US08428470B2
A waveform shaping apparatus includes a quantum dot optical amplifier in which an amplification factor of input signal beams saturates if the optical power of the signal beams is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; and a quantum dot saturable absorber in which an absorption factor of the input signal beams saturates if the optical power of the signal beams is under a predetermined value. The quantum dot optical amplifier and the quantum dot saturable absorber are connected in series with a transmission path of the signal beams, and shape the waveform of the signal beams. Voltages applied to the quantum dot optical amplifier and the quantum dot saturable absorber, respectively, are adjusted based on the optical power of the signal beams.
US08428465B2
This disclosure describes techniques for providing a communication path for upstream communications originating from a node of an optical network. In particular, methods and devices are described for combining upstream communications originating from the node of the optical network with upstream communications originating from subscriber devices coupled to the node. The upstream communication originating from the node may, for example, include status information about the node. The upstream communication, which may include status information about the node, essentially piggy-backs onto upstream communication originating from the subscriber devices coupled to the node.
US08428459B2
An optical input/output (I/O) bus system for connecting a plurality of external devices with a central processing unit (CPU) or memory in a specific system using an optical signal is provided. The optical I/O bus system includes a serializer and deserializer (SerDes) connected with the CPU or memory, and configured to divide a serial electrical signal into parallel electrical signals or combine parallel electrical signals into a serial electrical signal, a photoelectric converter prepared between the SerDes and the external devices, and configured to convert the serial/parallel electrical signals into an optical signal or an optical signal into an electrical signal, a plurality of optical transmission means disposed in parallel to transfer the optical signal converted by the photoelectric converter, an optical switch prepared between the photoelectric converter and the optical transmission means, and configured to switch to one of the optical transmission means to transfer the optical signal converted by the photoelectric converter to the optical transmission means according to an address of the optical signal, and a plurality of optical slots connected to the respective optical transmission means to connect the external devices so that the optical signal is input/output. In the optical I/O bus system, a high-capacity signal can be transferred without distortion, interference, and bottleneck using optical connection technology.
US08428458B2
A multi-chassis network device includes a plurality of nodes that operate as a single device within the network and a switch fabric that forwards data plane packets between the plurality of nodes. The switch fabric includes a set of multiplexed optical interconnects coupling the nodes. For example, a multi-chassis router includes a plurality of routing nodes that operate as a single router within a network and a switch fabric that forwards packets between the plurality of routing nodes. The switch fabric includes at least one multiplexed optical interconnect coupling the routing nodes. The nodes of the multi-chassis router may direct portions of the optical signal over the multiplexed optical interconnect to different each other using wave-division multiplexing.
US08428455B2
An apparatus includes an image sensor unit, a retaining member configured to retain the image sensor unit on a photographer side and to retain an optical member on an object side, a first sealing member configured, when the image sensor unit is mounted on the retaining member, to form a closely sealed space by sealing between the image sensor unit and the retaining member, the first sealing member being provided on the photographer side of the retaining member, and a second sealing member configured, when the optical member is mounted on the retaining member, to form a closely sealed space by sealing between the optical member and the retaining member, the second sealing member being provided on the object side.
US08428447B2
A device is disclosed for generating a decontamination agent vapor, in particular hydrogen peroxide vapor. The device includes an evaporator body, a heating unit for heating the evaporator body, and a plurality of feed channels for feeding decontamination liquid to the evaporator body. The decontamination liquid is evaporated by the evaporator body. In one embodiment, the liquid contains hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, a plurality of blind holes are provided in a single- or multi-part evaporator body, and at least one of the feed channels is assigned to the blind holes.
US08428444B2
According to one embodiment, a video server includes a storage unit, an output processing unit, and a decoding processing unit. The storage unit stores first video data items and second video data items. The output processing unit generates first and second data blocks based on the first video data items and the second video data item read from the storage unit, respectively. The output processing unit outputs the first data blocks in fewer frames than usual, and outputs the second data block in vacant frame. The decoding processing unit decodes the first data blocks to generate a first playback signals, and outputs the first playback signals. The decoding processing unit stores the second data blocks.
US08428442B2
A video playback apparatus receives a control signal from a remote control device having a multipurpose key and assigns alternative functions to the received signal depending on the duration of time the control signal is received. For example, the remote may have a combination skip-forward multipurpose key which when pressed for less than a predetermined period such as one second, causes the video playback apparatus to invoke its skip mode, and when pressed for more than the predetermined period causes the video playback apparatus to invoke its forward, fast forward, or super fast forward mode, depending on the duration of time the key is pressed beyond invocation of the forward mode.
US08428441B2
The present invention provides an information processing apparatus, comprising: a video recording unit for video recording a received broadcast program; a video recording indicator light for indicating visually whether the video recording is in progress or not; and a video recording indicator light control unit, being furnished as a part of a basic input/output system (BIOS), for controlling a turning on and off of the video recording indicator light.
US08428433B2
A storage medium storing multimedia data for the reproduction of audio-visual (AV) data and a programming function, and a reproducing apparatus and method thereof. The storage medium includes: reproduction mode data for reproducing audio-visual (AV) data; program data including a plurality of program applications for providing interactive functions with a user and/or additional functions using the AV data; system data for controlling the execution of the reproduction mode data and the program data; and application objects for managing the execution of the program data and information on the reproduction mode data to be reproduced along with the execution of the program data. Accordingly, various user interfaces and/or various additional functions can be provided, as well as simple reproduction of AV data. Also the program application can be prevented from using malicious intent, and program applications having the same function can be reused without modification or recompilation.
US08428432B2
An information storage medium storing subtitle text-based information, and a method and apparatus utilizing same, process a subtitle. The information storage medium includes: dialog information which contains script text information of the subtitle and information specifying an output type of the script text; and presentation information which contains style information used to convert the script text into a bitmap format through rendering. With this structure, the amount of data required for a subtitle and the amount of data that should be processed when a subtitle is output may be greatly reduced.
US08428429B2
An information processing apparatus includes a controller that sets type information, which represents that an application for executing a process using a dependent view video stream is an application for reproducing a 3-D image, in a clip information file which describes information on a transport stream including the dependent view video stream out of a base view video stream and the dependent view video stream obtained by encoding a plurality of video data according to the a predetermined video coding format.
US08428419B2
A fiber distribution hub (FDH) includes an internal spool for wrapping a fiber optic cable. The internal spool is adapted to rotate within the FDH and thereby pay out or retrieve the fiber optic cable from/to the FDH. A first end of the fiber optic cable can be extended through an entrance location of the FDH and can be further extended beyond the FDH to a connection point. The second end of the fiber optic cable can be connected to a fiber optic adapter within the FDH and can be disconnected from the fiber optic adapter when the internal spool is rotated. The fiber optic cable can be a fiber optic feeder cable.
US08428417B1
A modular solar collector system (MSCS) and modular solar collector method (MSCM) utilizing one or more solar/optical radiation waveguides (SOWs) having radiation input, radiation output, and radiation injection ports is disclosed. The MSCS permits individual SOWs to be cascaded in a modular fashion to permit collection and transmission of incident solar radiation in combination with radiation received from adjacent SOWs. The collection/summation nature of the SOWs may be utilized in vector and/or array configurations to permit collection and transmission of arbitrary areas of incident solar radiation to a focal point, vector, and/or area for the purposes of utilizing the collected radiation for a variety of purposes. The SOWs may optimally incorporate optically reflective areas on surfaces not comprising the radiation input, radiation output, and radiation injection ports to maximize the overall collection and transmission of radiation from the radiation input and radiation injection ports to the radiation output port.
US08428415B2
An optical fiber includes a silica-based glass portion having an outer diameter of less than about 120 μm. The glass portion comprises a core, an inner cladding and a low index ring. The core comprises an index of refraction n1, and a relative refractive index percent Δ1% relative to pure silica glass. The inner cladding surrounds the core and comprises an index of refraction n2, a radial thickness of less than about 40 μm and a relative refractive index percent Δ2% relative to pure silica glass, wherein Δ1%>Δ2% and the difference between Δ1% and Δ2% is greater than 0.1%. The low index ring surrounds the inner cladding and comprises boron and fluorine, a radial thickness of less than about 20 μm, an index of refraction n3 and a third relative refractive index percent Δ3% relative to pure silica glass, wherein Δ2%>Δ3% and Δ3% is less than −0.5%.
US08428411B2
The present invention embraces a single-mode optical fiber typically having reduced bending losses. The optical fiber includes a central core, an intermediate cladding, a buried trench, and an outer cladding. The optical fiber typically has (i), at a wavelength of 1310 nanometers, a mode field diameter with a nominal value of between about 8.6 microns and 9.5 microns (and a tolerance of ±0.4 micron), (ii) a cable cut-off wavelength of no more than 1260 nanometers, and (iii), for a bending radius of 15 millimeters at a wavelength of 1550 nanometers, bending losses of no more than 0.03 dB/turn.
US08428409B2
An optical waveguide has a refractive index variation that is structured to provide the fiber, over a wavelength operating range, with an effective area supporting multiple Stokes shifts and with a negative dispersion value at a target wavelength within the wavelength operating range. The refractive index variation is further structured to provide the fiber with a finite LP01 cutoff at a wavelength longer than the target wavelength, whereby the LP01 cutoff wavelength provides a disparity, for a selected bending diameter, between macrobending losses at the target wavelength and macrobending losses at wavelengths longer than the target wavelength, whereby Raman scattering is frustrated at wavelengths longer than the target wavelength.
US08428399B2
An optical module including a first optical coupler; a second optical coupler; a first optical waveguide; a second optical waveguide; a first electrode provided on the first optical waveguide; a second electrode provided on the second optical waveguide; a short electrode shorter than the first and second electrodes and provided on the second optical waveguide; and a first high-frequency connector and a second high-frequency connector; wherein, the short electrode provided on the second optical waveguide is coupled to the second high-frequency connector; and the first electrode provided on the first optical waveguide is coupled to the first high-frequency connector.
US08428398B2
A hand-held portable microarray reader for biodetection includes a microarray reader engineered to be small enough for portable applications. The invention includes a high-powered light-emitting diode that emits excitation light, an excitation filter positioned to receive the excitation light, a slide, a slide holder assembly for positioning the slide to receive the excitation light from the excitation filter, an emission filter positioned to receive the excitation light from the slide, a lens positioned to receive the excitation light from the emission filter, and a CCD camera positioned to receive the excitation light from the lens.
US08428397B1
Methods and systems for fast, large scale, high-dimensional searches are described. In some embodiments, a method comprises transforming components of a high-dimensional image descriptor into transformed components in a transform domain, allocating one or more bits available within a bit budget to a given transformed component within a first subset of transformed components as a function of a variance of the given transformed component, independently quantizing each transformed component within the first subset of transformed components, generating a compact representation of the high-dimensional image descriptor based, at least in part, on the independently quantized components, and evaluating a nearest neighbor search operation based, at least in part, on the compact representation of the high-dimensional image descriptor.
US08428387B2
An image processing system of this invention includes a variation calculator for calculating a variation in pixel value of each pixel relative to adjacent pixels, and an edge degree calculating device for calculating, for one arbitrary pixel, an edge degree which expresses numerically a probability of the one pixel being an edge, based on variations of a peripheral pixel group consisting of the one pixel and surrounding pixels. According to the image processing system constructed in this way, whether edges or not can be evaluated with high accuracy even when the pixels undergoing noise.
US08428385B2
Correction of spatial nonuniformities among detectors in a focal plane array. Incoming image data is incident on the array, and the resulting image signals are corrected with a bilateral filter. The bilateral filter accounts for edge effects by filtering based both on spatial separation between image points and photometric separation between image points.
US08428382B2
A hair image display method comprises the steps of: selecting a hair area from a hair image; performing an edge detection on the hair area to calculate an edge image; performing representation processing on the edge image to calculate a representative value image; calculating direction differences between the edge image and the representative value image; and rendering the direction differences of respective pixels in color or grayscale to display a direction difference image, or rendering the correlation lengths of respective pixels in an edge direction image in color or grayscale to display a bundle width image, or determining the curvatures of the respective pixels in the edge direction image to form a curvature image. This makes it possible to display directions straying from a flow, bundles of hairs in the same flow, and the state of curls in hair styling clearly, and to facilitate evaluations of the hair styling.
US08428377B2
In an image data processing device, a selection unit receives a block of original image data of a current image, a block of compressed and reconstructed image data of the current image, and a block of compressed and reconstructed data of a previous image that precedes the current image. A comparison unit compares the block of compressed and reconstructed image data of the current image with the block of compressed and reconstructed data of the previous image. An output unit, in the event that the comparison of the comparison unit results in a match, outputs the block of original image data of the current image as first output data, and, in the event that the comparison of the comparison unit does not result in a match, outputs the block of compressed and reconstructed data of the previous image as the first output data.
US08428369B2
An information processing apparatus includes a characteristic amount calculating unit calculating a characteristic amount for each of a plurality of n different image patterns, a specifying unit specifying a best-matching image pattern among the plurality of n image patterns for each of frames forming a learning moving picture and having temporal continuity, a computing unit computing a collocation probability Pij indicating a probability that, for a frame located at a position where a temporal distance to a frame for which a first image pattern Xi is specified among the plurality of n image patterns is within a predetermined threshold τ, a second image pattern Xj is specified among the plurality of n image patterns, and a grouping unit grouping the plurality of n image patterns by using the computed collocation probability Pij.
US08428364B2
Methods for post-processing of non-key frames of an image are described. According to the methods, reconstructed non-key frames are updated with information of neighboring key frames. Methods to evaluate whether to update or not update the non-key frames are also described.
US08428361B2
An electronic image is received by a system to process the image for the presence of a face. The image is repeatedly electronically scanned using a plurality of windows for the presence of facial poses. A plurality of directional poses is detected during the scanning process. Reliabilities for each type of detected poses are calculated. The reliabilities are based on the amount of times the directional poses are detected during the scanning process and directions of the directional poses.
US08428357B2
Systems and methods for movement and position training of a human body are provided. An image capture device such as a still camera or video camera captures an image or video of a human body in a selected position or sequence of positions relating to a movement. The position or movement may relate to a physical activity, such as running, jumping, throwing or swinging. The image is then presented to a user on a display, where the user may select one or more positions of the human body for analysis. Upon selecting a position, an angle of the position is determined and then compared to a desired angle determined through known biomechanical measurements. The difference between the two angles is calculated, and the user is then presented with feedback, such as a corrective action, to aid the user in reducing the difference between the measured angle and the desired angle.
US08428349B2
Certain embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for DRAM 2D video word formatting. In one aspect of the invention, words of data in a DRAM may be arranged for optimal DRAM operating efficiency. The data organization may utilize a 2-dimensional array of samples, for example. In one embodiment of the invention, a 128-bit or 16-byte word or GWord of DRAM may include an 8×2 array of luma samples, comprising 8 horizontal samples and 2 vertical samples from one field, for example. In this regard, either both may be even lines or both may be odd lines. Various other 2-dimensional arrangements may be chosen according to the demands of the video format being processed in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
US08428338B1
A method of determining a solder paste height of solder paste printed on a circuit board, the method including obtaining a two-dimensional image of the circuit board which is captured from above a solder printed surface, and determining the solder paste height corresponding to a pixel value of each of pixels of the two-dimensional image, based on height information which defines a relationship between the pixel value and the solder paste height, the pixel value being a value representing at least one of luminance of red in a RGB color model, luminance of green in the RGB color model, luminance of blue in the RGB color model, hue in a HSI color model, saturation in the HSI color model, and intensity in the HSI color model.
US08428336B2
A method for classifying defects, including: calculating feature quantifies of defect image which is obtained by imaging a defect on a sample; classifying the defect image into a classified category by using information on the calculated feature quantities; displaying the classified defect image in a region on a display screen which is defined to the classified category; adding information on the classified category to the displayed defect image; transferring the displayed defect image which is added the information on the classified category to one of the other categories and displaying the transferred defect image in a region on the display screen which is defined to the one of the other categories; and changing information on the category.
US08428331B2
A method and device are provided for counting cells in a sample of living tissue, such as an embryo. The method involves obtaining a microscopic image of the unstained tissue that reveals cell boundaries, such as a differential interference contrast (DIC) image, and an optical quadrature microscopy (OQM) image which is used to prepare an image of optical path length deviation (OPD) across the cell cluster. The boundaries of individual cells in the cell cluster are modeled as ellipses and used, together with the maximum optical path length deviation of a cell, to calculate ellipsoidal model cells that are subtracted from the OPD image. The process is repeated until the OPD image is depleted of phase signal attributable to cells of the cell cluster, and the cell count is obtained from the number of cells subtracted. The method is capable of accurately and non-invasively counting the number of cells in a living embryo at the 2-30 cell stage, and can be employed to assess the developmental stage and health of human embryos for fertility treatments.
US08428329B2
A target region extracting unit configured to extract a target region used in acquiring feature information from each frame of a moving image includes a plurality of image analyzing units (first and second image analyzing units) configured to execute image analyzing processes in parallel for extraction of the target regions on each frame of the moving image in different manners, and an information transmission processing unit configured to execute a process of transmitting result information of the image analyzing processes among the plurality of image analyzing units.
US08428322B2
A method for determining the position of an optic cup boundary in a 2D retinal image. The method includes detecting kinks in blood vessels at an estimated boundary of the optic cup and the optic disc, and determining the position of the optic cup boundary in the 2D retinal image based on the detected kinks. The determined optic cup boundary may be used for determining a CDR which may in turn be used for determining a risk of contracting glaucomatous.
US08428320B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provides improved methods for determining the presence of abnormalities in exfoliated cells. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides methods for reconstructing cellular spectrum of a cell sample by creating a spectral map of the cellular sample, generating a binary mask of the spectral map, removing edge artifacts from each cell, and co-adding spectral data of each pixel corresponding to the cell to reconstruct the spectrum of each cell.
US08428318B2
A method is provided for averaging a sequence of image frames. A noise-reducing filter is applied to the image frames to generate filtered frames. A deconvolution filter is applied to the filtered frames to generate corresponding deconvolved frames. The filtered frames are transformed by an affine transformation to align them, generating aligned frames. The aligned frames are motion corrected by non-linear transformation based on intensity rank matching, generating a sequence of motion-corrected frames. The motion-corrected frames are averaged to generate a resultant frame.
US08428317B2
In one aspect, a method of obtaining micro-vessel density (MVD) measurements from an image of biological vasculature containing a plurality of vessels is provided. The method comprises acts of analyzing a region of interest of the image for each of a plurality of bins, each of the plurality of bins associated with a predetermined range of vessel sizes, the act of analyzing the region of interest including determining which of the plurality of bins that portions of any vessel subject matter identified in the region of interest belong based on a size associated with the respective portions of the vessel subject matter, and associating each portion of the vessel subject matter with the corresponding one of the plurality of bins to which the portion belongs, and computing at least one measurement for each of the plurality of bins, the at least one measurement related to the MVD of the portions of vessel subject matter associated with the respective bin.
US08428316B2
A method for three-dimensional reconstruction of a branched object from a rotational sequence of images of the branched object includes segmenting the branched object from each image of the sequence, extracting centerlines of the branched object, performing symbolic reconstruction via a stereo correspondence matching between the centerlines from different views of the sequence of images using a graph cut-based optimization, and creating a three-dimensional tomographic reconstruction of the branched object compensated for motion of the branched object between the images of the sequence.
US08428309B2
An image processing device connected with an image formation device configured to output image on a recording medium, includes a data obtaining unit configured to obtain map image data representing a basic map image showing a user-designated geographic area at a user-designated scale, an area identifying unit configured to identify a basic image formation area and a surplus area, the basic map image being formed on the basic image formation area, the surplus area being an area within the image forming area but the basic map image is not formed. The image processing device further includes an additional data obtaining unit configured to obtain map image data necessary for covering an enlarged image formation area including the basic image formation area and at least part of the surplus area, from the map image data provider. The map image can be formed based on the updated map image data.
US08428301B2
Content identification and quality monitoring are provided. The method involves obtaining a first fingerprint derived from a first media content, processing the first media content to generate a second media content, obtaining a second fingerprint derived from the second media content, and comparing the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint to determine one or more of: a similarity between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint that indicates that the second media content is generated from the first media content or a difference between the first fingerprint and the second fingerprint to identify a quality degradation between the first media content and the second media content.
US08428300B2
The invention relates to a method for securing a first image by means of graphical anti-counterfeiting means and to a method for securing an identification document with such graphical anti-counterfeiting means. The invention also relates to a secure identification document that allows detecting either a fraudulent modification of the existing personalization or a fraudulent falsified document. For that, graphical anti-counterfeiting image is inserted into an identification image, each image being defined by a plurality of pixels. The characteristic level (for example grey level) of each pixel i of the graphical anti-counterfeiting image is linked, by a function F, to a matrix Ωi of pixels defined in the identification image, said pixels of the matrix Ωi surrounding the location i of a pixel of the graphical anti-counterfeiting image, said function F taking into account the characteristic level (for example average grey level) G(Ωi) and the texture level T(Ωi) of said matrix Ωi.
US08428299B2
The invention relates to a method of processing source images which is intended to combat their copying by a camcorder or a camera during their display, for example in a cinema hall. The source image sequence represents a scene. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: detection, in the said scene, of at least one zone corresponding to an object of the scene, selection of the entirety of the pixels of the said at least one zone in at least one source image of the sequence; and processing of the said at least one source image to modify the color of the selected pixels or the spectral composition of the light emitted by the selected pixels so that the perceived color of the selected pixels is unchanged in the processed source image with respect to the source image.
US08428295B2
An improved mid to high-frequency loudspeaker of the type having a central dome diaphragm having an outer periphery, and in one embodiment an outer ring-radiator diaphragm portion defining an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the ring-radiator diaphragm being attached at its inner periphery to an armature voice coil assembly and at its outer periphery to a diaphragm chassis in a first plane. The central diaphragm portion is attached at its outer periphery to either the inner periphery of the outer ring-radiator diaphragm or the voice coil armature, and the improvement comprises axially-located stabilizing means attached to the central diaphragm portion, or alternatively a central stabilizing framework, in a second plane parallel to the first plane and that is of sufficient distance from the first plane to provide leverage sufficient to stabilize the diaphragm to minimize rocking, allow improved alignment of the voice coil allowing tighter tolerances between the voice coil and magnet assembly, thus improving performance and minimizing distortion.
US08428288B2
An ear jack for detecting an earphone plug is provided. The ear jack includes a housing, a plurality of pins, a first detection part, a second detection part, and a controller. The housing includes a cavity for inserting terminals of the earphone plug. The plurality of pins are installed on an inner circumference surface of the housing and are in selective contact with a corresponding terminal of the earphone plug. The first detection part detects insertion of a first terminal of the earphone plug. The second detection part detects the insertion of the first terminal. The controller detects the insertion of the earphone plug when the first detection part and the second detection part both detect the insertion of the first terminal.
US08428285B2
A microphone assembly includes a microphone composed of a case having an open end and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is disposed in the open case end. The microphone assembly further includes a metal screen coupled to the case over the printed circuit board for shielding the microphone from electromagnetic interference. The metal screen includes several apertures.
US08428282B2
A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a microphone connected to signal processing electronics and a power supply, a housing shaped for use in at least a portion of the hearing canal and including at least one opening and a microphone hood detachably connected to the opening in the housing, wherein the microphone hood includes one or more external ports linked to an internal port such that air may flow between the one or more external ports and the internal port. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein.
US08428275B2
In a wind noise reduction device that reduces wind noise contained in an input sound signal to generate a corrected sound signal, when a predetermined band including the band of the wind noise is a first band and a predetermined band higher in frequency than the first band is a second band, the wind noise reduction device includes: a first corrector that has a signal generator generating, based on a sound signal (i) contained in the input sound signal and lying in a band higher in frequency than the first band, a sound signal (ii) lying in the first band and different from a sound signal (iii) contained in the input sound signal and lying in the first band, and that generates a first corrected sound signal based on the sound signal (ii) generated by the signal generator; a second corrector that reduces the signal level of a sound signal (iv) contained in the input sound signal and lying in the second band to thereby generate a second corrected sound signal as a sound signal (v) having the wind noise reduced and lying in the second band; and a corrected sound signal outputter that outputs the corrected sound signal based on the first and second corrected sound signals.
US08428268B2
An array speaker apparatus includes an array speaker in which plural speaker units are arranged in a single body, a sound source localization adding unit which generates left and right audio signals by performing localization processing for adding sound characteristics to audio signals of a front-left channel and a front-right channel on the basis of head transfer functions, and a sound emitting direction control unit which distributes the left and right audio signals to one or plural speaker units of the array speaker, and controls timing with which the speaker units output the audio signals so that a left sound emitted from the array speaker forms the same sound wavefront formed by a sound emitted from one of virtual point sound sources and that a right sound emitted from the array speaker forms the same sound wavefront formed by a sound emitted from the other of the virtual point sound sources.
US08428262B2
A method to connect a wireless communication device to an intended wireless network is provided. The method includes a first step, in which options of authorization methods are presented to be selectable to a user, a second step, in which a first authorization method is automatically selected if an option of a third authorization item is selected, a third step, in which options of encryption methods corresponding to the selected first authorization method are presented to be selectable to the user, a fourth step, in which a first encryption method is automatically selected if a third encryption item is selected, and a fifth step, in which establishment of the connection is attempted by use of the selected first authorization method and the selected first encryption method.
US08428259B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the encryption and decryption of optically transmitted data, and more particularly to the encryption and decryption of optical data transmitted and received using only optical components. Because only optical components are used, the encryption and decryption is independent of the data rate of the optical signal. The apparatus may include an encryption device that operates by receiving and combining both an unencrypted optical signal as well as a delayed optical signal that is based on the unencrypted optical signal. An optical delay may be configured in a number of different ways and may be used for delaying the unencrypted optical signal. The apparatus may further include a decryption device that receives and combines an encrypted optical signal as well as a delayed optical signal that is based on the encrypted optical signal. An optical delay may be configured in a number of different ways and may be used for delaying the encrypted optical signal. To properly work together, the apparatus and method require that the optical delay on the encryption side perfectly match the optical delay on the decryption side in both the length of delay and arrangement.
US08428250B2
A pivot braking structure includes a sliding-guided frame, a sliding seat, a pivot-shaft assembly and a movable cover. The sliding seat slides along a sliding rail of the sliding-guided frame and connected to a shaft hole of the sliding seat. The pivot-shaft assembly is provided with a pivot shaft passing through the shaft hole of the sliding seat. The movable cover is pivotally jacketed to the pivot shaft. Recesses are provided on a positioning member and protrusions are provided on the movable cover, so that the movable cover is positioned at a predetermined opening angle relative to the sliding seat by pivoting the protrusions of the movable cover to embed in the recesses of the positioning member. The movable cover is provided with a clip portion having an accommodation portion jacketed to the edge of the sliding-guided frame when the movable cover is attachably received to the sliding seat.
US08428247B2
In an example embodiment, an example method is provided for echo mitigation in a conference call. In this method, a test audio signal is transmitted to a conference endpoint and as a result, an echo associated with the transmittal of the test audio signal is received. One or more parameters of the echo are then identified and an echo mitigation process is selected from multiple echo mitigation processes based on the identified parameters. The selected echo mitigation process is then applied.
US08428244B2
A system for cross-registration of a phone device is provided. The system includes a local call processing system that stores phone device information for a local phone that is operable to be used by a user; and a remote call processing system that stores a user phone profile for the user, the remote call processing system being operable to generate a visitor registration for the local phone device. The phone device is operable to use the visitor registration to register with the remote call processing system.
US08428240B2
A call forwarding system forwards telephone calls based on presence information of a user as reported by computing devices associated with a telephone number. When a telephone system receives an incoming call directed to one of the telephone numbers of the user's computing devices, it sends an incoming call event to each computing device. Upon receiving the incoming call event from a telephone system, each computing device determines whether the user is most likely present at that computing device based on the presence information. When a computing device determines that the user is most likely present at that computing device, it sends a notification to the telephone system to forward the incoming call to the telephone number associated with that computing device to effect the automatic forwarding of a call based on presence information.
US08428233B2
An Internet protocol query for Internet protocol private branch exchanges including a private branch exchange that is connected to the public switched telephone network for receiving a call setup request, the private branch exchange not being enabled for receiving calling name delivery information from a telecommunications circuit; at least one of an incumbent local exchange carrier switch and a competitive local exchange carrier switch in communication with the private branch exchange, the at least one of the incumbent local exchange carrier switch and the competitive local exchange carrier switch having the telecommunications circuit not enabled for calling name delivery information retrieval; a network in communication with the private branch exchange; and a calling name delivery database in communication with the network for receiving calling name delivery queries from the private branch exchange based on the call setup request. Methods for routing calls based on ENUM information is also included.
US08428227B2
The certification system and method acquires, records and then authenticates a voice communication between communicating parties by a service provider in a telecommunication system. The system acquires, maintains custody over, controls access to, and permits modification, supplementation and deletion of recorded communications session, and distributes a reproduction of an authenticated recording. The authenticated record includes the authenticated identity AU-ID of the parties which is ascertained and documented at the time of acquisition, upon any access, modification or supplementation to the recording and at the time of authentication. AU-ID is adjunct data to the recording. The supplemented recording may include a translation, a transcription and an emotional characteristic.
US08428225B2
Data indicative of a level of stability of a DSL link is received. Based on the received data, it is determined whether the data indicates a level of stability of the DSL link that is above or below a minimum threshold. If the level of stability of the DSL link is below the minimum threshold, die noise associated with the DSL link before the time of failure is compared with the noise associated with the DSL link after the time of failure. If the difference between the noise before and after the time of failure exceeds a threshold, then the difference in noise is characterized as a stationary noise associated with the DSL link. However, if the difference between the noise before and after the time of failure is below the threshold, a determination is made whether the failure is associated with a loss of power to the DSL link or a severe impulse noise event—the difference in noise is characterized accordingly. Finally, the characterization of the noise associated with the DSL link is preserved for subsequent possible reconfiguration of the DSL link to improve link stability.
US08428219B2
A radiation therapy device having a therapeutic radiation source and an imaging unit is provided. The imaging unit includes a plurality of diagnostic radiation sources, from which diagnostic X-ray radiation are directed onto an object to be examined, and a diagnostic radiation detector, with which the diagnostic X-ray radiation is detected after passing through the object to be examined. The plurality of diagnostic radiation sources are X-ray radiation sources that are based on carbon nanotubes. A radiation therapy device having a housing, in which a diagnostic radiation source, a diagnostic radiation detector, and a therapeutic radiation source that is rotated in one plane are arranged, is also provided. The diagnostic radiation source and the diagnostic radiation detector are arranged in the housing such that diagnostic X-ray radiation, which is directed by the diagnostic radiation source onto the diagnostic radiation detector, travels at an angle through the plane.
