Document Document Title
US07677020B2 Spring system for a feeder roller of a harvester
A spring system for a feeder device of an agricultural harvester having a first roller movably mounted in a casing and biased by the spring system towards a second roller in order the compress crop passing between the two rollers. The spring system comprises at least one spring surrounding a guide rod that extends in use between a movable support of the first roller and the casing of the feeder device. The guide rod is formed of two telescopically collapsible parts, one connected to the roller support and the other to the casing.
US07677018B2 Belt tensioning system for a forage harvester
A tensioning system for a drive belt of a blower of a forage harvester includes a tensioning roller, a rod for moving the tensioning roller towards and away from the belt, a spring surrounding the rod and acting between a first abutment mounted on the rod and a second abutment connected to the chassis of the harvester to urge the roller towards the belt. The chassis connected abutment is carried by an arm that is movable relative to the chassis and anchored by a tie bar.
US07677012B2 Unit for applying opening devices of packages of pourable food products
A unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products having a rupturable portion includes a conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a given path; and a gripping device for receiving the opening devices at a pickup station, and which move cyclically between the pickup station and an application station interfacing with the path and where the opening devices are applied to respective packages; the trajectory of the gripping device from the application station to the pickup station is distinct from the path of the packages; and the unit also includes a pressure device generating a contact pressure between the packages and the opening devices as of the application station and along at least a portion of the path of the packages.
US07677007B2 Interlocking insulating firebrick
A structural configuration for rapidly assembling walls and linings of insulating firebricks and prefabricated insulating modules that aligns the bricks or modules during assembly with grooves and inserts, minimizes the amount of through joints in the completed structure, and allows the full height of each brick or module to be utilized in the completed structure is provided.
US07676988B2 Capillary hydration system and method
A capillary hydration system and method for facilitating the growth of plants are provided. An exemplary system comprises a base having a reservoir for holding nutrient solution, and an insert portion. The insert portion comprises at least one downwardly extending plant receiving depression that is capable of holding a growth substrate. The plant receiving depression has at least one capillary opening such that when the capillary opening is in liquid communication with the nutrient solution in the reservoir, nutrient solution is wicked from the reservoir to the growth substrate by capillary action. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the capillary hydration system may further comprise cover, including a cover with a supply component for refilling the nutrient solution without removing the insert portion or the cover, and a nutrient supply level indicator.
US07676981B2 Photoluminescent (PL) weapon sight illuminator
Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight.
US07676976B2 Systems for attaching a noise suppressor to a firearm
Apparatus and methods for easily, quickly and reliably longitudinally securing and rotationally locking a noise suppressor or other auxiliary device to the muzzle end of a firearm barrel, and to a fixture such as a flash suppressor affixed to the muzzle end of the firearm, and for easily, quickly and reliably removing the noise suppressor or other auxiliary device therefrom.
US07676975B2 Tactical foregrip assembly
A tactical foregrip assembly for use with a firearm, the assembly having an independently rotatable grip mount assembly and an independently rotatable light mount assembly. The invention comprises a stationary mount assembly attachable to the receiver of a firearm, a grip mount assembly radially rotatable about and electrically coupled to the stationary mount assembly, and a light mount assembly radially rotatable about and electrically coupled to the stationary mount and engagable with said grip assembly. The present invention allows the operator to provide light to illuminate an area while simultaneously positioning himself in a manner so as to maximally use available cover.
US07676968B2 Roller assembly
In one aspect of the invention, a roller assembly has an axle that supports opposing faces of a cylindrical body that has a plurality of pointed inserts disposed along an outer diameter of the cylindrical body. At least one of the inserts has a tip with a polycrystalline diamond bonded to a cemented metal carbide segment. The diamond has a substantially conical geometry with a 0.50 to 0.200 inch radius apex and comprises a thickness greater than 0.100 inches at the apex. The roller assembly has an internal lubrication mechanism adapted to apply lubrication between the axle and the cylindrical body.
US07676966B2 Method for removing sediment from open waterways
A sediment removal system and method provides a versatile and controllable device for removing sediment from water in a focused manner that avoids generating unwanted turbidity. A suction pump draws water and sediment through a suction conduit and the injection of air into the suction conduit by air nozzles enables sediment to be removed from greater depths. The inclusion of water nozzles on an inlet opening enables hardened sediment to be dislodged such that it may be drawn into the suction conduit. A GPS receiver mounted to the suction conduit enables the location of the removal process to be tracked and a knife valve prevents backflow out of the suction conduit. The capturing of solid sediment by retention containers and the capturing of water containing suspended sediment by a tank enables the sediment and water to be transported to an appropriate location for treatment or disposal.
US07676957B2 Automated tightening shoe
An automated tightening shoe with crisscrossed laces or closure panel and a tightening mechanism which operates in one direction to cause automatic tightening of the crisscrossed laces or closure panel to tighten the shoe about a wearer's foot, and which can be released easily so that the shoe can be removed from the wearer's foot. An actuating wheel partially projecting from the rear sole of the shoe provides a convenient and reliable actuating means for movement of the automated tightening mechanism in the tightening direction.
US07676956B2 Article of footwear having a fluid-filled bladder with a reinforcing structure
A sole component and a method of manufacturing the sole component are disclosed. In general, the sole component includes a fluid-filled bladder and a reinforcing structure extending around the bladder. The reinforcing structure is bonded to the exterior of the bladder, and may be recessed into the bladder. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure extends along the side surfaces of the bladder and between upper and lower surfaces of bladder. In manufacturing the sole component, the reinforcing structure may be located within a mold, and the polymer material forming the bladder may be bonded to the reinforcing structure during the molding process.
US07676954B2 Drying method for a household appliance and household appliance for carrying the drying method
A drying method for a household appliance such as a dishwasher comprises a Peltier-element in addition to a heat-emitting part and also a heat-absorbing part for drying the washed items in the treatment area of the dishwasher. The heater-absorbing part cools a lateral wall of the washing container, which guides condensation of humidity into the air of the treatment area. Also, the air of the treatment area is circulated about an air channel by a blower and the air in the air channel is simultaneously heated with the aid of the heat-emitting part of the Peltier-element. The relative humidity of the air is reduced and the capacity of the air of the absorbing humidity is increased.
US07676945B2 Modular measurement probe
A measurement probe, such as a touch trigger probe, is described that comprises a stylus module attachable to a base module. The stylus module comprising a housing and a stylus holder moveably attached to the housing. The base module comprises a measurement portion for generating measurement data indicative of movement of the stylus holder relative to the housing. The stylus module has an inbuilt failure mode and thereby a substantially predetermined operational lifetime. In one embodiment, the inbuilt failure mode is provided by integrating a battery into the stylus module. Providing a mechanical failure mode in which a component of the stylus module catastrophically fails after a certain amount of usage is also described.
US07676937B2 Scribe head and scribe device
A scribing head according to the present invention includes: a scribing line forming means (29) structured so as to form a scribing line on a substrate; and a moving means (502, 503) for moving the scribing line forming means such that the scribing line forming means presses the substrate with a constant magnitude, wherein the moving means includes: a rotation means (502) rotating about a rotation axis, the axial center of the rotation axis being provided so as to align with a predetermined direction in which the scribing line forming means moves, and a motive power transmission means (503) for transmitting a motive power between the motive power transmission means and the scribing line forming means such that the scribing line forming means moves on a straight line along the axial center of the rotation axis in response to the rotation of the rotation means, the motive power transmission means being provided along the predetermined direction.
US07676936B2 Foot measurement apparatus
A foot measurement apparatus for measuring the dimensions of a foot. The foot measurement apparatus includes an integrally-formed unitary base having first and second sections each with proximal ends and distal ends and top and bottom surfaces. The first and second sections are connected by a living-hinge interconnection portion at their proximal ends. The foot measurement apparatus also includes a measuring scale attached to the top surfaces of the first and second sections. The foot measurement apparatus additionally includes an erectable heel-tab structure which is attached to the unitary base near the distal end of the first section. The heel-tab structure has a heel-contact portion which is pivotable between a collapsed position overlying the top surface of the first section and an erected position substantially normal to the first section. The foot measurement apparatus also includes an erectable toe-tab structure.
US07676935B2 Angle-measurement system and method for production of an angle-measurement system
In an angle-measurement system and a method for producing an angle-measurement system, the angle-measurement system includes a bearing assembly and a scanning head, the bearing assembly including a graduated ring, an outer ring and rolling bodies. Rolling surfaces are formed both on the graduated ring and the outer ring, the rolling surface of the graduated ring having a smaller path radius than that of the outer ring. Furthermore, the rolling surface of the outer ring is arranged opposite the rolling surface of the graduated ring, and the rolling bodies are disposed between the two rolling surfaces such that the bearing assembly is free of radial play. In addition, an angle scaling is applied directly onto the graduated ring such that a geometrical pattern of the angle scaling in a first region deviates from a geometrical pattern in a second region as a function of rotational eccentricities of the bearing assembly. The angle scaling is able to be scanned by the scanning head.
US07676927B2 Method of making a skylight fall protection safety panel
A skylight fall protection safety panel formed from a single sheet of metal having a predetermined surface area A1 and a plurality of apertures are punched out of at least one central perforated portion of the sheet having a surface area A2 surrounded by strip portions having a perimeter surface area A3. A2 is as great as or greater than 0.60A1. The shape of the apertures can take many different forms but they would have a greatest width D1 that is less than 2.0 inches. The central perforated portion has a sufficient number of apertures of a sufficient size that 50 percent of A2 is open to pass light therethrough. The sheet metal safety panel would be secured under an existing fiberglass skylight panel. The sheet panel can also be corrugated to match translucent skylight panels that are corrugated. The sheet metal panel can also be inserted into a mold or cast with a top layer of resin material and a bottom layer of resin material and also having the central perforated portion apertures filled with resin. This assembled structure functions both as a skylight panel and also as a fall protection safety panel that will prevent workers stepping on the top of the assembled structure from falling therethrough and injuring themselves.
US07676920B2 Method of processing a circuit board
A test coupon on a printed circuit board used for verifying that vias in the printed circuit board are back drilled to a proper predetermined depth. Use of the coupon involves correlating a via on the board to a via of a test coupon drilling the board via and the test coupon via to substantially the same depth, where the depth is predetermined based on the board via. Then measuring the impedance of the test coupon to reveal the actual depth of the back drilling of the coupon via. Knowing the actual back drill depth of the coupon via is used to verify the back drill depth of the board via.
US07676918B2 Method for forming a molded circuit board
A method for forming a molded circuit board is provided. The method includes the steps of forming a circuit having a first section and a second section on a conductive substrate, the first section and the second section being coplanar; then deforming the conductive substrate by mold-pressing, so that the first section and the second section become non-coplanar; providing a plastic material to cover the circuit and the conductive substrate; curing the plastic material by injection-molding; and removing the conductive substrate to expose the circuit. The molded circuit board made by this method is also provided.
US07676913B2 Wiring board, method of manufacturing wiring board, and electronic device
A method of manufacturing a wiring board includes steps of: providing a substrate; forming a first wiring layer on the substrate by photolithography; forming a first insulating layer by ink jetting so as to cover a part of the first wiring layer and expose an exposed section of the first wiring layer; and forming a second wiring layer by ink jetting partly over the first wiring layer, with the first insulating layer being between the part of the first wiring layer and a part of the second wiring layer. A wider variety of conductive material and insulating material can be used for forming the wiring layers and the insulating layers on the substrate by ink jetting, while the wiring board has a first wiring layer having high density.
US07676902B2 Manufacturing method of rotor core
In order to realize a method of forming a rotor core that improves the productivity and enhances the product accuracy, a forming method of a rotor that is equipped with both permanent-magnet fastener on the inner perimetric end of the magnetic pole claw of the rotor core and tapered surface on the outer perimetric end on one end of the magnetic pole claw in the circumferential direction. By constraining the inner perimetric surface of the magnetic pole claw by a die and applying a forming pressure in the radial direction, the tapered surface on the outer perimetric end of the magnetic pole claw and permanent-magnet fastener on the inner perimetric end can be formed at the same time and a rotor core with high product accuracy and mass-productivity is realized.
US07676898B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing
Magnetic recording media are smoothed with a tape. Each magnetic recording medium has a magnetic film and a lubricant film thereon. Next, the smoothed magnetic recording media are taken out from a process case and put in a shipping case. The magnetic recording media are then taken out from the shipping case and tested. Non-defective ones of the magnetic recording media are put in the shipping case.
US07676896B1 Brake spring tool
A tool for assisting a worker in removing and reattaching brake springs includes an elongated shaft having an upper end and a lower end. Axially extending from the upper end is a tapered neck with a flattened stem extending therefrom. At a distal end of the stem is a C-shaped gripping member for grasping a brake spring. By holding the shaft, a worker can secure the C-shaped gripping member about the spring. The S-cam can be used as a fulcrum for the shaft, allowing the spring to be expanded as necessary for removal or attachment. The shaft may also include a light for illuminating dimly lit work areas.
US07676895B2 Shoe lace end
An end piece for the end of a lace, string, filament or the like flexible article. The end piece includes a tube into which the end of the lace or the like is installed. A pin passes through and across the tube and pierces or traps the end of the flexible article in the tube. A decoration may be applied on the pin. A decoration support may be supported on the pin. The decoration support may have the form of a pivotable bridle attached on the ends of the pin. The bridle is supported to the tube by pintles. The pin passes through one pintle and into the other arm of the bridle.
US07676890B2 Vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus
A vibration dampening handle for a powered apparatus includes an elongate gripping member including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending through the first end and the second end, and a wall defining an inner bore and having an inner surface. The inner bore extends along the longitudinal axis at least partially through the gripping member, and opens on at least the first end of the gripping member. A weighted mass is disposed at the second end of the gripping member. An elongate elastic beam member is one of attached to and integral with the gripping member. The beam member extends along a region of the longitudinal axis and a portion of the beam member is disposed within the inner bore and is spaced apart from the inner surface. The beam member further includes a first end that extends beyond the first end of the gripping member and includes a fastening member adapted to connect the handle to the powered apparatus.
US07676886B2 Carpet cleaner with pressed-down suction
A carpet cleaner with a base, a handle, and a plurality of wheels is provided. The carpet cleaner includes a suction opening provided at a front portion of the base of the carpet cleaner and a detachable pressing bar extended from the front portion of the base above the suction opening, wherein the suction opening is pressed down to the carpet floor by pushing down the detachable pressing bar, wherein the suction opening contacts the carpet floor tight for facilitating suction of the carpet cleaner. The detachable pressing bar includes a built-in spring for regulating the amount of pressure to the detachable pressing bar. The pressing bar includes a handle adapted to grab and push.
US07676883B2 Vacuum cleaner
A changeover valve, for an upright vacuum cleaner, comprises a movable valve member (31) connected via a flexible duct to a dirt separator of the cleaner, and a valve body (30) having inlet ports (32, 33) connected, respectively, to an air inlet in the underside of a floor-engaging unit of the cleaner and, via a flexible hose, a suction nozzle of the cleaner. The valve member (31) is movable relative to the valve body (30) for selective alignment with either of the inlet ports (32, 33).
US07676881B2 Adapter for a wiper blade
The invention relates to an adapter for adapting a main bracket of a wiper blade to the coupling section of a wiper arm of a wiper mechanism. Said adapter comprises an insertion pin, which is held at one end and which is provided for being laterally inserted into a locating opening on the main bracket, whereby said locating opening extends transversal to the wiper blade longitudinal axis. The adapter also comprises a cylindrical cavity which is provided on the insertion pin, has an insertion opening and which serves to accommodate a pivot pin of the coupling section of the wiper arm. A first bearing section is provided in the area of the insertion opening and is provided for resting against the area of the coupling section that holds the pivot pin. The adapter has a second bearing section located on the side opposite the insertion opening and is provided for resting against the stop of a projection of the coupling section, whereby said projection overlaps, at least in sections, the adapter when mounted.
US07676878B2 Barrel cleaning system
Improvements are provided to an apparatus for cleaning a tubular. One set of improvements is provided by a nose shaft extending from the motor, a cone positioned on the shaft, and a brush positioned on the shaft between the nose cone and the vibratory motor. Another set of improvements is provided by a new passage and port arrangement on the piston and sleeve for the vibratory motor. Another improvement is provided by a set of passages and ports to provide oil flow to the area being cleaned. Another improvement is provided by capturing exhaust gas from the motor and exhaust of same at a location away from the operator of the unit.
US07676869B2 Apparatus for supporting a patient in a prone position during diagnostic imaging
A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.
US07676868B2 Birthing bed foot support release handle
A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus comprises a frame having a pair of locks to block vertical and horizontal pivoting of the limb support in relation to the patient-support apparatus. The lock release actuator is configured to be coupled to the frame to simultaneously unlock both the vertical and horizontal rotation locks. The limb support includes a stowable leg support configured to provide support to the leg of a patient during obstetric delivery.
US07676867B2 Restriction-free suspended face support treatment table with hole designed to accommodate the face of a person
A restriction-free face support for health practitioner's tables designed for work on a prone person, comprising a plurality of optionally interconnected, adjustable support straps padded with memory foam designed to cradle the person's face over a headrest or cutout during a spa treatment, massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture sessions, or any other treatment involving a person lying face-down on a table. The face support allows for the person to rest and breathe comfortably and without the restrictive facial pulling/squeezing found in the prior art. The invention is simple, inexpensive, and can be built into massage tables or retrofitted onto existing tables, and the support straps are adjustable through use of buckles, hook-and-loop, or other means. Optionally, the support straps can have removable beads and other devices attached that allow for the device to put pressure on particular pressure points during the massage.
US07676864B2 Bedding system and method for accommodating personal temperature comfort differences
A comforter is provided having a length and width dimension larger than commercially available comforters. A flexible slidable fastener is provided along the length of the comforter substantially in the middle of the width dimension of the comforter. The flexible slidable fastener may be covered to prevent irritation to the occupants of the bed on which the comforter of the present invention is placed.
US07676863B2 Bed skirt assembly
A bed skirt adapted to be removably attached to an associated bed sheet is disclosed. The bed skirt includes a first decorative side and a second decorative side. The bed sheet includes a top and an edge portion adapted to fit over one of a mattress and a box spring. A plurality of fasteners is provided to removably attach the bed skirt to the edge portion of the bed sheet, wherein one of the first decorative side and the second decorative side is outwardly facing.
US07676857B1 Toilet seat and lid lifter assembly
A toilet seat and lid lifter assembly which is constructed of a first frame member of generally U-shape and a second frame member of generally S-shape for gripping both a toilet seat and a toilet lid together such that the seat and lid can be simultaneously lifted or lowered without having to touch by hand.
US07676856B1 Deodorizing device for toilet bowls
A device for controlling odor from a toilet bowl has a housing primarily formed by a top member, a bottom member and a canister holding section for attaching to the bottom member. The canister holding section holds a canister having a nozzle for providing an odor treating spray from the canister. The housing also has two plates depending downwardly from the bottom member and which form an inverted U-shape for mounting the device on a rim of the toilet bowl. Between the top member and bottom member is a biasing device such as springs for biasing a seat of the toilet bowl in an upward direction when the seat is empty, and for allowing the seat to move in a downward direction in response to someone sitting on the seat. The downward motion of the seat moves the top member down, thereby actuating a nozzle on the canister, spraying a metered amount a substantially fixed predetermined amount, of spray into the toilet bowl. A method of deodorizing the bowl in response to sitting includes mounting a device on the rim, biasing the seat into a first position which is not fully down, responding to someone sitting on the seat by moving a top member down in response to the seat moving down, and causing a metered amount of spray from the nozzle of the canister to be sprayed into the bowl.
US07676853B1 Men's underwear
An article of clothing including a pair of underwear for a male adult comprises a waistband, an underwear section comprising buttocks, hips, and male package covering portions, defining a pair of leg holes therebetween, and a pouch, secured to the rear of the front portion of the waistband and suspended above the bottom of the underwear, the pouch having side edges which inwardly overly the leg holes with the bottom of the pouch tacked to the center of the underwear section. The pouch is preferably provided with a rear edge made from slightly elastic material. The pouch is preferably breathable material, even more preferably made from cotton. The pouch can be integrated into a pair of boxers, briefs, pajamas, etc.
US07681247B2 Anti-theft system and method for semiconductor devices and other electronic components
A semiconductor device includes a stored device identifier that is accessible to external systems, and a stored secret key that is inaccessible to external systems. The device also includes an input, which in operation receives a system identifier, representing the system into which the device is to be incorporated, and an authorization key. An authorization unit within the device is then used for enabling or disabling the device in accordance with the values of the stored secret key, the received system identifier and the authorization key. The authorization key is typically supplied by a support center in response to being notified of the device identifier. In one embodiment, the authorization unit encrypts the system identifier using the stored secret key as the encryption key and then compares the result against the authorization key.
US07681244B2 Packet transmitter apparatus
To provide a packet transmitter apparatus which can transmit contents protected by a content protection technique such as DTCP or the like, using packets such as IP packets which have become widespread.The packet transmitter apparatus includes a transmitting condition setting management unit (404) which extracts at least one of charge information, playback control information and copy control information of AV data from the inputted non-AV data or AV data and generates, based on the extracted information, encryption mode information indicating an encryption mode which becomes a condition at the time of transmitting the AV data; an encrypted data generation unit (406) which generates encrypted data by encrypting, based on the transmitting condition, the inputted AV data and adding encryption information headers based on the encryption mode information to the encrypted AV data; and a packet generation unit (403) which generates packets by adding packet headers to the generated encrypted data. The transmitting condition is to be determined as a combination of input terminal information, data format information and attribute information.
US07681239B2 Modularly constructing a software defined radio
Systems and methods are provided for modularly constructing a software defined radio (“SDR”). Given an SDR kernel (i.e., a potentially platform-neutral definition of digital signal processing functionality and control operations necessary to implement the core portion of a software defined radio implementing a particular radio standard), an optional description of governmental regulations for a particular locality, and an interface harness providing the necessary components for interfacing to specific communication channels and devices (including SDR hardware components), an SDR factory component performs a process of constructing an SDR software component for implementing a particular radio standard on a particular host. The SDR software component may additionally construct components which restrict the operation of the resulting SDR software component. The SDR kernel may be protected by one or more digital rights management (“DRM”) policies which may be enforced both at the time the SDR software component is constructed and while it is operating.
US07681238B2 Remotely accessing protected files via streaming
A source device permits a user of a remote device to access a protected file on the source device when the user of the remote device has a right to access the protected file. The user locates the protected file on the source device using the remote device and accesses the protected file using a media player on the remote device. The media player constructs a path by which the source device streams the protected file. The remote device responds to an authentication request from the source device that the user of the remote device has a right to access the protected file. The user is authenticated to confirm that the user of the remote device has a right to access the protected file. The protected file is streamed to the remote device via a path constructed by the remote device.
US07681235B2 Dynamic network protection
A method for protecting a network from an attack includes measuring a property of traffic entering the network, and analyzing the property using at least one fuzzy logic algorithm in order to detect the attack.
US07681234B2 Preventing phishing attacks
A system for protecting against information security breaches comprises a credential module that maintains a list of protected security credentials that are each associated with a known computing system and that detects when a security credential in the list is used. The system also includes a protection module that detects use of the security credential in connection with a computing system other than the known computing system with which the security credential is associated and that reports such use to a security server. Methods for using the system are also provided.
US07681233B1 Method and apparatus for controlling evaluation of protected intellectual property in hardware
Various techniques permit more thorough development of digital systems and devices by designers while protecting the proprietary interests of the owners of the intellectual property incorporated in such systems and devices. More specifically, systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products control use of hardware and software and IP implemented as user logic in a programmed device. The programmed device includes programmed logic that has designed logic and control logic. The designed logic includes user logic and protected logic such as IP cores, the use of which is to be controlled. The control logic includes a signal generator external to the designed logic. This signal generator contains clock means and a timeout circuit. A controller is connected to the programmed device by a tether. The controller periodically sends a keep alive signal via the tether to the signal generator. These keep alive signals may be single bit or multi-bit tokens which are processed in the programmed device by the signal generator. The signal generator disables the programmed device when the signal generator reaches a programmed time limit before receiving a keep alive signal from the controller. Disabling the programmed device can be accomplished by disabling either the user logic or the protected logic or both.
US07681231B2 Method to wirelessly configure a wireless device for wireless communication over a secure wireless network
A method to wirelessly configure a wireless device for wireless communication over a secure wireless network includes placing the wireless device to be configured for communication over the secure wireless network within a wireless communication range of an administrator; establishing a secure wireless communication channel between the administrator and the wireless device; and providing to the wireless device via the secure wireless communication channel network credentials needed to communicate over the secure wireless network.
US07681224B2 Method and system for transmitting data of moving picture, and apparatus for delivering and receiving data of moving picture
In the transmission of a moving picture, when the user switches video sources (for example, switches channels or starts reproducing a recorded program), the selected video source can be swiftly started to display. Immediately after a delivery apparatus makes a video source be selected by switching, a receiving apparatus causes a selector to select the video packets transmitted not through an error corrector and to supply them to a decoder and it controls the decoder to generate a frozen frame from the video packets and to supply it to a display where it is displayed. The selector is controlled to produce the error-corrected video data after a counter counts a delay time that the video packets undergo in the error corrector. Thus, the moving picture can be seamlessly displayed, and the delay in the error corrector can be apparently eliminated.
US07681223B2 Audio/video reproducing system, audio/video device therein, and audio/video reproducing method therewith
An audio/video reproducing system, an audio/video device therein, and an audio/video reproducing method therewith are provided that allow appreciation of a great deal of audio or video using a recording medium with a small capacity.A server writes only a part of audio data read from an audio database in a recording medium. An audio reproducing device reads the audio data from the recording medium, while establishing communication connection with the server via the Internet to request lacking audio data. When an ID code and password sent from the audio reproducing device matches up with a pre-registered ID code and password, the server permits login and transmits the lacking audio data to the audio reproducing device. The audio reproducing device synthesizes the audio data read from the recording medium and the audio data sent from the server to produce complete audio data so as to reproduce audio.
US07681219B2 Interactive job channel
Interactive job channel is described. In an embodiment, a viewer having a television-based client device can register an employment profile with a content provider. Employment-related media content can then be associated with the viewer according to the employment profile registered by the viewer, and when an interactive job channel is selected for viewing at the television-based client device, the employment-related media content associated with the viewer is provided by the content provider for viewing on the interactive job channel.
US07681213B2 Content distribution system, content distribution control apparatus, content distribution control method, content distribution control program and content distribution control program storage medium
A content distribution system, content distribution control apparatus, content distribution control method, content distribution control program and content distribution control program storage medium realizes the distribution of content to much more clients. The user PC 4 reserves a distribution channel at the live casting server 150 in order to distribute content to the client PCs 7A, 7B and 7C and requests the live casting server 150 to post program presentation information on the content to be distributed on the distribution channel on the program presentation display screen 160A of the top page screen 160, and the live casting server 150 executes billing processing in response to the request, sends the top page screen 160 having the program presentation display screen 160A including the program presentation information, to the client PCs 7A, 7B and 7C, which thereby allows the client users to see the program presentation information on the program presentation display screen 160A of the top page screen 160 first and increases the chances of selecting the program, resulting in distributing the content to much more client users.
US07681206B2 System and method for providing digital contents using open API
Provided are a system and a method for providing contents using an open API. A contents storing unit stores at least one contents. An open API unit is common to upper applications on the basis of a wired network interface and provides an API that is a communication function realized as components. A communication capability providing unit combines the API with the contents selected by the contents provider, and adds a communication function to the contents on the basis of usable network resources. The contents providing unit provides contents in which a communication function is added.
US07681200B2 Secure hardware desktop buffer composition
A plurality of virtual machines are executed on a host computer, the host computer including graphics hardware, and a display. The virtual machines write display data to their respective virtual desktop buffers. A virtual machine is selected to output to the display of the host computer. A composition buffer on the graphics hardware is enabled with respect to the selected virtual machine. The contents of the virtual desktop buffer associated with the selected virtual machine are copied to the composition buffer by the graphics hardware. The contents of the composition buffer are rendered and displayed by the graphics hardware. In addition, read access to the compositing buffer is restricted to the graphics hardware, thus preventing malicious software applications from capturing the display data across partitions.
US07681190B2 Minimum delta generator for program binaries
Implementations provide a technology for generating a minimum delta between at least two program binaries. An implementation is given a source program (S) in a binary format and a target program (T) in a binary form. It constructs control flow graphs (CFGs) of each. It matches common blocks of the S's CFGs and T's CFGs. The blocks are matched based upon their content and their local neighborhoods. In addition, the register renaming problems is solved so that blocks can be fairly compared. This implementation produces an intermediate output, which is the content of unmatched blocks. It generates a set of edge edit operations for merging the unmatched blocks into S. The combination of the unmatched blocks and the edit operations is the delta. To patch S to produce a reconstructed copy of T, the delta is merged with S.
US07681183B2 Method, system, and program product for checking control model and/or control program
A check system aims at checking at least one of a control model in which requested specifications for controlling a target are described and a control program generated based on the control model. The system has a first establishing unit configured to establish a first monitor section at a first location in the one of the control model and the control program. The system has a first identifying unit configured to automatically identify a second location in the other of the control model and the control program to establish a second monitor section at the second location in the other thereof. The second location corresponds to the first location of the first monitor section in the one of the control model and the control program.
US07681147B2 System for determining probable meanings of inputted words
A system is disclosed for determining probable meanings of words. An input of a word is obtained. Probable meanings of the word may be determined in accordance with a prior probability of probable meanings of the word and a context frequency probability of probable meanings of the word.
US07681144B2 Prioritized presentation of content
A method is provided for determining content to present on a display of a device. The method comprises presenting a first content in a first location in an application window of an application and presenting a second content in a second location in the application window of the application. The method further comprises receiving a user action and determining whether at least a portion of the first content will be obstructed due to the user action. The method further comprises presenting the first content in the second location based on a comparison of a first content priority value assigned to the first content and a second content priority value assigned to the second content in accordance with the determination.
US07681143B2 System and method for providing a window management mode
A mode of managing windows in a graphical user interface in which the application windows may be presented in a tiled manner is provided. Upon invocation of the mode inactive application windows may be scaled down and organized in a manner so as to set them aside from the currently active application window while the active application window may remain at or near full size and be positioned in a centralized location in the desktop space.
US07681140B2 Model-based customer engagement techniques
The graphical user interface may include a first portion configured to display a plurality of selectable entity characteristic icons, to receive selections from a user of a first selected entity characteristic and of a second selected entity characteristic thereby, and to provide in response at least a first graphical representation and a second graphical representation thereof, respectively. The graphical user interface also may include a second portion configured to display a graphical entity model that includes a combination of the first graphical representation and the second graphical representation, and a third portion configured to display at least a first suggested product to the user, based on the graphical entity model.
US07681139B1 Configurator including automatic receipts
A configurator including automatic receipts is described, including presenting a first pod and a second pod, the first pod comprising a first input area to receive a first input, receiving the first input into the first pod, summarizing a first result of the first input into a first receipt, and displaying the first receipt in the second pod.
US07681132B2 System, method and program product for visually presenting data describing network intrusions
Computer system, method and program for graphically representing network intrusions. Source icons are displayed in rows in a first column. The source icons represent source IP addresses from which intrusions were sent. Destination icons are displayed in rows in a second column. The destination icons represent destination IP addresses to which the intrusions were sent. The destination icons that receive intrusions from a same source icon are clustered together in the graphical representation across from the same source icon. An arrow is displayed from each of the source icons pointing to each of the destination icons to which each source icon sent an intrusion, such that there are “N” arrows from each source icon to “N” destination icons to which each source icon sent at least one intrusion.
US07681120B2 Document server generating link information for creating a corresponding catalog containing groups of pages
A document management server, which is capable of transmitting to a client an electronic document in which linked information can be embedded, includes a creation unit which creates an edited document by combining pages selected from the electronic document by the client; an addition unit which adds, to the edited document, linked information containing a destination of the document management server and configuration information representing a configuration of the edited document after reediting; and a transmission unit which transmits, to the client, the edited document to which the linked information is added.
US07681116B2 Automatic republication of data
Automatically republishing native data from a native data file into a published file. In response to initially publishing the native data into the published file, a publish object is created that corresponds to the published data and the native data. The publish object is associated with the native data file and indicates whether the native data is to be automatically republished upon resaving of the native data file. The publish object further indicates the location of the published file, a reference to the location of the native data within the native data file, and an alert string. The publish object is identified by a unique identifier that is also stored in the published file to indicate the location of the published data. In response to resaving the native data, the publish object is examined to determine whether the native data is to be automatically republished.
US07681108B2 Semiconductor memory module with error correction
A semiconductor memory module comprises a control chip for driving ECC memory chips and further memory chips. The memory chips are arranged in two rows on a top side and a bottom side of the module circuit board. The ECC memory chips are arranged centrally on the module circuit board alongside the rows of the memory chips. A control bus connects the ECC memory chips and also the memory chips to the control chip. In a region remote from the control chip, the control bus branches in a contact-making hole into a first partial bus, to which a first group of memory chips are connected, and a second partial bus, to which a second group of memory chips are connected. The ECC memory chips are likewise connected to the control bus via the contact-making hole. Since the ECC memory chips are not arranged directly under the control chip, a bus branch directed backward is not required. As a result, space considerations on the module circuit board are eased and signal integrity on the control buses is improved.
US07681095B2 Methods and apparatus for testing integrated circuits
In some aspects, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of memory arrays, a latch, and a selection circuit coupled to the plurality of memory arrays and to the latch. The selection circuit may be operative to receive a bit from each of a plurality of memory arrays select one of the plurality of memory arrays, and store the bit from the selected memory array. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07681092B2 Systems and methods for interleaving and deinterleaving data in an OFDMA-based communication system
In an exemplary embodiment, a base station includes an antenna for transmitting signals on a downlink to a plurality of user devices. The base station also includes a processor, and memory in electronic communication with the processor. Interleaving instructions are stored in the memory. The interleaving instructions are executable by the processor to interleave coded data in accordance with an interleaving algorithm in order to generate interleaved data. The interleaving algorithm is configured to accommodate use of different transmission bandwidths for data transmission. OFDMA processing instructions are also stored in the memory. The OFDMA processing instructions are executable by the processor to perform OFDMA processing on the interleaved data. The OFDMA processing facilitates the use of a varying number of sub-carriers for channel transmission.
