最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US07689398B2 System and method for modeling and application of interproximal reduction of teeth
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, system and method for modeling and application of interproximal reduction (IPR) of teeth to facilitate orthodontic treatment is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a system and method for modeling and application of IPR are configured within a treatment methodology that initially determines whether stripping is needed for two neighboring teeth. If stripping is necessary, the exemplary method for modeling and application of IPR is conducted. In an exemplary embodiment, a stripping plane or other surface is constructed to determine the amount and region of stripping for two neighboring teeth, in other words, the volume to be removed between two neighboring teeth. After stripping of the tooth, the tooth geometry can be reconstructed to enable application of the IPR tooth model, such as enabling the clinician to utilize the IPR tooth model for teeth movement planning.
US07689395B2 6-axis road simulator test system
A 6-axis road simulator test system is disclosed which allows for dynamic simulation of vehicles on road surfaces in a controlled environment for development or production testing conditions. The system turns the vehicle wheels, or provides resistance to turning of the wheels while subjecting each of the vehicle's wheel in up to 6-axis of displacement, based on road profile simulation.
US07689391B2 Data structure relating a device characteristic to a device position in a support structure
A method that comprises generating a first data structure relating a physical interface to a corresponding position in a support structure, generating a second data structure relating the physical interface to an address of a device in the support structure and, using the first and second data structures, generating a third data structure relating a physical characteristic of the device to the position of the device in the support structure.
US07689379B2 Method of determining measurement probe orientation
A dimensional measurement probe (10) is mounted in a machine tool (48), which reorientates the probe about at least one axis A. Strain gauges (34) sense when a stylus (20) of the probe contacts a workpiece (50), to produce a trigger signal. False trigger signals may be produced when the probe is reorientated. To overcome this, the reorientation is detected by monitoring changes in the fluctuations of the strain gauge outputs, caused by vibrations of the stylus.
US07689376B2 Method of calibrating an actuator system for a variable nozzle of a turbocharger
A method for calibrating an actuator system for a turbocharger variable nozzle, the actuator system comprising an electronically controllable actuator coupled with a variable-geometry member of the nozzle and operable for causing movement thereof, and an electronic controller operable for controlling the actuator, the electronic controller having a memory for storing data. The method comprises (a) supplying a flow of fluid through the nozzle, (b) causing a continuous or stepwise movement of the actuator so as to move the variable-geometry member to cause a continuous or stepwise change in flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle, monitoring the changing flow rate, and recording at least two different points representing two different actuator positions and corresponding flow rates, and (c) storing in the memory of the electronic controller a multi-point calibration representing actuator position as a function of an input parameter designed to achieve a desired flow rate.
US07689352B2 Navigation system
When a user turns on an ignition switch at a parking lot so as to restart travel to a destination, a navigation system computes a distance from the parking lot to an intermediate position included in a guide route currently designated. When the computed distance is within a predetermined distance, whether the user has visited the intermediate position or not is inquired of the user. When the user inputs that the intermediate position has been visited, the navigation system re-designates a new guide route to the destination without need to pass by the intermediate position.
US07689348B2 Intelligent redirection of vehicular traffic due to congestion and real-time performance metrics
An automated traffic control system provides real time alternative traffic flow solutions to address traffic congestion on a roadway. A process will pick routes to scan for real-time statistics on the traffic conditions and calculate an average vehicle speed (AVS) for that route, road, highway, etc. If the AVS drops below a historical threshold, a decision matrix is created, whereby all the real-time data is compared with historical data and provides an ideal or best alternative route for “route X”. The operator is provided this information within seconds and is allowed to make a decision to “accept or decline” the proposed changes in routes. If the proposed changes are accepted, the changes begin to occur automatically such as but not limited to updating electronic signage, changing traffic control signals (all green to keep traffic moving), moving electronic barriers, etc.
US07689346B2 Fuel injection device of diesel engine
A fuel injection device of a diesel engine capable of smoothly starting the diesel engine to match an environment around the engine by saving fuel, reducing the exhaustion of carbon dioxide, and suppressing black smoke in starting the diesel engine. A rack is operated by an actuator from a lowest rack position to a starting increased fuel amount position at a lower speed than that at which the rack is operated by the actuator from the lowest rack position to the starting increased fuel amount position at the maximum operating speed. The operating speed of the rack is set in two stages, and the later operating speed of the rack is reduced less than the operating speed of the rack up to a set intermediate rack target value P2. Then, the operating amount of the rack per hour is reduced after the ignition of the engine is recognized. Also, the operating speed of the rack is controlled according to an atmospheric temperature in starting the engine.
US07689339B2 Vehicle driving force control apparatus and driving force control method
When a speed ratio, which is the ratio of the turbine speed to the engine speed, is equal to or less than 1, a driving torque converter dynamic characteristic model is used which is set based on a driving torque converter static characteristic in which the torque ratio decreases to 1 with an increase of the speed ratio. When the speed ratio is greater than 1, a driven torque converter dynamic characteristic model is used which is set based on a driven torque converter static characteristic in which the torque ratio is 1 regardless of the speed ratio.
US07689327B2 Microserver adapter for an avionics box
A modular adapter is attachable to an avionics box of an aircraft to enable network communication between the avionics box and other avionics boxes or controllers on the aircraft, local computing devices, and/or remote computing devices or remote servers in an external network, such as an Internet. The adapter includes a microserver module having a web-based server, a computer processor and memory, a data-over-power module configured to connect to a power connector that delivers power to the avionics box and transmits data to the microserver module, a connector module configured to plug into a power port of the avionics box such that power delivered by the power connector passes through the adapter to the avionics box, and a test port connector configured to plug into a test port of the avionics box. The test port connector enables the microserver module to access data from and send data to the avionics box.
US07689326B2 Heading awareness symbology for track centered primary flight displays
A method of providing heading awareness on a flight display is provided. The method comprises displaying a heading awareness symbology to indicate heading relative to track, and varying the prominence of the heading awareness symbology on a display element based on at least one sensed condition.
US07689322B2 Robot apparatus and method of controlling the motion thereof
The present invention provides a robot apparatus is capable of moving autonomously, flexibly responding to a motion of conforming to an external moving subject that may typically be the user of the robot apparatus and conforming to the motion of the moving subject, and also capable of modifying the conforming relationship with the moving subject. The robot apparatus is capable of moving autonomously, and comprises an input section that inputs an image or sound of an external moving subject, a plurality of motion generating sections that generate a plurality different motions in response to the image or sound input by way of the input section, conforming to the motion of the external moving subject, a motion expressing section that integrally expresses one or more than one motions out of the plurality of motions generated by the plurality of motion generating sections, and a control section that controls the number of motions integrated by the motion expressing section and the ratio of the motions to be integrated.
US07689314B2 Volume element printing system with an object insertion device
The invention provides for a volume element (voxel) printing system for printing a three-dimensional object. The system includes a first printhead group having a plurality of first printheads configured to print a first voxel layer on a substrate, and at least one second printhead group having a plurality of second printheads downstream from the first group. The second group is configured to print a subsequent voxel layer on at least part of the first layer. The system also includes an object insertion device configured to insert objects into voids in the voxel layers, and a conveyor to operatively convey the substrate past the printhead groups. Also included is a control system to control and monitor the printhead groups, the object insertion device and the conveyor.
US07689301B2 Safety control device, safety control system, and method for detecting communication error
A safety control device for ensuring safety of an object to be controlled, including: communication unit which is used for communication with another safety control device and uses a frame including a test bit string T having correlation with a base bit string B; and detection unit which compares with the base bit string B the test bit string T included in a frame having been received from another safety control device, thereby determining the number of bit errors in the frame.
US07689294B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing continuous power to a fixture in a manufacturing process
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing continuous power and utilities to a fixture in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment of the invention, a system with robot, such as a robotic arm, and a workstation can be deployed in a manufacturing process. A fixture associated with the manufacturing process can include a mount operable for receiving power from the robot or robot arm, and another mount operable for receiving power from the workstation. An associated control device, such as a programmable logic circuit, can selectively provide power via either mount depending on whether the fixture is mounted to the robot or robotic arm, or to the workstation.
US07689293B2 Active oxygen management, fire encirclement, and operational verification system
An active oxygen management, fire encirclement, and operational verification system. The system includes multiple doors and enclosing interior spaces, a programmable door controller, and at least one sensor associated with each of the doors. The sensors monitor predetermined conditions associated with the associated door. Each door controller is interconnected with each other door controller and contains instructions for communicating messages and commands to other specific door controllers if one or more of the predetermined conditions is determined to be an abnormal condition. If the abnormal condition is sensed by a sensor associated with one door, the programmable door controller associated with that door executes a predetermined set of instructions issuing a command to the programmable door controller associated with at least a second door. This command from the first door controller causes the second programmable door controller to execute a predetermined instruction set affecting the second door.
US07689286B2 Myocardium conditioning using myocardial and parasympathetic stimulation
Various system embodiments comprise a neural stimulator, a pulse generator, and a controller. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a pacing signal to provide myocardium pacing. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulator and the pulse generator to provide a cardioprotective conditioning therapy. The conditioning therapy includes neural stimulation to elicit a parasympathetic response and myocardium pacing. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US07689283B1 Diastolic mechanical algorithm for optimization of AV timing using a plurality of sensors
Systems and methods are provided for adjusting atrioventricular timing of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, based upon multi-modal sensory data. In one particular embodiment, one or more acoustic signals are processed and categorized into certain cardiac-related mechanical events. Impedance waveforms are obtained from implanted electrodes and analyzed to identify certain valvular events. The acoustic and impedance data is analyzed to optimize AV timing and improve cardiac performance.
US07689281B2 Pacing mode event classification with increased ventricular sensing
An implantable medical device operates according to a ventricular pacing protocol (VPP) that precludes ventricular pacing in any cardiac cycle where a sensed ventricular event has occurred in the preceding cycle. Improved ventricular sensing, detection and classification is provided.
US07689278B2 Identification system for defibrillator electrode package
An automatic external defibrillator electrode package includes a coded conductive label that uniquely identifies the type of automatic electrode contained therein. Pins on the defibrillator body make electrical contact with the conductive label when the package is attached to the defibrillator. These pins sense the shape of the conductive label to ascertain the electrode type, thereby enabling the AED to automatically set the proper operating mode.
US07689276B2 Dynamic nerve stimulation for treatment of disorders
A method for the treatment of obesity or other disorders by electrical activation or inhibition of nerves is disclosed. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by stimulating a nerve using an electrode. Dynamic stimulation through ramped cycling of electrical stimulation, stimulation frequency alteration, and/or duty cycle variance can produce therapeutic benefits.
US07689275B2 Method and apparatus for determining an EMG signal
A method and apparatus for filtering an electromyogram (EMG) signal from a raw signal which includes a contribution from an electrocardiogram (EKG) signal is disclosed. The method includes the steps of estimating an attribute (such as a Fourier transform) of both the EMG contribution to the raw signal and the EKG contribution to the raw signal and, dependent on both frequency spectrums, determining an EMG window in a frequency range and obtaining the EMG signal by passing it through a filter defined by the frequency range. The method is particularly used when monitoring a multi-channel electrical recording from a plurality of electrodes attached to a patient's diaphragm.
US07689270B2 Physiological sensor system for use in a magnetic resonance device
The invention relates to a physiological sensor system for recording electric measuring signals in a magnetic resonance device, comprising at least one measuring electrode, a signal amplifier unit in a shielded housing that is placed in close proximity to a patient and a signal processing unit for preparing the measuring signals. According to the invention, the measuring electrode is connected to the signal amplifier unit via a cable connection. The invention is characterized in that the cable connection comprises a low-ohm conductor, which is connected to the measuring electrode by means of a first electric resistor on a first end and to the signal amplifier unit by means of a resistance between the skin and the measuring electrode. The development of heat caused by an induced current is concentrated on the resistors, so that there is no risk of burning to the patient.
US07689265B2 System and method for the joint evaluation of multi phase MR marrow images
A method for jointly evaluating multi-phase magnetic resonance bone marrow images includes receiving a plurality of magnetic resonance (MR) image sequences of bones acquired using different protocols, each sequence comprising a plurality of images, each image comprising a plurality of intensities corresponding to a domain of points on a 2-dimensional grid, analyzing an image sequence to determine the MR protocol of said sequence, segmenting the bone marrow region in each image of said plurality of MR image sequences, and registering each MR image sequence to every other image sequence in said plurality of sequences wherein each point in each image of each of said plurality of image sequences is registered, wherein said registered image sequences are adapted to being analyzed synchronously.
US07689264B2 Method for producing MR (magnetic resonance) images of a moving object using navigator signals
A method for generating MR (magnetic resonance) images of a moving object with a repeating motion pattern at comparable motion states, wherein for at least one motion state, a set of MR data which is completely encoded for producing an MR image is provided from a plurality of successive individual MR measurements. The method is characterized in that at least one contiguous region of successive data points is used as indicator within the individual MR measurement, wherein this contiguous region is identically repeated for all individual MR measurements within the respective MR measuring sequence relative to irradiated RF (radio frequency) pulses and switched gradients. This provides reliable allocation of the recorded MR data with the associated motion states, wherein completely encoded sets of MR data can be determined within an optimum time.
US07689260B2 Shape-memory polymer coated electrodes
There is provided a slowly implantable electrode. A coating for an electrode, the coating includes a shape-memory polymer. A method for inserting an electrode into brain tissue by inserting an implantable electrode having a shape-memory polymer coated electrode into brain tissue.
US07689259B2 Pulse oximeter sensor with piece-wise function
A memory in a sensor is used to store multiple coefficients for a physiological parameter. In one embodiment, not only are the sensor's specific calibration coefficients stored in a memory in the sensor for the formula to determine oxygen saturation, but multiple sets of coefficients are stored. The multiple sets apply to different ranges of saturation values to provide a better fit to occur by breaking the R to SpO2 relationship up into different pieces, each described by a different function. The different functions can also be according to different formulas for determining oxygen saturation.
US07689258B1 Device and method for determining optical characteristics of biological tissue
An appliance (1) for examining biological tissue comprises a light injection means (102) for injecting visible and/or close infrared light into the biological tissue, a detector (104) for converting light signals that exit the biological tissue into detection signals, an output device (130) allocated to the detector (104) for outputting information that depends on the detection signals and a shield (20; 106) allocated to the director (104) for shielding the detector (104) against extraneous light at least in the injected wave range. The appliance is also provided with a control device for controlling whether the arrangement of light injection means (102) and/or a detector and/or a shield (20; 106) is correct in relation to a substrate. The appliance can be used for examining biological tissue and supports the user for forcing the user to arrange the essential components of the examination device in the prescribed order before measuring.
US07689257B2 Support structure for portable electronic device
Disclosed herein are structures for supporting a clamshell- or slider-type portable electronic device such as a notebook computer; personal digital assistant; or wireless telephone. The clamshell- and slider-type portable electronic devices typically have at least two assemblies—a first housing assembly, and a second housing assembly containing at least a keyboard. In a clamshell-type electronic device, the first housing assembly and second housing assembly are connected by a hinge and pivot between at least an open position and a closed position. In a slider-type electronic device, the first housing assembly and second housing assembly are connected by a slide connection and slide between at least an open position and a closed position. In portable electronic devices made in accordance with the invention, the keyboard is comprised of a first set of keys and a second set of keys. The keys comprising the first and second sets have touch surfaces configured to receive keystrokes. The touch surfaces of the first set of keys extend above the touch surfaces of the second set of keys. When a portable electronic device having either the clamshell- or slider-type configuration is in a closed position, the combination of the varying heights of the touch surfaces of the keys and cooperating structures in the first and second housings hinders relative movement between the first and second housing assemblies when an external force (for example, due to an accidental drop) is applied to the portable electronic device. The hindering of relative movement helps to protect the portable electronic device from damage.
US07689235B2 Unsuitable cell exclusion in wireless communication systems
A method for performing initial cell search in wireless communication system wherein unsuitable cells includes searching stored frequencies exhaustively and initial frequencies non-exhaustively. Initial frequencies may be searched exhaustively in certain circumstances. When performing exhaustive initial cell searches, primary synchronization codes that lead to unsuitable cells are excluded from subsequent initial cell searches performed on the same frequency.
US07689221B1 System and method of providing intelligent cell reselection for delay sensitive data applications
A mobile station for receiving delay-sensitive data from a wireless communications network is provided with a data buffer and cell reselection controller. The data buffer receives data from the network and stores the data for communication to a delay-sensitive data application. The cell reselection controller selectively inhibits cell reselection in order to meet requirements of the delay-sensitive data application. By intelligently controlling cell reselection, delay sensitive data may be received in a more reliable fashion, thereby increasing performance of the data application.
US07689207B2 Time of day synchronization and distribution within a multiprocessor embedded system and related methods
A software-defined radio includes a pair of radio subsystems such as a red (command) and black (data) radio subsystem having an operating environment conforming to the Software Communications Architecture (SCA) specification, for example, as used for Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). A clock is read by at least one of the radio subsystems for determining time of day. A processor of the radio subsystem is operative for distributing the time of day to the radio subsystems using a global hardware timing pulse. Each processor can include a free-running timer to which any time sources within the pair of radio subsystems are set.
US07689204B2 Method of unlocking a mobile telephone type wireless communication terminal
In a method of unlocking mobile telephones, in particular one using the “SIM-LOCK” method, the user of the telephone submits an unlocking request directly to the manufacturer of the telephone and the manufacturer sends unlocking information to the telephone after verifying with the operator that the user is entitled to unlocking. This simplifies the administration of unlocking requests and makes it more reliable.
US07689198B2 On-vehicle audio/video systems
An on-vehicle audio/video system is provided which comprises a controller, a data source and a playing device, wherein the controller comprises at least a first transmitter, and the data source comprises at least a first receiver, a first micro-controller and a second transmitter. The controller comprises at least a first RF transmitter. The data source comprises at least a first RF receiver, a first micro-controller and a second RF transmitter. The playing device comprises at least a second RF receiver. The controller sends an RF control signal to the data source and/or playing device. The first RF receiver in the data source receives the RF control signal and sends the signal to the first micro-controller for processing. The second transmitter transmits data signal and/or control signal to the playing device under the control of the first micro-controller.
US07689195B2 Multi-protocol radio frequency identification transponder tranceiver
A transceiver for a RFID reader and a transceiver for a RFID transponder (tag) allow communication between the two devices. The RFID reader utilizes an analog front end and a digital backend. In the receiver portion of the transceiver, the front end of the RFID reader uses a pair of down-conversion mixers to demodulate a received signal into in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) components and analog-to-digital converters (ADC) digitize the signal. A digital signal processor (DSP) in the back end processes the digital signal and uses a matched filter for data detection. The RFID tag receives an inductively coupled signal from the reader and the receiver portion of the tag uses a pulse/level detector that employs an analog comparator and a sample and hold circuit to detect the received signal. A digital decoder/controller is used to decode the incoming data and to establish a sampling clock for the pulse/level detector. An automatic gain control (AGC) circuit adjusts a receiver gain according to the received signal strength and controls tuning of magnetic coupling circuitry.
US07689194B2 Balanced circuit arrangement and method for linearizing such an arrangement
The present invention relates to a balanced circuit arrangement and methods for linearizing and calibrating such a circuit arrangement, wherein linearization is obtained by introducing a load imbalance between the output branches of the balanced circuit arrangement. Thus, a controllable extraneous imbalance is created between the output loads of the balanced circuit arrangement to thereby obtain a linearization by means of even-order non-linearity.
US07689192B2 Noise canceler and receiving apparatus using the same
A noise canceler comprising: a first low-pass filter that a demodulated signal is to be input to; an interpolation processing unit that the demodulated signal after passing through the first low-pass filter and a pulse noise detection signal indicating presence of a pulse noise, are to be input to, the interpolation processing unit configured to perform interpolation processing on a demodulated signal present during a period determined by the pulse noise detection signal, out of the input demodulated signal, based on the input demodulated signal; a replacing processing unit that the demodulated signal subjected to the interpolation processing, the pulse noise detection signal, and the demodulated signal before passing through the first low-pass filter, are to be input to, the replacing processing unit configured to output a signal obtained by replacing a demodulated signal present during the period, out of the demodulated signal before passing through the first low-pass filter, with the demodulated signal subjected to the interpolation processing, wherein the demodulated signal is present during the period; and a second low-pass filter that the signal output from the replacing processing unit is to be input to, the second low-pass filter including a cut-off frequency higher than that of the first low-pass filter.
US07689188B2 Method and system for dynamically tuning and calibrating an antenna using antenna hopping
Methods and systems for dynamically tuning and calibrating an antenna using antenna hopping are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include dynamically tuning a mobile terminal antenna, to antenna hop to a plurality of different center frequencies to receive RF signals. The antenna hopping may be slow antenna hopping (SAH) or fast antenna hopping (FAH). In FAH, received signals for a channel at each of the center frequencies may be aggregated. A hopping rate in FAH may be greater than twice a highest baseband signal frequency of a desired channel. In SAH, the mobile terminal antenna may hop to determined center frequencies with adequate signals for the desired channel. Signal adequacy of the desired channel at a center frequency may be made by, for example, measuring received signal strength for the desired channel and/or a bit error rate for the desired channel.
US07689170B2 RF receiving apparatus and method for removing leakage component of received signal using local signal
A radio frequency (RF) receiver and receiving method are provided which can remove a leakage component from a received signal by using a local signal. In the RF receiver, a noise removing unit controls a gain and a phase of a local signal LOI according to a phase THETA and a gain AMPTD detected in a MODEM, estimates a signal Vcal corresponding to a noise component introduced into a received RF signal RXIN, and removes the estimated signal Vcal from the received RF signal RXIN. In this manner, a clean RF signal RXO, which does not include a noise component, is frequency-down converted in a receiving unit.
US07689169B2 Bluetooth device and method for providing service determined according to Bluetooth PIN
Disclosed herein are a Bluetooth device and method for providing a service determined according to Bluetooth PIN. The Bluetooth device includes a storage unit, a reception unit, a control unit, a key generation unit and a transmission unit. The storage unit stores the types of services and security policies according to Bluetooth PIN. The reception unit receives a link key. The control unit searches for a Bluetooth PIN corresponding to the received link key. The key generation unit creates a security key in accordance with the search results and stored security policies. The transmission unit transmits data associated with a service using the created security key.
US07689164B2 Relay apparatus, communication terminal, communication system, and semiconductor integrated circuit
The present invention relates to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication system. Upon a timer unit 108 clocking a predetermined time T after an access point 100 has transmitted a beacon signal 200, a transmission frame control unit 105 generates a CTS frame 301, and transmits an error frame 401 via a transmission frame generation unit 106, a wireless transmission unit 107 and an antenna 109. Accordingly, upon receiving the CTS frame 301, a communication terminal 20 ceases transmitting data for a NAV (Network Allocation Vector, transmission prohibition interval) period in accordance with IEEE 802.11 standard.
US07689160B2 Image forming system
An image forming system including an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet and for ejecting the sheet, a plurality of post-processing apparatuses for receiving the ejected sheet on which an image has been formed and for applying post-processing to the sheet, and a transfer device for transferring the plurality of post-processing apparatuses relative to the image forming apparatus and for connecting one of the plurality of post-processing apparatuses to the image forming apparatus.
US07689156B2 Waste toner collecting apparatus and image forming apparatus
A tandem type image forming apparatus drives an agitation paddle when the waste toner defecated from a plurality of image forming units and flowed and collected in a single waste toner containing member by way of the first collection port thereof gets to a predetermined level in order to level the height of the waste toner in the waste toner containing member. The quantity of waste toner flowed by way of the first collection port is estimated from the quantity of the toners supplied from the toner cartridges of the development apparatus.
US07689153B2 Image forming system having charge balancing system
An image formation system is configured by connecting two or more image formation devices. The system includes a fixing device fixing an unfixed development image to a record medium and a charge elimination device eliminating a charge of the record medium in an inlet of the fixing device of the second or later image formation device.
US07689149B2 Image forming apparatus and toner cartridge
A toner cartridge is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus and supplies toner to the image forming apparatus. The locking mechanism is positioned either at a locking position or at a non-locking position. Shortly after the toner cartridge has been attached to the image forming apparatus, the locking mechanism is at a non-locking position. When a user operates a driving member of the toner cartridge after the toner cartridge has been attached to the image forming apparatus, the operating lever engages the locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to move to a locking position. When the locking mechanism is at the locking position, the locking mechanism limits the driving member to move relative to the engagement portion, so that the toner cartridge is not allowed to be detached from the image forming apparatus.
US07689138B2 Printing control apparatus, printing apparatus, printing control method, printing control program, and medium for recording the printing control program
A printing control apparatus that succeeds in providing enhanced usability by giving a paper placement opportunity to users so that an operational burden can be reduced is provided. A printer control section controls a printing section to effect print standby with respect to one of a plurality of image-data pages that has been subjected to print-standby specification first by a standby specification command. After a sensor of a manual feeding tray in the printing section detects placement of a new sheet, the printing section is so controlled as not to effect print standby with respect to the remainder of the pages even if standby is specified by a standby specification command.
US07689137B2 Liquid volume detector, liquid mixture supplying system adopting such liquid volume detector and image forming apparatus
A liquid volume detector for detecting the volume of a liquid in a container is provided with a liquid level detecting member which is arranged at a specified height position in the container and on which a load acts by the liquid when the liquid level in the container is located at the specified height position, and a first drive source connected to the liquid level detecting member for moving the liquid level detecting member.
US07689136B2 Image forming apparatus capable of switching image adjustment process according to an environment condition
The present invention aims to reduce the time period of the start up operation of an image forming apparatus corresponding to an image forming apparatus operating environment. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; a toner image forming unit for forming a toner image on the image bearing member; an image condition detection member for detecting an image condition of the image bearing member; a setting unit for setting a plurality of toner image forming conditions determined based on the output of the image condition detection member; an environment detection member for detecting an environment condition of outside air of the image forming apparatus; and a selection unit for selecting the toner image forming conditions set by the setting unit based on the output of the environment detection device from when the power is turned on to when transitioned to an image formable state.
US07689128B2 Return path transmitter with extended digital processing circuitry
A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optic cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. The return path transmitters include circuitry for digitally processing the RF data from the subtree prior to transmitting the RF data to the head end.
US07689124B2 Two-dimensional optical CDMA system, PN coded wavelength/time encoder and decoder therein, and method of encoding/decoding
Disclosed herein are a CDMA optical system and encoder and decoder included therein. Time domain encoding means creates a time domain code having a sequence according to inputted data bits or a complementary code which is complementary to the time domain code. An optical modulation means selectively outputs lights, in which the lights are incident upon the optical modulation means from the outside, to two output leads, respectively, according to chip bits of the time domain code or the complementary code. A wavelength domain encoding means encodes the light outputted from a first output lead of the optical modulation means to a wavelength domain sequence (two dimensional code), transmits the wavelength code to the base station, encodes the light outputted from a second output lead to a complementary sequence of the wavelength domain sequence, and transmits the complementary code of the two dimensional code to the base station.
US07689117B2 Multi-module photography system
A photography system includes: camera modules, which output, for individual pixels, picture data in synchronization with pixel clocks and which are arranged so that the light receiving directions of light receiving devices match; a camera control apparatus, which supplies an operating clock to the camera modules with a phase difference of half a cycle, and which generates a phase difference of half a cycle in picture data output by the camera modules; an output synthesizing apparatus, which synthesizes, in a time division manner, picture data output by the camera modules; and an image processing apparatus, which employs information about a distance between the camera modules for the reconstruction of a single picture, using the picture data synthesized by the output synthesizing apparatus.
US07689111B2 Optical apparatus
An optical apparatus is disclosed which can reliably form AF images and split the AF images to provide excellent focus detection performance in the phase difference detection method. The optical apparatus comprises a light deflection unit including a deflection optical member. The deflection optical member deflects at least one of a first luminous flux and a second luminous flux relative to the other, the first and second luminous fluxes passing through a first area and a second area in the exit pupil of an optical system, respectively, and forming images on a photoelectrical conversion element. The light deflection unit comprises a light-limiting member which limits an image-forming area where at least one of the first and second luminous fluxes emerging from the light deflection unit forms the image on the photoelectrical conversion element.
US07689104B2 Recording/playback device, recording device, and recording/playback method
A recording/playback device includes an information conversion unit converting video or audio information, received from an external source, to video or audio data for recording on a rewritable optical disk, a recording unit recording the video or audio data on said optical disk, and a playback unit playing back the video or audio data recorded on said optical disk, in which the optical disk has at least two recording layers and, when the video or audio data is recorded in two or more layers of the optical disk and then a part of the video data or audio data recorded in each layer is erased, a part of the video or audio data left unerased is moved so that a number of layers, in which the video or audio data left unerased is recorded, is reduced.
US07689102B2 Device and method for recording program broadcast signal as digital information
In recording contents of received broadcast programs on an HDD, the starting of a new program is detected depending on whether or not there is a change of audience restriction information which is received together with the broadcast programs. Each time a change of the audience restriction information is detected, recording of information about a new program is started. In recording, the received audience restriction information and the title of the program created by a title creating function are recorded by associating them with the recorded content of the program. Accordingly, the operation by the user for creating and allocating respective titles of programs recorded on the HDD that is required after the recording is eliminated. In a displayed list of titles for programs recorded on the HDD, the title of any program under restriction, which is determined based on the audience restriction information recorded by being associated with the title, is not displayed.
US07689100B2 Digital signal recording/reproducing apparatus
A digital signal recording apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of protecting the copyright of the analog input information encoded into a first digital signal in a recording medium. A second digital signal encrypted based on the key information and the input analog signal encrypted based on the key information are converted into a second digital signal and encrypted, and the resulting signal is selectively recorded in a recording medium. The digital signal recording apparatus further comprises a circuit for encrypting the digital signal converted from the input analog signal with a key obtained by a predetermined calculation of the key information according to a scheme similar to the second digital signal protection scheme through a digital interface, and a signal recording circuit for recording the key information and the encrypted digital signal in a recording medium.