US08428218B2
A dynamic tumor radiation treatment program for causing a computer to function. The program includes detecting an annihilation gamma ray with a gamma ray detector, storing the threshold of counting rate in a displacement threshold memory, computing the counting rate according to the detection signal of an annihilation gamma ray with a gamma ray counting rate computer, comparing the counting rate of annihilation gamma rays acquired from the gamma ray counting rate computer with the threshold of the counting rate acquired from the displacement threshold storage memory by means of a threshold comparator, judging whether or not the tumor is displaced out of the radiation irradiation spot by means of a tumor position judging unit, and making a control to stop radiation irradiation or outputting a stop command signal by means of an irradiation controller.
US08428216B2
A method for reconstruction of a three-dimensional image data set from projection images of an object captured with an X-ray device from different projection angles is proposed. At least one sub-area of the object is outside the coverage of the X-ray device, or as a result of strong attenuation by a metal so that no projection data is present in the sub-area. Filter lines are determined n the projection images. A first local transformation is performed along the filter lines on the projection images. The missing projection data on the transformed projection data is augmented. A non-local transformation is performed on the transformed projection data for determining of filtered, augmented projection data. The non-local transformation is different from a ramp filter which is created by the first local transformation and the non-local transformation. The three-dimensional image data set is determined by back-projection of the filtered, augmented projection data.
US08428206B2
A method and system of fine timing synchronization for an OFDM signal. The OFDM signal is coarse timing synchronized, generating a synchronization sequence and a CFR (Channel Frequency Response). The synchronization sequence is removed. A correlation coefficient of the correlation between the CFR applied to a number of carriers and the number of carriers with different window shifts is calculated. The largest window shift corresponding to a downsampling factor is indicated by the lowest correlation coefficient greater than a threshold. The CFR is downsampled by the downsampling factor, and an inverse FFT is performed on the downsampled CFR with a reduced number of calculations reduced by the downsampling factor, transforming the CFR into a CIR. A fine timing synchronization position is determined from the CIR and is utilized by an FFT unit within an OFDM receiver to accurately receive OFDM symbols of the OFDM signal. Application to Satellite Terrestrial interactive Multi-service Infrastructure (STiMi)
US08428199B2
A transmitter and/or receiver for performing frequency domain equalization is provided. A transmitter includes a pilot position determination unit for determining positions for inserting pilots in a frequency domain based on frequency spectrums of data, and a pilot insertion unit for inserting the pilots between the frequency spectrums of the data according to the determined positions for inserting the pilots.
US08428198B2
A frequency tracking method and apparatus is provided. A receiver receives OFDM symbols and determines associated frequency offset. A frequency error estimator selects a cross correlation window for determining frequency offset based on timing offset. A symbol timing estimator is used to determine the timing offset.
US08428197B2
An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to process signals in a communication system. A channel impulse response (CIR) generator generates a time-domain windowed CIR from a received signal using a window function. A thresholder thresholds the time-domain windowed CIR. A compensator compensates window effect for the thresholded time-domain windowed CIR to provide an enhanced channel estimate in frequency domain.
US08428195B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting and decoding adaptive equalization training frames (having a frame marker comprised of a string of binary ones and binary zeroes). Training frames are detected by shifting the received data; inserting at least one binary value at one end of the shifted received data to generate a modified version of the received data; applying a logic function to the received data and the modified version of the received data that identifies when corresponding bit positions have different values; and detecting the frame marker when an output of the logic function has a first binary value in an approximate middle of a string of a second binary value. The training frames are decoded using a distance between the approximate center of the frame maker and a predefined binary value in an output of the logic function.
US08428194B2
An apparatus for calibrating gain of an radio frequency receiver (“Rx”) is disclosed to provide, among other things, a structure for performing in-situ gain calibration of an RF integrated circuit over time and/or over temperature without removing the RF integrated circuit from its operational configuration, especially when the gain of the RF integrated circuit is susceptible to variations in process, such as inherent with the CMOS process. In one embodiment, an exemplary apparatus includes a thermal noise generator configured to generate thermal noise as a calibrating signal into an input of an Rx path of an RF integrated circuit. The apparatus also includes a calibrator configured to first measure an output signal from an output of the Rx path, and then adjust a gain of the Rx path based on the thermal noise. In one embodiment, the thermal noise generator further includes a termination resistance and/or impedance.
US08428181B2
A transmitter for a mobile device utilizes at least one mapper in order to improve power efficiency while still meeting out of band spurious emissions and waveform quality requirements. An encoder and modulator generates an encoded and modulated transmit signal from an input signal. A digital to analog converter coupled to the encoder and modulator generates an analog representation of the encoded and modulated transmit signal. An amplifier stage coupled to the digital to analog converter amplifies the analog representation of the encoded and modulated transmit signal to generate a transmission signal. The transmitter further comprises an amplifier control block configured to generate an amplifier control signal for adjusting at least one parameter of the amplifier stage. At least one mapper is provided in the amplifier control block, used to determine the amplifier control signal based on a peak to average power ratio and an average transmit power of the transmission signal. Environmental and operating conditions of the transmitter may be accounted for as well in the mappers.
US08428171B2
A method is provided for planning and optimizing the configuration of a radio access network which comprises base stations and receivers and employs a mobile radio technology that allows and/or enforces use of multi-antenna types at said base stations and receivers. By a ray tracing algorithm which is performed between said transmitter positions and said receiver positions using a 3D clutter height matrix, a scalar metric is determined for each receiver position which directly reflects a capacity gain resulting from applying a multi-antenna type instead of a single antenna at said transmitter and receiver positions. This scalar metric allows in an algorithmically advantageous way to analyze the relative performance of different MIMO antenna types in a potential deployment area and to select and deploy an optimal MIMO antenna type for a particular coverage sector.
US08428163B2
A mobile device in an OFDM system receives an OFDM signal comprising RS tones and data OFDM symbols. The received RS tones are extracted and utilized to perform channel estimation. The resulting raw channel estimates are time filtered by matching channel time variance measured in frequency domain and in time domain, respectively. The measured channel time variance comprises inter-carrier interference measurement and Doppler spread measurement. Mean of differences between neighbor adjacent subcarriers of the extracted RS tones is used for inter-carrier interference measurement. Autocorrelation functions of the raw channel estimates are evaluated for the Doppler spread measurement using, for example, level crossing and/or axis crossing based methods. The raw channel estimates are filtered through averaging and/or recursively filtering using time filter parameters determined based on the inter-carrier interference measurement and the Doppler spread measurement. The time filtered channel estimates are utilized for data demodulation.
US08428156B2
Various methods and systems for determining reverse-link data rates in a multi-user communication system are disclosed. For example, an apparatus for controlling a data rate of at least a first UE in a multi-user communication system is disclosed. The apparatus may include a channel estimation device configured to determine channel estimates for a plurality of different reverse-link signals to produce a plurality of channel estimates, a demodulation device configured to determine a first signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio for the first UE using the plurality of different channels estimates, and a data rate determining device configured to determine a first reverse-link data rate for the first UE using the first SNR.
US08428151B2
A digital television transmitting system includes a frame encoder, a block processor, a group formatter, and a multiplexer. The frame encoder forms an enhanced data frame and encodes the data frame for error correction and for error detection. The block processor further encodes the encoded data frame at a rate of 1/2 or 1/4, and the group formatter divides the encoded data frame into a plurality of enhanced data blocks and maps the divided data blocks into a plurality of enhanced data groups, respectively. The multiplexer multiplexes the enhanced data groups with main data.
US08428150B2
Disclosed is a digital television system carrying out modulation/demodulation by VSB (vestigial side band). A VSB transmitter includes an additional error correction encoder designed in a manner that a signal mapping of a TCM encoder is considered, a multiplexer (MUX), a TCM encoder operating in a manner corresponding to state transition processes of the additional error correction encoder, and a signal transmission part including an RF converter. And, A VSB receiver includes a signal receiver part receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitter, a TCM decoder, a signal processing part including a derandomizer, and an additional error correction decoder part.
US08428144B2
A method of decoding a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes determining whether to store a first partial picture when the first partial picture and a first full picture are corresponding to a first temporal point and storing the first partial picture for decoding a second full picture referring to the first partial picture, the second full picture being corresponding to a second temporal point, the second temporal point being located after the first temporal point, wherein a level of the first partial picture on a scalable domain is lower than a level of the second full picture on the scalable domain.
US08428139B2
A video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. By limiting the amount of data to be input into/output from a CABAC encoding unit and decoding unit on a unit-of-encoding basis, such as one picture, slice, macroblock or block, and by encoding uncompressed video data, it is possible to provide a video-information encoding apparatus and decoding apparatus with a guarantee of a fixed processing time. Thereby, an apparatus with a guarantee of the processing time can be mounted.
US08428136B2
A dynamic image encoding technique provides high image quality encoding while eliminating the formation of a subjectively undesirable vector field. A dynamic image encoding device includes: an inter-frame predictor, a motion vector calculator, a prediction motion vector calculator, a skip mode motion vector calculator, and a skip mode validity judger. The skip mode validity judger calculates a code amount of a differential motion vector of the motion vector estimated by considering the motion vector of the skip mode and the subjective image quality, and uses a value of the code amount of the differential motion vector weighted by a block quantization parameter for the skip mode validity judgment.
US08428122B2
A video receiver receives a compressed 3D video comprising a base view video and a residual view video from a video transmitter. The video receiver decodes the received base view video and an enhancement view video of the received compressed 3D video into a left view video and a right view video. Base view pictures are generated selectively based on available memory resource. The residual view video is generated by subtracting base view pictures from corresponding enhancement view pictures. The received base view and residual view videos are buffered for video decoding. Pictures in the buffered residual view video are added to corresponding pictures in the buffered base view video for enhancement view decoding. The left view video and/or the right view video are generated from the resulting decoded base view and enhancement view pictures. A motion vector used for a disparity predicted macroblock is applied to adjacent macroblock pre-fetching.
US08428120B2
Applying a mechanism of image signal processing and color-space-conversion to convert the captured Green components to be Y, luminance components for only those pixels having raw Green data without interpolation, and to convert the Blue components to be U, chrominance components for only those pixels having raw Blue data, and Red components to be V, chrominance components for only those pixels having raw Red data. These converted YUV components are input to a predetermined video compression codec for reducing the intra- and inter-frame redundant information.
US08428117B2
An image encoder which attaches information unique to a frame to encoded moving-image data. An encoding unit compressively encodes moving-image data so as to produce pictures. First numbers respectively corresponding to the above pictures are obtained by counting the pictures. Frame information items unique to individual frames in the moving-image data are held in association with the first numbers, respectively. A header-information insertion unit receives ones of the above pictures, and inserts header information items into data of the ones of the pictures. Second numbers respectively corresponding to ones of the pictures are obtained by counting the ones of the pictures. The header-information insertion unit inserts one of the frame information items held in association with one of the first numbers identical to each of the second numbers, into a header information item corresponding to a predetermined portion of data of a picture which corresponds the second number.
US08428113B1
Apparatus and methods mitigate a problem of equalizing communications signals that have been distorted by severe non-linearities such as clipping or harsh compression. For example, severe non-linearity occurs when signal compression or signal clipping occurs at rates above 20% of the data transmission interval. Severe non-linearities may significantly reduce system performance. Disclosed techniques selectively apply DSP equalization based on the detection of non-linearity for a present sample or one or more samples prior to the present sample. These techniques can be implemented in relatively low-cost high-speed SerDes designs to improve eye openings and reduce sensitivity to InterSymbol Interference (ISI) and to improve bit error rate (BER).
US08428105B2
A single chip diversity beamforming antenna array processor is disclosed. The processor utilizes low-power and low area circuits to achieve combining gain mitigate the effects of multipath fading, provide spatial suppression, and provide diversity gain to a single input receiver. The device is radiofrequency transparent yet provides antenna gain by selective three G and four G code acquisition and tracking of a desired downlink channel.
US08428098B2
A scheme is provided for determining the geographical location of an active IP device coupled to an IP network. A network path to the user device is obtained to identify a last hop device having a known first geographical location. A last leg distance between the last hop device and the user device is calculated. The last leg bandwidth, propagation time, and propagation speed are also characterized to more accurately determine the last leg distance. By combining the known first geographical location and the distance of the last hop device and user device, a geographical location for the user device is obtained. To improve the accuracy of the geographical location of the user device, multiple last hop devices with known geographical locations are employed to obtain multiple geographical areas for the user device. The intersection or overlap of these geographical areas indicates a refined geographical location of the user device.
US08428094B2
A surface-emitting semiconductor laser is described, with a semiconductor chip (1), which has a substrate (2), a DBR-mirror (3) applied to the substrate (2) and an epitaxial layer sequence (4) applied to the DBR mirror (3), said layer sequence comprising a radiation-emitting active layer (5), and with an external resonator mirror (9) arranged outside the semiconductor chip (1). The DBR mirror (3) and the substrate (2) are partially transmissive for the radiation (6) emitted by the active layer (5) and the back (14) of the substrate (2) remote from the active layer (5) is reflective to the emitted radiation (6).
US08428086B2
The present invention is related to transmitting data in a mobile communication system. Preferably, the present invention comprises transmitting first data to a receiving side and receiving acknowledgment information for indicating whether the first data was successfully transmitted to the receiving side. If the first data was not successfully transmitted to the receiving side, the method further comprises determining whether an amount of available radio resources is sufficient for retransmitting the first data to the receiving side, retransmitting the first data to the receiving side if the amount of available radio resources is sufficient to retransmit the first data, reconfiguring the first data into at least one second data if the amount of available radio resources is insufficient to retransmit the first data, wherein the at least one second data can be transmitted to the receiving side using the amount of available radio resources, and transmitting the at least one second data to the receiving side.
US08428085B2
A cellular communication system (100) comprises management logic (146) having broadcast mode logic (150) arranged to support a common cell identifier reuse pattern for broadcast transmissions amongst a cluster of communication cells. A plurality of wireless serving communication units is operably coupled to the management logic. At least one wireless communication unit comprises a receiver for receiving a broadcast signal from both a first serving wireless communication unit and a second serving wireless communication unit wherein both the first serving wireless communication unit and second serving wireless communication unit use a common cell identifier (215) reuse pattern for broadcast transmissions to be used by the at least one wireless communication unit in receiving broadcast communication across the cluster of communication cells. The at least one wireless communication unit further comprises logic arranged to detect the broadcast communication from both the first serving wireless communication unit and second serving wireless communication unit, where the broadcast communication is allocated to the first timeslot (350) or first sub-frame based on it being more robust to multipath delay due to temporal dispersion of the same broadcast signal from a plurality of wireless serving communication units.
US08428077B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate dynamic load balancing in a communications network. In particular, one or more mobile devices can send random access preambles on an uplink frequency paired to a downlink frequency employed to connect the one or more mobile devices to a base station. The base station can determine if an uplink frequency load imbalance exists based upon the random access preambles. The base station can transmit an indicator on an acquisition indicator channel to at least one mobile device wherein the indicator includes a command to transition to a new uplink frequency. The mobile device can switch uplink frequencies in response to the command.
US08428076B2
The present invention provides a preemptive priority scheduling system and method for optimal load balancing of messages and preserving the lightweight allocation resources in an intersystem communication. The invention also provides a system and method for scheduling of messages of a plurality of classes in an intersystem communication.
US08428068B2
The present invention discloses a method, an apparatus, and a system for managing routes, enables the MG to implement routing functions in the network communications field, and facilitates the operations on the routing table in the MG. A route context stores route records, and the MG searches for a route by searching for the corresponding route context only, thus facilitating the route management. The embodiments of the present invention are primarily applied to the MG and the MGC, especially to the MG that implements the routing functions.
US08428063B2
A subscriber network architecture includes a packet processing node that communicates with a network backbone and with a plurality of access nodes. The access nodes communicate with a plurality of user devices. The packet processing node controls Quality of Service (QoS) levels for the subscriber devices, routes user data to devices via the access nodes and receives data from devices via the access nodes for forwarding across the network backbone.
US08428054B2
A device server intended for attaching serial devices to a network includes Ethernet communications, an Ethernet switch, and serial communication capability so that multiple device servers are connected in a “daisy chain” or series pattern. Galvanic isolation of the power supply from the housing and communication ports, screw terminal and modular connections, DIN rail mounting, broad power supply voltage ranges or “Power-over-Ethernet” and operator visible indicator lamps with a pulse stretching feature greatly simplify installation and use.
US08428032B1
A method for selectively establishing a voice call continuity link between a mobile device and a voice call continuity application server includes the steps of receiving a request to establish a voice over IP call connection at the voice call continuity application server from the mobile device, the request including mobile device location information for the mobile device. The method determines at the voice call continuity application server whether the voice call continuity link is needed between the voice call continuity server and the mobile device responsive to the mobile device location information within the request and network location information stored within a database associated with the voice call continuity application server. The method establishes the voice call continuity link between the mobile device and the voice call continuity application responsive to a determination that the voice call continuity link is needed.
US08428031B2
Handover is improved from a 3 G WCDMA UTRAN to a generic access network (GAN) cell. For handover, mobile stations measure signal level from neighbor cells. In a WCDMA UTRAN, measurement of cells having a frequency number different from the serving cell, require the network to generate time gaps so the mobile station can perform measurements on different frequencies. GAN cells do not transmit on their allotted frequency number. This number together with an identifier is used to identify the GAN cell between the MS and RNC. A modified registration procedure permits GAN cells to always have the same frequency number as neighboring UTRAN cells, wherein the MS communicates the current UTRAN cell frequency number to the GAN controller, which adopts this number, and determines the corresponding identifier. The identifier may be the same for all GAN cells, or can be obtained from a mapping table, which maps an identifier to each frequency.
US08428022B2
A method (300, 500) and apparatus (200) that transmits and/or receives positioning reference signals in a wireless communication network using a mixture of cyclic prefix types. The method may include configuring (320) subframes in the wireless communication network as multicast broadcast single frequency network subframes. The method may include configuring (330) subframes in the wireless communication network as positioning subframes including positioning reference signals. The method may include determining (340) whether all of the positioning subframes are multicast broadcast single frequency network subframes. The method may include generating (350) extended cyclic prefix positioning reference signals for all of the positioning subframes if all of the positioning subframes are multicast broadcast single frequency network subframes.
US08428021B2
Methods, apparatus and a computer program product provide for a network architecture implemented between a Wireless Switching Point and a remote Wireless Controller. The Wireless Switching Point contains only a first data plane portion. At least one incoming data packet is received at a respective port of the Wireless Switching Point. Based on data included within the at least one incoming data packet, the Wireless Switching Point determines a first current network interface utilized by at least one port of the Wireless Switching Point. The Wireless Switching Point uploads the first current network interface to a remote Wireless Controller—which implements a first control plane capability on behalf of the Wireless Switching Point. After uploading the first current network interface, the Wireless Switching Point receives an update, provided by the remote Wireless Controller, to the first current network interface.
US08428008B2
Symbols are encoded in a transmitter of a wireless network that uses multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) by partitioning the sub-carriers to be used for transmitting the symbol into a set of K groups of contiguous sub-carriers. For each group k of NK−1 modulation symbols Dk(1), Dk(2), . . . , Dk(NK−1), the modulation symbol Dk(n), for group k, is mapped to a corresponding mapped modulation symbols Xk(n) according to m ( k ) = 1 N K - 1 ∑ n = 1 N K - 1 D k ( n ) , Xk(n)=α1(k)(Dk(n)−m(k))+β(k) n=1, . . . , NK−1, Xk(NK)=α2(k)m(k), where m(k) is a sample-mean of the set of modulation symbols corresponding to the kth group, α1 (k), α2 (k) and β(k), for k=1, . . . , K, are constants, wherein the constants are predetermined and positive.
US08428006B2
A system and method for a hierarchical distributed control architecture to support roaming wireless client devices. Access switches serve one or more Internet Protocol (IP) subnets that include plural IP addresses. The access switches are arranged in switch peer groups and store information about other access switches in that switch peer group and about locations of wireless client devices that are associated with any access switch in the switch peer group. The access switches are further grouped into a corresponding mobility sub-domain each including plural switch peer groups. Plural controller devices control access switches in a corresponding mobility sub-domain. Each controller device stores information about the access switches and about locations of wireless client devices within its mobility sub-domain. A central controller device communicates with the controller devices for the respective mobility sub-domains. The central controller device stores information about locations of wireless client devices in the mobility sub-domains.
US08427999B2
A satellite networking system is described. The system includes a first satellite, a second satellite, and a core network. The core node is configured to provide a plurality of services. The system further includes a first gateway in communication with the first satellite and the core network, and a second gateway in communication with the second satellite and the core network. The first satellite is configured to share the plurality of services with the second satellite through the first and second gateways.
US08427997B2
An access method of MBMS on dedicated carrier relates to MBMS access technology on dedicated carrier, including: synchronize a user equipment to a MBMS dedicated carrier; the user equipment detects a start-frame of system message on the MBMS dedicated carrier; and the terminal monitors the system message from the start-frame of system message. An apparatus of realizing the method is also provided.
US08427996B2
A method for selecting a channel for group communications in a conventional multi-channel communication system comprises receiving, for a plurality of channels in the multi-channel communication system, a talkgroup assignment list for the channels that identifies a set of talkgroups assigned to use the corresponding channels. A subscriber unit receives talkgroup assignment lists for multiple different channels, determines a desired talkgroup, and selects a channel assigned to the desired talkgroup using the received talkgroup assignment. The talkgroup assignment list is developed for at least one channel in the multi-channel communication system and identifies a set of talkgroups assigned to use the corresponding channel. The list is transmitted for the channel to a subscriber unit and is used by the subscriber unit to register with the system and affiliate with a talkgroup supported by the channel in the conventional multi-channel communication system.
US08427986B2
A method and device for transmitting a sequence of messages from a handheld telecommunications device to a telecommunications network is described, the sequence of messages comprising a plurality of messages to be transmitted at specified times. The method comprises transmitting a message of the sequence of messages and turning off at least one of the transmitter and receiver of the device after transmission of at least one of the messages in the sequence of messages. The method has particular application to messages that terminate a radio connection, such as RRC Connection Release Complete messages in a UMTS system.
US08427982B2
A method and a circuit for controlling a reception path of a multi-standby terminal are provided. If a first communication module is in a transmission state, all filters disposed in a reception path of a second communication module are activated. If the first communication module is not in a transmission state, fewer than all of the filters disposed in the reception path of the second communication module are activated. A plurality of filters disposed in the reception path of the second communication module are activated partially or fully according to the transmission state of the first communication module.
US08427975B2
Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products are described for using communications over an out-of-band (OOB) link to support compressed mode communications by user equipment (UE) in a femto deployment. Typically, UEs must tune away from an active communications channel to make inter-frequency and/or inter-RAT measurements. When making these measurements, data communications may be compressed to allow time to tune away for those measurements. Embodiments integrate an OOB proxy with the femtocell to provide OOB link capability to supplement WWAN link resources. According to various techniques, the OOB link is used to compensate for reductions in data rate and/or quality resulting from compressed mode operation. For example, the OOB link is used to communicate compressed mode signaling data, retransmissions, and/or other compensatory data.
US08427974B2
A method and an apparatus for identifying an origin of captured DOCSIS upstream bursts are disclosed. Upstream bursts are captured without knowing their allocated time slots in advance. Information from an upstream channel descriptor is used to generate RF waveforms of upstream burst preambles, which are then correlated to the captured upstream waveforms to determine the type of captured upstream bursts without having to decode the latter. Once the type of the captured upstream bursts is determined, information from the upstream channel descriptor is further used to demodulate and decode the upstream burst, so that CPE MAC addresses can be extracted. From the extracted CPE MAC addresses, the origin of the captured upstream bursts can be identified. The identification of origins of captured upstream bursts assists in locating faults in the cable network.
US08427973B2
A Cognitive Radio (CR) communication apparatus is provided. The CR communication apparatus may include a determination unit to determine any one of a plurality of Radio Access Technologies (RATs) as a temporary control RAT, an estimation unit to estimate an available resource and a channel state of each common RAT using the temporary control RAT, and a selection unit to calculate an available capacity of each of the common RATs using the available resource and the channel state, and to select an optimum RAT from the common RATs based on the available capacity of each of the common RATs. The common RATs may be used by the CR communication apparatus and a receiving CR communication apparatus from among the plurality of RATs.
US08427971B2
A method and apparatus for enhancement of the random access procedure of a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system are provided. Enhancements include modeling one cycle in the random access procedure since only one counter is necessary and controlling the delay prior to the preamble transmission in order to reduce conflicts by multiple mobile terminals using the random access channel.
US08427970B2
A method and apparatus are provided for determining a service interruption time measurement including routing protocol convergence time and Forwarding Information Base (FIB) insertion time, between network devices A and B in a network which has a routing protocol. A plurality of probe packets are then sent from the device A to the device B, each probe packet comprising a source address corresponding to the device A. A network route to the device A for the source IP address used by the probe packets is unknown to the network. A sequence number and sending time is typically assigned to each probe packet being sent. At a predetermined time, a route to the source address of the device A is injected into the routing protocol. Upon return to the device A of a first of the probe packets, an arrival time to is detected and an upper bound and a lower bound of the service interruption time measurement is calculated.
US08427969B1
A system and method are provided for calculating passive host proximity in an environment of network-connected hosts. At least three controller hosts send inquiries to target hosts in the environment, including at least two passive (non-controller) hosts. A time interval is recorded between each inquiry and an associated response, and the recorded time intervals are converted into logical distance measurements between the controller host and each target host. The logical distance measurements are then used to calculate a logical distance between the two passive hosts. A logical triangle is constructed between a first controller host (H1) and the two passive hosts (S1, S2) using a first logical distance side (H1S1) having a known value, a second logical distance side (H1S2) having a known value, and a third logical distance side (S1S2) having an unknown value. Trigonometric relationships solve for the unknown value of the third logical distance side.
US08427962B1
A method of communicating information regarding a failure is disclosed. The method includes generating failure information. The failure affects a virtual path, which is between a first node and a second node. A first zone includes the first node, and a second zone includes the second node. The failure information can include, for example, a zone identifier and/or an action code.
US08427952B1
Apparatus and methods to efficiently process packet data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a microcode engine designed to efficiently parse packet data may use instructions that are tailored to parse packet data fields of a data packet having nested protocols. The microcode engine design and the instruction set may enable highly efficient packet processing while preserving flexibility as to the packet protocols that can be processed. The implementation can be both specific to a packet processing task while allowing reprogramming to perform a different specific task simply by changing the instructions. The microcode engine may execute instructions in a single clock cycle or in a pipelined configuration to generate appropriately modified packet data. The microcode engine may operate in lock step with received packet data.
US08427949B2
A system and method for adapting a source rate are provided. A method for operations at a communications device, where the communications device is a sender of information packets over a packet stream, includes determining a source rate of the packet stream, and marking information packets of the packet stream, where the information packets are marked with a first marking pattern if the source rate is equal to a minimum source rate, or the information packets are marked with a second marking pattern if the source rate is greater than the minimum source rate. The first marking pattern has a period of M information packets, where M is a positive integer value greater than or equal to two, and the second marking pattern has a period of M information packets. The method also includes transmitting the marked information packets over the packet stream to a receiver.
US08427947B1
A method for preventing head of line blocking in an Ethernet system. In one embodiment, a network interface detects whether there is traffic flow congestion between the network interface and a data processing unit such as a CPU or other peripheral. If yes, the network interface communicates the congestion status to its attached Ethernet switch. In another aspect of the invention, the Ethernet switch then stops serving the congested port or queue, and informs a switch from which the traffic flow causing the congestion originates. In a further aspect, the originating switch then reduces bandwidth for the traffic flow causing the congestion. In a still further aspect, the originating switch can take the bandwidth that it acquired because of reducing the congesting traffic flow, and use it to increase bandwidth for other traffic flow.
US08427945B2
A method for processing data is disclosed and may include performing by one or more processors and/or circuits on a chip that handles a plurality of networking protocols, receiving data for one or more network connections corresponding to one or more of the plurality of networking protocols. The chip may be configured for handling the received data based on whether the one or more of the plurality of networking protocols associated with the received data includes transmission control protocol and/or remote direct memory access protocol. The received data may be processed based on the configuration. At least one RDMA marker may be removed from the received data when the received data includes the RDMA protocol, and/or the received data is processed based on a transmission control protocol session identification within the received data.
US08427937B1
Bridging for Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET)/Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) Automatic Protection Switching is disclosed. First and second apparatus in a redundant pair handle communication traffic that includes content for transmission on respective first and second SONET/SDH connections. Content received by each apparatus for transmission on a SONET/SDH connection is transmitted on the first and second SONET/SDH connections. Such content is also transmitted by each apparatus to the other apparatus in the redundant pair unless that content was received from the other apparatus. The content is thereby transmitted on both the first and second SONET/SDH connections even though the content is received directly by only one apparatus of the redundant pair. This avoids duplication of communication traffic that carries the content. Where the traffic is Ethernet traffic, the traffic may be bridged between the first apparatus and the second apparatus at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer.
US08427922B2
An optical pickup device is so configured as to change the propagating directions of light fluxes in four light flux areas defined in the periphery of an optical axis of laser light, out of the laser light reflected on a disc, to separate the four light fluxes one from the other. A signal light area where only signal light exists is defined on a detecting surface of a photodetector. Sensors for signal light is disposed at a position in the signal light area to be irradiated by the signal light, and a tracking error signal is generated based on a signal from the sensors. A direct-current component of the tracking error signal resulting from positional displacements of the sensors is cancelled by adjusting a gain of the signal from the sensor.
US08427918B2
There is provided an optical disk drive that pursues power saving and simultaneously assures data recording quality. A servo processor of the optical disk drive has a low frequency equalizer, a high frequency equalizer, a limiter, and an adder. A limit voltage value of the limiter is set by means of a control command from a system controller. The limit voltage value is set so as to become greater during a data recording period than in a data regeneration period. An output from the adder is supplied as a tracking drive signal to a tracking actuator or as a focus drive signal to a focus actuator.