US07681091B2 Signal integrity measurement systems and methods using a predominantly digital time-base generator
Signal-integrity measurement systems and methods utilizing unique time-base generation techniques for controlling the sampling of one or more signals under test. A time-base generator made in accordance with the present disclosure includes a phase filter and modulation circuitry that generates a rapidly varying phase signal as a function of the output of a sigma-delta modulator. The phase filter filters unwanted high-frequency phase components from the rapidly varying phase signal. The filtered signal is used to clock one or more samplers so as to create sampling instances of the signal(s) under test. The sampling instances are then analyze using any one or more of a variety of techniques suited to the type of signal(s) under test.
US07681088B2 Apparatus expressing high availability cluster demand based on probability of breach
An apparatus and computer instructions are provided for expressing high availability (H/A) cluster demand based on probability of breach. When a failover occurs in the H/A cluster, event messages are sent to a provisioning manager server. The mechanism of embodiments of the present invention filters the event messages and translates the events into probability of breach data. The mechanism then updates the data model of the provision manager server and makes a recommendation to the provisioning manager server as to whether reprovisioning of new node should be performed. The provisioning manager server makes the decision and either reprovisions new nodes to the H/A cluster or notifies the administrator of detected poisoning problem.
US07681081B2 Test device and method for testing stability of computer
A test device is provided for testing stability of a computer when the computer is started up or shut down. The test device includes a monolithic chip and a switch module. The monolithic chip includes an input port and an output port. The input port receives a high level or a low level signal from the computer. A test control module is disposed in the monolithic chip. The switch module includes an input pin coupled to the output port of the monolithic chip and a pair of output pins corresponding to the input pin. The pair of output pins is connected to the computer, for controlling the computer to be started up or shut down. The input port of the monolithic chip is connected to the computer for detecting a state of the computer.
US07681074B2 Transport high availability
Failover systems and methods for providing redundant backup of data transmitted over a network to provide transport high availability of electronic data. The present invention relates to creating redundant backup copies of electronic data as well as transmission of the backup copies over a network in the event of a failure of a network component.
US07681068B2 System and method for providing event hysteresis in network management systems
A system and method for managing toggling events in a network management system. The event is monitored and if the event maintains one of first and second states for a predetermined amount of time it is reported through the network management system. In one embodiment, if the event is a toggling alarm it is reported as active immediately and if it remains cleared for a predetermined amount of time it is reported as cleared.
US07681053B2 Thermal throttle control with minimal impact to interrupt latency
A computer implemented method, data processing system, and processor are provided for thermal throttle control with minimal impact to interrupt latency. A setting of an interrupt status bit is monitored. A determination is made as to whether an interrupt associated with the interrupt status bit is an unmasked interrupt in response to the interrupt status bit being set. An existing throttling mode is disabled and the interrupt handled in response to the interrupt being unmasked, where the interrupt latency of the integrated circuit is reduced.
US07681052B2 Enhanced classification for power over ethernet
A method of classification of power requirements in a power over Ethernet system, the method comprising: providing a first classification voltage for a first classification cycle time, the provided first classification voltage being within a classification voltage range defined by a lower classification voltage limit and upper classification voltage limit; measuring a first current flow responsive to the provided first classification voltage; subsequent to the first classification cycle time, providing a voltage outside of the classification voltage range for a classification indexing time; subsequent to the classification indexing time, providing a second classification voltage for a second classification cycle time, the provided second classification voltage being within the classification voltage range; measuring a second current flow responsive to the provided second classification voltage; determining a classification responsive to the measured first current flow and the measured second current flow; and allocating power responsive to the determined classification.
US07681049B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an image data generating unit, an authentication data generating unit, a receiving unit and an authentication unit. The image data generating unit generates first image data. The authentication data generating unit generates first authentication data from the first image data. The receiving unit receives second image data and second authentication data from an external device, wherein both the second image data and the second authentication data are generated by a second imaging apparatus, and the second authentication data is generated from the second image data. The authentication unit has (a) a first authentication mode where the authentication unit authenticates, using the first authentication data, whether the first image data has been altered, and (b) a second authentication mode where the authentication unit authenticates, using the second authentication data, whether the second image data has been altered.
US07681038B1 Method and system for facilitating packet-based communications
A method, system, and medium are provided for facilitating a communications call. The method comprises receiving a request to connect to a destination described by a first target which includes a user-identification parameter and a domain parameter. Second, using the target, generating a second target associated with the first target. Finally, permitting the request to be fulfilled if the request is associated with the second target.
US07681030B2 Mobile communication terminal, information processing method, data processing program, and recording medium
A transmitter cell phone 10 is provided with a controller 11 for fulfilling functions of a data encryptor, a first key encryptor, and an encryption file generator. The data encryptor encrypts data, using a first encryption key. The first key encryptor encrypts the first encryption key, using a second encryption key. The encryption file generator generates an encryption file of the data from the data encrypted by the data encryptor, the first encryption key encrypted by the first key encryptor, and user-specific information permitting identification of a user of the mobile communication terminal.
US07681022B2 Efficient interrupt return address save mechanism
A system, apparatus and method for efficiently processing interrupts using general purpose registers in a pipelined processor. In accordance with the present disclosure, a register file may be updated to efficiently save an interrupt return address. When an interrupt request is received by the system's processor, or when the request is issued in the execution of a program, a pseudo-instruction is generated. This pseudo-instruction travels down the pipeline in the same way as other instructions and updates the register file by causing the register file to be written with the return address of the last instruction for which processing has not been completed.
US07681015B2 Generating and comparing memory access ranges for speculative throughput computing
Systems, methods, and apparatuses including computer program products for speculative throughput computing are disclosed. Speculative throughput computing is used to execute program segments in parallel. In one aspect, a method includes generating precise ranges of locations that speculative read or write instructions have accessed; determining that a speculative write instruction from a first program segment has accessed a first precise range of locations; comparing the first precise range of locations with a second precise range of locations accessed by a speculative read or write instruction from a second program segment; determining that the first precise range of locations overlaps with the second precise range of locations; and identifying a miss-speculation and restoring memory content of locations speculative write instructions have accessed in the first precise range of locations and the second precise range of locations, when the first precise range of locations overlaps with the second precise range of locations.
US07681008B2 Systems for managing file allocation table information
In a nonvolatile memory system, a host allocates clusters and records allocation information in a File Allocation Table that is stored in the nonvolatile memory. A controller separately allocates certain data and records allocation in a record in a volatile memory. File Allocation Table information provided to the host is modified according to the record in the volatile memory.
US07681007B2 Automatic expansion of hard disk drive capacity in a storage device
At least a method and system of automatically expanding storage capacity in a data storage device are presented. In one method, the data storage device receives additional hard disk drives. Next, the data storage device receives an expansion option from a user by way of a user interface. The data storage device allocates one or more portions of one or more hard disk drives within the storage device, for use by one or more data pools, based on the expansion option. In one system for automatically expanding storage capacity in a data storage device, the system comprises a memory, one or more processors, and one or more software. One or more data pools are generated using one or more hard disk drives added to the data storage device.
US07680983B2 Method of restoring data by CDP utilizing file system information
The storage system includes a disk drive and a processor, the processor serving as a file system input/output processing unit and a block input/output processing unit. In the storage system, the block input/output processing unit provides, to the file system input/output processing unit, storage areas of the disk drive as plural volumes including a first volume, a second volume, and a third volume, the second volume storing a block write history, the third volume storing replication data of the first volume at a specific time. The block input/output processing unit refers to the block write history in the second volume to overwrite the replication data in the third volume with replication data of the first volume being at a different time from the specific time. The block write history in the second volume further includes information about which block is associated with which file.
US07680981B2 Virtual volume control method involving device stop
Provided is a storage system capable of starting/stopping a disk drive. At the time of allocating a logical device, it is judged, based on attributes including a purpose of the logical device, whether or not control can be performed in terms of start/stop of an allocation target disk drive to determine an allocation destination disk drive. Further, in the case where access to a specific logical device is stopped due to release of a path definition or other such cause, it is judged whether or not a disk drive corresponding to the logical device can be stopped. When it is judged that the disk drive can be stopped, the disk drive is stopped. When it is judged that the disk drive cannot be stopped, the logical device is migrated to another disk drive that can be stopped, a migration destination disk drive is stopped.
US07680975B2 Semiconductor memory card enabling continuation of processing when processing execution is interrupted due to interruption of voltage supply
The present invention is to provide a semiconductor memory card which enables continuation of processing, even when processing execution is interrupted due to interruption of voltage supply. The semiconductor memory card according to the present invention is a semiconductor memory card which can execute a program, which includes: an FeRAM which stores information; a register which stores information regarding the program being executed; a voltage detection unit which detects change in supply voltage to the semiconductor memory card; a save unit which associates register information stored in the register with additional information for specifying the program, and saves the register information and the additional information to the FeRAM in the case where the detection unit detects a predetermined status of voltage decrease; and a return unit which returns the register information to the register in the case where the detection unit detects a predetermined status of voltage increase and when the additional information stored in the FeRAM satisfies a predetermined condition.
US07680970B2 Method and system for batch process arbitration in a process control system
A method and system for equipment arbitration in a process control system are presented. The method and system include receiving a request for a first resource associated with a first area from a first resource user associated with a second area where the first and second areas are distinct. The method and system automatically determine whether the first resource is available for use by the first resource user.
US07680962B2 Stream processor and information processing apparatus
An array type processor comprises a data path unit to execute processing, and a state management unit to control the state of the data path unit in accordance with a command that specifies processing on the data. An input DMA circuit reads from a memory information and data to be processed including a command corresponding to the data. The input DMA circuit first transfers the command to the state management unit, and then transfers the data to be processed to the data path unit.
US07680956B2 Communicating additional information in a DNS update response by requesting deletion of a specific record
A technique is performed within a DNS server to respond to a DNS message. The technique includes receiving the DNS message from a requesting device (e.g., a DHCP server), and generating a search result based on a search of a portion of the DNS message for a request to delete a specific record (i.e., a specific, predefined record which is not expected to exist in the DNS). The technique further includes selectively providing and not providing current state information (or other information) to the requesting device depending on whether the search result indicates that the request to delete the specific record resides within the portion of the DNS message. Such operation allows for augmented operation with augmented DNS clients, as well as non-augmented operation with legacy equipment.
US07680954B2 Proxy DNS for web browser request redirection in public hotspot accesses
There is provided a system for resolving a proxy server name for a web browser request issued by a user device in a network. The user device has a browser configured with the proxy server name. The system includes a Domain Name System (DNS) server and a web server. The DNS server generates a private Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the user device in response to a non-resolvable DNS query from the user device that specifies the proxy server name, and creates a one-to-one mapping that relates the private IP address to the proxy server name. The web server receives a web browser request from the user device. The web browser request has been redirected to the web server and has an original destination IP address equal to the private IP address. The web server identifies the proxy server name from the private IP address using the one-to-one mapping.
US07680951B1 High speed subscribe-and-alert service using content graphs
Described are techniques used in connection with subscribe and alert services as may be embodied in a subscription system. The subscription system uses a preprocessor for preprocessing subscription and notification messages prior to submission to the subscription/publication server. The preprocessor outputs a preprocessed message including one or more identifiers categorizing an input subscription or notification message. The preprocessor uses a content graph to produce the preprocessed message. The subscription system uses a content based routing system with a tree-like topology to process preprocessed subscriptions and notifications using content graphs maintained at each node in the system. Also described is a loss detection technique using sequence numbers.
US07680947B2 System and method for collaborating emergency response efforts through multimedia data dissemination
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and associated method for the sharing and communication of video and other surveillance related multimedia data by streaming video and other data from an emergency response unit to a variety of devices and other emergency response units. Surveillance data obtained through a variety of monitoring options, including sources external to the first response unit is wirelessly disseminated from that first response patrol car or similar emergency response unit, to any number of other devices on a digital network.
US07680945B2 Messaging protocol in enterprise applications
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products implementing a messaging protocol. The messaging protocol may be a messaging protocol for transporting a message across a messaging landscape in a collaborative network. Techniques include sending a message that is defined to include a structured message header with information related to at least one component from a set of components defined by a protocol, including protocol version information in a message such that a component of a messaging landscape can interpret the message based on the version information, defining a message as one of a class of messages, end-to-end acknowledgement for messages, and security for headers and payloads of messages.
US07680936B2 IT resource management system, IT resource management method, and IT resource management program
An IT resource management system for managing a plurality of IT resources owned by a plurality of operating entities includes a supply condition accumulating part for accumulating a supply condition of a surplus IT resource, a demand condition accumulating part for accumulating a demand condition of an insufficient IT resource, a matching part for extracting a set of a supply condition and a demand condition matched with each other from the supply conditions and the demand conditions accumulated in the accumulating parts, and an assigning part for allowing an IT resource under the supply condition of the set to be available for an operating entity under the demand condition of the set.
US07680928B2 Methods and systems for automatically configuring network monitoring system
An automatically configurable network monitoring system includes a network monitoring communications protocol used for communications between a network monitoring client executing on a routing node (100) being monitored and a network monitoring server executing on a network monitoring processor (106). According to the network monitoring communications protocol, the network monitoring client broadcasts a network monitoring service request message to the network monitoring servers. The service request message identifies a signaling link for which network monitoring service is being requested. The network monitoring servers provisioned to the requested provide network monitoring service respond affirmatively and thereby automatically grant network monitoring service. The network monitoring system may be completely probeless or, alternatively, used in conjunction with probe-based network monitoring devices.
US07680927B2 System and method for providing testing for a communities framework
A community for maintaining user membership can be provided. Each major component of the communities framework can have multiple portals associated with its series of tests. Each of these portals can start out as a portal file. These portal files can be ran through the dissassembler in order to render the portals representing individual community instances. Once the community instance is created for the portal, various HTML unit tests can be written by the developer in order to access that portal as some user with given membership and functional capabilities. The test framework can automatically create users giving them membership in the community and mapping them to membership capabilities. The component code can subsequently be accessed in the context of a real user or member of the community. In this manner, a more realistic and efficient testing environment is achieved.
US07680917B2 Method and system for unit testing web framework applications
The lifetime of a data structure containing information for processing a client request is manipulated so that the information remains available to a review and/or testing process. After examination, the information may be discarded.
US07680912B1 System and method for managing and provisioning streamed data
A system and method for managing and provisioning streamed data by controlling, measuring and monitoring access to multicasted and/or unicasted data over a network includes a director, a hierarchy of participant managers, and a turnstile installed at each participant to which the data is to be delivered. Content providers provide information associated with an event (i.e., data) to the director. The director oversees the delivery of the event to a participant. In particular, the director provisions network resources and provides a ticket to the event to the participant. The participant acquires the ticket, either directly or indirectly from the director. When the participant attempts to access the event, the locally installed turnstile authenticates the ticket thereby gating access to the event. The turnstile also provides delivery statistics associated with the delivery of the event to the director via the hierarchy of participant managers.
US07680904B2 Diagnostic method and apparatus for detecting and locating computer network discontinuities
A computer network, method, and control unit provide two transmitters and two receivers connected to a server and workstations. The workstations are serially connected by transmit and receive paths. The transmitters are connected to opposing ends of the transmit path and the receivers are connected to opposing ends of the receive path. The first transmitter and receiver are enabled and the second transmitter and receiver are disabled during a first phase of a breakage diagnostic mode. The first transmitter transmits a first test sequence and the first receiver receives first acknowledgement sequences. The first transmitter and receiver are disabled and the second transmitter and receiver are enabled during a second phase. The second transmitter transmits a second test sequence and the second receiver receives a quantity of second acknowledgement sequences, which is compared to the quantity of first acknowledgement sequences to determine whether there is a discontinuity in the network.
US07680887B2 Method and device for messaging
A method and system are provided to transmit a message from a transmitting client to a primary receiving client via a server, which is also connected to a secondary receiving client. A message is sent from the transmitting client to the server. The message includes a first header indicative of an address of the primary receiving client and a second header indicative of at least one address of the secondary receiving client and the secondary header being indicative of only a single one of the at least one address. The message is then transmitted from the server to the primary receiving client and from the server to the secondary receiving client.
US07680885B2 Methods and apparatus for synchronization of data set representations in a bandwidth-adaptive manner
A bandwidth-adaptive method for synchronizing a consumer node representation of a dynamic data set and the source node representation of the dynamic data includes the step of receiving, from a source node, metadata information identifying a plurality of data packets that represent a state of at least a portion of a changing data set at a point in time. At least one of the identified data packets is received from the source node and at least one of the received data packets is selected responsive to the received metadata information. The metadata information and the selected at least one data packet are transmitted to a consumer node.
US07680874B2 Adder
An adder that can detect the generation of overflow at a high speed. Carry signal c14 from the 15th digit to the 16th digit in the result of addition from the 1st digit to the 16th digit of the input data is generated on the basis of bit signals (a0-a15, b0-b15) for the portion from the 1st digit to the 15th digit of the input data, and of carry signal CIN input to the 1st digit, and it is output from CLA 204. Then, carry signal c15 from the 16th digit to the 17th digit is generated based on said generated carry signal c14 and bit signals (a15, b15) of the 16th digit of the input data, and this is output from CIA 205. Exclusive-NOR circuit 206 then operates on said carry signals c14 and c15, and overflow detection signal OVF16 is generated.
US07680867B2 Method and apparatus for normalizing and converting structured content
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transforming information from one semantic environment to another. In one implementation, a SOLx system (1700) includes a Normalization/Translation NorTran Workbench (1702) and a SOLx server (1708). The NorTran Workbench (1702) is used to develop a knowledge base based on information from a source system (1712), to normalize legacy content (1710) according to various rules, and to develop a database (1706) of translated content. During run time, the SOLx server (1708) receives transmissions from the source system (1712), normalizes the transmitted content, accesses the database (1706) of translated content and otherwise translates the normalized content, and reconstructs the transmission to provide substantially real-time transformation of electronic messages.
US07680860B1 Method and system for creating vertical search engines
A method and system for creating a vertical search engine. The method and system may help allow “vortals” to be created for the Internet and other computer networks that efficiently index and search lists of Uniform Resource Locators (“URLs”) created from an appropriate list of keywords for a selected topic. Vortals include information pertinent to a targeted topic of a very small horizontal breath, but a larger depth. The created vortals may provide greater user satisfaction and less user frustration when searching for information about a selected topic.
US07680857B2 Method and system for generating help files based on user queries
A method and system for generating a help file based on failed user queries. A help file generation system collects failed user queries from user computer systems. The generation system assists a developer in identifying failed user queries that are related to a topic. The generation system then updates the entry in the help file for that topic based on the identified user queries. When a help system subsequently uses that help file, it checks the updated entry when searching for a match and will likely find a match to a relevant topic for a user query that previously failed.
US07680846B2 File management program, file management apparatus and file management method
A file management program, a file management apparatus, and a file management method are provided which are capable of migrating files between different file systems while an application program is being run.File information of source files on a source file system is acquired and recorded as a file information event, and information of file operations made for the source files are acquired and recorded as a file operation event. Based on the file information event and file operation event, a namespace replication database is generated in which the namespace of the source files has been replicated logically.
US07680843B1 Method and system to offload archiving process to a secondary system
Procedures and systems may be used for archiving data from a secondary data set that is a stable copy of a primary data set. In one implementation, the secondary data set is a continuous data protection (CDP) copy of the primary data set. One implementation of a method includes receiving an application programming interface (API) request for archive-eligible data, gathering application data from a secondary data set, obtaining archive-eligible data from the gathered application data, and responding to the request instruction with the archive-eligible data. The gathering is performed by a gathering circuit configured to obtain information from a plurality of types of secondary data sets. The method also includes receiving API modification instructions related to the archive-eligible data, and causing the modification instruction to be performed on the primary data set.
US07680840B2 Image processing system and method of processing image
An image processing system and a method of the same conveniently transmit meta data without using an additional transmission apparatus. The image processing apparatus includes a meta data extraction unit extracting meta data, a markup language conversion unit converting the meta data into a markup language document, and a document transmission unit transmitting the markup language document to a predetermined image output apparatus.
US07680837B2 File management method for log-structured file system for sequentially adding and storing log of file access
There is disclosed a file management method in a log-structured file system for storing accesses to files that are sequentially performed by sequentially adding logs. A storage area of a storage medium is previously divided into a data area for storing a log including data of the file and a management area that can store management information related to the log stored in said data area for a plurality of entries. Then, the management information including a first number indicating the order of writing the entry is added and stored in the management area as a new entry.
US07680834B1 Method and system for no downtime resychronization for real-time, continuous data protection
A data management system or “DMS” provides an automated, continuous, real-time data protection service to one or more data sources associated with a set of application host servers. To facilitate the service, a host driver embedded in an application server captures real-time data transactions. When a data protection command for a given data source is forwarded to a host driver, an event processor enters into an initial upload state. During this state, the event processor gathers a list of data items to be protected and creates a data list. Then, the event processor moves the data to a DMS core to create initial baseline data. The upload is a stream of application-aware data chunks that are attached to upload events. A resynchronization state is entered when there is a suspicion that the state of the data in the host is out-of-sync with the state of the most current data in the DMS. During upload or upward resynchronization, the application does not have to be shut down.
US07680832B1 Techniques for managing configuration information among different physical devices
A technique involves managing configuration information used by an application. The technique involves disposing a first file in a first physical device. The first file includes first configuration information. The technique further involves disposing a second file in a second physical device. The second file includes second configuration information. The second physical device is different than the first physical device. The technique further involves providing access to a top level file having a first path string to the first file in the first physical device and a second path string to the second file in the second physical device. The top level file in combination with the first and second files operates as a single virtual document which includes the first configuration information of the first file and the second configuration information of the second file.
US07680831B1 Methods and apparatus for detection and recovery of database out of synchronization conditions
A system detects an event suggesting a data discrepancy between a staging database and a production database that maintain network management data within a network management system. The staging database is logically separate from the production database. The system prevents modification to the production database, and replaces data in the staging database with data from the production database. The system then allows modification to the production database.
US07680820B2 Systems and methods for displaying text recommendations during collaborative note taking
Multiple users access a collaborative data-sharing system during a data-sharing event. Each user can establish the level of sharing to be allowed with each other user and filtering criteria for filtering the data before it is provided to the other users. Data can be extracted from a number of different sources, including data input by other users and/or previously created information sources. For example, slides from a presentation on a similar topic may be identified and included by a user as a potential source of information to be used by other users. Shared data can be displayed on devices used by users to communicate with the collaborative data-sharing system. A user can selected data provided by the collaborative data-sharing system, which was obtained from the data input by other users and/or from the identified additional data sources and added to that user's data as data entered by that user.
US07680818B1 Analyzing the dependencies between objects in a system
A method for determining the dependencies between objects in a system is provided. Determining the dependencies between objects involves analyzing data about the objects and applying rules to the data about the objects. According to one embodiment, a first set of dependencies between a plurality of objects may be based on data in a set of sources and dependency rules, whereas a second set of dependencies between the plurality of objects may be based on data from a different set of sources but the same dependency rules. According to another embodiment, a first set of dependencies between a plurality of objects may be based on data in a set of sources and dependency rules, whereas a second set of dependencies between the plurality of objects is based on data from the same set of sources but different dependency rules.
US07680811B2 Set based data store
Storing data in a data store is disclosed, including storing data in a plurality of generalized memory structures and generating an indexing structure that references one or more of the memory structures. Referencing is based on rules expressed in the memory structures. Processing a query in a data store is disclosed, including receiving a query, selecting an appropriate indexing structure to access for the query, and accessing data using the selected indexing structure.
US07680802B2 System and method for distributing content to portable computing devices
A method of operating a portable computing device comprises receiving broadcast information including a data repository and formatting information. Creation of a search query is facilitated, and a search result is retrieved from the data repository based upon the search query. The search result is transformed in accordance with the formatting information to produce formatted content.
US07680793B2 Commit-time ordered message queue supporting arbitrary read and dequeue patterns from multiple subscribers
Data consistency in the context of information sharing requires maintenance of dependencies among information being shared. Transactional dependency ordering is implemented in a database system message queue, by associating a unique system commit time with each transactional message group. Read consistency is implemented in such a queue by allowing only messages with a fully determined order to be visible. A fully determined order is implemented through use of a high watermark, which guarantees that future transactions, for which messages are entering the queue, have commit times that are greater than the current high watermark. Therefore, only messages below the current high watermark are visible and can be dequeued, with no chance of other new messages enqueuing below the current high watermark.
US07680790B2 Method and apparatus for approximate matching of DNA sequences
A method and device are disclosed for an associative and approximate, analog or digital scanning of databases that allows for the asynchronous accessing of data from a mass storage medium. The invention includes providing dedicated analog and digital circuitry and decision logic at the mass storage medium level for determining a key identifying the data of interest, continuously comparing the key to a signal generated from a reading of the data from the mass storage medium with an approximate or exact matching circuit to determine a pattern match, determining a correlation value between the key and the data as it is read in a continuous fashion, and determining a match based upon a preselected threshold value for the correlation value. The pattern matching technique eliminates any need to compare data based on its intrinsic structure or value, and instead is based on an analog or digital pattern. The key and data may be either analog or digital. This device and method may be provided as part of a stand-alone computer system, embodied in a network attached storage device, or can otherwise be provided as part of a computer LAN or WAN.
US07680788B2 Music search engine
A music search method for finding a desired song in a song database. The method comprises generating a difference sequence for each song in the song database by determining the relative difference between adjacent notes. Next, a note sequence is chosen for the song to be found within the song database. A difference argument is generated for the note sequence by determining the relative difference between adjacent notes. The difference argument for the note sequence and the difference sequence for each song in the song database is compared. The desired song is found if the difference argument for the note sequence corresponds to a portion of the difference sequence for the desired song, or if the net difference at the closest match position is within a set difference threshold.
US07680773B1 System for automatically managing duplicate documents when crawling dynamic documents
A system of reducing the possibility of crawling duplicate document identifiers partitions a plurality of document identifiers into multiple clusters, each cluster having a cluster name and a set of document parameters. The system generates an equivalence rule for each cluster of document identifiers, the rule specifying which document parameters associated with the cluster are content-relevant. Next, the system groups each cluster of document identifiers into one or more equivalence classes in accordance with its associated equivalence rule, each equivalence class including one or more document identifiers that correspond to a document content and having a representative document identifier identifying the document content.
US07680772B2 Search quality detection
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods and systems for categorizing the quality of a search by analyzing the relevancy numbers associated with the search results. The relevancy numbers are compared to established patterns to categorize the quality of the search query. Based on this categorization, the system alters the display parameters of the results, such as the number of results to display, the message to display to the user, or in some embodiments, a subsequent action the system executes.
US07680763B2 Administration of resources in system-wide search systems
A method and system for administration of a search system (310) for searching data from a plurality of applications. The method includes defining the requirements of a plurality of applications (301-303) to send data to the search system (310), and using optimization techniques (312) to adapt the resources (420) of the search system to meet the requirements. Resources (420) are allocated and de-allocated to the search system (310) in response to the outcome of the optimization. Policies (415) regarding resource consumption can be defined at predetermined times or in predetermined circumstances to enable dynamic resource allocation.
US07680760B2 System and method for labeling a document
A system and method for selecting a proxy keyword for an unknown document. An unknown document is received by a receiver. A plurality of candidate documents and corresponding keywords are determined for the unknown document. Using the keywords from the candidate documents, proxy keywords are determined for the unknown document based on a plurality of factors including a length of the keywords, a distance of the candidate documents from the unknown document, a similarity of the text between the unknown document and the respective candidate document, a rank of the keywords within each candidate document, and a frequency of the keyword within its respective candidate document.
US07680758B2 Method and apparatus for isolating execution of software applications
A method for isolating access by application programs to native resources provided by an operating system redirects a request for a native resource made by an application program executing on behalf of a user to an isolation environment. The isolation environment includes a user isolation scope and an application isolation scope. An instance of the requested native resource is located in the user isolation scope corresponding to the user. The request for the native resource is fulfilled using the version of the resource located in the user isolation scope. If an instance of the requested native resource is not located in the user isolation scope, the request is redirected to an application isolation scope. The request for the native resource is fulfilled using the version of the resource located in the application isolation scope. If an instance of the requested native resource is not located in the application isolation scope, the request is redirected to a system scope.
US07680753B2 System and method for fault identification in an electronic system based on context-based alarm analysis
A fault identification system analyzes alarm information and the associated contextual information to identify the occurred faults. The contextual information is based on usecases, transactions, and functions associated with the electronic system under consideration. Multiple detectors that form part of knowledge repositories are used in the process of fault identification.
US07680735B1 Trade receivable processing method and apparatus
A processing method and apparatus is provided, such as a clearinghouse, for tracking receivable and payable information, matching, negotiating, trading, providing working capital financing, and settling payments for accounts payable and accounts receivable between trading partners and finance providers.
US07680734B1 Money fund banking system
Providing interest to clients' deposited funds without the legal limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from a single deposit account in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of a single account, legal exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated.
US07680725B2 Arbitrage of tracking securities
A financial product is based on a first fund that is traded on a trading marketplace in a first country. The financial product is registered in the first country. The first fund has the characteristics of being based on an index of securities that are traded in a second, different country. The first fund is arbitragable with a second fund that is based on the index and which is registered in a second different country. The first fund has a creation unit basis that is substantially the same basis as a creation unit basis for the second fund. The calculation of the net asset value of the first fund occurs at essentially or exactly the same time that second country fund has its NAV calculated.
US07680723B2 User interface for semi-fungible trading
A user interface and method are disclosed for providing trading between a plurality of semi-fungible and non-fungible goods. A plurality of book axes are displayed in a single interface, each book axis representing a market for a particular good. Orders for goods are displayed as marks on the axes to display the relative value of the orders. A value axis is provided that relates the value of the goods from each market to each other. Thus, a single interface provides the means to relate the values of different semi-fungible goods. The value axis may be displayed in units of price, or a custom value designated by a user or pre-defined by the interface. Quantity information is represented in the interface through the display of a dimension of an order icon. Precise information about each order is displayed either in a panel view or a pop-up window.
US07680721B2 Securities market and market marker activity tracking system and method
A method, system and computer program to monitor securities market activity to seek out imbalances in market activity that could lead to a price change in a particular security. Level 1 and/or level 2 data is analyzed to track the activity of market makers and to derive indicators of momentary upward or downward price pressure. The indicators associated with each selected security are displayed to a user.
US07680720B1 Managing changes among multiple life cycle plans
A system and method for making life cycle plans includes a planning engine, an input/output module, a user interface, and financial planning software. The planning engine maintains a plurality of items associated with one or more life cycle plans. Each item has one or more variables, which store data. Each item additionally maintains information about its status within each plan. For each plan, the individual item may be active, inactive, or not present in the plan. When a second or subsequent plan is created, only those items having new or changed variable values are recreated. Instead of each item being copied to the second plan, the item instead maintains state information indicating its state within each plan.
US07680707B2 Municipal personal property tax compliance method, system, and computer program product
A method and system for ensuring property tax compliance are disclosed, in order to assist municipalities in achieving high accuracy compliance in the Personal Property Declaration (PPD) filings that they receive from taxpayers. The invention achieves greater total assessments of taxable property, in an equitable manner. This municipal personal property tax compliance program (MPPTCP) would change the way a state's municipalities enforce personal property tax assessment statutes. The invention includes a method for auditing a PPD, the PPD being a report of taxable property of a filer who is an individual or a business. According to this method a PPD is automatically analyzed to detect possible inaccuracies, by comparing the PPD with data provided by other PPDs. If the possible inaccuracies are detected, then a report is generated that identifies at least some of those possible inaccuracies.
US07680703B1 Data mining system capable of generating pairwise comparisons of user-selectable items based on user event histories
Data mining systems and methods are disclosed for generating data that is helpful to users in selecting between items represented in an electronic data repository, such as an electronic catalog. One disclosed data mining method generates pairwise comparison data for particular pairs of items. The pairwise comparison data for a given item pair reveals the degree to which users who consider both items in the pair select one item over the other. The pairwise comparison data may be appropriately exposed to users of the electronic repository. For instance, in the context of an electronic catalog, an item detail page for item A may be supplemented with an indication that users who view both item A and item B select item B a specified percentage of the time. Another data mining method uses item viewing histories and item purchase histories of users in combination to identify pairs of items that are good candidates for being recommended in combination.
US07680699B2 Method, system, and medium for sharing digital content and purchasing products at live performances
A content request, storage, and configuration system is provided for attendees of live events or performances, which associates pieces of content with one or more keywords, and configures the content for the benefit of a user. Content owners load content into the system or link content elsewhere to the system, and optionally designate a set of actions to be taken. Keywords are assigned to the content and actions by the system based on user input and/or auto-generation by the system. Thus, while attending a live event or performance, any of a variety of methods, including but not limited to Short Message Service (SMS) and instant messaging, are used by a user to communicate these keywords to the system, to indicate user interest in the associated content. Receipt by the system of the keywords from the user triggers the system to retrieve the relevant pieces of content, associate said content with the user making the request, and to take the designated actions if appropriate. In addition, users may designate that the system retrieve the relevant pieces of content and associate said content with other users.
US07680696B1 Computer processing system for facilitating the order, purchase, and delivery of products
A method for facilitating the ordering of two or more products, wherein a data repository receives from each respective buyer of two or more buyers at least two respective orders for purchase quantities of units of at least two products of said two or more products. The data repository calculates, substantially contemporaneously with the step of receiving, a composite order comprising the total units of each of said two or more products specified in each respective order received from each respective buyer. A near valid order quantity is determined with reference to said total units, and the purchase quantity is adjusted with reference to the total units taken with respect to the near valid order quantity.