US07689099B2 Method and apparatus for programming the playback of program information
A program information player automatically skips over any intermediate channel changes as a result of interrupting a prior recording of a selected program. The program information player includes a program sequence playback information generator. The program sequence playback information generator analyzes selected program identifier information and recorded program history log information and, in response, generates program sequence playback information without user intervention. The program sequence playback information includes a sequence of time stamp information associated with the selected program identifier information. According to one embodiment, the program sequence playback information directs memory to play back the selected program corresponding to the selected program identifier information by, for example, skipping over any intermediate channel changes. For example, the program sequence playback information may represent a read pointer in memory during playback.
US07689094B2 Data processing apparatus, data processing method, and program
A data processing method is disclosed which involves storing on an optical disk main line data as video data and low-resolution data, the latter data corresponding to the main line data but having a lower resolution and a smaller data amount than the main line data. The main line data and low-resolution data are read and decoded individually. The decoded result of the low-resolution data is selectively output until preparations for outputting the main line data are found completed. Once the preparations for outputting the main line data are complete, the decoded result of the main line data is output selectively.
US07689084B2 Optical fiber and a method of making
According to one example of the invention an optical fiber comprises: (i) a silica based core, said core having a core diameter greater than 80 μm and a numerical aperture NA≧0.24; and (ii) a silica based cladding in contact with and surrounding the core and having a second index of refraction n2, such that n1>n2; wherein the cladding includes B and F. Preferably the numerical aperture NA is at least 0.3.
US07689081B2 All-optical logic gates using nonlinear elements claim—set V
An all-optical logic gates comprises a nonlinear element such as an optical resonator configured to receive optical input signals, at least one of which is amplitude-modulated to include data. The nonlinear element is configured in relation to the carrier frequency of the optical input signals to perform a logic operation based on the resonant frequency of the nonlinear element in relation to the carrier frequency. Based on the optical input signals, the nonlinear element generates an optical output signal having a binary logic level. A combining medium can be used to combine the optical input signals for discrimination by the nonlinear element to generate the optical output signal. Various embodiments include all-optical AND, NOT, NAND, NOR, OR, XOR, and XNOR gates and memory latch.
US07689080B2 Optical fiber ribbon
An optical fiber ribbon includes a plurality of optical fibers, each includes a glass optical fiber coated with a fiber coating, that are arranged in parallel, and a ribbon coating that coats the optical fibers arranged in parallel. The optical fiber ribbon has a thickness equal to 300 μm or less. The fiber coating is made of a non-flame-resistant ultraviolet curable resin. The ribbon coating has a thickness equal to 40 μm or more and is made of a flame resistant resin.
US07689078B2 Optical device
An optical device including (a) a substrate having an electro-optic effect; (b) a modulating optical waveguide formed on a surface layer portion of said substrate and forming an interference optical modulator for modulating input light; (c) an output optical waveguide formed on said surface layer portion of said substrate and connected to a downstream side portion of said modulating optical waveguide; and (d) a branching monitoring section for monitoring branched light of light propagated along said output optical waveguide and emitted from an outgoing end face of said substrate. The output waveguide has a reduced width region in which the waveguide width is reduced.
US07689070B2 High frequency electrical signal control device and sensing system
A high frequency electrical signal control device comprises a transmitter for generating a high frequency electrical signal, a receiver, a transmission line for propagating the electrical signal, and a structure for radiating the electrical signal propagated through the transmission line to the space or receiving a signal from the space. The degree of coupling of the electrical signal between the space and the transmission line provided by the structure can be variably controlled.
US07689063B2 Information processing apparatus and image processing method
According to one embodiment, there is provided an information processing apparatus capable of processing image data involving a plurality of blocks. The apparatus includes a difference value detection unit which detects a difference value between pixel values of two adjacent pixels that are arranged via a block boundary contained in the image data in a direction perpendicular to the block boundary, and a correction unit which corrects pixel values of a plurality of pixels that are arranged via the block boundary in the direction perpendicular to the block boundary by distributing the difference value detected by the difference value detection unit to the plurality of pixels.
US07689050B2 Image processing apparatus and method with a histogram of the extracted DC components
An image processing apparatus extracts DC components of an image, generates a histogram of the extracted DC components, and detects a background level of the image based on the histogram.
US07689048B2 Image encoding apparatus, method, and computer-readable storage medium for encoding a pixel value
Image data is efficiently encoded using a predict coding unit and a run-length coding unit. The predict coding unit encodes a target pixel X on the basis of difference between the value of the target pixel and a predict value calculated from pixels neighboring the target pixel. The run-length coding unit starts the measuring the run when the number of colors contained in four pixels “a”, “b”, “c”, and “d” near the target pixel X is 1, and outputs encoded data of the run when the target pixel is different from an immediately preceding pixel “a”. Then, the predict coding unit starts the encoding. At this time, since the target pixel is different from the preceding pixel, the preceding pixel is excluded from references for generating the predict value. Instead of the preceding pixel, an pixel, which has been encoded, satisfying a specific condition is referred to.
US07689044B2 Method and apparatus for representing a group of images
A method of representing a group of images comprises determining the values of one or more dominant colors for the group of images and deriving a dominant color representation expressing the group of images in terms of one or more of said dominant color values.
US07689042B2 Method for contour visualization of regions of interest in 2D fluoroscopy images
The invention relates to a method, which assists the doctor in orientation in 2D fluoroscopy images. The invention relates to a method for contour visualization of regions of interest in fluoroscopy images by: firstly generating a 3D raw data set comprising at least one region of interest in which the contour of the at least one region of interest is visible, secondly generating a segmented 3D data set from the 3D raw data set in which the contour in at least one region of interest is clearly delimited, thirdly generating a 2D fluoroscopy image which contains the at least one region of interest, fourthly generating a 2D projection from the segmented 3D data set which is congruent with the 2D fluoroscopy image, fifthly determining the optionally approximated contour of the at least one region of interest in the 2D projection, and finally overlaying the contour with the 2D fluoroscopy image.
US07689039B2 Image processing equipment
A design for the high speed identification of a pedestrian at an image is provided, having an input feature vector generation unit 23b for generating, based on an image of an object, an input feature vector u that includes as elements the object's size, the object's upper portion shape, and the object's side portion shape; a kernel discriminant analysis operations unit 23c for generating a vector y mapped to the discriminant space, through performing operations for kernel discriminant analysis based on the input feature vector, and an object determination unit 23d for determining whether the object is a pedestrian or not, depending on whether or not this vector y is within a fixed area at the discriminant space.
US07689030B2 Methods and apparatus for testing a component
A method for inspecting a component having a surface profile that includes a local minima and a local maxima. The method includes generating a raw image of a component under test utilizing an eddy current inspection system, decomposing the raw image into a plurality of images wherein each image includes a different frequency component, and reconstructing at least one final image of the component that includes frequency components that are relevant to an eddy current flaw signal.
US07689028B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating processing apparatus status and predicting processing result
A method for predicting a processing result includes a process of performing a principal component analysis on a plurality of detected data obtained during a first standard processing, to construct a principal component analysis model; a process of obtaining residuals of the principal component analysis model as first residuals; a process of performing a second standard processing; and a process of obtaining a plurality of detected data from a plurality of detectors during the second standard processing. And, the detected data obtained during the second standard processing are applied to the principal component analysis model, to obtain second residuals. The method further includes a process of weighting the second residuals based on weighting references, and constructing a new multivariate analysis model with use of the weighted second residuals; and a process of predicting a processing result of the second standard processing with use of the multivariate analysis model.
US07689025B2 Optical reading apparatus, character recognition processing apparatus, character reading method and program, magnetic ink character reading apparatus, and POS terminal apparatus
An optical reading apparatus and optical character recognition processing apparatus operating in conjunction with a magnetic ink character reading apparatus reduce the time in reading a string of characters formed in a line on a processed medium. This is done in the optical reading and recognition operations by selectively using a broad recognition area that allows for variation in character positions and a narrower recognition area where the probability of the desired character string being present is high depending on past results. An extracted image containing the character string is acquired from scanned image data and the recognition process is run. If recognition succeeds, the next matching area is set to a relatively narrow predicted range and the recognition process is applied to the predicted range. If character recognition succeeds within a specified distance, the next matching area is set to a relatively narrow predicted range. If character recognition does not succeed within the specified distance, the next matching area is set to the full width of the extracted image.
US07689021B2 Segmentation of regions in measurements of a body based on a deformable model
Techniques for segmenting data include receiving reference segmentation data and target data. The reference segmentation data defines a mesh indicating a boundary of a physical component in a reference body. The target data includes measured values at coordinates within a target body. Coordinates for vertices of the mesh are moved toward nearby edges in values of the target data. The adjustment also may be based on deviations from adjacent vertices or from a three dimensional generalized gradient vector field. The mesh may be initially transformed by a particular transformation that automatically maximizes a similarity measure between the target data and reference data. The reference data includes measured values within the reference body. The reference segmentation also may define a second mesh that indicates a second boundary in the reference body, and the adjustment is also based on an adjusted distance between the mesh and the second mesh.
US07689016B2 Automatic detection of critical dermoscopy features for malignant melanoma diagnosis
Improved methods for computer-aided analysis of identifying features of skin lesions from digital images of the lesions are provided. Improved preprocessing of the image that 1) eliminates artifacts that occlude or distort skin lesion features and 2) identifies groups of pixels within the skin lesion that represent features and/or facilitate the quantification of features are provided including improved digital hair removal algorithms. Improved methods for analyzing lesion features are also provided.
US07689013B2 Identifying device by biometrics information
In an identifying device for performing personal identification using biometrics information such as an iris, face, blood vessel pattern, auricle, fingerprint, palm print, hand print or the like, in order to surely discriminate a living body from a non-living body and to surely preclude illegal use by impersonation using a forged fingerprint or the like, a biometrics information input section samples/inputs biometrics information for verification as image information from a living body portion relatively moving with respect to this biometrics information input section, and living-body detection surfaces in a living-body detecting means is arranged in contact with or in the proximity to the living body portion being moved with respect to the biometrics information input section so as to input the biometrics information for verification.
US07689005B2 Apparatus and method for biometric database management system
A method and system for constructing a database management system for managing biometric data is disclosed. The disclosed system receives data from another database or from and enrollment process, encodes the data with an encoding plug-in, and stores the encoded data in a biometric data storage. The data may be enhanced before being stored. Incoming target data likewise is encoded using an encoding plug-in and may be pre-processed, and is sent to a matching algorithm that is either built-in or a plug-in algorithm. Further processing may occur after application of the matching algorithm. The disclosed database management system can be used not only for biometric database, but also for other similar types of data management.
US07689003B2 Combined 2D and 3D nondestructive examination
An inspection apparatus (10) applying two dimensional nondestructive examination images onto a three dimensional solid model of a component (12) to display a virtual component (73) that may be manipulated to perform a nondestructive inspection. The two dimensional nondestructive examination images may be acquired from a plurality of views of the component in order to provide full coverage of the surface to be inspected, with appropriate stitching of images in regions of overlap between adjacent views. The two dimensional images (62) may be color or black and white photographs or ultraviolet or infrared images, for example. Multiple types of nondestructive examination images, results of inspection data evaluations, and design, operational and/or maintenance information may be displayed separately or jointly on the three dimensional solid model. Surface features of interest that are mapped as defined areas (76) on the three dimensional solid model may be displayed simultaneously in different views on 2D and 3D images of the virtual component.
US07688986B2 Loudspeaker system
A hands-free loudspeaker system which is capable of achieving high-quality voice amplification without requiring a human speaker to move to a microphone or a microphone to be moved to a human speaker. A microphone whose input level has continued to be above a threshold value for not shorter than a predetermined time period is detected, based on input signals from dispersedly arranged microphones. An input signal from the microphone is selected and outputted to each loudspeaker at an output level or with a delay time, according to a location of the loudspeaker. A preset lowest threshold level is initially set to the threshold value, and an input level of the microphone higher than the threshold value is newly set to the same, while when the input level is lower than the threshold value, a lower value is set to the same in a step-by-step manner.
US07688985B2 Automatic microphone matching
Signals dependent on the electrical output signals of two acoustical to electrical converters are computed to result in a result signal. A transfer characteristic between an acoustical signal impinging on the converters and the result signal is dependent on the arrival direction of the acoustical signals at the converters. The converters are matched for acoustical signals within a range of impinging arrival direction. The range of arrival directions is determined before matching.
US07688983B2 Method and apparatus for objective assessment of in-ear device acoustical performance
A method and apparatus for objectively assessing acoustical performance of an in-ear device having a passageway extending there through use a dual microphone probe that removably engages the passageway. The acoustical performance of the in-ear device is performed with the in-ear device inserted into the ear canal of the user and a reference sound source. A clip holding the probe in an acoustic near field of the sound source permits real time calibration thereof. The method and apparatus allow on-site and in-situ measurement of a predicted personal attenuation rating of the device, a subject-fit re-insertion test, an acoustic seal test, a rating test, a stability and reliability test, as well as a protection test of the device with an assessment of a filtered predicted exposure level at the ear for a specific noise exposure level. The apparatus may be simply housed along with the sound source for in-field evaluation tests.
US07688981B2 Network partitioning using encryption
In an example embodiment, a system for providing a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) by use of encryption states or encryption keys for identifying a VLAN. A table of data including a VLAN and an associated encryption state or key is provided for assignment of encryption states or keys, for devices in a wireless local area network.
US07688976B2 Random wave envelope derived random numbers and their use in generating transient keys in communication security application part I
A random wave envelope is created from a set of bounded random numbers by additively combining a triangle, a square and a sine wave. The random wave envelope is then used to create a sequence of wave random numbers from the wave envelope, which are used to generate random-variant keys for encryption in place of the pre-placed encryption key. An ambiguity envelope is thus created over the transmission of data packets as random-variant-keys are used that are distinct and separate for each packet and may also be distinct and separate for each incoming and outgoing packet. The random-variant keys are only created at the time of the actual use for encrypting or decrypting a data packet and not before and then discarded after one time use. The random-variant keys may be used in wireless network using wireless access points, cellular phone and data networks and ad hoc mobile wireless networks.
US07688975B2 Method and apparatus for dynamic generation of symmetric encryption keys and exchange of dynamic symmetric key infrastructure
A method and apparatus for dynamically generating data encryption keys for encrypting data files and for decrypting encrypted data files via a key exchange method is provided. A dynamically generated an encryption key is generated for each encryption event, so that the key cannot be produced or reproduced. A key exchange component of the invention ensures that only an intended recipient has the means to decrypt a file encrypted with the dynamically generated symmetric encryption keys.
US07688970B2 Interconnect assembly for a clam style portable communication device
An interconnect assembly for a clam style portable communication device (100) provides for a hermetically sealed device that prevents water intrusion. A flex (106) electrically interconnects a flip compartment (102) to a main radio compartment (104). First and second seals (112, 114) coupled to the ends (108, 110) of the flex (106) provide independent sealing of the flip compartment (102) from the main radio compartment (104). Thus, the flex (106) provides both electrical interconnect and independent mechanical sealing of the two compartments (102, 104).
US07688965B2 Predictive dialing by monitoring progress of agent script
A call center includes a plurality of agent workstations, each agent workstation comprising means for entering information obtained from a telephone respondent in response to questions prompted by a script displayed on the display of the workstation, and means for producing status signals indicative of the progression of the agent through the script. A predictive dialling system receives status signals from each agent station and predicts from the status signals and statistical information regarding the number of calls previously made, how many new calls should be dialled to enable agents who have finished their previous call by the time the calls are answered to take the new calls.
US07688961B2 Efficient multiplex conferencing engine
A conference engine operates in a multiplex processing scheme and requires a signal hardware summer to process all of the programmed conferences, all of the outputs and all of the input channels. The conference engine is only limited by the number of available input channels, the number of desired conference registers, the speed of the implementation, and the amount of memory available on the target system. The conference engine allows the number of available conference channels, the number of conferences per bridge and the number of bridges to be scaled. Each bridge contains a unique set of conference registers and has full access to the input channel data. Additional conference bridges are added by increasing the operating clock/memory to meet the processing requirements of the additional bridge. Conference registers in each conference bridge can be added/removed depending on the system requirements and are independent of the number of input channels.
US07688951B1 Automated rules based proactive alarm analysis and response
Problems are proactively analyzed and responded to as they are detected in a virtual private network (VPN) access path rather than waiting for a user to manually report the problem. When a problem is automatically detected, such as a failure causing degraded performance, an alarm may be generated. The alarm proactively triggers rules-based analysis procedures and isolation testing to diagnose problem in a VPN access path. Based on the testing and analysis, a comprehensive trouble ticket may be generated that is customized with specific alarm information allowing for increased efficiency in problem isolation and saving significant time and resources in resolving the problem.
US07688948B2 Method and apparatus for generating radiation in the wavelength range from about 1 nm to about 30 nm, and use in a lithography device or in metrology
A method and an apparatus generate radiation in the wavelength range from about 1 nm to about 30 nm by an electrically operated discharge, which can be used in lithography or in metrology. A working gas is provided between two electrodes. Plasma is ignited in the working gas to generate radiation which is forwarded via an opening for further use. Debris particles are produced in at least one region of at least one of the electrodes. To retain the debris particles, the region is arranged with respect to the opening in such a way that movement paths of the debris particles run at least predominantly outside an area delimited by the opening.
US07688942B2 Element analysis device
Described is an element analysis device, which can be used to obtain precise measurements even under unfavorable environmental conditions. For this, the device is provided with a transporting means with a measuring region (14) for transporting the substance (S) to be measured, an excitation source with an exit window located in a first case (22) and an X-ray fluorescence detector (30) that is directed toward the measuring region (14), as well as an entrance window (34) that is located in a second case (32). To minimize the air absorption and prevent dust and dirt from being deposited, a tube (40, 50) extends from the entrance window (34) and/or the exit window (24) in the direction of the measuring region, which tube is essentially tightly connected to the respective case (22, 32) and is open at the end facing the measuring region and is provided with a connection (44, 54) for feeding a flushing gas into the tube (FIG. 1).
US07688937B2 Three dimensional electron beam computed tomography
An electron beam computed tomography system is provided that uses a cone beam geometry to generate truly three-dimensional images. The required cone beam projections can be obtained using a single sweep of the electron beam along the target ring (20). The target ring (20) is non-planar and shaped roughly like a ⅝th segment of the boundary curve of a saddle. The resulting source trajectory satisfies Tuy's completeness condition with respect to a sizeable volume of interest around the isocenter of the system. The detector (28) has a large area and is built from a plurality of small, brick-shaped detector modules (32), which are placed side by side along a detector trajectory that is a mirror image, through the isocenter, of the source trajectory. Owing to the special shapes of the target ring and the detector strip, a cone-beam of x-rays starting from the target ring and heading towards the opposite segment of the detector strip is not blocked by other portions of the detector.
US07688933B2 Shift register circuit and display drive device
A shift register circuit includes plural stages of signal holding circuits which are cascade-connected to hold a signal based on a supplied input signal, to output an output signal based on the held signal, and to supply the output signal as an input signal to a subsequent stage. Each of the plural stages of signal holding circuits includes an output circuit which is supplied with two types of clock signals consisting of a first clock signal and a second clock signal. A timing of the second clock signal is delayed by a predetermined delay time with respect to a timing of applying the input signal, which is supplied with a signal at a timing delayed by the delay time of the second clock signal from the timing of applying the input signal, and which outputs the output signal at a timing responsive to the first clock signal.
US07688930B2 Using eFuses to store PLL configuration data
A mechanism for using electrical fuses (eFuses) to store phase-locked loop (PLL) configuration data are provided. With the mechanism, a portion of the eFuses present in the integrated circuit are reserved for the PLL configuration data. Upon power up, a power up controller and eFuse controller direct the sensing and serial transfer of the data in the portion of eFuses to the PLL under the reference clock. When the transfer is complete, the power up controller directs the PLL logic to load the configuration data and start. The mechanism of the present invention allows manufacturing to tailor the PLL configuration on a given device based on the characteristics of that device and its intended usage. Thus, the same PLL may be used in the same or different architectures to perform different operations based on the configuration data passed into the PLL from the eFuses.
US07688920B2 AFC wrap-around detection
A wrap-around event in an automatic frequency control (AFC) in a receiver in a communication system can be detected by performing AFC-like operations on one or more additional channel estimates of the strongest communication path. Once a wrap-around event is detected, a correct frequency reference can be restored by forcing the AFC into a high-speed mode of operation, which gives the AFC a chance to restore the correct frequency reference, or by applying a momentary frequency reference change.
US07688918B2 Recursive phase estimation for a phase-shift-keying receiver
In one embodiment, a receiver of the invention has a detector coupled to a digital processor. The detector is adapted to mix the received PSK signal with a local oscillator (LO) signal having a time-varying phase offset with respect to the carrier frequency of the PSK signal to produce a digital measure of the PSK signal. The digital processor is adapted to: (i) estimate a frequency offset between the carrier frequency of the PSK signal and the LO signal; (ii) remove from an angular component of the digital measure a component corresponding to the frequency offset to generate a frequency-offset-adjusted signal; (iii) for each time slot of the PSK signal, estimate the phase of a respective PSK constellation symbol based on an angular component of the frequency-offset-adjusted signal and an angular component of a recursive function; (iv) estimate a phase differential for a PSK-symbol transition based on two consecutive phase estimates; (v) map each estimated phase differential onto a phase increment corresponding to a symbol transition in the PSK constellation; and (vi) recover a data sequence encoded in the PSK signal based on the mapping results.
US07688911B2 Method and apparatus for synchronizing alternating quadratures differential binary phase shift keying modulation and demodulation arrangements
Methods, apparatus, and systems for alternating quadratures differential binary phase shift keying (AQDBPSK) modulation and demodulation radically increase overall energy efficiency of a communication system due to the combined effect of efficient utilization of transmitter power, high noise immunity of modulation and demodulation, fast synchronization, and simple implementation. Efficient utilization of transmitter power is achieved because radical reduction of side lobe regeneration provided by AQDBPSK allows operation of all amplifiers of the transmitter analog signal path, including power amplifiers, in energy efficient nonlinear mode (for example, they can operate as class C amplifiers) without causing interchannel interference. AQDBPSK radically reduces side lobe regeneration by limiting phase transitions between adjacent in time modulator output symbols to .+−.90.degree and smoothly executing the transitions.
US07688903B2 Multicarrier transmission apparatus and method
A bit-power distribution ratio calculation unit measures several times an SNR of periodic noise occurring on a communication line to calculate several times, according to the measurement results of the SNR thus measured, a bit distribution ratio to be assigned to each carrier for data transmission for each measurement result. The calculation unit compares the calculated bit distribution ratios with each other to detect a minimum bit value of each carrier to calculate, according to the detected minimum bit values of the respective carriers, a minimum bit distribution ratio including the minimum bit value of each carrier. The calculation unit delivers the minimum bit distribution ratio to a demapping unit and a mapping unit, which conduct data transmission using the minimum bit distribution ratio. Therefore, a multicarrier transmission device can efficiently conduct multicarrier transmission even at occurrence of non-periodic noise.
US07688902B1 Joint space-time block decoding and viterbi decoding
A space-time block decoder for a wireless communications system includes a demodulator that generates a demodulated symbol sequence by derotating a signal constellation of a received symbol sequence. A dimension demultiplexer communicates with the demodulator and generates in-phase and quadrature components of the demodulated symbol sequence. A branch metric computation module communicates with the dimension demultiplexer and generates branch metrics based on the in-phase and quadrature components. A Viterbi decoder communicates with the branch metric computation module and generates a user data sequence based on the branch metrics. The in-phase and quadrature components comprise Gray coded data that is bit-interleaved. The branch metric computation module implements bit-by-bit piecewise linear approximation to generate the branch metrics. A deinterleaver that communicates with the branch metric computation module generates deinterleaved metrics based on the branch metrics.
US07688901B2 Transmission method, transmission apparatus, and reception apparatus
A transmission method for transmitting modulation signals of a plurality of channels to the same frequency band from a plurality of antennas. At the time when a symbol used for demodulation is inserted in a channel, in another channel symbol, the same phase and quadrature signals in the in-phase-quadrature plane are made to be zero signals. Thus, a plurality of modulation signals are multiplexed and transmitted and the transmitted multiplexed modulation signals are demultiplexed and demodulated at a reception apparatus, thereby improving the data transmission rate.
US07688896B2 Method and apparatus for decoding compressed video image data
A method and an apparatus for decoding video image data including a plurality of frames are provided. Each of the frames includes a reserved portion and a non-reserved portion. The method comprises decoding only the non-reserved portion of one of the frames and displaying the decoded non-reserved portion of the frame and the reserved portion of a previously decoded frame. The apparatus comprises a decoding device to decode the non-reserved portion of one of the frames and a displaying device to display the reserved portion of a previously decoded frame and the decoded non-reserved portion of the frame.
US07688894B2 Scan patterns for interlaced video content
Tools and techniques for applying scan patterns during encoding and decoding of interlaced video are described. For example, a video decoder scans transform coefficients from a one-dimensional array to a two-dimensional block according to a scan pattern. The block is 4×4, and the scan pattern biases the vertical direction by starting with the DC coefficient and three AC coefficients of the lowest horizontal frequency. Or, the block is 8×4, and the scan pattern biases the vertical direction by starting with the DC coefficient and three AC coefficients of the lowest horizontal frequency. Or, the block is 4×8, and the scan pattern biases the horizontal direction for the lowest frequency AC coefficients in the horizontal and vertical directions but biases the vertical direction for at least some other AC coefficients. A corresponding video encoder applies the scan patterns to scan transform coefficients from two-dimensional blocks to one-dimensional arrays.
US07688887B2 Precision adaptive equalizer
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for a precision adaptive equalizer. A variable gain equalizer may be used to apply a variable gain to an input signal to generate an equalized output signal. A phase and pattern detector circuit may be coupled in a feedback loop with the variable gain equalizer. The phase and pattern detector circuit may be used to identify a high frequency data pattern in the equalized output signal and compare the high frequency data pattern with a clock signal to detect a high frequency phase error. The phase and pattern detector circuit may be further operable to generate an automatic gain control signal as a function of the high frequency phase error, the automatic gain control signal being fed back to the variable gain equalizer to control the variable gain applied to the input signal.
US07688886B2 Receiving method and receiving apparatus
The power consumption of a receiving apparatus is reduced. A first equalization unit receives the input of digital signals and then performs equalization processing on them so as to output first equalizer output signals. A first selector selects either the digital signals or the first equalizer output signals, and outputs the selected signals to an despread unit or a second equalization unit. The despread unit carries out an despread, and an PSK demodulation unit demodulates the despread signal by PSK. The second equalization unit performs equalization processing, and a CCK demodulation unit performs CCK demodulation. A second selector operates in response to the second selector. A modulation scheme determining unit extracts information on a modulation scheme in use, from the signal demodulated by the PSK demodulation unit so as to decide on the modulation scheme. Based on the modulation scheme determined, a decision unit specifies the selection of signals at the first selector and the second selector.
US07688862B2 Systems and methods for the synchronization of a real-time scheduled packet network using relative timing
A node of a real-time scheduled packet network synchronizes an internal frequency reference to a master node by receiving first heartbeat packets that are transmitted by the master node at a predetermined frequency. The node calculates a link phase of a link over which the first heartbeat packets are received by subtracting a time at which the node transmitted a second heartbeat packet to another node from a time at which the node received a first heartbeat packet.
US07688861B2 Media channel switching
The present invention discloses methods and systems for switching between media channels. Pursuant to these methods and systems, a broadcast source may provide multicast streams to client devices for presentation of media channels to a user. When a client device requests to switch channels, a client device that is receiving the requested channel initially transmits a unicast stream for the requested channel to the client device switching channels. The requesting client device upon receipt of this unicast stream may then provide the corresponding channel to the user.
US07688858B2 Method and system for pre-fetching network data using a pre-fetching control protocol
A method and system for pre-fetching network data using a pre-fetching control protocol is described. The method includes dividing a data transmission into a first data set and a second data set at a source, transmitting the first data set to a destination and the second data set to an intermediate location, and transmitting the second data set to the destination from the intermediate location.
US07688856B2 Data transmission method using packet aggregation
In the data transmission method, a MAC layer receives data from an upper layer, classifies the data according to destination addresses and traffic identifiers, aggregates the data by destination address and traffic identifier as a first transmission unit, aggregates the first transmission units having the identical destination address as a second transmission unit, and transmits the second transmission units having different destination addresses in a single frame. The data transmission method allows packets transferred from the upper layer to be hierarchically aggregated by DAs and TIDs and then packaged into a data unit for each destination such that it is possible to transmit the data at an optimal data rate for each destination terminal.
US07688851B2 Virtual USB communications port
A method and system for accessing a remote real communication port (“COM port”) from a server blade in a server blade chassis by creating a virtual COM port in the server blade. A basic input/output system (BIOS) controller monitors an internal COM port in the server blade for communication traffic. Upon detecting the communication traffic, the BIOS controller reroutes the traffic to a virtual USB COM port created by the BIOS controller chipset. The virtual USB COM port directs the communication traffic to an internal universal serial bus (USB) device in the server blade. The USB device then forwards the traffic to an Ethernet media access controller (MAC) input/output (I/O) on a sideband channel to a remote system, which passes the communication traffic to a real COM port in the remote system.
US07688850B2 Media independent out-of office manager
A method is disclosed that enables a user to set their “away” or auto-reply messages for two or more communications services (e.g., e-mail, voice mail, etc.) in one action. Separate actions are required in the prior art to change each outgoing message for every distinct communication service. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a method that enables a user to change the auto-reply message for multiple communication services with less effort than was required for multiple services in the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a text auto-reply message intended for e-mail is automatically converted into an abbreviated form for instant messaging and wireless text services and into audio for services like telephony. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment enables the automatic translation of messages into different natural languages, and can apply rules so that the resulting messages are used appropriately.