US08427917B2
An optical-pickup apparatus includes: a first laser light source including a first laser diode to emit a laser beam having a first wavelength, and a back-monitor photodetector to receive the laser beam emitted in a backward direction, not being an optical-disc direction, and output a first monitor signal; a second laser-light source including a second laser diode to emit a laser beam having a second wavelength; a light-receiving circuit including a front-monitor photodetector to receive the laser beam emitted in a forward direction, being the optical-disc direction, and output a second monitor signal, and a switch circuit to be inputted with the first and second monitor signals, and output the first or second monitor signal according to a switch signal; and first and second drive circuits to drive the first and second laser diodes according to the first and second monitor signals outputted from the light-receiving circuit, respectively.
US08427903B2
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a subsoil zone, wherein a plurality of receivers are arranged on a surface of the soil or near said surface, straight above a geological zone to be monitored, comprising the following steps: generating a set of reference seismic data recording seismic data by means of said receivers; correlating the seismic data recorded (52) with the reference seismic data; comparing each trace of the correlated data, with correlated traces located in a vicinity of said trace, in order to evaluate a similarity of each correlated trace with the adjacent correlated traces, detecting a microseismic event occurring in the subsoil zone by analysing said similarity. This method enables real-time monitoring.
US08427900B2
A method of deploying a seismic recorder array on a seafloor is disclosed. The seismic recorder array comprises a plurality of removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of forming the seismic recorder array by connecting a plurality of recorder housings in series, wherein adjacent recorder housings are connected by a connector cable. The recorder housings are configured to retain the removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of loading the plurality of removable seismic data recorders in the recorder housings, and lowering the seismic recorder array into water until the seismic recorder array is positioned on the seafloor underlying the water. The method comprises the step of operating the seismic data recorders to detect seismic signal reflections and to record seismic data representing the reflections.
US08427897B2
An apparatus, system, and method for controlling data transfer to an output port of a serial data link interface in a semiconductor memory is disclosed. In one example, a flash memory device may have multiple serial data links, multiple memory banks and control input ports that enable the memory device to transfer the serial data to a serial data output port of the memory device. In another example, a flash memory device may have a single serial data link, a single memory bank, a serial data input port, a control input port for receiving output enable signals. The flash memory devices may be cascaded in a daisy-chain configuration using echo signal lines to serially communicate between memory devices.
US08427886B2
A memory device includes at least one memory cell including a storage element electrically connected with a source potential line. A drive strength of the storage element is controlled as a function of a voltage level on the source potential line. The memory device further includes a clamp circuit electrically connected between the source potential line and a voltage source. The clamp circuit is operative to regulate the voltage level on the source potential line relative to the voltage source. A control circuit of the memory device is connected with the source potential line. The control circuit is operative to adjust the voltage level on the source potential line as a function of an operational mode of the memory device. A coarseness by which the voltage level on the source potential line is adjusted is selectively controlled as a function of at least a first control signal.
US08427883B2
A setting circuit includes a selection unit configured to select one of a predefined code and an external code in response to a test signal, and a setting information generation unit configured to generate setting information in response to the code selected by the selection unit.
US08427867B2
A system for storing a plurality of logical pages in a set of at least one flash device, each flash device including a set of at least one erase block, the system comprising apparatus for distributing at least one of the plurality of logical pages over substantially all of the erase blocks in substantially all of the flash devices, thereby to define, for at least one logical page, a sequence of pagelets thereof together including all information on the logical page and each being stored within a different erase block in the set of erase blocks; and apparatus for reading each individual page from among the plurality of logical pages including apparatus for calling and ordering the sequence of pagelets from different erase blocks in the set of erase blocks.
US08427866B2
There are provided magnetic storage elements capable of performing a high-reliability write operation by inhibiting erroneous reversal of data of the magnetic storage element put in a semi-selected state, and a magnetic storage device using this. A recording layer having an easy axis and a hard axis overlaps at least one of a first or second conductive layer at the entire region thereof in plan view. First endpoints of a first line segment along the easy axis and maximum in dimension overlapping the recording layer in plan view don't overlap the second conductive layer in plan view. At least one of second endpoints of a pair of endpoints of a second line segment passing through the middle point of the first line segment, orthogonal to the first line segment in plan view, and overlapping the recording layer in plan view doesn't overlap the first conductive layer in plan view.
US08427853B2
A power factor correction converter includes a diode bridge that rectifies an alternating-current voltage input from an alternating-current input power supply Vac, a series circuit including an inductor and a switching element, a rectifying smoothing circuit connected in parallel with the switching element and including a diode and a smoothing capacitor, and a digital signal processing circuit that controls turning on and off of the switching element such that the input current input from the alternating-current input power supply Vac comes to have a similar shape to the alternating-current voltage. The current flowing through the inductor in the off period of the switching element is detected by using a current detection resistor, the operation mode is determined on the basis of the inductor current IL at a predetermined timing and the switching element is optimally controlled in accordance with the operation mode.
US08427846B2
A three-phase inverter circuit includes an inverter incorporating a plurality of controllable power switches, and an electronic control device adapted to control the power switches. The control device in the event of a measured voltage drop on one phase is adapted to supply a reactive current on the phase with voltage drop and to supply and/or draw an active current on at least one phase without voltage drop.
US08427845B2
Packaged optoelectronic device include a first barrier layer having a plurality of feedthrough apertures communicating with at least one electrode layer of the device, and a plurality of conductive patches disposed on at least one of the plurality of feedthrough apertures for electrically connecting the device to a power supply. Each conductive patch includes a conductive metal surface layer and a non-conducting surface layer having an opening exposing the metal surface layer.
US08427841B2
Provided is an electronic device which may include a first structure having a first surface, a first land region on the first surface, a second structure having a second surface facing the first surface, a second land region on the second surface, and a connection structure between the first and second structures electrically connecting the first land region to the second land region. As provided, the first land region may have a major axis and a minor axis on the first surface and the second land region may have a major axis and a minor axis on the second surface. Furthermore, the major axes of the first and second land regions may have different orientations with respect to one another.
US08427839B2
An arrangement includes an optoelectronic component with two contacts; at least one further component part; at least one contact arranged between the optoelectronic component and the further component part; and at least one web arranged between the optoelectronic component and the further component part.
US08427836B2
A power semiconductor module in which a substrate is provided with at least one power semiconductor and has first and second contact areas, wherein a first load connection element with first contact elements provided thereon is supported on the first contact areas and a second load connection element with second contact elements provided thereon is supported on the second contact areas. Wherein at least one spring element is provided for producing a pressure contact between the contact elements and the contact areas. To reduce the structural size of the module, the pressure contact between the contact elements and the contact areas is exerted by at least one electrical component arranged between the spring element and one of the load connection elements.
US08427824B2
An exemplary card mounting apparatus is for selectively mounting either of two different types of peripheral component interconnect (PCI) cards. The card mounting apparatus includes a bracket member, a receiving member, and a latch body. The bracket member defines an opening. The receiving member engages with the bracket member. The latch body hinges the bracket member and the receiving member. The receiving member is slidable relative to the bracket member, changing a length of the opening of the bracket member to allow the bracket member to receive different types of PCI card.
US08427816B2
A low-voltage and high-voltage integrated junction box includes a high-voltage distribution part, a low-voltage control board, and a control box. The high voltage distribution part includes a high-voltage relay for applying/cutting high voltage to an output terminal by distributing high voltage applied from a high-voltage battery and a bus bar for transmitting the high voltage applied through the high-voltage relay to the output terminal. The low-voltage control board controls low-voltage load and controls a breakdown of the high-voltage distribution part and operation of electric components of a vehicle. The control box accommodates therein the high-voltage distribution part and the low-voltage control board. With this integrated injunction box, manufacturing costs can be reduced.
US08427812B1
A process used to cast films including: mixing BBL and a room temperature molten salt from a range of about 35:65 weight ratio, dissolving the mixture in about 1% methanesulfonic acid to produce a BBL solution, drop casting the solution onto glass or gold coated glass at 140° C. in air and heating for about 2 hours to produce films, drying the films in a vacuum oven at about 100° C. for at least 24 hours under dynamic vacuum, and rinsing the films to remove residual ionic liquid.
US08427808B2
A variable capacity element has a substrate, a pair of capacitor electrodes, a pair of driver electrodes, and a pair of capacitor wirings why one of the capacitor electrodes is movable by applying a voltage between the driver electrodes. A pair of driver electrodes are connected to the pair of capacitor electrodes, being insulated from the capacitor electrodes. A pair of capacitor wiring extend in parallel each other from connecting portions with the pairs of the capacitor electrodes, being electrically connected with the capacitor electrodes.
US08427807B2
A capacitor (1) for application in high pressure environments has at least two electrodes (2.1, 2.2) and at least one electrically insulating film (5) forming a dielectric between the electrodes (2.1, 2.2), each electrode (2.1, 2.2) having at least one metallic foil (3.1, 3.2) or at least one metallic layer on the electrically insulating film (5), wherein the capacitor (1) is unencapsulated and designed to allow a surrounding liquid to fill cavities of the capacitor (1). Furthermore, an electric device has at least one such capacitor (1) in a device housing, whereby the device housing is filled with an electrically insulating liquid.
US08427797B2
Semiconductor dice (100, 200) of integrated circuit chips are provided with solder bump pads (130, 230) distributed over active areas of the dice to supply the I/O interconnects without including peripheral wire bond pads. The dice are further provided with protective ESD structures (140p/140i, 240p/240i) arranged in a network that includes ESD structures that extend into the interior areas of the dice. This allows the ESD structures to be placed proximate to respective power and ground connections, and positioned to reduce an average interconnect length between interior bump pads and the ESD structures relative to an average path length between the interior bump pads and the die peripheral area.
US08427796B2
Improved ESD protection circuits for RFICs requiring both high voltage and high frequency operation is described. A cascode grounded gate snap-back NFET (GGNFET) combined with a precharge circuit and a diode network results in a positive ESD protection clamp with low capacitance and high turn-on voltage. The positive ESD protection clamp provides ESD protection to an IC during a positive voltage ESD pulse. Exemplary embodiments of a negative ESD protection clamp are disclosed where a bias circuit or a charge pump is used in place of the precharge circuit in a manner that allows the combination of the bias circuit or the charge pump together with a diode network and a cascode grounded gate snap-back NFET to provide protection against negative ESD voltage pulses. The combination of a positive and a negative ESD protection clamp provides ESD protection to an IC during either a positive or a negative voltage ESD pulse. Alternate embodiments further reduce the capacitance of the ESD protection circuit by using only a positive ESD clamp to provide ESD protection during a positive ESD pulse while protection for a negative ESD pulse is provided by a discharge path formed by a path of an RF front-end switch coupled to a negative ESD diode.
US08427795B2
The pad interface circuit includes a first stack MOS transistor having a first terminal connected to a pad and a bulk connected to a first supply voltage; a second stack MOS transistor having a first terminal connected to a second terminal of the first stack MOS transistor and a second terminal, a gate terminal, and a bulk that are connected to the first supply voltage; and a voltage level sensing circuit generating a feedback voltage by using a pad voltage applied from the pad. In addition, the feedback voltage is applied to a gate terminal of the first stack MOS transistor.
US08427792B2
A method to reduce an inductive voltage surge across a switch array is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, (a) directing at least a portion of an electric current away from at least a portion of said switch array; and (b) independently opening different portions of the switch array. A system to reduce an inductive voltage surge across an electrical device comprising a current bypass circuit is also disclosed.
US08427780B2
A magnetic head in one embodiment includes a bottom pole; a top pole positioned above a plane extending through the bottom pole and parallel to a plane of deposition of the bottom pole, wherein the top pole is at least partially offset from the bottom pole in a direction parallel to a plane of deposition of the top pole; a first write gap in the top pole; and a first coil for generating a magnetic flux across the first write gap. A method in one embodiment includes forming a bottom pole; forming a top pole above a plane extending through the bottom pole and parallel to a plane of deposition of the bottom pole, wherein the top pole is at least partially offset from the bottom pole in a direction parallel to a plane of deposition of the top pole, wherein at least one write gap is formed in the top pole; forming side poles for coupling the top and bottom poles; and forming a first coil for generating a magnetic flux across the first write gap.
US08427779B2
In a disk drive device, a recording disk is mounted on a rotor. A base has a bearing hole, the center of which is along the rotational axis of the rotor. A bearing unit rotatably supports the rotor with respect to the base, the bearing unit being glued to the bearing hole. A ring-shaped first groove, the center of which is along the rotational axis, is arranged on a side surface of the bearing hole. A ring-shaped second groove, the center of which is along the rotational axis, is arranged on an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface contacting the side surface of the bearing hole. The position of the second groove with respect to its direction along the rotational axis is different from the position of the first groove with respect to its direction along the rotational axis. The base and the bearing unit are electrically connected by a conductive resin applied along an edge portion of the bearing hole, the edge portion being on a lower surface of the base.
US08427776B2
A hard disk drive including a housing, at least one disk mounted to the housing, an actuator mounted to the housing and being movable relative to the at least one disk, a conductive component support coupled with the actuator and extending the first surface, the conductive component support having a support wall attaching the conductive component support to the actuator, and a boss coupled with a first surface of the actuator and the support wall, the boss having a first end facing a flat coil side of the actuator and a second end facing a head gimbal assembly side of the actuator, wherein the first end extends further toward the flat coil side than the conductive component entrance portion of the conductive component support such that a portion of the boss overlaps a portion of the conductive component support.
US08427763B2
A lens system comprises, on a side closest to an object, a first lens component having a positive refractive power and a second lens component having a positive refractive power in order from the object; and on a side closest to an image, a cemented lens constructed by cementing together a positive lens and a negative lens in order from the object; wherein the lens system satisfies the following conditional expressions: (n1+n2)/2>1.49 (ν1+ν2)/2>60 where n1 and ν1 denote a refractive index and an Abbe number of the first lens component at d-line, respectively, and n2 and ν2 denote a refractive index and an Abbe number of the second lens component at d-line, respectively.
US08427756B2
A zoom lens system has a plurality of lens units each composed of at least one lens element and, in order from the object side to the image side, comprises: a negative first lens unit being composed of two lens elements; a positive second lens unit; and a positive third lens unit, wherein in zooming from a wide-angle limit to a telephoto limit during image taking, the individual lens units are moved along an optical axis such that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit decreases and that an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit increases, so that magnification change is achieved, and wherein on the image side relative to the second lens unit, an aperture diaphragm is arranged that moves along the optical axis integrally with the second lens unit during zooming.
US08427755B2
A fluidic lens and method for manufacturing the same are provided. The fluidic lens includes a transparent optical fluid and a double elastomer membrane. An outer membrane of the double elastomer membrane that is externally exposed includes a Poly DiMethyl Siloxane (PDMS) elastomer, and an inner membrane of the double elastomer membrane that makes contact with the optical fluid is transparent and includes an elastomer which has a low coherence with respect to the optical fluid.
US08427751B2
A combiner positioning system for a head-up display (HUD) is provided. The positioning system includes a combiner holder, a pair of control discs, a pair of levers and a driving unit. The combiner holder is connected to the combiner, the levers are connected to the combiner holder and the control discs, and the driving unit is connected to the control discs. When the driving unit drives the control discs to rotate, the levers moves the combiner holder and the combiner. The positioning system enables the combiner's first movement from parking position (storage position) to operating position (display position) and a second movement for angular fine adjustment of the combiner is also enabled after reaching the operating position.
US08427750B2
A semitransparent mirror includes a front side having a front luminous reflectance of at least 60%; a rear side having a rear luminous reflectance of at most 25%; and a light transmittance of at least 20% with a vertical light incidence under standard illuminant C.
US08427747B2
A light extraction film laminated to a glass substrate for organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices. The light extraction film includes a flexible substantially transparent film, a low index nanostructured layer applied to the film, and a high index planarizing backfill layer applied over the nanostructured layer. A glass substrate is laminated to the flexible substantially transparent film on a side opposite the nanostructured layer and including an ultra-low index region between the film and the glass substrate. The ultra-low index region is used to reduce optical losses occurring with the glass substrate.
US08427742B2
The present invention relates to a laminate that includes a pair of substrates; and one or more photochromic films and one or more infrared (IR) shield films that are provided between the pair of substrates, wherein the photochromic films or the infrared (IR) shield films that are in contact with a pair of substrates are adhered to the substrates by an adhesion film. The laminate according to the present invention has a high durable photochromic function having a UV shielding effect and an infrared (IR) shielding effect.
US08427739B2
An optical amplifier includes an input port, an output port, an amplification medium, a light source, a monitor, and a controller. The amplification medium with which doped an rare-earth element for optical amplification is allocated on an optical path between the input port and the output port. The light source supplies the amplification medium with an excitation light. The monitor monitors a total power of an optical signal of each wavelength according to a monitor period which is longer than a transient response time of the amplification medium. The controller controls the light source so that a power of the excitation light is constant when a monitor value of the monitor is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value and controls the light source so that an optical gain in the amplification medium is constant when the monitor value is larger than the predetermined threshold value.
US08427733B2
This invention relates to a printable composition and in particular to a printable composition for application to an electrochromic and/or electrochemical device. The printable electrolyte composition for the production of electrochemical devices comprises: 20-50% by weight, based on the total amount of the composition, of a thermally-curable base which comprises a resin; 20-70% by weight, based on the total amount of the composition, of a solvent; and 10-50% by weight, based on the total amount of the composition, of an electrolyte, wherein the composition has a viscosity of 0.3 Pas or higher.
US08427732B2
An uncooled optical semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor laser outputting laser light; an electric field absorption optical modulator absorbing light depending on a voltage applied to the electric field absorption optical modulator; a monitor photodiode monitoring backlight of the semiconductor laser; an auto power control circuit feeding back current of the monitor photodiode to a bias current supplied to the semiconductor laser; and a bias circuit feeding back an average value of a light absorption current to control a bias voltage applied to the electric field absorption optical modulator. The light absorption current is generated when the electric field absorption optical modulator absorbs the laser light.
US08427731B2
In accordance with the invention, a display apparatus comprising a light source is provided, said light source comprising at least one superluminescent light emitting diode (SLED), the apparatus further comprising at least one light modulating device arranged in a beam path of a light beam emitted by said light source and operable to emit influenced light upon incidence of said light beam, the light modulating device being operatively connected to an electronic control, the display apparatus further comprising a projection optics arranged in a beam path of said influenced light.
US08427728B2
A pair of substrate portions each being tabular-shaped has side portions located closer to a mirror portion and connected, at both ends thereof in the oscillation axis direction, by a pair of supporting beam portions, and also has outer side portions fixed to a fixing member. An excitation device is formed on at least one substrate portion. The pair of substrate portions is disposed symmetrically in the direction perpendicular to the oscillation axis. A pair of torsion beam portions extends outward from two opposite sides of the mirror portion on the oscillation axis, and each is connected to the center of each supporting beam portion in a longitudinal direction. An edge of the piezoelectric element on an outer side thereof in the direction perpendicular to the oscillation axis is spaced from an outer side portion of the at least one substrate portion in a direction closer to the mirror portion.
US08427726B2
Provided are a resinous reflecting optical element that achieves high mirror surface precision by mitigating the warping effects associated with contraction during resin hardening and suppressing the distortion of a mirror surface that results from resistance to mold release, and a scanning optical device that uses said reflecting optical element. The reflecting optical element is characterized by having a long, tabular substrate (3), a mirror surface section (2) positioned on one surface of the substrate (3), and a hollow portion (4) positioned within the interior of the substrate (3), and is also characterized in that, as a result of configuring so that the hollow portion (4) is longer than the mirror surface section (2), warping and sink marks which form due to contraction during resin hardening are mitigated across the entire mirror surface section (2), and in that the entire mirror surface section (2) protrudes above the surface of the substrate (3), thereby suppressing the increase in resistance to mold release that occurs when a metallic mold is gripped by the molding during resin contraction, and preventing distortion of the mirror surface section (2) that is caused by resistance to mold release.
US08427719B2
An image reader includes a loading unit including a first transparent member that has a loading surface on which a document sheet is placed, a reading unit that includes light receiving elements arranged in a first direction under the first transparent member and is configured to move in a second direction parallel to the loading surface and perpendicular to the first direction and to read an image from the document sheet placed on the loading surface by repeating an operation of scanning the document sheet in the first direction with the light receiving elements while moving in the second direction, and a black reference member including a black area that is disposed in a position lower than the loading surface of the first transparent member and higher than the light receiving elements and configured to be read in acquiring black reference data for black level correction.
US08427718B2
An image forming apparatus, includes an image reader with an original document table. An image reading part has a light source, a light-receiving part, a reflection part, and a carriage that supports the light source or the reflection part. A cover covers a replacement member and is opened/closed integrally with the image reader. A main body accommodates an operation part for performing operations based on image data. An axis connects the image reader to the main body and turnably supports the image reader and the cover in approaching/separating directions with respect to the main body. An open/close detector detects an open/closed state of the image reader and the cover and a movement controller moves the carriage in a sub-scanning direction. When the image reader and the cover are open, the movement controller moves the carriage to a retreat position that is outside the original document table.
US08427717B2
A plurality of LED circuits are each configured having white LEDs serially connected therein, and the white LEDs are arranged in alternate main scanning direction positions for each of the LED circuits. When any of these LED circuits has failed, an output light power of white LEDs of LED circuits that have not failed is increased by a light power control section, thereby compensating an extinguished amount of the failed LED circuit.
US08427715B2
An image reading apparatus includes: a frequency modulation unit that generates a clock whose frequency is modulated by an arbitrary modulation cycle; a modulation cycle setting unit that sets the modulation cycle; a driving unit that drives the photoelectric conversion element by the clock; a signal generating unit that generates an analog signal corresponding to a frequency change of the clock; an amplification inversion unit capable of amplifying an alternating current component of the analog signal with an amplification factor corresponding to a setting value set externally, and capable of switching between inversion and non-inversion; a signal superimposing unit that superimposes the analog image signal on an analog signal output from the amplification inversion unit; and a controlling unit that calculates a feature amount, and that controls the amplification factor and the inversion or the non-inversion of the amplification inversion unit based on a calculation result.
US08427713B2
A document reader includes an image sensor. The image sensor is movable in a secondary scanning direction and rotatable about a rotational axis extending in a primary scanning direction, and obtains image information from a region facing a light-receiving surface. Rotation of the image sensor is controlled based on distance information about a distance between a document surface and a platen in such a manner as to make an image distance fall within a depth-of-field range of the image sensor.
US08427710B2
A communication device includes a storing unit, a first determining unit, a rejection unit, and a communication unit. The storing unit stores a database structured to have collection of records. Each record is configured from a plurality of fields including a contact name field for entry of a name of a contact and a data field set including a plurality of fields for entry of data in association with the name of a contact. The first determining unit is configured to determine whether a field included in the data field set is enabled or disabled. The rejection unit is configured to reject to store data in a field of the database that is determined to be disabled by the first determining unit. The communication unit is communicable with the contact based on data in the database.
US08427709B2
An imaging apparatus selects either an FCP system, an RT system or a WT system, acquires latest battery capacity information and storage capacity information of an AV hard disk device (AVHDD) using either the FCP system, RT system or WT system, and informs a user about conditions of a battery and a storage capacity of the AVHDD. By providing such an imaging apparatus, the user can recognize the conditions of the battery and the storage capacity of the AVHDD.
US08427705B2
A method of improving the synchronization of the timing of a plurality of physically coupled print engines by detecting and eliminating misleading indications of a non-synchronized print engine that are essentially minimal variations caused by disturbances to the printer such as torque disturbances, power line voltage or frequency variations, etc. using a chosen number of consecutive changes in the time delay to result in the time delay of the receiver being handed off from one engine or module to a sequential engine or module before a machine error is declared. This method notes that a speed variation is sufficiently large or if a signal is reported that a module, operating within its speed specifications but near the end the limit of that specification, had been subjected to a small incremental change in module speed resulting in that module operating outside its specifications and takes corrective actions or not depending on the magnitude and or source of the variation.
US08427703B2
An image processing device includes a detecting unit and a pre-processing executing unit. Before image data is generated for a printer, the detecting unit detects first density information per image element, and detects, for the image elements, whether or not overprinting is set. If the detecting unit detects that the overprinting is set at an image element and the image element has a basic color of which first density information is set 0%, the pre-processing executing unit executes a pre-processing which changes the first density information of the image element into second density information which is greater than 0% and which is capable of being recognized as white by the naked eye.
US08427696B2
A gamut mapping mode is input in accordance with a user instruction. A color gamut of an output device is obtained. A moving range of a focal point is set in accordance with the gamut mapping mode. Gamut mapping is performed based on the color gamut of the output device and the moving range of the focal point.
US08427691B2
An image forming apparatus and method of controlling the same, the image forming apparatus including: an article of consumption including a memory; and a print controller to perform a memory access to read and/or to write data from/to the memory. Addresses for the memory of the article of consumption are changed using access counts updated each time a memory access is requested, so that the memory access can be performed according to the changed addresses.
US08427690B2
A method is provided for reading sequentially a manuscript group made of plural sheets and dividing the manuscript group into manuscript data. The manuscript group made of the plural sheets is read sequentially to produce reading data. Each reading data of the sheet produced at the reading step is analyzed and judged on whether or not the sheet is added with a predetermined mark. The manuscript group data is divided by the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark into plural manuscript data in a case where the sheet is judged as being added with the predetermined mark at the judging step. Thereafter, each of the manuscript data including the reading data of the sheet added with the predetermined mark in a storing region is collectively stored.
US08427689B2
Techniques are disclosed for performing processing, such as striping, staggering, and stitching, on print data prior to printing by a multi-head printer. Subsets of the print data may be stored in multiple stages of buffers and processed in parallel to increase processing efficiency. Print data representing digital photographs may be processed sufficiently rapidly to enable continuous printing of digital photographs at high speeds. Parameters of the system, such as print buffer size and interrupt frequency, may be varied in response to design requirements such as overall system cost.
US08427687B2
A printing control system includes: operation means configured to enter a first printing condition including the number of page images to be printed on one side or both sides of one printing sheet; and control means. The control means determines whether or not the first printing condition corresponds to any one of plural change inhibited printing conditions preset and then sets the first printing condition as a final printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions while causing the display means to display one or more second printing conditions each providing a higher ratio of reduction in the usage of printing sheets than the first printing condition when the first printing condition is determined as not corresponding to any one of the change inhibited printing conditions.
US08427684B2
A computer generated method disclosed. The method includes receiving a print job including a plurality of print files, processing a first resource in a first print file by determining if the name of the first resource matches a name of a previously processed resource, determining if data within the first resource matches data within a previously processed resource if the name of the first resource matches the name of the previously processed resource and renaming the first resource if the data within the first resource does not match data within the previously processed resource.
US08427683B2
To provide a system capable of preventing unintended update of default values of print settings and capable of improving the usability in image forming processing, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a CPU that accepts a display instruction from a user to display an interface of a printer driver and does not permit the user to update the default values in a case where the accepted display instruction is a first display instruction for updating the default values relating to the print settings of the printer driver and the update of the default values is not permitted.
US08427682B2
An information processing device transmits and receives information to and from plural devices, which are coupled to the information processing device. A memory unit stores a control program that corresponds to each of the devices. An acquisition unit acquires device information from a selected one of the devices. A determination unit determines whether the selected device is controllable based on the acquired device information. A reading unit reads a control program from the memory unit that corresponds to the selected device, if the determination unit determines that the selected device is controllable. A command generation unit of the relevant control program generates commands for the selected device. A transmission control unit transmits commands generated by the command generation unit to the corresponding device. The transmission control unit transmits a set of the commands generated by the command generation unit in a block.
US08427679B2
An image communication apparatus that includes an image-data receiving unit that receives image data, a storing unit that stores therein the image data received by the image-data receiving unit, and an output unit that outputs the image data stored in the storing unit, the image communication apparatus includes a scanning unit that scans the image data output by the output unit; a difference extracting unit that extracts a difference between the image data scanned by the scanning unit and the image data stored in the storing unit; a difference determining unit that determines whether the difference extracted by the difference extracting unit satisfies a predetermined condition based on condition information obtained together with the image data; and a control unit that controls so that a message is transmitted to a transmission source of the image data based on a result determined by the difference determining unit.
US08427670B2
Systems and methods for increasing throughput of print jobs in a print shop environment are disclosed. A system may include a plurality of resources, a print job workflow management system that coordinates a flow of print jobs with respect to the plurality of resources, and a processor-readable storage medium in communication with the print job workflow management system. The processor-readable storage medium may contain one or more programming instructions that, when executed, direct the print job workflow management system to receive print job characteristics pertaining to a plurality of print jobs processed in the print shop environment. Data determined based on the received print job characteristics, including a form type utilized in the print shop environment for each job and a print volume associated with each form type, may be provided. The plurality of resources may then be assigned based on the print volume associated with each form type.
US08427663B2
An image outputting apparatus obtains attribute information about image data prior to acquisition of the image data stored in an external apparatus. The image outputting apparatus accepts an output request of the image data by using the attribute information while obtaining the image data. The image outputting apparatus holds the output request in accordance with the acceptance of the output request before completion of acquisition of the image data and allows the outputting the image data in response to the output request after acquisition of the image data has been completed.
US08427662B2
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes multiple application modules configured to perform image processing including scanning, printing, and copying of an image; multiple service modules configured to perform an image forming operation and to control the image forming apparatus; a nonvolatile configuration information storage part configured to contain first configuration information of the application modules and the service modules; a configuration information comparison part configured to read second configuration information of the application modules and the service modules and compare the first configuration information and the second configuration information before starting the application modules and the service modules; and a notification part configured to notify the manager of the image forming apparatus of the difference between the first configuration information and the second configuration information in response to detection of the difference.
US08427655B2
An optical measurement apparatus includes a fixed headstock and an opposed, movable tailstock mounted on a reference support. The movable tailstock is movable along a linear axis to maintain a piece to be measured between the headstock and tailstock. A mobile carriage is movable along the linear axis. The carriage carries a light source directing a beam of collimated light across the linear axis to be interrupted by a piece under measurement. An optical detector aligned with the light source is arranged to receive residual light of the beam that has not been interrupted by the piece under measurement. The measuring apparatus has a rectilinear guide, fastened on the reference support, on which are slideably engaged the optical carriage and the tailstock, whereas the headstock is placed on a headstock carrier that is fastened on the reference support and hangs at least in part over the rectilinear guide.
US08427653B2
Frequency domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) systems and methods are provided. Thereby, a first measurement and a second measurement is performed, wherein in the first measurement an object region is illuminated by measuring light having a spectrum with a first spectral width and in the second measurement the object region is illuminated with measuring light having a spectrum with a second spectral width, wherein the first spectral width is at least 10% greater than the second spectral width. Further, during the first measurement intensities of spectral ranges of light having interacted with the object and being superimposed with reference light are detected, wherein a width of these spectral ranges is greater than a corresponding width during the second measurement. Thus, switching an axial field of view of structural information of the object across a depth direction is enabled upon minimizing radiation damage at the object.