US07680688B2 System and method for exchanging loyalty points for acquisitions
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating an acquisition from a merchant, whereby payment for the acquisition is made at least partially through automated redemption of loyalty points from a loyalty account. In particular, information is received at a loyalty point exchange system from the merchant. The information may include loyalty data indicating that the acquisition was paid for using a transaction card account that is to be reimbursed using loyalty points from the loyalty account. The loyalty account is debited by an amount equal to a currency value of the acquisition and the transaction card account is credited the amount charged for the acquisition. Loyalty points may, alternatively, be used to directly pay for purchases without the steps of charging and crediting a transaction card.
US07680684B1 Resourcing of staff for events
The present invention relates to resourcing of staff for performing tasks at an event. The present invention also relates to providing of a logistics requirement list for the staff. A method is provided whereby a electronic message is forwarded to a candidate by a resource management system 410, informing the candidate that their application has been accepted, providing the candidate with a staff identification and requesting the candidate to register. To register, the candidate connects to a first Internet Web site 451, from which the candidate receives information and instruction to connect with a second web site 452. The candidate gains access to the second web site 452 by use of the staff identification. The candidate then provides the requested information to complete registration.
US07680678B2 Diagnostic support system and method used for the same
A diagnostic support system by which anatomical charts can be referred to easily by a simple operation with no need to store image data representing anatomical charts in each medical facility. This system includes a client terminal for transmitting image data, which represents a medical image obtained by imaging intended for diagnosis, and information on an examination utilizing the medical image to the database server, retransmitting the information on the examination to the database server when requesting anatomical chart data, and displaying an image including the anatomical chart based on the anatomical chart data received from the database server; and a database server for recording the received image data etc. in a first recording medium, and retrieving corresponding anatomical chart data from a second recording medium, in which plural kinds of anatomical chart data are recorded, to transmit the retrieved anatomical chart data to the client terminal.
US07680676B2 Method for producing programming elements for broadcast stations
A method for producing a programming element for a broadcast station entails generating an order in a database to produce a recorded announcement and identifying the script for the order. The script and an order are stored at a first location in the database by the salesman. The method continues by recalling the order from the database by a traffic director, assigning a cart number to the order, and storing the script and cart number at a second location in the database. The stored script, order and cart number are recalled from the second location by a producer at the broadcast station. The producer locates elements required in the script and produces the recorded announcement. The recorded announcement is stored at a third location with the order in the database. The method ends by retrieving the stored recorded announcement for use by the broadcast station.
US07680667B2 Interactive robot, speech recognition method and computer program product
An interactive robot capable of speech recognition includes a sound-source-direction estimating unit that estimates a direction of a sound source for target voices which are required to undergo speech recognition; a moving unit that moves the interactive robot in the sound-source direction; a target-voice acquiring unit that acquires the target voices at a position after moving; and a speech recognizing unit that performs speech recognition of the target voices.
US07680666B2 Speech recognition system, speech recognition method, speech synthesis system, speech synthesis method, and program product
The object of the present invention is to keep a high success rate in recognition with a low-volume of sound signal, without being affected by noise.The speech recognition system comprises a sound signal processor 10 configured to acquire a sound signal, and to calculate a sound signal parameter based on the acquired sound signal; an electromyographic signal processor 13 configured to acquire potential changes on a surface of the object as an electromyographic signal, and to calculate an electromyographic signal parameter based on the acquired electromyographic signal; an image information processor 16 configured to acquire image information by taking an image of the object, and to calculate an image information parameter based on the acquired image information; a speech recognizer 20 configured to recognize a speech signal vocalized by the object, based on the sound signal parameter, the electromyographic signal parameter and the image information parameter; and a recognition result provider 21 configured to provide a result recognized by the speech recognizer 20.
US07680662B2 Systems and methods for implementing segmentation in speech recognition systems
A speech recognition system (105) includes an acoustic front end (115) and a processing unit (125). The acoustic front end (115) receives frames of acoustic data and determines cepstral coefficients for each of the received frames. The processing unit (125) determines a number of peaks in the cepstral coefficients for each of the received frames of acoustic data and compares the peaks in the cepstral coefficients of a first one of the received frames with the peaks in the cepstral coefficients of at least a second one of the received frames. The processing unit (125) then segments the received frames of acoustic data based on the comparison.
US07680661B2 Method and system for improved speech recognition
A method for speech recognition includes: prompting a user with a first query to input speech into a speech recognition engine; determining if the inputted speech is correctly recognized; wherein in the event the inputted speech is correctly recognized proceeding to a new task; wherein in the event the inputted speech is not correctly recognized, prompting the user repeatedly with the first query to input speech into the speech recognition engine, and determining if the inputted speech is correctly recognized until a predefined limit on repetitions has been met; wherein in the event the predefined limit has been met without correctly recognizing the inputted user speech, prompting speech input from the user with a secondary query for redundant information; and cross-referencing the user's n-best result from the first query with the n-best result from the second query to obtain a top hypothesis.
US07680653B2 Background noise reduction in sinusoidal based speech coding systems
A method and apparatus to reduce background noise in speech signals in order to improve the quality and intelligibility of processed speech. In mobile communications environment, speech signals are degraded by additive random noise. A randomness of the noise, which is often described in terms of its first and second order statistics, make it difficult to remove much of the noise without introducing background artifacts. This is particularly true for lower signal to background noise ratios. The method and apparatus provides noise reduction without any knowledge of the signal to background noise ratio.
US07680648B2 Methods and systems for improving text segmentation
Methods and systems for improving text segmentation are disclosed. In one embodiment, at least a first segmented result and a second segmented result are determined from a string of characters, a first frequency of occurrence for the first segmented result and a second frequency of occurrence for the second segmented result are determined, and an operable segmented result is identified from the first segmented result and the second segmented result based at least in part on the first frequency of occurrence and the second frequency of occurrence.
US07680641B1 Identifying a minimum cut and/or a maximum flow using balancing of vertex excesses
A representation of a network having vertices connected by arcs is provided, where the network exhibits a pseudoflow. Arcs on which moves are to be performed are iteratively chosen for balancing excesses of vertices across the arcs until a stopping rule is satisfied. After the stopping rule is satisfied, further processing is performed to identify at least one of a minimum cut and/or maximum flow.
US07680635B2 Configuration system and method
A configuration method includes selecting a design configuration, and modeling the solution configuration having a failure event for the selected solution configuration to determine an amount of down time associated with the failure event. A first penalty cost function is applied the amount of down time to determine a first penalty cost associated with the failure event of the selected solution configuration.
US07680630B2 Monitoring a parameter with low power consumption for aircraft landing gear-data logger
Apparatus for monitoring a parameter associated with a structural component comprises a module (1) which is attachable to the structural component and which is associated with a sensor (2) for making measurements of said parameter. The module incorporates a power supply (7) for powering the apparatus; a memory (4) for storing data from the sensor, and a processor (3) to process measurement signals from the sensor (2) and to store data in said memory (4). A display (5) for displaying measurements made by the sensor (2) may also be provided. The processor may make use of an algorithm such as a rainflow counting algorithm to reduce data stored. For energy saving, the sensor (2) is only powered on as required to take a measurement. The sensor (3) is interfaced to the processor through a signal processing subsystem (6) consisting of an amplifier and A to D converter, and each is turned on and off as required to power the sensor (2) for measuring. A sensor such as a tilt-switch (8) may also be used to control powering of the sensor (2). A communication link allows downloading of data from the memory, and recharging of the battery (7). Alternatively, the memory (4) and battery (7) are incorporated in a unit which is removable from the apparatus so that the data in the memory can be processed elsewhere.
US07680629B2 System and method for providing notes in measurement devices
A measurement device with capabilities of note taking. The measurement device comprises at least one measurement component, adapted to perform measurement in at least one measuring event of the measurement device; a note control component, adapted to obtain and record at least one note input with respect to the at least one measuring event; and a Central Processing Unit (CPU), adapted to link the at least one note with the at least one measuring event.
US07680625B2 Systems and methods for monitoring system performance
The present disclosure includes systems, apparatus, and methods for monitoring a pipeline network having plural inspection sites. The system comprises a memory module associated with one or more inspection sites, with each memory module storing one or more performance parameters corresponding to the associated inspection site. The system also comprises a measuring device operable to collect performance data of each associated inspection site. The system further comprises a portable reader configured to read the memory module, and in association with the measuring device, to compare the one or more performance parameters with the performance data to validate the performance data while in proximity to the associated inspection site.
US07680621B2 Test instrument network
A test instrument network for testing a plurality of DUTs includes a plurality of communicating script processors, the script processors being adapted to execute computer code; and a plurality of measurement resources controllable by the script processors in response to executed computer code, the measurement resources being adapted to test the DUTs. Each script processor and measurement resource may be arbitrarily assigned by the controller to one of at least two groups, only one script processor being assigned to be a master script processor, any other script processor being a slave script processor and any group not including the master script processor being a remote group. The master script processor is exclusively authorized to initiate code execution on any script processor in a remote group. Any slave script processor is only able to initiate operation of measurement resources in it own group. When a particular script processor is executing computer code, the master script processor may not initiate execution of computer code on a member script processor in the group of the particular script processor and may not initiate operation of a member measurement resource in the group of the particular script processor.
US07680619B1 Parallel test architecture
A measurement system for testing a DUT includes a plurality of procedures for performing test functions, each procedure having a phase variable; a task queue where the procedures are entered in the task queue with a sign-up value of the phase variable; and a multiphase task executor that arranges the procedures in the queue in response to the sign-up value. The executor changes the phase variable to an execution value and executes the procedures in the task queue after the phase variable has the execution value.
US07680600B2 Method, system and apparatus for formation tester data processing
A method for data processing includes transforming measurement data acquired in the time domain during an oilfield operation into a second domain to produce transformed data; identifying distortions in the transformed data; removing the distortions from the transformed data; and transforming back from the second domain to the time domain to produce cleaned-up data. The transforming measurement data may use a Fourier transform or a wavelet transform. The method may further include compressing the cleaned-up data or reconstructing signals from the cleaned-up data. A method for data processing includes decomposing measurement data, which are acquired in an oilfield operation, using a low pass filter to produce a first dataset; decomposing the measurement data using a high pass filter to produce a second dataset; removing distortions from the second dataset to yield a corrected second dataset; and reconstructing a corrected dataset from the first dataset and the corrected second dataset.
US07680594B2 Display method and system for a vehicle navigation system
Traffic information, including traffic flow information and traffic incident information, obtained through a traffic management system for providing and facilitating the exchange of traffic information between a remote location and a vehicle may be presented to a user on a user display in the vehicle. The traffic information may be presented to the user in several circumstances, either as cued by the user, or automatically presented by the traffic management system. The user display may also automatically display traffic flow and traffic incident information for the direction that the user is traveling or along a route calculated by the navigation device. Further, a window displaying information about an upcoming traffic incident such as distance to the incident and incident details may automatically appear in the user display. Alternately, the user may select a roadway, freeway, or area for which traffic information is desired.
US07680593B2 Map data updating method
An information center has an all-road updating data and a main-road updating data. The all-road updating data is a difference of all roads extracted from an all-road map data, and the main-road updating map data is a difference of specified roads extracted from the all-road map data. A map display system executes a reverse-updating to return the map data to a previous state not updated with the main-road updated map data, when its map data has already been updated with the main-road updated map data. The map display system then executes updating of the map data with the all-road updated map data.
US07680590B2 Boundary detection algorithm for embedded devices
Techniques for detecting boundary crossings may involve the use of rectangles that approximate a boundary. Data defining the rectangles may be retrieved, and a current location of a monitored device may be identified. The current location may be compared with the rectangles, and a determination that the current location is located within a rectangle may indicate a boundary crossing. To simplify the calculations on the monitored device, certain calculations may be performed in advance. For example, an angle between a selected side of a particular rectangle and an axis of the coordinate system may be determined, and the particular rectangle may be rotated by the angle to orient the rotated rectangle parallel to the axis of the coordinate system. Subsequently, location coordinates for a monitored device may be rotated and compared with a corresponding rotated rectangle to determine whether the monitored device is located within the particular rectangle.
US07680588B2 Traffic information management system
A management center analyzes probe information uploaded from an in-vehicle terminal mounted in each of multiple probe cars to thereby generate road traffic information allowing specification of a unit road segment in a congested state. The generated road traffic information is transmitted via a broadcasting station and terrestrial digital broadcasting. Each in-vehicle terminal includes a navigation device. The navigation device determines traffic congestion state relative to multiple unit road segments successively in accordance to traveling of the relevant probe car. Only when confirming a predetermined difference relative to each unit road segment between the determined traffic congestion state and the traffic congestion state indicated in the road traffic information received from the management center, the navigation device uploads to the management center the probe information collected with respect to the corresponding unit road segment by using a mobile communications terminal.
US07680571B2 Vehicle differential score protection
A differential score protection system that regulates an engine to inhibit damage to a differential driven by the engine includes a first module that initiates a differential score protection mode and a second module that decreases an engine speed when the engine speed exceeds an engine speed limit. The engine speed limit is one of a plurality of pre-determined values based on a design slip speed limit of the differential.
US07680562B2 Power generation system
A power generation system includes a converter configured for supplying power from a constrained power or energy source to a power network and a control system configured for balancing instantaneously available power from the constrained source against demanded load from the power network by dynamically adjusting power network voltage, power network frequency, or a combination of power network voltage and power network frequency.
US07680561B2 Method of facilitating communications across open circuit breaker contacts
An intelligent power management system that includes a circuit breaker containing a PLC module that spans open contacts of the circuit breaker to provide a communication path for PLC messages between communication paths on each of the line and load sides of the circuit when the contacts are open. The contacts are motorized to permit remote operation through PLC messaging. Coupled to the PLC module is a controller, which controls the opening and closing of the motorized contacts under user control or via an adaptive load management algorithm that reduces peak power consumption and adapts a set of loads to changed power supply conditions. The controller can also dynamically alter operational current and fault threshold levels on a real-time basis based upon circuit requirements or environmental conditions. The algorithm runs a state machine and also manages loads in a limited power source environment such as when loads are powered by a generator.
US07680555B2 Auto tip calibration in an extrusion apparatus
The present invention is a method for performing a calibration routine of a deposition device in a three-dimensional modeling machine that deposits a material to build up three-dimensional objects as directed by a controller on a substrate mounted on a platform. The method comprises generating a material build profile, which represents a three-dimensional structure at defined locations. A relative position of the material build profile is then determined. An expected build profile is identified and then compared to the determined relative position of the material build profile to identify any difference which represents an offset. The modeling system then positions the deposition device based upon the offset.
US07680545B2 System and method for speed measurement verification
This Invention provides for a method and system for speed measurement verification. The method comprises the step of automatically measuring the speed of a vehicle traveling on a surface which includes a fixed marker at a predetermined distance from a point where the speed of the vehicle is measured. The measured speed is automatically compared to a predetermined speed limit and if the speed limit is exceeded, the next step involves automatically calculating a time delay, which time delay is calculated according to the measured speed and the predetermined distance so as to predict when the vehicle, if traveling at the measured speed, will reach the marker. An image is then captured with a camera directed at the marker after expiration of the time delay so that, if the measured speed is accurate, the vehicle will be positioned proximate the marker so that the captured image showing the vehicle relative to the marker is able to serve as verification of the accuracy of the measured speed.
US07680542B2 Radiofrequency ablation epiphysiodesis
The present invention is directed to a method of treating bone length discrepancies and angular deformities in a patient in need thereof, where the method involves radiofrequency ablation epiphysiodesis of a physeal plate. Specifically, the method treats long bone discrepancies with a minimally invasive procedure. The present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting bone growth, where the method involves exposing a physeal growth plate to radiofrequency ablation epiphysiodesis.
US07680540B2 Multi-application trial stimulator
The disclosure relates to an electrical trial stimulator that stores multiple applications to selectively emulate the operation of different chronically implanted stimulators. Each application corresponds to a different chronically implanted stimulator. Upon selection of a particular application, the stimulator executes a set of instructions to emulate the operation of a chronically implanted stimulator that corresponds to the application. The multi-application stimulator permits a physician to select an application for stimulation therapy, and evaluate efficacy of a particular chronically implanted stimulator. In addition, the physician may select any of the other stimulation applications to emulate other stimulators. The different stimulation applications may correspond to different stimulators that deliver a similar therapy, e.g., stimulators designed to deliver spinal cord stimulation for alleviation of chronic pain. Alternatively, the applications may correspond to stimulators that deliver different types of therapy, e.g., stimulators that deliver spinal cord, deep brain, gastrointestinal, or pelvic floor stimulation.
US07680528B2 Method for the graphical representation of a medical instrument inserted at least partially into an object under examination
The invention provides a method for the graphical representation of a medical instrument inserted at least partially into an object under examination, with an image representing the medical instrument being generated, in that the instrument image is vectorized, with the medical instrument being represented as a polyline.
US07680526B2 System and method for obtaining a volume of influence based on non-uniform tissue conductivity data
This document discusses, among other things, brain stimulation models, systems, devices, and methods, such as for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or other electrical stimulation. A model computes a volume of influence region for a simulated electrical stimulation using certain stimulation parameters, such as amplitude, pulsewidth, frequency, pulse morphology, electrode contact selection or location, return path electrode selection, pulse polarity, etc. The model uses a non-uniform tissue conductivity. This accurately represents brain tissue, which has highly directionally conductive neuron pathways yielding a non-homogeneous and anisotropic tissue medium. In one example, the non-uniform tissue conductivity is obtained from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. In one example, a second difference of an electric potential distribution is used to define a volume of activation (VOA) or similar volume of influence. In another example, a neuron or axon model is used to calculate the volume of influence without computing the second difference of the electric potential distribution.
US07680523B2 Sensor system, garment and heart rate monitor
The invention relates to a sensor system, a garment and a heart rate monitor. The sensor system comprises at least one flexible film structure comprising: a first insulation layer and at least one electric conductor layer formed on top of the first insulation layer and comprising an electrode area, which is configured to establish an electric contact with the surface of the user's skin and to generate as output an electric signal proportional to a momentary value of the electrocardiogram.
US07680522B2 Method and apparatus for detecting misapplied sensors
A method and system are provided for determining whether a spectrophotometric sensor is misapplied. In one embodiment, a spectrophotometric sensor is provided with a strain sensor configures to provide a signal related to the curvature of the spectrophotometric sensor. In such an embodiment, the signal may be compared, such as by an associated monitor, with an expected signal value. Based upon this comparison, a determination may be made whether or not the spectrophotometric sensor is misapplied.
US07680518B2 Deviation based antenna control algorithm for an access point
An access point operating in a wireless communication network includes a smart antenna for generating directional antenna beams. A method for operating the access point includes communicating with a client station using a selected directional antenna beam, with the client station initially being in a stationary position. Signal to noise ratios of signals received from the client station within a time interval are measured. At least one variation metric of a mean of the measured signal to noise ratios within the time interval is determined. This at least one determined variation metric is compared to a threshold for determining if the client station is moving.
US07680516B2 Mobile millimeter wave communication link
A point-to-point, wireless, millimeter wave communications link between two stations at least one of which is a mobile station. A millimeter wave transmitter system operating at frequencies higher than 57 GHz with a tracking antenna producing a beam having a half-power beam width of about 2 degrees or less and a millimeter wave receiver also with a tracking antenna having a half-power beam width of about 2 degrees or less. In preferred embodiments each mobile station has a global position system (GPS) and a radio transmitter and both tracking antennas are pointed utilizing GPS information from the mobile station or stations. The GPS information preferably is transmitted via a low frequency, low data rate radio. Each millimeter wave unit is capable of transmitting and/or receiving, through the atmosphere, digital information to/from the other station at rates in excess of 155 million bits per second during normal weather conditions. In preferred embodiments actually built and tested by Applicants digital information has been transmitted at rates of 1.25 gigabits per second. Preferred communication links described here are millimeter wave links operating at frequencies of 71-73 GHz and 74-76 GHz mounted on simple two-axis gimbals. Pointing information of the required accuracy is provided by GPS receivers and standard radio links which send the GPS calculated positions to the millimeter wave systems at the opposite end of the link. In these embodiments there is no need for any complicated closed loop pointing information derived from received signal intensity or phase. On moving platforms locally generated inertial attitude information is combined with the GPS positions to control pointing of the gimbaled transceivers.
US07680515B2 Dual-mode reconfigurable base station and SCA-based service mode switching method thereof
The present invention relates to a service mode switching method based on a software communication architecture (SCA) of a reconfigurable base station system. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, first and second service mode software component files are stored and managed by separating the first and second service mode software component files into a common component file used for first and second modes in common and first and second mode individual component files individually used for the first and second modes. When the first mode is established according to an applied request, the first mode individual component file is operated, and the base station in the first mode is operated. When the second mode is established according to another applied request, the operation of the first mode individual component file is stopped.
US07680506B2 Method for inserting advertisement into PoC and extended-PoC communication system
The object of the present invention is to realize a method and a server which enable insertion of advertisement even in voice communication including multimedia communication. The server is configured as a server for managing PoC communication among multiple terminals, comprising: a right-to-speak management section for managing the right to speak of the multiple terminals; a data distribution section for transmitting and receiving data to and from the multiple terminals; and an advertisement control section for storing advertisement data and transmitting the stored advertisement data to the multiple terminals via the data distribution section.
US07680496B2 Mobile communication method
A mobile communications terminal divides a plurality of multipath signals associated with radio signals transmitted from a plurality of base stations 5 using an S-CCPCH into groups by base station, i.e., by transmit source, maximum-radio-combines a plurality of multipath signals associated with each same base station 5 which is a transmit source into a composite signal, decodes the composite signal, and selects a composite signal having a good decoded result from among decoded composite signals.
US07680493B2 Low phase noise testing system utilizing a crystal filter
According to one embodiment, a low phase noise testing system includes a tester providing a high phase noise digital channel output. The low phase noise testing system further includes a crystal filter configured to receive the digital channel output and to pass a narrow frequency range from the digital channel output, whereby the high phase noise digital channel output is converted to a low phase noise clock for use by a device under test. The crystal filter can be, for example, a monolithic crystal filter or a discrete crystal filter.
US07680490B2 System and method for multimedia networking with mobile telephone and headset
Disclosed is a method for transmitting multimedia content stored on a network to a mobile telephone and/or other rendering device (e.g., a mobile telephone accessory). In one embodiment, a mobile telephone and a mobile telephone accessory (e.g., a headset) are communicatively coupled to a network. The mobile telephone requests information from a device associated with the network. The mobile telephone selects information from a content server to be rendered and a rendering device. The mobile telephone configures the rendering device to receive the information from the network through a network adapter. The mobile telephone maintains control of the session and the rendering device through a second interface (e.g., Bluetooth).
US07680486B2 Sensor network system
An object of the invention is to save the trouble of mapping sensor chips on a map information system. A map information management unit 124 is accessed via a network 122. Neighborhood information based on a present position measured by an own position measuring unit 102 is obtained by searching a map DB 127. A sensor information setting unit 106 displays the neighborhood information in a display unit 108. An ID reading unit 104 reads an ID 111 of a sensor chip 110, and registers the ID 111 in the map DB 127 after associating it with equipment information displayed in the display unit 108. The measurement values measured by a sensor 112 are transmitted from an antenna 114 and received by a sensor information receiving unit 119 of the receiver 118. A sensor information communication unit 120 accesses the network 122 and the measurements are transmitted to a sensor information management unit 123. The measurement values are accumulated in a sensor DB 126. The sensor DB 126 is searched using a sensor ID associated in the map DB 127 and the measurements are viewed as map information associated with equipment.
US07680479B2 Urgent message apparatus and system
An urgent message apparatus mounted in a vehicle, for transmitting, in an emergency, an urgent message with a backup battery with the use of a low-earth orbit orbiting satellite, detects a current position of the vehicle; a obtaining part obtaining a communication not-possible time zone of the low-earth orbit orbiting satellite, for the current position of the vehicle detected by the position detecting part; calculates a power amount to be consumed when the backup battery is maintained in a transmission standby state during the communication not-possible time zone obtained by the obtaining part; measures remaining power of the backup battery; compares a sum of a power amount required for transmitting the urgent message and the power amount calculated by the calculating part, with the remaining power measured by the measuring part; and determines that charging or replacement of the backup battery is required when the sum is larger.
US07680477B2 Integrated radio frequency filters for multiband transceivers
A system and method integrates signal filters in a multiband transceiver. A preferred embodiment comprises an amplifier with a first tunable capacitor coupled to a signal input and a tunable filter. The tunable filter comprises an input stage with a first pair of inductors arranged in a dipole configuration and a second tunable capacitor coupled in parallel to the first pair of inductors and an output stage inductively coupled to the input stage, the output stage includes a second pair of inductors also arranged in a dipole configuration and a third tunable capacitor coupled in parallel to the second pair of inductors. The inductors are realized using bond wire or any other high Q material. The first tunable capacitor, the second tunable capacitor, and the third tunable capacitor can be tuned using a master-slave tuning configuration to adjust the operating frequency of the amplifier and the tunable filter to enable frequency band compatibility with multiple communications protocols.
US07680460B2 Wireless process field device diagnostics
A wireless process device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system comprising includes a power source configured to power the process device. Diagnostic circuitry is configured to diagnose operation of process device and provides a diagnostic output. Wireless communication circuitry transmits information over a wireless communication link.
US07680458B2 Interference cancellation method and module for OFDMA mobile communication system
The present invention relates to an interference cancellation receiving method in an OFDMA mobile communication system, and an apparatus using the same. For this purpose, the present invention provides an interference cancellation receiving method for outputting a data symbol from which an interfering signal is canceled by receiving subcarriers including a data signal from a serving base station, the data signal including interfering signals from a neighboring base station and a remote base station, estimating a channel response of the serving base station and the neighboring base station by using at least one adjacent pilot subcarrier in the frequency axis or time axis, computing a weight value for canceling the interfering signals, and combining at least one data subcarrier having a repeated identical data symbol among received subcarriers with the weight value. According to the present invention, performance of receiving serving base station signals is improved, and a success rate of handoff is increased and handoff delay time is reduced by successful decoding of signals from a serving base station and a neighboring base station when handoff occurs.
US07680457B2 Method and system for collaborated beamforming for reducing interference
A method is provided for reducing interferences in a wireless communication system. First, in one or more cells, a plurality of frequency-time frames are generated each having at least one predetermined frequency-time open window unused for desired wireless communications. The interference information is derived from the predetermined open windows of the frames. The interference for incoming signals is reduced by calculating beamforming weights using the observed interference information.
US07680435B2 Flange, flange processing device, and method of processing flange
To provide a flange to be attached to an end of a photoconductor drum, the flange including: a drum engagement part capable of being engaged with an inner surface of the photoconductor drum; and a center hole, wherein the flange is prepared by cutting at least one of a surface of the engagement part and an inner surface of the center hole so that the axis of the center hole coincides with the axis of the photoconductor drum.
US07680430B2 Developing apparatus, process cartridge, developer cartridge, and image forming apparatus including leakage preventing member
A developing agent leakage preventing member is provided that is attached to the developer housing and that has a housing attaching face which contacts with the developer housing, a front side face which opposes the housing attaching face, and two side faces each of which connects to each other end portions of the housing attaching face and the front side face in the longitudinal direction of the opening of the developer housing. At least one of the side faces of the developing agent leakage preventing member is formed as an inclined side face that is inclined in a predetermined direction relative to the housing attaching face when pressed from the front side face side. In a developing apparatus, developing agent (toner) leakage is avoided.
US07680425B2 Image forming apparatus and method for controlling tone characteristics based on tone-control patch image
An image It is formed as a patch image which includes a header image portion Ih of a solid image having a length of a circumferential length of a developing roller or more, and a gradation image portion Ig progressively varied in the tone level thereof from the maximum level to the minimum level. The densities of the patch image on an intermediate transfer belt are sampled. However, the sampling results contain errors resulting from noises or variations and hence, are subjected to a noise removal process, a periodical variation correction process and a reverse correction process. The results detected on the intermediate transfer belt do not always coincide with image densities (OD values) on a recording material. Therefore, the detection results are converted into the OD values, based on which tone characteristics of an apparatus is estimated. Then a tone correction table is updated in a manner to compensate for the tone characteristics. This approach is taken to improve image quality on the recording material.
US07680422B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus which adjusts toner density in a developing device according to humidity. However, an image quality may decrease if the humidity changes between the time when a power source is turned off and the time when the power source is turned on. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus includes an absolute humidity calculator and a toner density controller for changing the toner density in the developing device in accordance with a difference between the absolute humidities. A storage controller controls the storing of an absolute humidity in a storage portion; and a toner removal controller controls the removal of residual toner particles from the developing device if a difference between an absolute humidity detected by the humidity detector when the power source is turned on and an absolute humidity stored in the storage portion is more than a predetermined value.
US07680418B2 Multi-rate clock signal extracting method and multi-rate clock signal extracting device
A multi-rate clock signal extracting device includes a light modulator, a photoelectric converter, a band-pass filter unit, a phase comparison unit, a bit rate changeover switch and a modulating electric signal generating unit. The light modulator modulates a light signal according to a modulating electric signal as a mixing signal obtained by mixing an electric signal with frequency f/(2j−1) and an electric signal with frequency Δf so as to output it as a modulated light signal. The modulated light signal is converted into a first electric signal by the photoelectric converter. A second electric signal group with frequency (2n−1)×Δf is generated from signal components with frequencies (2n−1)×Δf included in the modulated light signal by the photoelectric converter and the band-pass filter unit so as to be input into the phase comparison unit. The bit rate changeover switch selects an electric signal corresponding to the bit rate of the light signal so as to input it into a modulating electric signal generating unit. The modulating electric signal generating unit outputs the modulating electric signal.
US07680415B2 Optical code division multiplexing transmission and reception method and optical code division multiplexing transceiver
An object of the present invention is to provide an OCDM transceiver with which the reduction amount of the intensity of the correlation waveform signal is smaller than that of a conventional device of the same type in the decoding step that comprises a time gate processing step. Hence, in the OCDM transceiver of the present invention that comprises an encoding portion and a decoding portion, the decoding portion is constituted comprising a decoder, clock extractor, and time gate. The decoder decodes an encoded optical pulse signal and separates the encoded optical pulse signal into a clock signal extraction signal and an optical pulse signal playback signal. The clock extractor extracts a clock signal from the clock signal extraction signal. Further, the time gate removes only the auto-correlation waveform component from the optical pulse signal playback signal. The auto-correlation waveform component is converted to an electrical signal by means of an optical receiver and generated as a reception signal.
US07680412B2 Method and device for in-band optical performance monitoring
A method and device for determining in-band noise of an optical signal. The optical signal is split to produce two optical signal components, of distinct polarisation, such that the respective noise component in each signal component is uncorrelated. The optical signal components are converted to the electrical domain to produce electrical signal components. The signal component powers are equalised either in the optical domain or the electrical domain. The equalised electrical signal components are then subtracted together to cancel the correlated portions of the signal components (e.g. the data signal), such that only uncorrelated signal components (e.g. noise) are output for measurement.
US07680407B2 Auto-focusing camera
An auto focusing camera includes a lens unit (2) including a barrel (20) and a lens (22) received in the barrel, a permanent magnet (3) being fixedly mounted around the barrel of the lens unit and moving with the lens unit when the lens unit undergoes telescopic movement during operation, and a coil seat (6a, 6b) with a coil (5a, 5b) wound thereon arranged at a side of the permanent magnet. An interlocking device (642, 202) is formed on the barrel and the coil seat for guiding the telescopic movement of the lens unit.
US07680406B2 Liquid-lens assembly
Disclosed herein is a liquid-lens assembly using an electrowetting method. The liquid-lens assembly includes a liquid-lens module, a barrel supporting the liquid-lens module, and a housing coupled to the barrel and having an image sensor. Electrodes are provided on the barrel and the housing, so that current is applied to the liquid-lens module through the electrodes.
US07680403B2 Image pickup apparatus controlling shake sensing and/or shake compensation during dust removal
In order to efficiently remove dust, an image pick up apparatus is provided with an image sensor for acquiring subject images via a photographing lens, a shift mechanism, holding the image sensor, capable of moving the image sensor in a first direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the photographing lens, and in a second direction that is different from the first direction, a sensor arranged in front of the image sensor, for detecting vibration applied to the optical element that is displaced by the shift mechanism together with the image sensor, and a controller for driving the shift mechanism according to output of the sensor for detecting vibration when operation is carried out to prevent image shake due to vibration applied to the image pickup apparatus, and moving the shift mechanism in accordance with a specified pattern regardless of sensor output when carrying out a dust removal operation for removing dust that has become attached to the surface of the optical element.
US07680400B2 Systems and methods for smart deicers
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the water, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the heating element, and a control unit in communication with the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the switch. The heating element is supported by the main body. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element using the switch based at least in part on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.
US07680397B2 Method and apparatus for recording data on a recording disc, and method and apparatus for restoring data recorded on a recording disc
Video object units are generated from a program stream. The generated video object units have navigation portions respectively, and compose video objects. The navigation portions are void of ending time information and search information. The video object units are sequentially recorded on the recording disc without being buffered. Ending time information and search information are detected from the program stream. A decision is made as to whether or not the recording of video object units composing one video object has been completed. Navigation information is generated which includes the ending time information and the search information, and which corresponds to the last recorded video object. The generated navigation information is recorded on zones in the recording disc which correspond to the navigation portions of the video object units composing the last recorded video object each time the recording of video object units composing one video object has been completed.
US07680390B2 Polymer clad optical fiber
A polymer clad optical fiber is provided in which, if the diameter of an inner core is taken as a1, and the diameter of an outer core is taken as a2, and if a ratio X (which=a22/a12) between a cross-sectional area of the inner core and a cross-sectional area of the outer core is within a range of 1.8≦X≦2.2, and if a relative refractive index difference between the inner core and the outer core is taken as Δ1, and if a relative refractive index difference between the outer core and a cladding is taken as Δ2, then for a parameter Y which is defined as Y=Δ1/Δ2, when a high temperature is taken as Ymax and a low temperature is taken as Ymin, a relationship is established in which, when X is within a range of 1.8≦X≦2.0, then 0.25≦Ymin≦0.84X−0.68, and Ymax is 0.25≦Ymax≦0.84X−0.68, and, when X is within a range of 2.0≦X≦2.2, Ymin is 0.48X−0.71≦Ymin≦−2/9X+13/9, and Ymax is 0.48X−0.71≦Ymax≦−2/9X+13/9.