US07688847B2 Expected channel occupancy time as a wireless link metric
Expected channel occupancy time is a wireless link metric determined based on a transmission protocol to be used for transmitting data in a wireless network. The wireless link metric may be used for routing or other network management functions. For determining the wireless link metric, an overhead is determined for one or more of accessing and releasing a channel to transmit a burst, including at least one frame, in the wireless network using the transmission protocol. An expected burst transmission time is calculated based at least on the overhead. The expected channel occupancy time is determined from the expected burst transmission time and an estimation of a number of frames to be successfully delivered during the burst.
US07688839B2 Data link/physical layer packet buffering and flushing
A buffering structure including at least a first FIFO storage structure to stage at least a selected one of undiverted egress packets and undiverted ingress packets is provided. The buffering structure further includes at least first associated packet drop logic to selectively effectuate head or tail flushes of the first FIFO storage structure. In various embodiments, one or more additional FIFO storage structures are also provided to stage one or more diverted and/or insertion of egress/ingress packets. Those use for staging diverted egress/ingress packets are likewise provided with associated packet drop logic to perform tail flushes of these additional FIFO structures. In one application, the buffering structure is employed by a multi-protocol network processor, which in turn is employed by an optical networking module.
US07688834B2 System and method for providing support for multiple control channels
A method for providing support for multiple control channels includes establishing an indirect data connection with a first network entity in an optical network. The method also includes establishing a first control channel with the first network entity. The first control channel has at least one unique source IP address. The method additionally includes transmitting a first control message to the first network entity via the first control channel. The first control message comprises a first unique source IP address.
US07688831B2 Wireless communication system for allocating transmission period
A system is provided for efficiently allocating a transmission period in a WLAN system. An access point (AP) transmits a PSMP message providing a downlink period and an uplink period provided to each station (STA), and at least one sub PSMP frame indicating a period of at least one of a downlink and an uplink for an STA requiring additional resource allocation. After exchanging data with the AP in the downlink and uplink periods provided by the PSMP frame, if there is a need for additional resource allocation, the STA receives the at least one sub PSMP frame and exchanges data with the AP in the period provided by the each sub PSMP frame.
US07688829B2 System and methods for network segmentation
A routing mechanism provides network segmentation preservation by route distribution with segment identification, policy distribution for a given VPN segment, and encapsulation/decapsulation for each segment using an Ethernet VLAN_ID, indicative of the VPN segment (subnetwork). Encapsulated segmentation information in a message packet identifies which routing and forwarding table is employed for the next hop. A common routing instance receives the message packets from the common interface, and indexes a corresponding VRF table from the VLAN ID, or segment identifier, indicative of the subnetwork (e.g. segment). In this manner, the routing instance receives the incoming message packet, decapsulates the VLAN ID in the incoming message packet, and indexes the corresponding VRF and policy ID from the VLAN ID, therefore employing a common routing instance over a common subinterface for a plurality of segments (subnetworks) coupled to a particular forwarding device (e.g. VPN router).
US07688825B2 Filtering frames at an input port of a switch
A switch includes multiple ports for transmitting and receiving frames and a switching core for switching frames between the ports. One or more of the ports locally store filtering information, allowing the ports to filter frames without accessing central elements of the switch. For example, a port's filtering information may indicate drop conditions, and upon receiving a frame that corresponds to a drop condition in the filtering information, the port can locally drop the frame without impacting other elements of the switch.
US07688821B2 Method and apparatus for distributing data packets by using multi-network address translation
A data packets distributor for transferring a data packet from a source address to a destination address is provided. The data packet distributor has a plurality of predefined addresses and a data packet distributing unit. Each of the plurality of addresses indicates a network processing unit coupled to the data packet distributing unit. The data packet distributing unit is capable of forwarding a data packet to at least one of the plurality of predefined addresses for processing by using a first Network Address Translation (NAT) operation and further capable of forwarding the data packet to the destination address by using a second Network Address Translation (NAT) operation.
US07688819B2 Faster routing protocol convergence using efficient message markup
Devices executing routing protocols can mark routing protocol messages as urgent so that peer devices are signaled to consume the messages on an expedited basis. Performance of routing protocols improves as a result; for example, Border Gateway Protocol convergence time is reduced. An example router comprises a network interface, a processor, a transport layer protocol module that implements a transport layer network protocol, a routing protocol module that implements a network packet routing protocol and sends peering session messages over transport layer connections, and instructions to perform providing a first routing protocol message to the transport layer protocol module that comprises urgent data at least in part; requesting the transport layer protocol module to mark, as urgent, one or more data segments that carry the first routing protocol message; marking, as urgent, one or more segments that carry the first routing protocol message; and sending the segments to peer devices over the connections.
US07688818B2 Apparatus and method for traffic filtering in a communication system
A method includes receiving traffic through a first interface in a first group of interfaces at a switch. The first group of interfaces is associated with a first virtual network. The method also includes determining that the traffic is destined for a destination associated with a second virtual network and forwarding the traffic to a second interface in a second group of interfaces at the switch. The second group of interfaces is associated with the second virtual network. The method further includes filtering the traffic that is received at the second interface in the second group of interfaces and communicating the filtered traffic towards the destination. The first and second virtual networks could represent Virtual Local Area Networks associated with different network levels of a process control system.
US07688809B2 Media inactivity detection in VoIP networks
Systems and techniques to determine that a VoIP call is an inactive media call. One or more counters may be used to determine information indicative of an elapsed time since the last valid media packet sent/received. When the elapsed time exceeds a threshold time, the call is determined to be an inactive media call. The call may be designated as inactive, may be terminated, or other action may be taken based on the determination that the call is an inactive media call.
US07688808B2 Mobile access node routing selections through a mesh network
An apparatus and method of a mobile access node selecting a routing path through a mesh network is disclosed. The method includes receiving routing packets from at least one upstream access node, the routing packets including information of at least one upstream access node along a path to a gateway access node. A weight is assigned to each received routing packet, wherein the weight is dependent on how recently the routing packet is received. A packet success rate is calculated for each upstream access node by summing routing packets weights over a period of time for each upstream access node. The mobile node selecting the routing path through one of the at least one upstream access node based upon the packet success rate of routing packets received from each upstream access node.
US07688807B2 Method and apparatus for creating and distributing COST telephony-switching functionality within an IP network
A system for providing and managing IP telephone calls establishes separate and distinct call legs between IP-capable appliances and routers and between routers, and creates calls, changes calls, and manages telephony functions by joining and disjoining calls legs. In some instances one or more call legs disjoined from an active call are maintained as established to be joined later to other call legs to create other active calls. By managing IP calls as separate and distinct legs functions of intelligent, connection-oriented telephony networks may be simulated in IP telephony systems. The management is provided by software running on processors coupled to routers in the IP network.
US07688803B1 System and method for coordinating between multiple telephony channels
A system comprising: an IP telephony interface communicatively coupled to an IP telephony service; a secondary telephony interface communicatively coupled to a secondary telephony service; and a telephone connection module to select between the IP telephony service and the secondary telephone service based on one or more specified telephony connection conditions.
US07688798B2 Data transmission method
The invention relates to a method for transmitting data between a transmitter and a receiver via a wireless data channel of a communication network (CN). The transmitter transmits data to the receiver, where the transmission includes at least one transmission parameter which is selected based on a first channel quality that is known to the transmitter. The receiver receives the data, and the receiver determines the first channel quality known to the transmitter from said data via the at least one used transmission parameter as well as a second, current channel quality via the quality of the received data; and the receiver compares the first channel quality with the second channel quality.
US07688796B2 Wireless communication method and apparatus for decoding enhanced dedicated channel absolute grant channel transmissions
A wireless communication method and apparatus for decoding enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) absolute grant channel (E-AGCH) transmissions are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) receives E-AGCH data which includes a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) part and a data part. The CRC part is masked with a WTRU identity (ID) at a Node-B. The CRC part and the data part are demultiplexed and the CRC part is demasked with the WTRU ID. A CRC is then performed with the demasked CRC part. If the CRC passes the data part is sent to an enhanced uplink medium access control (MAC-e) entity. The WTRU ID may be a primary E-DCH radio network temporary identity (E-RNTI) or a secondary E-RNTI. When the E-AGCH data is transmitted over a 10 ms frame, if the CRC fails, E-AGCH data via subsequent subframe may be soft combined with the previous E-AGCH data.
US07688790B1 Method and apparatus for interconnecting a private cellular network to a public cellular network
A communications system extends over a cellular region formed of a plurality of wireless cells where each cell covers a portion of the cellular region. Each cell has a station which is responsible for communication with the cellular subscriber. In order to for the call to be properly managed in the public cellular domain, responsibility for call handling and processing must first be managed by the public MSC. Call handling with the public MSC for a private cellular subscriber first requires the exchange of information between the two systems. This is facilitated through the exchange of MAP and A interface signaling between the private and public cellular systems. Since this information on the private network is normally transmitted via IP, this information must be converted to standard SS7 based MAP and A protocol signaling in order for the public MSC to process.
US07688789B2 MIMO communication system and method capable of adaptive user scheduling
A MIMO communication system capable of adaptive user scheduling. The MIMO communication system comprises a transmitting terminal, which sends data frames containing at least channel estimation signal and user data, and at least one receiving terminal, which recovers the user data and generates corresponding feedback information. The feedback information comprises an optimal transmitting antenna set dedicated to the receiving terminal, the achievable channel capacity by each antenna within the antenna set, and the degradation factors caused by each of other unselected antennas to each of the selected antennas. Depending on the feedback information, the transmitting terminal generates scheduling information based on which the adaptive user scheduling is conducted. The scheduling information comprises the scheduled users, number of data streams supported by each scheduled user, and the corresponding transmitting antenna for each of the data streams. The MIMO system can achieve the optimal channel capacity through adaptive user scheduling.
US07688788B2 Congestion level and signal quality based estimator for bit-rate and automated load balancing for WLANS
A method and system for determining the bit-rate between a wireless station and one or more access points that takes into account the usage (congestion) of the access points. Each wireless station includes software and/or hardware for estimating the bit-rate between the wireless station and any available access points and provides automatic load balancing for the wireless network. Dual estimator and backpressure algorithms are utilized to better estimate the achievable bit-rate available to a wireless station associated with an access point and to provide congestion sensitive access point selection. Bandwidth estimation is provided while taking into account congestion information for building up associations to access points while automatically achieving load balancing of the traffic among available access points.
US07688784B2 Simultaneous operation of wireless LAN and long-range wireless connections
A method for communication includes establishing a first connection between a wireless terminal and a base station of a long-range wireless data network, which operates in accordance with a first protocol that defines a sequence of time frames for transmission of data between the wireless terminal and the base station. A signal is sent from the wireless terminal to the base station identifying an interval including one or more of the time frames during which the wireless terminal will not receive data from the base station. During the interval, a second connection is established between the wireless terminal and an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN) in accordance with a second protocol, different from the first protocol.
US07688782B2 Method and system for managing multi-channel communication
Described is a system and method for managing multi-channel communication. The system includes a plurality of wireless devices communicating by utilizing at least one wireless communications channels. A network management arrangement controls allocation of the wireless communications channels and divides the wireless channels into a first channel pool and a second channel pool. The second pool including at least one channel. The arrangement utilizes the second pool only upon detection of a predetermined condition.
US07688780B2 Data packet transmission for channel-sharing collocated wireless devices
Interference between collocated wireless devices sharing the same RF channel is avoided or minimized by a new header format provided for the first data packet in an RF transmission. By inclusion of an invalid pulse in the header of each isolated data packet, an FM receiver that “captures” a desired signal from a closest device, midstream of processing an undesired signal (pertubation) from a more distant collocated device, is caused to abort the invalid packet and reinitialize. The receiver is then able to properly process the first packet in the desired transmission (from the closest device).
US07688776B2 Time-division multiplex arbitration with fractional allocation
Disclosed embodiments reveal techniques for efficiently allocating time slots in a time-division multiplex (TDM) cycle among multiple channels of varying size, particularly when the channels do not all desire an integer number of time slots. TDM cycles can only allocate an integer number of time slots to each channel. So when at least one channel does not desire an integer number of time slots, then the disclosed embodiments allocate a number of time slots equal to the integer portion to each channel, rolling any fractional remainder over to the next cycle. This cumulative cyclical fractional summing process efficiently allocates time slots among the channels, allowing the average allocation per cycle to approach the true non-integer desired amount over time.
US07688775B2 Management of guaranteed timeslot usage in wireless networks
Embodiments of guaranteed timeslot usage management in wireless networks are described.
US07688767B2 Apparatus for allocating transmission period in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and method is provided for efficiently allocating a transmission period in a WLAN system. An access point (AP) transmits a PSMP message providing a downlink period and an uplink period provided to each station (STA), and at least one sub PSMP frame indicating a period of at least one of a downlink and an uplink for an STA requiring additional resource allocation. After exchanging data with the AP in the downlink and uplink periods provided by the PSMP frame, if there is a need for additional resource allocation, the STA receives the at least one sub PSMP frame and exchanges data with the AP in the period provided by the each sub PSMP frame.
US07688765B2 TDD switch of TDD wireless communication system
A Time Division Duplex (TDD) wireless communication system includes a switch connected to an output port of a transmitter, a first transmission line for transmitting a transmission signal and for isolating a transmission path according to a mode, a first transmission line stub connected between the isolator and the first transmission line for reflecting a transmission signal transmitted from the isolator, a second transmission line connected between an output port of the first transmission line and an input port of a receiver for isolating a reception path in the transmission mode and for providing a reception signal received from the antenna feed line to the receiver, and a second transmission line stub connected in a stub form between the second transmission line and the input port of the receiver, for controlling the second transmission line to isolate the reception path.
US07688742B2 System and method for monitoring end nodes using ethernet connectivity fault management (CFM) in an access network
A system and method for monitoring end nodes using Ethernet Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) in an access network. In one embodiment, a broadband access server (BRAS) is operable to generate an Ethernet CFM frame that includes a query message with respect to a particular end node. An interworking function (IWF) entity associated with an access node that services the particular end node is operable to interpret the Ethernet CFM frame and construct a corresponding query message in a native protocol compatible with the particular end node. Upon receiving a reply message from the particular end node, the IWF entity constructs a suitable reply Ethernet CFM frame for transmission to the BRAS, wherein the reply Ethernet CFM frame includes a response corresponding to the reply message from the end node.
US07688728B2 Method of controlling a data flow, transmitter and data transmission system
A method of controlling a data flow, a transmitter and a data transmission system are described. For example, in a method of controlling a data flow of a transmitter, first data is received at a first interface. The first data is buffered in a buffer. The first data is output via a second interface. Information is determined regarding an estimated amount of second data comprising payload data output via the first interface until a filling level of the buffer will reach a predetermined threshold. An amount of the payload data output via the first interface is adjusted based on the information. The payload data is then output via the first interface. Similarly, a transmitter includes an interface to output payload data and a control signal, and a buffer to buffer further data received via the interface wherein the control signal controls a flow of said further data.
US07688725B2 Content-aware congestion control system
A content-aware congestion control scheme for software MPLS routers enables the MPLS routers to discard packets with less important content when there is congestion in the network. By employing such content-aware congestion control, the overall quality of multimedia content is not significantly affected, enabling graceful degradation of quality using a Wavelet based compression technique. The MPLS router marks wavelet-based compressed multimedia packets as those containing important or less important contents of compressed and encoded frames. Such markings enable the MPLS router to make decisions according to the packet's priority. At times of congestion, this router restricts the rate of outgoing low priority traffic to allow high priority streams to maintain a gracefully degraded QoS for compressed multimedia content.
US07688720B2 Method for selecting a restoration path in a mesh network
A method of selecting a restoration path in a mesh telecommunication network is disclosed that advantageously is practical and flexible and may be pre-computed along with a service connection path during the setup of the connection. The information used to select the restoration path can be advantageously distributed among nodes in the network.
US07688716B2 Method, apparatus, and system for improving ethernet ring convergence time
One embodiment in accordance with the invention is a method that includes detecting a failure in a ring network and transmitting a multicast message across the ring network that includes information regarding the failure. Additionally, a new ring master of the ring network is designated. Furthermore, a ring port coupled to the failure is blocked.
US07688711B2 Method and apparatus for transforming a digital audio signal and for inversely transforming a transformed digital audio signal
A known time domain to frequency domain or frequency domain to time domain transform used in audio codecs is MDCT, which has the disadvantage of being costly in terms of required computational power due to high-precision multiplications, but which facilitates overlapping transform and subsampling. The invention uses a transform or inverse transform which does not involve multiplications because the transform and inverse transform matrices include ‘+1’ and ‘−1’ values only, but whereby the advantages of overlapping and subsampling are kept.
US07688707B2 Information recording medium having a wobbling groove structure
An information recording medium having at least a read only area and a recording and reproducing area is composed of at least: a substrate; a recording layer formed on the substrate so as to record and reproduce information; and a light transmission layer having transparency formed on the recording layer. The information recording medium is further characterized in that a wobbling groove corresponding to the read only area and another wobbling groove corresponding to the recording and reproducing area is formed on the substrate without overlapping with each other, the recording and light transmitting layers are continuously adhered over at least two areas of the read only area and the recording and reproducing area, reflectivity of the recording layer is more than 5%, and a push-pull signal output T3 reproduced from the read only area and another push-pull signal output T4 reproduced from the recording and reproducing area before recording satisfies relations of T3≧0.1, T4≧0.1 and 1.5≧T3/T4≧0.5.
US07688706B2 Method of transferring data with respect to an optical information medium having a lead-in area
A method relative to an optical information storage medium including a lead-in area, a lead-out area, and a user data area between the lead-in and lead-out areas and in which user data is recorded. Pits are formed in the lead-in area, the user data area, and the lead-out area, and a track pitch in all or a portion of the lead-in area is different from a track pitch in the remaining area of the optical information storage medium.
US07688704B2 Multilayer optical disc having disc information
A multi-layer record carrier is for recording information by writing marks in a track. The record carrier has a first recording layer (40) and a second recording layer (41), and each recording layer has a pregroove (14) indicating the position of the track according to an opposite track path. The pregroove exhibits a modulated wobble for representing control information. A lead-in part of the pregroove has first control information for the first recording layer, and the lead-out part on the second recording layer has second control information including recording parameters for the second recording layer. The device the device has a head (22) for providing the beam and wobble detection means (32) for retrieving control information from each layer.
US07688703B2 Optical recording medium and production method thereof
A transparent stamper made of a resin has a defect of being not able to be used repeatedly because of stress at the time of peeling off, and hence, improvement is requested. Then, the present invention provides an optical recording medium including a supporting base member, a plurality of recording layers formed on the supporting base member, an interlayer formed between the plurality of recording layers, and a cover layer formed on the recording layer, wherein, in the supporting base member, a concave portion is formed in an inner periphery region thereof than the recording layer, and an inclined portion is formed in an outer periphery region thereof than the recording layer, and wherein the interlayer contacts with the concave portion and the inclined portion of the supporting base member.
US07688700B2 Phase correction element and optical head device
A phase correction element comprising a first phase correction layer formed in a region of numerical aperture NA2, and a first phase plate; the first phase correction layer comprising a concavo-convex portion having a rotational symmetry with respect to the optical axis of incident light and having a cross-sectional shape of a saw-tooth-form or a saw-tooth-form whose convex portions are each approximated by a step form; the first phase plate generating a birefringent phase difference of about an odd number times of π/2 for linearly polarized light of λ1; and the phase correction element that does change a transmitted wavefront of λ1 and changing a transmitted wavefront of the λ2 or transmitted wavefront of both wavelengths of λ2 and λ3 when three types of incident light at λ1=410 nm, λ2=650 nm and λ3=780 nm respectively, are incident.
US07688695B2 Method of writing multi-level data using adjusted recording waveform
A method of writing multi-level data to a recording medium is disclosed. The multi-level data is written by the emission of light beam. The method is characterized in that a write waveform that controls the emission of the light beam includes a first top pulse, an off pulse, and an erase pulse. The method is further characterized in that, if the value of the multi-level data falls in a predetermined range, a second top pulse is inserted between the first top pulse and the erase pulse of the write waveform that controls the emission of the light beam to write the value.
US07688693B2 Method of reproducing write protection information from an optical information storage medium
A method of reproducing data from an optical storage medium includes reproducing write protection information from the optical storage medium. The optical information storage medium includes a lead-in area, a user data zone in which user data is recorded, and a lead-out area. The write protection information is recorded in at least one of the lead-in area and the lead-out area, together with defect management information. The data is recorded and/or reproduced according to the defect management information and the write protection information. The write protection information indicates a size of a write protected area differentiated from a plurality of sizes of write protected areas of the optical information storage medium.
US07688688B2 Information recording medium having a wobbling groove structure
An information recording medium having at least a read only area and a recording and reproducing area is composed of at least: a substrate; a recording layer formed on the substrate so as to record and reproduce information; and a light transmission layer having transparency formed on the recording layer. The information recording medium is further characterized in that a wobbling groove corresponding to the read only area and another wobbling groove corresponding to the recording and reproducing area is formed on the substrate without overlapping with each other, the recording and light transmitting layers are continuously adhered over at least two areas of the read only area and the recording and reproducing area, reflectivity of the recording layer is more than 5%, and a push-pull signal output T3 reproduced from the read only area and another push-pull signal output T4 reproduced from the recording and reproducing area before recording satisfies relations of T3≧0.1, T4≧0.1 and 1.5≧T3/T4≧0.5.
US07688686B2 Enhanced table of contents (TOC) identifiers
A method for identifying the contents of a compact disc manipulating a received table of contents (TOC) identifier associated with the compact disc. The method parses portions of the TOC comprising a series of numbers corresponding to track offsets for each track of the compact disc. The method further determines the first number from the series of numbers, subtracts the first number from each number in the series of numbers to form an altered series of numbers, and concatenates the altered series of numbers to form an altered string that comprises the altered TOC identifier. The altered TOC identifier may then be compared to a plurality of canonical TOC identifiers to identify the contents of the compact disc. Another method generates a generic TOC identifier for a plurality of compact discs known to contain the same data.
US07688682B2 Electronic timepiece of the multi-function watch type for navigational aid, notably for a space mission
The invention relates to an electronic watch, notably for a space mission. It enables the setting, at any point in time, of a first date, start of the mission (t0) with relation to a local time scale (T1) or the Universal Time (GMT), and the determination of a first corresponding time scale (MET). It enables the setting, at any point in time, of a second date, start (t′0) of one of the mission's phases with relation to the first time scale (MET) or to the Universal Time (GMT), and the determination of a second corresponding time scale (PET). It comprises means of setting, recording, calculating and analogue and digital viewing. The digital viewing means displays a negative time value (−) when the start date is located in the future and a positive time value (+) when this date has elapsed. It comprises five audio alarms, a chronometer and a “Timer”.
US07688680B1 Systems and methods for visual light communication in an underwater environment
Systems and methods for visual light communication in an underwater environment are provided. The system can include a master control station that determines an amount of impairment of a water medium and selects one of a wired and wireless communication transceiver for exchanging communications with communication device located in the water. The system can also include a first gateway that exchanges radio frequency signals with the master control station and provides visual light communication signals to devices located in the water. The system can also include a second gateway that can exchange both visual light communication signals and acoustic communication signals with other devices located in the water.
US07688671B2 Semiconductor memory chip with on-die termination function
A semiconductor memory chip with an On-Die Termination (ODT) function is disclosed, which comprises a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit, a synchronous circuit, an asynchronous circuit, a select signal generator, and a selector. The DLL circuit is configured to produce a local clock signal in response to a clock signal when a clock enable (CKE) signal is asserted. The DLL circuit has a predetermined boost time. The select signal generator is configured to assert a select signal in consideration of the predetermined boost time. The selector is configured to select an output of the asynchronous circuit until the select signal is asserted but to select another output of the synchronous circuit after the select signal is asserted.
US07688667B2 Voltage converter circuit and flash memory device having the same
A voltage conversion circuit includes a reference voltage generation unit for generating a reference voltage having a uniform level regardless of a level of an input voltage varying according to an operation mode; and a driver unit for generating and outputting an active voltage or a standby voltage using the reference voltage output by the reference voltage generation unit according to a control signal.
US07688665B2 Structure to share internally generated voltages between chips in MCP
Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus and technique for sharing an internally generated voltage between devices of a multi-chip package (MCP). The internally generated voltage may be shared via a conductive structure that electrically couples the devices and carries the internally generated voltage.
US07688659B2 Semiconductor memory capable of testing a failure before programming a fuse circuit and method thereof
Each program circuit outputs an operating specification signal indicating a first or second operating specification according to a program state. Each specification changing circuit is set by a corresponding block selection signal and outputs an operating specification signal indicating a second operating specification. Each timing control circuit changes an output timing of a precharge control signal for a bit line according to the operating specification signal. By the operating specification signal from the specification changing circuit, a failure can be detected in each memory block before programming a program circuit. Thereafter, the failure can be relieved by the program circuit. The output timing of the precharge control signal can be set for each memory block by a block selection signal without wiring a dedicated signal line for setting each specification changing circuit. Accordingly, increase in chip size can be minimized.
US07688656B2 Integrated circuit memory having dynamically adjustable read margin and method therefor
A method for dynamically controlling sense amplifier differential margin of a memory during operation, in an integrated circuit, including a plurality of addressable units, is provided. The method includes setting the sense amplifier differential margin corresponding to the plurality of addressable units to a first value. The method further includes if a read data error occurs when data is read from a set of the plurality of addressable units, then setting the sense amplifier differential margin corresponding to the plurality of addressable units to a second value, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.
US07688651B2 Methods and devices for regulating the timing of control signals in integrated circuit memory devices
A method of regulating timing of control signals in an integrated circuit memory device includes generating a pulse signal having a pulse width representing a time period between a rising edge of a first control signal and a rising edge of a second control signal that is activated after the first control signal. Based on the pulse width of the pulse signal, it is determined whether a timing margin between activation of the first control signal and activation of the second control signal is within a predetermined range, and the timing margin is adjusted responsive to the determination. For example, the pulse signal may be a timing measurement signal including a first pulse signal representing a first timing margin between a word line enable signal and a bit line sensing enable signal, a second pulse signal representing a second timing margin between a column select line enable signal and a first read pulse signal, and a third pulse signal representing a third timing margin between a word line disable signal and a bit line equalizing signal. Related devices are also discussed.
US07688647B2 Semiconductor memory device with high voltage generator
A semiconductor memory device which prevents a drop of the level of an external voltage due to generation of high voltage, thereby ensuring an effective data window. The semiconductor memory device includes a level detecting unit and a voltage generating unit. The level detecting unit is configured to detect a level of an internal voltage based on a reference voltage to output a level detection signal. The voltage generating unit is configured to generate the internal voltage by selectively pumping an external voltage according to the level detection signal and a refresh signal.
US07688644B2 Semiconductor memory device and its driving method
A semiconductor memory device includes an address latch unit, a decoding circuit, and a precharge control unit. The address latch unit provides a latched address during an active operation interval and a precharge operation interval. The decoding circuit decodes an output of the address latch unit to provide a decoded signal to activate a word line arranged in a data storage area. The precharge control unit controls the decoded signal to be disabled during the precharge operation interval.
US07688637B2 Memory self-test circuit, semiconductor device and IC card including the same, and memory self-test method
In a semiconductor device, a self-test circuit includes a write part for writing data in a given address of a special region of a nonvolatile memory; a read part for reading the written data from the given address; a verify part for determining whether or not the written data accords with the read data; and a decision part for determining soundness of the nonvolatile memory on the basis of a result of determination made by the verify part. In the case where the written data accords with the read data, the decision part determines that the nonvolatile memory is sound, and in the case where the data do not accord with each other, it determines that the nonvolatile memory is unsound.
US07688630B2 Programming memory devices
A target memory cell of a memory device is programmed by applying a programming voltage to a word line that includes the target memory cell, determining whether the target memory cell is programmed, and increasing the programming voltage by a step voltage if it is determined that the target memory cell is not programmed. An initial programming voltage and the step voltage are each selectable after fabrication of the memory device.
US07688621B2 Memory system, memory device and apparatus including writing driver circuit for a variable resistive memory
An apparatus, a nonvolatile memory device and a nonvolatile memory system include an array of nonvolatile variable resistive memory (VRM) cells and a writing driver circuit having a pulse selection circuit, a current control circuit, and a current drive circuit. The current control circuit receives a bias voltage, outputs a control signal at a second level during an enable duration of the reset pulse when the data is at a first level, and outputs a control signal at a first level during an enable duration of the set pulse when the data is at a second level. The current drive circuit outputs writing current to the phase-change memory array during the enable duration of the reset pulse or the set pulse. The writing driver circuit can select the reset pulse or the set pulse according to the logic level of the data, and control the level of current applied to the phase-change memory array according to the reset pulse or the set pulse.
US07688617B2 MRAM and operation method of the same
An operation method of an MRAM of the present invention is an operation method of the MRAM in which a data write operation is carried out in a toggle write. The operation method of the present invention includes: (A) reading a data from a data cell by using a reference signal which is generated by using a reference cell; (B) performing an error detection on the read data; (C) correcting the data stored in the data cell, when an error is detected in the read data; (D) reading the data from the data cell as a first re-read data after the (C), when the error is detected in the read data, (E) performing the error detection on the first re-read data; (F) correcting the data stored in the reference cell, when an error is detected in the first re-read data; (G) reading the data from the data cell as a second re-read data after the (F), when the error is detected in the first re-read data; (H) performing the error detection on the second re-read data; and (I) correcting the data stored in the data cell again, when the error is detected in the second re-read data.
US07688615B2 Magnetic random access memory, manufacturing method and programming method thereof
A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) and a manufacturing method and a programming method thereof are provided. The magnetic random access memory comprises a first magnetic tunnel junction structure and a second magnetic tunnel junction structure. The second magnetic tunnel junction structure is electrically connected with the first magnetic tunnel junction structure, and the volume of the second magnetic tunnel junction structure is smaller than that of the first magnetic tunnel junction structure.