US08427652B2
Systems (200) and methods (300) for measuring geometric changes of a passive material (414) when heat and pressure are applied thereto. The methods involve forming a pad (108, 510) on a passive material panel (410). The pad includes at least one of a layer of a passive material (414) and a layer of a metal (416). The methods also involve coupling an interferometer (810) to the pad. The method also involves forming a multi-layer structure by placing at least one substrate panel (400) on top of the passive material such that an aperture (602) formed in the substrate panel is aligned with the pad. Pressure and heat are applied to the multi-layer structure. Data is collected using the interferometer while the pressure and heat are applied to the multi-layer structure. The interferometer can include, but is not limited to, a Fabry-Perot interferometer, a Michelson interferometer and/or a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
US08427646B2
A microscope device having dual emission capability, wherein detrimental effects of image-aberrations and -distortions are reduced. By providing the means for reflecting the one beam in a manner so as to invert its handedness and the means for reflecting the second beam in a manner so as to preserve its handedness, a fully symmetrical configuration is obtained, where corresponding image points in both color/polarisation channels all experience the same field-dependent aberrations.
US08427635B2
Methods and apparatus for standardizing quantitative measurements from a microscope system. The process includes a calibration procedure whereby an image of a calibration slide is obtained through the optics of the microscope system. The calibration slide produces a standard response, which can be used to determine a machine intrinsic factor for the particular system. The machine intrinsic factor can be stored for later reference. In use, images are acquired of a target sample and of the excitation light source. The excitation light source sample is obtained using a calibration instrument configured to sample intensity. The calibration instrument has an associated correction factor to compensate its performance to a universally standardized calibration instrument. The machine intrinsic factor, sampled intensity, and calibration instrument correction factor are usable to compensate a quantitative measurement of the target sample in order to normalize the results for comparison with other microscope systems.
US08427633B1
An apparatus that enables real time measurement of the spatial profile, circularity, centroid, astigmatism and M2 values of a laser beam generated by a high power laser beam. The apparatus employs the optics used in a process application, including a focus lens and cover glass. An attenuation module includes a pair of high reflecting mirror plates disposed in parallel, spaced apart relation to one another at a common angle of incidence to the laser beam. A beam dump is positioned out of a path of travel of the laser beam and in receiving relation to light reflected by the first and second mirrors. A camera detects spots of light that pass through the first and second mirrors. A high power attenuator formed by a highly reflective mirror pair is positioned between the source and the attenuation module. A second embodiment includes a single mirror plate having highly reflective surfaces.
US08427632B1
A method of image-based positioning is provided. The method comprises: (A) providing an image-capturing device integrated with a focused-radiation source and a processor; the image-capturing device further comprises an image sensor; (B) capturing an image of an object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (C) directing a focused ray of radiation generated by the focused-radiation source to the object located in the (FOV) of the image-capturing device; (D) detecting at least one return signal generated by reflection of the focused ray of radiation from the object located in FOV of the image-capturing device by using the image sensor; (E) characterizing the object located in a field of view (FOV) of the image-capturing device by using each return signal; and (F) processing each return signal in order to determine a distance from the object located in the FOV to the image-capturing device.
US08427627B2
A system for cleaning a limited area of a top surface of a substrate table or an object positioned on a top surface of a substrate table is disclosed. The optical system used during normal imaging is adjusted to limit the cross-sectional area of a radiation beam to form a cleaning radiation beam which impinges on the limited area.
US08427626B2
A stereoscopic display device includes a display panel performing image display, and a lens array element including a first electrode, a second electrode opposed to the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the lens array element being configured in such a manner that a lens effect on display image light from the display panel is controlled depending on a voltage applied to the first electrode and a voltage applied to the second electrode. One of the first electrode and the second electrode is structured to allow an electric field to be applied to the liquid crystal layer for each of a plurality of predetermined sub-regions, individually.
US08427621B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode, in which a shape of the second subpixel electrode is a quadrilateral in which two angles facing each other are obtuse angles or acute angles and the first subpixel electrode surrounds the second subpixel electrode.
US08427615B2
The invention relates to flexible liquid crystal devices and methods, and the electrically conducting backplane of a liquid crystal display for example. A substrate is provided that supports components of a liquid crystal display including a liquid crystal layer that is electrically addressed to produce images. The substrate can be flexible or drapable. An electrode arrangement is formed on the substrate, which includes a plurality of small islands or zones of highly conductive material. The highly conductive islands or zones may be dimensioned to be smaller than the dimensions of the electrode pattern, and are electrically isolated from one another. The plurality of islands or zones are then connected in a predetermined pattern by a conducting polymer layer having a predetermined configuration to provide the desired electrode pattern.
US08427613B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates, and an orientation film formed on the first substrate. The orientation film has two orientation regions in a pixel, and the orientation regions are formed by polarized light.
US08427609B2
Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device having a wide viewing angle in which compensation films are provided between a liquid crystal display panel and each polarizer so as to change polarized states of input and output light of the liquid crystal display panel via the polarizers, thereby preventing light leakage in a diagonal direction of the liquid crystal display device in a normally black mode.
US08427602B2
Example embodiments relate to a backlight unit and a display apparatus employing the same. The backlight unit may include a light source; a polarization conversion unit configured to convert polarization of light incident from the light source; and a light guide plate configured to emit light incident through the polarization conversion unit. The light guide plate may include a plurality of light emitting portions configured to emit light through specular reflection. The light polarized by the polarization conversion unit may maintain its polarization state when it is subsequently emitted from the light guide plate.
US08427593B2
A multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display that does not require physical features on the substrate (such as protrusions and ITO slits) is disclosed. Each pixel of the MVA LCD is subdivided into color components, which are further divided into color dots. Each pixel also contains fringe field amplifying regions that separate the color dots of a pixel. The voltage polarity of the color dots and fringe field amplifying regions are arranged so that fringe fields in each color dot causes multiple liquid crystal domains in each color dot. Specifically, the color dots and fringe field amplifying regions of the display are arranged so that neighboring polarized elements have opposite polarities.
US08427592B2
A multi-domain vertical alignment liquid crystal display that does not require physical features on the substrate (such as protrusions and ITO slits) is disclosed. Each pixel of the MVA LCD is subdivided into color components, which are further divided into color dots. Each pixel also contains fringe field amplifying regions that separate the color dots of a pixel. The voltage polarity of the color dots and fringe field amplifying regions are arranged so that fringe fields in each color dot causes multiple liquid crystal domains in each color dot. Specifically, the color dots and fringe field amplifying regions of the display are arranged so that neighboring polarized elements have opposite polarities.
US08427586B2
The tuner comprises an RF input for receiving a high frequency signal, a downconverter including a mixer for downconverting the high frequency signal, an IF filter coupled to an output of the mixer, an SAW filter coupled to an output of the IF filter and a gain-controlled IF amplifier coupled to an output of the SAW filter for providing an amplified IF signal for a subsequent demodulator. The IF filter includes a controllable damping stage which is in particular usable for improving the noise performance of the tuner. The tuner is designed in a preferred embodiment for reception of analog and digital television signals and the controllable damping stage provides a damping in case of reception of an analog television signal for improving a signal/noise ratio of the analog television signal. The damping stage comprises for example a switching stage utilizing one or several varactor diodes as damping elements.
US08427585B2
The present invention discloses a signal receiver and a method thereof. The signal receiver utilizes a switch unit to regulate a loop-through, where the complete function of the loop-through is accomplished even during a sleep mode, which reduces power consumption of the signal receiver.
US08427576B2
An exemplary image sensor module includes a plate, an image sensor, and a number of conductive wires. The plate includes a top surface, a bottom surface, an light passing through hole, and a number of conductive pads on the top surface. The sensor includes a first surface and a number of bonding pads corresponding to the respective conductive pads. The first surface opposes the bottom surface. The first surface includes a light sensitive region aligned with the through hole, and a light insensitive region surrounding the light sensitive region. The insensitive region is mounted on the bottom surface. The bonding pads are arranged on the light insensitive region. The wires pass through the light passing through hole, and respectively electrically connect the bonding pads to the corresponding conductive pads.
US08427564B2
A driving method of a solid-state imaging apparatus includes a first driving mode wherein a start and an end of an operation of accumulating an electric charge in a pixel are set commonly to a plurality of rows of pixels, and a second driving mode wherein a start and an end of an operation of accumulating the electric charge in the pixel are set commonly to pixels in each one of the rows of the pixels. In the first driving mode, during a time period of reading out a signal from the pixels in one of the rows, a potential barrier formed in a first transferring portion is higher than a potential barrier formed in a third transferring portion for the plurality of rows of the pixels, while in the second driving mode, during a time period of reading out a signal from the pixels in one of the rows, a potential barrier formed in the first transferring portion is lower than a potential of a photoelectric converting portion, and a potential barrier formed in a second transferring portion is lower than a potential of an accumulating portion.
US08427560B2
An image capturing element of an image capturing section 2 has a color filter with a Bayer matrix, and interpolation unit 6 implements an interpolation process to an image signal for each pixel received from the image capturing element by using image signals of adjacent pixels to obtain an image signal of R, G and B for the respective pixels. High-frequency component extracting unit 7 extracts a high frequency component from the G signal; false-color reduced color signal generation unit 8 obtains, for the respective pixels, a false-color reduced color signal (R+B−2G) in which an effect of a false color is reduced; and, chroma signal generation unit 9 generates a chroma signal, which is an absolute value of the false-color reduced color signal. Suppression unit 10 suppresses the false color on the basis of the high frequency component extracted by the high-frequency component extracting unit 7 and the chroma signal for the respective pixels generated by the chroma signal generation unit 9.
US08427558B2
There is provided an image pickup apparatus comprising two-dimensionally arrayed pixels, a plurality of read-out channels each including a read-out circuit and an amplifier circuit, a parallel-serial conversion circuit which sequentially selects pixel signals output via the plurality of read-out channels and outputs a series of pixel signals, and a clamp unit which clamps the reset level included in an output signal from the read-out circuit in order to remove an offset generated in each read-out channel.
US08427550B2
An image processing device of an example of the invention comprises a section which acquires a gain value obtained by an automatic white balance process executed on image data to be processed, a section which, based on the gain value, determines a correction color matrix coefficient having a property of correcting a change in an appearance caused by a color temperature corresponding to the gain value, and a section which, based on the correction color matrix coefficient, performs a color adjustment on the image data obtained by the automatic white balance process.
US08427549B2
An apparatus according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire an input image, a conversion unit configured to convert the acquired input image to an output image, a detection unit configured to detect in the input image a pixel having a predetermined luminance, a calculation unit configured to calculate a position of an output image corresponding to a position of the detected pixel, and a display unit configured to display the output image on a screen.
US08427542B2
An image calibration method includes: (a) sensing at least one target pixel of a sensing row from an effective pixel region of an image sensor to generate at least one target pixel value; (b) sensing at least one reference pixel of a shading region in the image sensor to generate a calibration value, wherein the reference pixel and the sensing row do not belong to the same row; and (c) referring to the calibration value to calibrate and output the target pixel value.
US08427534B2
A processor for an electronic endoscope, which is configured to be connected with a videoscope adapted to generate a picture signal for an image of an observed object through color adjustment using color adjustment data and to transmit the generated picture signal to the processor, the processor includes a light source configured to emit light for illuminating the observed object, a determining unit configured to determine whether the color adjustment data used by the videoscope is adapted to the light source, a color conversion data acquiring unit configured to acquire color conversion data adapted to the color adjustment data when the determining unit determines that the color adjustment data is not adapted to the light source, and a color converter configured to perform color conversion for the picture signal transmitted by the videoscope using the color conversion data acquired by the color conversion data acquiring unit.
US08427523B2
A system for enhancing eye gaze in a telepresence system includes a plurality of local cameras coupled to at least one local display. Each local camera is directed to at least one respective local user section and operable to generate an image of the respective local user section. The system also includes a plurality of remote displays. Each remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the local user section. Within the system the plurality of remote displays and the plurality of local cameras are aligned such that when a first local user within a local user section looks at a target at least one remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the first user section comprising the first local user such that the eye gaze of the reproduced image of the first local user is directed approximately at a corresponding target.
US08427521B2
A method and apparatus for providing collaborative workspace are disclosed. The method receives a request to establish a video conference for two or more participants, and obtains information from historical information on the two or more participants to be used with the collaborative workspace. The method determines preferences for each of the two or more participants as to a presentation of the collaborative workspace. The method receives one or more live images of the two or more participants and presents the collaborative workspace to each of the two or more participants in accordance with the preferences for each of the two or more participants.
US08427520B2
Upon receiving a continuous presence video image, an endpoint of a videoconference may identify its self image and replace the self image with other video data, including an alternate video image from another endpoint or a background color. Embedded markers may be placed in a continuous presence video image corresponding to the endpoint. The embedded markers identify the location of the self image of the endpoint in the continuous presence video image. The embedded markers may be inserted by the endpoint or a multipoint control unit serving the endpoint.
US08427519B2
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium includes: a light emitting member having multiple light emitting elements provided side-by-side along a direction of an axis of an electrophotographic photosensitive drum of a process cartridge removably mounted to a mounting portion to subject the drum to exposure according to image information; a light emitting member support which supports the light emitting member, and is movable between an exposure position, at which the drum is subjected to exposure, and a retracted position, at which the light emitting member is retracted from the exposure position; and a moving member configured to move the light emitting member support between the exposure position and the retracted position in a state in which the light emitting member keeps parallel to the axis of the drum.
US08427515B2
Disclosed are a display device and a method of driving the same that improve both moving image visibility and lateral visibility. A display panel including gate and data lines arranged in the form of a matrix for displaying an image, a gate driver for driving the gate line, and a data driver for supplying a low gray scale image signal, a high gray scale image signal, and a black impulsive signal to the data line within one frame period.
US08427511B2
A mobile terminal is provided including a projector module, a camera, and a controller. The projector module is configured to project an image for display on an external screen. The camera is configured to receive an input image of the image displayed on the external screen. The input image includes a pointer located over the image and a shadow of the pointer. The controller is configured to obtain a distance between the pointer and the shadow of the pointer from the input image, to recognize a touch by the pointer to a touch point in the displayed image according to the obtained distance, to project through the projector module a pointer cursor at the touch point, and to perform an operation corresponding to the recognized touch point.
US08427507B2
An image projection system includes a projector to project a projected image onto a drawing surface of a whiteboard, a drawn-image detecting portion to detect a drawn image which is drawn on the drawing surface of the whiteboard while the projector is projecting the projected image, and a modification portion which, in the case where the drawn image is detected, to specify from the projected image which is projected onto the projection surface a part including at least a drawn image part overlapping the detected drawn image, and modify the specified part of the projected image, on the basis of the detected drawn image, so as to emphasize or cancel the drawn image.
US08427504B2
A first image captured by a first camera can be aligned with at least a segment of a second image captured with a second camera, where the images have an overlapping field of view. Image characteristic values indicative of image characteristics at positions within the overlapping field of view of the first and second images are respectively determined. A difference in position between corresponding image characteristic values in the overlapping field of view in the first image and the overlapping field of view in the second image is determined. A transform is applied to the first image, adjusting an orientation of the first image relative to the second image. The first and second image can be aligned when the difference in position between corresponding image characteristic values in the first and second image is a predetermined amount.
US08427502B2
A graphical editor displays graphical representations of underlying data items in a distribution of information-bearing states across a bounded region of a display. One or more of the data items are selected as belonging to a context of a user task or operation. The information-bearing states are redistributed in the bounded region of the display so that an amount of information sufficient to the task is provided through the graphical representations of the data items in the context and any space in the bounded region of the display needed to display such information is acquired by a decrease in the amount of information provided by the data items outside the context.
US08427497B1
Methods, software, and apparatuses for graphics processing, including caching pixel data of one or more tiles of a graphics surface. Methods generally include setting a caching bit corresponding to the surface, setting tile pattern bits corresponding to tiles in the surface, and when the caching bit is active, storing one or more pixel values in a cache memory. When at least one tile contains pixels having the same value for at least one predetermined parameter, the caching bit and the corresponding tile pattern bits may be active. Apparatuses generally include a pixel memory, a cache memory, and a controller including logic configured to reserve the caching bit, tile pattern bits, and same pixel values in cache memory when the caching bit is active.
US08427494B2
A VLC data transfer interface is presented that allows digital data to be packed and assembled according to a format selectable from a number of formats while the data is being transferred to a desired destination.
US08427493B2
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for reducing the overhead for transmitting explicit begin and explicit end commands that are needed in primitive draw command sequences. A draw method includes a header to specify an implicit begin command, an implicit end command, and instancing information for a primitive draw command sequence. The header is followed by a packet including one or more data words (dwords) that each specify a primitive topology, starting offset into a vertex or index buffer, and vertex or index count. Only a single clock cycle is consumed to transmit and process the header. The performance of graphics application programs that have many small batches of geometry (as is typical of many workstation applications) may be improved since the overhead of transmitting and processing the explicit begin and explicit end draw commands is reduced.
US08427492B2
An automated method of rendering image data using a multithread central processing unit (“CPU”) is described. The method retrieves a set of image processing instructions. The method determines an image section size to be processed by the CPU using the set of image processing instructions. The method iteratively: (i) retrieves a section of the image data that matches the image section size, and (ii) sends the section of the image data to a particular thread of the multithread CPU for processing using the processing instructions.
US08427491B2
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for remote rendering of computer graphics. The system includes a graphics application program resident at a remote server. The graphics application is invoked by a user or process located at a client. The invoked graphics application proceeds to issue graphics instructions. The graphics instructions are received by a remote rendering control system. Given that the client and server differ with respect to graphics context and image processing capability, the remote rendering control system modifies the graphics instructions in order to accommodate these differences. The modified graphics instructions are sent to graphics rendering resources, which produce one or more rendered images. Data representing the rendered images is written to one or more frame buffers. The remote rendering control system then reads this image data from the frame buffers. The image data is transmitted to the client for display or processing. In an embodiment of the system, the image data is compressed before being transmitted to the client. In such an embodiment, the steps of rendering, compression, and transmission can be performed asynchronously in a pipelined manner.
US08427488B2
According to one embodiment, a parallax image generating apparatus includes a deriving unit, a generating unit, a first calculating unit, a setting unit, a searching unit, and an interpolating unit. The deriving unit derives a parallax vector corresponding to a first pixel from the input image and depth information associated with the first pixel. The generating unit generates an intermediate image. The first calculating unit calculates first weights for respective pixels of a parallax image. The setting unit sets one or more candidate blocks near a shade-forming-area pixel of the intermediate image, and sets a reference block among one or more candidate blocks. The searching unit searches a target block similar to the reference block in the input image and/or the intermediate image. The interpolating unit interpolates a pixel value of the shade-forming-area pixel.
US08427486B2
A multiprocessor system includes a plurality of special purpose processors that perform different portions of a related processing task. A set of commands that cause each of the processors to perform the portions of the related task are distributed, and the set of commands includes a predicated execution command that precedes other commands within the set of commands. It is determined whether commands subsequent to the predicated execution command are intended to be executed by a first processor or a second processor based on information in the predicated execution command and the set of commands includes all commands to be executed by each processor.
US08427484B1
An animation creator authors a transition between two different pre-authored motions of a degree of freedom of an object such as an animatronic or virtual character. The author selects an arbitrary position to begin the transition and the transition ends at the position where a subsequent state of a degree of freedom of the object begins. The selected position is arbitrary because an initial state of the degree of freedom of the object is not known until the complete motion of the object is determined. The transition is transformed to begin where the initial state ends and to end where the subsequent state begins. The transition is transformed to retain the general shape of the authored transition and to provide the same quality of motion as the pre-authored motions. The transformed transition may be scaled in time such that limits of velocity and/or acceleration for the object are not violated.
US08427483B1
Techniques for associating a graphics object with one of a plurality of target regions of a graphical object template are disclosed. The graphics object is associated with one of the target regions based on the distance between the center of mass of the graphics object and the center of mass of the target region and the overlap amount of the graphics object with the target region. A pre-generated graphics object (stamp object) may also be automatically incorporated into one of the target regions based on the alignment of the minimum bounding box of the stamp object and the minimum bounding box of the target region.
US08427471B2
A program execution system, has a program execution device which has a controller operated by a user and a display on which images such as characters or players in a game are seen. In order to prevent an incorrect movement of a character on the display when a switching from one scene viewed from one camera viewpoint to another scene viewed from another camera viewpoint without additional steps by the user, the program execution system has a computer-readable and executable program stored on a recorded medium providing a character motion direction step by which, if along the motion of a character on the screen a switching is made from one scene to another, the direction of motion of the character in the second scene is maintained in coordination with the character's motion direction on a map in the first scene at least immediately before the switching.
US08427470B2
A 3-dimensional model of an antigen is regarded as a display subject and a 3-dimensional model of an antibody is regarded as a comparison subject. A portion of the molecular surface of the display subject at a distance enabling binding with the comparison subject is cut out as a display surface. The 3-dimensional model of the antigen, which is the display subject, is displayed in a rotated state, where the normal of the display surface is rotated to point in a counter viewing direction, whereby the 3-dimensional model is rotated in a viewing coordinate system. The display surface alone is displayed in color, whereas other portions of the molecular surface are not, thereby enabling the display surface of the antigen that is at a distance enabling binding with the antibody to be displayed at a position easily viewed by the user.
US08427467B2
A display device including a first gate line and a second gate line that extend in parallel with each other, a data line crossing the first and second gate lines to form a pixel region, a pixel electrode in the pixel region and including a main pixel electrode and a sub pixel electrode, which are connected to the first gate line and the data line, a control thin film transistor connected to the second gate line and the sub pixel electrode, and a gate driver. The gate driver outputs a first gate signal to the first gate line and a second gate signal to the second gate line. The first gate signal activates the first gate line during a first time and a second time following the first time, and the second gate signal activates the second gate line during the first time but not the second time.
US08427463B2
A liquid crystal display device having an image input function capable of suppressing the degradation of image quality of a display image and a captured image caused by a parasitic capacitance is provided. The liquid crystal display device, which includes an active matrix substrate (1), a counter substrate (2), and a liquid crystal layer and performs inversion driving, includes a photodetection part provided on the matrix substrate (1) for each or at least two of the active elements, and a sensor drive part (5). The photodetection part includes a photodiode and a capacitance storing charge, and outputs a photodetective signal VSOUT whose level changes in accordance with the amount of the stored charge. The sensor drive part (5) outputs, to the photodetection part, a reset signal that resets the charge in the capacitance and a reading signal that causes the photodetection part to output a photodetective signal during a period in which the polarity is set to be a predetermined one, and a current supplied to the active elements does not vary after the completion of the inversion of the polarity.
US08427462B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus according to the present invention includes: a liquid crystal panel; a backlight provided on a rear face of the liquid crystal panel; a detector which detects RGB output light levels of the backlight; a first controller which controls backlight current for driving the backlight so that a prescribed luminance is attained based on the RGB output light levels detected by the detector; and a second controller which controls display signals supplied to the liquid crystal panel so that a prescribed chromaticity is attained based on the RGB output light levels detected by the detector.
US08427460B2
A flat display panel is provided. The flat display panel includes a substrate, a first driving line, a second driving line, and an ESD protection circuit. The ESD protection circuit includes a first crossing line, a second crossing line, and a first ESD protection device. The first crossing line crosses over the first driving line in a first crossing place. The second crossing line crosses over the second driving line in a second crossing place. The first ESD protection device is electrically connected to the first crossing line and to the second crossing line. Therefore, the flat display panel can avoid current leakage occurring when the first crossing place or the second crossing place is damaged.
US08427453B2
An optical sensing system includes a sensing area, a reflective mirror, a first image-sensing device, a second image-sensing device, and a processing circuit. The sensing area is an area in which a plurality of pointing objects may execute touch operation. The reflective mirror generates a mirror image of the sensing area. The first image-sensing device and the second image-sensing device respectively capture images including all or part of the pointing objects in the sensing area, and all or part of the pointing objects in the reflective mirror. The processing circuit generates candidate coordinates according to the images captured by the first and the second image-sensing devices, and obtains the locations of the pointing objects from the candidate coordinates by means of the symmetric relationship between the point objects and the corresponding mirror images with respect to the reflective mirror. In this way, the optical sensing system can perform multi-touch operation.
US08427449B2
The invention provides a method for providing human input to a computer which allows a user to interact with a display connected to the computer. The method includes the steps of placing a first target on a first portion of the user's body, using an electro-optical sensing means, sensing data related to the location of the first target and data related to the location of a second portion of the user's body, the first and second portions of the user's body being movable relative to each other, providing an output of the electro-optical sensing means to the input of the computer, determining the location of the first target and the location of the second portion of the user's body, and varying the output of the computer to the display based upon the determined locations for contemporaneous viewing by the user.
US08427445B2
A computer implemented method for a touchscreen display is disclosed. The method includes presenting graphical information on the touchscreen display. The method further includes detecting a touch over the touchscreen display. The method also includes expanding an area of the touch screen display proximate the location of the touch.
US08427443B2
A coordinate locating device for a display apparatus is provided, which can have lower manufacturing costs and can locate the coordinates of a single or multiple objects. The coordinate locating device includes a light source configured to emit light, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting device, at least one reflector configured to reflect the light from the light source, and a detector configured to detect the light reflected by the at least one reflector, wherein the light source and the detector are disposed at different positions on the same edge of the coordinate locating device.
US08427441B2
A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator disposed and preloaded on a support and arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. The touch-sensitive display may be biased toward the piezoelectric actuator to preload the piezoelectric actuator.
US08427431B2
The invention relates to an operating element for operating a device, especially an X-ray apparatus, in the form of a touch screen, said touch screen has a touch sensitive screen surface an is provided with a calibration routine for calibrating the touch screen. The invention is characterized in that during a start-up phase of the apparatus, the touch screen is configured in such a manner that it can be used as an activation element for activating the calibration routine.
US08427419B2
Disclosed herein is a local dimming driving method and device of an LCD device, which is capable of minimizing luminance deviation at the same gray scale due to a dimming difference between blocks. The local dimming driving method of the LCD device includes analyzing input image data in units of blocks and determining a local dimming value per block, performing spatial filtering with respect to the local dimming value per block, repeating spatial filtering by a predetermined repeat count, and controlling luminance of a backlight unit on a block-by-block basis using the local dimming value per block controlled by spatial filtering.
US08427411B2
A color conversion circuit converts a three-primary-color signal PS0 to a 5-color signal PS5, and includes (i) a color component extraction module that generates, by performing isochromatic conversion, a 7-color signal PS2 made up of 7 color components equivalent in terms of color to color components d1 through d5 of the 5-color signal PS5, and (ii) a matrix operation module that generates color components of the 5-color signal by performing linear combination of the color components of the 7-color signal. With this, it is possible to realize a color conversion circuit by which colors represented by a signal after conversion can be adjusted using intuitively-understandable parameters.
US08427407B2
An on-vehicle display apparatus with an increased flat display size. The on-vehicle display apparatus includes a flat display capable of displaying various types of information, a light-transmitting substrate provided on a front-face side of the flat display, a pointer provided in the light-transmitting substrate, and a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the flat display. The pointer drive means rotates the pointer. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism for moving the light-transmitting substrate to the outside of a display range. A first magnet is provided for the pointer, and a second magnet is provided for the pointer drive means and is configured to be opposite to first magnet.
US08427401B2
An electro-optical device includes a plurality of element driving lines, a plurality of unit circuits, an element driving circuit, and a data line driving circuit. The data potential corresponds to gray scale data of the unit circuit for the element driving line. Each of the plurality of unit circuits includes a capacitive element and an electro-optical element. The electro-optical element is driven in such a manner that a potential difference is generated by supplying a potential to the element driving line.
US08427390B2
A space-dividing apparatus for a single-leaf section, a divider etc. A division plate section constitutes a single-leaf screen device and divides a space. On a front surface of the division plate section, nine TV receiving sets are arranged in a matrix shape and an attachable/detachable manner. On a back surface of the division plate section, nine image pickup elements are mounted to, for example, positions that correspond to the TV receiving sets respectively, when each are detached. An imaging direction of each of the image pickup elements can be automatically aligned with a line of sight of the user based on a position of the user (position of a remote controller). An image due to a video signal obtained by each of the image pickup elements can be displayed on the TV receiving sets, thereby permitting the user to observe the other side of the division plate section easily.
US08427385B2
An apparatus has an improved antenna pattern for a cross dipole antenna. Such antennas desirably have an omnidirectional antenna pattern. Conventional cross dipole antennas exhibit nulls in their antenna patterns, which can cause antennas to deviate from a standard or specification. Applicant recognized and confirmed that the connection of a coaxial cable to the antenna arms is a cause of the nulls in the antenna pattern, and has devised techniques disclosed herein to compensate or cancel the effects of the connection. In one embodiment, the arms of the cross dipole antenna that are coupled to a center conductor of the coaxial cable remain of conventional length, but the arms of the cross dipole antenna that are coupled to a shield of the coaxial cable are lengthened by a fraction of the radius of the outer diameter of the coaxial cable.
US08427380B2
A dual function composite system includes a first electronic subsystem, a second electronic subsystem, and a composite member between the first and second electronic subsystems. The composite member includes plies of fabric, and resin impregnating the plies of fabric. At least one ply of the fabric includes signal transmission elements integrated therewith and interconnecting the first electronic subsystem with the second electronic subsystem.
US08427378B2
An antenna may include a ground plane and a solar cell spaced above the ground plane. The solar cell may have first and second power output terminals. The antenna may include a coaxial antenna feed line including an inner conductor coupled to the first power output terminal, and an outer conductor coupled to the ground plane so that the solar cell also serves as a patch antenna element. The antenna may further include a drive shunt conductor extending between the first terminal and the ground plane.
US08427372B2
Disclosed is an electronic scanning array antenna which can be used as a UWB radar having an occupied band of not less than 500 MHz. An impulse generator is connected to each of a plurality of antenna elements constituting the electronic scanning array antenna, and a transmission trigger time to each of the impulse generators connected to the antenna elements is changed, whereby the phase of radio waves emitted from an antenna is equivalently changed. Moreover, a transmission trigger repletion interval is changed to thereby control a direction of a beam emitted from the array antenna. As means of changing a transmission trigger timing to each of the impulse generators connected to the antenna elements, a method of changing a frequency of a transmission trigger pulse and a method of changing a pulse position are adopted.