US07680379B2 Broadband light source in particular for short coherence interferometry
The invention relates to an arrangement for generating a broadband spectrum which can be used in particular as a light source for short coherence interferometry. The arrangement comprises a laser, in particular a laser diode, for generating a short light pulse of wavelength λp and a microstructured optical fiber (1) with a high nonlinearity, which has a zero dispersion of the group velocity in the vicinity of the wavelength λp and an anomalous dispersion, as well as means for introducing the light pulse into the microstructured optical fiber.
US07680376B2 Wafer-level alignment of optical elements
Methods are disclosed of fabricating an optical assembly. An active optical element is disposed near or on a first surface of a slab of optical material. A passive optical element is formed on a second surface of the slab, with the second surface being substantially parallel to the first surface. An optical axis of the passive optical element is aligned with an optical path between the passive optical element and an active region of the active optical element using a lithographic alignment process.
US07680369B2 Optical fibre switching assembly
An optical beam steering arrangement, comprises: a moveable optical element; actuating means for causing the movement of said element; a connecting means between said element and said actuating means for transmitting movement from said actuating means to said element; and flexure means which carry said optical element and are compliant with the displacement of said optical element.
US07680352B2 Processing method, image processing system and computer program
Image analysis is executed by the use of an image representing an object. The image has image processing information, on image processing which the image has undergone, attached to the image. The image processing information attached to the image is obtained from the image and the image is corrected on the basis of the image processing information so that the image approaches to an image optimal to the image analysis. The image analysis is executed by the use of the corrected image.
US07680347B2 Method and device for condensed image recording and reproduction
According to an embodiment, the invention discusses techniques of encoding image data and decoding the encoded image data in an effective manner. As a result, recording and reproduction of data is optimized by compressing an image signal based on whether or not there exists a significant difference between two adjacent frames or units of image data.
US07680346B2 Method and apparatus for encoding image and method and apparatus for decoding image using human visual characteristics
An image encoding method and apparatus capable of improving image compression efficiency by using human psycho-visual characteristics are provided. In the image encoding method and apparatus, an image signal component of which amplitude is equal to or less than a just noticeable distortion (JND) that is a minimum limit of a visually noticeable image is not encoded according to image characteristics by using the masking effect of the human visual system (HVS), thereby improving an image compression rate without visible deterioration of image quality.
US07680345B2 Image encoding apparatus and method, computer program, and computer-readable storage medium
According to this invention, encoded data of a target data amount is generated by one image input operation while both lossless encoding and lossy encoding are adopted. For this purpose, a first memory stores encoded data of a shorter encode length among encoded data generated by a first encoding unit which performs lossy encoding and encoded data generated by a second encoding unit which performs lossless encoding. A second memory stores encoded data from a second encoding unit. When an encoding sequence control unit determines that the encoded data amount in the first memory has exceeded the target data amount, the encoding sequence control unit discards data in the first memory, sets a quantization parameter for a higher compression ratio for the first encoding unit, and causes the first encoding unit to execute encoding. Encoded data before the encoded data amount is determined to have exceeded the target data amount is re-encoded by a re-encoding unit.
US07680329B2 Character recognition apparatus and character recognition method
A character recognition apparatus generates each character candidate from a character string written in a plurality of character entry boxes written on a sheet of paper such as a business form, and performs character recognition. A row image separating unit acquires an image containing a plurality of character entry boxes and the character string. A character extraction processing unit detects each point at which a plurality of lines are in contact with each other and intersect in the character string contained in the image, determines a point at which the character string should be cut or recombined on the basis of the placement relationship between the point and the corresponding character entry box, and generates each character candidate constituting the character string. A character recognition unit performs character recognition for each character candidate generated by the character extraction processing unit.
US07680326B2 Method, system, and program for correcting the image quality of a moving image
An image processing system has a scale-down section for scaling down frames of a moving image to obtain thumbnail images, a temporary correction value calculation section for calculating a temporary correction value by employing a first feature quantity calculated from the thumbnail image by a feature quantity calculation section, and a temporary correction section for calculating a second feature quantity of a temporarily corrected thumbnail image obtained by correcting each thumbnail image with the temporary correction value. The image processing system further has a target feature quantity calculation section for calculating a target feature quantity of each frame so that the second feature quantities vary smoothly in a temporal direction, an object correction value calculation section for calculating an object correction value so that the first feature quantity becomes the target feature quantity, and a correction section for obtaining a corrected moving image by correcting each frame with the object correction value.
US07680316B2 Imaging device and methods to derive an image on a solid phase
An imaging device (46) comprises a carrier stage (12a) for carrying a sample slide (14a) including a micro-array of cellular binding event samples, a linear light source (37a) for illuminating the sample slide (14a), and a motor drive (16a) for moving the carrier stage (12a) relative to the sample slide (14a) such that successive portions of the sample slide (14a) are illuminated by the light source (37a). A digital opitical line scan camera system (44a) is disposed such that, in use, it captures substantially only the successive portions of light rays (40a) which emerge from the sample slide at an offset angle relative to light rays (42a) from light source transmitted through and emerging from the sample slide (14a) to generate a series of linear dark field images arranged to be reconstructed into a composite image of the sample slide or array of samples.
US07680306B2 Method for recognition and tracking of fibrous media and applications of such a method, particularly in the computer field
The invention relates to a method for acceptance of a candidate fibrous medium comprising the following steps: a candidate digital signature is generated from a structural characteristic extracted from a reference zone of the fibrous medium, the said digital signature representing the unique, complex, chaotic structure of the reference zone, practically invariable with time; the candidate digital signature is compared with at least one authentic digital signature previously recorded on a digital data medium so as to issue a positive or negative decision about acceptance of the candidate fibrous medium; characterized in that the comparison uses a statistical method to calculate a similarity index between the candidate digital characteristic and the authentic digital signature, and to compare this similarity index with a given acceptance threshold, so as to enable issuing a positive acceptance decision if the candidate digital signature does not exactly correspond to the authentic digital signature with which it is compared.
US07680300B2 Visual object recognition and tracking
This invention describes a method for identifying and tracking an object from two-dimensional data pictorially representing said object by an object-tracking system through processing said two-dimensional data using at least one tracker-identifier belonging to the object-tracking system for providing an output signal containing: a) a type of the object, and/or b) a position or an orientation of the object in three-dimensions, and/or c) an articulation or a shape change of said object in said three dimensions.
US07680298B2 Methods, systems, and products for gesture-activated appliances
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for operating home appliances using gesture recognition. A sequence of video images is received and compared to a stored sequence of gesture images. A recognized gesture is associated to a home appliance and to an operation of the home appliance. An appliance controller causes a response to the recognized gesture to perform the operation of the home appliance.
US07680296B2 Information embedding device and program for changing a number of points that exist on sides of a polygon
Information embedding is performed by extracting vertices constituting a polygon from vector data, and changing a number of points that exist on sides of the polygon based on embedment information. Further, information reading is performed by extracting points existing on the sides of the polygon from the embedment information and embedded vector data, and by reading the embedment information according to a predetermined rule.
US07680285B2 Adaptive estimation and compensation of clock drift in acoustic echo cancellers
A system and method for adaptive estimation and compensation of clock drift in echo cancellers is provided. The invention includes an acoustic echo cancellation system with a built in adaptive clock drift compensation system. The acoustic echo cancellation system has an AEC component that performs acoustic echo cancellation on data from a capture buffer, by also using information derived from a render buffer. The clock drift compensation system has access to this capture buffer and render buffer. The clock drift compensation system includes a clock drift compensator that calculates, based on the current location of the capture data being processed by the AEC component as well as additional information, the ideal location in the render buffer from which the AEC component should process data. The clock drift compensator further adjusts the current location in the render buffer from which the AEC component processes data based, at least in part, upon this ideal location. The clock drift compensator can further detect and correct for glitches in the hardware positions received from the render and capture devices.
US07680278B2 Domino scheme for wireless cryptographic communication and communication method incorporating same
A system and method for secure wireless cryptographic communication among participants in a wireless computing network is presented. This secure communication method is based on a random modulation technique and a domino match. Once the initial modulation scheme is selected, each data transmission includes an indication of what modulation scheme should be used for the next data transmission. If a given number of bits are to be used, the modulation scheme for the final transmission may be limited to complete the bit transfer. The bit value assignments within particular modulation schemes may also be varied for each subsequent transmission.
US07680277B2 Optical media protection methods and apparatuses
Methods and apparatuses are provided for use with optical data storage media and related devices.
US07680275B1 Method and system for the controlled delivery of digital services, such as multimedia telematics services
The services delivered by a plurality of providers (SP) towards the users (U) are identified by respective streams of encoded data, for instance MPEG data. The users (U) are provided with respective receiving means (STB) of a generalised type, common to all users. Each user is provided with a user unit (105), preferably embodied in the form of a smart card, incorporating a processing function (VM) able to recognize, load and execute at least one enabling algorithm embedded in the data streams sent by the providers, by exploiting a respective identifying code, also embedded in the delivered data stream, to enable to receiving means, through the user unit (105), to make use of the respective service.
US07680274B2 Security element comprising micro- and macrostructures
A security element which is difficult to copy includes a layer composite which has microscopically fine, optically effective structures of a surface pattern, which are embedded between two layers of the layer composite. In a plane of the surface pattern, which is defined by co-ordinate axes x and y, the optically effective structures are shaped into an interface between the layers in surface portions of a holographically non-copyable security feature. In at least one surface portion the optically effective structure (9) is a diffraction structure formed by additive superimposition of a macroscopic superimposition function (M) with a microscopically fine relief profile (R). Both the relief profile (R), the superimposition function (M) and also the diffraction structure are functions of the co-ordinates x and y. The relief profile (R) is a light-diffractive or light-scattering optically effective structure and, following the superimposition function (M), retains the predetermined profile height. The superimposition function (M) is at least portion-wise steady and is not a periodic triangular or rectangular function. In comparison with the relief profile (R) the superimposition function (M) changes slowly. Upon tilting and rotation of the layer composite the observer sees on the illuminated surface portions light, continuously moving strips which are dependent on the viewing direction.
US07680263B2 Agent detector, with optional agent recognition and log-in capabilities, and optional portable call history storage
A system for accurately detecting the unavailability of a call center agent that uses one or more agent sensors provided in the area of the agent's desk or station that are triggered when the agent moves into or out of the physical area in which he or she can answer calls. The agent sensor may be an external hardware peripheral device which communicates with a call center software application. The agent sensor operates to notify the call center application when an associated agent leaves their desk, so that the call center application can make that agent unavailable to receive calls as a result. When the agent returns, another signal may be sent from the sensor to the call center application indicating that the agent is again available to receive calls. The information gathered by the call center application from the sensor signals may be used to assist in report generation regarding call center agents, and to improve call center performance, since calls are not forwarded to agents that have stepped away from their desk, even for a brief moment.
US07680243B2 X-ray measurement of properties of nano-particles
A method for analyzing a sample includes directing one or more beams of X-rays to impinge on an area of a surface of the sample on which a layer of nano-particles of a selected element has been formed. Secondary X-ray radiation from the area is detected responsively to the one or more beams. A distribution of the nano-particles on the surface is characterized based on the detected radiation.
US07680236B1 Hybrid analog/digital phase-lock loop for low-jitter synchronization
A hybrid analog/digital phase-lock loop for low-jitter synchronization provides a mechanism for generating a low-jitter clock from a timing reference that has a high jitter level. A numerically-controlled analog oscillator provides a clock output and has an input for receiving a rational number. The rational number represents a ratio between the frequency of the clock output and the frequency of another stable clock provided to the circuit. A counter divides the frequency of either the clock output or the stable clock, providing feedback or feed-forward control of the analog oscillator, respectively. The circuit also includes a digital phase-frequency detector for detecting an on-going phase-frequency difference between an input timing reference and an output of the divider and a digital loop filter for filtering the output of the phase-frequency detector to provide the rational number that controls the frequency of the numerically-controlled analog oscillator.
US07680229B2 Method of determining a synchronous phase
A method of determining a synchronous phase includes receiving a correlation sequence, and selecting one or more correlated signals from the correlation sequence. Then, when the number of selected correlated signals is odd, the synchronous phase corresponding to a central correlated signal is selected.
US07680224B2 Apparatus and method for automatic frequency correction for a receiver system
A system and method is shown for automatic frequency correction in a receiver, where the number of clock cycles in a baseband data signal, such as an I or Q channel of the receiver or an XOR of the I and Q channels, for a “1” state and a “0” state of a received data signal are each determined and the difference between the two is used to calculate a subsequent frequency offset correction value. The subsequent frequency offset correction value is added to a current offset correction value to obtain an actual offset correction value. The actual offset correction value is then used to adjust the frequency of the receiver clock.
US07680213B2 Generating higher order modulation using QPSK modulations
A method and system generates a higher order modulation, in which a complex sequence of binary digits corresponding to symbols of a higher order modulation is received. The symbols correspond to constellation points of the higher order modulation. First mapping means map the symbols of the higher order modulation to first constellation points of a first QPSK modulation and output an output signal of the first QPSK modulation corresponding to the first constellation points. Similarly, second mapping means map the symbols of the higher order modulation to second constellation points of a second QPSK modulation and output an output signal of the second QPSK modulation corresponding to the second constellation points. Adding means add the output signals of the first and second QPSK modulations, thereby generating the constellation points of the higher order modulation.
US07680210B2 Method for generating I/Q signal in a TDMA transmitter and corresponding modulator
The present invention relates to a digital I/Q modulator which efficiently supports multi-time-slot operation of wireless TDMA transmitters employing linear power amplifiers. According to the present invention, dips are introduced in the envelope of the I/Q signal in the guard interval between adjacent time-slots or bursts. The dips avoid interference on adjacent radio frequency channels when the gain of the TX chain in switched abruptly in order to change the power level of the TX signal or when the modulation scheme is changed. Also, a method is provided for generating the dips, which is particularly attractive if the modulation scheme in adjacent time-slots changes from GMSK to 8PSK or vice versa.
US07680208B2 Multiscale wireless communication
Disclosed is a method and an apparatus that use wavelet transforms for information to be transmitted to a wireless channel. The method includes determining a wavelet transform using at least a parameter set, the parameter set configured to select one of a plurality of wavelets; modulating an input signal into a modulated output signal using the wavelet transform, wherein the modulated output signal is suitable for transmission over a channel; and responsive to information received from a feedback path, modifying at least a portion of the parameter set based at least in part on the received information.
US07680205B2 Method and system for transmitter beamforming for reduced complexity multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceivers
Aspects of a method and system for transmitter beamforming for reduced complexity multiple input multiple output (MIMO) transceivers are presented. Aspects of the system may include a MIMO transmitter that computes a channel estimate matrix and decomposes the computed channel estimate matrix based on singular value decomposition (SVD). Singular values in a singular value matrix may be rearranged and grouped to generate a plurality of submatrices. In one aspect, each of the submatrices may be decomposed based on GMD at a MIMO transmitter, while a MIMO receiver may utilize a vertical layered space time (VLST) method. In another aspect, the MIMO transmitter may utilize Givens rotation matrices corresponding to each of the submatrices, while the MIMO receiver may utilize maximum likelihood (ML) detection.
US07680196B2 Array antenna transceiver and calibrating method of transmission route used for the same
The present invention provides a calibrating method of an array antenna transceiver for performing multicarrier transmission capable of minimizing the increase of a transceiver size and a signal processing load and keeping a certain calibration accuracy. A method of calibrating a transmission route using an array antenna transceiver for performing broadband transmission by a multicarrier includes grouping all subcarriers into a plurality of subcarrier groups and calibrating a transmission route for each group.
US07680189B2 Video coding system and method using 3-D discrete wavelet transform and entropy coding with motion information
A video encoding system and method utilizes a three-dimensional (3-D) wavelet transform and entropy coding that utilize motion information in a way to reduce the sensitivity to motion. In one implementation, the coding process initially estimates motion trajectories of pixels in a video object from frame to frame in a video sequence to account for motion of the video object throughout the frames. After motion estimation, a wavelet transform is applied to produce coefficients within different sub-bands. The wavelet coefficients are coded independently for each sub-band to permit easy separation at a decoder, making resolution scalability and temporal scalability natural and easy. In particular, the coefficients are assigned various contexts based on the significance of neighboring samples in previous, current, and next frame, thereby taking advantage of any motion information between frames.
US07680170B2 Coupling devices and methods for stacked laser emitter arrays
Methods and devices for coupling the output light energy of one or more stacked laser emitter bar arrays using a beam interleaver and beam combiner to achieve high brightness and coupling efficiency. Some embodiments may include wavelength control devices and methods such as VIGs and the like.
US07680169B2 Self-mode locked multi-section semiconductor laser diode
A multi-section semiconductor laser diode is disclosed. The laser diode includes a complex-coupled DFB laser section that includes a complex-coupled grating and an active structure for controlling the intensity of oscillating laser light, to oscillate laser light in a single mode, and an external cavity including a phase control section and an amplifier section, the phase control section having a passive waveguide that controls a phase variation of feedback laser light, the amplification section having an active structure that controls the strength of the feedback laser light. Currents are separately provided to the three sections to generate optical pulses with tuning range of tens of GHz. Applications include the clock recovery in the 3R regeneration of the optical communication.
US07680167B2 Method and system for detection of regions of instability in multi-section tunable lasers
This invention relates to a method and system to detect hysteresis/unstable regions of multi-section lasers. The method comprises the steps of obtaining a first set of measurement values for the output of the laser diode by increasing a first current through a range of values in a positive direction, increasing a second control current by a step, obtaining a second set of measurement values for the output of the laser diode by decreasing the first control current through a range of values in a negative direction, and increasing a second control current by a step. The process is repeated until a sufficient range of the second control currents has been used to provide resultant data which can then be processed in order to identify regions of hysteresis of the laser diode.
US07680165B2 Light source device, monitor device, projector, and driving method for driving light source device
A light source device includes: a plurality of laser light sources that emit laser light; and a light source driving section that drives at least one of the laser light sources by a first driving value that is a value less than a threshold level of at least one of the laser light sources, or by a second driving value that is a value greater than a threshold level of at least one of the laser light sources, and that varies at least one of the number of laser light sources that are driven by the first driving value and the number of laser light sources that are driven by the second driving value in the laser light sources, thereby controlling the total output of laser light emitted from the laser light sources.
US07680163B2 Laser irradiating method including maintaining temperature of a lens
A first mirror (5) that can be located at a reflection position (I) at which an optical path is blocked and a laser beam (a) is reflected, and a second mirror (6) that reflects the laser beam (a) which is reflected by the first mirror (5) are disposed between the condenser lens (2) and the object to be irradiated (4). The first mirror (5) is located at the reflection position (I) so that the laser beam (a) that is transmitted through the condenser lens (2) is sequentially reflected by the first and second mirrors (5 and 6), and an intensity of the laser beam (a) that is again reflected by the first mirror (5) is made to coincide with an intensity of the laser beam (a) that is reflected from the object to be irradiated (4), and the condenser lens (2) is heated in the same manner that the processing laser beam (a) is transmitted through the condenser lens (2) and irradiated on the object to be irradiated (4).
US07680158B2 LPP type extreme ultra violet light source apparatus and driver laser for the same
A driver laser for EUV light source apparatus which driver laser simultaneously achieves short-pulsing and multi-line oscillation. The driver laser includes: a short-pulse multi-line oscillated CO2 laser oscillator having a device that shortens width of pulses included in a laser beam to be output and a device that suppresses amplitude of an oscillation spectrum exhibiting an energy peak value; and at least one amplifier that inputs the laser beam output from the short-pulse multi-line oscillated CO2 laser oscillator and amplifies the input laser beam to output the amplified laser beam.
US07680157B2 Transmitting apparatus and channel speed varying method
A transmitting apparatus connects a first network that includes a plurality of channels each of which having a preset priority and a predetermined bandwidth speed and a second network. A bandwidth-speed adjusting unit retrieves, when a channel speed of the second network changes, the changed channel speed, adjusts the bandwidth speed in such a manner that a sum of the bandwidth speeds of the channels of the first network does is below the changed channel speed and a bandwidth speed of a high-priority channel is not decreased from an inherent bandwidth speed, and resets the adjusted bandwidth speed on each of the channels of the first network.
US07680145B2 Retransmission apparatus using packet method for DMB service
A retransmission apparatus is provided that uses a packet method for a DMB service and includes: a DMB receiver for receiving DMB data from a medium; a DMB transmission mode release unit that outputs an MPEG-2 TS by releasing a DMB transmission mode in the DMB data received from the DMB receiver; a channel information extractor that extracts channel information contained in a Fast Information Channel (FIC) of the DMB data in the DMB transmission mode release process of the DMB transmission mode release unit; a data information extractor that receives the MPEG-2 TS from the DMB transmission mode release unit and extracts data information indicating a location of an elementary stream from the received MPEG-2 TS; a channel information database (DB) that stores the channel information extracted by the channel information extractor and the data information extracted by the data information extractor as channel data; a first IP streamer that IP-streams the MPEG-2 TS output from the data information extractor; and a second IP streamer that IP-streams the channel data stored in the channel information DB.
US07680144B2 Device coupled between serial busses using bitwise arbitration
First and second serial data busses are arranged so that simultaneous transmission on the respective bus of a dominant state by one node and a recessive state by other nodes results in the dominant state being detectable on the respective bus. Transitions from a first state to a second state signal the start of a bit on the first bus. Dominant and recessive states are detected on the first and second busses at first and second predetermined times after each transition. The states represent respective dominant and recessive bits of attempted messages transmitted by nodes of the first and second busses. The dominant state is transmitted on both busses after the first and second predetermined times if the dominant state was detected on one of the first and the second busses at the first and second predetermined times.
US07680141B2 Transmitter device and relay device for performing data transmission control
A transmitter device which performs window control in transmitting data for transmission through a communication network is caused to identify a mode of window control to be performed based on a communication condition under which the data transmission is performed, so as to transmit the data for transmission by performing the window control in the identified mode.
US07680136B2 Method and apparatus for allocating label to path in ring network
A transmission device, which carries out a route control of a frame based on a label included in the frame in a ring network, includes: a generating unit that generates a message for collecting information on first/second labels allocatable to working/standby routes; a transmitting unit that transmits the message in the ring network; a receiving unit that receives the message after being circulated in the ring network; and a selecting unit that selects one of the first/second labels for the working/standby route based on the information included in the message.
US07680135B2 Audio network system having lag correction function of audio samples
In an audio network system connecting a plurality of nodes in a ring form, a master node transmits a packet of frame data regularly every sampling cycle, such that the packet circulates through the nodes during the sampling cycle. The packet is provided with a plurality of regions for containing audio sample data in correspondence to a plurality of channels. A first node reads audio sample data from a particular region of the packet, which corresponds to a particular channel allocated to the first node, and stores the read audio sample data in a buffer. The first node acquires positional information indicating whether a second node which has written the audio sample data into the particular region is located upstream or downstream of the first node. The first node reads and outputs a previous one of the audio sample data from the buffer if the second node is located upstream of the first node, and outputs a current one of the audio sample data if the second node is located downstream of the first node.
US07680133B2 Simulcasting or multicasting of multimedia call sessions in a LAN/WLAN/PAN via a broadband access gateway
A method and system for simulcasting multimedia information via a broadband access gateway and a wireless wide area network, is disclosed. An access device such as, for example, a mobile multimedia handset engaged in a call served by a wireless wide area network may migrate to within the coverage area of an associated broadband access gateway with a wireless interface. The wireless wide area network may simulcast call content to the broadband access gateway via a broadband network. A user in the proximity of the broadband access gateway may be notified of the simulcasting of the call, and may elect to continue the call via a WLAN/PAN-enabled wireless handset or other access device that is compatible with the wired and/or wireless interfaces of the broadband access gateway.
US07680131B2 System and method for interworking SCFs and protocols in open service gateway
Provided are a system and method for interworking Service Capability Features (SCFs) and protocols in an open service gateway. The system includes service capability features that generate and process various protocol messages, and a protocol stack that enables an interwork with a communications network. The protocol stack includes: one or more units that maintain various protocols, a unit that performs data connection and transmits and processes messages, and a unit that manages the various protocols. In the protocol stack, protocol identifiers that differentiate the protocols from one another, and message identifiers that differentiate service capability features from one another are stored in the unit that manages the various protocols.
US07680124B2 Frame mapping scheduler for scheduling data blocks using a mapping table and a weight table
A network processor or other processing device of a communication system includes scheduling circuitry configured to schedule data blocks for transmission from a plurality of users or other transmission elements in timeslots of a frame. The scheduling circuitry utilizes a weight table and a mapping table. The weight table comprises a plurality of entries, with each of the entries identifying a particular one of the transmission elements. The mapping table comprises at least one entry specifying a mapping between a particular timeslot of the frame and an entry of the weight table. The scheduling circuitry determines a particular transmission element to be scheduled in a given timeslot by accessing a corresponding mapping table entry and utilizing a resultant value to access the weight table.
US07680120B2 Connected communication terminal, connecting communication terminal, session management server and trigger server
The communication system according to the present invention is made up of: a connected communication terminal (1) to which communication is requested; a connecting communication terminal (3) that requests a communication with the connected communication terminal (1); a session management server (4) that manages sessions between the communication terminals; a trigger server (5) that transmits, to the connected communication server (1), the request made by the session management server (4); and routers (6 and 7) that relay between the connecting communication terminal (3) and the connected communication terminal (1), and a network (2). In the system, the connected communication terminal (1) holds a permission list (L) that is a list of communication terminals to which connection is permitted, and the session management server (4) judges, with reference to the permission list (L), whether or not the communication between the connected communication terminal (1) and the connecting communication terminal (3) is permitted.
US07680116B1 Optimized buffer loading for packet header processing
A processing engine for processing header data includes a level 2 (L2) header generation unit and a level 3 (L3) header generation unit. The L2 and L3 header generation units are implemented in parallel with one another. The L2 generation unit writes L2 header information to a first buffer and the L3 generation unit writes L3 header information to a second buffer. When the L2 and L3 header generation units finish processing a data unit, the data unit may be unloaded from the first and second buffer while a new data unit is simultaneously loaded to the header processing engine.
US07680114B2 Packet forwarding device with packet filter
To provide a packet forwarding device which minimizes degradation in packet forwarding performance at the time of execution of filtering there is provided a technique in which a destination decision processing unit of a destination decision and filtering unit decides whether to execute filtering on the basis of at least one of an input interface, an input port number, an output interface, and an output port number of an input packet and a plurality of pieces of information constituting the header of the packet. A filtering unit executes filtering only for a packet for which execution of filtering is decided. The packet forwarding device with the destination decision and filtering unit need not execute filtering for all packets and can minimize degradation in packet forwarding performance caused by filtering.
US07680113B2 Inter-FE MPLS LSP mesh network for switching and resiliency in SoftRouter architecture
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Label Switched Path (LSP) tunnels provide protection and a switching mechanism between forwarding elements (FEs) and a control element (CE) for control and data traffic in a SoftRouter network.
US07680112B2 Peer-to-peer communication system
A peer-to-peer communication system that transmits application data from an application component on one network peer to an application component on another network peer. A programming interface is provided to the communication system to facilitate programming of applications that rely on peer-to-peer communications. The communication system uses messaging providers to which each peer may be connected for purposes other than communications between peer-to-peer application components, thereby reducing the resources a peer-to-peer application requires for communication and making the system advantageous for use in portable electronic devices. Additionally, the communication system uses addresses already assigned in each messaging provider, allowing peer-to-peer communication between peers that may otherwise have been non-addressable.
US07680107B2 High speed trunking in a network device
A network device for selecting a port from a trunk group on which to transmit a multicast packet. The network device includes at least one trunk group including a plurality of physical ports. The network device is connected to at least one other network device by a number of the plurality of physical ports. The network device also includes a table with a plurality of entries, wherein each entry is associated with the number of the plurality of physical ports on the network device. Each entry specifies if a packet should be transmitted on one of the plurality of physical ports. The network device further includes a determiner for determining whether or not an override field is set, a hasher for hashing, based on a result from the determiner, a predefined number of bits from predefined fields in the packet to select one entry in the table, wherein the selected entry is used to identify a destination port and a transmitter for transmitting the packet to the destination port based on results from the one of the determiner or the hasher.
US07680092B2 Link adaption for mobile ad hoc and mesh networks
A method of selecting linked metric measurements from at least one of open loop and closed loop measurements is disclosed. The method includes sending by a first node a first radio communication and receiving by a second node the first radio communication over a communication link. The method also includes estimating by a second node dynamics of the communication channel using at least one of the variance and mean deviation of linked metric measurements. The link metric measurements are at least one of symbol error rate (SER), packet error rate (PER), frame error rate (FER), bit error rate (BER), signal to noise ration (SNR), and received signal strength (RSS). The method also includes the use of the above link metric measurements by the second node as Open Loop metrics and the sending back of these metrics to the first node for use a Closed Loop metrics by the first node. The method also includes categorizing the dynamics of the communications channel into one of at least two groups based on the estimate. Further still, the method comprises selecting, based on the chosen group, the use of at least one of closed loop link adaption and open loop link adaption of communication link parameters.
US07680090B2 System and method for monitoring network traffic
A transceiver (110, 120, 130, 140) is provided, comprising: a receiver circuit (230) configured to process an incoming signal received over a transmission channel; a transmitter circuit (240) configured to generate an outgoing signal; a preamble detector (260) configured to monitor the transmission channel to determine whether a preamble or header is currently being transmitted over the transmission channel; and a control circuit (250) configured to enable the transmitter circuit to generate the outgoing signal whenever the preamble detector determines that no preamble or header is currently being received. The transceiver may also include a memory (270) for storing packet details regarding a status of other packets being sent over the transmission channel,
US07680087B2 Wireless state machine and multiplexing method for concurrent ad-hoc and infrastructure mode service in wireless networking
The present invention relates to a state machine which has a dual process which receives and concurrently processes ad-hoc and infrastructure processes. The dual process state concurrently executes both processes by either over-clocking a media access control core, or by routing the processes to multiple media access control cores for processing. The state machine contains an ad-hoc process state which accepts either an ad-hoc or an infrastructure signal, and either processes the signal if the received signal is an ad-hoc signal, or transfers control to an infrastructure process state for processing if the received signal is an infrastructure signal. The state machine also contains an infrastructure process state which accepts either an ad-hoc or an infrastructure signal, and either processes the signal if the received signal is an infrastructure signal, or transfers control to an ad-hoc process state for processing if the received signal is an ad-hoc signal.
US07680086B2 Wireless local area network with clients having extended freedom of movement
A wireless virtual local area network (VLAN) and a device selectively connecting to the wireless VLAN over a second wireless network that may be independent of the wireless VLAN. The device is capable of connecting to at least the wireless VLAN and to the second wireless network. Wireless VLAN access points are each connected to an Ethernet aggregation switch, which is VLAN aware and matches client traffic from connected access points with access VLANs. A wireless VLAN switch maintains an association table between access VLANs and core VLANs. The second wireless network may be remotely connected over the Internet or a private network to a tunnel endpoint. The tunnel endpoint is connected to the VLAN switch, which uses the association table to manage free-form client traffic between connected devices and other mobile stations at access VLANs and appropriate core VLANs.
US07680084B2 Method and apparatus for providing orthogonal spot beams, sectors, and picocells
A method and apparatus for providing orthogonal spot beams (14a, 14b), sectors (16a, 16b), and picocells (18), by using orthogonal auxiliary pilots and different Walsh traffic channels in adjacent areas. According to the IS-95 standard, the pilot signal is covered with the 64-chip Walsh sequence zero. Designating the 64-chip all zeros Walsh sequence as P and the 64-chip all one sequence as M, additional pilot signals are provided in the present invention by concatenating the P and the M sequences. Thus, for two pilot signals, pilot Walsh sequences of PP and PM can be used. For four pilot signals, pilot Walsh sequences of PPPP, PMPM, PPMM, and PMMP can be used. In general, the required number of pilot Walsh sequences can be generated by substituting each bit in an K-bit Walsh sequence with the 64-chip all zeros P or all ones M sequence, depending on the value of that bit.
US07680082B2 Cell selection in high-speed downlink packet access communication systems
The usual determination of signal-to-noise ratio EC/I0 in a communication system is modified such that EC/I0 is also based on either or both of the path delay profile (PDP) and estimates of the load on a cell in the communication system. The PDP may be obtained from a path searcher in a receiver that is already needed for estimating the received signal code power of a channel such as a common pilot channel. Because PDP information is already available, it can easily be incorporated into the EC/I0 measurements.
US07680080B2 Method of using a mobile unit to determine whether to commence handover
A method of using a mobile unit in a multi-cell communication system to determine whether to commence handover of the mobile unit from a serving base station located in a first cell of the communication system to a target base station located in a second cell of the communication system. The mobile unit determines the serving base station received signal code power (RSCPser), the first cell interference signal code power (ISCPser), the target base station received signal code power (RSCPtar) and the second cell interference signal code power (ISCPtar). If the ratio RSCPser/ISCPser is less than the ratio RSCPtar/ISCPtar, the mobile unit commences handover to the target base station. The multi-cell communication system may be a time division duplex (TDD) system. The mobile unit may send a message to a radio network controller (RNC) in communication with the serving and target base stations to initiate the handover.
US07680078B2 System, apparatus and method of scheduling transmissions
Briefly, a wireless system, a base station and a method of scheduling data transmissions by allocating resources to a mobile station based on at least an estimated obsoleteness rate of a channel knowledge of the mobile station.
US07680076B2 Method for combining data packets by a telecommunication device
A method combining data packets by a telecommunication device, whereby a first data packet comprising a first retransmission number being received by the telecommunication device on a telecommunication channel, the next data packet being received by the telecommunication device on the telecommunication channel is a second data packet comprising a second retransmission number at a delay time dt after the first data packet, whereby the delay time is determined by a number of retransmission time steps and the first and the second retransmission number is smaller than or equal to a maximum retransmission number, whereas in the case of the second retransmission number being smaller than the maximum retransmission number, the first and the second data packet are combined to a resulting data packet if the difference between the second and the first retransmission number is equal to the number of retransmission time steps.