US07688614B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device can prevent memory characteristics from deteriorating due to IR drop on word or bit lines in a cross-point type memory cell array. The device comprises a word line selection circuit selecting a selected word line from word lines and applying selected and unselected word line voltages to the selected and unselected word lines, respectively, a bit line selection circuit selecting a selected bit line from bit lines and applying selected and unselected bit line voltages to the selected and unselected bit lines, respectively, and voltage control circuits preventing voltage fluctuation of at least either one of the word and bit lines, wherein at least either one of the word and bit lines are connected to the voltage control circuits at a voltage control point positioned at a farthest point from a drive point connected to the word line selection circuit or bit line selection circuit.
US07688612B2 Bit line structure for a multilevel, dual-sided nonvolatile memory cell array
A nonvolatile memory array includes a plurality of dual-sided charge-trapping dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cells arranged in rows and columns. The dual-sided charge-trapping dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cells on each column form at least one grouping that is arranged in a NAND series string of dual-sided charge-trapping dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cells. Each NAND series string has a top select transistor and a bottom select transistor. Pairs of braided bit lines are connected in a braided columnar bit line structure such that each column of the dual-sided charge-trapping dual-sided charge-trapping nonvolatile memory cells is connected to an associated pair of braided bit lines.
US07688605B2 Systems and methods for reducing the magnitude of harmonics produced by a power inverter
Systems and methods are provided for operating a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit in a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) power inverter to reduce the magnitude of harmonics. The PWM circuit operates using a reference signal having an irregular period. In one implementation the irregular periodicity includes a sequence of periods uniformly distributed about a target period.
US07688603B2 Arrangement for monitoring a frequency converter
An arrangement and method for monitoring a frequency converter, the frequency converter being a voltage-controlled PWM frequency converter provided with a control unit and having an uncontrolled or a main-frequency controlled main bridge connectable to an alternating-current source (UL1, UL2, UL3), a direct-voltage intermediate circuit and a controlled load bridge for producing a variable-frequency multi-phase output voltage (UU, UV, UW), which direct-voltage intermediate circuit of the frequency converter is provided with a small-capacitance direct-voltage capacitor, the main bridge being connected to the load bridge directly without a large-capacitance direct-voltage capacitor functioning as an intermediate energy storage, and the arrangement includes a measuring unit for measuring the direct voltage of the intermediate voltage circuit. In the arrangement, the measuring unit measures at least one quantity of the intermediate-circuit direct voltage, and the control unit determines on the basis of the aforesaid quantity at least one input voltage value and/or a failure situation of the frequency converter or its load circuit.
US07688596B1 Electrochemical cell supporting a protective housing for electrical components
A protective housing for a circuit board mounted on an end of a cell is described. The protective housing includes a cut-out in its sidewall and a retaining wall centered in the cut-out. This provides a pair of gaps, one on each side of the retaining wall between the cut-out. These gaps are size so that lead wires extending from the circuit board are captured therein in a tight-fitting relationship. Consequently, the lengths of the leads extending from the protective housing of the cell to a quick disconnect at the distal end of the leads is precisely controlled. If desired, there can be more than one retaining wall providing a plurality of gaps for capturing a plurality of lead wires therein.
US07688587B2 Cooling device for cooling a heat-generating component, and electronic apparatus having the cooling device
A cooling device comprises a heat radiating portion, heat-transferring component, such as a heat pipe, a fan and a support member. The heat radiating portion radiates the heat generated by the heat-generating component. The heat-transferring component transfers the heat generated by the heat-generating component, from the heat receiving portion to the heat radiating portion. The fan applies cooling air to the heat radiating portion. The fan is coupled to the heat radiating portion. The support member includes a first part to hold the heat radiating portion, and a second part to hold the fan.
US07688586B2 Electronic device and heat conduction member
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a case, a heat generation body mounted in the case, a cooling member mounted in the case, and a heat conduction member. The heat conduction member includes a heat receiving section opposed to the heat generation body and thermally connected to the heat generation body, a heat radiation section opposed to the cooling member, and a section provided between the heat receiving section and the heat radiation section. The heat conduction member is formed by laminating a plurality of sheet members each having thermal conductivity. The plurality of sheet members are joined together in a portion of the heat conduction member.
US07688580B2 Modular accessory for protective case enclosing touch screen device
A protective enclosure for an electronic device that has a protective shell that is capable of enclosing and substantially surrounding the touch screen device in a substantially watertight, substantially rigid and substantially crush-resistant manner. Modular units can be releasably connected in a rigid manner to the protective enclosure to form an integrated unitary device that is substantially crush-resistant and watertight unit. The modular units can be interchangeable and connect to the protective case using the same format.
US07688579B2 Portable electronic device incorporating thermal module
A portable electronic device includes a casing, an electronic component disposed in the casing, and a thermal module for dissipating heat of the electronic component. The thermal module includes a heat pipe, a fin unit, and a transverse fan. The heat pipe includes an evaporating section thermally attached to the electronic component, and a condensing section thermally attached to the fin unit. The transverse fan is arranged in the casing for generating an airflow through the electronic component and the fin unit. The transverse fan includes a rotor, and a sidewall on a floor of the casing and surrounding the rotor. The sidewall defines an air inlet and an air outlet therein. The air outlet faces to the fin unit. The air inlet faces to the electronic component.
US07688577B2 External box with shockproofing mechanism
An external box with a shockproofing mechanism is disclosed. The external box accommodates a hard disk that has a plurality of opening holes formed on a bottom side thereof. The external box comprises: a box body, a plurality of positioning posts, a plurality of elastic elements, and a cover body. The box body has a bottom seat. The positioning posts are disposed on the bottoms seat. The elastic elements are disposed around the positioning posts, respectively. The cover body covers the box body. The opening holes correspond to the positioning posts, and the positioning posts are respectively accommodated in the opening holes for contacting the hard disk with the elastic elements to achieve a shockproof effect.
US07688564B2 Pluggable surge protector
A power distribution system (300) is disclosed having a power source (302) with at least one circuit associated with a power line (310). The power line (310) is connected to an incoming power cable (312), which is further connected to a cable or conduit assembly (316) having at least one junction block. A surge protector (324) is pluggable into the junction block of the cable or conduit assembly (316). The surge protector (324) includes at least one male connector set (326) and an LED indicator (338).
US07688562B2 Status relay including a current switch
Low current electrical devices can be protected by a status relay having an active current sensing circuit that includes a current switch.
US07688560B2 Overload protection method
This invention relates to overload protection for a circuit driving a direct current (DC) load. The invention provides a method of generating an overload condition for an output module driving a load having a load current and a load voltage comprising the steps of: monitoring the load current at sample intervals; comparing the monitored load current to a predetermined load current threshold; starting an overload timer in the event that the timer is not running and the monitored load current is greater than said load current threshold; monitoring the load voltage at said sample intervals; generating a ramped load voltage waveform for reference purposes in dependence upon an initial load voltage and a predetermined step size load voltage in the event that the overload timer is running; generating an overload condition in the event that the monitored load voltage is less than said ramped load voltage reference waveform, the ramped load voltage is less than a predetermined positive ramp limit and the overload timer is running.
US07688557B2 Control apparatus for transmission mechanism, transmission, vehicle provided therewith, method of controlling the transmission mechanism, and method of estimating heat value of electric motor in the transmission mechanism
A motorcycle has a transmission including a transmission mechanism and an electronic control unit (ECU). The transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft as an input shaft, a driven shaft as an output shaft and an electric motor. The electric motor changes continuously the transmission ratio between the crankshaft and the driven shaft. The ECU estimates the heat value of the motor from a rate of change in the transmission ratio. When the estimate heat value reaches or exceeds a specified value the electric motor is restricted or stopped.
US07688552B2 Head gimbal assembly having dimple-shaft limiter and manufacturing method thereof and disk drive unit with the same
A HGA includes a slider and a suspension for supporting the slider. The suspension includes a load beam, a base plate, and a flexure, which are assembled together. The flexure has a suspension tongue with a suspension through hole defined therein at a position corresponding to a center of the slider mounted on the suspension tongue. A dimple is provided to connect the suspension tongue and the load beam. The dimple has a first bump, a second bump and a shaft connecting the first and the second bumps. The shaft of the dimple extends through the suspension through hole to limit the suspension tongue between the first and the second bumps. Meanwhile, a manufacturing method of the HGA and a disk drive unit with the HGA are disclosed.
US07688547B2 Mechanism for read/write device, read/write device, and method of cleaning read/write head
A head cleaning mechanism for a read/write device includes an arm with serially connected arm members that supports a cleaning component. The arm members fold as the arm is wound about a shaft formed on a guide plate which guides a stud attached to the arm as it is wound in a dead space of a corner of the device.
US07688543B2 Device to regenerate a desiccant in a hard disk drive
A disk drive that regenerates a desiccant within the drive. The drive includes a housing that encloses a head and a disk. A first desiccant is located adjacent to a hole of the housing. A second desiccant is coupled to the first desiccant. The second desiccant is also coupled to a source of heat. Heat is transferred through the second desiccant to the first desiccant. The heat evaporates fluid within the first desiccant. The evaporated fluid flows into and through the second desiccant. The evaporation of fluid regenerates the first desiccant so that is can continuously absorb humidity within the drive.
US07688542B2 Method to identify short spirals
A method for writing servo onto a disk of a hard disk drive with a servo writer. The method includes writing a plurality of spiral servo signals onto a disk. The spiral servo signals include a plurality of short spirals separated by unequal distances. The short spirals are detected by determining the unequal distances and used to write a plurality of servo patterns. The unequal distances provide information of the short spirals at different quadrants of the disk. The distances between a bank of odd short spirals is different than a bank of even short spirals which allows the servo writer to determine whether the bank is odd or even without switching banks. Either the even or odd bank of short spirals can be used to locate a starting reference point from which the servo writer can count spirals and write A, B, C and D servo bursts.
US07688541B2 Apparatus, system, and method for repeatable runout cancellation
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for the cancellation of repeatable runout signals. A signal processing module receives a position error signal and outputs a position compensated signal. A feed forward module receives the position error signal and outputs one or more cancellation signals to cancel one or more repeatable runout components from the position error signal when combined with the position compensated signal. A combining module combines the position compensated signal and the cancellation signals into a position command signal. A feedback module receives the position command signal and outputs the position error signal.
US07688539B1 Disk drive self servo writing spiral tracks by propagating bursts
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, and a head actuated over the disk. The head is positioned at a radial location over the disk, and a servo burst is written at the current radial location. The servo burst is read to generate a read signal, and the read signal is processed to generate a position error signal (PES). The head is moved radially in response to the PES, and the process is repeated multiple times to form a spiral track spanning at least one revolution of the disk.
US07688536B2 Variable power write driver circuit
A storage system (e.g., a magnetic disk system or a magnetic tape system) employing a write head, a write controller and a write driver circuit. In operation, the write head records data on a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk) based on a flow of a write current through the write head, and the write driver circuit includes a variable power supply network and a variable power return network driving the write current through the write head based on a selection by the write controller of an operating power mode among a plurality of selectable power modes of the variable power supply network and the variable power return network. Each power mode of the variable power supply network and the variable power return network drives the write current with a different magnitude from the variable power supply network through the write head to the variable power return network.
US07688534B1 Extracting repeatable phase error from a spindle motor back EMF signal to generate a servo write clock
A method of writing servo data onto a disk is disclosed. A spindle motor spins the disk, and a back electromotive force (BEMF) signal is measured from the spindle motor. A repeatable phase error (RPE) is extracted from the BEMF signal to generate an adjusted BEMF signal. A servo write clock is synchronized in response to the adjusted BEMF signal, and the servo data is written to the disk using the servo write clock. In one embodiment, the servo data comprises spiral seed patterns that are processed to write concentric servo sectors to the disk.
US07688531B1 Miniature image capture lens
A miniature image capture lens is disclosed comprising an aperture diaphragm having an aperture through which an image is captured and a wafer-level lens system, including a first surface disposed on a first substrate, a second substrate with a first side bonded to the first substrate, a second surface disposed on a second side of the second substrate, and a third surface disposed on a third substrate, wherein the first surface, the second surface and the third surface are aspherical and the following conditions are satisfied: L/fe i.7,f1˜/fe=0.5−1.5,f2/fe=−1−−1.5; and −2
US07688529B2 Lens unit and image reading apparatus using the same
A lens unit and an image reading apparatus configured to hold an anamorphic lens precisely with a simple structure, without a lens spacing error or eccentric error: the lens unit including a barrel member configured to hold at least one rotationally symmetric lens having a rotationally symmetric shape with respect to an optical axis; an anamorphic lens having at least one anamorphic surface circumscribing an end portion of the barrel member; a coaxiality maintaining device configured to engage the anamorphic lens and the barrel member with each other to align central axes of the anamorphic lens and the barrel member with each other, and arranged relatively rotate the anamorphic lens and the barrel member relative to each other with reference to the aligned central axes of them; and an elastic member configured to push the anamorphic lens against the barrel member.
US07688528B2 Mount for optical component having independent multi-axial control
A mount for an optical component is disclosed that provides the flexibility of independently adjusting the position and orientation of the optical component along and about one or more axes. In an exemplary embodiment, the mount includes a support element for supporting the optical component; one or more rotational adjustment elements for rotating said support element independently about one or more axes, respectively; and one or more linear adjustment elements for moving said support element independently along one or more axes. The adjustment elements may be manually adjustable and/or may be adjustable by an actuator. In the latter case, the actuator may be electronically controlled by a controller. The optical component may be a reflective, transmissive, or reflective/transmissive optical device, such as diffraction gratings, mirrors, beam splitters, and others.
US07688511B2 Diffraction type light-condensing film and planar light source device using the same
Provided are an easy-to-handle thin diffraction type light-condensing film exhibiting high light transmissivity and condensation ability, and a planar light source device using the film. A hologram optical element using diffraction/interference phenomena based on wave properties of light is used instead of a conventional prism sheet using refraction. As a result, the diffraction type light-condensing film and the planar light source device have high light transmissivity and are thin. In the diffraction type light-condensing film, dependence of bending angle on wave length is low and light entering from an oblique direction is bent in the vertical direction and emitted with spectral separation of white light suppressed. High light-condensation impossible in a conventional optical element is realized by suppressing angular variation in emission light for angular variation in incident light.
US07688509B2 Autostereoscopic display
An autostereoscopic display device includes a device configured to provide collimated light and a dynamic beam deflector which is configured to scan a beam. The exit angle of the light emitted by pixels of the display array transmitted through a splitting screen is controlled and scanned by the dynamic beam deflector.
US07688508B2 Diffusion sheet, rear projection screen provided with diffusion sheet, method of manufacturing mold for diffusion sheet, and method of manufacturing diffusion sheet
In a diffusion sheet, a plurality of approximately trapezoidal columnar unit lens portions are disposed such that the long-axis directions thereof are in parallel with each other, and all the surfaces of the unit lens portions, which correspond to the long bottom segments of the approximately trapezoidal sections of the unit lens portions are disposed on a light-incident-side flat surface. Further, light absorbing portions are disposed in the grooves between adjacent unit lens portions to absorb and/or shield external light incident from a light outgoing side. In the diffusion sheet arranged as described above, light incident on the unit lens portions from a light incident side is totally reflected on the surfaces corresponding to the side segments of the approximately trapezoidal sections vertical to the long-axis direction of the unit lens portions and outgoes from the light outgoing side.
US07688507B2 Diffusion sheet, rear projection screen provided with diffusion sheet, method of manufacturing mold for diffusion sheet, and method of manufacturing diffusion sheet
In a diffusion sheet, a plurality of approximately trapezoidal columnar unit lens portions are disposed such that the long-axis directions thereof are in parallel with each other, and all the surfaces of the unit lens portions, which correspond to the long bottom segments of the approximately trapezoidal sections of the unit lens portions are disposed on a light-incident-side flat surface. Further, light absorbing portions are disposed in the grooves between adjacent unit lens portions to absorb and/or shield external light incident from a light outgoing side. In the diffusion sheet arranged as described above, light incident on the unit lens portions from a light incident side is totally reflected on the surfaces corresponding to the side segments of the approximately trapezoidal sections vertical to the long-axis direction of the unit lens portions and outgoes from the light outgoing side.
US07688501B2 Optical transmission system and optical amplification method used in the system
At an optical transmission system that uses plural light sources for Raman amplification, even when a failure occurred in a pumping light source in one of the light sources for Raman amplification, the signal light output level and its wavelength characteristic are not deteriorated at the final stage, and the number of components in the system is not made to be large and the cost of the system is not made to be high. This optical transmission system is provided. At an optical transmission system using “n” light sources for Raman amplification, a first to “n−1”th light sources for Raman amplification do not provide spare pumping light sources, and an “n”th light source for Raman amplification provides the spare pumping light sources. When a pumping light source in one of the “n” light sources for Raman amplification had a failure, the spare pumping light source in the “n”th light source for Raman amplification corresponding to the failure occurred pumping light source is worked. With this, the signal light output level and its wavelength characteristic are recovered to a normal state before the failure occurred.
US07688489B2 Color processing apparatus and its method, program, and printer driver
The color of magenta using newly developed magenta ink has characteristics L*≈41, a*≈82, and b*≈24, and has differences ΔL*≈4, Δa*≈0, and Δb*≈26 from the conventional magenta ink, i.e., the lightness value is low, and the color difference b* assumes a very small value. When the color of red is reproduced using such new magenta ink, its lightness and saturation values are low, and subdued red is reproduced, i.e., a visually favorable color cannot be obtained. Hence, when a color included in a first color gamut is input, and the input color is converted into the color of a second color gamut narrower than the first color gamut, color conversion is made using a three-dimensional lookup table having red defined by L*≈45 to 50, a*≈67 to 70, and b*≈50 to 55.
US07688488B2 Image reading device and image forming apparatus including the same
An image reading device including a plurality of image sensors configured to read image data of an original document, each of which having a reading range overlapping in a main scanning direction with an adjacent image sensor among the plurality of image sensors, and a gamma correction mechanism configured to conduct gamma correction to correct linearity of respective output characteristics of the plurality of image sensors, based on gamma correction data produced according to an output characteristic of a reference image sensor selected from the plurality of image sensors. The reference image sensor and the adjacent image sensor read identical input data, and the gamma correction mechanism compares the results, obtains a difference between the results, and adjusts the output characteristic of the adjacent image sensor to the output characteristic of the reference image sensor.
US07688476B2 Apparatus and method for printing validated image data in a noisy environment
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving image data and control characters across an interface that is subject to noise for output to a printer. The image data and the control characters are transmitted across the interface to a receiver device. A determination is made as to whether or not a line of image data has been sufficiently transferred to the receiver device and, if the current line of image data has not been sufficiently transferred, there is provided for output to the printer a prior sufficiently received line of image data in replacement of the current line of image data so that the prior line of image data is printed at least twice in succession.
US07688471B2 Picture coding method
A picture coding method according to the present invention includes: a coding step (S102, S103) of coding, picture parameter sets (PPS) to be used for decoding all the pictures (pic) included in a random access unit (RAU) made up of plural pictures and a sequence parameter set (SPS); and a parameter set placement step (S104) of placing, in the random access unit (RAU), the parameter set (PPS, SPS) coded in the coding step (S102, S103).
US07688460B2 Communication terminal for accessing and printing page data from links
An information processor and method enable a user to perform printing by using a printing instruction button in a simple easily-understandable process in a case where a link to printing contents is included in service contents.
US07688458B2 Methods and apparatus for print workflow processing
Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a print job through a copy of a workflow, modifying the copied workflow and reprocessing the print job only through the modified portion of the copied workflow. In addition, methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention are provided for modifying or inserting additional print files into a print job that has already been processed through a workflow, and processing only the modified or inserted print files through the workflow.
US07688450B2 Hydrogel-actuated micromirrors for optical sensing
A thin, deformable member may be fixed at one end, while another portion of the member rests on a hydrogel substance whose thickness changes depending on a characteristic of a liquid that permeates the hydrogel. When the hydrogel changes thickness and causes part of the member to tilt, a reflective surface on the member may reflect light in a different direction. Appropriate sensors may detect the change in the direction of the reflected light, allowing determination of the change in thickness, which in turn permits determination of the relevant characteristic of the liquid.
US07688444B2 Method of determining laser stabilities of optical materials, crystals selected according to said method, and uses of said selected crystals
The method determines laser stability of an optical material, which is suitable for making an optical element through which high-energy light passes. The method includes pre-irradiation to produce radiation damage and measurement of the resulting induced non-intrinsic fluorescence. The method is distinguished by excitation of induced fluorescence immediately after pre-irradiation and after at least ten minutes after pre-irradiation with light of a wavelength between 350 and 810 nm, and measurement and quantitative evaluation of fluorescence intensities at wavelengths between 550 nm and 810 nm. Especially laser-stable optical materials, particularly CaF2 crystals, have a normalized difference (Z) of the fluorescence intensities measured at a first time immediately after pre-irradiation and at a second time at least ten minutes after the pre-irradiation, as calculated by the following equation (1): Z=(I2,λ1,λ2−I1,λ1,λ2)I2,λ1,λ2  (1), which is less than 0.3.
US07688443B2 Multipulse agile laser source for real time spark spectrochemical hazard analysis
A sample analysis system comprises a laser unit and a spectrometer unit. The laser unit emits a first laser pulse and a second laser pulse towards the sample with a pulse separation time of between about 1 microsecond to 20 microseconds. The laser unit includes an oscillator unit which is configured to generate the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse. A pre-amplifier unit is configured to receive the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse and increase the energy levels of each pulse prior to the pulses being emitted from the laser unit. The spectrometer unit captures emissions generated by the sample after the sample is stuck by the first and second laser pulses and identifies the elemental constituents of the sample using the emissions.
US07688442B2 Method to be used in fluorescence microscopy
A method using fluorescence microscopy for image evaluation using a laser scanning microscope in which an at least partially spectrally resolved detection of the fluorescence spectrum occurs. Reference spectra are used for spectral demixing. Temporally and/or spectrally variable dyes and/or dye combinations are employed for recording of the reference spectra. Finally, the recorded reference spectra are inspected for image evaluation.
US07688433B2 Inclination detection methods and apparatus
Apparatus and methods for detecting inclination employ a point source of light from which light is emitted through a lens toward a reflective surface of a liquid contained in a vessel. Light reflected from the surface passes through the lens to form a defocused image of the point source on a two-dimensional array of detector elements. Data acquired from the array represents intensity of the light incident on each of the detector elements. A center of gravity representing inclination of the vessel is determined from the data.
US07688429B2 Device for the analysis or absorption measurement of a small quantity of a liquid medium by means of light
A device (1) having integrated beam switching systems is provided which uses corresponding devices (7 and 9) and fiber optic light guides (10 and 11) for guiding the light (3) used for analysis of a liquid medium (2), for example in a spectrophotometer, a spectrofluorimeter or a similar measuring device, to a measuring point located on the device (1) and embodied as a receiving surface (4) for the medium, and back therefrom to the detector for the spectrophotometer, a spectrofluorimeter or the like. The receiving surface (4) forms a flat measuring point on the upper side of the device (1) and is closed by a cover-type detachable reflector (8) in the position of use. The reflector is in close contact with the sample of the medium (2) and can be removed before the application of the sample and for cleaning the measuring point.
US07688418B2 Liquid crystal display panel
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display panel where a image display cell region and a plurality of dummy cell regions are provided on a glass substrate. The dummy cells are formed to monitor the internal pressure of liquid crystal sealed in the image display cell region. Liquid crystal is dropped on the image display cell region and the dummy cell regions and the glass substrate and a second substrate are bonded together. The image display cell and the dummy cells, which have the liquid crystal sealed therein, are formed in the image display cell region and the dummy cell regions, respectively. Based on the results of monitoring states of the dummy cells thus formed, a state of the image display cell is estimated.
US07688417B2 Thin film transistor array panel and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a TFT array panel including forming a gate line having a gate electrode on a insulating layer, a gate insulating layer on the gate line, a semiconductor on the gate insulating layer, an ohmic contact on the semiconductor, a data line having a source electrode and a drain electrode apart form the source electrode on the ohmic contact, a passivation layer having a contact hole to expose the drain electrode, and a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode through the contact hole. The drain electrode and the source electrode are formed by a photolithography using a negative photoresist pattern. The negative photoresist pattern includes a first portion having a first thickness corresponding to a channel area, a second portion having a second thickness corresponding to a data line area, and a third portion having a third thickness corresponding to another area.
US07688415B2 Liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a method for manufacturing the same, in which connection stability is improved when connecting a COG, A COF, or an FPC to a driving circuit. A substrate of the LCD has a display region and a non-display region at a peripheral area thereof. Terminals are provided to electrically connect an external circuit and a circuit of the display region and the non-display region. A flat protective layer is formed on the terminals. A plurality of pads are respectively formed of a first contact region and a flat second contact region, and each of the pads contacts a corresponding terminal, which is formed through a pad contact hold formed on the protective layer, at the first contact region, and each of the pads is electrically connected through an anisotropic conductive resin to a terminal of the external circuit by a pressing process at the flat second contact region.
US07688411B2 Multi-domain liquid crystal display device
Provided is a multi-domain liquid crystal display device capable of improving a viewing angle by decreasing a color shift. The multi-domain LCD device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of gate lines provided in one direction on the first substrate, a plurality of data lines provided substantially perpendicular to the plurality of gate lines to define a plurality of pixel regions including a first area and a second area, a common electrode and a pixel electrode which generate a parallel electric field within the first area to improve luminance, a common electrode and a pixel electrode which generate a parallel electric field within the second area to decrease color shift, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US07688402B2 Backlight module for LCD having reflective curved surfaces for forming virtual light sources
A backlight module includes a light box and multiple real light sources. The light box has an opening and a plurality of substantially parallel grooves recessed from a bottom surface thereof. Each of the slots has a reflection curved surface. A light source allocation line is defined between every two adjacent grooves. The light source allocation lines are parallel to the grooves. The sum of shortest distances between any point of the reflection curved surface and the two adjacent light source allocation lines is substantially the same. In addition, the real light sources are alternately allocated in the light source allocation lines. A part of light emitted from each light source is reflected from the reflection curved surface to the light source allocation line in which no light source is allocated. Thereby, a virtual light source is formed on the light source allocation line that does not contain a real light source.
US07688395B2 Optical film assembly, as well as backlight module and LCD apparatus comprising the same
An optical film for use in backlight module is provided. The optical provides quality luminance of a liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatus. The optical film assembly comprises a substrate with a polarization direction, in which the substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposing thereto. A first prismatic structure is formed on the first surface. The polarization direction of the substrate defines the first angle θ1 with respect to the configured direction of the first prismatic structure, in which 0°<θ1<180°.
US07688393B2 Liquid crystal display device with a buffer capacitor electrode disposed in a non-pixel electrode region
The invention relates to a substrate for a liquid crystal display, a liquid crystal display having the substrate, and a method of driving the display and provides a substrate for a liquid crystal display which allow high display characteristics to be achieved, a liquid crystal display having the substrate, and a method of driving the display.The substrate includes two TFTs having gate electrodes connected to a gate bus line and drain electrodes connected to a drain bus line, a pixel electrode connected to a source electrode, a pixel electrode connected to another source electrode and separated from the pixel electrode, another TFT having a gate electrode connected to another gate bus line and a source electrode connected to the pixel electrode, and a buffer capacitor portion having a buffer capacitor electrode connected to another drain electrode and another buffer capacitor electrode connected to a storage capacitor bus line.
US07688387B2 2-D combing in a video decoder
Separation of luma and chroma in a video. In an embodiment, values on a current line of the sampled video signal, at ¼-period intervals, are compared with values on a previous line of the sampled video signal, at ¼-period intervals. Values on the current line of the sampled video signal are compared to values on a subsequent line of the sampled video signal. This gives information about the vertical frequency content. Values on the current line are compared with values having the same chroma phase on the same line to provide information about horizontal frequency content. The data of vertical and horizontal frequency logic are used by the decision logic to determine the appropriateness of combing based on these comparisons. If combing is not appropriate, the signal is bandpass filtered instead of combed. The low-pass and combing filters are applied to the original signal, not an interpolated or resampled signal.
US07688384B2 Personal multimedia device video format conversion across multiple video formats
Personal multimedia devices can detect when an incoming video format is different from a native format and make a local decision to convert incoming video formats to a format native to the personal multimedia device. The personal multimedia device may include a media processor that comprises an MPEG decoder/encoder, graphics processors, and a video decoder/encoder. These components increase a frame rate of a received video signal when the frame rate of the received video signal is less than a frame rate of the native video format of the personal multimedia device and decrease the frame rate of the received video signal when the frame rate of the received video signal is greater than the native frame rate of the set-top box. The graphics processor scales a frame resolution of the frames in the received video signal to correspond to the native video format.
US07688379B2 Selecting quality images from multiple captured images
A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for selecting quality images from multiple captured images. One embodiment is an image capturing system. The system includes hardware for capturing a plurality of consecutive images and a processor for determining a quality indication for the consecutive images and for selecting one of the consecutive images based on the quality indication.
US07688369B2 Image processing method in a camera module for converting non-linear RGB image data to L*a*b* image data
A method of image processing an image in a camera module, said method comprising the steps of capturing an image as a Color Filter Array image having non-linear RGB pixel data from an image sensor of said camera module; linearizing said image from said image sensor to generate a linearized image by using at least three lookup tables, one lookup table for each of three RGB colors, said linearizing step performed by using an address for current RGB pixel data being read to index the at least three lookup tables and incrementing the addresses for the RGB pixel data; generating at least three histograms of said linearized image data, one histogram for each of at least three RGB image color planes, and storing at least a high and a low threshold for each histogram; planarizing said linearized image by using at least the high and the low threshold to generate a planarized linear RGB image; and transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form. The step of transforming said image from planarized linear RGB form to L*a*b* form includes a step of referring to each of the histograms and applying a thresholding algorithm thereto.