US08427365B2
A method and system for estimating the position comprises measuring a first carrier phase of a first carrier signal and a second carrier phase of a second carrier signal received by a location-determining receiver. A primary real time kinematic (RTK) engine or receiver data processing system estimates a primary integer ambiguity set associated with at least one of the measured first carrier phase and the measured second carrier phase. A quality evaluator determines if a primary integer ambiguity set is resolved correctly to the predefined reliability rate during an earlier evaluation period. A secondary real time kinematic (RTK) engine or receiver data processing system estimates a secondary integer ambiguity set associated with at least one of the measured first carrier phase and the measured second carrier phase during a later period following the earlier evaluation period.
US08427364B1
A method and radar system for estimating a radar search volume, includes acquiring covariance information relating to a cued direction, the covariance information having an ellipsoidal shape, projecting the ellipsoidal shape covariance information onto a range-traverse plane and onto the range-elevation plane to produce a covariance ellipse on the range-traverse and range-elevation planes; and determining the maximum extents in each of the range-transverse and range-elevation planes wherein the azimuth and elevation extents define the search volume.
US08427363B1
In one aspect, a method includes tagging a track as a live track if a tagging statistic is greater than a tagging statistic threshold and tagging the track as a virtual track if the tagging statistic is less than the tagging statistic threshold. In another aspect, an article includes a machine-readable medium that stores executable instructions to determine whether a track is a live track or a virtual track. The instructions causing a machine to tag a track as a live track if a tagging statistic is greater than a tagging statistic threshold and tag the track as a virtual track if the tagging statistic is less than the tagging statistic threshold. In a further aspect, an apparatus includes circuitry to tag a track as a live track if a tagging statistic is greater than a tagging statistic threshold and tag the track as a virtual track if the tagging statistic is less than the tagging statistic threshold.
US08427360B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radar altimeter which utilizes a downward looking MIMO phased array to form multiple beams, covering a relatively wide sector, e.g., +/−60 degrees or thereabouts. The distance to the ground is then measured in each beam allowing the ground profile to be formed. The beams may be tilted forward to cover from about +90 degrees forward (horizontal) to about 30 degrees behind nadir. The provision of such a forward tilt gives a greater degree of coverage in the direction of approach vector to the ground. This additional cover enables the altimeter to more accurately detect other vehicles in the proximity to the current approach vector of the vehicle to the desired landing zone.
US08427359B1
Radar data associated with radar illumination of a movable target is processed to monitor motion of the target. A plurality of filter operations are performed in parallel on the radar data so that each filter operation produces target image information. The filter operations are defined to have respectively corresponding velocity ranges that differ from one another. The target image information produced by one of the filter operations represents the target more accurately than the target image information produced by the remainder of the filter operations when a current velocity of the target is within the velocity range associated with the one filter operation. In response to the current velocity of the target being within the velocity range associated with the one filter operation, motion of the target is tracked based on the target image information produced by the one filter operation.
US08427357B2
A remote control system is disclosed. The remote control system includes a remote control transmitter module for transmitting a learning signal or a functional signal, and a remote control receiver module in a host for receiving the learning signal or the functional signal wherein the remote control receiver module operates in a learning mode upon a receipt of the learning signal or controls the host to operate functions according the functional signal. When the remote control receiver module operates in the learning mode the remote control receiver module is configured to verify and store the learning signal for recognizing an identity of the remote control transmitter module.
US08427355B2
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit comprising two time-interleaved successive approximation register (SAR) ADCs. Each of the two time-interleaved SAR ADCs comprises a first stage SAR sub-ADC, a residue amplifier, a second stage SAR sub-ADC and a digital error correction logic. The residue amplifier is shared between the time-interleaved paths, has a reduced gain and operates in sub-threshold to achieve power effective design.
US08427354B2
Disclosed herein is an analog to digital converter including an analog to digital conversion stage of at least one stage adapted to produce digital data of a value corresponding to a relationship to two analog signals inputted thereto and output two analog residual signals. The analog to digital conversion stage includes a signal production section, a comparison section, a first outputting section, a second outputting section, and a changeover section. The comparison section outputs first digital data when a first comparison result that the voltage value of the first analog signal is lower than the voltage value of the second analog signal is obtained whereas the comparison section outputs second digital data when a second comparison result that the voltage value of the first analog signal is higher than the voltage value of the second analog signal is obtained.
US08427353B2
Disclosed is at least one flash analog-to-digital converter embodiment having a linear voltage ladder, a set of comparators each of which is coupled to one or more operational amplifiers by a sampling switch. Each of the sampling switches samples the comparator output, using the parasitic capacitance of the operational amplifier to hold the voltage. The sampling switches may be single transistors. Some embodiments further include, for each comparator, multiple operational amplifiers each of which drives a binary latch via a gating switch. The gating switches operate in sequence to distribute sequential samples to different latches. At least some embodiments of the flash converter further include an automatic gain control (AGC) that has both differential input terminals and differential output terminals. In such embodiments the comparators compare the differential output of the AGC to a differential reference voltage, and may further provide the result as a differential signal.
US08427332B2
A circuit where a rotary push switch module with first and second switches are closed and first and second terminals of a NAND gate receive high level signals. An output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a low level signal. A light emitting diode (LED) is not lit. A voltage output terminal outputs a standby voltage. When the first switch is opened, and the second switch is closed, the first and the second input terminals of the NAND gate respectively receive a high level signal and a low level signal. The output terminal of the NAND gate outputs a high level signal. The LED is lit. The voltage output terminal does not output the standby voltage.
US08427321B2
This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.
US08427317B2
An apparatus and method is provided to shield contactless portable electronic consumer devices such as radio frequency identification devices (RFID), tokens, mini-cards, key fobs, cellular phones, smartcards, etc. from wireless interrogation. In one embodiment, a contactless portable consumer device which includes a first antenna is shielded from unauthorized wireless interrogation with a radio frequency (RF) shield. The RF shield includes electrically conductive, non-ferromagnetic material and is configured to prevent unauthorized data transfer between a second antenna external to the portable consumer device and the first antenna.
US08427315B2
RFID reader systems, software and methods precompute one or more reader commands, before a tag actually responds to an earlier transmitted command. This way a system can result at a high data rate, while meeting specification requirements of responding within a preset time.
US08427309B2
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for managing other apparatuses. In certain aspects, an apparatus for managing other apparatuses includes a processing system configured to receive one or more reports from the other apparatuses, and to send a message to at least one of the other apparatuses, wherein the message instructs the at least one of the other apparatuses to configure at least one parameter that controls when the at least one of the other apparatus sends a report to the apparatus.
US08427299B2
An alarm processing circuit includes a primary mask processing unit that performs primary mask processing on an alarm signal based on a first condition; and a secondary mask processing unit that performs secondary mask processing on the alarm signal based on a second condition and a mask processing result by the primary mask processing unit, the second condition being different from the first condition.
US08427295B2
A vehicle-installed display system for displaying two or more items of information one after another in a given display area includes a recognition time estimating unit that estimates a recognition time required for the driver to recognize information displayed in the given display area, with respect to each of the two or more items of information, and an output switching unit that switches the information displayed in the given display area from one item of information to another, based on the recognition time estimated by the recognition time estimating unit for each item of information.
US08427293B2
Systems and methods facilitate the monitoring of tire pressure, the detection/determination of wheel speed, or a combination thereof. A system is provided comprising a hub cap, a target coupled to the hub cap, and at least two displacement sensors configured to measure a displacement between each displacement sensor and the target. The target has a variable thickness, and the target comprises a hollow vessel in fluid communication with a tire.
US08427291B2
Image and sound information are acquired from a camera and a microphone and the information is stored into a second RAM for a first time period from detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of a vehicle by a sensor. When occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle has been detected by the sensor during the first time period from the detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle, image and sound information is acquired from the camera and the microphone and the information is stored into the second RAM for a second time period from the previous detection of occurrence of an abnormal condition of the vehicle, and the image and sound information stored into the second RAM for the second time period Tb are stored into a nonvolatile ROM.
US08427286B2
A haptic device having a plurality of operational modes, including a first operational mode and a second operational mode is provided. The first operational mode is associated with a frequency range. The second operational mode is associated with a frequency range that is different from the frequency range of the first operational mode. A controller is coupled to the haptic device, and is configured to send the haptic device a plurality of control schemes. Each control scheme is uniquely associated with an operational mode from the plurality of operational modes. Another embodiment provides a method that includes providing power to a haptic device configured to cause the haptic device to provide a haptic sensation above a pre-determined sensation threshold. A voltage pulse that is configured to change the haptic sensation output by the haptic device by a pre-determined amount within a pre-determined time period is also applied to the haptic device.
US08427282B2
A method of identifying a plurality of transponders, the method comprising receiving at an interrogator one or more data transmission blocks from each transponder, wherein the first data block contains a uniquely detectable transponder identity and zero or more further data blocks defining a set of data blocks making up a transponder transmission. The first data transmission block also contains in transmission block number; one or more further data transmission blocks containing additional block data and a respective transmission block number; the block number being changed, by decrement or increment, automatically as each data block is transmitted.
US08427279B2
A multi-protocol RFID interrogating system employs a synchronization technique (step-lock) for a backscatter RFID system that allows simultaneous operation of closely spaced interrogators. The multi-protocol RFID interrogating system can communicate with backscatter transponders having different output protocols and with active transponders including: Title 21 compliant RFID backscatter transponders; IT2000 RFID backscatter transponders that provide an extended mode capability beyond Title 21; EGO™ RFID backscatter transponders, SEGO™ RFID backscatter transponders; ATA, ISO, ANSI AAR compliant RFID backscatter transponders; and IAG compliant active technology transponders. The system implements a step-lock operation, whereby adjacent interrogators are synchronized to ensure that all downlinks operate within the same time frame and all uplinks operate within the same time frame, to eliminate downlink on uplink interference.
US08427275B1
A device is allowed to be used only in a specified location. The device has an automatic location detection part, and automatically determines its location, and whether that location is authorized. If unauthorized, or if no location detection signal is detected for too long a time, the device is deactivated.
US08427264B1
An article for use in various industries including for manufacturing toys, promotional articles, and decorative articles using plastic includes a body (1), a built-in magnet (3) and a receptacle (2) with side arms (21) embedded in the body (1). The receptacle (2) has a base (23), an opening (25) for introducing the magnet (3), and a closure lid (4) for closing the opening (25).
US08427263B2
A proportional magnet for a hydraulic directional control valve and a method for the production thereof. The proportional magnet has a coil unit, a bearing unit and a pole disk. The coil unit has a cylindrical coil, a cylindrical magnet casing surrounding the coil, an annular yoke disc arranged at a face of the magnet casing and a housing. The bearing unit has a yoke with a first bearing point, a pole core with a second bearing point, and an armature unit with a magnet armature and a pressure pin. The bearing points and armature unit are aligned coaxially by a centering sleeve. When mounting the proportional magnet, the bearing unit is inserted into a cylindrical opening of the coil unit and the pole disc is put on the coil unit after the bearing unit is inserted for axially fixating the bearing unit and closing the magnetic circuit.
US08427259B2
An elastic wave filter has first, second, and third IDT electrodes whose wiring electrodes are connected to unbalanced signal terminal; fourth IDT electrode disposed between the first and second IDT electrodes; fifth IDT electrode disposed between the second and third IDT electrodes; and first and second balanced signal terminals connected to the wiring electrodes of fourth and fifth IDT electrodes, respectively. The ground electrodes of the first through fifth IDT electrodes are connected to the ground. Signals in opposite phase and in phase with a signal input to unbalanced signal terminal are output from first and second balanced signal terminals, respectively. The wiring electrodes of second and third IDT electrodes are adjacent to the ground electrode of fifth IDT electrode. The wiring electrode of one of first and second IDT electrodes is adjacent to the wiring electrode of fourth IDT electrode. The ground electrode of the other is adjacent to the ground electrode of fourth IDT electrode. This configuration can suppress spuriousness in the bandpass.
US08427256B2
A waveform shaping device shapes a waveform of an externally input signal and outputs the input signal with the shaped waveform as an output signal to an equalizer for compensating a distortion of a signal, and includes a nonlinear process section for generating a nonlinear process signal (i) in which positive and negative signs of a low-frequency-free signal obtained by removing at least a direct current component from frequency components of the externally input signal are retained and (ii) which broadly monotonically increases nonlinearly with respect to the low-frequency-free signal when values of the low-frequency-free signal are at least in the vicinity of 0, the nonlinear process signal being added to the low-frequency-free signal so as to generate the input signal.
US08427255B1
An automatic slide screw impedance tuner uses one or more adjustable RF probes, either independently movable or linked together, in order to generate high VSWR; precise alignment of two RF probes inside the same slabline is critical, since they must glide seamlessly inside the slabline slot, very closely to the center conductor over large horizontal displacements; a self-aligning link between the tuner axis and the probes is made using a flexible steel blade and allows one or both of them to be mounted on the tuner's vertical axis in a manner that allows lateral and tilting self-alignment of the probe with hysteresis-free movement in vertical and horizontal directions, as required for exact re-positioning of the probe in the slabline during measurement. In case of multiple probes mounted on the same tuner axis the steel blade link provides also for variable spacing for optimum frequency operation of the tuner.
US08427254B2
In a ferrite phase shifter, a temperature rise at ferrites can be suppressed to maintain the characteristics of the frites even when used at high power. Thus, the phase shifter can stably demonstrate high performance. The ferrite phase shifter includes a rectangular waveguide, substantially sheet-like ferrites disposed to face each other with respective mounting surfaces kept in tight contact with inner walls of wide surfaces of the rectangular waveguide facing each other, and a coil which is wound around the periphery of the rectangular waveguide in a position substantially corresponding to the position of the ferrites and through which a current is passed.
US08427252B2
A method and apparatus for configuring an oscillator circuit to selectively switch between a low power mode and a normal mode of operation. The oscillator circuit includes an oscillator core in parallel with a dynamically configurable gain circuit. The oscillator core is configured to generate a clock signal. One or more gain elements of the gain circuit can be selectively disabled to reduce the operating power level of the oscillator circuit during a low power mode.
US08427245B2
A frequency generator is provided which is embodied in an integrated circuit manufactured at a process node below 100 nm. The frequency generator comprises a current starved oscillator configured to generate an output frequency signal in dependence on a voltage of a bias signal and a self-biased current generator configured to generate the bias signal, wherein the self-biased current generator comprises a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series. The bias signal is taken from a midpoint between the first transistor and the second transistor, and respective gates of the first and second transistors are connected to keep said first and second transistors in a cut-off state. Accordingly the self-biased current generator operates in a deep sub-threshold state and a current of said bias signal is dependent on a leakage current in the first and second transistors.
US08427244B2
An oscillation circuit includes: an oscillator that includes a vibrator and outputs an oscillation signal; an F/V converter that converts the oscillation signal into a voltage corresponding to a frequency of the oscillation signal; and a memory circuit that stores frequency correcting information for correcting the frequency of the oscillation signal.
US08427240B2
A low-noise amplifier (“LNA”) includes a first cascode gain stage including a first complementary metal oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”) transistor configured to receive a radio frequency (“RF”) input signal and a second CMOS transistor coupled to an output node. The first inductive gate network is coupled to a gate of the second CMOS transistor for increasing a gain of the first cascode gain stage. The first inductive gate network has a non-zero inductive input impedance and includes at least one passive circuit element.
US08427236B2
An operational amplifier includes an input differential stage having one external input receiving an external input voltage and two outputs; and two output stages. A switch section is provided between inputs of the two output stages and the two outputs of the input differential stage, and is configured to alternately connect the two outputs of the input differential stage and inputs of a positive-only output stage of the two output stages; and the two outputs of the input differential stage and inputs of a negative-only output stage of the two output stages.
US08427227B2
In one embodiment, a temperature compensation circuit includes a bias circuit configured to output a bias current having a current value increasing in proportion to an absolute temperature in a low-temperature region, and having a greater current value than the current value proportional to the absolute temperature in a high-temperature region, and a transistor which is supplied with the bias current. The bias circuit includes first to third transistors, a fourth transistor through which a first current flows, a fifth transistor, a sixth transistor through which a second current flows, and a control circuit having a connection terminal capable of being connected with an external resistor for adjusting a magnitude of the second current. The bias circuit generates a third current by adding the first current to the second current, and outputs the bias current that is the third current or a fourth current depending on the third current.
US08427223B2
A voltage level translator circuit for translating an input signal referenced to a first voltage supply to an output signal referenced to a second voltage supply includes an input stage for receiving the input signal, the input stage including at least first and second nodes, a voltage at the second node being a logical complement of a voltage at the first node. A load circuit is coupled with the input stage, the load circuit being operative to at least temporarily store a signal at the first and/or second nodes which is indicative of a logical state of the input signal. An output stage connected with the second node is operative to generate an output signal which is indicative of a logical state of the input signal. The voltage level translator circuit further includes a compensation circuit connected with the output stage and operative to balance pull-up and pull-down propagation delays in the voltage level translator circuit as a function of a voltage at the first node.
US08427220B2
A ringing suppression circuit for a communication circuit that performs communication through a transmission line includes a high side switch connected between a high potential reference point and a high side line of the transmission line, a low side switch connected between a low potential reference point and a low side line of the transmission line, and a ringing suppression section. The ringing suppression section turns on the high side switch based on a difference between a potential of the high side line and a potential applied to a control terminal of the high side switch. The ringing suppression section turns on the low side switch based on a difference between a potential of the low side line and potential applied to a control terminal of the low side switch.
US08427206B2
A single-phase input including transistors all of which have only a single type of channel polarity, which buffer includes: a buffer section 32, including a first series circuit formed by two n-channel transistors connected to each other in series, a second series circuit formed by two n-channel transistors connected to each other in series at a connection point OUT, and a capacitor; and an inverted-signal generating section for generating an inverted-signal from an input signal, the inverted-signal generating section including n-channel transistors but no p-channel transistor, the input signal being inputted to respective gates of the transistors, the inverted-signal being inputted to a gate of the transistor 4, and an output signal being outputted via the connection point OUT. With the buffer, it is possible that a consumption current be reduced and a current drive for a load is enhanced.
US08427205B1
A synthesizer comprises a first processing unit that receives digital information relating to a required final frequency of the synthesizer and determines a primary frequency value and a corresponding frequency multiplier mode. A primary synthesizer receives the primary frequency value and an external reference frequency signal to generate a signal of the primary frequency. The synthesizer further comprises a second processing unit that receives the primary frequency value, determines a pre-charge voltage value corresponding to the primary frequency value, and transmits the pre-charge voltage value to a delay locked loop in response to a change in the primary frequency value. The delay locked loop receives the signal of primary frequency and the pre-charge value. The DLL is pre-charged to the pre-charge voltage value for a predetermined time, by opening and closing the delay locked loop to obtain fast locking of the synthesizer.
US08427202B2
A nonvolatile logic circuit includes logic configuration electrodes and input electrodes. The nonvolatile logic circuit is programmable to any one of the logics between the input signals selected from logical conjunction (AND), logical disjunction (OR), logical non-conjunction (NAND), logical non-disjunction (NOR), and logical exclusive disjunction (XOR) by changing applied voltages to the logic configuration electrodes.
US08427192B2
Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products (i.e., software) for electric motor testing and analysis. Electric motor winding resistance and motor temperature are measured. The resistance measurement is normalized to a common temperature and electronically displayed in a resistance versus time graph including one or more previously normalized resistance values from previous resistance and temperature measurements. Based on information from the graph, a prediction or estimation can be made as to the remaining acceptable or satisfactory operating time of the electric motor. Such prediction or estimation may be used as an indicator for replacing or refurbishing the electric motor, or as an indicator for performing preventative maintenance on the electric motor.
US08427191B2
A power source device includes a main power source for outputting a direct current voltage with a specific value; a monitoring unit connected to the main power source for comparing the direct current voltage with a reference voltage to monitor whether a malfunction occurs in the main power source; and a monitoring display unit connected to the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit includes a comparison unit for comparing the direct current voltage with the reference voltage, and a monitoring control unit for detecting a signal of the comparison unit and for storing and displaying the direct current voltage on the monitoring display unit when the malfunction occurs in the main power source.
US08427179B2
An electronic sensor for determining if a metal hose connector is fully snapped into its mating plastic connector. This sensor detects the metal hose in position by having a coil in position over the plastic connector and at the end of the metal hose when it is in correct position. The metal of the hose interacts with the magnetic field of the coil to both increase the inductance and greatly reduce the ‘Q’ because of the “shorted turn” effect of the round metal hose. The sensor inherently detects faults in its own circuit because of the comparator voltage window. Faults such as an open coil, oscillator or rectifier failure will appear at the output as “hose disconnected” which is the desirable failure mode. The invention also detects external faults because of the two non-zero, non-line voltages seen during normal operation.
US08427173B2
Systems and methods are shown for detecting a blown fuse in a three-phase line by comparing neutral points in the line before and after the fuses. Diode rectifier circuits may be used to compare the neutral points and generate a DC output voltage when neutral points are off from one another, and photocoupler circuits may provide electrical isolation when signaling a neutral point shift. The neutral points compared need not be on immediate sides of the fuses, so intermediate components may exist, and in some embodiments one of the compared points may be within a load connected to the three-phase line.
US08427160B2
A method of performing high throughput magnetic sensing of one or more samples. The method comprises selecting a first sample having a first bulk magnetic susceptibility, selecting an assay plate having a second bulk magnetic susceptibility matched to the first bulk magnetic susceptibility, the assay plate including multiple wells, introducing the first sample into a plurality of the wells, and performing magnetic sensing on the plurality of wells containing the first sample. Assay plates, caps, kits, and other devices and methods relating to high throughput magnetic sensing are also disclosed.
US08427159B2
A balun assembly includes a body portion having an opening extending therethrough, the opening sized to receive at least one radio-frequency (RF) cable therethrough, the RF cable transmitting a signal therethrough a signal having a wavelength, and a balun disposed within the body portion, the balun being folded to form a plurality of layers, the combined length of the layers being approximately equal to a quarter wavelength of the signal transmitted through the RF cable. A method of fabricating a balun assembly and an MRI system including a balun are also provided.
US08427158B2
A wireless magnetic resonance imaging scanner antenna assembly has a radio frequency antenna array having a number of RF antenna rungs, a microwave antenna array having a number of microwave antenna elements, and a number of antenna feeds. The rungs and elements are grouped together in feed subsets, each subset having at least one feed rung, one non-feed rung and associated microwave antenna elements. Signal transfers between a feed rung and a non-feed rung of a subset are made at a point on the feed rung, within a region of minimum potential.
US08427152B2
An electromagnetic interference suppression device and an MRI apparatus using such a device are disclosed. The MRI apparatus may include a main magnet, a gradient coil, an RF coil placed in a shielding chamber, a control system, and an electromagnetic interference suppression device.
US08427151B2
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for brain perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique with the removal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pixels. This invention utilizes a CSF/brain-contrast-enhanced image, wherein the CSF/brain-contrast-enhanced image is defined as the signal difference between CSF and brain matter divided by a standard deviation of air background random noise is larger than 3, acquired from the subject's brain, and applies a segmentation technique to remove the CSF pixels. After removing the CSF pixels on parametric images, the extent of brain tissue with delayed perfusion can be better identified. By using a good region of interest enclosing the correct delayed-perfusion region, the measurement on the tissue volume and perfusion parameters would be more accurate than the area contaminated by CSF pixels.
US08427143B2
A fixing structure for signal wires of a resolver is disposable on an end face of a stator of the resolver. The fixing structure includes a circuit board, a fixing section disposed on the circuit board for connecting the circuit board to the end face of the stator, a connection terminal seat disposed on the circuit board, multiple connection sections formed through the circuit board in the form of holes, and multiple bridge circuits respectively arranged between the corresponding connection sections and the connection terminal seat for bridging the corresponding connection sections and the connection terminal seat.
US08427137B2
A transducer senses repetitive pulses on a magnetostrictive element and provides transducer output bursts. A transducer circuit detects the transducer output bursts. An energy storage device couples to a power input of the transducer circuit. A switching power supply couples to the energy storage device and has repetitive suppressed states during which switching in the switching power supply is suppressed. A sequence circuit provides synchronization of the repetitive suppressed states of the switching power supply with the transducer output bursts.
US08427136B2
A magnetic displacement sensor, where, in order to achieve an improved measurement behavior, magnets are formed in a direction of an x-axis such that a z-component (Bz) of the flux density has an essentially linear characteristic curve in a region of travel and/or the magnets are formed in a direction of a y-axis such that the z-component (Bz) is essentially constant in a region of a transversal offset.
US08427118B2
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for regulating power in renewable energy sources. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for regulating active power produced by the renewable energy source towards an apparent power setpoint. The method may include selectively regulating voltage based on power factor foldback or voltage foldback associated with the renewable energy source. When power factor foldback is selected, the method may include regulating the power factor associated with the renewable energy source based at least in part on a power factor angle magnitude setpoint, and reducing the power factor angle magnitude setpoint towards zero when apparent power produced by the renewable energy source approaches or exceeds the apparent power setpoint. When voltage foldback is selected, the method may include regulating voltage of the renewable energy source based at least in part on measured VARs and an apparent power ratio, where the apparent power ratio is about equal to the apparent power divided by the apparent power setpoint.
US08427116B2
A starting/generating system includes a rotor portion and a stator portion. The stator portion is connected to a DC power source during starting operations and to a DC load during generating operations, and includes a DC link having a first and second DC link bus, a DC link capacitor connected between the DC link buses, and an inverter/rectifier that converts AC power to DC power and vice versa. A switching device is connected in series on the first DC link bus and is controlled by a controller that turns the switching device On and Off to provide various functionality to the starting/generating system.
US08427115B2
An actuator is sequentially charged with output voltage “E/2” of a voltage source and output voltage “E” of a voltage source. After the charging, “Q/2” of electric charge “Q” stored in the actuator is discharged on a path returning to the voltage source. Subsequent to the discharging, the remaining all electric charge “Q/2” stored in the actuator is discharged on a closed circuit.
US08427107B2
Systems and methods for extending the useable capacity of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, flyback transformers supply charge to lower capacity battery cells to extend battery output.
US08427096B2
A rotating electrical machine including a first member (10) capable of generating a magnetic field which rotates relative to the first member, and a second member (6) which is provided with a winding through which a current can flow, such that the rotating magnetic field drives the second member in rotation. An electrical value which is at least related to the current is measured (18) and the generation of the rotating magnetic field is started (12) at a time which is determined as a function of the electrical value which is measured. A method of controlling the machine is also disclosed.
US08427088B2
In an apparatus, a predicting unit uses, as an initial value of a controlled variable, at least one of a first measured value of the controlled variable and a second measured value of a physical variable expressed as a function of the controlled variable. The predicting unit predicts, based on the initial value of the controlled variable, a value of the controlled variable when a driving mode of a switching element of a power converter is set. A driving unit has an integral element and determines, based on an output of the integral element to which a deviation between the predicted value of the controlled variable and a command value of the controlled variable is inputted, an actual driving mode of the switching element to thereby drive the switching element in the determined driving mode.
US08427076B2
An area lighting system is composed of a plurality of lighting elements that are responsive to the movement and progression of a user through the area. Each lighting element comprises at least one light, means for powering the lighting element, a processor, communication means and is associated with a motion sensor. Detection of a user is communicated to other lighting elements that provide an appropriate level of illumination depending on the distance from the user. The lighting elements are substantially self-configurable and may be set for either a radial proximity lighting protocol or a path network lighting protocol.
US08427074B1
A power line communication system communicates a ballast dimming level to an electronic ballast over an AC power line. A power line controller is operable to generate the ballast control signal and to insert that signal on the AC power signal being transmitted over the AC power line. A power line receiver receives the AC power signal and extracts the ballast control signal from the AC power signal to generate the dimming level signal corresponding with the desired ballast dimming level. To insert the ballast control signal on the AC power signal, the power line controller has a transformer coupled to the signal pattern circuit. The secondary winding of this transformer is connected in series with the AC power line to insert the ballast control signal on the AC power signal. This AC power signal is then transmitted to the electronic ballast. To extract the ballast control signal out of the AC power signal, the power line receiver has a resonant circuit connected in series with the AC power line. The resonant circuit should be tuned to transmit the ballast control signal and to filter out the AC power signal. A dimming level sensing circuit then senses the signal pattern on the ballast control signal and generates a dimming level signal corresponding to the desired ballast dimming level.
US08427070B2
A lighting circuit according to embodiments includes: a self-hold element connected in series to an AC power source that generates power for lighting an illumination load, together with the illumination load, the self-hold element being configured to control supply of the power provided by the AC power source to the illumination load by the self-hold element being turned on/off; a noise prevention circuit connected in parallel to the self-hold element; and a damping circuit configured to connect a damping resistance to the noise prevention circuit parallely only for a predetermined period from turning-on of the self-hold element, thereby preventing the self-hold element from being repeatedly turned on/off during a period in which the self-hold element is on under normal conditions, due to a transient during power supply.
US08427068B2
There are provided a reference signal generator and a PWM control circuit for LCD backlight. The reference signal generator and the PWM control circuit for LCD backlight may be configured to respectively include: a current control unit that controls generation of a variable current sequentially changing; a current generating unit that generates a variable current changing sequentially; and a reference signal generating unit that controls charging until a charged voltage charged by the variable current generated by the current generating unit reaches a first reference voltage level, starts discharging when the charged voltage reaches the first reference voltage level, controls discharging until the charged voltage reaches a second reference voltage level, and generates a triangular wave reference signal that has a frequency buffering interval in which a frequency sequentially changes when the initial driving completion signal or the protection signal is input.
US08427066B2
A representative apparatus embodiment provides for controlling current supplied to solid state lighting, such as light emitting diodes. A representative apparatus comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of current parameters, and a control circuit adapted to modulate an energizing cycle time period for providing a substantially constant DC average current to the solid state lighting in response to a selected current parameter from the plurality of current parameters. In a representative embodiment, the control circuit modulates a current provided to the solid state lighting in response to a predetermined minimum current level (IMIN) parameter and a predetermined peak current level (IP) parameter, such that the DC average current level (IO) is substantially proportional to one-half of a sum of a predetermined peak current level (IP) and a predetermined minimum current level I M ( I O ∝ I P + I MIN 2 ) .
US08427063B2
A multicolored LED luminaire module is provided that can be controlled using a single driver and only two wires. The LED luminaire module comprises a plurality of LEDs and a sequencer. The sequencer connects each LED to the circuit in a predetermined order. Synchronously with the sequencer, the driver transmits a control signal comprising a time division multiplexed (TDM) signal that combines the driving currents for each LED into one TDM signal. The sequencer and TDM rate are sufficiently fast such that the light emitted by the LED luminaire appears to be the combined light from all the LEDs.