US07680074B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing cell operation toward better speech quality in wireless packet-switching networks
An apparatus and method for switching a mobile processing device from communicating over a wireless connection with a first base unit to a second base unit based upon latency. In accordance with this invention, the mobile processing device determines latency information for packets being transmitted over the wireless connection to and from a base unit. The latency information is compared to a threshold value. If the latency information is greater than the threshold value, the mobile processing device adjusts parameters of the wireless connection between the mobile processing device and the network.
US07680059B2 Multiple protocol wireless communications in a WLAN
A method for multiple protocol wireless communications begins by determining protocols of wireless communication devices within a proximal region. The method then continues by determining whether the protocols of the wireless communication devices within the proximal region are of a like protocol. The method continues by, when the protocols of the wireless communication devices within the proximal region are not of a like protocol, selecting a protocol of the protocols of the wireless communication devices within the proximal region based on a protocol ordering to produce a selected protocol. The method continues by utilizing the selected protocol by the wireless communication devices within the proximal region to set up a wireless communication within the proximal region.
US07680045B2 Packet switching device with a feedback method of the arbiter
The invention relates to a packet switching device comprising at least one line card (1 and 2) which device has an output port with a port control (6 and 7) for storage and arrangement of packets in output queues and for generating at least one feedback information unit to inform an arbiter (9) of statuses of the output queues of the output port. The packet switching device also comprises at least one switch card (3 to 5) consisting of a crosspoint matrix and the arbiter (9) for controlling the crosspoint matrix (8).
US07680036B2 Network resource provisioning method for bandwidth guarantee per flow
Provided is a network resource provisioning method for bandwidth guarantee per flow in a differentiated service Internet in which bandwidth needed for each flow is individually requested. The method includes setting an optimum path between a source node and a destination node based on a request for traffic for a specific period of time; performing static provisioning in which bandwidth is allocated to the optimum path according to a service class thereof; determining whether all of the bandwidth allocated to the optimum path by performing static provisioning are used up, and accepting connection admission according to the determination result; and when connection admission is not accepted, performing dynamic provisioning in which additional bandwidth is allocated to the optimum path based on a request for traffic from a new incoming flow. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently provide a quality-guaranteed service by accepting a request for bandwidth per flow.
US07680031B1 Method and apparatus for load balancing and protecting data traffic in an optical ring
A method and apparatus for load balancing and protecting data traffic in an optical ring is described. A method comprises configuring multiple spanning trees in a set of one or more network elements of an optical ring, load balancing with the multiple spanning trees data traffic transmitted in unprotected data channels provisioned through the optical ring, and protecting the unprotected data channels with the multiple spanning trees.
US07680030B2 Router providing continuity of service of the state machines associated with the neighboring routers
A router made up firstly of at least two router modules, only one of which is in an active state at any given time, and secondly a of changeover device making it possible to cause one of the other router modules to go from a standby state to an active state when the router module in the active state stops, and the router modules having state machines associated with each of the neighbor routers, wherein each of the router modules has a data storage device which, in the active state, enables it to store data relating to the states of the state machines, when the machines are in stable states, and a data retrieval device for retrieving the data when the router module changes over to the active state.
US07680026B2 Method and apparatus for improving reception in wireless networks subjected to neighboring cells' interferences
A method is provided for estimating a signal received at a wireless cell along a channel where the frequency used for conveying traffic is substantially equal to frequency used for conveying traffic along at least one other channel extending from/to at least one substantially interfering cell. The method comprises: associating a pilot sequence with operative cells; providing a receiver with information to allow estimation of the pilot sequence by a respective transmitter; providing the receiver with information to allow estimation of pilot sequences associated with other transmitters communicating with other receivers located at the geographical proximity of that receiver; estimating the signal associated with the pilot sequence used by the first transmitter; subtracting the estimated signal from an input signal received by that receiver; estimating the pilot signal associated with a pilot sequence used by other transmitters; and modifying the estimation of the pilot signal used by the first transmitter.
US07680019B2 Apparatus and method for producing optical recording medium, optical recording medium, apparatus and method for reproduction and apparatus and method for recording
An optical recording medium having a plural number of recording layers includes a n-th recording layer (23) (n≧1), made up by a substrate (20) and a semi-reflective layer (21) carried by the substrate (20) and adapted for partially reflecting and partially transmitting the incident light, a (n+1)th recording layer (28), made up by another substrate (25) and a reflecting layer (26) carried by the substrate (25) and adapted for reflecting the incident light, and a light condensing layer (24) for condensing the light incident via the n-th recording layer (23) on the (n+1)th recording layer (28).
US07680018B2 Optical recording medium, and manufacturing method and manufacturing device thereof
An optical recording medium including a light transmitting layer having a uniform thickness formed on a substrate, in which a burr or stripping hardly occurs at the inner periphery of the light transmitting layer, and a manufacturing method and a manufacturing device of the optical recording medium are provided. An optical recording medium 10 is manufactured by a manufacturing method including: molding a disc-like shaped substrate 12 including an information recording face 12A on one side; forming a light transmitting layer 14 thinner than the substrate 12 on the information recording face 12A; forming a circular cut 16 in the light transmitting layer 14; and punching out an area inside the cut 16 by a punching tool 18 to form a center hole 14A in the light transmitting layer 14 and a center hole 20 in the substrate 12.
US07680016B2 Method for designing an optical pickup
A method for designing an optical pickup is provided. The optical pick includes a monolithic laser diode that emits a laser light beam for DVD recording and a laser light beam for CD playback, two photodetective portions, and an objective lens, for each of the emitting portions of the monolithic laser diode for emitting the DVD recording and CD playback laser light beams respectively, the specification of the error of the emission direction thereof is determined according to the following formula: |(Δθ⊥1×Δθ1×Dpd1/Dob1−Δθ⊥2×Δθ2×Dpd2/Dob2)×Kpd2|≦α, where, “1” corresponds to the DVD recording laser light beam and “2” corresponds to the CD playback laser light beam, Δθ⊥ represents the emission angle; Δθ represents the sensitivity; Dob represents the diameter of the light beam; Dpd represents the diameter of the spot formed by the light beam; Kpd represents the sensitivity; and α represents the tolerable value.
US07679997B2 Method and apparatus for estimating position of robot
A method and apparatus estimating a position of a moving robot are provided. The method includes receiving a primary signal and a secondary signal transmitted from a predetermined signal transmitter using a sensor, on a moving robot, that receives the primary signal and three or more sensors that receive the secondary signal; calculating a transmission distance from a sensor that receives the secondary signal using time information extracted from the primary signal; and calculating a position of the signal transmitter from the distance, wherein the secondary signal comprises first and second secondary signals and each sensor that senses the secondary signal determines whether to amplify the second secondary signal based on the result of the measurement of the first secondary signal.
US07679991B2 Processing of seismic data acquired using twin over/under streamers
A method for processing seismic data acquired using a first over/under streamer and a second over/under streamer. In one implementation, the method may include estimating seismic data that would have been acquired by a third over/under streamer disposed at a depth equivalent to a distance separating the first over/under streamer from the second over/under streamer; and applying a dephase and sum algorithm to seismic data acquired by the first over/under streamer and the second over/under streamer and the estimated seismic data.
US07679989B2 Ocean bottom seismic station
Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array.
US07679988B2 Sound-wave imaging method and apparatus
An ultrasound imaging method including an emission step during which an array of transducers is caused to emit at an ultrasound wave focused in a target medium by causing the excitation wave to pass through a reverberant solid object prior to reaching the target medium.
US07679972B2 High reliable and low power static random access memory
Systems and/or methods that accessing data to/from a memory are presented. A memory component can employ an optimized buffer component that can provide a single precharge control signal to facilitate precharging a bitline(s), a y-decoder component(s), an input/output line(s), and/or other lines or components associated with a buffer cell(s) in the optimized buffer component to facilitate optimized timing control associated with execution of operations to facilitate reducing errors that can be caused by charge sharing problems. The optimized buffer component can include an x-decoder component that can employ a JIT power component that can facilitate enabling a wordline associated with a buffer cell(s) only for the length of time access to the buffer cell is desired to read data therefrom or write data thereto to facilitate minimizing the access time and thereby minimize power consumption and/or thermal loading.
US07679969B2 Semiconductor memory device utilizing data mask signal for sharing an input/output channel in a test mode and data output method using the same
A semiconductor device receives a first data mask signal and a second data mask signal. A data mask control unit outputs a data mask control signal by combining a test mode signal with the first data mask signal. A data clock output unit receives a delay locked loop (DLL) clock and outputs a data clock in response to the data mask control signal. A column address enable (YAE) control signal generating unit generates a column address enable control signal to control the enablement of a column address enable signal. The column address enable control signal generating unit generates the column address enable control signal by combining the test mode signal with the second data mask signal.
US07679964B2 Semiconductor memory device controlling program voltage according to the number of cells to be programmed and method of programming the same
A semiconductor memory device controlling a program voltage according to the number of cells to be programmed and a method of programming the same. The semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array. A write data buffer receives write data in a predetermined unit. A program cell counter calculates the amount of data, from the write data, to be programmed in the memory cell array. A program voltage generator outputs a program voltage to be applied to the memory cell array, in accordance with the amount of data to be programmed, at a time, in the memory cell array. The program voltage is controlled in accordance with the number of memory cells to be programmed.
US07679958B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a plurality of strings each of which is configured with a first select transistor, a second select transistor, and a plurality of memory cells connected in series between the first and second select transistors. A common source line is connected to a source of the second select transistor. A metal interconnection is electrically insulated from the common source line, and connected to the source of the second select transistor.
US07679948B2 Write and read assist circuit for SRAM with power recycling
A memory circuit for reading and writing data into a SRAM memory array using charge recycling is presented. The write and read circuit includes a cell voltage level switch, a recycle charge storage, a precharge switch, a write enable switch, and column decoder. The cell voltage level switch is connected to a low power supply and a high power supply and has two states of operation: a write operation state and a read operation state. For each state of operation, the voltage level switch selectively provides a power supply if a column has been selected or if the operation is a read or write. The recycle charge storage stores excess charge from SRAM cells after a read operation or after a write operation in unselected columns. After the read or write operation, the recycle charge storage discharges excess charge to the bitlines during bitline precharging.
US07679940B2 Three-phase voltage source inverter system
The present invention provides a three-phase voltage source inverter system capable of obtaining a nearly sinusoidal output waveform while minimizing apparatus size increase and cost increases. The three-phase voltage source inverter system of the present invention is provided with: a three-phase inverter unit INV-M; and an auxiliary circuit 1 inserted between a direct-current power source and the three-phase inverter unit, including: dividing capacitors Cd1, Cd2 dividing a direct-current voltage of the direct-current power source; a single-phase inverter unit INV-A in which 60° ON-periods are set for upper switching elements S7, S8 in each phase of single-phase with an 80° delay, and 60° ON-periods are set for lower switching elements S9, S10 in each phase of single-phase with a 60° delay from the upper side switching elements and with an 80° delay between each phase; and an auxiliary transformer Ta.
US07679939B2 Control circuit for a switching power supply, method for controlling a switching power supply and computer program
A control circuit for a power supply having a controllable switch for switching a current through a first transformer winding and a voltage providing circuit for providing an output voltage based on a voltage generated in a second transformer winding has a comparing unit for generating a comparison signal. The control circuit has a threshold signal modulation circuit adapted to modulate the threshold signal that the comparison signal is activated as soon as the input signal crosses a first threshold value, if the current flowing through the switch exhibits a first current slope rate, and that the comparison signal is activated as soon as the input signal crosses a second threshold value, if the current flowing through the switch exhibits a second current slope rate smaller than the first rate. For a given voltage, the first threshold is smaller than the second threshold.
US07679938B2 System and method for providing control for switch-mode power supply
System and method for providing control for switch-mode power supply. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a system for regulating a power converter. The system comprises a signal processing component that is configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage, to process information associated with the first voltage and the second voltage, to determine a signal based on at least information associated with the first voltage and the second voltage, and to send the signal to a switch for a power converter. The switch is regulated based on at least information associated with the signal. The signal processing component is further configured to determine the signal to be associated a first mode, if the first voltage is higher than a first threshold.
US07679933B2 Loadable/unloadable adapter for substrate
A loadable/unloadable adapter for a substrate which can simplify the loading and unloading work of the substrate. A substrate 23 is loaded to an loadable/unloadable adapter 13. The loadable/unloadable adapter 13 is inserted from a window hole 14 of a housing 12. A handle member 26 swings about a supporting axis 25. A projected piece 27 moves in accordance with swinging of the handle member 26. A projected piece 27 causes the loadable/unloadable adapter 13 to move forward on the basis of the so-called principle of a lever. Even when a resistance force works for the forward movement of the loadable/unloadable adapter 13 on the basis of a friction resistance of both front connector 18 and main connector 21 when these connectors are coupled, the forward movement of the loadable/unloadable adapter 13 can be attained only with a comparatively small force.
US07679931B2 Plasma display apparatus having improved structure and heat dissipation
A plasma display apparatus comprises a plasma display panel and a chassis disposed on a rear portion of the plasma display panel to support the plasma display panel. The chassis is formed of plastic, and thus the weight of the plasma display apparatus is reduced. A conductive grounding member is disposed between the chassis and the plasma display panel. The apparatus further comprises a circuit unit having a grounding portion electrically connected to the conductive grounding member. A thermal conductive sheet is disposed between the plasma display panel and the chassis.
US07679928B2 System-in-package module and mobile terminal having the same
Provided is a system-in-package module including a system circuit board; a first element that is disposed on the system circuit board; a second element that is disposed on the first element so as to be shifted to one side from the center of the first element, while partially exposing the first element; a third element that is electrically connected to the system circuit board and is disposed on the second element; and a plurality of bump pads that are disposed on the bottom surface of the system circuit board.
US07679925B2 Method for fabricating wiring board provided with passive element, and wiring board provided with passive element
A fabricating method of a wiring board provided with passive elements is disclosed. The fabricating method includes coating one or both of resistive paste and dielectric paste on at least any one of first surfaces of a first metal foil and a second metal foil each of which has a first surface and a second surface; arranging an insulating board having thermo-plasticity and thermo-setting properties so as to face the first surface of the first metal foil, and arranging the first surface side of the second metal foil so as to face a surface different from a surface to which the first metal foil faces of the insulating board; forming a double-sided wiring board by stacking, pressurizing and heating the arranged first metal foil, insulating board, and second metal foil, and thereby integrating these; and patterning the first metal foil and/or the second metal foil.
US07679924B2 Configurable chassis guidance system and method
A configurable chassis guidance system and method are described. The system may be practiced as a chassis and/or a module or an element thereof (e.g., a mating guide). The system and method allow reconfiguration of multiple modules of various module widths without the need for removal or reinstallation of module guides mounted on the chassis. As an example, a single-width module may be removed and replaced by a double-width module or quadruple-width module without removing module guides used to engage the single-width module. As another example, a double-width module or quadruple-width module may be removed and replaced by a single-width module without removing module guides used to engage the double-width module or quadruple-width module. The system and method may be practiced so as not to impair compatibility of modules with card edge module guides that engage an edge of a circuit board of a module.
US07679914B2 Electronic controller
An electronic controller having a circuit board with an element disposed thereon, a base member with the circuit board adhered thereon and a lead terminal in an electrical connection with the circuit board includes as the elements thick film resistors and electric components soldered by solder on a bottom side of the circuit board, and also includes electronic components including bare chips being at least wired without soldering on a top surface of the circuit board. The electronic controller has a first concave portion at a position corresponding to a position of the components on a surface that has the circuit board of the base member adhered thereon, and the circuit board is molded by a sealing resin so as to expose a portion of the base member and a portion of the lead terminal.
US07679908B2 Computer enclosure
A computer enclosure includes a fan, a base and a cover. The base includes a support plate. The support plate defines a plurality of air vents. The fan is located on a bottom side of the support plate, and a plurality of operating components is mounted on a top side of the support plate. The cover is mounted on the top side of the support plate to enclose the plurality of operating components. The cover includes a top plate. The top plate defines a plurality of air vents cooperating with the air vents of the support plate to form an air flowing channel.
US07679905B2 Pressing-type pad structure and electronic device using the same
A pressing-type pad structure and an electronic device using the same are provided. The pressing-type pad structure includes a pad component, an elastic element and a positioning element. The rotatable pad component is disposed on a housing of the electronic device and has at least two concave portions. The elastic element connects the housing and the pad component. The positioning element is elastically disposed on the housing. One end of the positioning element is leant against the pad component. When the electronic device is pressed or moved, an elastic force of the elastic element is applied to the pad component to drive the pad component to rotate. The positioning element is selectively inserted into one of the concave portions for fixing the pad component, so as to change the position of the electronic device.
US07679904B2 Housing of foldable electronic device
An exemplary housing includes a first cover, a second cover for coupled with the first cover, a trigger, two movable latches, a first resilient member, two second resilient members, and two extending arms. The first cover includes two engaging portions. The trigger is disposed on the second cover and slidable along a first direction. The movable latches are disposed on the second cover and slidable along a second direction. Each movable latch includes an engaging portion for engaging the engaging portions of the first cover. The resilient members are configured for resetting the trigger and the movable latches. The extending arms are rotatably connected to the trigger and the movable latches. A slide of the trigger forces the movable latches to slide, thus making the engaging portions of the first cover and the movable latches engage or disengage each other.
US07679899B2 Host with removable device
A host with a removable device includes a main body, a removable device, and a fixing and withdrawing mechanism. Each element of the fixing and withdrawing mechanism is connected with each other by using a plurality of springs. When the removable device is placed into the host, a slide rod is pushed and a link rod is linked, such that the removable device is fastened in the host by using the link rod. When a user pulls an actuating rod, the link rod is guided to release the fastening state, and the removable device is ejected by using the slide rod under the forces of the springs.
US07679884B2 Organosilicon phosphorus-based electrolytes
Disclosed are electrolytes that are organosilicon phosphorus-based, and supercapacitors which incorporate them. These electrolytes are cationic salts with a phosphorous containing organosilicon moiety. They appear particularly suitable for use in applications such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles.
US07679882B2 Multilayered chip capacitor and capacitance tunning method of the same
There is provided a multilayer chip capacitor capable of tuning capacitance, including: a capacitor body where a plurality of dielectric layers are laminated; a plurality of pairs of first and second internal electrodes arranged alternately, while interposing a corresponding one of the dielectric layers; and a plurality of pairs of first and second external electrodes connected to the first and second internal electrodes, wherein the first and second internal electrodes include a plurality of groups each including at least one pair of the first and second internal electrodes, and the first and second internal electrodes of each of the groups are connected to different pairs of the first and second external electrodes, respectively, wherein a corresponding one of the pairs of the first and second external electrodes is selectively connected to power lines so that the multilayer chip capacitor has at least two different capacitances.
US07679870B2 On-chip ESD protection circuit using enhancement-mode HEMT/MESFET technology
An on-chip circuit for protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is disclosed. Unlike conventional ESD protection circuit using high turn-on voltage diode string, the circuit uses a plural of enhancement-mode HEMT/MESFET triggered by a shorter diode string to shunt large ESD current for protected susceptive RF circuit. Further, by using dual-gate technology of enhancement-mode HEMT/MESFET, the on-chip ESD protection circuit has the less parasitic capacitance without expanding device size for vulnerable RF circuit.
US07679856B2 Storage device, control device, and vibration-detection method
A storage device positions a head at a predetermined position on a storage medium by driving an actuator with the head and at least writes data onto the storage medium. The storage device includes a vibration sensor, a filter for outputting a signal of a frequency band centered on a first frequency from an output of the vibration sensor, and a write-protection-determination unit for protecting against data-writing processing upon a value of the output of the filter being larger than a threshold value.
US07679852B2 Adjustment of read/write clock edge timing
Apparatus and methods are disclosed that adjust the phase of a read/write clock signal. The read/write clock signal may be used in a data storage apparatus to regulate reading/writing on a data storage media. An apparatus includes an adjustment circuit that adjusts phase of an edge of a read/write clock signal based on the timing of information that is read from a data storage media. Another apparatus includes a servo circuit and a read/write channel circuit. The servo circuit generates a leading edge transition of a servo gate signal in response to a signal indicating that a read/write transducer is approaching a start of a servo wedge. The read/write channel circuit generates a trailing edge transition of the servo gate signal in response to occurrence of a defined time delay following the transducer reading a servo address mark from the servo wedge.
US07679847B2 Lens-barrel and image pickup apparatus
A lens barrel and an image pickup apparatus include a flow path (70) that is provided at a position (A) where a first fixed lens frame (22) faces a movable lens frame (32) and a position (B) where the movable lens frame (32) faced the first fixed lens frame (22) as that air flow resistance can be generated when the air is released which is present between the first and second lens frames if these lens frames get close to each other. The flow path (70) is provided so that the air present between a fixed lens (20) and a movable lens (30) may also be passed through the flow paths when the first fixed lens frame (22) and the movable lens frame (32) get close to each other.
US07679845B2 Adjustable/non-adjustable precision optical mounts
A highly precision, super stable, structure compact and fully lockable ball joint mechanism optical mounts are presented. Both stationary plate and movable plate have a partial-spherical hole or conical hole. Facing spacing aligns the bases of the partial-spherical holes or conical holes; a space adjustable cavity is formed. An external-spherical circumference shape optical element carrier plate fits and mates in the space adjustable combined cavity forms a ball joint mechanism, or an external-column circumference and edges chamfered optical element carrier plate fits and mates in the space adjustable combined internal-spherical shaped cavity forms an angle tilt-able and around axis swivel-able joint pair mechanism. A removable tooling for exporting a tilting and rotating movement to the optical element carrier plate are presented. Locking ring pushes the movable plate to adjust the combined cavity and locking the optical element carrier plate and to lock optical element that is carried thereby.
US07679844B2 Lens holder
An exemplary lens holder (30) includes a lens holding platform (35), a base (31), a resilient element (33), and three platform supporting members (32). The platform supporting members (32) connect the lens holding platform (35) with the base (31), and are aligned on different axes. The resilient element (33) is positioned between the lens holding platform (35) and the base (31), and configured for uniformly resisting the lens holding platform (35) away from the base (31). One of the three platform supporting members (32) is adjustable, thus adjusting a gradient of the lens holding platform (35) relative to the base (31).
US07679822B2 Broadband laser illumination device for a scanning microscope with output stabilization
The arrangement for examining microscope preparations with a scanning microscope comprises a laser (1) and an optical means (12) which images the light generated by the laser (1) onto a specimen (13) that is to be examined. Provided between the laser (1) and the optical means (12) is an optical component (3, 20) that spectrally spreads, with a single pass, the light generated by the laser (1). The optical component (3, 20) is made of photonic band-gap material. It is particularly advantageous if the photonic band-gap material is configured as a light-guiding fiber (20).
US07679821B2 Catadioptric projection objective
A catadioptric projection objective for imaging a pattern provided in an object plane of the projection objective onto an image plane of the projection objective comprises: a first objective part for imaging the pattern provided in the object plane into a first intermediate image; a second objective part for imaging the first intermediate imaging into a second intermediate image; a third objective part for imaging the second intermediate imaging directly onto the image plane; wherein a first concave mirror having a first continuous mirror surface and at least one second concave mirror having a second continuous mirror surface are arranged upstream of the second intermediate image; pupil surfaces are formed between the object plane and the first intermediate image, between the first and the second intermediate image and between the second intermediate image and the image plane; and all concave mirrors are arranged optically remote from a pupil surface. The system has potential for very high numerical apertures at moderate lens material mass consumption.
US07679820B2 IR absorbing reflector
A infrared (IR) light absorbing reflector is formed with a substrate that supports a first IR absorptive multilayer part having multiple layers of partial IR absorbing thin films. The first IR absorptive multi-layer part supports a second visible light reflecting multilayer part.
US07679817B2 Laser light source device, illumination device, image display device, and monitor
A laser light source device includes: a light source; an external resonator constituting a resonator structure with the light source; a wavelength conversion element disposed between the light source and the external resonator, and converting the wavelength of the light emitted from the light source; and a first spacing member maintaining a state in which at least the wavelength conversion element is separated from the external resonator by a predetermined distance.
US07679810B2 Electrical characteristics of electrochromic devices
One exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a tantalum-nitride ion-blocking layer formed between a transparent conductive layer and an electrochromic layer. Another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a tantalum-nitride ion-blocking layer formed between a transparent conductive layer and a counter electrode. Yet another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a type-2 ion-blocking layer formed on a transparent conductive layer as an ion diffusion barrier overlayer. Still another exemplary embodiment of an electrochromic device comprises a transparent conductive layer formed from tantalum nitride.
US07679806B2 Method for making optical elements for microlithography, the lens systems obtained by the method and their uses
The optical elements for ultraviolet radiation, especially for microlithography, are made from cubic granet, cubic spinel, cubic perovskite and/or cubic M(II)- as well as M(IV)-oxides. The optical elements are made from suitable crystals of Y3Al5O12, Lu3Al5O12, Ca3Al2Si3O12, K2NaAlF6, K2NaScF6, K2LiAlF6 and/or Na3Al2Li3F12, (Mg, Zn)Al2O4, CaAl2O4, CaB2O4 and/or LiAl5O8, BaZrO3 and/or CaCeO3. A front lens used in immersion optics for microlithography at wavelengths under 200 nm is an example of a preferred optical element of the present invention.
US07679804B2 Non-resonant drive for adaptive trajectory of a scanner system having a MEMS device
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a MEMS device for a scanner system may be driven in a non-resonant mode of operation. The drive signal provided to the MEMS device may be tailored to prevent the MEMS device from exhibiting resonance characteristics and to cause the MEMS device to operate non-resonantly. In one or more embodiments, a filter may be used to tailor the frequency components of the drive signal, for example to sufficiently attenuate frequency components at or near the resonant frequency of the drive signal. A direct current signal may be provided to the MEMS device to provide an offset to scanned light beam for example to provide beam steering, and the sweep range and/or sweep frequency may be adjusted for example to steer the scanning field of view off axis from the user pointing axis.
US07679793B2 Image reading device and multifunction machine
An image reading device is provided equipped with a first light source provided at the same side of a pickup device with respect to a manuscript table and a second light source provided at the opposite side of the pickup device with respect to the manuscript table. The image recording device includes a light shielding member provided at a first position at which light introduced to the manuscript table from the second light source is shielded or a second position different from the first position in a selectable manner, a coupling mechanism for coupling a light source moving mechanism for moving the second light source and a pickup device moving mechanism for moving the pickup device so as to be able to be engaged by a single driving source, and a blocking member provided to the light shielding member so as to block the coupling provided by the coupling mechanism when the light shielding member is provided at the first position.
US07679789B2 Facsimile apparatus and multifunctional printer
Individual destination information is registered into each character/symbol input key on an operation panel. Upon transmitting data, one of the registered character/symbol input keys is pressed to select a destination. In addition to character/symbol input keys, it is possible to register destinations into selection keys. When one of the selection keys having been pre-assigned for a predetermined operation is chosen for a registration, the registration of the key is denied. The registered destination information can be printed out, by a recorder, as a destination list that associates key names and destination names. The destination information can be displayed on a screen by a display, after a retrieval process based on a specified search condition.
US07679786B2 Color correction method
A method and apparatus for adjusting a color in an image to a desired color value is described, wherein the method includes identifying at least a first portion of the image including the color to be adjusted; analyzing the first portion to determine a representative color value; determining a color adjustment parameter to adjust the representative color value to the desired color value; and applying the color adjustment parameter to at least the first portion of the image. The method can further include performing a desaturation of the first portion of the image before analyzing to determine a color value, and resaturating the color value; identifying at least a second portion of the image having a color value extreme to determine a color value representative of the color value extreme, and using the second portion color value in determining the color adjustment parameter; or a combination thereof.
US07679778B2 Image processing method, image processing apparatus, and image processing program
Saturation to white and fading of subjects' faces are prevented when performing density correction on digital images. An average signal value, obtained from a photographic image, is compared against a predetermined reference value, to judge whether correction is to be administered to brighten or darken the photographic image. A corrected image constituted by corrected signal values, which are obtained by correcting the pixel signal values of the photographic image with a predetermined correction amount, is generated only in cases that it is judged that correction to brighten the photographic image is to be administered. At this time, if the brightness represented by signal values of pixels of the photographic image are greater than or equal to a predetermined brightness, the correction amount is gradually reduced as the signal values become brighter.
US07679772B2 Printing apparatus and printing data control method effecting distributed driving of printing elements
In a printing apparatus which performs printing by scanning a carriage, which supports a printhead having a plurality of printing elements arrayed in a predetermined direction, relative to a printing medium in a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction, printing data of a raster format obtained by processing transmitted image information into data used for printing, or printing data transmitted in the raster format is stored in a printing data memory. The printing data stored in the printing data memory is stored in a buffer memory having a storage area corresponding to each printing element. A head parameter unit stores information on the printhead arrangement. Processing of reading out the printing data stored in the printing data memory and storing the printing data in the buffer memory, and processing of reading out the printing data stored in the buffer memory are controlled in accordance with the information stored in the head parameter unit.
US07679764B2 Service call system
On the printer PRT, there is a service call button installed on an operating panel 200 for notifying the management system 100 of a repair request when an error occurs that is difficult for the printer itself to detect, such as when during printing processing, work-up of the back surface, or missing dots occur. When it receives notice that the service call button has been pressed, the management system 100 creates a web page 500 that displays the input screen for inputting the details of the error contents, notes the URL of the web page 500 on an e-mail 10 and sends this to the user. Information relating to the printer PRT such as the usage history, years of use, and model, etc. stored in the database DB are reflected in the web page 500. For example, error contents inference from the usage history are selectively displayed, or errors that occurred before the service call button was pressed are displayed.
US07679763B2 System and method for managing capabilities in a network
Systems and methods for managing capabilities in a network are described. The method describes receiving a first capabilities data structure having a first dataset from a primary service, and then receiving a second capabilities data structure having a second dataset from one or more secondary services. The method next describes combining at least the first dataset and the second dataset into a combined capabilities data structure and providing services within the network based on the combined capabilities data structure. Another method describes requesting first and second job tickets from first and second services, where the tickets include first and second nodes respectively. The method next describes identifying the first and second job ticket nodes, and determining whether the nodes are capable of being aggregated. Finally, the method describes aggregating the nodes that are capable of being aggregated, and producing a consumable result job ticket that includes the aggregated nodes.
US07679760B2 Printing service system and printing service program
A printing service system is provided. A print terminal includes a data transmission and reception unit for transmitting and receiving image data to and from a server and a key input unit for inputting an address of a recipient authorized to print the image data. The server includes a data accumulation unit in which image data uploaded from the print terminal is accumulated for each ID, a code conversion unit for converting an ID and a password into a code, a mail output unit and a FAX output unit for transmitting the code to the address, and an image management unit for, when the print terminal returns the code to the ID and the password and transmits the ID and the password, performing authentication, reading the image data corresponding to the ID, and returning the image data to the print terminal.
US07679757B1 Non-contact profile measurement system
A non contact measurement system for in-process measurement of a work piece to is described. There is provided a sensor chassis that includes one or more contour sensors for capturing the profile of a work piece and outputting coordinate values describing one or more points representative of the profile of the work piece.
US07679748B2 Coupled waveguide-surface plasmon resonance biosensor
The present invention discloses a coupled waveguide-surface plasmon resonance biosensor, comprising: a grating layer formed of a transparent material, the grating layer comprising a first periodic grating structure; a waveguide layer formed on the first periodic grating structure, the refractive index of the waveguide layer being larger than the refractive index of the grating layer; a plasmon resonance layer formed on the waveguide layer, capable of being optically excited to cause a plasmon resonance wave; and a ligand layer formed on the plasmon resonance layer; capable of being bound to react with receptors of a sample to be tested.
US07679746B1 System and method for measurement of pressure drop through perforated panels
A system for measurement of pressure drop through a perforated panel having panel holes includes a sensor comprising an illumination source adapted to illuminate the perforated panel, a lens spaced-apart with respect to the illumination source and a camera interfacing with the lens. A controller is connected to the camera and adapted to receive image frames of the panel openings from the camera, measure an optical porosity of the perforated panel, identify a number and locations of missing and blocked panel holes in the perforated panel, determine a shape of a small region associated with each panel hole and calculate a pressure drop through the perforated panel based on the optical porosity of the perforated panel, the number and locations of the missing and blocked panel holes and the shape of the small region associated with each panel hole.
US07679740B2 Method and apparatus for multimodal detection
Methods for detecting and classifying an unknown substance in a sample include the steps of (a) providing a spectrum for each of a predetermined number of reference substances; (b) detecting an area of interest that contains the unknown substance; (c) targeting the area of interest; (d) determining a spectrum of the unknown substance from the area of interest; (e) comparing the determined spectrum of the unknown substance with the spectrum of one or more of the reference substances; and (f) classifying the unknown substance based on the comparison of spectra. Systems for performing these methods include means for providing a spectrum for a predetermined number of reference substances, means for detecting an area of interest on a sample that contains an unknown substance to be classified, means for targeting this area of interest, means for determining a spectrum of the unknown substance in the area of interest, means for comparing this spectrum with the spectrum of one or more of the reference substances, and means for classifying the unknown substance based on the comparison of spectra.
US07679719B2 Lithographic apparatus having a drive system with coordinate transformation, and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus includes a projection system to project a patterned beam of radiation onto a substrate, which is held on a substrate support and a drive system to move the substrate support along a trajectory. In the drive system, set-point data, including set-point coordinates, are generated for moving the substrate support relative to the projection system in a first and second directions. The set-point coordinates of the first and second directions are transformed into set-point coordinates of third and fourth directions. Motion data, including motion coordinates, are generated for moving the substrate support relative to the projection system in the third and fourth directions, limiting the velocity in the third and fourth directions to a maximum velocity. The motion coordinates of the third and fourth directions are transformed into motion coordinates of the first and second directions for driving the first and second drive motors.