US07688364B2 Decimating and cropping based zoom factor for a digital camera
A camera system and a method for zooming the camera system is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating an electronic image by sensing an optical image received by the camera, the sensing including electronic cropping to a window size to establish an initial resolution for the electronic image, (B) generating a final image by decimating the electronic image by a decimation factor to a final resolution smaller than the initial resolution and (C) changing a zoom factor for the final image by adjusting both of the decimation factor and the window size.
US07688356B2 Clamp level adjusting apparatus, electronic camera, image processing apparatus, and image processing program
A clamp level adjusting apparatus of the invention includes: an image pickup device which has an effective pixel area for producing an image signal and a lightproof area formed around the effective pixel area to produce a black level standard signal; a clamp level calculating section for extracting the black level standard signal from an extracting range of a plurality of horizontal rows in the lightproof area and for producing a clamp level value corresponding to each horizontal row in the effective pixel area based on a vertical moving average value of black level standard signals in the extracting range; and a clamp section for correcting a black level of the image signal based on the clamp level value.
US07688352B2 Shake correction device, filming device, moving image display device, shake correction method and recording medium
A filming device includes a filming unit which imports a plurality of frames configuring a moving image at a prescribed sampling rate, a shake amount detection unit which detects a shake amount of each of the frames, a frame position calculation unit which calculates a frame position of each frame based on the shake amount, a reference frame position determination unit which determines a reference frame position to be a reference of a display subject frame, and a frame selection and transmission unit which selects and sequentially transmits frames positioned within a prescribed range centered on the reference frame position.
US07688350B2 Digital camera apparatus and printing method of digital camera apparatus
A digital camera apparatus and a printing method for printing still and motion image stored in the digital camera. A frame to be printed in motion image data stored in a removable memory is designated. The position information of the designated frame to be printed is held in a memory. Upon printing, the motion image data is read out of the removable memory according to the stored position information and then still image data is formed from the motion image data of the frame specified by the frame position information in the motion image data. The formed still image data is sent to a printer through an interface. Since a still image of the image of the print frame is formed from the motion image and sent to the printer, the printer can print by a process similar to a printing process for the still image and execute the printing without being aware of a motion image format.
US07688345B2 Audio output in video conferencing and speakerphone based on call type
A conference call may involve participants with video conferencing systems and participants with speakerphone systems. In some embodiments, sound from speakerphone participants may be sent through a speakerphone sound system while sound from video participants may be sent through the video sound system (e.g., near a video monitor). Sound may be localized through a combination of both the video sound system and the speakerphone sound system to produce a spatially correct sound field for in room participants.
US07688339B2 System for scribing a visible label
A device is for scribing a visible label on the medium. The medium (11), for example an optical disc, has a label side provided with a radiation sensitive layer for creating the visible label via a beam of radiation. The device has a head (22) and a positioning unit (25) for radially positioning a scribing spot, which unit has a course positioning system by movements of the head and a fine positioning system. The device has a generator unit (32) for, during at least one boundary trace of the substantially parallel traces which precedes or succeeds a head movement, temporarily applying a broadening signal (35) to the fine positioning system for broadening the boundary trace in the transverse direction. This has the advantage that unwritten annular areas called white bands, which may occur due to mismatch of the head movement and the fine positioning system, are reduced or prevented.
US07688326B2 Apparatus, medium, and method for correcting color of an image
An apparatus, medium, and method for correcting color of an image. The apparatus may includes a user interface which displays each of N reference patches, removes non-gray components from the displayed N reference patches, according to the characteristics of a user's visual system, and outputs the reference patches from which the non-gray components have been removed as adjusted reference patches, a table generator which generates at least one lookup table that has, as addresses, color component values for a current image and stores color component values of the adjusted reference patches as data, and a color corrector which addresses the at least one lookup table using the color component values of the image to read data corresponding to correction information for the color component values of the image and outputs the read data as the result of the correcting of color of the image.
US07688319B2 Method and apparatus for rendering semi-transparent surfaces
A system that renders a three-dimensional model which contains semi-transparent surfaces. During operation, the system renders the semi-transparent surfaces in the three-dimensional model by performing the following operations iteratively for each semi-transparent surface in draw-order instead of depth-order: (1) rendering the semi-transparent surface to a Z buffer, (2) calculating a cumulative transparency value for each pixel of the semi transparent surface as a function of the transparency value for each opaque and semi-transparent surface that intersects the pixel and is in front of the Z-value for the pixel in the Z-buffer, (3) attenuating a surface color value for each pixel in the semi-transparent surface by the cumulative transparency value for the pixel, and (4) adding the attenuated surface color value to a corresponding pixel value in the image buffer.
US07688317B2 Texture mapping 2-D text properties to 3-D text
Three-dimensional text is displayed without losing its related two-dimensional text properties. The two-dimensional text properties are captured and mapped to the three-dimensional text. Capturing the properties helps preserve the look of the two-dimensional text when it is converted and displayed as three-dimensional text. A texture map is used to capture the two-dimensional properties that are associated with the text. The texture map capturing the two-dimensional text properties is applied to the three-dimensional text and then displayed.
US07688313B2 Touch-sense apparatus available for one-dimensional and two-dimensional modes and control method therefor
A touch-sense apparatus available for one-dimensional and two-dimensional modes comprises a sensor having a plurality of traces in two directions to sense the position touched by an object to produce a first signal, a two-dimensional coordinate processor to produce a two-dimensional coordinate based on the first signal in the two-dimensional mode, and a coordinate transformer to produce a second signal from the first signal or the two-dimensional coordinate in the one-dimensional mode for a one-dimensional coordinate processor to produce a one-dimensional coordinate in response to the second signal.
US07688289B2 Organic EL driver circuit and organic EL display device
To provide an organic EL drive circuit including D/A converter circuits capable of reducing the number of elements, which are proof against relatively high voltage, restricting an increase of circuit size and restricting variation of luminance of a display screen and an organic EL display device using the organic EL drive circuit.An organic EL drive circuit for generating, in response to a predetermined current inputted to an input terminal of a D/A converter circuit constructed with a current mirror circuit, drive currents to be outputted to terminal pins of the organic EL display panel or a current, on which the drive currents are generated, by converting digital display data into analog signal by the D/A converter circuit, comprises a first transistor provided between an input side transistor of the current mirror circuit and the input terminal, a second transistor provided between an output side transistor of the current mirror circuit and an output terminal and a third transistor provided between the output terminal and a power source line, wherein proof voltages of the input side transistor, the output side transistor and the third transistor are lower than proof voltage of the first and second transistors.
US07688288B2 Method for driving plasma display panel
Disclosed is a method for driving a plasma display panel that can prevent flicker and double false contour in a 50 Hz driving. The method includes: providing a plurality of 50 Hz frames which are inputted using subfield weights for constructing a 60 Hz frame; and rearranging the plurality of 50 Hz frames into a plurality of 60 Hz frames.
US07688284B2 Method of driving a plasma display panel
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel, and more particularly, to a method of driving a plasma display panel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of driving a plasma display panel in which one frame comprises a plurality of sub-fields and which represent a gray level by making the sub-fields emitting light according to brightness weights allocated to the sub-fields, includes a step of implementing a specific gray level using a previous or next luminous pattern of the specific gray level in representing the specific gray level where none of the sub-fields of a one-step lower gray level are luminous. The method of driving a plasma display panel according to the present invention enables to prevent electric discharge failure and to stably display images on the PDP of high-density Xe.
US07688263B1 Volumetric direction-finding system using a Luneberg Lens
Disclosed is an Radio Frequency (RF) receiving system methodology, utilizing an Luneberg Lens having a spherically shaped outer surface and a semi-spherical shaped focal surface composed of near-equally spaced frequency-independent antenna elements disposed uniformly to cover the semi-spherical focal surface of the Luneberg Lens; and radio frequency (RF) power splitters and combiners for combining the RF energy received by the antenna elements; forming rows and columns; thereby reducing the number of required RF receiver channels for subsequent processing, where the maximum row/column and differential amplitude comparison is used for deriving volumetric direction finding (DF) of intercepted signals; as part of a robust signal detection and direction-finding (DF) system; for detecting and processing a plurality of signals emanating from surface and airborne platforms within the hemisphere, where each surface and airborne platform include transmitters for transmitting navigation, communication and radar signals.
US07688255B2 Electronic scanning radar apparatus
An electronic scanning radar apparatus has a cutting portion for cutting receiving data which is comprised of N numbers of data for each channel into two more short time data having M (
US07688253B2 Method and processor for reduced ambiguity resolution matrix for interferometric angle determination
A method and processor for resolving a processing radar return data to determine a mechanical angle to a target relative to a radar array having a right antenna, an ambiguous antenna, and a left antenna. An LA linear relationship determining, based upon a characteristic number of LA wraps relative to the mechanical angle. Likewise, determining a RA linear relationship determines a characteristic number of RA wraps and a RL linear relationship determines a characteristic number of RL wraps relative to the mechanical angle. All permutations of LA wraps, RA wraps, and RL wraps are listed, and for each permutation, a truth relationship is determined. A look up table is populated with permutations where the truth relationship is true.
US07688252B2 Radar system, in particular for measuring distance and/or speed
In a radar system, harmonic excitation of an antenna is carried out in different frequency ranges. The antenna characteristic which varies as a function thereof is used to analyze different solid angle ranges around an object.
US07688251B2 Systems and methods for monitoring river flow parameters using a VHF/UHF radar station
Systems and methods are described for monitoring the surface flow velocity and volume discharge of rivers and channels using a VHF/UHF radar located in operative relationship with a riverbank. This frequency region allows precise estimation and removal of the Bragg wave velocity; it also is matched to the short wind-wave roughness periods existing on river surfaces so that operation is possible nearly all the time. Methods of bearing determination are also disclosed. Up/downriver surface velocity profiles vs. distance across the river may be constructed from maps of the radial velocity component from a single radar at thousands of points within the radar's coverage. Methods to compensate for Doppler aliasing under high flow conditions are also shown.
US07688248B2 System and method for 3D radar image rendering
A 3D rendered image of a radar-scanned terrain surface is provided from a radar return signal from the surface, wherein the return signal includes data indicative of azimuth, elevation, and range of a radar-illuminated area of the surface. The data are processed for transformation into X, Y, and Z coordinates. The X and Y coordinates corresponding to each illuminated area are triangulated so as to create a mesh of triangles representing the terrain surface, each of the triangles in the mesh being defined by a vertex triplet. 3D imaging information (grey scale shading and/or coloring information) is added to each triangle in the mesh, based on the amplitude of the radar return signal from the coordinates represented by each vertex in the triplet and the value of the Z coordinate at each vertex, so as to form the 3D rendered image.
US07688244B2 Remote controller code format(s), transmitting/receiving apparatus thereof, and transmitting/receiving method(s) thereof
Remote controller code format(s), transmitting/receiving apparatus thereof, and transmitting/receiving method(s) thereof are provided by which data can be transmitted/received using an intrinsic remote controller code format to prevent reciprocal compatibility with another remote controller of a different manufacturer. The remote controller code format(s) may include a header code, a custom code, a data code, an inverse data code, and an inverse custom code. One frame of the remote controller code format may be arranged in a sequence of the header code, the custom code, the data code, the inverse data code, the inverse custom code, and an end code. One frame of the remote controller code format may be arranged in a sequence of the header code, the custom code, the inverse custom code, the data code, the inverse data code, a check sum code, and an end code. Also, one frame of the remote controller code format may be arranged in a sequence of the header code, the custom code, the inverse custom code, the data code, the inverse data code, and an end code. A high pulse may have the same length as a low pulse in the header code.
US07688232B2 Optimal selection of compression entries for compressing program instructions
A method of compressing instructions in a program may include extracting unique bit patterns from the instructions in the program and constructing a linear programming formulation or an integer programming formulation from the unique bit patterns, the instructions, and/or the size of a memory storage. The linear programming formulation or the integer programming formulation may be solved to produce a solution. The method may include compressing at least some of the instructions based on the solution by storing at least some of the unique bit patterns in a memory and placing corresponding indices to the memory in new compressed instructions.
US07688231B2 Transmission of pathological data patterns
A method and apparatus is presented for reducing or eliminating pathological data patterns from signals for transmission over optical communications systems. One embodiment includes a decoder/deserializer configured to receive an encoded serial digital signal, a ditherer configured to dither a least significant bit of each digital data word, and a reserializer/encoder configured to serialize digital data and encode it, for example according to an applicable communication standard such as SMPTE 259M. The improvements may be provided in a single removable unit, such as a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module compatible with existing optical communications equipment.
US07688226B2 Vehicle location device and method
An electronic device configured to be carried on a user's person is provided for directing the user to a parked vehicle. The electronic device utilizes node location data provided by at least one local wireless node and vehicle location information provided by the vehicle. The electronic device includes a network receiver and a controller coupled thereto. The network receiver is configured to receive the node location data from the at least one local wireless node. The controller is configured to store the vehicle location information, to estimate the location of the electronic device from the received node location data, and to determine the position of the vehicle relative to the electronic device.
US07688221B2 Driving support apparatus
A driving support apparatus includes: an image sensing device that photographs side region of a vehicle and rearward region of a vehicle while altering an angle of view; a display unit that displays video images photographed by the image sensing device so as to be visible to a driver of the vehicle; a display determination device that determines a running state of the vehicle, and determines whether or not an alteration of the display angle of view is required; and an angle of view adjustment device that switches the angle of view of the image sensing device, in accordance with a display method decided by the display determination device, between either one of a wide angle that enables the side region and the rearward region to be photographed, and a narrow angle that only allows the rearward region to be photographed.
US07688220B2 Device and method for processing meter data from multiple meters
A satellite communications device for processing meter data includes an interface adapted to receive data from a plurality of remotely located utility meters of a selected meter type. The interface is configurable to receive data from at least a first meter type and a second meter type. A satellite modem is coupled to the interface and is operable to send the data received from the utility meters using a satellite link. The device includes a plurality of software modules for execution in the satellite modem. A first software module is adapted to process data from utility meters of the first meter type and a second software module is adapted to process data from utility meters of the second meter type.
US07688215B2 Moisture detection sensor tape and probes to determine surface moisture and material moisture levels
A moisture detection sensor is used in a building structure to detect moisture penetration. The sensor is a flat adhesive tape of a substrate of dielectric, hydrophobic material. Three or four elongate, parallel, conductors are secured to the top surface and a protective layer of non-hygroscopic, water pervious material is secured over two of the conductors so that they are exposed to surface moisture. One or two of the conductors are covered by an insulating layer to prevent moisture access. Pairs of moisture probes along the length of the tape penetrate the insulating layer, the respective conductors and the substrate and to extend into a building component to which the substrate has been adhered. A diode guide arrangement allows a monitoring unit to monitor the exposed conductors for surface moisture and the penetrated conductors for moisture in the component by reversing polarity of the voltage across the conductors.
US07688211B2 Apparatus and method for enhancing face-to-face communication
A wearable electronic tag for displaying graphics and text images and for communicating with other similar tags. Each tag includes a visible, graphical display adapted to be worn by a user. The tag also includes a short range, substantially unidirectional electronic communication channel, such as an infrared transmitter-receiver, located on the display unit so that, when the display unit is worn, the interface faces in a direction of the desired communication with another person who also is wearing a similar tag. This arrangement makes possible automatic data exchange and comparison of the interchanged data and display of the results of the comparison on the tags worn by the two wearers. The tags also have a longer range wireless communication system to receive and transmit data.
US07688206B2 Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for an item having a conductive layer included or attached
An RFID device. The device comprises a conductive layer formed on a first substrate. An opening line (or two or more opening lines) is formed in the conductive layer to make the conductive layer a part of an antenna structure. An integrated circuit chip is placed over at least a portion the opening line and coupled to the conductive layer. The integrated circuit chip is electrically connected to the conductive layer.
US07688205B2 Methods and devices for securing a product against theft
The invention relates to methods and devices for securing a product against theft. The security device comprises a connection mode (110) and an on position mode (100). A receiver (6) of the security device is activated when in the on position (100) and the security device switches from the on position (100) to the connection mode (110) when the receiver (6) is impinged upon by a transmitter (5). The receiver (6) is deactivated in the connection mode (110). The energy consumption of the security device is reduced by deactivating (111) the receiver (6). The security device can be prevented from being unintentionally impinged upon by selection signals from the transmitter because of said deactivation (111).
US07688204B2 Double-electrode capacitive sensor, passenger detector, and passenger protection system
A double-electrode capacitive sensor for detecting a detection object includes: an electrode assembly having first and second electrodes and an insulation substrate; and a detection circuit. The first and second electrodes are disposed on first and second surfaces of the substrate, respectively. The detection circuit applies an alternating voltage between a ground and the first electrode, and detects an electric potential of the second electrode, or controls the electric potential of the second electrode to follow the alternating voltage. The detection circuit detects a capacitance change between the first electrode and the ground when the detection object approaches the first electrode for determining whether the detection object approaches the first electrode. A periphery of the second electrode is substantially opposite to a periphery of the first electrode.
US07688200B2 Container with functions of level, crud and temperature detections
A container with functions of level, crud and temperature detections, comprises: a hollow casing having a receiving space at an upper side thereof; the casing being formed with a hollow space; a vent hole being formed at a bottom side of the casing for communicating the hollow space and exterior of the casing, an electric heating source installed in the hollow space of the casing and being tightly adhered to a wall of the hollow space below the receiving space; and a sensing and control circuit installed at a lower outer side of the casing; the sensing and control circuit including a microcontroller, an analog/digital converter, a gain amplifier, and a trigger circuit; and the wall of the casing being installed with at least one over level detection point, at least one level alarm detection point, at least one safety level detection point, at least one liquid temperature detection point, and at least one crud detection point.
US07688197B2 System for identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device
The invention relates to a system of identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device or a vehicle equipped with a telematic device. The telematic device includes an identification code, which is transmitted to a service provider. The identification codes of those telematic devices, which have been reported as being used in unauthorized, are stored at the service provider. The identification codes received at the service provider is compared for a match with the stored identification codes.
US07688178B2 Remote start controller
A remote start controller is mounted on a vehicle, which includes a keyless entry device for controlling a locking action of doors of the vehicle in response to a user's operation with respect to a lock button of a transmitter. The remote start controller includes a CPU. Upon detecting that the lock button of the transmitter is operated in a first predetermined way, the CPU causes an engine of the vehicle to start.
US07688173B2 Common mode choke coil
A common mode choke coil includes a core, external electrodes, a pair of windings, and a top plate. The core includes a winding core portion and a pair of flanges disposed at respective ends thereof. The external electrodes are provided at lower portions of the flanges. The pair of the windings is wound around the winding core portion of the core, and ends thereof are connected to the external electrodes, respectively. A lower surface and a side surface of the top plate are covered with a metal film and are adhered to upper surfaces of the flanges with an adhesive. Preferably, magnetic powder is mixed in the adhesive.
US07688171B2 Transformer and rectifier circuit using such transformer
A transformer includes a primary winding coil, a winding frame member, multiple first three-dimensional conductive pieces, a second three-dimensional conductive piece, a magnetic core assembly and a fixing plate. The winding frame member includes a first winding frame and a second winding frame for winding the primary winding coil thereon. The first three-dimensional conductive pieces are respectively sheathed around the first winding frame and the second winding frame of the winding frame member. The second three-dimensional conductive piece is arranged between the first three-dimensional conductive pieces. The magnetic core assembly is partially embedded into the first three-dimensional conductive pieces, the first winding frame, the second winding frame and the second three-dimensional conductive piece. The fixing plate is connected with the first three-dimensional conductive pieces and the second three-dimensional conductive piece so as to fix the first three-dimensional conductive pieces and the second three-dimensional conductive piece.
US07688170B2 Transformer coil assembly
A transformer coil assembly includes a first layer having a plurality of fibers interconnected to form a fabric and a plurality of spacers. Each spacer is affixed on a first side of the spacer to the fabric and protruding from a first surface of the fabric. A second layer has a conductor in contact with at least one of the plurality of spacers on a second side of each spacer that opposes the first side. The first and second layers are covered by resin.
US07688163B2 Pillbox vacuum window
A pillbox vacuum window of the present invention has a first metal part and a second metal part. The first metal part includes a ceramic disk formed with a metallization layer in a peripheral area thereof, a larger diameter cylindrical portion, and a smaller diameter cylindrical portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the larger diameter cylindrical portion, and coupled to the larger diameter cylindrical portion to form a step section at a joint, where the ceramic disk is fitted into the step section. The second metal part includes a cylindrical portion, where the cylindrical portion is inserted into the step section of the first metal part while the ceramic disk is placed in the step section of the first metal part.
US07688155B2 Variable capacitor circuit having linear capacitance variation and voltage controlled oscillator using the same
Provided is an apparatus having a variable capacitor circuit which is capable of obtaining a constant gain with respect to a whole control voltage by using a linear variable frequency characteristic for a variation of the control voltages, to thereby attain a wide variable frequency range. For this, a variable capacitor circuit includes a plurality of variable capacitors being connected in parallel with each other and having different capacitances with respect to an input control voltage, wherein the sum of the variable capacitances of the plurality of variable capacitors at a same voltage level of the control voltage varied within the whole control voltage range has linearity.
US07688154B1 Amplitude regulated crystal oscillator
To maintain the amplitude of an oscillating signal within a defined range, the detected peak level of the oscillating signal is compared to a reference voltage. If the detected peak level is determined as being greater than the reference voltage, the common source/drain voltage of a differential amplifier driving the crystal oscillator across its input terminals is reduced so as to lower the amplitude of the oscillation signal. If the detected peak level is determined as being smaller than the reference voltage, the common source/drain voltage of the differential amplifier driving the crystal oscillator is increase so as to raise the amplitude of the oscillation signal.
US07688153B2 Automatically tuned tail filter
The present invention relates to an oscillating circuit arrangement having a resonating arrangement with a first resonance frequency (coo) comprising a voltage controlled oscillator arrangement. It further comprises a tunable filter arrangement connected to the source node of said voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) arrangement. Said filter arrangement particularly comprises an equivalent current source resonating at a second resonance frequency cθf, the second resonance frequency being a multiple n, n=1 or 2 of said first resonance frequency (α>o), n being equal to the minimum number of switch transistors required for oscillation of said VCO arrangement. The filter arrangement particularly comprises an inductor connected in parallel with a capacitor, said capacitor being adapted to be tunable such that the phase noise of the resonating arrangement can be minimized through tuning of the filter arrangement.
US07688149B2 Phase locked loop, phase detecting method for the phase locked loop, and receiver using the same
A Phase Locked Loop (PLL) is provided for improving acquisition performance in an acquisition state, while preventing performance degradation in a steady state under a low SNR environment, during phase detection, a phase detecting method for the PLL, and a receiver using the same. The PLL determines a period to which an input signal belongs according to the input signal and a feedback signal, outputs an error signal corresponding to the input signal by using a formula (or algorithm) set for the determined period, oscillates a predetermined frequency signal according to the error signal, and feeds back the oscillated signal.
US07688146B2 Single-ended input to differential-ended output low noise amplifier
A single-ended input to differential-ended output amplifier circuit comprises an amplifier for amplifying an input signal into an amplified signal comprises an input for receiving the input signal; and a first input and a single-ended input to differential-ended output conversion circuit to convert the amplified signal to a differential signal pair, comprising a first transistor for receiving the amplified signal having a first gate coupled to the first output, a first first terminal coupled to a second output, and a first second terminal coupled to a first node; a second transistor having a second gate, a second first terminal coupled to a third input, and a second second terminal coupled to the first node; a second capacitor coupled between the second output and the second gate; a first and a second resistors and the voltage source; and a current source coupled between the first node and a ground.
US07688137B2 Low power consuming mixed mode power amplifier
A low power consuming mixed mode power amplifier which includes: a low output amplifier circuit generating a power amplified result having high efficiency in a low output mode that is most frequently used; a high output amplifier circuit generating an amplified result having high linearity in a high output mode of a region consuming the most power; and an amplifier controller selectively activating the low and high output amplifier circuits according to a power level of an input signal. The high and low output amplifier circuits have a predetermined gain difference.
US07688133B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier includes: an amplifying transistor; a bias circuit; a first diode; a second diode; a matching attenuating circuit; a first current mirror circuit; a serial resonant circuit, and a switch. In an amplification mode, the bias circuit supplies a bias current to the amplifying transistor, and the first current mirror circuit turns off the first and second diodes, and the switch. In an attenuation mode, the bias circuit supplies no bias current to the amplifying transistor, and the first current mirror circuit turns on the first and second diodes and the switch.
US07688124B2 Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device has a DLL circuit capable of suppressing EMI without distorting a DLL clock required in high-speed operation. The semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit configured to be responsive to a system clock to output a DLL clock having a phase that is changed when electromagnetic interference (EMI) is detected, for the DLL clock to have frequencies within a delay locking range, and a data output circuit configured to output data in synchronization with the DLL clock.
US07688119B2 Power supply with digital control loop
One embodiment of an apparatus for switching a transistor includes a first current mirror providing iB=K1i1, as a transistor base current, wherein the first current mirror is selectively driven by a current source i B ⁢ ⁢ MAX K 1 . A second current mirror providing a feedback signal i2=K2iD to the first current mirror such that i 1 + i 2 = i B ⁢ ⁢ MAX K 1 , wherein iD contributes to the transistor collector current, wherein iB=iBMAX−K1K2iD.
US07688117B1 N channel JFET based digital logic gate structure
A circuit topography is presented which is used to create usable digital logic gates using N (negatively doped) channel Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFETs) and load resistors, level shifting resistors, and supply rails whose values are based on the direct current (DC) parametric distributions of those JFETs. This method has direct application to the current state of the art in high temperature, for example 300° C. to 500° C. and higher, silicon carbide (SiC) device production. The ability to produce inverting and combinatorial logic enables the production of pulse and edge triggered latches. This scale of logic synthesis would bring digital logic and state machine capabilities to devices operating in extremely hot environments, such as the surface of Venus, near hydrothermal vents, within nuclear reactors (SiC is inherently radiation hardened), and within internal combustion engines. The basic logic gate can be configured as a driver for oscillator circuits allowing for time bases and simple digitizers for resistive or reactive sensors. The basic structure of this innovation, the inverter, can be reconfigured into various analog circuit topographies through the use of feedback structures.
US07688116B1 Read data path
Circuitry and methods are disclosed for capturing data from a double-data rate signal received from a source circuit, converting the double-data rate signal to single and/or half rate data signals, and re-synchronizing the data to the destination circuit's clock signal. In one embodiment, a first set of registers converts a double-data rate signal synchronized to a full-rate clock signal to two single-data rate signals. A second set of registers converts the single-data rate signals to four half-data rate signals. A third set of registers synchronizes the half-rate data signals to a half-rate clock signal. In another embodiment, methods and circuitry are provided for determining the position of a data valid window of the half-data rate intermediate signals relative to the rising and falling edges of the half-rate clock signal and using that determination to select half-data rate intermediate signals captured on either a rising or falling edge of the half-rate clock signal, depending on which will provide greater accuracy.
US07688105B2 Impedance matching logic
An impedance matching logic generates code values that define pull-up and pull-down transistors to be enabled with output buffers. The output buffers store the code values using a two-stage latch configuration, such that updated code values are always stored within the output buffer, even if the output buffer is driving an output signal when the updated code values are received. The impedance matching logic uses previously determined code values to shorten the time required to calculate updated code values. The impedance matching logic may be operated in response to a clock signal having a frequency lower than the frequency of the output clock signal used to control the output buffers. The impedance matching logic may adjust the code values by certain percentages using a multiplication function, thereby allowing for design fine tuning (e.g., due to layout mismatch).
US07688102B2 Majority voter circuits and semiconductor devices including the same
A majority voter circuit is configured to generate a selecting signal based on first input data and inverted first input data. The first input data and the inverted first input data each include an odd-number of bits, and the odd-number of bits include bits of a first type and bits of a second type. The generated selecting signal is indicative of which of the first type and the second type of bits in the first input data are in the majority.
US07688092B2 Measuring board for electronic device test apparatus
A performance board able to secure low loss, low reflection, stable transmission characteristics even when using a high frequency signal to test an electronic device and able to suppress signal leakage to the outside and entry of noise, provided with a base board having a signal pattern electrically connected with a socket formed on its front surface, a coaxial connector to which a coaxial cable electrically connecting the performance board and test apparatus is connected, passing through the base board from the back surface toward the front surface, and having a front exposed part of the center contact bent and electrically connected to the signal pattern, and a cover member covering the front exposed part of the center contact and correcting the impedance of the front exposed part.
US07688086B2 Fabrication method of semiconductor integrated circuit device and probe card
To provide a technique of firmly bringing a stylus and a test pad into contact with each other in carrying out a probe testing summarizingly for plural chips by using a prober having the stylus formed by a technique of manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device, plane patterns of respective wirings are formed such that a wiring and a wiring electrically connected to the wiring or a wiring which is not electrically connected to the wiring overlap each other, and a plane pattern arranged with both of the wiring and the wiring is constituted at upper portions of probes. Further, patterns of the wirings are formed such that an interval of arranging the wirings and a density of arranging the wirings become uniform at respective wiring layers in a thin film sheet.
US07688081B2 Apparatus to measure the clearance between a first component and a second component
An apparatus for determining a clearance between rotor blade tips of rotor blades mounted on a rotor and a stator lining mounted on a stator casing. The stator lining is movable radially relative to the stator casing. The stator lining comprises an abradable material. At least one probe is arranged to measure the clearance between blade tips and stator lining. A first portion of the at least one probe is arranged within the stator lining and a tip of the first portion of the at least one probe is arranged flush with the surface of the abradable material. The tip of the first portion of the at least one probe comprises an abradable material. A second portion of the at least one probe is secured to the stator casing. A wire-less and connector-less coupling transmits a measurement signal from the first portion to the second portion of the at least one probe to allow radial movement of the stator lining relative to the stator casing.