US08427059B2
A substrate is attached to one edge side of a radiator and a globe is attached covering the substrate. Heat-radiating fins are provided on the other edge side of the radiator and an air-cooling unit is rotatably provided inside the heat-radiating fins which enables to freely rotate. A case storing a circuit part is attached to the other edge side of the radiator and a cap is provided to the case. By the wind blast from the air-cooling unit, the heat-radiating fins are caused to be a part of the ventilation path to allow for ventilation of the inside of the radiator.
US08427055B2
A high pressure discharge lamp comprises a pair of electrodes that face each other in an electric discharge container, wherein an electrode axis of each electrode is buried in a sealing portion, each electrode axis is joined to a metallic foil, two or more grooves are formed in an axis direction on a portion of the electrode axis, which corresponds to the sealing portion, an upper shoulder portion of each groove is formed in a shape of a curved surface, a diameter of the electrode axis is 0.3 mm to 1 mm, and a curvature radius of the curved surface upper shoulder portion is 5 μm-50 μm.
US08427053B2
A plasma display panel has high definition, high luminance, and low power consumption. In the plasma display panel, the front panel is provided thereon with display electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer. The display electrodes are formed on the front glass substrate. The dielectric layer coats the display electrodes, and the protective layer is formed on the dielectric layer. The rear panel is provided thereon with address electrodes and barrier ribs for partitioning the discharge space in the direction crossing to the display electrodes. The front and rear panels are opposed to each other with a discharge space therebetween filled with a discharge gas. The protective layer on the dielectric layer includes an underlying film, and aggregated particles adhered on the underlying film, the aggregated particles being formed by aggregating crystal grains of magnesium oxide. The underlying film contains metal oxides composed of at least two oxides selected from magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, strontium oxide, and barium oxide. According to an X-ray diffraction analysis of the surface of the underlying film, in a specific plane direction, the metal oxides have a diffraction angle peak between the minimum and maximum diffraction angles of simple substances of the oxides composing the metal oxides.
US08427044B2
To enhance luminance and color rendering of a light emitting device comprising phosphors as wavelength converting material andat least one semiconductor light emitting device that emits visible light, as said phosphors, are used phosphors which are one or more kinds of phosphors selected from a group consisting of oxides, oxynitrides and nitrides, and are a mixture consisting of two or more kinds of phosphors whose luminous efficiency is 35% or higher when excited by the visible light from said semiconductor light emitting device at room temperature. In addition, said mixture contains a first phosphor, and a second phosphor that is different from said first phosphor and capable of absorbing emitted light from said first phosphor, and said first phosphor is contained 85 weight % or more of said mixture of phosphors.
US08427038B2
There are provided a spark plug in which a plating film applied to a ground electrode can be relatively easily removed, without cost increase, to prevent deterioration in ignition performance, and a process for producing the spark plug. A spark plug 1 has a metal shell 3, a ground electrode 27 made of a Ni alloy and a Ni plating layer 28 containing Ni as a main component and applied to surfaces of at least a rear end portion of the ground electrode 27 and of the metal shell 3. A Ni plating film 41 applied to a center-electrode-side part of a portion of the ground electrode 27 to be bent has been irradiated with a laser beam or the like, thereby forming a molten layer 29 in which metal materials of the Ni plating film 41 and the ground electrode 27 are molten together on the center-electrode-side part of the portion of the ground electrode 27 to be bent. The Ni plating layer 28 is formed on a part of the ground electrode 27 other than the part irradiated with the laser beam.
US08427032B2
A surface acoustic wave device prevents a decrease in yield and a decrease in reliability, such as an impulse withstand voltage, and achieves good frequency characteristics, even when using higher frequencies. The surface acoustic wave device includes an IDT electrode disposed on a piezoelectric substrate, and a first insulating film and at least one second insulating film disposed on the IDT electrode, and utilizes a higher-order mode of an SH wave, in which the acoustic velocity of a surface acoustic wave in the first insulating film located closer to the IDT electrode than the insulating film at an outermost surface is higher than the acoustic velocity of a surface acoustic wave in the second insulating film located at the outermost surface.
US08427024B2
To provide a stator capable of achieving downsizing and high output power and a stator manufacturing method, a stator comprises a split stator core and slots formed between the teeth, and protrusion-formed coils each being made of a flat rectangular conductor and placed in the slots. Each protrusion-formed coil has a shape including, in a coil end portion, a lead-side protrusion or a non-lead-side protrusion formed to protrude upward in an axial direction of the stator core from a first oblique side portion, a second oblique side portion, a third oblique side portion, and a fourth oblique side portion, and a first oblique side portion, a second oblique side portion, a third oblique side portion, and a fourth oblique side portion. The lead-side protrusion or the non-lead-side protrusion is designed with a height to avoid interference between the protrusion-formed coils placed in the stator core.
US08427021B2
A permanent magnet motor is provided with a housing, a rotating shaft supported within the housing, and magnetic coils arranged within the housing. A hydrostatic bearing is disposed on the rotating shaft, the hydrostatic bearing having a permanent magnet incorporated therewith that restricts movement of the rotating shaft in a radial direction.
US08427016B2
A linear vibrator includes a casing defining an internal space of the vibrator, a bracket disposed under the casing and having a coil, to which electricity is applied to induce a magnetic field, an oscillator having a magnet received in a hollow portion of a yoke, one end of which is closed, and a cylindrical weight coupled onto the circumference of the yoke, and a spring member coupled with an upper portion of the casing to elastically support the oscillator such that the oscillator is movable in a linear motion, wherein the weight is provided with a plurality of circumferential recesses in which a rotary member is rotatably inserted while being in contact with a sidewall of the casing.
US08427015B2
A multihead-type coreless linear motor includes a permanent field magnet having P permanent magnets that are arranged such that different magnetic poles appear alternately, and an armature having M armature coils that are closely wounded and connected in three phases. One of the armature and the permanent field magnet is configured as a moving part and the other is configured as a stator. A plurality of moving parts are arranged on the same stator and are driven separately. In this multihead-type coreless linear motor, the plurality of moving parts includes a large-thrust moving part and a small-thrust moving part that are different in relationship with the stator, the relationship being determined by the number of magnetic poles P of the permanent magnets and the number of armature coils M.
US08427013B2
According to one embodiment, a power supply circuit includes a power switch section, an error amplifier, a wiring and a reset switch section. The error amplifier has one input portion connected to the output terminal, the other input portion and an output portion. The error amplifier outputs the control potential via the output portion to make the resistance of the power switch section high so that potential applied to the one input portion is high to potential applied to the other input portion. The wiring connects a reference terminal to the other input portion. In addition, the reset switch section is configured to isolate the wiring from a baseline potential when the input terminal is supplied with a potential, and to connect the wiring to the baseline potential when the input terminal is not supplied with the potential.
US08427011B2
A non-contact power transmission apparatus accurately determines the kind of object that is placed on the charging deck of the non-contact power transmission apparatus, and, only when a non-contact power receiving apparatus is placed on the power transmission apparatus, allows power transmission and data communication to take place, thereby accurately determining the state of the receiver side and efficiently controlling the transmission of power. In the power transmission apparatus, the power supplied to the non-contact power receiving apparatus is measured, and the output power of the wireless power signal output from two different cores is controlled, thereby allowing the charging operation to be stably conducted even if the non-contact power receiving apparatus is moved anywhere on the power transmission apparatus. The power transmission apparatus improves both the reliability of operation of the non-contact charging system, and the competitiveness of related products, such as portable terminals, battery packs and the like.
US08427009B2
Distributed maximum power point tracking systems, structures, and processes are provided for power generation structures, such as for but not limited to a solar panel arrays. In an exemplary solar panel string structure, distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) modules are provided, such as integrated into or retrofitted for each solar panel. The DMPPT modules provide panel level control for startup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown, and further provide flexible design and operation for strings of multiple panels. The strings are typically linked in parallel to a combiner box, and is then toward and enhanced inverter module, which is typically connected to a power grid. Enhanced inverters are controllable either locally or remotely, wherein system status is readily determined, and operation of one or more sections of the system are readily controlled. The system provides increased operation time, and increased power production and efficiency, over a wide range of operating conditions.
US08427003B2
A power supply device includes an electric storage unit connected to a main power supply and a load via a charging circuit; and a control circuit connected to the main power supply, the charging circuit, a voltage detection circuit, and a current detection circuit. When the electric storage unit is charged up to a steady-state voltage Vcs of the electric storage unit, the control circuit controls the electric storage unit to be charged until the voltage Vc of the electric storage unit reaches a voltage for determining the property deterioration of the electric storage unit. During the charge process, the control circuit calculates at least one of the internal resistances and the capacitance of the electric storage unit to determine the property deterioration of the electric storage unit.
US08427002B2
A system configured to power a vehicle or vessel. The system may include an enhanced power control system. The enhanced power control system having a distributed architecture such that power conversion and/or management is provided for individual energy supplies and/or system loads. The distributed architecture of the power control system may enhance the power efficiency of the vehicle or vessel. The distributed architecture of the power control system may enable a plurality of different energy supplies and/or system loads to be incorporated into the power system in a selectable, configurable manner. This may facilitate the addition and/or subtraction of energy supplies and/or system loads from the system to customize the vehicle or vessel for a specific use and/or mission without having to reconfigure the power control system as a whole.
US08427001B2
An electrical power system and method utilizing a controlled frequency generator (CFG) that creates an electrical output with a constant frequency is disclosed. More specifically, an electrical power system and method utilizing controlled frequency to provide no break power to the various aircraft electrical power components as well as providing starting power to the main engine and the auxiliary power unit. An electrical power system in accordance with the present invention eliminates various unnecessary AC and DC conversions by generating a more user friendly electrical output at a constant frequency to be usable by various aircraft components such as the air compressor, electronics, hydraulic pressure, and air conditioning. Moreover, the current electrical power system architecture can also be used to provide main engine and auxiliary power unit starting power utilizing the constant frequency.
US08426994B2
According to the present invention is provided a method of control of noise emission from a wind park in operation, the wind park comprising a plurality of wind turbines. The method comprises the steps of • providing measurements of at least one wind speed and of at least one wind direction to a park noise emission emulation module including for each of two or more of the plurality of wind turbines a wind turbine noise emission model being suitable for producing a prediction of noise emission from the wind turbine as a function of at least one operational characteristic, the geographical position of each of the plurality of wind turbines, and the geographical position of at least one noise immission point, • emulating the noise level at the at least one noise immission point as a result of noise emitted by the plurality of wind turbines, and • controlling the operation of the wind park from the result of the emulation so as to prevent the noise level at the at least one noise immission point from exceeding a predetermined threshold level. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wind park.
US08426989B2
A solenoid for pushing out a pinion pushes out a pinion gear to a ring gear side and a switch for motor energization that opens and closes a motor point of contact have a solenoid coil and a switch coil that form an electromagnet by energization, respectively. A fixed iron core used commonly by both coils is arranged between the solenoid coil and the switch coil. A solenoid yoke that covers a perimeter of the solenoid and a switch yoke that covers a perimeter of the switch are formed integrally as a whole yoke in an axial direction.
US08426983B2
A semiconductor device may include: first and second wiring boards separated from each other via a gap; a semiconductor chip; first and second groups of electrode pads; and first and second groups of connection pads. The semiconductor chip is fixed to upper surfaces of the first and second wiring boards, and has a first portion adjacent to the gap. The first and second groups of electrode pads are disposed on the first portion. The first and second groups of electrode pads are aligned adjacent to side surfaces of the first and second wiring boards, respectively. The side surfaces of the first and second wiring boards face each other. The first and second groups of connection pads are disposed on lower surfaces of the first and second wiring boards, respectively. The first and second groups of connection pads are aligned adjacent to the side surfaces of the first and second wiring boards, respectively.
US08426982B2
A Chip Scale Package (CSP) and a method of forming the same are disclosed. Single chips without the conventional ball mountings, are first attached to an adhesive-substrate (adsubstrate) composite having openings that correspond to the input/output (I/O) pads on the single chips to form a composite chip package. Ball mounting is then performed over the openings, thus connecting the I/O pads at the chip sites to the next level of packaging directly. In another embodiment, the adhesive layer is formed on the wafer side first to form an adwafer, which is then die sawed in CSPs. Then the CSPs with the adhesive already on them are bonded to a substrate. The composite chip package may optionally be encapsulated with a molding material. The CSPs provide integrated and shorter chip connections especially suited for high frequency circuit applications, and can leverage the currently existing test infrastructure.
US08426979B2
A composite layered chip package includes a plurality of subpackages stacked on each other. Each subpackage includes a main body and wiring. The main body includes a main part including a plurality of layer portions, and further includes first terminals and second terminals that are disposed on top and bottom surfaces of the main part, respectively. The wiring is electrically connected to the first and second terminals. The number of the plurality of layer portions included in the main part is the same for all the plurality of subpackages, and the plurality of layer portions in every subpackage include at least one first-type layer portion. In each of at least two of the subpackages, the plurality of layer portions further include at least one second-type layer portion. The first-type layer portion includes a semiconductor chip connected to the wiring, whereas the second-type layer portion includes a semiconductor chip not connected to the wiring.
US08426972B2
A semiconductor device has: a semiconductor substrate; and an upper surface electrode laminated on an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, wherein at least one portion of the upper surface electrode includes a first layer formed on an upper surface side of the semiconductor substrate, a second layer formed on an upper surface side of the first layer, a third layer in contact with the upper surface of the second layer, and a fourth layer formed on an upper surface side of the third layer. The first layer is a barrier metal layer. The second layer is an Al (aluminum) layer. The third layer is one of an Al—Si (aluminum-silicon alloy) layer, an Al—Cu (aluminum-copper alloy) layer and an Al—Si—Cu (aluminum-silicon-copper alloy) layer. The fourth layer is a solder joint layer.
US08426958B2
A chip package comprises a first chip having a first side and a second side, wherein said first chip comprises a first pad, a first trace, a second pad and a first passivation layer at said first side thereof, an opening in said first passivation layer exposing said first pad, said first trace being over said first passivation layer, said first trace connecting said first pad to said second pad; a second chip having a first side and a second side, wherein said second chip comprises a first pad at said first side thereof, wherein said second side of said second chip is joined with said second side of side first chip; a substrate joined with said first side of said first chip or with said first side of said second chip; a first wirebonding wire connecting said second pad of said first chip and said substrate; and a second wirebonding wire connecting said first pad of said second chip and said substrate.
US08426957B2
A stacked microelectronic assembly includes a first stacked subassembly and a second stacked subassembly overlying a portion of the first stacked subassembly. Each stacked subassembly includes at least a respective first microelectronic element having a face and a respective second microelectronic element having a face overlying and parallel to a face of the first microelectronic element. Each of the first and second microelectronic elements has edges extending away from the respective face. A plurality of traces at the respective face extend about at least one respective edge. Each of the first and second stacked subassemblies includes contacts connected to at least some of the plurality of traces. Bond wires conductively connect the contacts of the first stacked subassembly with the contacts of the second stacked subassembly.
US08426948B2
In a laminated semiconductor substrate, a plurality of semiconductor substrates are laminated. Each of the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of scribe-groove parts formed along scribe lines. Further, each of the semiconductor substrate has a plurality of device regions insulated from each other and has a semiconductor device formed therein. Further, an uppermost substrate and a lowermost substrate have electromagnetic shielding layer formed in regions other than the scribe-groove parts using a ferromagnetic body. Further, in the laminated semiconductor substrate, a through hole which penetrates the plurality of semiconductor substrates laminated in a laminated direction is formed in the scribe-groove part, and the laminated semiconductor substrate has a through electrode penetrating the plurality of semiconductor substrates through the through hole.
US08426943B2
A semiconductor device includes: an e-fuse gate, a floating pattern between the e-fuse gate and an e-fuse active portion, a blocking dielectric pattern between the floating pattern and the e-fuse gate, and an e-fuse dielectric layer between the floating pattern and the e-fuse active portion. The floating pattern includes a first portion between the e-fuse gate and the e-fuse active portion and a pair of second portions extended upward along both sidewalls of the e-fuse gate from both edges of the first portion.
US08426941B2
A technique capable of promoting miniaturization of an RF power module used in a mobile phone etc. is provided. A directional coupler is formed inside a semiconductor chip in which an amplification part of the RF power module is formed. A sub-line of the directional coupler is formed in the same layer as a drain wire coupled to the drain region of an LDMOSFET, which will serve as the amplification part of the semiconductor chip. Due to this, the predetermined drain wire is used as a main line and the directional coupler is configured by a sub-line arranged in parallel to the main line via an insulating film, together with the main line.
US08426931B2
To provide a semiconductor device prevented from giving a limitation on the sensitivity of HEMS devices due to isolation regions thereof and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate with a recess portion formed in an upper surface; a supporting body provided around the recess portion on the semiconductor substrate; a beam-type movable portion which includes a movable electrode provided above the recess portion and is fixed to the supporting body at a position away from the movable electrode; a beam-type fixed electrode provided above the recess portion to be opposed to the movable electrode and fixed to the supporting body; and isolation regions each including a separation column made of a semiconductor and a separation insulating film provided on a side surface of the separation column, the isolation regions being provided between the movable electrode and the supporting body and between the fixed electrode and the supporting body to electrically separate the movable and fixed electrodes from the supporting body.
US08426929B2
The magnetic sensor includes a base substrate having a magnetic shield layer; a single-domain semiconductor crystal layer attached via an insulating film on the magnetic shield layer of the base substrate; a first ferromagnetic layer formed on top of the semiconductor crystal layer on the opposite side of the semiconductor crystal layer to the insulating film, via a first tunnel barrier layer; and a second ferromagnetic layer formed, at a distance from the first ferromagnetic layer, on top of the semiconductor crystal layer on the opposite side of the semiconductor crystal layer to the insulating film, via a second tunnel barrier layer.
US08426917B2
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an asymmetric P-type field effect transistor includes: a source region coupled to a drain region via a channel; a gate structure overlying at least a portion of the channel; a halo implant disposed at least partially in the channel, where the halo implant is disposed closer to the source region than the drain region; and a body-tie coupled to the channel. In a further exemplary embodiment, the asymmetric P-type field effect transistor is operable to act as a symmetric P-type field effect transistor.
US08426915B2
In one embodiment, a power integrated circuit device includes a main lateral high-voltage field-effect transistor (HVFET) and an adjacently-located lateral sense FET, both of which are formed on a high-resistivity substrate. A sense resistor is formed in a well region disposed in an area of the substrate between the HVFET and the sense FET. A parasitic substrate resistor is formed in parallel electrical connection with the sense resistor between the source regions of the HVFET and the sense FET. Both transistor devices share common drain and gate electrodes. When the main lateral HVFET and the sense FET are in an on-state, a voltage potential is produced at the second source metal layer that is proportional to a first current flowing through the lateral HVFET.
US08426914B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate having a first conductive type, at least one high-side transistor device and at least one low-side transistor device. The high-side transistor device includes a doped high-side base region having a second conductive type, a doped high-side source region having the first conductive type and a doped drain region having the first conductive type. The doped high-side base region is disposed within the semiconductor substrate, and the doped high-side source region and the doped drain region are disposed within the doped high-side base region. The doped high-side source region is electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate, and the semiconductor substrate is regarded as a drain of the low-side transistor device.
US08426913B2
An integrated circuit comprising trench MOSFET having trenched source-body contacts and trench Schottky rectifier having trenched anode contacts is disclosed. By employing the trenched contacts in trench MOSFET and trench Schottky rectifier, the integrated circuit is able to be shrunk to achieve low specific on-resistance for trench MOSFET, and low Vf and reverse leakage current for trench Schottky Rectifier.
US08426910B2
A semiconductor device for use in a power supply circuit has first and second MOSFETS. The source-drain path of one of the MOSFETS are coupled to the source-drain path of the other, and a load element is coupled to a connection node of the source-drain paths. The second MOSFET is formed on a semiconductor substrate with a Schottky barrier diode. First gate electrodes of the second MOSFET are formed in trenches in a first region of the semiconductor substrate, while second gate electrodes of the second MOSFET are formed in trenches in a second region of the semiconductor substrate. The first and second gate electrodes are electrically connected together. Portions of the Schottky barrier diode are formed between adjacent ones of the second gate electrodes. A center-to-center spacing between adjacent first gate electrodes is smaller than a center-to-center spacing between adjacent second gate electrodes.
US08426887B2
Provided is a light emitting device. In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes: a first conductive type semiconductor layer including a plurality of grooves; an active layer formed on a upper surface of the first conductive type semiconductor layer and along the grooves; an anti-current leakage layer having a flat upper surface on the active layer; and a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the anti-current leakage layer.
US08426886B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a wire connected to the light emitting element, and a substrate supporting the light emitting element. The substrate is formed with a first recess and a second recess that are open in a common surface of the substrate. The first recess includes a first bottom surface and a first side surface connected to the first bottom surface, and the light emitting element is disposed on the first bottom surface. The second recess includes a second bottom surface and a second side surface connected to the second bottom surface, and the wire is bonded to the second bottom surface. Both of the first side surface and the second side surface reach the common surface. The first side surface is connected to both of the second bottom surface and the second side surface. The opening area of the first recess is larger than the opening area of the second recess.
US08426869B2
A thin film transistor includes: a silicon nanowire on a substrate, the silicon nanowire having a central portion and both side portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode on the both side portions, the source electrode and the drain electrode electrically connected to the silicon nanowire, respectively.
US08426867B2
A plurality of thin film capacitor parts are provided in respective regions each surrounded by a plurality of gate metal lines (12) and a plurality of data signal lines (11) intersecting perpendicularly to each other on a glass substrate (1), and each of the thin film capacitor parts has a lower electrode (3), a gate insulating film, and an upper electrode (5), which are provided in this order. Adjacent upper electrodes (5) are electrically connected to each other via a corresponding first wire (8), which is positioned above the adjacent upper electrodes (5) and intersects with one of the data signal lines (11). This makes it possible to provide a thin film capacitor, which includes the lower electrodes (3) each having the same thickness in a center portion and an edge portion, and the upper electrodes (5) that are connected to each other by using a corresponding connecting wire with low possibility of disconnection.
US08426866B2
To constitute a display panel only by transistors having the same conductivity type is difficult if a p-type transistor is adopted as a driving transistor. By constituting a circuit formed in the display panel by transistors having the same conductivity type, manufacturing process can be reduced, and cost reduction can be achieved. In the invention, an n-type transistor is used as a driving transistor for driving a light emitting element, and the driving transistor and the light emitting element constitute a source follower circuit.
US08426864B2
The infrared sensor (1) includes a base (10), and an infrared detection element (3) formed over a surface of the base (10). The infrared detection element (3) comprises an infrared absorption member (33) in the form of a thin film configured to absorb infrared, and a temperature detection member (30) configured to measure a temperature difference between the infrared absorption member (33) and the base (10). The temperature detection member (30) includes a p-type polysilicon layer (35) formed over the infrared absorption member (33) and the base (10), an n-type polysilicon layer (34) formed over the infrared absorption member (33) and the base (10) without contact with the p-type polysilicon layer (33), and a connection layer (36) configured to electrically connect the p-type polysilicon layer (35) to the n-type polysilicon layer (34). Each of the p-type polysilicon layer (35) and the n-type polysilicon layer (34) has an impurity concentration in a range of 1018 to 1020 cm−3. The p-type polysilicon layer (35) has its thickness of λ/4n1p, wherein λ denotes a center wavelength of the infrared to be detected by the infrared detection element (3), and n1p denotes a reflective index of the p-type polysilicon layer (35). The n-type polysilicon layer (34) has its thickness of λ/4n1n, wherein n1n denotes a reflective index of the n-type polysilicon layer (34).
US08426862B2
A thin film transistor substrate with reduced interlayer short-circuit defects in a capacitor, and a display device having the thin film transistor substrate. The thin film transistor substrate includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor having, over the substrate, a gate electrode, a gate insulating film, an oxide semiconductor layer, and a source-drain electrode in order; and a capacitor having, over the substrate, a bottom electrode, a capacitor insulating film, and a top electrode made of oxide semiconductor in order.
US08426861B2
The present invention further relates to an OLED device, including R, G, B, and W subpixels. Specifically, the OLED device comprises a substrate; a thin film transistor (TFT) active layer disposed on the substrate, comprising a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, an interlayer insulating layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode; an overcoat layer disposed over the thin film transistor; and a passivation layer disposed between the thin film transistor and the overcoat layer, wherein the passivation layer is absent in a path of a light or wherein the passivation layer is disposed in the path of the light as a single layer comprising silicon nitride.
US08426844B2
A light emitting device includes an active layer having quantum walls and quantum wells, a first conductive type semiconductor layer on one side of the active layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the other side of the active layer, and an interfacial layer arranged between the active layer and the first conductive type semiconductor layer or between the active layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer, wherein the interfacial layer includes barrier layers and basal layers provided between the barrier layers, wherein an energy bandgap of each of the barrier layers increases from the first conductive type semiconductor layer or the second conductive type semiconductor layer to an active layer direction linearly, and greatest energy bandgaps of the barrier layers are different from one another.
US08426842B2
A graphene substrate is doped with one or more functional groups to form an electronic device.
US08426837B2
Provided is a resistive memory device and a method of manufacturing the resistive memory device that includes a bottom electrode, an insulating layer that is formed on the bottom electrode and has a hole that exposes the bottom electrode, a resistance layer and an intermediate layer which are formed in the hole, a switch structure formed on a surface of the intermediate layer, and an upper electrode formed on the switch structure.
US08426831B2
In one an embodiment, there is provided an assembly comprising at least one detector. Each of the at least one detector includes a substrate having a doped region of a first conduction type, a layer of dopant material of a second conduction type located on the substrate, a diffusion layer formed within the substrate and in contact with the layer of dopant material and the doped region of the substrate, wherein a doping profile, which is representative of a doping material concentration of the diffusion layer, increases from the doped region of the substrate to the layer of dopant material, a first electrode connected to the layer of dopant material, and a second electrode connected to the substrate. The diffusion layer is arranged to form a radiation sensitive surface.
US08426826B2
The present application relates to a combined anti-scatter grid, cathode, and carrier for a photon detector used in spectral CT imaging. The photon detector of the present application may include a cathode having at least one outwardly extending plate and at least one base plate, a substrate having at least one anode, and a converter material, such as for example, Cadmium Zinc Telluride (“CZT”) or Cadmium Telluride. The at least one outwardly extending plate of the cathode may extend above the other detector components to act as an anti-scatter grid for the detector. Further, the at least one outwardly extending plate of the cathode may extend below the other detector components and be fixed to the at least one base plate of the detector. The converter material may be attached to at least one side of the at least one outwardly extending plate of the cathode.
US08426822B1
Systems and methods are described herein for performing three-dimensional imaging using backscattered photons generated from a positron-electron annihilation. The systems and methods are implemented using the pair of photons created from a positron-electron annihilation. The trajectory and emission time of one of the photons is detected near the annihilation event. Using this collected data, the trajectory of the second photon can be determined. The second photon is used as a probe photon and is directed towards a target for imaging. The interaction of the second probe photon with the target produces back scattered photons that can be detected and used to create a three-dimensional image of the target. The systems and methods described herein are particularly advantageous because they permit imaging with a system from a single side of the target, as opposed to requiring imaging equipment on both sides of the target.
US08426815B2
A thermal imaging microelectronic device including: a support, a plurality of metal levels for interconnecting electronic components formed on the support, an array of thermal detectors formed on the support, each detector including a membrane with which radiant energy may be absorbed and one or more electric signals may be provided depending on the absorbed radiant energy, and a readout circuit that reads out the electric signals from the membrane, the readout circuit being integrated to the support, and at least several of the detectors having a readout circuit provided with an integrator including at least one integration capacitor disposed facing the membrane, the capacitor having at least one upper plate made in a given interconnection metal level of the plurality of interconnection metal levels.
US08426810B2
A method of planar imaging on semiconductor chips using focused ion beam includes the initial step of disposing at least a positioning symbol to designate a testing area. A metal membrane is positioned on the testing area. The testing chip is trimmed to form a first testing chip. A blind opening is cut proximate to the testing area on the first testing chip forms a second testing chip. The second testing chip is mounted on an inclinable platform. The mounted second testing chip is rotated with the inclinable platform. Ion beams are emitted into the opening at an angle of inclination. Ion beams are emitted in the direction of the incident ray to form planar images of different depths parallel to the metal membrane on the testing area.
US08426801B2
An optical sensing device includes a shell, at least one light emitting member, a rotator type shading member and at least one optical sensing member. The shell is formed with a black-body condition space having a light emitting chamber, a shading chamber and at least one optical sensing chamber. The light emitting member projects a light beam. The rotator type shading member is rotatably restrained within the shading chamber, and has a geometric center and a weight center offset from the geometric center. When the optical sensing device is lifted in a lifting azimuth or lowered in a lowering azimuth, the rotator type shading member is rotated by the geometric center to make the weight center located in the lowering azimuth with respect to the geometric center. The optical sensing member is arranged in the optical sensing chamber, and senses the light beam to accordingly send out a sensing signal.
US08426797B2
Embodiments of the present invention include complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) readout architectures for photon-counting arrays with a photon-counting detector, a digital counter, and an overflow bit in each of the sensing elements in the array. Typically, the photon-counting detector is a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) that emits brief pulses every time it detects a photon. The pulse increments the digital counters, which, in turn, sets the overflow bit once it reaches a given count. A rolling readout system operably coupled to each sensing element polls the overflow bit, and, if the overflow bit is high, initiates a data transfer from the overflow bit to a frame store. Compared to other photo-counting imagers, photon-counting imagers with counters and overflow bits operate with decreased transfer bandwidth, high dynamic range, and fine spatial resolution.
US08426789B2
In an embodiment, a method forms a lens with wavefront coding. The method includes positioning a lens in a mold; and curing material onto a surface of the lens to form an aspheric surface of the lens with wavefront coding. In another embodiment, a system for fabricating and evaluating a modified lens includes a collar for holding an initial lens, the initial lens having a front surface and a rear surface, a pin having a surface for molding a moldable material onto the front surface of the initial lens, to form the modified lens, an image forming arrangement; and a test object to be imaged by the modified lens and the image forming arrangement.
US08426782B2
An induction heating device has an accurate sensing of the temperature of a to-be-heated object and is user-friendly. The induction heating device includes a sensor for sensing the temperature of the to-be-heated object and can carry out a heating operation only when it is determined that the to-be-heated object exists above the sensor. A display having a circular design and characters, for example, that shows the position of this sensor is provided on a top plate of the induction heating device.