US07679715B2 Lithographic processing cell, lithographic apparatus, track and device manufacturing method
A rework station and a metrology device(s) are incorporated into a lithographic processing cell so that a faulty substrate can be reworked directly and reprocessed without, for example, an overhead involved in changing masks, etc.
US07679714B2 Lithographic apparatus, combination of lithographic apparatus and processing module, and device manufacturing method
A lithographic apparatus configured to transfer a pattern from a patterning device onto a substrate includes an integrated post-exposure bake device, the post-exposure bake device configured to subject the substrate to a predefined temperature cycle. A post-exposure bake step of the substrate (a temperature cycle) is executed within a predetermined time period after the transfer of the pattern. The lithographic apparatus may be combined with a processing system having one or more processing modules. More efficient use may be made of the combination, allowing flexibility for a device manufacturing method.
US07679712B2 Liquid crystal display comprising a semiconductor formed in an opening of a partition formed on a source electrode and a drain electrode and method of manufacturing thereof
A liquid crystal display includes a data line and a gate line including a gate electrode on a first substrate, a first partition on the gate and data lines and including a first opening exposing the gate electrode, a gate insulator in the first opening, a source electrode on the gate insulator, a pixel electrode including a drain electrode facing the source electrode and on the gate insulator, a second partition on the source and pixel electrodes and including a second opening exposing portions of the source and drain electrodes, an organic semiconductor in the second opening, a second substrate facing the first substrate and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates and having a same thickness as the second partition.
US07679710B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
Relating to a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device, minimizing liquid crystal material loss and use of cleaning solvent, and providing a liquid crystal display device in which a seal pattern having few gap inconsistencies are taken as a objective. Liquid crystal material wraparound can be prevented by forming a seal stopper portion outside a peripheral seal portion, and in addition, by increasing the degree of symmetry of the seal pattern and by forming a damming portion between injection ports, gap inconsistencies within the liquid crystal display device can be reduced.
US07679706B2 LCD and fabricating method with common electrode on top substrate having at least two apertures disposed to face about midway of pixel electrode on bottom substrate
A liquid crystal display and method of fabricating the same. The liquid crystal display includes a bottom substrate. A pixel electrode is arranged on the bottom substrate. A top substrate is arranged above the bottom substrate to have an opposing surface which faces the bottom substrate. An common electrode having at least one aperture is arranged on this opposing surface of the top substrate. A liquid crystal layer is arranged between the pixel electrode and the common electrode. Thus the bend transition time and the bend transition voltage may be reduced without decreasing the aperture ratio.
US07679702B2 Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal display apparatus using liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate having a plurality of pixel electrodes formed thereon in a matrix fashion, a second substrate having a common electrode formed thereon as facing the pixel electrodes with a specific gap, a liquid crystal filled in the gap, and a multi-layered optical film formed on the pixel electrodes. The multi-layered optical film has a first optical film that exhibits a first refractive index, a second optical film formed on the first optical film, the second optical film exhibiting a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index, and a third optical film formed on the second optical film, the third optical film exhibiting a specific resistance ranging from 1×109 Ωcm to 8×1012 Ωcm.
US07679693B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
Provided is an LCD having a liquid crystal panel including an active region serving as a display region and an outer region serving as a non-display region. The LCD includes a first substrate including an array unit and a color filter formed in the active region, an ESD (electrostatic discharge) circuit formed in the outer region, a pattern spacer formed on the ESD, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a sealant for attaching the first and second substrates together.
US07679677B2 Broadcast receiving device for displaying closed caption data and method thereof
A broadcast receiving device and method are provided with a function for displaying closed caption data. The broadcast receiving device according to embodiments of the present invention includes a signal receiving part for receiving a composite video signal, a signal processing part for signal-processing the composite video signal and converting the signal into an output format signal, a noise calculating part for calculating the noise level of the composite video signal, and a caption data detecting part for detecting closed caption data from the composite video signal and if the noise level is less than a threshold level, only then providing the closed caption data to the signal processing part to be inserted in the output format signal. Accordingly, noise degradation of the image quality can be prevented.
US07679670B2 Digital camera module with manual focusing function
A digital camera module (100) with a manual focusing function includes: a base (10), a barrel (40) and at least one rod (50). The barrel is received in the base and is connected with the base. The rod is connected with the barrel and the base so that when the barrel is rotated relative to the base, the barrel is caused to slide axially relative to the base. The manual focusing operation of the digital camera module is simple. In addition, the digital camera module has a compact structure and power-efficient.
US07679667B2 Solid-state image sensor using junction gate type field-effect transistor as pixel
A source region and drain region are formed in a surface region of a first semiconductor region. Moreover, a second semiconductor region connected to the drain region is formed in the surface region of the first semiconductor region. A third semiconductor region is formed in the first semiconductor region under the second semiconductor region, connected to the second semiconductor region, and accumulates signal charges in accordance with an incident light. A fourth semiconductor region is formed in the surface region of the first semiconductor region between the drain region and source region. Moreover, these source region, drain region, second semiconductor region, and third semiconductor region constitute a pixel, and different voltages are supplied to the drain region in an accumulation period of the signal charges in the pixel, signal readout period, and discharge period of the signal charges.
US07679663B2 Photodetection apparatus
A pixel section Pm,n includes a photodiode PD, a first capacitance section C1, a second capacitance section C2, and transistors T1-T6. The transistor T1 transfers the electric charge generated by the photodiode PD to the first capacitance section C1. The transistor T2 transfers the electric charge generated by the photodiode PD to the second capacitance section C2. The amplification transistor T3 outputs a voltage value corresponding to the amount of electric charge accumulated in the first capacitance section C1. The transistor T4 selectively outputs to the wiring L1,n the voltage value outputted from the amplification transistor T3. The transistors T3 and T4 constitute a source follower circuit. The transistors T5 and T6 selectively output to the wiring L2,n the electric charge accumulated in each of the first capacitance section C1 and the second capacitance section C2.
US07679659B2 Imaging apparatus having dark current correcting unit
A digital camera includes a solid-state imaging device in which plural pixel columns, each including plural pixels arrayed in a column direction, are arrayed in a row direction. The pixels of each pixel column include upper OBs, lower OBs, and PDs disposed between the upper OBs and the lower OBs. The digital camera includes: a dark current correcting unit that performs dark current correction based on a linear function for correction in order to correct a dark current; an OB average calculating unit that calculates an average of upper OB signals acquired from the upper OBs by imaging and an average of lower OB signals acquired from the lower OBs by the imaging; and a correcting linear function generating unit that generates the linear function for correction based on the average of the upper OB signals, the average of the lower OB signals, and the number of PDs.
US07679658B2 Solid-state image pickup apparatus
It is intended to obtain a high quality image which is not affected by the fluctuation of dark outputs, and pixels having a specifically large dark output, called defects, and has no lateral line etc. A solid-state image pickup apparatus including: an aperture pixel region which accumulates and outputs the electric charges generated depending on incident light; a light shielded optical black region; a black reference pixel region in which no impurity region for accumulating electric charges is formed; and level shifting means which shifts the reference level of the output signals of the black reference pixel region with respect to the reference levels of the output signals of the aperture pixel region and the optical black region, is provided.
US07679656B2 Image taking system
An image taking system of the invention has a transmitter and an image taking apparatus. The transmitter is disposed near a subject and transmits subject information of the subject. The image taking apparatus has a receiver capable of receiving the subject information transmitted from the transmitter and stores in memory the subject information received by the receiver in association with image data representing a subject image obtained by image taking through an image taking lens. The transmitter transmits the subject information in a predetermined direction. The receiver is capable of receiving the subject information within a predetermined range around an optical axis of the image taking lens.
US07679650B2 Image-capturing system and image-capturing method
An image-capturing system having a function of allowing the user to easily find the position of an image-capturing device is provided. An image-capturing system includes: an image-capturing unit; an image storage unit for storing a camera position image taken toward the image-capturing unit from an image-capturing region taken by the image-capturing unit; and a remote control unit which allows the user to perform operation for remote control of the image-capturing unit. With such an arrangement, the remote control unit includes a reception unit for receiving the camera position image stored in the image storage unit, and a display unit for displaying the camera position image received by the reception unit. The remote control unit further includes an image-capturing request unit for making a request to the image-capturing unit for image capturing.
US07679648B2 Method and apparatus for coding a sectional video view captured by a camera at an end-point
The present invention utilizes video compression techniques in providing multi display and user control of picture layout with a single non-mechanical camera. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subsection of interest within a general view captured by the camera is coded based on the prediction of the main picture. In one aspect of the embodiment, scaling of the predicted pixel values in the subsection to match with the corresponding raw pixel data of extended resolution is carried out before subtracting the prediction from the raw data to provide the residual in the coding process. In a second aspect, the frame rate and the number of quantization intervals are increased when coding the subsection relative to the coding of the general view.
US07679645B2 Image sensing system and its control method
In an image sensing system having an image sensing optical system, and an image sensing element for photoelectrically converting incoming light from the image sensing optical system, a predetermined pattern image for adjustment, which is specified in advance, is read by the image sensing element, and the image sensing element is driven to adjust its position on the basis of an output from said image sensing element, thereby adjusting the relative position of the image sensing element with respect to the image sensing optical system prior to an image sensing operation.
US07679640B2 Method and system for conducting a sub-videoconference from a main videoconference
New videoconferencing services and methods for handling the video and audio of one or more sub-conferences running in parallel to a main videoconference are disclosed. In exemplary embodiment, a multipoint control unit (MCU) that controls one or more videoconferences may be requested by a conferee of a videoconference (a main videoconference) to establish a sub-conference according to a requester mode of operation.
US07679635B2 Image forming apparatus, exposure apparatus and image forming method
The image forming apparatus is provided with: plural image carriers; and plural exposure apparatuses that are arranged corresponding to the plural image carriers respectively. The exposure apparatus has a light emitting element member that exposes the image carrier and is arranged on a substrate. A predetermined exposure apparatus among the plural exposure apparatuses includes a heating unit that heats the substrate, and other exposure apparatus other than the predetermined exposure apparatus does not include the heating unit.
US07679625B1 Straightening digital images
As the user operates the straighten control, the rotational orientation of a selected image is changed. According to one embodiment, a grid is superimposed over the image while the straighten control is being operated, to assist the user in selecting the proper rotational orientation. In addition, after a rotational adjustment, the image is automatically cropped to ensure that the orientation of the peripheral shape of the image remains unchanged.
US07679616B2 Image data generation apparatus for adding attribute information regarding image pickup conditions to image data, image data reproduction apparatus for reproducing image data according to added attribute information, and image data recording medium related thereto
An image data recording apparatus includes a three-dimensional display control information generation unit receiving a parameter indicating a condition for picking up a three-dimensional image, and encoding the parameter so as to generate image pick-up condition information, and a file generation unit generating a multimedia information file including both of the image pick-up condition information and three-dimensional image data or at least one of the three-dimensional image data and two-dimensional image data.
US07679611B2 Haptic stylus utilizing an electroactive polymer
Haptic feedback interface devices using electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators to provide haptic sensations. A haptic feedback interface device is in communication with a host computer and includes a sensor device that detects the manipulation of the interface device by the user and an electroactive polymer actuator responsive to input signals and operative to output a force to the user caused by motion of the actuator. The output force provides a haptic sensation to the user. In an embodiment, a stylus including a body having a first end and a second end opposite from the first end, a moveable member coupled to the body and capable of being in contact with a user's hand; and an electro active polymer actuator coupled to the moveable member, wherein the electroactive polymer moves the moveable member from a first position to a second position with respect to the body upon being activated.
US07679607B2 Electronic whiteboard having electromagnetic sensing layer of conductor grid
An electronic white board with a built-in electromagnetic induction layer of wire lattice comprises: a writing input portion, a covering frame portion formed around the periphery of the electronic white board, and a control circuit. The writing input portion has multiple layers and is enclosed in the frame, and includes a surface writing layer, an underlayer, and an input induction layer which is formed between the surface writing layer and the underlayer, and is connected to the control circuit by its output. The input induction layer is a wire lattice winded and interlaced separately by wires along the X and Y axes, and the wires are insulated with each other at the crossing points. The area enclosed within each lattice unit constitutes one induction cell. The present invention possesses the following advantages: simple and reasonable structure; easy manufacturing; highly reduced cost of the electronic whiteboard; convenient for maintenance; highly improved induction accuracy; portable and convenient for carrying, hanging, storing and space saving.
US07679603B2 Sensor array
Embodiments of a sensor array are disclosed.
US07679591B2 Light emitting display device
An electroluminescent display device includes an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED). A pixel array is formed on a light transmissive substrate and electrically coupled to a common power transmission line and conductive material that substantially fills a channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The channel and the conductive may include a cross-sectional area of about 0.5 to 5 mm2. The conductive material may be a gel, fluid, powder or conductive epoxy and assists the common power transmission line in transmitting power. The substantial cross-sectional area makes the common power transmission line resistant to burn out and is capable of carrying large currents such as needed for display devices having a length or width of 30 inches.
US07679587B2 Pixel circuit and light emitting display using the same
A light emitting display includes a plurality of light emitting diodes within a pixel. A drive circuit is coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and generates a drive current flowing through the light emitting diodes corresponding to a data current. A switch circuit assembly is coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes and the drive circuit and sequentially transfers the drive current from the drive circuit to the plurality of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes sequentially emit light. When all the light emitting diodes emit light, one frame is formed.
US07679584B2 Electron Emission Display (EED) with separated grounds
An EED capable of reducing noise influence between a high voltage element and a low voltage logic element in an EED panel includes: a high voltage ground for a high voltage element, a low voltage ground for a low voltage element, and a ferrite bead, connected between the high voltage ground and the low voltage ground, to block RF noise from the high voltage ground.
US07679580B2 Time-lapsing mirror
Time-lapsing mirror methods and related systems.
US07679573B2 Enclosed mobile/transportable motorized antenna system
An enclosed satellite antenna system can include a generally rigid enclosure defining a volume that is configured to enable both manual transportability of the satellite antenna system and automated operation of the satellite antenna system without a substantial change in the volume of the enclosure or manual repositioning of the satellite antenna system. The enclosure can have disposed therein a satellite dish, a feedhorn configured to collect incoming signals concentrated by the satellite dish, and a low noise block converter configured to receive incoming signals from the feedhorn, amplify and convert the incoming signals to received signals, and transmit the received signals to at least one receiver. A motorized elevation dravie system can be configured to selectively adjust an elevation of the satellite dish and a motorized azimuth drive system can be configured to selectively rotate the satellite dish. A control system can be connected to the elevation drive system and the azimuth drive system to control automated operation of the satellite antenna system.
US07679570B2 Transmission and/or reception device which is intended to be mounted to a vehicle wheel and a housing for one such device
The invention provides a transmission and/or reception device for mounting on a wheel of a vehicle and a housing for such a device. The device includes a tire information device configured to provide information relating to a tire. A transmitter/receiver is electrically connected to the tire information device. An antenna is electrically connected to the transmitter/receiver for transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals. A housing is configured to house the tire information device and the transmitter/receiver. The antenna is formed by winding a cable on an outside face of the housing.
US07679569B2 Antenna device and multi-band type wireless communication apparatus using same
An antenna device is provided which is capable of saving space, of operating in wide bands (in a multi-band) and of achieving an excellent gain and maintaining non-directivity of vertically polarized waves in each band. The antenna device has a conductor antenna. An end portion 111a on one end side of the conductor antenna is mounted as a power feeding section and an end portion 112a on the other end side of the conductor antenna 110 is mounted as an open end terminal. The antenna device also has a base body made of an insulating material which is coupled to one end and other end of the conductor antenna. The base band is coupled in a place where an electric field strength of the conductor antenna having a folded-back portion is increased, thus achieving the wideband and high-gain antenna device.
US07679568B2 Feeding clip
The present invention relates to an antenna assembly comprising a support structure for carrying a radiating structure and at least one feeding clip, the antenna assembly is provided to be mounted on a PCB in a mobile communication device, the support structure comprises a top side part which is to be mounted substantially parallel with the PCB, the top side part is positioned, when mounted on the PCB, at a first distance from the PCB, and the radiating structure comprises at least one contact area located on the support structure. The antenna assembly is characterised in that the contact area for the radiating structure is located at a position on the support structure where a distance between the contact area and the PCB is less than the distance between said top side part and the PCB. The invention also relates to a feeding clip.
US07679567B2 Antenna with series stub tuning
An antenna may include a conductive material formed in a pattern on an antenna housing, where one end of the conductive material connects to a ground connection. The antenna may further include a tuning stub, having a length (l0), connected to the conductive material at a distance (d0) from the ground connection, where the distance (d0) tunes a resonance of the antenna.
US07679565B2 Chip antenna apparatus and methods
A chip component with dielectric substrate and plurality of radiating antenna elements on the surface thereof. In one embodiment, two (2) substantially symmetric elements are used, each covering an opposite head and upper surface portion of the device. The surface between the elements comprises a slot. The chip is mounted on a circuit board (e.g., PCB) whose conductor pattern is part of the antenna. No ground plane is used under the chip or its sides to a certain distance. One of the antenna elements is coupled to the feed conductor on the PCB and to the ground plane, while the parasitic element is coupled only to the ground plane. The parasitic element is fed through coupling over the slot, and both elements resonate at the operating frequency. The antenna can be tuned and matched without discrete components, is substantially omni-directional, and has low substrate losses due to simple field image.
US07679550B2 System and method for model-base compression of GPS ephemeris
A method for propagating ephemeris data for a satellite in Earth orbit is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving orbital positional data for a first time period of a satellite's Earth orbit, propagating orbital positional data for the satellite's Earth orbit during a second time period extending beyond the first time period, fitting a Keplerian ephemeris model to the propagated orbital positional data to estimate model coefficients, and sending the estimated model coefficients to receivers for determination of receiver position at a time during the second time period.
US07679547B2 Direction of travel motion detector with automatic gain control
Disclosed is a microwave direction of travel detector and method of doing the same. The microwave direction of travel detector comprising, a microwave transceiver for transmitting and receiving a microwave signal directed toward a protected area for outputting a Doppler signal when a moving target is detected, an amplifier chain including one or more amplifiers coupled to the microwave transceiver for receiving and amplifying the Doppler signal from the microwave transceiver, wherein at least one amplifier having variable gain and; a controller for sampling an output gain of each variable gain amplifier and for controlling each variable gain amplifier by adjusting a gain of each variable gain amplifier to keep the Doppler signal level constant and to avoid saturation of each said variable gain amplifier. If the output gains of each variable gain amplifier is increasing or decreasing the controller indicates a direction of travel.
US07679545B2 Suppressing motion interference in a radar detection system
One preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for suppressing motion interference in a radar detection system. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a signal generator that transmits microwave signals toward a target area. Also, the system includes a data control system to collect data from reflected microwave signals from the target area and to analyze the data in order to suppress unwanted motion interference generated by movement of the radar detection system. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US07679536B2 Method and apparatus for constructing efficient slepian-wolf codes with mismatched decoding
Disclosed is a method for constructing Slepian-Wolf codes, wherein the designed Slepian-Wolf codes are robust to mismatched decoding. The disclosed method for constructing Slepian-Wolf codes includes the steps of: choosing representative probability distributions from a set of possible probability distributions; choosing a probability distribution as a decoding metric; converting the chosen decoding metric to a cyclic-symmetric channel; computing the initial message value given the cyclic-symmetric channel; computing a set of probability distributions of the initial message given the initial message values and the representative probability distributions; optimizing the degree distribution given the set of probability distributions of the initial message; optimizing the decoding metric.
US07679534B2 Contextual prediction of user words and user actions
The invention concerns user entry of information into a system with an input device. A scheme is provided in which an entire word that a user wants to enter is predicted after the user enters a specific symbol, such as a space character. If the user presses an ambiguous key thereafter, rather than accept the prediction, the selection list is reordered. For example, a user enters the phrase “Lets run to school. Better yet, lets drive to “.””” After the user presses the space, after first entering the second occurrence of the word “to,” the system predicts that the user is going to enter the word “school” based on the context in which the user has entered that word in the past. Should the user enter an ambiguous key after the space, then a word list which contains the word “school” is reordered and other options are made available to the user. The invention can also make predictions on context, such as the person to whom the message is sent, the person writing the message, the day of the week, the time of the week, etc. Other embodiments of the invention contemplate anticipation of user actions, as well as words, such as a user action in connection with menu items, or a user action in connection with form filling.
US07679532B2 Systems and methods for using multiple hypotheses in a visual simultaneous localization and mapping system
The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.
US07679531B2 System and method of optimizing a fixed-route transit network
According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of optimizing a fixed route on a transit network, comprising the steps of: a) permitting a vehicle providing service on the fixed route to make deviations from the fixed route based on passenger requests; b) tracking the deviations and number of passenger requests corresponding to each deviation; c) submitting information from tracking step b) into a decision-making algorithm; and d) modifying the fixed route to include new stops based on results from the decision-making algorithm, as well as a system for implementing this method.
US07679530B2 Anti-collision warning system for marine vehicle and anti-collision analysis method
An anti-collision warning system for marine vehicle includes, an optical sensor covering at least partially the horizon of the marine vehicle, image processing means for extracting in real time from each image position information of objects visible on the surface of the sea, and anti-collision analysis means, which periodically calculate the evolution of the position information of each visible object, and which assess a risk of the marine vehicle colliding with each visible object according to the evolution of the position information of the visible object.
US07679523B2 Network for locating a wireless tag
A network for locating a wireless tag comprises a plurality of wireless nodes. The nodes are not connected together by a wired network. Each node is included in a floor tile for installation inside a building and configured to be wirelessly connectable to at least one other node. When the floor tiles are installed, the plurality of nodes form a mesh or grid and provide overlapping wireless coverage for locating the tag by reference to the mesh.
US07679521B1 Christmas tree ornament with integrated smoke detector, heat detector, motion sensor, and fire extinguishing means
The invention is a Christmas tree ornament that incorporates a smoke or fire detector, a burglar alarm operated by a motion sensor, and connects to an integrated fire extinguishing system. The Christmas tree ornament resembles a star, but can also be designed to reflect an angel, or any other Christmas tree decoration that typically rests on top of the Christmas tree. A fire extinguishing system connects to the ornament and runs the length of the tree to the fire extinguishing fluid reservoir that is located in a unit that rests on the floor. The invention is powered by an electrical cord as well as a battery backup. A speaker is integrated into the device, and features the same high sound level capability of traditional smoke detectors.
US07679519B2 Apparatus for improved pulse oximetry measurement
An apparatus for measuring the blood oxygen level of a patient is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having an interior surface of non-reflective material substantially surrounding an interior. A cooperating light source and detector are operatively positioned proximate the interior surface so as to emit and receive light projected within the interior of the housing. A material more conducive to light transmission, reflectance, or a combination thereof—as compared to the interior surface material—is positioned proximate the light source and/or detector.
US07679516B2 Wireless tag system having a plurality of antenna feeding points
Receiving a switching control signal output from an Wireless tag reader/writer, a switching controller sequentially switches feeding points of an antenna unit, and the Wireless tag reader/writer is made to retain all information from information of an Wireless tag that initially communicates to information of an Wireless tag that finally communicates for each feeding point.
US07679512B2 Supporting the accurate chronological organization of RFID tag data from distributed sources
A computer-implemented method is disclosed for encouraging an accurate chronological organization of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag data gathered from distributed servers. The method includes limiting the processing of RFID tag data based at least in part on the operational status of a plurality of sources of RFID tag data.
US07679505B1 Emergency alert system
An emergency alert system is disclosed. The invention employs an emergency alert message, which directs end users to take some particular action like evacuating an identified geographic area. The invention further employs a geographic area message, which is based on a particular geographic area within which all persons should receive the emergency alert message. The invention utilizes an emergency alert enabled device that receives both the emergency alert message and the geographic area message. The emergency alert enabled device then determines whether it is located within the geographic area of concern, and if so, presents the emergency alert message to the end user.
US07679501B2 Remote interrogation of a vehicle wheel
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a wheel particularly, but not exclusively, to a method and apparatus for assessing the condition of a tire rotating on a vehicle wheel. Apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of antennas (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) for transmitting an interrogation signal to a sensor (110, 112), the sensor being mounted to a wheel to be assessed and being adapted to detect the condition of the wheel; wherein the antennas are arranged in a line along a path to be followed by a wheel to be assessed.
US07679495B2 Displaying unit and method for displaying a steering-wheel angle, to be modified, of a motor vehicle
A display unit for representing a steering-wheel angle, to be modified, of a vehicle is provided, which has a multitude of adjacently arranged indicator elements. One or more of these indicator element(s) is/are illuminated to indicate a modification in the steering-wheel angle and possibly the steering direction.
US07679493B1 Boat trailer submersion
A method of controlling a surge brake mechanism and all lights on a trailer connected to a vehicle that can submerse the trailer to deploy a boat into water. The method generally includes monitoring the vehicle for vehicle conditions that include at least a speed of the vehicle and a direction in which the vehicle is moving. The method waits for user input from within a passenger compartment of the vehicle that is indicative of a desire to disable all of the lights and the surge brake mechanism on the trailer. The method determines a boat launch condition exists when at least one enabling input is detected and determines the boat launch condition does not exist when any disabling input is detected. The method disables the surge brake mechanism and all of the lights on the trailer, when the boat launch condition exists and enables the surge brake mechanism and all of the lights on the trailer, when the boat launch condition does not exist.
US07679490B2 System for harmonizing a motor vehicle's status information between at least two ID transmitters
In a system for harmonizing a motor vehicle's status information (S1) between at least two ID transmitters (5, 6, . . . ) of a vehicle-accessing device, the vehicle status (S1), together with a reference time (t1), corresponding to the vehicle status (S1), of a reference timing element of a vehicle-side control unit (2) can be sent by the unit via at least one transceiver unit (3) to at least one first mobile ID transmitter (5) over a first radio transmission (4) and stored; and the vehicle status (S1) can be sent over a second radio transmission (7) from the first ID transmitter (5) to at least one second ID transmitter (6, . . . ) and stored. This is advantageous in that an ID transmitter (6) can obtain information about the vehicle status S1 not only via the vehicle (1) itself but also via another ID transmitter (5). The invention is especially suitable for accessing and locking systems for motor vehicles.
US07679479B2 Magnetic assembly for magnetically actuated control devices
A magnetically actuated apparatus, which enlarges, extends and makes continuous magnetic fields used by magnetically controlled devices, such as a magnetic reed switch for use in physical security monitoring systems is shown. Apparatus includes a sensor and a magnetic actuator for use with a movable closure member. The sensor is mounted into to a fixed support member that is arranged for displacement relative to a second movable support member. The sensor has a pair of contacts that are connectable to an electronic circuit. The contacts form a switch that is actuated by the magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator comprises a unique elongated magnet with specific polarity or a plurality of aligned, alike permanent magnets that are mountable to the second support member. The aligned magnets have like magnetic fields that align one another and combine to form an effective magnetic actuation field that has a given magnitude and a given direction that is greater that the magnitude and direction than any one of the magnets. The elongated magnet has a specific pole for a given distance as its controlling means. The effective magnetic actuation field increases the distance in which the movable support member is displaceable relative to the fixed support member without changing the electric condition of the sensor. The present invention creates a magnetic apparatus, having a wider and controllable gap and break point distance not found in the present art.
US07679473B2 Low pass filter incorporating coupled inductors to enhance stop band attenuation
The present invention relates to a low pass filter incorporating coupled inductors to enhance stop band attenuation. In one embodiment, the coupled inductors are provided along with various capacitors to provide for superior performance within a smaller surface area of a semiconductor or ceramic integrated device. In a further specific embodiment, the capacitors are formed on an integrated device within an area on which entirely intertwined inductors are formed. In another embodiment, at least one further pair of coupled inductors is included to create additional frequency attenuation notches, as well as a wide stop-band.
US07679450B2 Amplifier auto biasing
This disclosure relates to monitoring signal overshoot of an amplifier generated signal and automatically adjusting a quiescent current of the amplifier as a function of the monitored signal overshoot.
US07679446B2 Variable-gain low-noise amplifier
A variable-gain low-noise amplifier is provided. The variable-gain low-noise amplifier includes a first load, a second load, an input transistor, a pole/zero control circuit, and a gain control circuit. A first terminal of the first load is connected to a power-source voltage, and a second terminal thereof is connected to an output terminal. The second load is operated in response to a bias voltage, and a first terminal thereof is connected to the output terminal. A first terminal of the input transistor is connected to the second terminal of the second load, and a gate thereof is connected to an input terminal. The pole/zero control circuit adjusts frequency characteristics and a gain in response to at least one pole/zero control signal. A first terminal of the pole/zero control circuit is connected to the input terminal, and a second terminal thereof is connected to the output terminal. The gain control circuit adjusts the gain in response to at least one gain control signal. A first terminal of the gain control circuit is connected to a common terminal of the second load and the input transistor, and a second terminal thereof is connected to the input terminal, and a third terminal thereof of is connected to a ground voltage.
US07679443B2 System and method for common mode translation
System and method for common mode translation in continuous-time sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters. An embodiment includes a loop filter having an RC network coupled to a differential signal input, a Gm-C/Quantizer/DAC circuit (GQD) coupled to the loop filter, a common-mode level adjust circuit coupled to signal inputs of the GQD, and a tuning circuit coupled to the GQD and the common-mode level adjust circuit. The GQD evaluates an input signal provided by the RC network, computes a difference between a filtered input signal and the feedback quantization signal to generate an error signal, measures the error signal, and compensates for the error signal with sigma-delta noise-shaping. The common-mode level adjust circuit alters a common-mode level of a differential input signal to be substantially equal to a desired common-mode level and the tuning circuit provides a compensation voltage to the common-mode level adjust circuit based on a difference between the common-mode levels.
US07679436B2 Low noise amplifiers for low-power impulse radio ultra-wideband receivers
The present invention is related to low power low noise amplifiers (LNA) including on/off switching capability, which are preferably used for impulse radio (IR) ultra-wideband (UWB) receivers. In the invention a very low power and high-gain Common-Gate Capacitive Cross Coupling Cascaded LNA is proposed, to provide an optimum gain for large ON times. The invention provides also a Common-Source Cascoded LNA for shorter received pulse widths, with the aim of implementing a fast ON/OFF switching. An input signal is applied to a first amplifying stage and the switching means are coupled to a second amplifying stage so that they do not interfere with the matching network of the first stage. The invention is also related to a method of amplifying a radio frequency signal using a plurality of low noise amplifying elements.
US07679433B1 Circuit and method for RF power amplifier power regulation and modulation envelope tracking
A power amplifier receives an input signal and generates an amplified output signal. A switching converter generates a regulated voltage and performs power control for the power amplifier. A linear amplifier performs modulation envelope control for the power amplifier. The switching converter may be coupled in series with the linear amplifier, and this circuit may operate in one of multiple modes. For example, the linear amplifier may output a tracked voltage to the power amplifier in GSM/polar EDGE mode, and the switching converter may output the regulated voltage to the power amplifier in WCDMA/UMTS mode. The linear amplifier could also output the tracked voltage in both modes, and a selector could select the appropriate feedback voltage for the switcher. The switching converter could also provide the regulated voltage directly to the power amplifier, and the linear converter could adjust a bias of the power amplifier to provide envelope tracking.
US07679429B2 Boost circuit
A boost circuit includes: first transistors connected in series between a voltage input node and a voltage output node to constitute a charge transfer circuit; and first capacitors, one ends of which are coupled to the respective connection nodes between the first transistors, the other ends thereof being applied with clocks with plural phases, wherein a gate of a certain stage transistor corresponding to one of the first transistors in the charge transfer circuit is coupled to a drain of another stage transistor corresponding to another one of the first transistors, which is disposed nearer to the voltage output node than the certain stage transistor and driven by the same phase clock as that of the certain stage transistor, the certain stage transistor being disposed nearer to the voltage output node than an initial stage transistor.
US07679423B1 Switch circuit for magnetic-induction interface
A switch circuit is provided for conditional communication within a magnetic-induction interface, including first and second control nodes, a data input and output nodes, a parallel circuit, and first and second control nodes. The parallel circuit includes a pair of legs, each leg connecting to the data input and data output nodes. Each leg has a connector to a condition. Each control node is connected to the corresponding connector. The condition is one of the interface is connected and the interface is disconnected. The parallel circuit enables communication between the data input and output nodes only in response to the condition being that the interface is disconnected. The pair of leg includes first and second legs. The first leg includes a first MOSFET and a first diode. The first MOSFET has a first source, a first gate and a first drain. The second leg includes a second MOSFET and a second diode. The second MOSFET has a second source, a second gate and a second drain. The first and second diodes are connected to the data input node. The first and second sources are connected to the first and second diodes, respectively. The first and second gates are connected to the first and second control nodes, respectively. The first and second drains are connected to the data output node.
US07679421B1 Level shift circuit
The present invention provides a level shift circuit capable of operating at low input voltage. The level shift circuit comprises: a first switch element coupled to a first output terminal, a second switch element coupled to a second output terminal, a third switch element coupled to the second output terminal and the first output terminal, a fourth switch element coupled to the first output terminal and the second output terminal, a first current source module for letting a current passing through the third switch element smaller than a current passing through the first switch element when the first switch element and the third switch element are conducted, and a second current source module for let a current passing through the fourth switch element smaller than a current passing through the second switch element when the second switch element and the fourth switch element are conducted.
US07679420B1 Slew rate controlled level shifter with reduced quiescent current
A level shifter circuit includes two parallel current paths respectively controlled by switch transistors, a Wilson current mirror circuit, and a slew rate control circuit to selectively couple an output node either to a high (first) voltage source or to a ground (second voltage) source in response to differential input control signals signal. When the output node reaches a stable (high or low) voltage level, the low voltage on one of the current paths turns off a Wilson current mirror transistor in the other current path, thereby preventing quiescent current during stable periods. An optional cascode transistor is added to facilitate fabrication using low threshold voltage transistors.