US07688079B2 Detecting apparatus for detecting moisture content of media stack
A detecting apparatus for detecting information of at least a portion of a stack of sheet media includes an illuminating unit and a detecting unit. The illuminating unit illuminates a side of the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof with electromagnetic waves. The detecting unit detects electromagnetic waves transmitted through or reflected by the stack of sheet media, or a portion thereof. The detecting apparatus is adapted to compare information of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit with information about attenuation of electromagnetic waves due to moisture contained in the sheet medium, and detect information of the moisture content of at least a portion of the stack of sheet media.
US07688072B1 Portable magnetic sensing system for real-time, point-by-point detection, localization and classification of magnetic objects
A portable magnetic anomaly sensing system includes a non-magnetic support structure defined by a rigid beam and a rigid frame coupled thereto. Triaxial magnetometer (TM) sensors are rigidly coupled to the frame with one TM sensor being positioned at each vertex of a cubic space. Each TM sensor is positioned such that all respective X,Y,Z magnetic sensing axes are mutually parallel to one another. A data acquisition system is mechanically coupled to the beam such that any magnetic elements of the data acquisition system do not adversely affect accuracy of the TM sensors. The data acquisition system samples the sensed magnetic field data from all TM sensors synchronously with a timing signal. A processor is mechanically coupled to the beam such that any magnetic elements of the processor do not adversely affect accuracy of the TM sensors. The processor applies a magnetic scalar triangulation and ranging (STAR) processing scheme to the digitized magnetic field data in order to determine a position vector and a magnetic moment vector. One or more output generation devices are used to generate a human-discernable output to the position vector and the magnetic moment vector.
US07688071B2 NMR measurement of wax appearance in fluids
A method for determining a wax appearance temperature of a fluid includes obtaining nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of the fluid at a plurality of temperatures; deriving a NMR parameter from each of the NMR measurements; and determining the wax appearance temperature by analyzing the NMR parameter as a function of temperature. An apparatus for detecting wax appearance in a fluid includes a sample cell for holding a fluid for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements at a plurality of temperatures; a temperature measuring device disposed proximate the sample cell; a magnet for polarizing molecules in the fluid in the sample cell; at least one radiofrequency (RF) coil for generating pulses of magnetic field and for detecting NMR signals; and circuitry for controlling and measuring the temperature of the fluid in the sample cell and for obtaining NMR measurements.
US07688067B2 Probe for electrical measurement methods and use of a flexible probe for production of a rigid probe
The invention relates to a probe for electrical measurements and use of a flexible probe to produce an inflexible probe. Conventional probes comprise a substrate which is mechanically rigid. As a result only planar surfaces may be examined with the probe. According to the invention, a probe is flexibly embodied by means of a flexible substrate such that the probe may be adjusted to match various curvature radii of test bodies.
US07688064B2 Probe for assessment of metal distortion
Apparatus for assessing field distortion includes a probe and a processor. The probe includes a mechanical fixture for placement at a location to be tested, and one or more field generators, which are attached to the mechanical fixture and are arranged to generate respective magnetic fields. The probe further includes one or more field sensors, which are attached to the mechanical fixture at known positions with respect to the one or more field sensors and are arranged to sense the magnetic fields generated by the one or more field generators and to output signals responsively to the sensed magnetic fields. The processor is arranged to process the signals so as to assess a distortion of the magnetic fields sensed by the field sensors at the tested location.
US07688062B2 Probe station
A probe station for testing a wafer.
US07688055B2 Reference voltage generator with less dependence on temperature
A reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage that is less dependent on temperature and can adjust the dependence of the reference voltage on temperature and the reference voltage at the same time independently of each other. The reference voltage generator including a preliminary reference voltage generation unit which generates a preliminary reference voltage which is inversely proportional to temperature and a reference voltage generation unit which generates a reference voltage by dividing the preliminary reference voltage. The reference voltage generation unit includes: at least one resistor which is connected between the preliminary reference voltage and the reference voltage; at least one transistor which is connected between the reference voltage and an internal node; and at least one second resistor which is connected between the internal node and a ground. The preliminary reference voltage or a power supply voltage is applied to at least one gate of the transistor. At least one transistor is an NMOS transistor.
US07688041B2 Method and apparatus for active power factor correction
A power factor correction method and apparatus which use Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) to control an AC/DC converter is disclosed. The average current drawn by the AC/DC converter is compared with a reference sinusoidal signal and the error is used to determine the switching frequency. The switching frequency varies with the sinusoidal reference signal such that the converter emulates a resistive load. By using PFM control, EMI is spread over a range rather than concentrated at a few frequencies. Since the switching frequency decreases with the loading of the converter, the switching loss decreases with the loading as well. Thus, the need of meeting efficiency standards, e.g. the 80 PLUS and Energy Star, can be fulfill without extra circuitry.
US07688039B2 System and method for electric current and power monitoring and control of a generator
A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape.
US07688031B2 Power supply interrupting apparatus using a contact unit to switch between an interrupted and non-interrupted state
Provided is a power supply interrupting apparatus. The apparatus includes a switch, for switching between a first connection connecting a primary terminal and an output terminal and a second connection connecting a secondary terminal and the output terminal; a motor, which is driven by a current outputted from the output terminal; an interlock switch, which is driven to rotate by the motor so as to choose to feed or not to feed to the secondary terminal in accordance with a resultant rotational angle; and a contact unit, which is driven to rotate by the motor so as to switch the state of a current supplied from the battery to an interrupted or non-interrupted state.
US07688030B2 Charger unit for an electronic device including a system for protective storage of an adapter plug
A charger unit for an electronic device that includes a housing, a plurality of charging contacts provided on the housing, and a recess provided in the housing, preferably on a rear face thereof. A plug having a plurality of prongs may be selectively attached to and detached from the housing for electrically connecting the charger unit to a source of charging current. When attached to the housing, one or more of the prongs of the plug are electrically connected to a respective one of the charging contacts. In addition, a plurality of storage sockets are provided in the housing within the recess. Each of the storage sockets are adapted to receive and hold therein a respective one of the prongs of the plug to enable the plug to be safely and securely stored when not in use.
US07688026B2 Energy storage mobile charging adapter and energy storing method for the same
An energy storage mobile charging adapter is disclosed, in which the output terminal of an AC/DC isolated converter circuit board are connected with input terminals of a charging adapter circuit board, a commercial power plug is connected with the input terminals of the AC/DC isolated converter circuit board, characterized in that, a lithium chargeable battery is electrically connected with the output terminal of the AC/DC isolated converter circuit board and the input terminals of a charging adapter circuit board through a lithium battery protection circuit board, the charging adapter plug is electrically connected to the output terminals of the charging adapter circuit board, and all of the above components are sealed in a plastic housing.
US07688024B2 Charge control device for vehicle
A resistor is connected to first and second terminals included in a vehicle inlet. To the first terminal, a control pilot line used for transmitting a pilot signal is connected. In the case where the vehicle inlet is not connected to a connector, a switch is turned off. A voltage generation circuit sets the potential of the second terminal to a potential higher than a vehicle earth potential. In the case where the vehicle inlet is not connected to the connector and the control pilot line is broken, the potential generated on the control pilot line is substantially equal to the earth potential level. Based on the potential of the control pilot line, a control unit detects a break.
US07688021B2 Fuel cell and battery systems
In at least some embodiments, a system comprises a load and a fuel cell coupled to said load, the fuel cell being configured to provide a constant power level to said load. The system further comprises a battery coupled to said load and configured to provide power in excess of said constant power level to said load, if needed by said load.
US07688007B2 Retro-fit method for improving longevity of arc lamps
An apparatus, system, and method for increasing life of a high intensity lighting fixture light source. In one aspect, the method involves installing a new HID lamp in the fixture in combination with retrofitting a circuit that operates the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time to save energy. In another aspect, the circuit comprises switchable capacitants adopted to operate the lamp at a reduced wattage over a substantial period of operation time. In another aspect of the invention, instead of retrofitting, the entire lighting fixture could be replaced at the end of a predetermined operating period and replaced with a balasting system that includes switchable levels of capacitants to reduce operating wattage to the lamp for at least the first substantial operating period.
US07688006B2 Stepless dimming fluorescent lamp and ballast thereof
A fluorescent lamp adapted for effecting stepless dimming with a regular SCR dimmer, comprising a filter and rectifier circuit (1), a DC high voltage stabilizing circuit (2), a voltage signal detection and frequency control circuit (6), a lamp load (4), a lamp current feedback circuit (5) and a voltage signal sampling circuit (3) thereby changing the power factor and luminous intensity of the lamp in accordance with the variation of the conduction phase angle of the silicon controlled rectifier dimmer. The present invention solves the discontinuity and instability issues in course of dimming operation and is particularly adapted for use in an integrated compact fluorescent lamp.
US07688003B2 Method of lighting high pressure mercury lamp, lighting device for the same, lamp system and projection display unit
An object of the present invention is to provide a lighting method and the like that can prevent a lamp temperature of each individual high-pressure mercury lamp from being beyond a proper temperature range of a halogen cycle. The lighting method maintains a discharge of the high-pressure mercury lamp that has a function of the halogen cycle. The control is performed as follows. From when the high-pressure mercury lamp is lighted up to when a lamp voltage Vla reaches a first voltage value V1, a constant current control is performed. When the lamp voltage Vla reaches the first voltage value V1, the constant current control is switched to a constant power control which is performed at a first power value W1. While the discharge of the lamp is maintained, when the lamp voltage Vla reaches a voltage value (second voltage value V2) at which a state of the halogen cycle deviates from a proper state, the constant power control is performed by reducing the first power value W1 to a second power value W2.
US07688002B2 Light emitting element control system and lighting system comprising same
A light-emitting element control system is described comprising a series connection of one or more LEE units, each comprising one or more LEEs and a unit activation module. The unit activation module associated with a LEE unit is configured to controllably activate, in response to a unit activation control signal, the one or more LEEs in that unit. A control module is operatively coupled to each of the unit activation modules and configured to provide the unit activation control signals thereto. A converting module is operatively coupled to the series connection of LEE units, adapted for connection to a source of power and configured to provide a drive current to the LEE units.
US07688000B2 Method and device for driving a metal halide lamp
A gas discharge lamp (2) is operated with an alternating current. A positive lamp current (Ip) is generated with a positive current intensity (Ip) for a positive duration (τp). A negative lamp current (IN) is generated with a negative current intensity (IN) for a negative duration (τN). A duty cycle (D=τp/(τp+τN)) differs from 50%. A current ratio (R=Ip/IN) differs from 1.
US07687999B2 Emergency indicator light for vehicle pennant
A safety light for vehicles, particularly small recreational vehicles such as all terrain vehicles, which is one or more light strips entwining the whip which supports the vehicle's pennant or flag. This invention can normally show light in a color which matches the color of the recreational vehicle. When the vehicle operator applies the brakes, the light entwining the whip changes to red to warn that the vehicle is braking. When the vehicle is overturned, or at the operator's command in the event of another emergency, the lights entwining the whip can be made to oscillate rapidly back and forth between the red and the other color that is normally shown. In this way the vehicle displays a clear emergency signal.
US07687991B2 Organic electroluminescence device
The present invention provides an organic EL device including: a substrate; a stacked structure having at least a first electrode, a light-emitting layer and a second electrode; a sealing member for sealing the substrate and the stacked structure; and a filling layer which enables easy optical adjustment and has optical properties equal to the optical properties of surrounding materials while preventing moisture from entering in the EL device, wherein a layer containing a water-polymerizable monomer is provided between the stacked structure and the sealing member.
US07687986B2 Organic EL device having hole-injection layer doped with metallic oxide
A top-emission-type organic EL device comprising a substrate and at least a light-reflective anode, a hole-injection layer comprising first and second hole-injection layers, a hole-transport layer, a light-emitting layer, an electron-transport layer, and a light-transmitting cathode, which are sequentially laminated on the substrate, wherein the light-reflective anode side of hole-injection layer (the first hole-injection layer) is doped with a metallic oxide.
US07687982B2 Electron emission device, electron emission display device including the electron emission device, and method of driving the electron emission device
An electron emission device that is driven at a low voltage has lower power consumption, and can be mass-produced. An electron emission display device includes the electron emission device, The electron emission device includes: a base substrate; a cathode electrode disposed on the base substrate; an electron emission source disposed on the cathode electrode; a data electrode disposed above the electron emission source; a scan electrode disposed above the data electrode; and insulating layers insulating each electrode from the other electrodes. A method of driving the electron emission device includes maintaining a voltage at the cathode electrode of below 0 V or a ground level, maintaining a positive voltage at the scan electrode, and maintaining a voltage at the data electrode of below 0 V; and intermittently providing a positive voltage at the data electrode for a predetermined period of time such that electrons can travel toward the scan electrode for the predetermined period of time.
US07687979B2 Electric lamp/reflector unit employing a ceramic insert
The invention provides a new PAR 38 lamp/reflector unit comprising a halogen lamp of suitable power, i.e. 100 watts/120 volts, coated with infrared film to reflect infrared energy produced by the halogen lamp back to the filament, making it more efficient; that meets and preferably exceeds the minimum EPACT efficacy standards, that exhibits a median life of at least about 3000 hours, while giving light output greater than 90% from the original value at about 1750 hours. Unit comprises a double-ended electric lamp (10) arranged in a reflector body (1) in a manner that first end portion (21) is at least partly situated in the neck-shaped portion (5), cavity (13) is situated within reflecting portion (2), the electric light source (16) is predominantly situated on the optical axis (4), a ceramic insert (42), beneath mounting ring (40) through which the seal of first end portion (21) is passed, is effective to dissipate heat from first end portion (21) during operation of the lamp.
US07687977B2 Micromachined, piezoelectric vibration-induced energy harvesting device and its fabrication
A micro-sized power source. A piezoelectric power generator, capable of harvesting energy from environmental vibration with lower level frequency, including a dielectric frame loosely containing a piezoelectric panel. The piezoelectric panel includes an electrode and a piezoelectric layer formed over an electrode and dielectric layer and an end mass formed on the piezoelectric layer. The end mass provides weight to cause the piezoelectric panel to move (vibrate) within the frame and causes the generation of electrical power.
US07687975B2 Vibration assisted machining system with stacked actuators
A vibration assisted machining (VAM) system, including: a frame; a vibration element mechanically coupled to the frame; a cutting tool holder connected to the vibration element; and a workpiece holder coupled to the frame. The vibration element includes a first piezoelectric (PZT) actuator and a second PZT actuator, which are adapted to generate a substantially elliptical tool path in a vibration plane of the VAM system. The VAM system also includes a third PZT actuator coupled between the frame and either the vibration element or the workpiece holder. This third PZT actuator is coupled to the frame such that its polarization axis is substantially in the vibration plane and substantially perpendicular to the feed direction of the VAM system.
US07687966B2 Optimized stator mounting method to printed circuit board
A stator assembly detachably mounted with a fan housing. The stator assembly includes a stator including one or more first mounting feet and one or more second mounting feet disposed apart from each other. Additionally, the stator assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having one or more first openings and a fan housing having a base member fixed to a bearing liner. The base member includes one or more second openings disposed about the bearing liner. The stator is coupled to the PCB into a stator-PCB assembly with each of the one or more first mounting feet being locked with one of the one or more first openings. The stator-PCB assembly is center-aligned with respect to the bearing liner and coupled to the fan housing with each of the one or more second mounting feet locked with one of the one or more second openings.
US07687945B2 Method and system for cooling a motor or motor enclosure
A method and system of cooling an enclosure or motor is disclosed. An exemplary permanent magnet electric motor is formed with an external stator and an internal rotor. The motor controller is in thermal proximity to the motor but is thermally isolated from the motor by an air chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more heat sinks are provided to create efficient heat removal paths. In another exemplary embodiment, one of more heat pipes are located in the system.
US07687938B2 Superconducting shielding for use with an integrated circuit for quantum computing
An integrated circuit for quantum computing may include a superconducting shield to limit magnetic field interactions.
US07687933B2 Accessory power distribution module
A power distribution module for conveying power to one or more accessories is disclosed. The power distribution module includes a constant-hot power bus; an ignition-hot power bus; and at least one output terminal for conveying power to said one or more accessories, wherein the at least one output terminal is selectively capable of providing one of ignition-hot power to said one or more accessories from the ignition-hot power bus, and constant-hot power to said one or more accessories from the constant-hot power bus.
US07687927B2 Electrical systems architecture for an aircraft, and related operating methods
An electrical architecture for an aircraft is provided. The electrical architecture is particularly suitable for relatively small, compact, and lightweight aircraft. In one embodiment, the electrical architecture includes an electrical generator component coupled to the aircraft engine, and an air compression system coupled to the electrical generator component. The electrical generator component is configured to receive mechanical power from the engine and to generate a constant frequency AC electrical power from the engine mechanical power, and the air compression system is configured to receive the constant frequency AC power as an input and, in response thereto, produce a pressurized air output having variable characteristics (for example, a variable flow rate or a variable air pressure).
US07687921B2 High density memory device manufacturing using isolated step pads
An electronic device includes multiple IC dies stacked in an offset stacking arrangement on a substrate. Each IC die includes electrically isolated step pads that facilitates transmitting a dedicated signal between a (beginning) substrate bonding pad and a selected (terminal) contact pad of any die by way of short bonding wires that extend up the stack between the electrically isolated step pads. A memory devices includes stacked memory IC die, wherein “shared” signal transmission paths are formed by associated bonding wires that link corresponding contact pads of each memory die, and dedicated select/control signals are transmitted to each memory die by separate transmission paths formed in part by associated electrically isolated step pads. Substrate space overhung by the stack is used for passive components and IC dies. Memory controller die may be mounted on the stack and connected by dedicated transmission paths utilizing the electrically isolated step pads.
US07687920B2 Integrated circuit package-on-package system with central bond wires
An integrated circuit package-on-package system includes: providing a base substrate having a central opening; attaching a bottom die below the base substrate partially covering the central opening, the bottom die connected through the central opening to a top surface of the base substrate; attaching a top die above the base substrate partially covering the central opening; attaching external conductive interconnections to a base bottom surface of the base substrate; and molding an encapsulant leaving the external conductive interconnections partially exposed.
US07687918B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device comprising a metal interconnect having considerably improved electromigration resistance and/or stress migration resistance. The copper interconnect 107 comprises a silicon-lower concentration region 104 and a silicon solid solution layer 106 disposed thereon. The silicon solid solution layer 106 has a structure, in which silicon atoms are introduced within the crystal lattice structure that constitutes the copper interconnect 107 to be disposed within the lattice as inter-lattice point atoms or substituted atoms. The silicon solid solution layer 106 has the structure, in which the crystal lattice structure of copper (face centered cubic lattice; lattice constant is 3.6 angstrom) remains, while silicon atoms are introduced as inter-lattice point atoms or substituted atoms.
US07687914B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same and designing the same
There is provided a technique for improving the flatness at the surface of members embedded in a plurality of recesses without resulting in an increase in the time required for the manufacturing processes. According to this technique, the dummy patterns can be placed up to the area near the boundary BL between the element forming region DA and dummy region FA by placing the first dummy pattern DP1 of relatively wider area and the second dummy pattern DP2 of relatively small area in the dummy region FA. Thereby, the flatness of the surface of the silicon oxide film embedded within the isolation groove can be improved over the entire part of the dummy region FA. Moreover, an increase of the mask data can be controlled when the first dummy patterns DP1 occupy a relatively wide region among the dummy region FA.
US07687912B2 Semiconductor component comprising interconnected cell strips
A semiconductor component comprises a semiconductor body including a front side and a number of cell strips. Each of the cell strips includes a terminal zone of a first type arranged on the front side of the semiconductor body and a terminal zone of a second type arranged on the front side of the semiconductor body. A patterned first metallization layer, a patterned second metallization layer, and a patterned third metallization layer are arranged successively on the front side. A first plurality of conductive lines are formed in the first metallization layer and a second plurality of conductive lines are formed in the second metallization layer. The second plurality of conductive lines cross the first plurality of conductive lines at crossover locations. The second plurality of conductive lines are electrically conductively connected to the first plurality of conductive lines at predetermined crossover locations.
US07687908B2 Thin film electrode for high-quality GaN optical devices
A thin film electrode for ohmic contact of a p-type GaN semiconductor includes first and second electrode layers sequentially stacked on a p-type GaN layer. The first electrode layer may include an Ni-based alloy, a Cu-based alloy, a Co-based alloy, or a solid solution capable of forming a p-type thermo-electronic oxide or may include a Ni-oxide doped with at least one selected from Al, Ga, and In. The second electrode layer may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Pd, Pt, Ru, Re, Sc, Mg, Zn, V, Hf, Ta, Rh, Ir, W, Ti, Ag, Cr, Mo, Nb, Ca, Na, Sb, Li, In, Sn, Al, Ni, Cu, and Co. Furthermore, a method of fabricating the thin film electrode is provided.
US07687902B2 Semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the same
In a non-insulated DC-DC converter having a circuit in which a power MOS•FET high-side switch and a power MOS•FET low-side switch are connected in series, the power MOS•FET low-side switch and a Schottky barrier diode to be connected in parallel with the power MOS•FET low-side switch are formed within one semiconductor chip. The formation region SDR of the Schottky barrier diode is disposed in the center in the shorter direction of the semiconductor chip, and on both sides thereof, the formation regions of the power MOS•FET low-side switch are disposed. From the gate finger in the vicinity of both long sides on the main surface of the semiconductor chip toward the formation region SDR of the Schottky barrier diode, a plurality of gate fingers are disposed so as to interpose the formation region SDR between them.
US07687898B2 Stacked semiconductor package
A stacked semiconductor package, includes a carrier, a first semiconductor device, a second semiconductor device, a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires. The carrier has a plurality of electrically connecting portions. The first semiconductor device has a plurality of first pads. The second semiconductor device has a plurality of second pads. The second semiconductor device is disposed on the first semiconductor device. The first wires electrically connect the first pads of the first semiconductor device and the electrically connecting portions of the carrier, and the second wires electrically connect the second pads of the second semiconductor device and the electrically connecting portions of the carrier. The diameters of the second wires are larger than those of the first wires. Thus, the material of the wires is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
US07687896B2 Semiconductor device having a stacked chip structure
A semiconductor device formed by mutually connecting a first semiconductor chip with second and third semiconductor chips arranged side by side, with the active surface of the first chip faced to those of the second and third chip. Both the second and third semiconductor chips have functional elements on their active surface. The first semiconductor chip has, in its active surface, a wiring for connecting the second semiconductor chip and the third semiconductor chip, and a terminal for external connection on its surface opposite to its active surface.
US07687894B2 IC chip package having automated tolerance compensation
An IC chip package and related method are disclosed. The IC chip package may include a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to a chip module by a land grid array (LGA) connector, a metal stiffener including a fluid-based pressure compensator contacting an underside of the PCB, and at least two couplers for coupling the metal stiffener to the chip module, with the PCB and the LGA connector therebetween. The fluid-based pressure compensator automatically compensates for natural and non-systematic out-of flatness tolerances of the PCB and the chip module, and non-uniform thickness of the PCB while creating a substantially uniform contact force on the LGA.
US07687892B2 Quad flat package
A semiconductor package includes a leadframe having first and second level downset lead extensions, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) attached to the first level downset lead extension, and a flip chip die attached to the second level downset lead extension. Another embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead, a first quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the lead, and a second quad flat nonleaded package invertly connected to a top surface of the first quad flat nonleaded package, wherein the second quad flat nonleaded package is wirebonded to the lead. A third embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead with a first level downset lead extension, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the first level downset lead extension, and a first wirebondable die attached to a top or bottom surface of the quad flat nonleaded package.
US07687886B2 High on-state breakdown heterojunction bipolar transistor
A heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) is provided with an improved on-state breakdown voltage VCE. The improvement of the on-state breakdown voltage for the HBT improves the output power characteristics of the HBT and the ability of the HBT to withstand large impedance mismatch (large VSWR). The improvement in the on-state breakdown voltage is related to the suppression of high electric fields adjacent a junction of a collector layer and a sub-collector layer forming a collector region of the HBT.
US07687883B2 Electronically programmable antifuse and circuits made therewith
An antifuse device (120) that includes a bias element (124) and an programmable antifuse element (128) arranged in series with one another so as to form a voltage divider having an output node (F) located between the bias and antifuse elements. When the antifuse device is in its unprogrammed state, each of the bias element and antifuse element is non-conductive. When the antifuse device is in its programmed state, the bias element remains non-conductive, but the antifuse element is conductive. The difference in the resistance of the antifuse element between its unprogrammed state and programmed state causes the difference in voltages seen at the output node to be on the order of hundreds of mili-volts when a voltage of 1 V is applied across the antifuse device. This voltage difference is so high that it can be readily sensed using a simple sensing circuit (228).
US07687879B2 Intermediate semiconductor device structure
The present invention relates to a method of forming a metal feature on an intermediate structure of a semiconductor device that comprises a first exposed metal structure and a second exposed metal structure. The metal feature is selectively formed on the first exposed metal structure without forming on the second exposed metal structure. By adjusting a concentration of stabilizer in an electroless plating solution, the metal feature is electrolessly plated on the first exposed metal structure without plating metal on the second exposed metal structure.
US07687878B2 MOSFET device having screening layers formed between main gate and passing gate and method for manufacturing the same
A MOSFET device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active region including storage node contact forming areas and a device isolation region and having a device isolation structure which is formed in the device isolation region to delimit the active region; screening layers formed in portions of the device isolation structure on both sides of the storage node contact forming areas of the active region; a gate line including a main gate which is located in the active region and a passing gate which is located on the device isolation structure; and junction areas formed in a surface of the active region on both sides of the main gate.
US07687870B2 Laterally configured electrooptical devices
A laterally configured electrooptical device including: a substrate having a surface; a first semiconductor layer of a first type semiconductor material; a second semiconductor layer formed of a second type semiconductor material different from the first type semiconductor material; a first electrode; and a second electrode. The lower surface of the first semiconductor layer is coupled to a section of the surface of the substrate. The lower surface of the second semiconductor layer is coupled to the upper surface of the first semiconductor layer to form a junction. The first electrode is directly electrically coupled to one side of the first semiconductor layer and the second electrode is directly electrically coupled to an opposite side of the second semiconductor layer. These electrodes are configured such that the lower surface of the first semiconductor layer and/or the upper surface of the second semiconductor layer are substantially unoccluded by them.
US07687865B2 Method and structure to reduce contact resistance on thin silicon-on-insulator device
A method (and system) of reducing contact resistance on a silicon-on-insulator device, including controlling a silicide depth in a source-drain region of the device.
US07687863B2 Selective incorporation of charge for transistor channels
A device and method for selective placement of charge into a gate stack includes forming gate stacks including a gate dielectric adjacent to a transistor channel and a gate conductor and forming doped regions for transistor operation. A layer rich in a passivating element is deposited over the doped regions and the gate stack, and the layer rich the passivating element is removed from selected transistors. The layer rich in the passivating element is than annealed to drive-in the passivating element to increase a concentration of charge at or near transistor channels on transistors where the layer rich in the passivating element is present. The layer rich in the passivating element is removed.
US07687862B2 Semiconductor devices with active regions of different heights
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a first transistor having a first active area, and a second transistor having a second active area. A top surface of the first active area is elevated or recessed with respect to a top surface of the second active area, or a top surface of the first active area is elevated or recessed with respect to a top surface of at least portions of an isolation region proximate the first transistor.
US07687835B2 Liquid crystal display panel
An LCD panel includes a plurality of gate lines and gate electrodes formed on a substrate and a gate insulating film formed on the substrate including the gate lines and the gate electrodes. A semiconductor film is formed in a region on the gate insulating film and an ohmic contact film formed on the semiconductor film. A plurality of data lines cross the gate lines; a source electrode is formed on the ohmic contact film; and a pixel electrode is formed in a pixel region defined by the gate and data lines. A drain electrode is formed on the ohmic contact film, and has an uneven width. Since a portion of drain electrode that overlaps with the gate electrode has a smaller width than a width of other portions of the drain electrode, variation in an area of the drain electrode overlapped with the gate electrode is small, so that variation of the parasitic capacitance can be reduced, thereby improving picture quality.
US07687832B2 Method of fabricating a storage gate pixel design
A method of fabricating a pixel cell having a shutter gate structure. First and second charge barriers are respectively created between a photodiode and a first charge storage region and between the first storage region and a floating diffusion region. A global shutter gate is formed to control the charge barrier and transfer charges from the photodiode to the first charge storage region by effectively lowering the first charge barrier. A transfer transistor acts to transfer charges from the first storage region to the floating diffusion region by reducing the second charge barrier.
US07687820B2 Nitride-based white light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting device includes an n-type cladding layer. a p-type cladding layer. an active layer interposed between the n-type cladding layer and the p-type cladding layer and an ohmic contact layer contacting the p-type cladding layer or the n-type cladding layer. The ohmic contact layer includes a first film that includes a transparent conductive zinc oxide doped with a rare earth metal and including a one-dimensional nano structure. The one-dimensional nano structure is one of a nano-column, a nano rod and a nano wire.
US07687818B2 Semiconductor light emitting device
There is provided a semiconductor light emitting device having excellent light extraction efficiency to efficiently reflect light moving into the device by increasing the total reflectivity of a reflective layer. A semiconductor light emitting device according to an aspect of the invention includes: a substrate, a reflective electrode, a first conductivity semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity type semiconductor layer that are sequentially stacked. Here, the reflective electrode includes; a first reflective layer provided on the substrate and including a conductive reflective material reflecting light generated from the active layer; and a second reflective layer provided on the first reflective layer, including one or more dielectric portions reflecting light generated from the active layer, and one or more contact holes filled with a conductive filler to electrically connect the first conductivity type semiconductor layer and the first reflective layer, and having a greater thickness than a wavelength of the generated light.