US08426763B2
Rapid thermal processing systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for heating a microelectronic substrate include generating a plasma, applying the generated plasma to a surface of the microelectronic substrate, and raising a temperature of the microelectronic substrate with the generated plasma applied to the surface of the microelectronic substrate. The method further includes continuing to apply the generated plasma until the microelectronic substrate reaches a desired temperature.
US08426754B2
An electrical contact comprising a contact layer for making a contact with an opposite electrical contact and a high conductive layer in an opposite side of the contact layer, the layers being integrally connected to each other, wherein the contact layer contains Cr, Cu and Te, and the high conductive layer contains copper as a main component, and wherein the high conductive layer is provided with a means for suppressing warp of the contact layer at the time of turning on of the contacts.
US08426742B2
The connection reliability of connecting terminals with displacement gold plating films is improved by connecting terminals comprising a conductive layer, an electroless nickel plating film, a first palladium plating film which is a displacement or electroless palladium plating film with a purity of 99% by mass or greater, a second palladium plating film which is an electroless palladium plating film with a purity of at least 90% by mass and less than 99% by mass, and a displacement gold plating film, wherein the electroless nickel plating film, the first palladium plating film, the second palladium plating film and the displacement gold plating film are laminated in that order on one side of the conductive layer, and the displacement gold plating film is situated on the uppermost surface layer on the opposite side from the conductive layer.
US08426735B2
The present invention relates to a compliant deformable conductor and a method for producing the same, comprising a wire or a tube made of an electrically insulating material and one or more electrical leads applied on said wire or tube, wherein one or more of said leads comprise a plurality of islets of conductive material, forming an electrically conductive layer providing electrical conduction and/or electrical percolation.
US08426734B2
An electrocardiography (ECG) electrical cable, that includes a plurality of insulated conductors, a conductive shield surrounding the plurality of insulated conductors and an insulating jacket surrounding the plurality of insulated conductors and the conductive shield. Also, each of the plurality of insulated conductors includes a low noise coating and the insulated conductors are tightly bound together by a semi-conductive wall interposed between the insulated conductors and the shield, thereby reducing rubbing, which can produce triboelectric effects.
US08426731B2
Disclosed are a photovoltaic battery module and a junction box assembly. The junction box assembly comprises a junction box and a base plate assembled with the junction box. The junction box comprises an insulated housing, the conductive terminals and the water-resistant members. The bottom of the junction box disposes the first openings. The water-resistant members disposed at the first openings have second openings whose areas are smaller than those of the first opening. The base plate disposes the third openings whose areas are smaller than those of the first opening. The third openings are assembled with the first openings and the second openings. Pairs of wing portions provided with a first preset distance, which is shorter than the width of the junction box, are aligned at both lateral sides of the base plate. The average width of the base plate is not greater than 50 millimeter.
US08426728B2
Solar cells and methods for manufacturing solar cells and/or components or layers thereof are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer for use in a solar cell may include providing a first precursor compound, providing a second precursor compound, and combining a portion of the first precursor compound with a portion of the second precursor compound to form a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer that includes a plurality of quantum dots that differ in bandgap.
US08426725B2
A photovoltaic (PV) device has at least one lower PV cell on a substrate, the cell having a metallic back contact, and a I-III-VI absorber, and a transparent conductor layer. An upper PV cell is adhered to the lower PV cell, electrically in series to form a stack. The upper PV cell has III-V absorber and junction layers, the cells are adhered by transparent conductive adhesive having filler of conductive nanostructures or low temperature solder. The upper PV cell has no substrate. An embodiment has at least one shape of patterned conductor making contact to both a top of the upper and a back contact of the lower cells to couple them together in series. In an embodiment, a shape of patterned conductor draws current from excess area of the lower cell to the upper cell, in an alternative embodiment shapes of patterned conductor couples I-III-VI cells not underlying upper cells in series strings, a string being in parallel with at least one stack. In an embodiment, the bonding agent is a polymeric adhesive containing conductive nanostructures. In an embodiment the III-V absorber is grown on single crystal, substrate. A method for forming the device is described.
US08426723B2
A method for manufacturing a solar cell includes (S1) forming, on a first conductive semiconductor substrate, a second conductive semiconductor layer having an opposite conduction type by means of ion implantation to form a pn junction in an interface thereof; (S2) treating an alkali solution on the second conductive semiconductor layer for texturing; (S3) forming an antireflection film on the textured second conductive semiconductor layer; (S4) forming a front electrode to pass through a partial region of the antireflection film and connect to a part of the second conductive semiconductor layer; and (S5) forming a rear electrode at an opposite side to the front electrode with the first conductive semiconductor substrate being interposed therebetween such that the rear electrode is connected to the first conductive semiconductor substrate. The second conductive semiconductor layer, namely an emitter layer, functions as an etch stop layer.
US08426713B1
A sound emitting system includes an abbreviated keyboard coupled to a speaker. The keyboard includes a plurality of rows stationed above a space bar row. The plurality of rows include labeled keys and unlabeled keys. The labeled keys correspond to five accidental notes and eight natural notes within a first octave. The labeled keys are labeled according to a keyboard layout. The speaker emits a note sound when one of the labeled keys is pressed.
US08426706B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH006910. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH006910, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH006910 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH006910.
US08426694B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB42Q11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB42Q11, cells from soybean variety XB42Q11, plants of soybean XB42Q11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB42Q11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB42Q11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB42Q11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB42Q11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB42Q11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB42Q11 are further provided.
US08426691B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016011. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016011. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016011 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016011 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08426687B2
A novel snap pea cultivar, designated SL3123, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of pea cultivar SL3123, to the plants of pea line SL3123 and to methods for producing a pea plant by crossing the cultivar SL3123 with itself or another pea line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a pea plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other pea lines derived from the cultivar SL3123.
US08426683B2
The present invention concerns a method for increasing plant yield by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a synovial sarcoma translocation (SYT) polypeptide or a homologue thereof. One such method comprises introducing into a plant a SYT nucleic acid or variant thereof. The invention also relates to transgenic plants having introduced therein a SYT nucleic acid or variant thereof, which plants have increased yield relative to corresponding wild type plants. The present invention also concerns constructs useful in the methods of the invention.
US08426680B2
A constitutive plant S-adenosyl-L-methionine synthetase (SAMS) promoter and subfragments thereof and their use in promoting the expression of one or more heterologous nucleic acid fragments in plants are described.
US08426678B2
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference plant. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods and is also disclosed.
US08426673B2
A pathologic animal model characterized in that a pain or discomfort behavior and urinary frequency are induced by administering a stimulative substance into the testes of a small-sized mammal, and a screening method for a therapeutic agent for pelvic pain syndrome, particularly non-bacterial chronic prostatitis, which comprises administering a test substance to the pathologic animal model and measuring pain or discomfort behaviors and/or urinary frequency.
US08426672B2
A method for forming a hook-engageable landing zone on a fibrous surface by selecting a region of the surface to form the landing zone, by raising fibers from the surface in the selected region to form fibrous loops extending from the surface, and by anchoring the fibrous loops in the selected region to secure the loops and resist pullout during hook engagement.
US08426671B2
A liquid management layer constructed from large diameter uncrimped fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web is described. Embodiments of the liquid management layer can include a plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the form of a spunbond nonwoven web where the plurality of thermoplastic fibers are randomly oriented and uncrimped, where the liquid management layer has a maximum void volume of 25 cc/g and a web density of at least 0.05 g/cc, where the liquid management layer has a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm, a basis weight of at least 30 g/m2 and a rewet value of less than 0.4 g according to test method WSP 70.8, and where the liquid management layer has an average fiber diameter of at least 40 microns based on the number of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer and where less than 10% by count of the plurality of thermoplastic fibers in the liquid management layer have an absolute fiber diameter less than 30 microns. Additional embodiments of the invention include a personal care absorbent article incorporating the liquid management layer over an absorbent core.
US08426670B2
The present invention provides: an absorbent structure and an absorbent article, which are excellent in both liquid diffusion ability and liquid storage ability, and which are excellent in the dry feeling and the amount of wet back of the aqueous liquid, and which can realize the thinning and lightening more; and a water-absorbent resin fitly usable for the above absorbent structure and absorbent article. The absorbent structure, according to the present invention, comprises a liquid-diffusing member and a water-absorbent resin, with the absorbent structure being characterized in that when the capillary absorption index of the liquid-diffusing member at a height of 40 cm is referred to as A (A≧0.10), the capillary absorption index B of the water-absorbent resin at a height of 40 cm satisfies the following equation: B/A≧0.7 (equation 1).
US08426654B2
Method for producing fatty alcohols includes splitting vegetable oils and animal fats under pressure into fatty acids and glycerol in counterflow to steam. The reaction product is physically separated into fatty acids and sweet water containing glycerol. The fatty acids are subjected to a distillation, and the separated fatty acid fraction is mixed together with fatty alcohol at 230 to 270° C. and atmospheric pressure. The wax esters obtained by esterification are hydrogenated to fatty alcohols by adding hydrogen on a fixed-bed catalyst, and the reaction product is separated into fatty alcohols and hydrogen. The wax esters are hydrogenated on a fixed bed of uniformly shaped catalyst bodies produced by extrusion, which consist of the main components copper and copper-chromium oxide and the secondary components zinc, aluminum, iron, silicon and alkaline earth elements, at 180 to 220° C. and 70 to 100 bar(a).
US08426650B2
A process for preparing a halogenated precursor of an alkenone, which comprises reacting a carboxylic acid halide with a vinyl ether in a liquid reaction medium comprising an alkenone or a halogenated precursor of the alkenone, and a process for preparing an alkenone, which comprises (a) reacting a carboxylic acid halide with a vinyl ether by introducing vinyl ether into a liquid reaction medium containing carboxylic acid halide to form a halogenated precursor of the alkenone and (b) eliminating hydrogen halide from said precursor to form the alkenone.
US08426641B2
Process for preparing formic acid by hydrogenation of carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising an element of group 8, 9 or 10 of the Periodic Table, a tertiary amine and a polar solvent at a pressure of from 0.2 to 30 MPa abs and a temperature of from 20 to 200° C. to form two liquid phases, separation of the two liquid phases, wherein the liquid phase (B) enriched with the tertiary amine is recirculated to the hydrogenation reactor and the formic acid/amine adduct from the liquid phase (A) enriched with the formic acid/amine adduct and the polar solvent is thermally dissociated into free formic acid and free tertiary amine in a distillation unit and the tertiary amine liberated in the dissociation and the polar solvent are recirculated to the hydrogenation reactor.
US08426640B2
[Problem]There is provided, in a process for producing acrylic acid having a catalytic gas-phase oxidation reaction step, a condensation step, a collection step, a distillation step, a crystallization step, an acrylic acid recovering step or the like, a production method for acrylic acid, in which contamination of acrylic acid with protoanemonin without providing any additional purification treatment to the resultant purified acrylic acid can be reduced.[Solution]The problems described above can be solved by providing the production method for acrylic acid comprising A) a step obtaining an acrylic acid-containing gas by a catalytic gas-phase oxidation reaction of gas containing a acrylic acid raw material; B) a step of obtaining the acrylic acid-containing solution by introducing the acrylic acid-containing gas to the collection column or the condensation column and performing collection or condensation; C) a step of obtaining the crude acrylic acid by introducing the acrylic acid-containing solution to the distillation column or the crystallizer and performing distillation or crystallization, wherein a step of heat treating the acrylic acid-containing solution or the crude acrylic acid containing 100 ppm by mass or more of protoanemonin, under the condition of 100° C. or more of temperature, 1 hour or more of time and a step of introducing the heat-treated acrylic acid-containing solution or the crude acrylic acid to the collection column, the condensation column, the distillation column or the crystallizer, are included.
US08426639B2
The present invention relates to the isomerization of cis,cis and/or cis,trans muconic acid or esters thereof to trans,trans muconic acid or esters thereof and to the esterification of such muconic acids.
US08426630B2
A multi-step method for the continuous synthesis of ibuprofen or a synthetic precursor of ibuprofen is provided that does not require any intermediate purification or isolation steps and uses reagents compatible with downstream reactions. According to some embodiments, a method is provided wherein isobutylbenzene and a propionyl compound may be converted into a first product in a first Friedel Crafts acylation reaction. The first product may then be converted into a second product in a 1,2-aryl migration reaction. Finally, the second product may be converted into ibuprofen in a hydrolysis reaction. The present invention also provides a method wherein only the first and second reaction steps or only the second and third reaction steps are performed. An apparatus is also provided having two or more microreactors and two or more junctions in particular arrangements for the synthesis of ibuprofen or a synthetic precursor of ibuprofen.
US08426628B2
A process for preparing an alkylamino-alkylalkoxysilane of formula (I) R—(NR′)—Y—Si(R1)n(OR2)3-n (I) in which R is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R′ is a hydrogen (H) or is a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, Y is a bivalent alkyl group from the group of —CH2—, —(CH2)2—, —(CH2)3—, —(CH2)(CH(CH3))(CH2)— and —(CH2)4—, R1 and R2 groups are the same or different and are each a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and n is 0 or 1 or 2, by reacting an alkylamine, used in excess, distilling off excess free alkylamine, treating the remaining product mixture with the alkylaminoalkylalkoxysilane and working up.
US08426624B2
A method for the treatment of solvent-containing MOF material to increase its internal surface area involves introducing a liquid into the MOF in which liquid the solvent is miscible, subjecting the MOF to supercritical conditions for a time to form supercritical fluid, and releasing the supercritical conditions to remove the supercritical fluid from the MOF. Prior to introducing the liquid into the MOF, occluded reaction solvent, such as DEF or DMF, in the MOF can be exchanged for the miscible solvent.
US08426621B2
Methods for producing refined rice bran oil that include caustic treatment step(s) in an amount that is less than or equal to a theoretical amount of caustic required to neutralize practically all of the free fatty acids in the rice bran oil, but avoiding addition of excess caustic. An objective is to retain a high level of oryzanol in the refined oil.
US08426617B2
The invention relates to the (stereoselective) hydrogenation of carbon-carbon double bonds in compounds having at least one such bond, e.g., isoprenoids, non-cyclic sesquiterpenes, tocomonoenols, tocodienols, tocotrienols or derivatives thereof, as well as to the (stereoselective) hydrogenation of parts/extracts of plant oils containing such tocotrienols or derivatives thereof, in the presence of a chiral Ir complex as the catalyst, whereby preferably one stereoisomer is manufactured in an excess.
US08426605B2
Disclosed are novel active substance combinations comprising specific heterocyclic trifluorobutenyls and previously known fungicidal agents. Said active substance combinations have a very good synergistic fungicidal, nematicidal, insecticidal, and/or acaricidal effect.
US08426596B2
This invention relates to a process of producing compounds, which are useful as bleach boosters, as well as to the compounds, which are obtainable using said process, and to their use.
US08426591B2
2-(Substituted phenyl)-6-amino-5-alkoxy, thioalkoxy and aminoalkyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid and its derivatives are potent herbicides demonstrating broad spectrum of weed control.
US08426574B2
Provided herein is a novel human astrovirus, its nucleic acid sequence, as well as methods to detect and diagnose the presence of the astrovirus.
US08426569B2
The present invention relates to unnatural base pairs of Ds (a 7-(2 thienyl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-3-yl group) and a Pa derivative (a 2-nitro-1H-pyrrole-1-yl group bearing a substituent having a π-electron system attached at position 4) that can be replicated with high selectivity/high efficiency, and methods for replicating nucleic acids containing the unnatural base pairs. The present invention also relates to methods for incorporating an unnatural base bearing a functional substituent attached thereto into DNA by a nucleic acid replication reaction. The present invention also relates to methods for replicating and selectively collecting a nucleic acid containing an unnatural base pair from a nucleic acid pool. The present invention also relates to methods for determining a sequence of natural bases in the proximity of an unnatural base in DNA for achieving highly efficient and highly selective replication of a nucleic acid containing the unnatural base.
US08426556B2
Depsipeptides and congeners thereof are disclosed having structure (I), wherein m, n, p, q, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. These compounds, including FR901228, have activity as, for example, immunosuppressants, as well as for the prevention or treatment of patients suffering or at risk of suffering from inflammatory, autoimmune or immune system-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease and enhancement of graft/tissue survival following transplant. Also provided are methods for inhibiting lymphocyte activation, proliferation, and/or suppression of IL-2 secretion.
US08426551B2
Polymerizable compositions containing at least one metal thietane compound represented by general formulas (110), (201) or (120), respectively, wherein said formulas are as follows: and wherein the identified moieties and n, p, q and r are defined.
US08426550B2
A polyamic acid that is a condensation reaction product of one or more acid anhydrides and one or more carbonate-based diamine compounds, along with a polyimide obtained by imidizing the polyamic acid, a method of manufacturing the same, and a polyimide film made therefrom.
US08426541B2
The present invention relates generally to molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). In particular, the present invention relates to reusable, ecologically friendly MIPs that can be produced in relatively large quantities, methods of producing the same, and methods of utilizing the same (e.g., to sequester and/or adsorb target compounds (e.g., mycotoxins)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications including dietary therapeutic, prophylactic, food and beverage processing and manufacture, as well as research, quality control and traceability applications.
US08426538B2
This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. The new resins were characterized by useful properties in impact, tear, adhesion, sealing, extruder motor loads and pressures at comparable melt index values, and neck-in and draw-down.
US08426536B2
The present invention provides polymerization catalyst compositions employing novel heterodinuclear metallocene compounds. Methods for making these new dinuclear metallocene compounds and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization of olefins are also provided.
US08426530B2
A method and a device for providing a raw material for the production of PET containers, the raw material being mixed from recycled PET (r-PET) and virgin PET (v-PET), where in order to optimize both the plant and the method, v-PET is added in a quantitatively controlled manner to the r-PET prior to the last heating of the r-PET or to the heated r-PET.
US08426527B2
Obtaining a crosslinked rubber with high flexibility at low temperature includes crosslinking a fluororubber composition. The fluororubber composition includes a fluororubber and a compound of formula (X—)x(Z—)zY. In the formula, X is U—(CF2)aO(CF2CF2O)b—; Z is RFO(CF2CF2O)c—; Y is a (x+z) valent perfluoro saturated hydrocarbon group, optionally interrupted by an etheric oxygen atom; x is an integer of at least 3; z is an integer of at least 0; U is a monovalent group with an unsaturated hydrocarbon, a bromine atom, an iodine atom, or a combination thereof; RF is a C1-20 linear perfluoroalkyl group, optionally interrupted by an etheric oxygen atom; a is an integer of from 0 to 20; b is an integer of from 1 to 200; and c is an integer of from 3 to 200.
US08426524B2
A reduced cost elastomeric blend suitable for use in vehicle timing belts and other applications constructed with elastomeric portions having a high HNBR concentration. The blends comprise from about 50 to less than 100 phr of HNBR and from about 0.1 to about 50 phr of lower cost diluent unsaturated nitrile rubber with from about 0.1 to about 30 phr of a heat resistant additive, which may be THERBAN HT. The elastomeric blends may be cured with a peroxide/co-agent cure system. The elastomeric blends may be mixed by a Y-mix method to improve ozone resistance. A timing belt constructed of the elastomeric blend is also taught.
US08426521B2
Disclosed herein is a composition substantially free of polyethylene, wherein the composition includes a thermoplastic material having certain specified mechanical properties, and about 2 wt. % to about 25 wt. % (based on the total weight of the composition) of an olefin mixture that consists essentially of a 30:70 to 70:30 weight ratio of a homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer and a propylene-based elastomer having at least 75 wt. % units derived from propylene and about 10 wt. % to about 25 wt. % units derived from a C2 or a C4-10 alpha olefin. The specified olefin mixture unexpectedly imparts to the overall composition mechanical properties (such as impact strength, for example) heretofore unattainable. These mechanical properties can be expected to be tailored to suit the end-use expected of the composition.
US08426520B2
The present invention relates to a heterophasic polypropylene resin comprising a polypropylene homo- or copolymer matrix phase (A) and an ethylene-propylene copolymer phase (B) dispersed within the matrix, wherein the heterophasic polypropylene resin has a fraction insoluble in p-xylene (XCU) at 25° C. with an intrinsic viscosity of 2.0 dl/g or less, determined according to DIN EN ISO 1628-1 and -3, and a fraction soluble in p-xylene (XCS) at 25° C. having an intrinsic viscosity of 2.0 to 4.5 dl/g, determined according to DIN EN ISO 1628-1 and -3, and an amount of ethylene monomer units of 60 to 85 mol %, a heterophasic polypropylene composition comprising such a resin, a process for preparing that resin, and an article made thereof.
US08426517B2
A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an acid-catalyzed reaction product of an aldehyde or ketone with a multihydric alcohol. When heated, the composition forms polyacetal or polyketal that undergoes curing to form a water-insoluble resin binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment, maleic anhydride initially serves as a catalyst and subsequently enters into a cross-linking reaction during curing to form a poly(ester-acetal). Also, in a preferred embodiment, the fiberglass is in the form of building insulation. In other embodiments the product can be a microglass-based substrate for use in a printed circuit board, battery separator, filter stock, or reinforcement scrim.
US08426515B2
Provided are an organically modified silica master batch elastomer having superior affinity for silica and a method for preparing the same. A copolymer solution-polymerized from a conjugated diene-based monomer and a vinyl aromatic monomer is mixed in solution with organically modified silica having the silica modified with a specific aliphatic hydrocarbon to prepare the organically modified silica master batch elastomer. The organically modified silica master batch elastomer according to the present invention has improved mechanical properties, abrasion resistance and blending processability over the existing master batch elastomers containing common silica. Thus, when it is used as a tire material, improved fuel efficiency, abrasion resistance and wet traction may be expected.
US08426511B2
A cationic polyurethane resin aqueous dispersion wherein a cationic polyurethane resin (B) including a structural unit (A) represented by the following general formula (I) is dispersed in aqueous medium, and the content of a cationic amino group of the structural unit (A) in the cationic polyurethane resin (B) is 0.005 to 1.5 equivalents/kg. (In the formula, R1 represents an alkylene group which may include an alicyclic structure, a residue of bivalent phenol or polyoxyalkylene group, R2 and R3 each independently represents an alkyl group which may include an alicyclic structure, and R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a residue of the quaternizing agent which is introduced by the quaternizing reaction, and X− represents an anionic counter ion.)
US08426508B2
The present invention has its object to provide a high performance studless tire, which has both good braking force and high handling stability on ice or snow, at higher productivity and at a lower price for customers. The studless tire comprises a tread made of a rubber composition containing 2.2 to 10 parts by mass of a fatty acid and/or a derivative of the fatty acid per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component, the tread having a JIS-A hardness of 50 or less.
US08426490B2
The invention relates to a dental composition comprising a monomer or mixture of monomers represented by the following structure (1) with 1,2R independently selected from H, alkyl (e.g. CH3C2H5), and Phenyl, 3,4R independently selected from H, alkyl (e.g. CH3), and halogen (Cl, Br, F), 5R independently selected from H, alkyl (e.g. CH3), m, n=1, 2 and x+y=2 to 10, with the proviso that if m=n=2, than x+y=2 and if m=n=1, than x+y=4 to 10. The invention also relates to a process for producing the monomer or mixture of monomers and the use thereof especially as dental composition.
US08426485B2
An EB (electron beam) or UV (ultra violet) curable, low-gloss, dry-erase coating formulation for static and electronic whiteboards is disclosed. The coating contains an acrylate silica blend, an aliphatic urethane acrylate or a polyester acrylate, a polyfunctional reactive diluent and at least one photoinitiator.
US08426476B2
A biobeneficial coating composition for coating an implantable device, such as a drug eluting stent, a method of coating the device with the composition, and an implantable device coated with the composition are provided.
US08426462B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the following formula (I): and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, to the isomers and the mixtures of isomers thereof and to the water-soluble derivatives thereof, as well as to the method for preparing same and to the use thereof, particularly in the treatment of cancer.
US08426455B2
The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia having an excellent effect of lowering the cholesterol and triglyceride level in blood plasma.The present invention relates to a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia, a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for obesity or diabetes mellitus, and a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for metabolic syndrome, each agent including a compound represented by the formula (1), or a salt thereof, and a statin, particularly pitavastatin, in combination.
US08426453B2
Administration of 2-(3-cyano-4-isobutyloxyphenyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylic acid is effective for treating a stomach or small intestine ulcer.
US08426436B2
The present invention relates to steroidal alkaloids that can be used in the treatment of hedgehog pathway related disorders, particularly cancer.
US08426430B2
Quinazoline derivatives of the following formula: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, X, Y, and Z are defined herein. It also discloses a method of treating cancer with one of these compounds.
US08426429B2
The present invention is directed to novel 2-amino-3,4-dihydro-quinazoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of β-secretase, also known as β-site cleaving enzyme and BACE.
US08426421B2
Compounds of the formula II: wherein R1 and R2 are independently H, F or CH3; or R1 forms an ethynyl bond and R2 is H or optionally substituted C3-C6 cycloalkyl; R3 is (optionally substituted) C1-C3 alkyl or C3-C6 cycloalkyl; R4 is methyl or fluoro; m is 0-2; E is optionally substituted thiazolyl; A1 and A2 together define an optionally substituted piperazine or piperidine ring have utility in the treatment of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or bone metastases.
US08426419B2
The present invention relates to tyrosine kinase inhibitors that contain a zinc-binding moiety and their use in the treatment of tyrosine related diseases and disorders such as cancer. The said derivatives may further act as HDAC inhibitors.
US08426397B2
Compounds of the formula (I), in which R1, R2, R3, R3′, R4 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08426391B2
Methods and compositions for treating 25-hydroxyvitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in a patient are described herein. The method includes orally administering to the patient a delayed, sustained release formulation including a first ingredient selected from the group consisting of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or a combination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or it includes gradually administering to the patient a sterile intravenous formulation including a first ingredient selected from the group consisting of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or a combination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.
US08426389B2
A crystalline form of crystalline (R)-3-(4-(2-(2-methyltetrazol-5-yl)-pyridin-5-yl)-3-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxymethyl oxazolidin-2-one dihydrogen phosphate, methods of making the crystalline form and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline form are useful antibiotics. Further, the derivatives of the present invention may exert potent antibacterial activity versus various human and animal pathogens, including Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococi, Enterococci and Streptococi , anaerobic microorganisms such as Bacteroides and Clostridia, and acid-resistant microorganisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium. Accordingly, the compositions comprising the crystalline form may be used in antibiotics.
US08426388B2
A compound of the formula is disclosed as a prodrug of an HIV protease inhibitor. Methods and compositions for inhibiting HIV protease activity and treating HIV infection are also disclosed.
US08426386B2
An NK1 receptor antagonist composition of the present invention uses maltooligosaccharide having an NK1 receptor antagonistic activity as an active ingredient. A suitable amount of the maltooligosaccharide to be blended in the NK1 receptor antagonist composition of the present invention is 0.000001 to 70% by weight. The NK1 receptor antagonist composition of the present invention is prepared for use into various forms of external agents, internal medicines, foods and beverages by blending various materials as the ingredients other than the active ingredient. The NK1 receptor antagonist composition of the present invention has high safety for being used for pharmaceuticals and has satisfactory therapeutic effects.
US08426382B2
The invention relates to a polysaccharide comprising carboxyl functional groups, one at least of which is substituted by a derivative of a hydrophobic alcohol. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one of the polysaccharides according to the invention and at least one active principle. It also relates to a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the active principle is chosen from the group consisting of proteins, glycoproteins, peptides and nonpeptide therapeutic molecules. The invention also relates to the use of the functionalized polysaccharides according to the invention in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions as described above.
US08426374B1
A method comprising inhibiting myostatin expression or activity to increase muscle mass. Still further, methods for locally inhibiting myostatin expression or activity to reduce fibrosis are provided. The method comprises introducing a nucleotide sequence into a vector wherein the nucleotide sequence is expressed as a shRNA having a property to inhibit myostatin expression. The vector including the sequence may be delivered to a mammalian tissue. An electrical pulse may be applied across a point of delivery. A composition comprising a vector having a nucleotide sequence wherein the nucleotide sequence is expressed as a shRNA having a property to inhibit myostatin expression is further provided.
US08426373B2
A pharmaceutical composition containing at least one β-lactam antibiotic, at least one ion-chelating agent, at least one buffer component, and at least one aminoglycoside antibiotic.
US08426367B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for binding outgrowth endothelial cells (OEC). The compositions consist of peptide ligands capable of binding OEC with high affinity and specificity. The compositions of the invention include peptides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-38 and variants and derivatives thereof. Compositions also include the nucleotide sequences encoding the peptides of the invention. The compositions find use in methods for the isolation of OEC and for the recruitment and retention of OEC to sites of therapeutic interest. Methods for the identification and isolation of other peptides capable of binding OEC are also provided.
US08426365B2
A method of treatment for treating, preventing, inhibiting or reducing tissue deterioration, injury or damage due to congestive heart failure disease, or for restoring tissue adversely affected by said disease, in a subject, includes administering to a subject an effective amount of a composition including a peptide agent including amino acid sequence LKKTET [SEQ ID NO: 1] or LKKTNT [SEQ ID NO: 2], a conservative variant thereof, or a peptide agent that stimulates production of an LKKTET [SEQ ID NO: 1] or LKKTNT [SEQ ID NO: 2] peptide, or a conservative variant thereof, in the tissue.
US08426345B2
The invention provides a method of identifying biologically active compounds comprising: (a) designing a first library of compounds of formula (1) to scan molecular diversity wherein each compound of the library has at least two pharmacophoric groups R1 to R5 as defined below and wherein compound of the library has same number of pharmacophoric groups; (b) assaying the first library of compounds in one or more biological assay(s); and (c) designing a second library wherein each compound of the second library contains one or more additional pharmacophoric group with respect to the first library; such that the/each component of the first and second library is a compound of formula (1).
US08426342B2
The invention relates to the use of one or more compounds of the formula (I) or salts thereof, wherein the groups R1 to R8 are defined as set forth herein, optionally in the presence of additional agrochemical active ingredients, for selective weed control on turf or lawn.
US08426326B2
A fiber reinforcing texture woven as a single part for fabricating a composite material part having an inner portion, or core, made by three-dimensional weaving with yarns made up from discontinuous fibers, and a portion adjacent to an outside surface, or skin, made by weaving with yarns made up from continuous filaments.