US07679395B1 Low-loss impedance-matched source-follower for repeating or switching signals on a high speed link
Switching and repeating applications using an impedance matched source follower improve performance of high speed links such as PCI Express, HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI by reducing attenuation and other degradation of high speed signals, including those with transmit pre-emphasis, by avoiding impedance discontinuities over process, voltage and temperature variations and by driving a broader range of loads, e.g., heavily capacitive loads. A circuit for switching or repeating signals on a single-ended or differential high speed link may comprise a source follower with input and output impedances matched to input and output transmission lines on the high speed link. The source follower is biased by a constant transconductance circuit, an external calibration circuit or other circuit to provide an essentially constant output impedance over process, voltage and temperature variations.
US07679391B2 Test equipment and semiconductor device
An interface circuit is connected to an ATE via a test control bus BUS3 that differs from main buses, receives a control signal output from the ATE, and controls multiple BIST circuits according to the control signal. Furthermore, a DUT is configured such that a test result signal specified by the control signal can be read by the ATE via the test control bus. A BISI synchronous control unit generates a first control signal for individually controlling the multiple BIST circuits included in the DUT, and a second control signal for reading the test result signal generated by the BIST circuit, and supplies these signals to the DUT via the test control bus.
US07679389B2 Probe for electrical test and electrical connecting apparatus using it
A probe includes an arm region extending in the back and forth direction, and a tip region extending downward from the front end portion of the arm region. The tip region has a pedestal portion integrally continuous to a lower edge portion at the front end side of the arm region and having an underside inclined to an imaginary axis extending in the vertical direction; and a contact portion projected from the underside of the pedestal portion and having a tip orthogonal to an imaginary axis. Thus, the position of the tip can be accurately determined.
US07679383B2 Cantilever probe card
A method and apparatus for a flattened probe element wire is provided. A probe element wire includes a beam portion and a tip portion. At least a part of the tip portion is flattened. Flattened probe element wires may have greater z-direction height strength, thereby increasing maximum probe element wire z-direction vertical force. Flattened probe element wires may also have decreased variability in the flattened probe element wire tips. A probe card assembly may includes a substrate and a plurality of at least partially flattened probe element wires supported by the substrate. Such probe card assemblies may have an extended life and maintained within design parameters for a longer period of use.
US07679379B2 Detecting apparatus and detecting board thereof
A detecting apparatus for checking shape, size and/or position of a hole of a workpiece, includes a platform for supporting the workpiece, a detecting board, which includes a detecting unit, movably set above the platform, an electrical source, a processor, and an indicator. The source, the unit, and the workpiece make up a circuit connected to the processor. When the board is moved to the workpiece, and the unit enters the hole without touching the workpiece the circuit will remain open, and the processor will control the indicator to indicate that the hole is eligible. If the detecting unit touches the workpiece, the circuit closes, and the processor will control the indicator to indicate that the hole is ineligible. An end of the unit that enters the hole is radially deformable. The apparatus improves detecting efficiency and accuracy, and is suitable for use in mass production.
US07679376B2 Capacitive sensor for sensing tactile and proximity, and a sensing system using the same
A capacitive sensor includes an upper electrode layer having a plurality of electrodes disposed in line with each other, a lower electrode layer having a plurality of electrodes disposed in line with each other, an insulating layer disposed between the upper electrode layer and the lower electrode layer, and a layer of bumps made of insulating material formed above the area where the electrodes of the upper electrode layer and the electrodes of the lower electrode later are crossed. The sensor detects the proximity of approaching objects by the capacitance change between the electrodes disposed in the upper electrode layer, and detects the contact of any objects by the capacitance change between the electrodes of the upper electrode layer and the electrodes of the lower electrode layer.
US07679372B2 Test apparatus
A driver for supplying a test signal to a device under test is shared by a plurality of terminals. In this way, the cost and time required for the test of the device under test can be reduced.A testing apparatus 10 relating to the present invention includes a test signal generating section 130 that generates a test signal to be supplied to a device under test 20, a driver 140 that outputs the test signal, a switch 150 that is disposed on a wire between the driver 140 and a first terminal of the device under test 20, a switch 160 that is disposed on a wire between the driver 140 and a second terminal of the device under test 20, and a connection control section 100 that (i) turns on the switch 150 and turns off the switch 160 when the test signal is supplied to the first terminal of the device under test 20, and (ii) turns off the switch 150 and turns on the switch 160 when the test signal is supplied to the second terminal of the device under test 20.
US07679367B2 Electromagnetic surveying for hydrocarbon reservoirs
A method of electromagnetic surveying of an area of seafloor that is thought or known to contain a subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir is described. The method includes broadcasting an EM signal from a horizontal electric dipole (HED) transmitter and obtaining vertical electric dipole (VED) response data at a remote receiver in response thereto. Survey data are analyzed by comparing the VED response data with background data which are not sensitive to the postulated hydrocarbon reservoir. Accordingly, differences between the VED response data and the background data allow for the identification of buried hydrocarbon reservoirs. The background data may be provided by magneto-telluric surveying, controlled source electromagnetic surveying or from direct geophysical measurement. By employing VED response data in this way, surveys may be performed in shallower water than has previously been possible since the VED detector is not sensitive to air-wave components of the EM field induced by the HED transmitter at the VED detector.
US07679363B2 Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method of exciting two slices intersecting each other with the intersection parallel moved during spin echo reception
With the objective of eliminating variations in signal strength, there is provided a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in which the process of 90°-exciting and 180°-exciting spins of two slices intersecting each other respectively and receiving a spin echo generated from an intersection thereof is repeated while the intersection is sequentially parallel-moved to a plurality of lines, thereby to generate, based on the received spin echo, a two-dimensional image at the time that the plural lines are seen in a projection direction. In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the lines are set at a matrix in which a phase direction is defined as a row direction and the projection direction is defined as a column direction. A plurality of the lines at which a predetermined number of column intervals are defined as mutual intervals are set in the respective rows. One line is set to each column. The numbers of the lines in the respective rows are common divisors for the number of the columns in the matrix and set identical to one another between the respective rows.
US07679362B2 Hall-effect pressure switch
A switch includes housing and a magnet that is mounted inside the housing. The magnet generates a magnetic field having magnetic flux. The switch further includes a flux concentration device that is located inside the housing and that selectively moves between first and second positions. An actuator assembly is located inside the housing and selects the first and second positions based on the input. A hall-effect device is located between the magnet and the flux concentration device and conducts a current having a first value when the magnetic flux is less than a predetermined magnetic flux threshold. The hall-effect device conducts current having a second current value when the magnetic flux exceeds the predetermined magnetic flux threshold. The first position communicates a first magnetic flux to the hall-effect device and the second position communicates a second magnetic flux that is different from the first magnetic flux to the hall-effect device.
US07679358B2 System and method for voltage noise and jitter measurement using time-resolved emission
Time-resolved emission can be used to measure loop-synchronous, small-signal voltage perturbation in integrated circuits. In this technique the measurements are completely non-invasive and so reflect the true device behavior. The time-dependant propagation delay caused by Vdd modulation also shows the expected qualitative signature. This technique should find applications in circuits with relatively fast clock-like circuits where loop-synchronous voltage pickup is limiting circuit behavior.
US07679357B2 Current sensor
A current sensor for measuring an electric current flowing through a conductor includes a ring shaped magnetic core, a bare semiconductor chip, and a case. The magnetic core has a gap and surrounds the conductor. The bare semiconductor chip has a front surface and a vertical Hall effect element formed on the front surface. The bare semiconductor chip is arranged in the gap of the magnetic core to detect a magnetic field generated by the electric current. The magnetic core and the bare semiconductor chip are accommodated in the case. A back surface of the bare semiconductor chip is fixed in the case in such a manner that the front surface of the bare semiconductor chip is parallel to a direction of the magnetic field.
US07679353B2 Constant-current circuit and light-emitting diode drive device therewith
A constant-current circuit includes a first transistor for supplying a current based on a control signal input to a gate of the first transistor so as to serve as a current source, a second transistor for supplying a current to a load based on the control signal input to a gate of the second transistor, a voltage regulation unit for controlling a drain voltage of the first transistor according to a drain voltage of the second transistor, a current detector for detecting a value of a current flowing through the first transistor and output a current according to the detected value, and a controller for controlling each gate voltage of the first and second transistors according to the value detected by the current detector so that the current flowing through the first transistor becomes a predetermined value. The first and second transistors are MOS transistors having the same conductivity.
US07679352B2 Bandgap reference circuits
A bandgap reference circuit comprises: a current generator for generating an output current, the current generator comprising a first reference unit and a plurality of second reference units arranged in parallel, where the current generator is capable of determining the magnitude of the output current according to the reference units; a first resistor, coupled between a first terminal of the first reference unit and a node, for transmitting a first current; a second resistor, coupled to the node and a first terminal of each second reference unit, for transmitting a second current; a third resistor, coupled between the node and an output terminal of the bandgap reference circuit, for transmitting a third current; and a current-to-voltage converter, coupled to the third resistor, for generating a bandgap voltage according to the output current and the third current.
US07679341B2 External control mode step down switching regulator
A switching regulator integrated circuit (IC) is disclosed that includes a switch circuit that further includes a first switch and a second switch, a mode selector circuit controlled by external circuitry to select between a first mode and a second mode, and a control circuit. In response to a feedback signal from the switch circuit, when the first mode is selected, the control circuit toggles the first switch and the second switch ON and OFF alternately at a fixed first frequency. When a second mode is selected, the control circuit causes the second switch to turn OFF completely and the first switch to switch ON and OFF at a variable second frequency.
US07679326B2 Computer with multiple removable battery packs
A computer comprises a computer chassis, a communication connector provided on a surface of the chassis to mate the computer with a docking station, and first and second battery packs. The first battery pack is adapted to mate to the surface of the chassis. The first battery pack has a shape that defines a volume in which at least a portion of the docking station can be inserted to mate to the communication connector. Further, the first battery pack has a first battery pack connector. The second battery pack has a shape that corresponds to the volume defined by the first battery pack's shape. The second battery pack has a second battery connector that mates to the first battery connector when the second battery pack is mated to the first battery pack.
US07679323B2 Handheld power tool form-locked with a detachable battery pack
A handheld power tool has a handheld power tool base body, a battery pack that is detachable from the handheld power tool base body, and an inner cavity with a wall that constitutes a coupling region for the coupling of the battery pack to the handheld power tool base body. The wall has at least one shaped component that is oriented outward in relation to the inner cavity.
US07679315B2 System for identification of genuine battery product in mobile device
Disclosed herein is a genuine product battery identification system for mobile devices. A tag for identifying whether a battery is a genuine product battery is included a battery, and a reader for transmitting and receiving radio frequency information is included in a mobile device body. When the battery is mounted in the mobile device body, the mobile device is operated with power supplied from the battery, and the genuine product battery identification system determines whether the battery is a genuine product battery through radio frequency. When it is determined that the battery is the genuine product battery, power is continuously received from the battery to the mobile device, by which the mobile device is normally operated. When it is determined that the battery is not the genuine product battery, on the other hand, the reception of power from the battery to the mobile device is interrupted, whereby problems caused due to the use of a non-genuine product battery are fundamentally solved.
US07679313B2 Power delivery system including interchangeable cells
A power cell system includes a structure that provides multiple power cell locations. The system also includes at least one regenerative power cell, and at least one non-regenerative power cell. The cell locations and power cells are sized and positioned so that each cell location may interchangeably accept either a regenerative power cell or a non-regenerative power cell.
US07679308B2 Motor control device
Let the rotating axis whose direction coincides with the direction of the current vector that achieves maximum torque control be called the qm-axis, and the rotating axis perpendicular to the qm-axis be called the dm-axis. A motor control device switches its operation between low-speed sensorless control and high-speed sensorless control according to the rotation speed of the rotor. In low-speed sensorless control, the magnetic salient pole of the motor is exploited, and the d-q axes are estimated by, for example, injection of a high-frequency rotating voltage. In high-speed sensorless control, the dm-qm axes are estimated based on, for example, the induction voltage produced by the rotation of the rotor. During high-speed sensorless control, the γ(dm)-axis current is kept at zero irrespective of the δ(qm)-axis current.
US07679297B1 Petawatt pulsed-power accelerator
A petawatt pulsed-power accelerator can be driven by various types of electrical-pulse generators, including conventional Marx generators and linear-transformer drivers. The pulsed-power accelerator can be configured to drive an electrical load from one- or two-sides. Various types of loads can be driven; for example, the accelerator can be used to drive a high-current z-pinch load. When driven by slow-pulse generators (e.g., conventional Marx generators), the accelerator comprises an oil section comprising at least one pulse-generator level having a plurality of pulse generators; a water section comprising a pulse-forming circuit for each pulse generator and a level of monolithic triplate radial-transmission-line impedance transformers, that have variable impedance profiles, for each pulse-generator level; and a vacuum section comprising triplate magnetically insulated transmission lines that feed an electrical load. When driven by LTD generators or other fast-pulse generators, the need for the pulse-forming circuits in the water section can be eliminated.
US07679296B2 Light emitting diode drive circuit
A drive circuit includes a constant voltage circuit to supply a constant voltage to one terminal of a load, a constant current circuit to supply a predetermined constant current to another terminal of the load in accordance with a pulse signal input externally, and a first reference voltage generator to generate and output a first reference voltage in accordance with an output voltage at an output terminal of the constant current circuit. The constant voltage circuit controls so that the first reference voltage is proportional to the output voltage output to the load.
US07679291B2 Barricade flasher
A flashing warning light apparatus wherein there is provided one or more light-emitting diodes, the light-emitting diode being driven in a pulsed manner to achieve light output at a selected flash rate, with control means adapted to detect any light-induced signal from the same light-emitting diode or diodes during periods when the light-emitting diode is not emitting light, said signal being dependent on the level of ambient light. The same diode or diodes can be at a focus center of a reflector. A magnitude of any signal can then be used to determine whether the ambient light is such that the warning light should operate.
US07679290B2 Metal halide lamp with light-transmitting ceramic arc tube
A metal halide lamp according to the present invention includes: a main tube (6) made of a light-transmitting ceramic and forming a part of an arc tube; a first thin tube (7a) coupled to a first end of the main tube (6); a second thin tube (7b) coupled to a second end of the main tube (6); a pair of electrodes (5a, 5b), which are inserted into the first and second thin tubes (7a, 7b), respectively, such that the far ends thereof face each other inside the main tube (1); and a first metal halide enclosed in the arc tube. A second metal halide, which has a lower vapor pressure than that of the first metal halide, is further enclosed in the arc tube. And the main tube (6) has portions, of which the inside diameter decreases monotonically toward the ends.
US07679289B2 Flat fluorescent lamp having grooves
A flat fluorescent lamp is disclosed, wherein rows of U-shaped grooves are formed in a front glass substrate, rows of wavy parallel grooves are formed in a rear glass substrate, and the U-shaped grooves and the wavy parallel groves are made to be perpendicular to each other. Also, fluorescent substance coating films are interposed so as to be in contact with each other on the inner surfaces, and this realizes a structure resistant to an external air pressure. Furthermore, fluorescent discharge is produced inside a tunnel-shaped cavity between the rows of U-shaped grooves, and reduction in luminance at the lower side of the U-shaped grooves is compensated by illumination of the wall of the U-shaped grooves, where the reduction in brightness is due to non-illuminating sections being caused because the U-shaped grooves and the wavy parallel grooves are in contact with each other. Thus, a flat fluorescent lamp with uniform surface luminance is realized. Further, a heater wire is formed on the lower side in the lamp to heat and vaporize mercury received on the lower side in the lamp, realizing a flat fluorescent lamp capable of illuminating brightly even at a low temperature.
US07679285B2 Plasma display device
The plasma display device has an improved structural assembly that includes improved heat transfer interfaces between each of a chassis base and a PDP and a thermally conductive member interposed therebetween. The plasma display device may include a plasma display panel; a chassis base supporting the plasma display panel; a thermally conductive member disposed between the plasma display panel and the chassis base; a first adhesive layer formed between the plasma display panel and the thermally conductive member to adhere the plasma display panel and the thermally conductive member; and a second adhesive layer formed between the thermally conductive member and the chassis base to adhere the thermally conductive member and the chassis base. An adhesive strength of the first adhesive layer may be greater than an adhesive strength of the second adhesive layer.
US07679275B2 Display filter and display device including the same
A display filter capable of enhancing the visible light transmittance and contrast ratio for a bright room condition and a display device including the same. The display filter includes a filter base, and an external light-shielding layer, disposed on a surface of the filter base, including a matrix made of a transparent resin and a plurality of wedge-shaped black stripes arranged parallel to each other at a surface of the matrix.
US07679269B2 Liquid transporting apparatus and piezoelectric actuator
First and second piezoelectric thin layers are arranged on an upper surface of a vibration plate which covers a pressure chamber. An individual electrode is formed on an upper surface, of the second piezoelectric thin layer, at a portion facing the pressure chamber, and a connecting terminal to be connected to a FPC wire via solder is arranged to be separated from the individual electrode at a portion not facing the pressure chamber. A common electrode is formed on a lower surface of the first piezoelectric thin layer to face the pressure chamber. A connecting portion which faces the individual electrode and the connecting terminal and does not face the common electrode is formed between the first and the second piezoelectric thin layers. The individual electrode, the connecting terminal, and the connecting portion are connected via an electroconductive material filled in communicating passages formed in the second piezoelectric thin layer.
US07679267B2 High-performance electroactive polymer transducers
A transducer employing at least two electroactive polymer layers stretched to join each central portion of the electroactive polymer layers to each form a concave shape wherein the central portions of the electroactive polymer layers actuate in at least two component directions upon application of a voltage across the electroactive polymer material.
US07679265B2 Drive unit
A drive unit includes a guide, a stage which is movable relative to the guide, an ultrasonic actuator for moving the movable body and a control unit for controlling the ultrasonic actuator. The ultrasonic actuator includes a driver element in contact with the stage and is fixed to the guide. A surface of the stage in contact with the driver element is an undulating surface. The control unit detects the position of the stage based on a change in contact pressure on the driver element due to the undulating surface.
US07679260B2 Axial gap motor
An axial gap motor including a rotor and stators, wherein: the rotor is provided with a plurality of primary magnet portions, a plurality of auxiliary magnet portions, and a rotor frame; the rotor frame is provided with a plurality of ribs that extend in the radial direction of the rotor frame, and a shaft portion and a rim portion that are integrally connected with each other via the ribs, and the rotor frame houses the primary magnet portions and the auxiliary magnet portions; the primary magnet portions are provided with primary permanent magnet pieces; the auxiliary magnet portions are provided with auxiliary permanent magnet pieces; and each of cross-sectional areas of the ribs which is perpendicular to the radial direction increases from the rim portion side towards the shaft portion side in the radial direction.
US07679259B2 Claw-pole rotor for an electrical machine
A claw-pole rotor for an electrical machine, in particular a rotary current generator, having two pole wheels (26, 27), which each carry claw poles (28 and 29, respectively), which each originate in a plate region (50) and have a pole root (53), and on a circumference of the claw-pole rotor (20), claw poles (28, 29) of the pole wheels (26, 27) are located in alternation, and located between the claw poles or interstices (90), and a claw pole (28, 29) has a radially outward-oriented cylindrical-jacketlike surface (43), by which a pivot axis (65) is defined, and a chamfer (68) extends on the one hand in a circumferential direction and on the other in an edge direction of a claw pole (28 and 29, respectively), wherein the chamfer (68) has a center portion m in the edge direction that intersects a transition plane (59) which demarcates the pole root (53) and the freely projecting part of the claw pole (28 and 29, respectively), and the center portion m amounts to 8/10 of the length, oriented in the edge direction, of the chamfer (68); and that the claw pole (28, 29) has a width BK, oriented in the circumferential direction, and a half width BK on the cylindrical surface (43), in a plane of the claw pole (28, 29) that is vertical to the pivot axis (65), defines a point (P), and a tangent (T) can be inscribed into this point (P), and an angle of inclination α which has a magnitude of between 15° and 25° is enclosed between the tangent (T) and the chamfer (68) in the plane that is vertical to the pivot axis (65).
US07679249B2 Contra rotating generator
Disclosed herein is an apparatus of a contra rotating generator. The contra rotating generator comprises a cylindrical armature supported on an inner shaft. The inner shaft rotates in a first direction. A cylindrical magnetic field rotor is supported on an outer shaft. The outer shaft is oriented coaxially to the inner shaft. The outer shaft contra rotates opposite to the first direction. A plurality of cam followers maintains uniform air gap between outer surface of the cylindrical armature and inner surface of the cylindrical magnetic field rotor. The uniform air gap prevents mechanical contact between the cylindrical armature and the cylindrical magnetic field rotor. A sprag clutch prevents unidirectional rotation of the inner shaft and the outer shaft. The contra rotation between the cylindrical armature and the cylindrical magnetic field rotor increases relative magnetic flux speed for generating electrical power at low speeds of operation.
US07679247B2 Lift magnet mechanism for flywheel power storage systems
Electric power is stored in a flywheel assembly, from a dc power buss, and supplied to the buss, through electronics associated with a motor/generator, its rotor integral with a flywheel supported by magnetic bearings. Upon operation, the flywheel assembly is released by mechanical backup bearings which then normally remain disengaged until shutdown as the flywheel assembly is levitated by the axial magnetic field. Enhancements developed herein smooth the flux density across discontinuities or segments present in permanent magnets due to presently limited capability for manufacture of large annular magnetic members. Herein, the introduction of a medium such as a steel cylindrical member to directly interface with the rotor as opposed to the segmented permanent magnet, greatly eradicates induced eddy current and heat on the rotor. In addition, exhibited is an annularly slotted rotor which allows for greater surface area for flux absorption.
US07679243B2 Motor assembly with multifunctional components
Multifunctional components enable the construction of economical motor assemblies. A first embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, cup, spindle, and base assembly for a motor assembly having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. A second embodiment of the present invention provides a hub, spindle, and base with integrated cup assembly for a disc drive bearing having at least one journal bearing, at least one thrust bearing, and at least one fluid seal. In a third embodiment, a hub is rotatably assembled with a spindle coupled to a thrust bearing, prior to assembly with a base. In further embodiments, motor assemblies comprise the above embodiments combined with stator and rotor assemblies.
US07679241B2 Vibration motor
Disclosed is a vibration motor. The vibration motor includes a bracket including a support tube protruding from the bracket, a case coupled with the bracket, a support shaft supported by the bracket and the case, a bearing rotatably fitted around the support shaft, a rotor fixed to the bearing to rotate together with the bearing, thereby generating vibration, a stator mounted on the bracket to rotate the rotor through interaction with the rotor, a support member installed around the support tube, and a first washer interposed between the support tube and the bearing and supported by the support member.
US07679234B1 Spray cool means for cooling a modular inverter electric motor system
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an apparatus includes a means for converting a first type of electrical power to a second type of electrical power. The apparatus also includes a means for spraying a coolant on the means for converting.
US07679229B2 Relieving stress in a flexure
A flexure includes a shaped sheet of material having a middle portion coupled to a magnet, an end portion, and a corner portion between the end portion and the middle portion, the corner portion including a curve with a concave curvature relative to a point of view outside the corner portion. The flexure may be used in a linear motor.
US07679222B2 Power and signal distribution system for use in interior building spaces
A power and signal distribution system for the building interior and a method for operating a power and signal distribution system for the building interior are provided. The system includes a plurality of conductors adjacent to at least one surface of a plurality of support members forming a grid. The system further includes at least one shunt switch in communication with at least two conductors, the shunt switch being configurable to selectively conduct power or signals between the at least two conductors.
US07679218B1 Load compensated switching regulator
A load compensation circuit for a switching regulator including a comparator circuit and an adjustable voltage source. The switching regulator includes a switch circuit for converting an input voltage to a regulated output voltage and for driving a load current, and a controlled switch driver circuit having a supply voltage input and an output driving the switch circuit. The comparator circuit senses the load current and adjusts a voltage control signal to adjust switching efficiency based on the load current. The voltage source has an input receiving the voltage control signal and an output for providing a switch supply voltage to the supply voltage input of the switch driver circuit, where the voltage source adjusts the switch supply voltage based on the voltage control signal. A method of compensating a switching regulator based on load including sensing load current and adjusting the switch supply voltage to adjust switching efficiency.
US07679216B2 Power supply scheme for reduced power compensation
A power control system is described that reuses current from segregated circuits of the mobile device. In some embodiments, the segregated circuits (or “sections”) can be “stacked” in series (with respect to the power supply) such that power is more efficiently used. The power can be more efficiently used by arranging a first section to reuse current that supplies power to a second section. A power control unit can be used to control regulators.
US07679214B2 Electronic device incorporating system power supply unit and method for supplying power supply voltage
An electronic device provided with a system main unit including a load powered by operational voltage. A system power supply unit, connected to the system main unit, supplies the load with the operational voltage. The system main unit includes a memory circuit for storing initial value data containing a set value for setting the operational voltage of the load. A main unit communication circuit reads the initial value data from the memory circuit and transmits the initial value data to the system power supply unit. The system power supply unit includes a power supply communication circuit for communicating with the main unit communication circuit to receive the initial value data. A voltage generation circuit generates voltage corresponding to the set value.
US07679213B2 AC to DC converter circuit
An AC to DC converter circuit includes a main circuit including a first circuit and a second circuit connected to an AC power supply in parallel to each other, the first circuit including diodes and a switching device, the second circuit including diodes and a switching device. The switching devices are controlled to be ON and OFF corresponding to the input voltage polarity discriminated with an input voltage polarity discriminator such that two DC outputs are obtained from one AC power supply. The AC to DC converter circuit reduces the semiconductor devices, through which a current flows, facilitates reducing the losses caused therein, improving the conversion efficiency thereof, and reducing the size, weight and manufacturing costs of the cooling means thereof.
US07679198B2 Circuit and method for interconnecting stacked integrated circuit dies
Signals are routed to and from identical stacked integrated circuit dies by selectively coupling first and second bonding pads on each of the dies to respective circuits fabricated on the dies through respective transistors. The transistors connected to the first bonding pads of an upper die are made conductive while the transistors connected to the second bonding pads of the upper die are made non-conductive. The transistors connected to the second bonding pads of a lower die are made conductive while the transistors connected to the first bonding pads of the lower die are made non-conductive. The second bonding pads of the upper die are connected to the second bonding pads of the lower die through wafer interconnects extending through the upper die. Signals are routed to and from the circuits on the first and second dies through the first and second bonding pads, respectively.
US07679187B2 Bonding pad structure for back illuminated optoelectronic device and fabricating method thereof
A bonding pad structure for an optoelectronic device. The bonding pad structure comprises a carrier substrate having a bonding pad region and an optoelectronic device region. An insulating layer is disposed on the carrier substrate, having an opening corresponding to the bonding pad region. A bonding pad is embedded in the insulating layer under the opening to expose the top surface thereof. A device substrate is disposed on the insulating layer corresponding to the optoelectronic device region. A cap layer covers the device substrate and the insulating layer excluding the opening. A conductive buffer layer is disposed in the opening to directly contact the bonding pad. The invention also discloses a method for fabricating the same.
US07679185B2 Microcircuit package having ductile layer
A microcircuit package having a ductile layer between a copper flange and die attach. The ductile layer absorbs the stress between the flange and semiconductor device mounted on the flange, and can substantially reduce the stress applied to the semiconductor device. In addition, the package provides the combination of copper flange and polymeric dielectric with a TCE close to copper, which results in a low stress structure of improved reliability and conductivity.
US07679182B2 Power module and motor integrated control unit
A power module includes a heat radiation layer having the first main surface and the second main surface of reverse side opposed to the first main surface, an insulation layer disposed on the first main surface of a radiation layer, a wiring portion of current circuit disposed on the insulation layer and a plurality of switching elements disposed on the insulation layer and electrically connected to the wiring portion of current circuit. A plurality of external terminals are electrically connected to the wiring portions of current circuit. Furthermore, the module has a resin sealing all of the insulation layer, a wiring portion for current circuit, switching elements and the first main surface of the radiation layer, and a resin sealing a portion of the second main surface of the radiation layer with the resin.
US07679181B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a package case in which a semiconductor element is mounted, the package case having a bonding portion; a cap having a bonding portion bonded to the bonding portion of the package case so as to hermetically seal the semiconductor element; and one or more bonding/sealing wires disposed between and in contact with the bonding portion of the package case and the bonding portion of the cap such that the one or more bonding/sealing wires form a closed loop and hermetically seal the semiconductor element.
US07679175B2 Semiconductor device including substrate and upper plate having reduced warpage
A semiconductor device includes a lower substrate having at least one wiring pattern formed of a plurality of wirings, a semiconductor chip positioned above the lower substrate and electrically connected to the wirings, an intermediate member which seals the semiconductor chip in columnar form and substantially, and an upper plate which substantially covers a whole upper surface of the intermediate member. A thermal expansion coefficient of the upper plate and a thermal expansion coefficient of the lower substrate are set substantially identical.
US07679170B2 Electronic apparatus with wiring plates fixed directly to columns to space wiring circuit from base
An electronic apparatus includes metal wiring plates placed together in the same plane to provide a wiring circuit, electronic devices mounted to the wiring plates through a solder, a case having a base portion and columnar portions extending from the base portion. The wiring plates are fixed to the columnar portions such that the wiring circuit is spaced from the base portion. The wiring plates have an enough thickness to resist a large current for operating the electronic devices and to release heat generated by the electronic devices. The wiring circuit is spaced from the base portion of the case so that the heat generated by the electronic devices is released in the space efficiently. The electronic devices are soldered to the wiring plates at once in a thermal reflow process.
US07679166B2 Localized temperature control during rapid thermal anneal
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a semiconductor structure and an associated method of forming the semiconductor structure with shallow trench isolation structures having selectively adjusted reflectance and absorption characteristics in order to ensure uniform temperature changes across a wafer during a rapid thermal anneal and, thereby, limit variations in device performance. Also disclosed are embodiments of another semiconductor structure and an associated method of forming the semiconductor structure with devices having selectively adjusted reflectance and absorption characteristics in order to either selectively vary the performance of individual devices (e.g., to form devices with different threshold voltages (Vt) on the same wafer) and/or to selectively optimize the anneal temperature of individual devices (e.g., to ensure optimal activation temperatures for n-type and p-type dopants during anneals).
US07679161B2 Semiconductor device comprising fuse sections
In an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first fuse cutting portion in which fuse lines are arranged transversely adjacent to each other, a first runner portion in which runner lines connected to the fuse lines are arranged transversely adjacent to each other but at smaller intervals than those of the fuse lines, and a first connection portion having connection lines between the fuse lines and the runner lines. An insulating barrier layer covers the connection portions so that post-process residues from fuse cutting do not cause electrical shorts between the closely formed runner lines.
US07679148B2 Semiconductor device, production method and production device thereof
The task of the present invention is to enable formation of a gate insulating film structure having a good-quality interface between a silicon oxide film and silicon in an interface between a high dielectric constant thin film and a silicon substrate to provide a semiconductor device and a semiconductor manufacturing method which are capable of improving interface electrical characteristics, which has been a longstanding task in practical use of a high dielectric constant insulating film. A metal layer deposition process and a heat treatment process which supply metal elements constituting a high dielectric constant film on a surface of a base silicon oxide film 103 allow the metal elements to be diffused into the base silicon oxide film 103 to thereby form an insulating film structure 105 as a gate insulating film, after forming the base silicon oxide film 103 on a surface of a silicon substrate 101. The insulating film structure 105 including a silicate region comprises a silicon oxide film region, a silicate region, and a metal rich region, forming a silicate structure having composition modulation in which composition of metal increases as closer to an upper portion, and the composition of silicon increases as closer to a lower portion.
US07679147B2 Semiconductor device fabricated by selective epitaxial growth method
A semiconductor device in which selectivity in epitaxial growth is improved. There is provided a semiconductor device comprising a gate electrode formed over an Si substrate, which is a semiconductor substrate, with a gate insulating film therebetween and an insulating layer formed over sides of the gate electrode and containing a halogen element. With this semiconductor device, a silicon nitride film which contains the halogen element is formed over the sides of the gate electrode when an SiGe layer is formed over the Si substrate. Therefore, the SiGe layer epitaxial-grows over the Si substrate with high selectivity. As a result, an OFF-state leakage current which flows between, for example, the gate electrode and source/drain regions is suppressed and a manufacturing process suitable for actual mass production is established.
US07679146B2 Semiconductor device having sub-surface trench charge compensation regions
In one embodiment, a semiconductor device is formed having sub-surface charge compensation regions in proximity to channel regions of the device. The charge compensation trenches comprise at least two opposite conductivity type semiconductor layers. A channel connecting region electrically couples the channel region to one of the at least two opposite conductivity type semiconductor layers.
US07679129B1 System and method for improving oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) coupling in a semiconductor device
A memory device includes a substrate and a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate. At least two charge storage elements are formed over the first dielectric layer. The substrate and the first dielectric layer include a shallow trench filled with an oxide material. The oxide material formed in a center portion of the shallow trench is removed to provide a region with a substantially rectangular cross-section.
US07679121B2 Ultra scalable high speed heterojunction vertical n-channel MISFETs and methods thereof
A method for forming and the structure of a strained vertical channel of a field effect transistor, a field effect transistor and CMOS circuitry is described incorporating a drain, body and source region on a sidewall of a vertical single crystal semiconductor structure wherein a hetero-junction is formed between the source and body of the transistor, wherein the source region and channel are independently lattice strained with respect to the body region and wherein the drain region contains a carbon doped region to prevent the diffusion of dopants (boron) into the body. The invention reduces the problem of leakage current from the source region via the hetero-junction and lattice strain while independently permitting lattice strain in the channel region for increased mobility via choice of the semiconductor materials.
US07679107B2 Memory device that utilizes organic layer with a compound that can photoisomerize between conductive layers; at least one of which is light transmitting
The present invention provides an involatile memory device that is capable of data writing and erasing at a time other than during manufacturing, and a semiconductor device having the memory device. Also, the present invention provides a compact-sized and inexpensive involatile memory device and a semiconductor device having the memory device. A memory device of the present invention includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer of which at least one has a light transmitting property, and an organic compound layer that is in contact with the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer. The organic compound layer includes conductive particles that are dispersed within the layer, and the organic compound included in the organic compound layer has a site that can photoisomerize.