US07687816B2 Light emitting diode
A light emitting diode and a method of producing white light from the light emitting diode with an active region producing an emission falling in a primary wavelength range. A first part of the active region covered with a first conversion element for converting the emission falling in the primary wavelength range to an emission falling in a second wavelength range. A remaining second part of the active region covered with a second conversion element for converting the emission falling in the primary wavelength rage to an emission falling in a third wavelength range. The light emitting diode is configured to control the intensity of the emission falling in the primary wavelength range to control the color point of the white light generated by mixing the emissions falling the second wavelength range and the third wavelength range. The LED 100 can be advantageously used to be assembled into a backlight unit for lighting up display devices, such as liquid crystal display device, provides illumination to the display panel where an adjustable color temperature and high contrast can be provided to improve readability and viewing on the display depending on the application in use.
US07687810B2 Robust LED structure for substrate lift-off
An etching step is performed on an LED/substrate wafer to etch through the LED epitaxial layers entirely around each LED on the substrate wafer to form a gap between each LED on the wafer. The substrate is not etched. When the LEDs/substrates are singulated, edges of each substrate extend beyond edges of the LED die. The LEDs are flip-chips and are mounted on a submount with the LED die between the submount and the substrate. An insulating underfill material is injected under the LED die and also covers the sides of the LED die and “enlarged” substrate. The substrate is then removed by laser lift-off. The raised walls of the underfill that were along the edges of the enlarged substrate are laterally spaced from the edges of the LED die so that a phosphor plate can be easily positioned on top to the LED die with a relaxed positioning tolerance.
US07687808B2 Display device
By applying an AC pulse to a gate of a transistor which easily deteriorates, a shift in threshold voltage of the transistor is suppressed. However, in a case where amorphous silicon is used for a semiconductor layer of a transistor, the occurrence of a shift in threshold voltage naturally becomes a problem for a transistor which constitutes a part of circuit that generates an AC pulse. A shift in threshold voltage of a transistor which easily deteriorates and a shift in threshold voltage of a turned-on transistor are suppressed by signal input to a gate electrode of the transistor which easily deteriorates through the turned-on transistor. In other words, a structure for applying an AC pulse to a gate electrode of a transistor which easily deteriorates through a transistor to a gate electrode of which a high potential (VDD) is applied, is included.
US07687804B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor structures and structures thereof
Methods of fabricating a semiconductor structure with a non-epitaxial thin film disposed on a surface of a substrate of the semiconductor structure; and semiconductor structures formed thereof are disclosed. The methods provide selective non-epitaxial growth (SNEG) or deposition of amorphous and/or polycrystalline materials to form a thin film on the surface thereof. The surface may be a non-crystalline dielectric material or a crystalline material. The SNEG on non-crystalline dielectric further provides selective growth of amorphous/polycrystalline materials on nitride over oxide through careful selection of precursors-carrier-etchant ratio. The non-epitaxial thin film forms resultant and/or intermediate semiconductor structures that may be incorporated into any front-end-of-the-line (FEOL) fabrication process. Such resultant/intermediate structures may be used, for example, but are not limited to: source-drain fabrication; hardmask strengthening; spacer widening; high-aspect-ratio (HAR) vias filling; micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) fabrication; FEOL resistor fabrication; lining of shallow trench isolations (STI) and deep trenches; critical dimension (CD) tailoring and claddings.
US07687798B2 Epitaxy with compliant layers of group-V species
The present invention relates a method for epitaxial growth of a second group III-V crystal having a second lattice constant over a first group III-V crystal having a first lattice constant, wherein strain relaxation associated with lattice-mismatched epitaxy is suppressed and thus dislocation defects do not form. In the first step, the surface of the first group III-V crystal (substrate) is cleansed by desorption of surface oxides. In the second step, a layer of condensed group-V species is condensed on the surface of the first group III-V crystal. In the third step, a mono-layer of constituent group-III atoms is deposited over the layer of condensed group-V species in order for the layer of constituent group-III atoms to retain the condensed group-V layer. Subsequently, the mono-layer of group-III atoms is annealed at a higher temperature. In the fourth step, bulk of the second group III-V crystal is grown with the condensed group-V layer accommodating the strain build-up which occurs during the bulk growth.
US07687797B1 Three-terminal non-volatile memory element with hybrid gate dielectric
A MOS transistor is used as a programmable three-terminal non-volatile memory element. The gate dielectric layer of the MOS transistor has a first portion with a relatively higher dielectric breakdown strength than a second portion. The location of the second portion is chosen so as to avoid having the gate dielectric layer break down near the edge of the active area or isolation area during programming. In a particular embodiment, the gate dielectric layer is silicon oxide, and the first portion is thicker than the second portion.
US07687791B2 Ethernet data signal transmission apparatus
Data signal isolation apparatus comprising a first media converter adapted to convert outgoing electrical data signals into outgoing optical data signals, an optical data signal transmission means adapted to transmit said outgoing optical data signals, a second media converter adapted to convert said outgoing optical data signals back into outgoing electrical data signals, and an intrinsically safe power supply, in which the optical data signal transmission means comprises an electrical isolation gap, and in which the second media converter is powered by the intrinsically safe power supply.
US07687788B2 Debris prevention system, radiation system, and lithographic apparatus
A debris prevention system is constructed and arranged to prevent debris that emanates from a radiation source from propagating with radiation from the radiation source into or within a lithographic apparatus. The debris prevention system includes an aperture that defines a maximum emission angle of the radiation coming from the radiation source, and a first debris barrier having a radiation transmittance. The first debris barrier includes a rotatable foil trap. The debris prevention system also includes a second debris barrier that has a radiation transmittance. The first debris barrier is configured to cover a part of the emission angle and the second debris barrier is configured to cover another part of the emission angle.
US07687785B2 Ultraviolet sterilizer with a double-chamber structure
A UV sterilizer with a double-chamber structure comprises an inner tube and an outer tube with different size, the inner tube being partly surrounded by the outer tube thereby forming an inner chamber and an outer chamber, the inner chamber is the space encircled by the inner tube and the outer chamber is the annular space encircled by the overlapped portions of the inner tube and the outer tube; a first end portion of the inner tube is located outside the outer chamber and provided with a first water port, a second end portion of the inner tube is located inside the outer chamber and provided with a second water port communicating with the outer chamber; a first end portion of the outer tube is sealingly connected with the outer wall of the inner tube, while a second end portion of the outer tube is sealed; sleeved UV lamps are arranged in the outer chamber or in both the inner chamber and the outer chamber.
US07687781B2 External light shielding film and optical filter for display apparatus having the same
Disclosed is an external light shielding film. The external light shielding film comprises a transparent substrate; and an external light shielding pattern formed on a surface of the transparent substrate and including a plurality of external light shielding parts. Each of the plurality of external light shielding parts has a polymer resin and at least one color-changeable colorant. The color of the plurality of external light shielding parts may vary according to an external heat source or vary depending on an intensity of an external light source, thereby improving a contrast ratio in a bright room, and a specific color may be visible even when the power of the display apparatus is OFF, thereby achieving an interior decorative effect.
US07687779B2 Electro-medical imaging apparatus having chalcogen-thin film transistor array
Provided is an electro-medical imaging apparatus manufactured using a thin film transistor (TFT) array including chalcogen-based semiconductor elements that can generate and store an electric signal from an X-ray signal so as to be able to replace a traditional film type X-ray reader. The electro-medical imaging apparatus includes: a signal generating unit where electron-hole pairs are formed by absorbing an optical energy irradiated from outside; a power source connected to a surface of the signal generating unit and applies an electric signal so as to separate the electron-hole pairs to be accumulated each in opposite sides of the signal generating unit according to their polarities; a signal storage unit that is in contact with the signal generating unit and receives and stores one of the separated charges; and a signal converter that is in contact with the signal storage unit and applies a control signal to the signal storage unit in order to convert an electric signal, which generated by the charges stored in the signal storage unit, into an image signal. The signal generating unit may use amorphous selenium (a-Se), which is one of chalcogen materials, or CdTe or CdZnTe which is a compound material using chalcogen. Also, the signal storage unit may include a TFT array including Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) or a TFT array including CuInSe2 (CIS).
US07687775B2 Ferroelectric infrared detector and method
An apparatus and method are provided for sensing infrared radiation. The apparatus includes a sensor element that is positioned in a magnetic field during operation to ensure a λ shaped relationship between specific heat and temperature adjacent the Curie temperature of the ferroelectric material comprising the sensor element. The apparatus is operated by inducing a magnetic field on the ferroelectric material to reduce surface charge on the element during its operation.
US07687773B2 Sub-millimeter wave frequency heterodyne detector system
The present invention relates to sub-millimeter wave frequency heterodyne imaging systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sub-millimeter wave frequency heterodyne detector system for imaging the magnitude and phase of transmitted power through or reflected power off of mechanically scanned samples at sub-millimeter wave frequencies.
US07687772B2 Mass spectrometric imaging method under ambient conditions using electrospray-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry
A mass spectrometric imaging method includes the steps of: forcing sequentially generated charge-laden liquid drops to move towards a receiving unit of a mass spectrometer along a traveling path; scanning a sample with a laser beam which has an irradiation energy sufficient to cause analytes contained in the sample to be desorbed to fly along a plurality of flying paths respectively; and positioning the sample relative to the laser beam to render the plurality of flying paths intersecting the traveling path so as to permit a plurality of the analytes respectively along the plurality of flying paths to be occluded in a plurality of the charge-laden liquid drops respectively to thereby form a plurality of corresponding ionized analytes.
US07687771B2 High sensitivity mass spectrometer interface for multiple ion sources
An interface for mass spectrometers. The interface uses non coaxial sampling pathways of the analyte ion beam prior to entering the entrance of a mass spectrometer for decreasing chemical background, and can be done in such a way as to permit multiple sprayers, increasing sample throughput and sensitivity for LC/MS (liquid chromatography/MS). The interface includes an ion source having an exit from which a beam of analyte ions are emitted, a curtain plate and an aperture in the curtain plate member, an orifice plate having an orifice therein. The orifice plate is being spaced from the curtain plate member defining a flow passageway therebetween, and the aperture in the orifice plate is aligned with a sample entrance to a first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer maintained substantially lower than atmospheric pressure. The aperture in the curtain plate member is non coaxially aligned with the orifice in the orifice plate and the interface includes a gas flow mechanism for directing a counter flow gas into the flow passageway.
US07687767B2 Fast scanning stage for a scanning probe microscope
A fast translation stage for a scanning probe microscope is provided. The stage includes at least one axis of translation driven at the natural resonant frequency of the translation stage such that distortion associated with rapid changes in scan direction is avoided. In one embodiment, the stage includes a sample plate or support that is driven, preferably by one or more piezoelectric actuator elements, so that the plate translates along the fast scan frequency at its resonant frequency.
US07687766B2 Out-of-round coder
Device for detection of out-of-round on an angle sensor including a disc supporting angle coding means rigidly attached to a rotating shaft and at least one fixed optical system including a coherent light source emitting a beam interfering with the angle coding means of the support disc in order to code its angular position, means for collimation of the said beam before interference and a photodetector of the modulated beam after interference. In accordance with one possibility, it includes two optical systems arranged 90° from each other.Alternatively, there is only one optical system and the disc includes a circular track radially centered in at least one of its angular positions relative to the incident collimated light beam, and a radially orientated photodetector.
US07687765B2 Encoder including a two dimensional photo-detector having two signal processing sections for pixels in a first and a second direction
The present invention relates to an encoder capable of detecting an absolute value of an angle of rotation or the like of a target to be measured by a simple configuration with high accuracy. In the encoder, a photodetecting region of a photodetecting device and regions to be detected arranged on a scale plate satisfy a relational expression of W/2
US07687761B2 Photoelectric conversion device providing efficient read-out of signal charges
An organic photoelectric conversion device is provided and includes: an organic photoelectric conversion layer that performs photoelectric conversion of incident light and generates a signal charge; a first electrode provided on one side of the organic photoelectric conversion layer and a plurality of second electrodes arranged on the other side of the organic photoelectric conversion layer. A gap between adjacent pair of the second electrodes is 3 μm or below.
US07687750B2 Multi-party missile firing control system
A system under international control is in possession of the firing codes required to launch missiles owned by the parties to the system. Upon a request to the international authority for the release of its firing codes so that it may launch a first strike, the target party is advised of the request and given the opportunity to launch its own missiles first. The system deters first strikes.
US07687741B2 Triggering events in a welder with a real-time clock
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate inducing one or more actions, such as generation of a shift report data related to construction device(s), via detection of specified triggering events. The system comprises a triggering component that determines whether a triggering event has occurred a control component that initiates an action in response to the triggering event. Triggering events can comprise specific times of day as determined by a real-time clock that can be associated with a construction/fabrication device, such as a welder. Additionally, actions responsive to triggering events can be tagged for human approval prior to initiation in order to provide system flexibility.
US07687739B2 Seal structure for a wire-cut electric discharge machine
A seal structure channels drainage of machining fluid from the periphery of an opening for a lower arm of a wire-cut electric discharge machine. The seal structure restricts flowage to the outside of machining fluid through the opening (slot) in a side of a machining tank and has a first seal and a second seal (a seal plate) affixed to the first seal so as to cover the opening. An unevenly shaped part including ridges and grooves extending in the long direction of the first seal is formed on the first seal, and passages are provided that communicate with the groove and the outside to channel the machining fluid drainage path. The first seal may be composed of a plurality of members. A suction device sucks up machining fluid draining from the passages.
US07687723B2 Mounting substrate and microphone mounted thereon
To provide a mounting substrate that requires a reduced amount of solder and reduces a thermal effect of solder on the interior of an electronic component, and a microphone to be mounted on the substrate. A mounting substrate according to the present invention includes: a solder part formed on a part of an electrode formed on the mounting substrate; a resist film formed to prevent the solder of the solder part from flowing out of a predetermined range; and a gas-escape groove that is constituted by the absence of the electrode and the resist film and allows gas produced during soldering to escape.
US07687721B2 Multi-layered electrical flat strip conductor
Motor vehicle battery cable having a power conductor which is in the form of a flat strip conductor and is surrounded by an insulating layer. To reduce the number of cable harnesses in motor vehicles, it is proposed that at least two further conductors be run in the insulating layer.
US07687717B2 Coaxial cable including tubular bimetallic inner layer with bevelled edge joint and associated methods
A coaxial cable may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric material layer therebetween. The inner conductor may include a tubular bimetallic layer having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges at a longitudinal seam. The tubular bimetallic layer may include an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer bonded thereto with the inner metal layer having a lower melting point than the outer layer. At least one of the opposing longitudinal edges of the tubular bimetallic layer may be at least partially bevelled. In addition, the longitudinal seam may include a welded joint between at least portions of the opposing longitudinal edges.
US07687716B2 Adjustable cable support bracket for an electrical component
A cable management system for an electrical component having a connectivity interface configured to connect with cables includes a cable support bracket having a cable support plate configured to support the cables connected to the connectivity interface, and an arm having first and second arm portions. The first arm portion being coupled to the cable support plate and the second arm portion configured to be coupled to the electrical component. The first and second arm portions are selectively positionable with respect to one another such that the position of the cable support plate may be changed with respect to the connectivity interface.
US07687714B2 Shielded and sealed electric harness
A shielded and sealed electric harness having conductors housed in a tubular structure providing protection and shielding, the structure being constituted by a tubular inner textile braid, an intermediate metal tubular braid for electromagnetic shielding, and a corrugated outer sheath having its end adhesively bonded to a heat-shrink endpiece for fastening onto a portion of a connector of a branch joint.
US07687699B2 Drum stick holder
The present invention relates to a holder for drum sticks, drum brushes, mallets and other such percussion implements for playing percussion instruments. The drum stick holder (1), comprising a plurality of substantially parallel tubular sleeves (2), each sleeve being joined to at least one adjacent sleeve and having an entrance (7, 9) with dimensions suitable for receiving just one drum stick, wherein each sleeve (2) is formed from an elastomeric material so that each sleeve may grip a drum stick inserted into the sleeve (2).
US07687690B2 Rice mutant allele
A rice mutant allele designated phd is disclosed. The invention relates to rice seeds containing mutant allele phd, to rice plants containing allele phd and to methods for producing a rice plant containing the mutant allele phd produced by crossing a rice plant containing allele phd with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and hybrid rice plants containing mutant allele phd.
US07687677B1 Process for recovering thermal energy from a reactor effluent stream
A processing scheme and arrangement for enhanced olefin production involves recovering thermal energy from a reactor effluent stream resulting from the dehydrogenation of a dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon. The process involves contacting the reactor effluent stream with a circulating fluid stream in a first contact cooling zone to produce a product stream and to form a heated circulating fluid stream. Thermal energy is recovered from the heated circulating fluid stream via indirect heat exchange with a first process stream in a first heat exchange zone to form a cooled circulating fluid stream. The cooled circulating fluid stream can be subsequently cooled and at least a first portion thereof returned to the first contact cooling zone.
US07687658B2 Process for oseltamivir phosphate
The present invention provides an improved and commercially viable process for the preparation of oseltamivir phosphate. Thus, for example, ethyl (3R,4R,5S)-4-amino-5-azido-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate is acetylated with acetic anhydride in methylene chloride in the presence of triethyl amine in the absence of water to give ethyl (3R,4R,5S)-4-(acetylamino)-5-azido-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate.
US07687647B2 Propylene oxide process
A process for making propylene oxide from propylene is disclosed. The process comprises reacting propylene, oxygen, and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, a solvent, and a buffer to produce a reaction mixture comprising propylene oxide. Separation of light components from the reaction mixture gives a heavy residue comprising the buffer. The buffer is precipitated from the heavy residue by a precipitating agent.
US07687633B2 Filters for electronic display devices
The present invention provides a filter for electronic display devices, comprising a squarylium compound represented by General Formula (I): [wherein X represents a group represented by following Formula (A): (wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 may be the same or different and each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom and the like; and R5 and R6 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group optionally having substituent(s) and the like) and the like; and Y represents a group represented by following Formula (C): (wherein R9 represents a halogen atom, an alkyl group optionally having substituent(s) and the like; and R10 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group optionally having substituent(s) and the like) and the like, and “n” represents an integer of 0 to 5].
US07687623B2 Pyrrolobenzodiazepines and heterocyclic carboxamide derivatives as follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSH-R) antagonists
The invention provides compounds of formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R, R1, R2, R3, and B are as defined in the accompanying specification. Methods of making such compounds are also provided.
US07687619B2 Room temperature stable agarose solutions
Room temperature stable, non-gelling polysaccharide solutions such as agaroses, dextrans and cyclodextrans are made by the present invention. It has been found that by incorporating certain gel-inhibiting additives into an aqueous polysaccharide solution, the gel point is reduced or eliminated and the solution remains liquid at room temperature indefinitely. Additives that have been found to work include salts, such as lithium chloride and zinc chloride and bases, such as sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. Mixtures of said salts and said bases can also be used with the same desired results. The composition of these solutions of the present idea can be further modified to include other additives, such as organic co-solvents or non-solvents, pH modifiers, surfactants or other polymers to customize the properties of the solution to improve the processability for the desired application and to form structures such as films, beads and coated porous substrates.
US07687618B2 Method of manufacturing labelled oligonucleotide conjugates
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of labeled oligonucleotide conjugates comprising the reaction of (a) an oligonucleotide having a labile protecting group bound to a terminal hydroxy group, and (b) a labeling compound, wherein said labile protecting group is partially or completely substituted by said labeling compound in a nucleophilic substitution reaction.
US07687616B1 Small molecules modulating activity of micro RNA oligonucleotides and micro RNA targets and uses thereof
The present invention describes a novel approach whereby small molecules may be used to modulate activity of microRNA and GAM oligonucleotides. This mode of therapy allows inter alia up regulation of a disease-related target gene of novel GAM oligonucleotides of the present invention, by countering the activity of a GAM oligonucleotides which naturally inhibits expression of that target gene. Nucleic acid molecules are provided respectively encoding 122,764 GAM oligonucleotides and their respective precursors, and 18602 GR polynucleotides, as are vectors and probes both comprising the nucleic acid molecules, and methods and systems for detecting GAM oligonucleotides and GR polynucleotides and specific functions and utilities thereof, for detecting expression of GAM oligonucleotides and GR polynucleotides, and for selectively enhancing and selectively inhibiting translation of the respective target genes thereof.
US07687611B2 Assay for the separation and quantification of hemagglutinin antigens
The present invention relates to novel methods for separating hemagglutinin (HA) antigens, comprising the steps of applying a reduced and derivatized antigen preparation comprising solubilized HA antigens and a detergent in a pH controlled solution, on a Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography column; and eluting the HA antigens from the column with an ion pairing agent in an organic mobile phase. The invention further relates to quantifying methods using the methods for separating the antigens with the further step of measuring the peak area of the eluted antigen in a chromatogram resulting from the elution step.
US07687607B2 Monoclonal antibodies and cell surface antigens for the detection and treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLS)
The invention provides new monoclonal antibodies and binding fragments thereof which recognize and immunoreact with cell surface antigens found on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. The antibodies have tumor specificity and are useful for therapy, diagnosis, monitoring, detecting and imaging of SCLC disease and of patients having SCLC disease. The antibody-recognized SCLC-specific surface antigens can serve as targets for detecting, diagnosing, inhibiting or killing SCLC cells.
US07687604B2 Method for purifying marine collagen and the processing thereof into porous sponges
Methods are provided for purifying marine collagen and for processing the collagen into porous sponges. Products produced with these methods and the use of the products are also provided.
US07687593B2 Fluorinated polymer and polymer composition
Provided are: an addition polymer of fluorosilsesquioxane (a) having one addition polymerizable functional group or an addition copolymer of the fluorosilsesquioxane (a) having one addition polymerizable functional group and an addition polymerizable monomer (b); a coating film including the polymer or the copolymer; and an addition copolymer of the fluorosilsesquioxane (a) having one addition polymerizable functional group and organopolysiloxane (c) having an addition polymerizable functional group, or an addition copolymer of the fluorosilsesquioxane (a) having one addition polymerizable functional group, the organopolysiloxane (c) having an addition polymerizable functional group, and the addition polymerizable monomer (b).
US07687592B2 Hydrophilic silicones
A process for producing a soluble silicone product is provided. The process includes the steps of chemically reacting a polydialkoxysiloxane with an aliphatic alcohol with or without a catalyst in a reaction mixture, removing produced alcohol from the mixture; recovering the water soluble portion of produced silicone product, purifying the water soluble portion; and recovering hydrophilic material in the water insoluble portion.
US07687591B2 Solventless silicone pressure sensitive adhesives with improved high temperature cohesive strength
This invention relates to silicone compositions suitable for forining pressure sensitive adhesives. More particularly, the present invention relates to solventless curable PSA compositions suitable for forming pressure sensitive adhesive compositions having improved high temperature cohesive strength while maintaining good tack and adhesive properties.
US07687589B2 Bulk polymerization process
A method for the continuous production of polydienes, the method comprising the steps of (a) charging a mixture of one or more monomer, catalyst system, and less than 50% weight percent organic solvent based on the total weight of the monomer, catalyst and solvent, into first vessel, (b) polymerizing the monomer to a conversion of up to 20% by weight of the monomer to form a mixture of reactive polymer and monomer, (c) removing the mixture of reactive polymer and monomer from the vessel, and (d) terminating the reactive polymer prior to a total monomer conversion of 25% by weight.
US07687583B2 Polyester polycarbonate compositions, methods of making, and articles formed therefrom
A composition comprises a polyester-polycarbonate polymer comprising isophthalate-terephthalate-resorcinol ester units and carbonate units, a first polyester selected from poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene isophthalate), or a combination thereof, and a second polyester comprising butylene terephthalate units, cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate units, or a combination of cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate units and ethylene terephthalate units. The composition can be extruded into pellets that are clear and colorless. The composition can further be molded into articles having a percent haze value less than or equal to 10 percent, and total luminous transmittance value of greater than or equal to 70 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D1003-00. Also disclosed is a method for forming the compositions, and articles prepared therefrom.
US07687581B2 Heterogeneous organotin catalysts
Supported heterogeneous organotin catalysts of the formula X1, X2, or X3: wherein Z is a spacer group; Y is an insoluble phenyl-group containing copolymer; R1, R2, R3, R5, and R6 are independently selected from halogen, alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, aralkyl, and Z; and R4 is alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, or aralkyl.
US07687573B2 Water-dispersible polyolefin resin composition
Provided is a water dispersible polyolefin resin composition which is capable of forming a coating film having a smooth solidified surface when applied onto a substrate and which has excellent storage stability. The water dispersible polyolefin resin composition contains (C) a surfactant, (D) a water-soluble polymeric compound and (E) a water-insoluble organic solvent in amounts of 0.01 to 1.00 part by mass, 0.01 to 1.00 part by mass and 2 to 200 parts by mass, respectively, per 100 parts by mass of a combination of 5 to 70% by mass of (A) a poly(1-butene) resin having (i) a mesopentad fraction [mmmm] of 20 to 80 mole % and (ii) a weight average molecular weight (Mw) measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of 10,000 to 1,000,000 or 5 to 70% by mass of (A′) polypropylene resin having (i) a mesopentad fraction [mmmm] of 20 to 60 mole % and (ii) an intrinsic viscosity [η] measured at 135° C. in tetralin of 0.1 to 15 dl/g with 95 to 30% by mass of (B) water.
US07687566B2 Propylene resin composition and molding thereof
To provide a propylene resin composition excellent in both the electroconductivity and moldability and excellent in their balance, and a molded product thereof.A propylene resin composition comprising from 50 to 98 wt % of a propylene resin having a MFR of from 5 to 300 g/10 min, and from 2 to 50 wt % of carbon black having a 24M4DBP absorption of at least 130 cm3/100 g, a dehydrogenation amount of at most 1.2 mg/g at 1,500° C. for 30 minutes and a crystallite size (Lc) of from 10 to 17 Å. A propylene resin molded product which is a propylene resin molded product obtained by molding such a propylene resin composition and which has a volume resistivity of from 102 to 109 Ω·cm and a MFR of from 1 to 80 g/10 min.
US07687565B2 Rubber material and method for production thereof
A rubber material, in particular for wiper blades of windshield wipers or for automotive tires, is described, containing at least one grade of rubber, at least one filler and processing adjuvants. Of at least one of the grades of rubber present, the rubber material contains a first and a second fraction which differ in viscosity in the unvulcanized state.
US07687564B2 Black iron-based particles, and black paint and rubber or resin composition using the same
There are provided black iron-based particles comprising iron/titanium composite oxide particles having a titanium element content (A) of 5 to 35% by atom based on an iron element content contained in the black iron-based particles, and a ratio of a titanium element content (B) (based on an iron element content contained in the portion dissolved) in a portion of the black iron-based particles, which is dissolved therefrom at an iron element dissolution percentage of 1% by weight, to the titanium content (A) of not less than 1.0. The black iron-based particles of the present invention are not only excellent in dispersibility, acid resistance, tinting strength and blackness, but also exhibit a less magnetization value. Also, the black paint and the rubber or resin composition of the present invention are excellent in acid resistance and blackness.
US07687560B2 Low-color PVB sheet and a process for making same
The present invention is a low-color plasticized PVB sheet and a process for preparing the same. The sheet of the present invention yields a YID measurement of less than 12. A sheet of the present invention is useful for making glass laminates that are useful in cars, boats, trains, buildings, and display cases, for example.
US07687557B2 Polycarbonates with fluoroalkylene carbonate end groups
Polycarbonate compositions having an aromatic polycarbonate resin with 90% or greater fluoroalkylene carbonate end-groups are formed from a partially fluorinated alcohol or a partially fluorinated polymeric alcohol, and a bisphenol and a carbonate source using melt or interfacial polymerization methods. Copolymers and blends with a variety of other bisphenols and other thermoplastics are also described. The polycarbonate compositions show high water contact angles, fluorine enrichment on the surface layer of molded articles, and good flame retardant properties and are useful in a variety of applications including medical, automotive, telecommunication and weatherable applications.
US07687556B2 Flame retardant compositions
Flame retardant compositions that are halogen-free or substantially halogen-free are disclosed. In certain examples, the compositions comprise a polyphenylene ether, a halogen-free or substantially halogen-free polyepoxide, and one or more phosphorated compounds. Prepregs, laminates, molded articles and printed circuit boards using the compositions are also disclosed.
US07687555B2 Curable and cured wood particle composites and method making same
Curable wood particle composites curable by the Michael addition reaction in the presence of weak base catalyst are disclosed, along with a method for making those curable wood particle composites. Cured wood particle composites are also disclosed, along with a method of making those cured wood particle composites.
US07687553B2 Method for treating bone cancer pain or chemotherapy induced pain
The present invention is directed to the use of a class of peptide compounds for treating tumor pain, in particular bone cancer pain, for treating chemotherapy-induced pain and for treating nucleoside-induced pain.
US07687546B2 Quaternary ammonium compound, process for producing the same, therapeutic agent for cerebrovascular disorder, and therapeutic agent for heart disease
A quaternary ammonium compound of the present invention is a quaternary ammonium compound represented by general formula (I) or (I′) (wherein, A represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, or a branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, R1 to R3 may be the same or different and represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, one of R4 to R8 represents CO2− or SO3−, while no more than three of the remaining R4 to R8 represent a group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group and an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and other R4 to R8 represent a hydrogen atom, one of R′4 to R′8 represents CO2H or SO3H, no more than three of the remaining R′4 to R′8 represent a group selected from a protected hydroxyl group and an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, while other R′4 to R′8 represent a hydrogen atom, and X− represents an anion capable of forming a salt with a quaternary ammonium group).
US07687538B2 Agents with selective κ-opioid receptor affinity
Compounds and compositions that are salvinorin A and salvinorin B derivatives that demonstrate selectivity and/or potency for the k-opioid receptor (KOR), allowing for their use as medicines, as well as chemical probes (both radiolabeled and cold) for fields utilizing the techniques of radiolabeled binding assays.
