for inhibiting hTNFα activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNFα activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.
US08372399B2
A composition having a bispecific antibody which binds a stem cell specific antigen and a tissue, differentiated cell or condition associated antigen and an agent that enhances expression of the tissue, differentiated cell or condition associated antigen, is provided. Also provided are methods of using the bispecific antibodies and/or agents to enhance cell therapy.
US08372398B2
The present invention relates to improved Nanobodies™ against von Willebrand Factor (vWF), as well as to polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of one or more of such Nanobodies. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such Nanobodies and polypeptides; to methods for preparing such Nanobodies and polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such Nanobodies or polypeptides; to compositions comprising such Nanobodies, polypeptides, nucleic acids or host cells; and to uses of such Nanobodies, such polypeptides, such nucleic acids, such host cells or such compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, such as the prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