US07679105B2 Hetero junction bipolar transistor and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a hetero-junction bipolar transistor (HBT) that can increase data processing speed and a method of manufacturing the hetero-junction bipolar transistor. The HBT includes a semi-insulating compound substrate, a sub-collector layer formed on the semi-insulating compound substrate, a pair of collector electrodes disposed at a predetermined distance apart from each other on a predetermined portion of the sub-collector layer, a collector layer and a base layer disposed between the collector electrodes, a pair of base electrodes disposed at a predetermined distance apart from each other on a predetermined portion of the base layer, an emitter layer stack disposed between the base electrodes, and an emitter electrode that is formed on the emitter layer stack, and includes a portion having a line width wider than the line width of the emitter layer stack, wherein both sidewalls of the emitter electrode are respectively aligned with inner walls of the pair of base electrodes, and sidewalls of the collector layer and the base layer are located between outer sidewalls of the pair of base electrodes of the pair of base electrodes.
US07679102B2 Carbon passivation in solid-state light emitters
A solid state light emitting device comprises one or more active layers comprising semiconductor nano-particles in a host matrix, e.g. silicon nano-particles in silicon dioxide or silicon nitride. The incorporation of carbon in the active layers provides a great improvement in performance through shortened decay time and enhance emission spectra, as well as reliability and lifetime. The emission wavelengths from the nano-particles can be made to correspond to the quantization energy of the semiconductor nano-particles, which allows the entire visible range of the spectrum be covered. Ideally an engineered structure of alternating active and buffer material layers are disposed between AC or DC electrodes, which generate an electric field. The buffer layers are comprised of a wide bandgap semiconductor or dielectric material, and are designed with a thickness, in the direction of an applied electric field, that ensures that electrons passing therethrough picks up enough energy to excite the nano-particles in the adjacent active layer at a sufficient excitation energy to emit light efficiently at a desired wavelength.
US07679093B2 Dual emission organic light emitting display device and method of driving the same
A dual emission organic light emitting display device and method of driving the same. The display device includes a pixel driver and an organic light emitting diode that can display different images on a top surface and a bottom surface and/or a same image on both the top and bottom surfaces. The display device includes a top/bottom selector that receives a driving current from the pixel driver and selectively supplies the driving current to a top organic light emitting diode or a bottom organic light emitting diode. The top/bottom selector includes transistors, which are connected between the pixel driver and the organic light emitting diode and select a top emission operation or a bottom emission operation. Here, the circuit configuration of the pixel driver is reduced so that the dual emission organic light emitting display device can be improved in terms of a layout, an interconnection, and an aperture ratio.
US07679087B2 Semiconductor active region of TFTs having radial crystal grains through the whole area of the region
There is disclosed a method of fabricating a thin-film transistor having excellent characteristics. Nickel element is held in contact with selected regions of an amorphous silicon film. Then, thermal processing is performed to crystallize the amorphous film. Subsequently, thermal processing is carried out in an oxidizing ambient containing a halogen element to form a thermal oxide film. At this time, the crystallinity is improved. Also, gettering of the nickel element proceeds. This crystalline silicon film consists of crystals grown radially from a number of points. Consequently, the thin-film transistor having excellent characteristics can be obtained.
US07679075B2 Phase change memory array and fabrication thereof
A phase change memory array is disclosed, comprising a first cell having a patterned phase change layer, and a second cell having a patterned phase change layer, wherein the patterned phase change layer of the first cell and the patterned phase change layer of the second cell are disposed at different layers.
US07679073B2 Medical device
A medical device can perform treatment and diagnosis without causing a sense of unease to the patient. The medical device includes a substantially ring-shaped support frame provided in such a manner that a central axis through which an isocenter passes is disposed substantially horizontally; a substantially ring-shaped moving gantry which slides relative to the support frame and which has an opening at the isocenter side thereof a radiation emitter configured to emit a beam towards the isocenter; and a protective cover which covers the radiation emitter and an inner circumferential side of the moving gantry and which moves together with the moving gantry.
US07679069B2 Method and system for optimizing alignment performance in a fleet of exposure tools
A method for optimizing alignment performance in a fleet of exposure systems involves characterizing each exposure system in a fleet of exposure systems to generate a set of distinctive distortion profiles associated with each exposure system. The set of distinctive distortion profiles are stored in a database. A wafer having reference pattern formed thereon is provided for further pattern fabrication and an exposure system is selected from the fleet to fabricate a next layer on the wafer. Linear and higher order parameters of the selected exposure system are adjusted using the distinctive distortion profiles to model the distortion of the reference pattern. Once the exposure system is adjusted, it is used to form a lithographic pattern on the wafer.
US07679062B2 Power supply for portable radiographic detector
A digital radiography detector has a two-dimensional array of photosensors disposed in rows and columns. Multiple signal traces connect to the photosensors and extend in a first direction along the two-dimensional array. A switching power supply is connected to a power source and has first and second storage inductors that are substantially matched, are electrically connected in series, include flux fields that are opposite in phase, and are aligned along the first direction of the signal traces.
US07679057B2 Antenna-coupled-into-rectifier infrared sensor elements and infrared sensors
An infrared sensor element having an antenna coupled directly into a rectifier. Infrared radiation impinging the antenna induces an alternating current. The rectifier converts the alternating current into a rectified signal. The rectified signal corresponds to a magnitude of the incident infrared radiation impinging the antenna, and can be used for detection and imaging operations. Coupling the antenna directly into the rectifier eliminates the need for a photodetector. The wavelength of sensor elements can be separately tuned. A sensor made up of a plurality of such sensor elements can operate in a time-division multiplexed mode sensing different infrared bandwidths in separate time segments. Two or more sensors each made up of a plurality of sensor elements can be co-located in a single focal plane and operated separately to detect infrared radiation in different bandwidths. A sensor element can also operate in bandwidths other than infrared.
US07679055B2 Pattern displacement measuring method and pattern measuring device
An evaluation method and apparatus is provided for evaluating a displacement between patterns of a pattern image by using design data representative of a plurality of patterns superimposed ideally. A first distance is measured for an upper layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image, a second distance is measured for a lower layer pattern between a line segment of the design data and an edge of the charged particle radiation image; and an superimposition displacement is detected between the upper layer pattern and lower layer pattern in accordance with the first distance and second distance.
US07679041B2 Electronic imaging device with photosensor arrays
An electronic imaging device is provided that includes a plurality of sensor elements, such as multiple photosensor arrays, wherein some of the sensor elements have a different numerical aperture value than the others, and wherein the sensor elements can be arranged such that their electrical signals can be combined to produce a composite electrical signal.
US07679037B2 Personal rifle-launched reconnaisance system
A reconnaissance system includes a projectile having an opening through which images of a target area are acquired, a portable launcher having a mechanism for affixing the launcher to a rifle for launching the projectile to fly along and above the target area, an image acquiring device within the projectile for acquiring images of the target area through the opening, a transmitter within the projectile for transmitting during its flight the acquired images to a remote station, a stabilizing mechanism for stabilizing at least one of the projectile and the image acquiring device while flying in a ballistic trajectory above the target area and a remote station. The remote station includes a receiver for receiving the images transmitted from the projectile and a monitor having a display for displaying the received images.
US07679036B2 Method and device for inductively heating conductive elements in order to shape objects
The invention relates to a method and a device which are used to heat materials in order to produce objects industrially, especially by mass production, and which allow a large variety of transformation methods.
US07679035B2 Method and apparatus for water-cooling power modules in an induction calendering control actuator system used on web manufacturing processes
An induction heating system used on web manufacturing processes has one or more workcoils each with an associated power module. The power modules are cooled using water. In one embodiment the power modules and the workcoils are in physical contact with a full width water cooled support beam. In another embodiment the key heat generating elements of the power modules are mounted against a thermally conductive power module frame which is then mounted against the thermally conductive wall of an un-perforated water header.
US07679030B2 Energy-efficient, laser-based method and system for processing target material
An energy-efficient method and system for processing target material such as microstructures in a microscopic region without causing undesirable changes in electrical and/or physical characteristics of material surrounding the target material is provided. The system includes a controller for generating a processing control signal and a signal generator for generating a modulated drive waveform based on the processing control signal. The waveform has a sub-nanosecond rise time. The system also includes a gain-switched, pulsed semiconductor seed laser for generating a laser pulse train at a repetition rate. The drive waveform pumps the laser so that each pulse of the pulse train has a predetermined shape. Further, the system includes a laser amplifier for optically amplifying the pulse train to obtain an amplified pulse train without significantly changing the predetermined shape of the pulses. The amplified pulses have little distortion and have substantially the same relative temporal power distribution as the original pulse train from the laser. Each of the amplified pulses has a substantially square temporal power density distribution, a sharp rise time, a pulse duration and a fall time. The system further includes a beam delivery and focusing subsystem for delivering and focusing at least a portion of the amplified pulse train onto the target material. The rise time (less than about 1 ns) is fast enough to efficiently couple laser energy to the target material, the pulse duration (typically 2-10 ns) is sufficient to process the target material, and the fall time (a few ns) is rapid enough to prevent the undesirable changes to the material surrounding the target material.
US07679024B2 Highly efficient gas distribution arrangement for plasma tube of a plasma processing chamber
A gas distribution arrangement configured to provide a process gas downstream to a plasma tube of a plasma processing chamber. The plasma tube has a top end. The arrangement includes a body having a first end. The first end has a width larger than the plasma tube and a protrusion end adapted to be inserted into the top end. The arrangement also includes a gas inlet vertically disposed in the body. The gas inlet extends from the first end toward the protrusion end and the gas inlet terminates before extending through the protrusion end. The arrangement further includes a plurality of directional inlet channels extending from a lower end of the gas inlet through the protrusion end.
US07679021B2 Switching device
An electrical switching device, especially a high-voltage circuit breaker, contains arcing contacts and nominal current contacts. At least one of the nominal current contacts has a surface formed of an arc-resistant material provided with a galvanic coating. In this configuration, the contact points can withstand high mechanical and thermal loads and at the same time maintain a high current carrying capacity.
US07679020B2 Electrical service switching device with an arc blowout device
The disclosure relates to an electrical service switching device, in particular a circuit breaker, motor circuit breaker or the like, having a housing which has two housing halves and connecting means for electrical connection to busbars and/or power lines, having at least one electrical switching contact on which an arc is struck in an initial arcing chamber on disconnection of the electrical contact, with an arc quenching unit being provided adjacent to this, in order to quench the arc. An AC blowout device which comprises two iron plates adjacent to the initial chamber area in the lateral direction and guides the arc into the arc quenching device by magnetic interaction during AC operation, is provided. The housing wall has an opening in the area of the iron plates, through which a permanent magnet can be inserted in order to create an AC/DC blowout device, which guides the arc into the arc quenching device in both AC and DC operation, when the housing is assembled.
US07679018B2 Switching device
A switching device is disclosed which includes a working shaft and a control shaft installed in a frame part, the control shaft being rotatable and adapted to turn the working shaft, and the working shaft being adapted to change the position of poles of the switching device. One of the two shafts passes through the other.
US07679013B2 Electronic device
There is provided an electronic device that enables and ensures the detection of the open/close condition and attached condition of a plurality of cover bodies by only one detection switch. Therefore, an electronic device comprises an upper cover, a front cover, an actuator, and a mechanical switch. The upper cover is provided openable and closable with respect to a rolled sheet holder storing case, and the front cover is removably attached on the rolled sheet holder storing case for covering a component, which is housed in the rolled sheet holder storing case. The actuator is provided on the front cover, and it makes an action when the upper cover is closed to the rolled sheet holder storing case, and the mechanical switch detects the action of the actuator. This arrangement forms a system that detects sequentially the action taken for closing the upper cover to the rolled sheet holder storing case, by relaying the action via the actuator, which is provided on the front cover, to the mechanical switch, which detects the action.
US07679009B2 Weighing sensor for an electronic scale and an electronic scale
The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.
US07679004B2 Circuit board manufacturing method and circuit board
As means for solving a problem of a positional shift of a land and a hole which is caused by an alignment in the formation of an etching resist layer and a plated resist layer in a method of manufacturing a circuit board, there are provided a method of manufacturing a circuit board including the steps of forming a first resin layer on a surface of an insulating substrate having a conductive layer on the surface and an internal wall of a through hole or/and a non-through hole, forming a second resin layer which is insoluble or slightly soluble in a developing solution for the first resin layer on the first resin layer provided on the surface conductive layer, and removing the first resin layer provided over the hole with the developing solution for the first resin layer, and a method of manufacturing a circuit board including the step of uniformly charging a surface of the first resin layer to induce a potential difference to the first resin layer provided over the hole and the first resin layer provided on the surface conductive layer before forming the second resin layer. Moreover, there is provided a circuit board having a hole with a small positional shift and high precision.
US07678998B2 Cable assembly
A cable assembly is provided including an encapsulated cable having one or more elements and an intermediary section. The encapsulated cable extends along a length direction. The intermediary section extends along the length direction and is attached along a length of the encapsulated cable and extends outwardly therefrom. The intermediary section is configured to receive one or more fasteners for securing the cable assembly to an external surface without the one or more fasteners contacting the one or more elements.
US07678991B2 Rigid integrated photovoltaic roofing membrane and related methods of manufacturing same
Disclosed herein are rigid solar powered photovoltaic (PV) integrated roofing membrane and related methods of manufacturing such a membrane. The disclosed membrane and methods beneficially provide solar power to structures in either off-grid or on-grid connections. The roofing membrane may comprise multiple membrane strips or members having electrically interconnected photovoltaic solar elements. The membrane members preferably have distinct patterns for the solar elements located thereon that provide for coverage of entire sections, upon installation, as well as accommodate interconnections between the solar elements. Moreover, the membrane will appreciate the numerous types of patterns to achieve such purposed of full coverage and electrical coupling.
US07678990B2 Flexible integrated photovoltaic roofing membrane and related methods of manufacturing same
Disclosed herein are flexible, solar powered photovoltaic (PV) integrated roofing membrane and related methods of manufacturing such a membrane. The disclosed membrane and methods beneficially provide solar power to structures in either off-grid or on-grid connections. The roofing membrane may comprise multiple membrane strips or members having electrically interconnected photovoltaic solar elements. The membrane members preferably have distinct patterns for the solar elements located thereon that provide for coverage of entire sections, upon installation, as well as accommodate interconnections between the solar elements. Moreover, the membrane will appreciate the numerous types of patterns to achieve such purposed of full coverage and electrical coupling.
US07678986B2 Musical instrument digital interface hardware instructions
Techniques are described of generating a digital waveform for a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) voice using a set of machine-code instructions that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices. For example, a processor may execute a software program that generates a digital waveform for a MIDI voice. The instructions of the software program may be machine code instructions from an instruction set that is specialized for the generation of digital waveforms for MIDI voices. In particular, the execution of one of the instructions may involve a selection of an operation based on a set of parameters that define a MIDI voice and the performance of the selected operation.
US07678985B2 Standalone electronic module for use with musical instruments
An electronic module has an enclosure which is mechanically and electrically compatible with a plurality of receiving devices such as amplifiers, computers, mixer consoles, and musical instruments. The module has a programmable control panel and display on the enclosure and an electronic circuit disposed within the enclosure and receiving user commands from the control panel and displaying configuration information on the display. The electronic circuit performs a variety of functions for each of the receiving devices by way of a digital signal processor, synthesizer for generating a programmable audio signal in response to a data stream, storage device for storing musical information in a digital format, and playback device for retrieval and playback of the stored musical information. An audio output is coupled for transferring the programmable audio signal to or from the receiving device.
US07678983B2 Music edit device, music edit information creating method, and recording medium where music edit information is recorded
A music editing apparatus that can accomplish editing of superimposing or connecting whole or part of each of many songs such that their beats adjusted is provided. The music editing apparatus includes a remix processing section which performs a remix process based on both meta data that are pre-generated corresponding to song data and that contain at least a time-based beat position and a file for deciding a remix pattern; a synchronizing reproduction controlling section which generates a master beat, sends the master beat to the remix processing section, and reproduces a plurality of songs based on individual entries of the meta data according to the remix process that the remix processing section has designated corresponding to the remix pattern and the meta data; and a mixing section which mixes songs reproduced by the synchronizing reproduction controlling section. The remix processing section performs the remix process based on a remix pattern file structured as hierarchical layers each of which has a control parameter portion and a data entity portion.
US07678974B2 Plants and seeds of corn variety CV479454
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV479454. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV479454, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV479454 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV479454 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV479454.
US07678958B2 Method of removing dimethyl ether from an olefin stream
This invention is directed to a method of removing dimethyl ether from an olefin stream. The method includes distilling the olefin stream so that the dimethyl ether is separated out of the olefin stream with propane. The olefin stream can then be further distilled to provide a polymer grade ethylene stream and a polymer grade propylene stream, with each stream containing not greater than about 10 wppm dimethyl ether.
US07678957B2 Alkylation process with catalyst transfer
A system and/or process for alkylating hydrocarbons which includes an improved method of safely handling alkylation catalyst is disclosed. The process includes passing the alkylation catalyst from a settler vessel to a catalyst receiving vessel, via a catalyst cooler, for containment therein in the presence of a condensible gas. Also disclosed is a method for controlling the pressure in the catalyst receiving vessel by controlling the rate of removal of vapors.
US07678951B2 Method for adjusting the high heating value of gas in the LNG chain
The subject of the invention is a method for treating a natural gas containing ethane, comprising the following stages: (a) extraction of at least one part of the ethane from the natural gas; (b) reforming of at least one part of the extracted ethane into a synthesis gas; (c) methanation of the synthesis gas into a methane-rich gas; and (d) mixing of the methane-rich gas with the natural gas. Installation for implementing this method.
US07678945B2 Derivatized polyhydroxystyrenes with a novolak type structure and processes for preparing the same
A process for preparing derivatized poly(4-hydroxystyrene) having a novolak type structure which comprises the steps of (i) supplying a solution of methanol containing 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol, (ii) subjecting said solution to an acid catalyzed displacement reaction for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to convert substantially all of said carbinol to 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol methyl ether in solution, (iii) polymerizing said ether containing solution in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form a novolak type polymer. New compositions of matter which comprise the derivatized poly(4-hydroxystyrene) prepared in the above manner and which have application in the electronic chemicals market such as in a photoresist composition, and in other areas such as in varnishes, printing inks, epoxy resins, copying paper, tackifiers for rubber, crude oil separators, and the like.
US07678943B2 Process for producing hydroperoxides
A process for the autocatalytic production of organic hydroperoxides and ultra low sulfur diesel boiling range hydrocarbons is disclosed. The organic hydroperoxides react with sulfur compounds to produce sulfones, and the sulfones can be removed from the diesel boiling range hydrocarbons to provide ultra low sulfur diesel.
US07678939B2 Acetic acid production methods incorporating tin or ruthenium catalyst stabilizers
Processes for the production of acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol, and reactive derivatives thereof, in a reaction mixture using a rhodium-based catalyst system with at least one catalyst stabilizer selected from the group of ruthenium catalyst stabilizers, tin catalyst stabilizers, and mixtures thereof are provided. The catalyst stabilizers minimize precipitation of the rhodium metal during recovery of the acetic acid product, particularly in flasher units in an acetic acid recovery scheme. Stability of the rhodium metal is achieved even when the acetic acid is produced in low water content reaction mixtures in the presence of an iodide salt co-promoter at a concentration that generated an iodide ion concentration of greater than about 3 weight % of the reaction mixture. The stabilizing ruthenium or tin compounds may be present in the reaction mixture for the production of acetic acid at molar concentrations of ruthenium or tin metal to rhodium of about 0.1:1 to about 20:1.
US07678938B2 Optical resolution of 3-carbamoylmethyl-5-methyl hexanoic acid
The invention relates to pure (R)-CMH and to the optical resolution of CMH-racemate, a key intermediate in the synthesis of (S)-Pregabalin. The invention also relates to the process for optically purifying (R)-CMH and to the process for isolating (S)-CMH from the mother liquor.
US07678936B2 Isocyanato terminated precursor and method of making the same
A method of making an isocyanato terminated precursor for polyurethane is disclosed. The method comprises heating an isocyanate containing about two or more isocyanato groups per molecule at a temperature of up to 80 degrees Celsius and at a pressure of about 1 atmosphere. The method further comprises mixing a modified vegetable oil comprising about two or more hydroxyl groups per molecule with the isocyanate at a molar equivalent ratio of at least 2:1 isocyanate to vegetable oil for a predetermined time period to form the isocyanato terminated precursor.
US07678931B2 Process for preparing materials for extraction
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a biomass, such as from a microbial fermentation, for an extraction process to separate desired chemicals, nutritional products, bioactive components, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, from the biomass. Particularly preferred substances to extract include docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and arachidonic acid. The present invention also includes extracting the prepared biomass. Biomasses to be treated in accordance with the methods of the invention include plant, animal, and microbial biomass, particularly a microorganism such as Crypthecodinium cohnii and a fungus such as Mortierella alpina.
US07678927B2 Process for lactonization in the preparation of statins
The present invention relates to an improved and industrial friendly process for lactonization to produce compound of the Formula [I], from compound of the Formula [II] in presence of an inorganic compound as a suitable lactonizing agent, preferably alkali metal hydrogen sulfate, and crystallizing the obtained lactone product in a solvent; or treating compound of the Formula [II] in the presence of an inorganic compound preferably alkali metal hydrogen sulfate using phase transfer catalyst in heterogeneous phase followed by crystallizing the obtained lactone product in a solvent.
US07678917B2 Factor Xa inhibitors
The invention is concerned with novel cycloalkane carboxamides of formula (I) wherein X, X1, Y, Y1, R1′, R1″, R2, R3, m and n are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds inhibit the coagulation factor Xa and can be used as medicaments.
US07678908B2 Process of preparing desaloratadine
The present invention provides substantially pure desloratadine having an HPLC purity greater than 99.5% and having an absorbance less than 0.15 Au at 420 nm for a 5% w/v solution in methanol, which does not show a peak for an impurity at a relative retention time in the range from about 0.85 to about 0.99 (relative to desloratadine appearing at a retention time of 25±5 minutes), which is greater than the discard limit set at less than 0.025% of the total area, when tested according to an HPLC method performed using a Hypersil BDS C8 column (15 cm×4.6 mm, 5 μm particle size) with the following parameters: Mobile phase:Buffer solution having a pH of about 3, methanol and acetonitrile in a volume ratio of 8:1:1. Injection volume:20 μl Flow rate:1.5 ml/minute Run time:75 minutes. Discard limit:Set at less than 0.025% of total area The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of substantially pure desloratadine by the process comprising acidic hydrolysis of a compound of formula 3 where R is selected from COR1, COOR1 wherein R1 is selected from branched or linear alkyl (1-6 C), cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, aralkyl and their substituted analogs; and their substituted analogs with a strong organic acid or a mineral acid.
US07678907B2 Halogenation of rylen-carboximides with elementary halogen in a two-phase mixture comprising an organic solvent and water, wherein formed halogen hydroxide is continuously removable from the organic solvent
A process for preparing halogenated rylenecarboximides of the general formula I in which the variables are each defined as follows: A, B together are an imide radical or, in the case that n is 1, A and B are also each Hal or one radical is Hal and the other radical is halogen; R, R′ are each independently hydrogen; optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or hetaryl; Hal is chlorine, bromine or iodine; n is 1, 2 or 3; x is from 2 to 8, by reacting a rylenecarboximide of the general formula II in which the A′ and B′ radicals together are an imide radical or, in the case that n is 1, are also each hydrogen with elemental halogen in the presence of an inert organic solvent S1, which comprises continuously withdrawing the hydrogen halide formed in the course of the reaction from the solvent S1.
US07678903B2 Process for the preparation of levofloxacin hemihydrate
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Levofloxacin hemihydrate by adjusting the moisture content of the solvent to about 12% to about 20% during crystallization.
US07678897B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF1) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor and/or receptor (ECGF1 and/or ECGF1r) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of ECGF1 and/or ECGF1r gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of ECGF1 and/or ECGF1r genes.
US07678895B2 Antisense modulation of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble expression
Antisense compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble. The compositions comprise antisense compounds, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding superoxide dismutase 1, soluble. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble expression and for treatment of diseases associated with expression of superoxide dismutase 1, soluble are provided.
US07678890B2 Compositions and methods of treating disease with FGFR fusion proteins
The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.
US07678886B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of adiponectin variants and methods of storage
A composition comprising an adiponectin variant at a concentration of at least 2.0 mg/mL, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein less than 20% of said adiponectin variant would aggregate after storage at 4° C. for one week in 10 mM PO4, 150 mM NaCl buffer.
US07678885B2 Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein heterodimers, compositions and methods of use
The present invention relates to a methods for producing recombinant heterodimeric BMP proteins useful in the field of treating bone defects, healing bone injury and in wound healing in general. The invention also relates to the recombinant heterodimers and compositions containing them.
US07678884B2 Biologically active peptide and agent containing the same
A peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 13, preferably a peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 2 to 9 or a peptide having any one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 10 and 15 to 17, is used as an active ingredient of an agent for promoting growth or differentiation of cells such as osteoblasts, chondroblasts, cementoblasts, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and periodontal ligament-derived cells.
US07678877B2 Process for the synthesis of polyalkylphenol antioxidants
Disclosed is a method for the synthesis of sterically hindered polymeric antioxidants based on phenol type antioxidant monomers. The method includes partially etherifying, polymerizing and thermally rearranging a phenol containing monomer represented by the following structural formula: to produce a sterically hindered polymeric macromolecular antioxidant. X, R10 and q are as defined herein. The disclosed method is a simple, direct and economical process for the synthesis of sterically hindered polymeric macromolecular antioxidants.
US07678871B2 Preparation of cyclic oligosiloxane
Cyclic oligosiloxane is prepared through disproportionation reaction of organopolysiloxane in the presence of a catalyst. Cyclic oligosiloxane of high purity can be produced in high yields by using a catalyst having formula (4): wherein M is Al, Ti, Zr, Sn or Zn, p is the valence of M, and R4 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group or the like.
US07678870B2 Processable molecularly imprinted polymers
A process is provided herein for preparing molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting a target analyte by Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT). The process includes providing a complex having the formula L3M wherein L is a β-diketone ligand containing a chain transfer moiety and L3 can be the same or different ligands, and M is a lanthanide element; reacting the complex with the target analyte to provide an adduct containing the target analyte; co-polymerizing the adduct with a monomer and cross-linking agent to provide a polymer; and removing the target analyte from the polymer to provide the molecularly imprinted polymer.
US07678869B2 Atom or group transfer radical polymerization
A polymerization process comprising initiating a first polymerization of monomers using an initiator functionalized with an ATRP initiating site, wherein the first polymerization is selected from the group of cationic polymerization, anionic polymerization, conventional free radical polymerization, metathesis, ring opening polymerization, cationic ring opening polymerization, and coordination polymerization to form a macroinitiator comprising an ATRP initiating site and further initiating an ATRP polymerization of radically polymerizable monomers using the macroinitiator comprising an ATRP initiating site. Novel block copolymers may be formed by the disclosed method.
US07678867B2 Process for the (co)polymerization of ethylene
A process for preparing a broad molecular weight polyethylene carried out in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (i) a solid catalyst component comprising Mg, Ti, halogen, and optionally an internal electron donor compound, and (ii) an Al-alkyl cocatalyst said process comprising at least two step of polymerization (a) and (b), in which: in a first step (a) ethylene is polymerized in the presence of a molecular weight regulator in order to produce a ethylene (co)polymer, and in a further step (b), which is carried out in the presence of an external electron donor compound added to this polymerization step as a fresh reactant, ethylene is copolymerized with an alpha olefin of formula CH2═CHR, in which R is a C1-C20 hydrocarbon group, to produce an ethylene copolymer having a molecular weight higher than that of the copolymer produced in step (b).
US07678854B2 Long-fiber reinforced polyolefin composition
Disclosed are a long-fiber reinforced and colored molded article having desirable physical properties such as superior impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength as well as superior heat-resistance, a long-fiber reinforced polyolefin composition for producing the article, and method for producing the article. The long-fiber reinforced polyolefin composition comprises long-fiber reinforced polyolefin pellets including 35 to 90 weight % of a long-fiber reinforcing agent and 5 to 60 weight % of polyolefin wherein the impregnation degree of the long-fiber reinforced polyolefin pellet is preferably more than 80%; and colored polyolefin pellets having the length of 5 to 500 mm, and including 0.01 to 15 weight % of a coloring agent for the total amount of the coloring agent and polyolefin, wherein the amount of the colored polyolefin pellets is 5 to 80 weight % for the total amount of the colored polyolefin pellets and the long-fiber reinforced polyolefin pellets.
US07678851B2 Nanocomposite thermoplastic resin composition with flame resistance
The present invention relates to a nanocomposite thermoplastic resin composition with flame resistance comprising a basic resin mixture, which comprises a rubber-modified styrene-containing graft copolymer, a thermoplastic polyamide resin and a styrene-containing copolymer, a compatibilizer, a melamine based flame retardant and an organic layered silicate. The nanocomposite thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention offers superior flame resistance without comprising a halogen based flame retardant.
US07678840B2 Reduction of MDI emissions in cavity filling NVH polyurethane foams
This invention relates to reactive systems for the production of cavity filling polyurethane foams for NVH (noise vibration and harshness) application areas in which the system exhibits reduced isocyanate emissions. These foams comprises a polyisocyanate comprising a polymethylene poly(phenylisocyanate).
US07678837B2 Device and method for removing carbon monoxide from a gaseous stream containing hydrogen
The invention relates to a process for removing carbon monoxide from a hydrogenous gas stream by reacting the carbon monoxide with hydrogen to give methane and water in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst. In this process, the catalyst is present in the form of a thin-layer catalyst on a support material. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the process.
US07678823B2 Compounds for alzheimer's disease
The invention provides novel compounds useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The compounds have a substituents chosen from -L-C(═O)OH, -L-CH═CHC(═O)OH, -L-C(═O)NH2, -L-C(═O)NH(C1-3 alkyl), -L-C(═O)N(C1-3 alkyl)2, -L-S(═O)2(C1-3alkyl), -L-S(═O)2NH2, -L-S(═O)2N(C1-3 alkyl)2, -L-S(═O)2NH(C1-3 alkyl), -L-C(═O)NHOH, -L-C(═O)CH2NH2, -L-C(═O)CH2OH, -L-C(═O)CH2SH, -L-C(═O)NHCN, -L-NHC(═O)ORo, -L-C(═O)NHRo, -L-NH(C═O)NHRo, -L-C(═O)N(Ro)2, -L-NH(C═O)N(Ro)2, -L-sulfo, -L-(2,6 difluorophenol), -L-phosphono, and -L-tetrazolyl, where L is a linker.
US07678820B2 Hetero compound
To provide a useful compound as an active ingredient for a preventing and/or treating agent for rejection in the transplantation of an organ, bone marrow, or a tissue, an autoimmune disease, or the like, which has an excellent S1P1 agonist activity. Since the compound of the invention has an S1P1 agonist activity, it is useful as an active ingredient for a treating or preventing agent for a disease caused by unfavorable lymphocytic infiltration, for example, an autoimmune disease such as graft rejection in the transplantation of an organ, bone marrow, or a tissue, a graft-versus-host disease, rheumatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, a nephrotic syndrome, encephalomeningitis, myasthenia gravis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, nephritis, diabetes, pulmonary disorder, asthma, atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, ischemia-reperfusion injury, or an inflammatory disease, and further, a disease caused by the abnormal growth or accumulation of cells such as cancer and leukemia.
US07678816B2 Method of stabilizing lansoprazole
The present invention provides a stable 2-(2-pyridylmethyl)sulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole (lansoprazole) and a method for stabilizing lansoprazole by use of a weakly basic material. The present invention also provides a method for the preparation of a stable lansoprazole.
US07678809B2 Benzimidazole compounds having nociceptin receptor affinity
Disclosed are compounds of the formula (I) wherein A, R1, R2, R3, R4 and X1 are as disclosed herein. The compounds have affinity for the ORL1 receptor and are useful in the treatment of chronic and acute pain.
US07678805B2 Use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
The present invention relates to a method for treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as crohn's disease, comprising administering a tyrosine kinase inhibitor to a human in need of such treatment, more particularly a non-toxic, selective and potent c-kit inhibitor. Preferably, said inhibitor is unable to promote death of IL-3 dependent cells cultured in presence of IL-3.
US07678803B2 Quinazoline derivatives for the treatment of cancer
The current invention is directed toward compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of Formula I wherein Q1 is CR1, Q2 is N, Q4 and Q5 are each CR1, Q3 is CR2, X1 is N or CRc, Y is CRc, X2 and X3 are each C(R5)(R6), R7 is O. Compounds of Formula I are useful in the treatment of diseases and/or conditions related to cell proliferation, such as cancer The current invention is also directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of the invention.
US07678799B2 Crystalline ziprasidone HCl and processes for preparation thereof
Provided is crystalline ziprasidone HCl and processes for preparation thereof.
US07678796B2 MGluR5 modulators I
The present invention is directed to novel compounds, to a process for their preparation, their use in therapy and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds.
US07678763B2 Compositions and methods for the prevention and control of insulin-induced hypoglycemia
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising glucagon can be administered to control and treat diabetes while reducing or eliminating the risk of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Also provided are methods of administering glucagon so as to reduce the risk of inducing hypoglycemia.
US07678755B2 Modified alkoxylated polyol compounds
A modified polyol compound having alkoxylation and having at least one anionic capping unit, uses of the modified polyol compound having alkoxylation and having at least one anionic capping unit and cleaning compositions comprising the same.
US07678733B2 Method for producing heat-resisting compound oxides
A method for producing a heat-resisting compound oxide in which first oxide particles are made to carry second fine particles having near charging characteristics. Said first oxide particles or their precursors are caused, before said first oxide particles or their precursors are caused to adsorb said first oxide particles or their precursors, to adsorb a predetermined acid or base so that they may be charged inversely of said second fine particles or their precursors to be adsorbed thereby. Said first oxide particles are caused to adsorb said second fine particles through said acid or base and are sintered to carry the same.