US08426322B2
In a method for producing a semiconductor device, two or more kinds of organic siloxane compound materials each having a cyclic SiO structure as a main skeleton and having different structures are mixed and thereafter vaporized. Alternatively, those two or more kinds of organic siloxane compound materials are mixed and vaporized simultaneously to produce a vaporized gas. Then, the vaporized gas is transported to a reaction furnace together with a carrier gas. Then, in the reaction furnace, a porous insulating layer is formed by the plasma CVD method or the plasma polymerization method using the vaporized gas.
US08426312B2
By providing an etch stop layer selectively at the bevel, at least one additional wet chemical bevel etch process may be performed prior to or during the formation of a metallization layer without affecting the substrate material. Hence, the dielectric material, especially the low-k dielectric material, may be reliably removed from the bevel prior to the formation of any barrier and metal layers. The etch stop layer may be formed at an early manufacturing stage so that a bevel etch process may be performed at any desired stage of the formation of circuit elements.
US08426309B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for fabricating graphene nanoelectronic devices with semiconductor compatible processes, which allow wafer scale fabrication of graphene nanoelectronic devices. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for passivating graphene nanoelectronic devices, which enable stacking of multiple graphene devices and the creation of high density graphene based circuits. Other embodiments provide methods for producing devices with graphene layer segments having multiple thicknesses.
US08426307B2
An integrated circuit structure having improved resistivity and a method for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric layer, an opening in the dielectric layer, an oxide-based barrier layer directly on sidewalls of the opening, and conductive materials filling the remaining portion of the opening.
US08426305B2
The invention includes methods of fabricating integrated circuitry. In one implementation, at least two different elevation conductive metal lines are formed relative to a substrate. Then, interconnecting vias are formed in a common masking step between, a) respective of the at least two different elevation conductive metal lines, and b) respective conductive nodes. Interconnecting conductive metal is provided within the interconnecting vias. Other aspects and implementations are contemplated.
US08426303B2
A semiconductor device with improved quality and reliability is provided. In a UBM formed over an electrode pad located over a semiconductor substrate, the edge (end) of an Au film as an upper layer is located inside or in the same position as the edge (end) of a TiW film as a lower layer, which can suppress the formation of a suspended part in the Au film. This arrangement can prevent the occurrence of electrical short circuit between the adjacent pads due to the suspended part and the adhesion of the suspended part as foreign matter to the semiconductor substrate, thus improving the quality and reliability of the semiconductor device (semiconductor chip).
US08426295B2
To provide a manufacturing method of a microcrystalline silicon film having both high crystallinity and high film density. In the manufacturing method of a microcrystalline silicon film according to the present invention, a first microcrystalline silicon film that includes mixed phase grains is formed over an insulating film under a first condition, and a second microcrystalline silicon film is formed thereover under a second condition. The first condition and the second condition are a condition in which a deposition gas containing silicon and a gas containing hydrogen are used as a first source gas and a second source gas. The first source gas is supplied under the first condition in such a manner that supply of a first gas and supply of a second gas are alternately performed.
US08426289B2
In one embodiment, a method of forming an insulating spacer includes providing a base layer, providing an intermediate layer above an upper surface of the base layer, etching a first trench in the intermediate layer, depositing a first insulating material portion within the first trench, depositing a second insulating material portion above an upper surface of the intermediate layer, forming an upper layer above an upper surface of the second insulating material portion, etching a second trench in the upper layer, and depositing a third insulating material portion within the second trench and on the upper surface of the second insulating material portion.
US08426286B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device having low depletion ratio capacitor comprising: forming hemispherical grains (HSG) on a poly-silicon; doping the hemispherical grained polysilicon in a phosphine gas; and rapid thermal oxidizing the doped hemispherical grained polysilicon at 850° C. for 10 seconds. The method further comprises nitridizing the rapid thermal oxidized hemispherical-grained polysilicon and depositing a alumina film on the silicon nitride layer. A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a low depletion ratio capacitor according to the disclosed manufacturing method is provided.
US08426282B2
The present invention provides a method for forming a semiconductor substrate isolation, comprising: providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a first oxide layer and a nitride layer sequentially on the semiconductor substrate; forming openings in the nitride layer and in the first oxide layer to expose parts of the semiconductor substrate; implanting oxygen ions into the semiconductor substrate from the openings; performing annealing to form a second oxide layer on at least top portions of the exposed parts of the semiconductor substrate; and removing the nitride layer and the first oxide layer. Compared to the conventional STI process, said method enables a more simply and easy process flow and is applicable to common semiconductor substrates and SOI substrates.
US08426280B2
There is provided a charge trap type non-volatile memory device and a method for fabricating the same, the charge trap type non-volatile memory device including: a tunnel insulation layer formed over a substrate; a charge trap layer formed over the tunnel insulation layer, the charge trap layer including a charge trap polysilicon thin layer and a charge trap nitride-based layer; a charge barrier layer formed over the charge trap layer; a gate electrode formed over the charge barrier layer; and an oxide-based spacer formed over sidewalls of the charge trap layer and provided to isolate the charge trap layer.
US08426279B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, an asymmetric transistor includes a channel region having a drain-side channel portion and a source-side channel portion. The asymmetric transistor can be an asymmetric MOSFET. The source-side channel portion can comprise silicon, for example. The drain-side channel portion can comprise germanium, for example. The asymmetric transistor comprises a vertical heterojunction situated between the drain-side channel portion and the source-side channel portion. According to this exemplary embodiment, the bandgap of the source-side channel portion is higher than the bandgap of the drain-side channel portion and the carrier mobility of the drain-side channel portion is higher than the carrier mobility of the source-side channel portion. The transistor can further include a gate oxide layer situated over the drain-side channel portion and the source-side channel portion, and can also include a gate situated over the gate oxide layer.
US08426274B2
Example embodiments relate to a method of forming a recess and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having the same. The method includes forming a field region defining an active region in a substrate. The active region extends in a first direction in the substrate. The method further includes forming a preliminary recess extending in a second direction different from the first direction and crossing the active region in the substrate, plasma-oxidizing the substrate to form a sacrificial oxide layer along a surface of the substrate having the preliminary recess, and removing portions of the sacrificial oxide layer and the active region by plasma etching to form a recess having a width larger than a width of the preliminary recess, where an etch rate of the active region is one to two times greater than an etch rate of the sacrificial oxide layer.
US08426272B2
Provided are non-volatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same, including improved bit line and contact formation that may reduce resistance and parasitic capacitance, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving device performance. The non-volatile memory devices may include a substrate; a plurality of field regions formed on the substrate, each of the field regions including a homogeneous first field and a second field that is divided into two sub regions via a bridge region; an active region formed on the substrate and defined as having a string structure by the field regions, where at least two strings may be connected via one of the bridge regions; and a plurality of shared bit lines may be formed on the field regions and connected to the active region via bit line contacts, where the bit line contacts may be direct contacts.
US08426255B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of forming a plurality of conductive pastes on a matrix lead frame with a groove located within a predetermined distance from each conductive paste on the lead; partially curing the conductive pastes so that the conductive pastes are in a semi-cured state; preparing at least one chip with a plurality of bumps thereon; electrically connecting the chip and the lead by implanting the bumps into the semi-cured conductive pastes, wherein the groove on the lead of the matrix lead frame is configured to receive overflowed semi-cured conductive pastes; curing the semi-cured conductive pastes to completely secure the bumped chip; and forming an encapsulating material covering the lead frame and the chip. The method can also be applied in pre-molded lead frame package.
US08426248B2
A bonded device structure including a first substrate having a first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a first non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the first substrate, a second substrate having a second set of metallic bonding pads aligned with the first set of metallic bonding pads, preferably connected to a device or circuit, and having a second non-metallic region adjacent to the metallic bonding pads on the second substrate, and a contact-bonded interface between the first and second set of metallic bonding pads formed by contact bonding of the first non-metallic region to the second non-metallic region. At least one of the first and second substrates may be elastically deformed.
US08426242B2
A layer of phase change material with silicon or another semiconductor, or a silicon-based or other semiconductor-based additive, is formed using a composite sputter target including the silicon or other semiconductor, and the phase change material. The concentration of silicon or other semiconductor is more than five times greater than the specified concentration of silicon or other semiconductor in the layer being formed. For silicon-based additive in GST-type phase change materials, sputter target may comprise more than 40 at % silicon. Silicon-based or other semiconductor-based additives can be formed using the composite sputter target with a flow of reactive gases, such as oxygen or nitrogen, in the sputter chamber during the deposition.
US08426235B2
A capacitive electromechanical transducer includes a substrate, a cavity formed by a vibrating membrane held above the substrate with a certain distance between the vibrating membrane and the substrate by supporting portions arranged on the substrate, a first electrode whose surface is exposed to the cavity, and a second electrode whose surface facing the cavity is covered with an insulating film, wherein the first electrode is provided on a surface of the substrate or a lower surface of the vibrating membrane and the second electrode is provided on a surface of the vibrating membrane or a surface of the substrate so as to face the first electrode. In this transducer, fine particles composed of an oxide film of a substance constituting the first electrode are arranged on the surface of the first electrode, and the diameter of the fine particles is 2 to 200 nm.
US08426234B2
An integrated circuit including an intrusion attack detection device. The device includes a single-piece formed of a conductive material and surrounded with an insulating material and includes at least one stretched or compressed elongated conductive track, connected to a mobile element, at least one conductive portion distant from said piece and a circuit for detecting an electric connection between the piece and the conductive portion. A variation in the length of said track in an attack by removal of the insulating material, causes a displacement of the mobile element until it contacts the conductive portion.
US08426227B1
A micro light emitting diode (LED) and a method of forming an array of micro LEDs for transfer to a receiving substrate are described. The micro LED structure may include a micro p-n diode and a metallization layer, with the metallization layer between the micro p-n diode and a bonding layer. A conformal dielectric barrier layer may span sidewalls of the micro p-n diode. The micro LED structure and micro LED array may be picked up and transferred to a receiving substrate.
US08426224B2
Semiconductor nanowire arrays are used to replace the conventional planar layered construction for fabrication of LEDs and laser diodes. The nanowire arrays are formed from III-V or II-VI compound semiconductors on a conducting substrate. For fabrication of the device, an electrode layer is deposited on the substrate, a core material of one of a p-type and n-type compound semiconductor material is formed on top of the electrode as a planar base with a plurality of nanowires extending substantially vertically therefrom. A shell material of the other of the p-type and n-type compound semiconductor material is formed over an outer surface of the core material so that a p-n junction is formed across the planar base and over each of the plurality of nanowires. An electrode coating is formed an outer surface of the shell material for providing electrical contact to a current source. Heterostructures and superlattices grown along the lengths of the nanowires allow the confinement of photons in the quantum well to enhance the efficiency and as well as color tuning.
US08426223B2
Wafer edge inspection approaches are disclosed wherein an imaging device captures at least one image of an edge of a wafer. The at least one image can be analyzed in order to identify an edge bead removal line. An illumination system having a diffuser can further be used in capturing images.
US08426220B2
The present invention relates to fusion proteins of monoamine oxidase B (MAO B)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and utilizes “shield effect” to detect the dopamine under physiological condition, providing the reagent and method for dopamine detection.
US08426214B2
System and method for capturing, concentrating, and detecting a diagnostic target in a liquid, comprising applying a magnetic field to a mixture comprising a co-aggregate in the liquid to provide a collected co-aggregate in the liquid, wherein the co-aggregate comprises a magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer attached thereto and a non-magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer and a diagnostic target attached thereto.
US08426207B2
Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of an ion exchange resin-treated biological fluid sample are provided.
US08426204B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting polypeptides to the chloroplasts of higher plants. Compositions include expression cassettes having a nucleotide sequence encoding a chloroplast targeting peptide (CTP) operably linked to a nucleotide sequence of interest, wherein the CTP is derived from Chlamydomonas sp. Plant transformation vectors, plants and plant cells having the CTP sequences are also encompassed, as well as variants and fragments of the CTP sequences. Methods for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the CTP sequences disclosed herein are also provided.
US08426194B2
The invention relates to the fields of screening assays and compounds and methods for altering protein expression and levels of protein. In particular, the invention includes assays to screen for agents capable of modulating expression of VEGF and agents capable of modulating VEGF expression.
US08426184B2
This invention relates to molecular and cellular biology and biochemistry. In one aspect, the invention provides polypeptides having cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, mannanase and/or β-glucosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, mannanase and/or β-glucosidase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts.
US08426180B2
The invention relates to the use of carbamoyl synthetase 1 (CPS 1) as a humoral biomarker in in vitro methods for early diagnosis and detection, progress prognosis, the evaluation of the severity, and the progress evaluation of tumor diseases and chronic inflammatory intestinal diseases.
US08426179B2
Peptides and conjugates thereof comprising one or more bioactive agents which can be coupled to a tissue via a transglutaminase and related methods.
US08426176B2
A cell culture microcarrier includes a polymer formed from copolymerization of a mixture including (i) an uncharged hydrophilic unsaturated monomer having a hydroxyl group; (ii) a hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer; and (iii) a hydrophilic multifunctional unsaturated monomer. The microcarrier may further include a polypeptide, such as a polypeptide that promotes cell adhesion, conjugated to the surface of the microcarrier; e.g. via the carboxyl group from the hydrophilic carboxylic acid containing unsaturated monomer.
US08426174B2
A method for the production of 2-butanol by fermentation using a microbial production host is disclosed. The method employs a reduction in temperature during the fermentation process that results in a more robust tolerance of the production host to the butanol product.
US08426170B2
A method for evaluating the in vivo presence of a factor that prevents the biological effect of a type I (IFN) in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon is described. The in vivo presence of antibodies directed against a type I interferon (IFN) is evaluated in an individual that is under treatment with type I interferon. The method includes incubating a blood sample of the individual in vitro with a suitable amount of the type I interferon for a suitable period of time, and determining mRNA levels of a biological marker of IFN activity, preferably MxA, in the blood sample. The treatment may involve a treatment of multiple sclerosis, HCV or HBV using a type I interferon.
US08426162B2
The process according to the invention for the microbial production of a specific product and methane comprises the following steps: a) the production in a bioreactor (2, 10) of a specific product from a specific substrate using a specific organism, the producer, wherein during the production of this product metabolites such as e.g. low-molecular alcohols, aldehydes and acids, hydrogen and CO2, which may inhibit the production of the product, are obtained; and b) the production of methane by means of a methanogen, wherein in the production of the methane at least one metabolite is decomposed and by this means removed from the bioreactor (2, 10) and its energy is made usable.
US08426151B2
System and methods for the detection of biomarkers. In at least one embodiment of a system for the detection of a diagnostic marker in a body fluid of the present disclosure, the system comprises a diagnostic device comprising a plurality of test wells, wherein each test well is capable of containing at least one detection agent, a detection device capable of interacting with the diagnostic device, wherein the detection device is capable of detecting an interaction between the at least one detection agent and a diagnostic marker in at least one of the plurality of test wells, and a stabilization agent contained within at least one of the plurality of test wells, the stabilization agent capable of completely or substantially preventing the degradation or inactivation of the detection agent or the diagnostic marker.
US08426144B2
Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.
US08426143B2
The present invention comprises novel analogs of gemcitabine and novel gemcitabine immunogens leased out of, i.e., derived from, the 5′-hydroxy position of gemcitabine. The invention also comprises unique monoclonal antibodies generated using gemcitabine linked immunogens as well as unique conjugates and tracers which antibodies, conjugates, and tracers are useful in immunoassays for the quantification and monitoring of gemcitabine in biological fluids.
US08426122B2
A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as a maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC's), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.
US08426118B2
Methods of forming electrically conductive and/or semiconductive features for use in integrated circuits are disclosed. Various pattern transfer and etching steps can be used, in combination with pitch-reduction techniques, to create densely-packed features. The features can have a reduced pitch in one direction and a wider pitch in another direction. Conventional photo-lithography steps can be used in combination with pitch-reduction techniques to form elongate, pitch-reduced features such as bit-line contacts, for example.
US08426112B2
Resist underlayer film forming composition containing polymer having nitrogen-containing silyl group
There is provided a resist underlayer film for lithography causing no intermixing with a photoresist and having a dry etching rate higher than that of the photoresist, and a resist underlayer film forming composition for forming the underlayer film. A resist underlayer film forming composition for lithography comprising: a polymer containing a partial structure of Formula (1): where X1 is a group of Formula (2), Formula (3), Formula (4) or Formula (4-1): and a solvent. The polymer may contain, besides the partial structure of Formula (1), a partial structure of Formula (5): (R1)a(R3)bSi(O—)4−(a+b) Formula (5) and/or a partial structure of Formula (6): [(R4)cSi(O—)3−c]2Y Formula (6).
US08426109B2
A positive type resist composition for use in liquid immersion exposure comprises: (A) a resin having a monocyclic or polycyclic cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon structure, the resin increasing its solubility in an alkali developer by an action of acid; (B) a compound generating acid upon irradiation with one of an actinic ray and a radiation; (C) an alkali soluble compound having an alkyl group of 5 or more carbon atoms; and (D) a solvent.
US08426100B2
Liquid electrophotographic ink concentrates and methods of preparing the same are disclosed herein. An example of the method includes preparing a mixture of ink components using a first predetermined thermal profile. The ink components include a resin, a pigment, and a carrier. The method further includes preparing a microfluidizer with a composition at a temperature within a predetermined range and processing the mixture in the prepared microfluidizer to form the concentrate. Processing the mixture includes pressure-feeding the mixture into the prepared microfluidizer, passing the mixture through the prepared microfluidizer for a predetermined number of times, and utilizing a second predetermined thermal profile while passing the mixture through the prepared microfluidizer. A viscosity modifier is added to the mixture before and/or during the processing of the mixture.
US08426097B2
An electrophotographic toner including a latex, a coloring agent, and a release agent, wherein a difference between an average circularity of toner having a particle size of D16p or less (S16) and an average circularity of toner having a particle size of D50p or less (S50) is about 0.01 or less, wherein the circularity is measured using a flow particle image analyzer (FPIA), and the ratio of an area of wax to a total cross-sectional area of the toner having a particle size of D16p or less is about 8/100 or greater, and wherein the area is measured using a transmission electron microscope (TEM).
US08426086B2
A mask includes: a substrate that includes a central area and a peripheral area disposed around the central area; and lenses disposed in rows and columns, in the central area and the peripheral area. The lenses of opposing sides of the peripheral area may be disposed in different rows or columns. For a given amount of input light, the lenses of the peripheral area may focus less light on a substrate than the lenses of the central area. The mask may be disposed over the substrate in different positions, and then the substrate may be irradiated through the mask, while the mask is in each of the positions. The peripheral portion of the mask may be disposed over the same area of the substrate, while the mask is in different ones of the positions.
US08426083B2
There is provided a pellicle in which the adhesive layer bearing the pellicle membrane is molded so flatly that the flatness of the pellicle as measured across the membrane is 10 micrometers or smaller, and this is preferably accompanied by an improved flatness of mask-bonding adhesive layer (agglutinant layer), which can be 15 micrometers to 10 micrometers or even smaller.
US08426079B2
A case (20) of each battery cell (1) houses a current interrupt device (30) that cuts-off current when internal pressure exceeds a set pressure. The case has a rectangular outline with a pair of opposing planar surfaces (20A). An electrode unit (10), which is a stack of positive and negative electrode plates (10A) with intervening separators (10C), and the current interrupt device are disposed between the pair of opposing planar surfaces. A plurality of battery cells is stacked with opposing planar surfaces opposite each other to form a battery block (2). The power source apparatus has a pair of endplates (4) disposed at the ends of the battery block, the pair of endplates is connected by connecting components (5), and the pair of endplates holds the battery cells in the stacked configuration applying pressure in a direction perpendicular to the opposing planar surfaces.
US08426077B2
Proton conductivity has been shown in acceptor-doped rare earth orthoniobates and tantalates (LnNbO4 and LnTaO4) at high temperatures and in a humid atmosphere. The use of the materials as an electrolyte in a laboratory-scale fuel cell and water vapor sensor has been demonstrated. Results for Ca-doped LaNbO4 are given as examples.
US08426075B2
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell that includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an anode catalyst layer having a water-electrolytic catalyst, a movement portion that moves water from an oxygen electrode of the fuel cell to a side of a fuel electrode, a water content detection portion that detects the water content of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a control portion that controls the movement portion on the basis of a result of detection of the water content detection portion.
US08426060B2
A laminate cell comprises a power generating element formed by sequentially stacking positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates while interposing separators therebetween; a positive tab connected to the positive electrode plates through a plurality of positive leads; a negative tab connected to the negative electrode plates through a plurality of negative leads; and a cell package formed of a metal composite film, the cell package hermetically sealing the power generating element and an electrolyte. According to the laminate cell, the heat capacity of a portion of the positive tab, onto which a plurality of the positive leads are joined, and the heat capacity of a portion of the negative tab, onto which a plurality of the negative leads are joined, are made larger than that of other portions of the positive tab and the negative tab.
US08426048B2
A battery pack including at least a battery and a casing for accommodating the battery, in which the casing has a ventilation hole communicating with the outside of the casing, and a mesh member made of metal for covering at least the ventilation hole is provided at the side surface of the casing. Preferably, the mesh member is coated with an insulating resin.
US08426043B2
The invention provides a boron suboxide composite material comprising boron suboxide and a secondary phase, wherein the secondary phase contains a boride. The boride may be selected from the borides of transition metals of the fourth to eighth groups of the periodic table. Particularly, the boride may be selected from the borides of iron, cobalt, nickel, titanium, tungsten, hafnium, tantalum, zirconium, rhenium, molybdenum or chromium. The boride also may be a platinum group metal boride, preferably palladium boride. The secondary phase also may contain one or more oxides.
US08426041B2
An organic light emitting device having an anode, a cathode and an organic layer disposed between the anode and the cathode is provided. In one aspect, the organic layer may be an emissive layer comprising one of the following compounds:
US08426037B2
The polymer compound of the present invention is characterized by comprising a constitutional unit derived from a compound represented by the formula (1): wherein A1, A3 and A5 are each independently a monovalent aromatic group which may have a hetero atom as a ring-constituting atom, A2, A4 and A6 are each independently a divalent aromatic group which may have a hetero atom as a ring-constituting atom, at least one of A1 to A6 has a substituent having a polymerizable functional group, A1 to A6 may have a substituent other than a substituent having a polymerizable functional group, m is an integer of 1 to 2, n is an integer of 0 to 2, and p is an integer of 0 to 2.
US08426036B2
An organic EL device includes: an anode for injecting holes; a phosphorescent-emitting layer; a fluorescent-emitting layer; and a cathode for injecting electrons. The phosphorescent-emitting layer contains a phosphorescent host and a phosphorescent dopant for phosphorescent emission. The fluorescent-emitting layer contains a fluorescent host and a fluorescent dopant for fluorescent emission. The fluorescent host is at least one of an asymmetric anthracene derivative represented by a formula (1) below and a pyrene derivative represented by a formula (2) below.
US08426032B2
Composite articles made by process for joining stainless steel part and silicon carbide ceramic part
A process for joining a stainless steel part and a silicon carbide ceramic part comprising: providing a SUS part, a SiC ceramic part, a Mo foil and a Ni foil; depositing a nickel coating on a surface of the SiC ceramic part; placing the SiC ceramic part, the Mo foil, the Ni foil, and the SUS part into a mold, the Mo foil and the Ni foil located between the SiC ceramic part and the SUS part; placing the mold into a chamber of an hot press sintering device, heating the chamber and pressing the SUS part with the nickel coating, the SiC ceramic part, the Mo foil, and the Ni foil at least until the SUS part, the SiC ceramic part, the Mo foil and the Ni foil form a integral composite article.
US08426030B2
Compositions suitable for use as adhesives in multi-layer structures. The compositions comprise a blend of an ethylene copolymer of butene and a propylene-based polymer; a polyolefin grafted with an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or acid derivative; and an olefin polymer resin different than the ethylene copolymer of butene, the propylene-based polymer and the grafted polyolefin.
US08426026B2
Exemplary embodiments provide an intermediate transfer member used for electrophotographic devices, wherein an outermost layer of the intermediate transfer layer can include a plurality of fluoroelastomer-coated carbon nanotubes dispersed in a fluoroplastic matrix to provide desirable surface properties useful for the intermediate transfer member.
US08426024B2
Embodiments of the invention include articles comprising a diamond like carbon coating or doped diamond like carbon coating on one or more surfaces of a plastic substrate or a plastic enclosure. Embodiments of the DLC or doped DLC coatings reduce the gas permeation of the coated plastic or thermoplastic to hydrogen or helium compared to the permeability of the plastic alone. The DLC or doped DLC coatings coating provides a surface resistivity of from about 107 to about 1014 ohm/square and have a transmittance that range from about 0% to about 70% less than the transmittance of the underlying plastic substrate in the range of about 300 nm to about 1100 nm. The DLC coated plastic can be used in environmental enclosures for protecting environmentally sensitive substrates such as semiconductor wafers and reticles.
US08426022B2
A coated leather, in particular split cowhide leather, has a preferably nubuck-like appearing surface structure. The coating is formed with a surface layer formed with a mechanically and moisture-stable polymer and bonded to the surface of the leather or split leather by a polymer-based bonding layer. The outer layer is notable for inner smoothness and is formed with soft polyurethane. It includes in the non-embossed region microdepressions which are essentially closed in the direction of the leather but are open towards the outside, have an internal width of less than 130 μm and are arranged close-packed to each other in the manner of soapy foam cells. The microdepressions are each separately bounded by thin mutually crosslinked stays which have on the outside a matt or finely fibrous fine-roughness structure surface, and have an essentially semispherical-shaped concave inner surface which faces outward and is smooth. The coating may include two or more layers that are riveted to each other by way of pins or the like that are anchored in pores.
US08426019B2
A method for producing an organic thin film, which enables rapid film formation, and enables a dense organic thin film with minimal impurities to be formed stably, and in a plurality of consecutive repetitions. Also, a method for producing an organic thin film in which an organic thin film is formed on the surface of a substrate, including bringing the substrate into contact with an organic solvent solution containing a metal-based surfactant having at least one hydrolysable group, and a catalyst capable of interacting with the metal-based surfactant, wherein the water contact within the organic solvent solution is either set or maintained within a predetermined range.
US08426018B2
A method of joining at least two parts by adhesion is provided, the method including arrangement of a porous layer in the adhesive joint for taking up excess adhesive outside the adhesive joint as such. An element is also provided—including in particular a blade for a wind turbine—which is combined by adhesion of several parts, and wherein a porous layer is at least partially comprised in and at least partially protrudes from the adhesive joint between the parts and takes up excess adhesive outside the adhesive joint. The porous layer may be of a mesh-like structure or may have the structure of a sponge and may furthermore be entirely or partially pre-impregnated with adhesive.
US08426015B2
The disclosure relates to a polycarbonate resin film with excellent clarity and flame retardance. The compositions comprise 100 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin (A). The compositions further comprise 0.10 to 0.18 parts by weight of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt compound (B) of a perfluoroalkane sulfonic acid. The compositions further comprise 0.05 to 0.35 parts by weight of a silicone compound (C). The film has an average thickness of 200 to 500 μm, a degree of haze of 5% or lower as measured according to the conditions specified in JIS K7105, and a flame retardance of VTM-1 or VTM-0 at a thickness of 300 μm as measured according to the UL94 test specified by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
US08426013B2
A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a chiral dopant composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08426010B2
A structural element includes a continuous layer comprising a set of first main-faces defining a first surface and a set of second main-faces defining a second surface and the continuous layer extending between the first surface and the second surface, wherein along a first direction, the first main-faces and the second main-faces alternate in order and are connected by first side-faces, along a second direction different from the first direction, the first main-faces and the second main-faces alternate in order and are connected by second side-faces, and along a third direction different from the first direction and different from the second direction, a pair of neighboring first main-faces is connected by a first bridge-face, and the first bridge-face is connected to neighboring second main-faces by first bridge-side-faces.
US08426008B2
A medical device or analytical device comprising a fluid-impervious surface comprising a base surface, at least one distinct region of the base surface covered by a mixed monolayer film, the mixed monolayer film comprising a species having a functional group M1 and a species having a functional group M2 where M1 and M2 have different surface energies, the mixed monolayer forming a surface energy gradient wherein at least one of the species used to form the monolayer on the surface comprises a biopolymer-resistant domain.
US08425978B2
Methods of forming a conductive fluorine-doped metal oxide layer on a substrate by chemical vapor deposition are described. The methods may include heating the substrate in a processing chamber, and introducing a metal-containing precursor and a fluorine-containing precursor to the processing chamber. The methods may also include adding an oxygen-containing precursor to the processing chamber. The precursors are reacted to deposit the fluorine-doped metal oxide layer on the substrate. Methods may also include forming the conductive fluorine-doped metal oxide layer by plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. These methods may include providing the substrate in a processing chamber, and introducing a metal-containing precursor, and a fluorine-containing precursor to the processing chamber. A plasma may be formed that includes species from the metal-containing precursor and the fluorine-containing precursor. The species may react to deposit the fluorine-doped metal oxide layer on the substrate.
US08425977B2
Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are disclosed herein. The process chamber includes a chamber body, a substrate support pedestal, a pump port and a gas injection funnel. The chamber body has an inner volume and the substrate support pedestal is disposed in the inner volume of the chamber body. The pump port is coupled to the inner volume and is disposed off-center from a central axis of the substrate support pedestal. The pump port provides azimuthally non-uniform pumping proximate to a surface of the substrate support pedestal and creates localized regions of high pressure and low pressure within the inner volume during use. The gas injection funnel is disposed in a ceiling of the chamber body and opposite the substrate support pedestal. The gas injection funnel is offset from the central axis of the substrate support pedestal and is disposed in a region of low pressure.
US08425975B2
Provided is a magnetic disk (10) for a magnetic recording, which comprises a magnetic layer (4) for a magnetic recording, a protecting layer (5) formed over the magnetic layer (4) for protecting the magnetic layer (4), and a lubricating layer (6) formed over the protecting layer (5). The protecting layer (5) is a layer composed substantially of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. The atomic ratio (N/C) of nitrogen and carbon, which was calculated from the spectral intensities of N1s and C1s detected for a detection angle of 7 degrees of photoelectrons by an angularly resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, is 0.15 to 0.25. This constitution of the protecting layer (5) is excellent in wear resistance and sliding characteristics even for a film thickness of 3 nm or less and provides a magnetic disk which can avoid a high fly write trouble or the like.
US08425973B2
Systems and methods disclosed herein employ various modes of material deposition and material removal to build a complex, three-dimensional structure upon a rotating base. The systems and methods may be usefully employed to fabricate geometrically and aesthetically accurate dental articles from digital models.