US07687531B2 Iodopyrazolyl carboxanilides
This invention relates to novel iodopyrazolylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and Z are as defined in the disclosure, to a plurality of processes for preparing these compounds and to their use for controlling unwanted microorganisms. This invention further relates to novel intermediates and their preparation.
US07687528B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of an AT1-receptor antagonist and an insulin secretion enhancer
The present invention relates to a combination, especially a pharmaceutical composition, comprising as active ingredients (i) an AT1-receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) (a) an insulin secretion enhancer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or (b) an insulin sensitizer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and, in case of a pharmaceutical composition, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07687527B2 Compounds for the treatment of inflammatory disorders
This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF- or combinations thereof.
US07687525B2 Cell differentiation inducer
The novel benzamide derivative represented by formula (1) and the novel anilide derivative represented by formula (13) of this invention has differentiation-inducing effect, and are, therefore, useful a therapeutic or improving agent for malignant tumors, autoimmune diseases, dermatologic diseases and parasitism. In particular, they are highly effective as an anticancer drug, specifically to a hematologic malignancy and a solid carcinoma.
US07687509B2 Pyrimidinecarboxamide derivatives
This disclosure relates to novel HIV integrase inhibitors their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating HIV infections.
US07687507B2 Pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine compounds
A compound of the formula wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined above, which are inhibitors of the enzyme protein tyrosine kinases such as Janus Kinase 3 and as such are useful therapy as immunosuppressive agents for organ transplants, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Type I diabetes and complications from diabetes, cancer, asthma, atopic dermatitis, autoimmune thyroid disorders, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Leukemia and other autoimmune diseases.
US07687502B2 Substituted quinazoline or pyridopyrimidine derivative
The present invention provides a compound having a glucokinase activating action being useful for prevention or treatment of diabetes mellitus, etc. being represented by the formula (I): X is nitrogen atom, etc.; Y is oxygen atom, etc.; R1 is an optionally substituted five to six-membered heteroaryl group, etc.; R2 is hydrogen atom or fluorine atom; and ring A is a monocyclic or bicyclic heteroaryl group which may have a substituent represented by the formula (II)] or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07687496B2 C7-substituted camptothecin analogs
The novel C7-modified camptothecin analogs, and pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, of the present invention: (i) possess potent antitumor activity (i.e., in nanomolar or subnanomolar concentrations) for inhibiting the growth of human and animal tumor cells in vitro; (ii) are potent inhibition of Topoisomerase I; (iii) lack of susceptibility to MDR/MRP drug resistance; (iv) require no metabolic drug activation: (v) lack glucuronidation of the A-ring or B-ring; (vi) reduce drug-binding affinity to plasma proteins; (vii) maintain lactone stability; (viii) maintain drug potency; and (ix) possess a low molecular weight (e.g., MW<600).
US07687487B2 Camptothecin-analog with a novel, “flipped” lactone-stable, E-ring and methods for making and using same
The present invention discloses: (i) a novel, lactone-stable, “flipped” E-ring camptothecin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and/or analogs thereof; (ii) methods of synthesis of said novel, lactone-stable, “flipped” E-ring camptothecin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and/or analogs thereof; (iii) pharmaceutically-acceptable formulations comprising said novel, lactone-stable, “flipped” E-ring camptothecin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and/or analogs thereof, and, optionally, one or more additional chemotherapeutic agents; (iv) methods of administration of said novel, lactone-stable, “flipped” E-ring camptothecin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and/or analogs thereof, and, optionally, one or more additional chemotherapeutic agents, to subjects in need thereof; and (v) devices for the administration of said novel, lactone-stable, “flipped” E-ring camptothecin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, and/or analogs thereof, and, optionally, one or more chemotherapeutic agents, to subjects in need thereof.
US07687485B2 Formulation for menopausal women
The present disclosure relates to novel compositions which provide improved nutritional support for premenopausal and menopausal women and/or relief from symptoms associated with menopause, as well as prophylactic effects, and methods for using same.
US07687480B2 Phosphonate compounds
The present invention relates to phosphonate compounds, compositions containing them, processes for obtaining them, and their use for treating a variety of medical disorders, e.g., osteoporosis and other disorders of bone metabolism, cancer, viral infections, and the like.
US07687468B2 Rejuvenation of stored blood
D-Ribose, a buffer and an anticoagulant are added to whole blood or packed red cells to extend function in storage beyond 42 days. Methods are disclosed to rejuvenate suboptimally functional red cells. The methods are comprised of incubation of the cells at 37° C. for 10 to 60 minutes in the presence of D-ribose.
US07687467B2 Abuse-resistant amphetamine prodrugs
The invention describes compounds, compositions, and methods of using the same comprising a chemical moiety covalently attached to amphetamine. These compounds and compositions are useful for reducing or preventing abuse and overdose of amphetamine. These compounds and compositions find particular use in providing an abuse-resistant alternative treatment for certain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Oral bioavailability of amphetamine is maintained at therapeutically useful doses. At higher doses bioavailability is substantially reduced, thereby providing a method of reducing oral abuse liability. Further, compounds and compositions of the invention decrease the bioavailability of amphetamine by parenteral routes, such as intravenous or intranasal administration, further limiting their abuse liability.
US07687459B2 Arylalkoxyl hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors
The present invention discloses compounds of Formula I or II, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention.
US07687446B2 Method of removing residue left after plasma process
A method of removing the residue left after a plasma process is described. First, a substrate having at least a material layer thereon is provided. The material layer includes a metal. Then, a fluorine-containing plasma process is performed so that a residue containing the aforesaid metallic material is formed on the surface of the material layer. After that, a wet cleaning operation is performed using a cleaning agent to remove the residue. The cleaning agent is a solution containing water, a diluted hydrofluoric acid and an acid solution.
US07687442B2 Low molecular weight ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer as base lubricant oils
A lubricant composition comprises an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer having a number average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g/mol as a base oil and at least one oil additive. The ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer has at least one molecular fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130° C. when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a molar comonomer content of at least 5 percent higher than that of a comparable random ethylene interpolymer fraction eluting between the same temperatures, wherein said comparable random ethylene interpolymer has the same comonomer(s) and has a melt index, density, and molar comonomer content (based on the whole polymer) within 10 percent of that of the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer.
US07687440B2 Wellbore sealant compositions containing cationic latexes
A wellbore sealant composition comprising a cementitious material and a cationic latex into the wellbore.
US07687428B1 Method of synthesizing and processing carbon-supported, gold and gold-based multimetallic nanoparticles for use as catalysts
A method of preparing carbon-loaded, gold-based nanoparticle catalysts useful as anode catalysts for the electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) as well as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). AumPtnM100-m-n catalysts may be prepared by either a two-phase protocol or by a thermal decomposition/reduction protocol. The prepared nanoparticles having different bimetallic ratios are assembled on carbon black support materials and activated by thermal treatment. This approach provides good control of nanoparticle size, composition and/or surface properties. Electrocatalytic MOR activities of the prepared and activated AuPt nanoparticle provided in accordance with the methods of the invention are present in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes.
US07687422B2 High resistivity refractory with a high zirconia content
A novel fused and cast refractory product with a high zirconia content having improved electrical resistivity includes, as a percentage by weight relative to the oxides and for a total of more than 98.5%: ZrO2 + Hf2O:>85% SiO2:2% to 10% Al2O3:0.1% to 2.4%, with Al2O3/SiO2 <0.5 Y2O3:≦1%, B2O3:<1.5%; and a dopant selected from the group formed by V2O5, CrO3, Nb2O5, MoO3, Ta2O5, WO3, and mixtures thereof, in a weighted quantity such that: 0.2%≦2.43V2O5+8.84CrO3+1.66Nb2O5+6.14MoO3+Ta2O5+3.81WO3.
US07687421B2 Sinterable nanopowder ceramic material and method for synthesis thereof
The invention provides a method of synthesizing a Si/C/N/Ea/Fb/Gc/O multielement nanopowder that is directly suitable for sintering, E, F, and G representing three distinct metallic elements other than Si, and at least one of a, b, and c being non-zero. The nanopowder is obtained by laser pyrolysis of an aerosol comprising at least one metal precursor, hexamethyldisilazane Si2C6NH19 used as the sole solvent for said at least one metal precursor, and silane SiH4. Each grain of the resulting nanopowder contains all of the elements Si, C, N, Ea, Fb, Gc, and O, and the chemical composition of the nanopowder in terms of equivalent stoichiometric compounds is such that its free carbon content is less than 2% by weight and its SiO2 content is less than 10% by weight. The use of this nanopowder for fabricating a Si3N4/SiC composite ceramic.
US07687419B2 Glass composition, glass susbstrate employing it for an information recording medium, and information recording medium employing it
A glass substrate used as a substrate of an information recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, DVD, or MD, and a glass composition used to make such a glass substrate, contains the following glass ingredients: 40 to 70% by weight of SiO2; 1 to 20% by weight of Al2O3; 0 to 10% by weight, zero inclusive, of B2O3; SiO2+Al2O3+B2O3 accounting for 60 to 90% by weight; a total of 3.0 to 15% by weight of R2O compounds, where R=Li, Na, and K; a total of 2.0 to 15% by weight of R′O compounds, where R=Mg, and Zn; and a total of 1.0 to 20% by weight of MOx (TiO2+ZrO2+LnxOy), where LnxOy represents at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lanthanoid metal oxides, Y2O3, Nb2O5, and Ta2O5. Here, the following condition is fulfilled: 0.070<(total content of R′O compounds)/(SiO2+Al2O3+B2O3)<0.200.
US07687416B2 Arrangement for forming a layered fibrous mat of varied porosity
An arrangement for producing a fibrous mat from a heated die source wherein the produced mat includes a first layered, preselected fiber portion of substantially straight fibers produced by directing such fibers directly to a collector source and a second layered preselected fiber portion of substantially curled fibers produced by diverting and exerting an external vortically creative curling force thereon before reaching the collector source.
US07687415B2 Elastic nonwoven composite
An elastic composite having a high tearing strength made of an elastomeric material and a consolidated entangled web, wherein the consolidated entangled fabric has at least 2 lbs of tearing strength in the machine direction and the composite has 70-95% elastic recovery from a 100% elongation in the cross direction and greater than 50% elastic recovery from a 150% elongation in the cross direction.
US07687411B2 Speaker member and method for manufacturing the same
The speaker member includes: a base material; and a resin film layer laminated on the base material through an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has a heat shrinkage ratio of 0.5 to 1.0%; the resin film layer has a heat shrinkage ratio of 0.8 to 1.3%; and the heat shrinkage ratio of the adhesive layer is smaller than the heat shrinkage ratio of the resin film layer. The method of manufacturing a speaker comprises the steps of: applying a predetermined resin composition on a release material; drying the resin composition, so as to form a resin film layer on the release material; applying a predetermined adhesive on the resin film layer, so as to form an adhesive layer; attaching together the resin film layer formed on the release material and a base material through the adhesive layer, so as to form a laminate; subjecting the laminate to aging; and molding the laminate subjected to aging by using a metal mold having a predetermined shape.
US07687404B2 Method for manufacturing display device
In a method for manufacturing a display device having a light emitting element, a first base insulating film, a second base insulating film, a semiconductor layer, and a gate insulating film are formed in this order over a substrate. A gate electrode is formed over the gate insulating film to overlap with at least a part of the semiconductor layer, and a portion to be a pixel portion of the gate insulating film and the second base insulating film is doped with at least one conductive type impurities. An opening portion is formed by selectively etching the gate insulating film and second base insulating film that are each doped with impurities. The first base insulating film is exposed in a bottom face of the opening portion. Subsequently, an insulating film is formed to cover the opening portion, the gate insulating film, and the gate electrode, and a light emitting element is formed over the insulating film to overlap with at least a part of the opening portion.
US07687403B2 Method of manufacturing flash memory device
A method of manufacturing a flash memory device includes providing a substrate having an insulating layer, a first mask layer over the insulating layer, a second mask layer over the first mask layer, a first photoresist pattern over the second mask layer, the first photoresist pattern having a first pitch. A material layer is provided over the first photoresist pattern. The material layer is etched to convert the material layer into a material layer pattern having a second pitch that is less than the first pitch. The second hard mask layer is etched using the material layer pattern to form a second hard mask layer pattern that extends along a first direction. A second photoresist pattern is etched, the second photoresist pattern defining a first region that is not exposed and a second region that is exposed, the second region extending along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The first hard mask layer is etched using the second photoresist pattern to form a first hard mask layer pattern having an angular shape.
US07687390B2 Manufacturing method of a transparent conductive film, a manufacturing method of a transparent electrode of an organic electroluminescence device, an organic electroluminescence device and the manufacturing method
In one embodiment of a manufacturing method of a transparent conductive film of the present invention, a grid having a magnet is placed between a target and a substrate, and a pattern shaped transparent conductive film comprising the target material is formed over the substrate through a mask by a sputtering method. In other embodiment of a manufacturing method of a transparent conductive film of the present invention, a mask is placed on a substrate, a pattern shaped transparent conductive layer comprising a target material is formed on the substrate by a sputtering method, and a trap electrode having a magnet pin is installed between the target and the substrate.
US07687386B2 Method of forming a semiconductor structure having metal migration semiconductor barrier layers
A semiconductor structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor active region, a semiconductor contact layer, at least one metal migration semiconductor barrier layer, and a metal contact. The metal migration semiconductor barrier layer may be embedded within the semiconductor contact layer. Furthermore, the metal migration semiconductor barrier layer may be located underneath or above and in intimate contact with the semiconductor contact layer. The metal migration semiconductor barrier layer and the semiconductor contact layer form a contact structure that prevents metals from migrating from the metal contact into the semiconductor active layer during long-term exposure to high temperatures. By providing a robust contact structure that may be used in semiconductor structures, for example in solar cells that power spacecraft or terrestrial solar cells used under concentrated sunlight, the high temperature reliability of the semiconductor structure will be improved and the operation time will be prolonged.
US07687381B2 Method of forming electrical interconnects within insulating layers that form consecutive sidewalls including forming a reaction layer on the inner sidewall
Methods of forming integrated circuit device having electrical interconnects include forming an electrically insulating layer on a substrate and forming a hard mask on the electrically insulating layer. The hard mask and the electrically insulating layer are selectively etched in sequence using a mask to define an opening therein. This opening, which may be a via hole, exposes inner sidewalls of the hard mask and the electrically insulating layer. The inner sidewall of the hard mask is then recessed relative to the inner sidewall of the electrically insulating layer and a sacrificial reaction layer is formed on the inner sidewall of the electrically insulating layer. This reaction layer operates to recess the inner sidewall of the electrically insulating layer. The reaction layer is then removed to define a wider opening having relatively uniform sidewalls. This wider opening is then filled with an electrical interconnect.
US07687374B2 Method of isolating semiconductor laser diodes
Provided is a method of isolating semiconductor laser diodes (LDs), the method including the steps of: preparing a substrate; forming a plurality of semiconductor LDs on the substrate, each semiconductor LD including an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-electrode, a ridge portion, and a p-electrode, the ridge portion being formed by etching the p-type semiconductor layer such that a portion of the p-type semiconductor layer protrudes, the p-electrode being formed on the ridge portion; partially forming base cut lines on the surface of the substrate excluding the ridge portions; and isolating the semiconductor LDs into a bar shape along the base cut lines.
US07687373B2 Wafer dividing method and apparatus
In the case of cutting streets on the rear surface of a wafer by laser beam irradiation, even if the wafer is variously doped or thermally-treated, the streets of a wafer front surface can accurately be detected and cut. Infrared light is emitted from an infrared light source to the front surface side of the wafer to penetrate the wafer. The penetrating image is captured by an infrared microscope disposed on the rear surface side of the wafer. The streets are detected by the image pattern of a wafer front surface captured. A laser beam is emitted from a laser head to the wafer rear surface along the streets detected, thus processing the streets for cutting.
US07687359B2 Method for fabricating flash memory device
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating flash memory devices. The method may include the steps of forming an oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer over a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode on the ONO layer. Next, source/drain impurity region may be formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate electrode and a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) layer may be formed over an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the gate electrode. Finally, a densification process for densifying the PMD layer may be performed under a gas atmosphere. A densification gas atmosphere used for densifying the PMD layer may include an H2 or N2/H2 atmosphere.
US07687354B2 Fabrication of a semiconductor device with stressor
In a semiconductor fabrication process, an epitaxial layer is formed overlying a substrate, wherein there is a lattice mismatch between the epitaxial layer and the substrate. A hard mask having an opening is formed overlying the epitaxial layer. A recess is formed through the epitaxial layer and into the substrate. The recess is substantially aligned to the opening in the hard mask. A channel region of a semiconductor device is formed in the recess.
US07687353B2 Ion implantation method for high voltage device
A method of performing ion implantation method for a high-voltage device. The method includes defining a logic region and a high-voltage region in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first gate insulation layer on the semiconductor substrate in the logic region and a second gate insulation layer on the semiconductor substrate in the high-voltage region, the second gate insulation layer being thicker than the first gate insulation layer, forming a hollow region in the logic region and a source region in the high-voltage region by implanting first conductive impurities into the logic region and source regions of the semiconductor substrate, and forming a second conductive impurity layer in the logic region by implanting second conductive impurities logic region of the into the semiconductor substrate.
US07687352B2 Trench MOSFET and method of manufacture utilizing four masks
In accordance with the invention, a trench MOSFET semiconductor device is manufactured in accordance with a process comprising the steps of: providing a heavily doped N+ silicon substrate; utilizing a first mask to define openings for the trench gate and termination; utilizing a second mask as a source mask with openings determining the size and shape of a diffused source junction depth; utilizing a third mask as a contact mask to define contact hole openings; and utilizing a fourth mask as a metal mask, whereby only the first, second, third and fourth masks are utilized in the manufacture of the trench MOSFET semiconductor device.
US07687337B2 Transistor with differently doped strained current electrode region
A transistor is formed by providing a semiconductor layer and forming a control electrode overlying the semiconductor layer. A portion of the semiconductor layer is removed lateral to the control electrode to form a first recess and a second recess on opposing sides of the control electrode. A first stressor is formed within the first recess and has a first doping profile. A second stressor is formed within the second recess and has the first doping profile. A third stressor is formed overlying the first stressor. The third stressor has a second doping profile that has a higher electrode current doping concentration than the first profile. A fourth stressor overlying the second stressor is formed and has the second doping profile. A first current electrode and a second current electrode of the transistor include at least a portion of the third stressor and the fourth stressor, respectively.
US07687335B2 Self aligned gate JFET structure and method
A JFET integrated onto a substrate having a semiconductor layer at least and having source and drain contacts over an active area and made of first polysilicon (or other conductors such as refractive metal or silicide) and a self-aligned gate contact made of second polysilicon which has been polished back to be flush with a top surface of a dielectric layer covering the tops of the source and drain contacts. The dielectric layer preferably has a nitride cap to act as a polish stop. In some embodiments, nitride covers the entire dielectric layer covering the source and drain contacts as well as the field oxide region defining an active area for said JFET. An embodiment with an epitaxially grown channel region formed on the surface of the substrate is also disclosed.
US07687334B2 Fabrication of large grain polycrystalline silicon film by nano aluminum-induced crystallization of amorphous silicon
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for fabricating a polycrystalline silicon film. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a substrate having a thermally-grown silicon dioxide layer, forming an amorphous silicon film on the thermally-grown silicon dioxide layer of the substrate, forming an aluminum layer on the amorphous silicon film to form a structure having the substrate, the amorphous silicon film and the aluminum layer, and annealing the structure at an annealing temperature for a period of time in an N2 environment with a ramp-up time to crystallize the amorphous silicon film to form a polycrystalline silicon film.
US07687333B2 Method of fabricating thin film transistor and array substrate for liquid crystal display device including the same
According to an embodiment, a method of fabricating a thin film transistor comprises forming a gate electrode on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; forming a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, the semiconductor layer corresponding to the gate electrode; forming first and second barrier patterns on the semiconductor layer, the first and second barrier patterns including copper nitride; and forming source and drain electrodes on the first and second barrier patterns, respectively, the source and drain electrodes including pure copper.
US07687324B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, comprising a plurality of word lines arranged on a semiconductor substrate, wherein plurality of word lines are grouped into groups of two word lines, a spacer dielectric layer formed between each group of two word lines, and an interlayer dielectric layer formed so as to fill the area between the word lines in each group of two word lines and cover the word lines and the spacer dielectric layers.
US07687323B2 Surface-roughening method
The method is disclosed as applied to roughening the light-emitting surface of an LED wafer for reduction of the internal total reflection of the light generated. A masking film of silver is first deposited on the surface of a wafer to be diced into LED chips. Then the masking film is heated to cause its coagulation into discrete particles. Then, using the silver particles as a mask, the wafer surface is dry etched to create pits therein. The deposition of silver on the wafer surface and its thermal coagulation into particles may be either successive or concurrent.
US07687317B2 Semiconductor device having tape carrier with bendable region
A tape carrier includes: a base film with insulating property; a wiring pattern provided on the base film within a product region, the product region being demarcated by a cutting line so as to divide the tape carrier into individual products by cutting along the tape carrier along the cut line; and a solder resist provided on the base film so as to cover the wiring pattern. The solder resist protrudes outward from within the product region.
US07687313B2 Method of fabricating a semiconductor multi package module having an inverted package stacked over ball grid array (BGA) package
A method is provided for making a semiconductor multi-package module, by providing a lower molded ball grid array package including a lower substrate and a die, affixing an upper molded package including an upper substrate in inverted orientation onto the upper surface of the lower package, and forming z-interconnects between the upper and lower substrates.
US07687301B2 Integrated device manufacturing process
A process for manufacturing an integrated device includes the steps of: providing a silicon substrate on which a silicon dioxide structure is arranged and forming a trench having first and second essentially vertical walls relative to the substrate in the structure by means of anisotropic-type etching. A concavity having a sloped wall relative to the substrate is formed by isotropic-type etching which removes the second wall so that the concavity is open to the trench and the sloped wall faces the first wall.
US07687299B2 Semiconductor apparatus, solid state image pickup device using the same, and method of manufacturing them
The invention provides a semiconductor apparatus provided with at least one set of buried channel type first conductive type MOS transistor and surface channel type first conductive type MOS transistor on the same substrate, in which a first conductive type impurity region is provided below a gate electrode of the buried channel type and surface channel type MOS transistors and between source drain regions. Further, the invention provides a solid state image pickup device having a photoelectric conversion portion and a pixel including a plurality of transistors formed in correspondence to the photoelectric conversion portion, in a substrate, wherein the plurality of transistors includes a buried channel type first conductive type MOS transistor and a surface channel type first conductive type MOS transistor, and a first conductive type impurity region is provided below a gate electrode of the buried channel type and surface channel type MOS transistors and between source drain regions.
US07687297B2 Forming a cantilever assembly for vertical and lateral movement
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for forming a sacrificial oxide layer on a base layer of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) probe, patterning the sacrificial oxide layer to provide a first trench pattern having a substantially rectangular form and a second trench pattern having a substantially rectangular portion and a lateral portion extending from the substantially rectangular portion, and depositing a conductive layer on the patterned sacrificial oxide layer to fill the first and second trench patterns to form a support structure for the MEMS probe and a cantilever portion of the MEMS probe. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07687291B2 Laser facet passivation
Methods of preparing front and back facets of a diode laser include controlling an atmosphere within a first chamber, such that an oxygen content and a water vapor content are controlled to within predetermined levels and cleaving the diode laser from a wafer within the controlled atmosphere of the first chamber to form a native oxide layer hating a predetermined thickness on the front and back facets of the diode laser. After cleavage, the diode laser is transported from the first chamber to a second chamber within a controlled atmosphere, the native oxide layer on the front and back facets of the diode laser is partially removed, an amorphous surface layer is formed on the front and back facets of the diode laser, and the front and back facets of the diode laser are passivated.
US07687286B2 Method and apparatus for determining the thickness of a dielectric layer
The method for determining the thickness of a dielectric layer according to the invention comprises the step of providing an electrically conductive body having a dielectric layer which is separated from the electrically conductive body by at least a further dielectric layer and a surface of which is exposed. Onto the exposed surface an electric charge is deposited, thereby inducing an electric potential difference between the exposed surface and the electrically conductive body. An electrical parameter relating to the electric potential difference is determined and a measurement is performed to obtain additional measurement data relating to the thickness of the dielectric layer and/or to the thickness of the further dielectric layer. In this way the thickness of the dielectric layer and/or of the further dielectric layer is determined. The method of manufacturing an electric device comprises this method for determining the thickness of a dielectric layer. The apparatus for determining the thickness of a dielectric layer is arranged to execute this method.
US07687282B2 Detection of transmembrane potentials by optical methods
Methods and compositions are provided for determining the potential of a membrane. In one aspect, the method comprises: (a) introducing a first reagent comprising a hydrophobic fluorescent ion capable of redistributing from a first face of the membrane to a second face of the membrane in response to changes in the potential of the membrane, as described by the Nernst equation, (b) introducing a second reagent which labels the first face or the second face of the membrane, which second reagent comprises a chromophore capable of undergoing energy transfer by either (i) donating excited state energy to the fluorescent ion, or (ii) accepting excited state energy from the fluorescent ion, (c) exposing the membrane to radiation; (d) measuring energy transfer between the fluorescent ion and the second reagent, and (e) relating the energy transfer to the membrane potential. Energy transfer is typically measured by fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In some embodiments the first and second reagents are bound together by a suitable linker.In one aspect the method is used to identify compounds which modulate membrane potentials in biological membranes.
US07687275B2 Nitric oxide detection
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying the detected signal in a gas sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the concentration of the gas which is being detected in a sample or increasing the concentration of a gas which is directly obtained from the gas in the sample by chemical reaction. The gas which is to be detected is nitric oxide (NO). In particular, the method concerns the selective conversion of NO to NO2 which allows a threefold amplification of the number of analyte molecules in NO trace gas analysis in a single amplification cycle. Subsequent reduction or thermal decomposition of the obtained NO2 can provide NO again, which can again be introduced in a new amplification cycle. Multiple (n) amplification cycles can provide a sensitivity amplification by a factor 3n. The method can be combined with a multitude of detection methods and tolerates a high humidity. The method is therefore of general use in the analysis of NO from a variety of sources.
US07687271B2 Covert authentication method and apparatus
An authentication system uses the unique distribution of an invisible taggant as a “signature” to identify an item. The verification is error tolerant. The taggant is made visible to a camera by special illumination. Inert taggants, with no optical activity, can be made visible by their thermal properties.
US07687268B2 Apparatuses and media for drug elution and methods for making and using them
Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. A related embodiment of the invention is an apparatus that is used for example to facilitate the practice of the above-noted methods by inhibiting the evaporation of dissolution media from the vessels in which elution is observed.
US07687267B2 High-throughput cell transfection device and methods of using thereof
Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed.
US07687262B2 Flask
The present invention provides a flask having a top piece 20 and a bottom piece 22 with optical properties on the interior surface 24 of which cells are grown. The top piece 20 and the bottom piece 22 are joined by a removable elastomeric seal 26. By disengaging the elastomeric seal 26 from the flask body 12, the top piece 20 can be separated from the bottom piece 22 providing access to the flask interior.
US07687254B2 Phenol-free method of isolating DNA
A phenol-free method of isolating DNA from biological material includes homogenizing a biological material with a homogenization buffer to form a homogenate. Proteins and non-DNA organic molecules are extracted from the homogenate by mixing a first extraction buffer and a second extraction buffer with the homogenate. The first extraction buffer includes chloroform and an alcohol and the second extraction buffer includes a non-ionic protein solubilizer and an alcohol. DNA is precipitated from the mixture of homogenate, first extraction buffer and second extraction buffer and the DNA is recovered by sedimentation.
US07687252B2 Protein crystal of human cytochrome P450 aromatase and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a protein crystal of at least one binding site of a human aromatase. The present invention also relates to a fully processed human cytochrome P450 aromatase and a protein crystal thereof. The present invention further relates to methods of making and using the aromatase and the protein crystal thereof.
US07687248B2 Resistant starch with cooking properties similar to untreated starch
A method has been discovered to produce a resistant starch product that retains the same cooking quality as found in untreated rice starch or flour, but has a higher percentage of starch resistant to α-amylase digestion. This method uses a debranching enzyme, e.g., pullulanase, to digest the starch, but does not require pre-treating the starch source prior to enzymatic treatment. This method produced resistant starch from low amylose starches, rice starch (24%) and rice flour (20%). Surprisingly the resistant starch product formed by this method retained the pasting characteristics of the untreated flour or starch, and was heat stable. This method may also be used to produce resistant starch from other botanical sources, e.g., corn, wheat, potato, oat, barley, tapioca, sago, and arrowroot. Resistant starch produced by this method has a variety of uses in food products.
US07687231B2 Method for determining degree of negative effect of macrophages on vertebrate
The present invention provides a method for determining the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate including a human, the method including assaying diacetylpolyamine contained in a sample collected from the vertebrate. According to the method of the present invention, metabolic conditions of macrophages can be monitored, and the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate (including a human) can be determined. Specifically, the present invention can predict, through assay of diacetylpolyamine, pathological condition which is considered a macrophage-related disease; e.g., recurrence of cancer or malignant tumor, or infiltration or activation of cancer or malignant tumor cells; denaturation or degeneration of neurons associated with Alzheimer's disease; or onset or progression of an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatism or Crohn's disease) or arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the present invention is very useful for clinical tests.
US07687221B2 Positive resist composition and resist pattern forming method
Disclosed is a positive resist composition which can provide a positive resist composition and a resist pattern forming method, capable of forming a high resolution pattern with reduce LER, the positive resist composition comprising a resin component (A) which has acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups and exhibits increased alkali solubility under the action of an acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid under exposure, wherein the resin component (A) contains a polymer compound (A1) having a structural unit (a1) derived from hydroxystyrene and a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester having acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups, a fluorine atom or a fluorinated lower alkyl group being bonded at the α-position.
US07687219B2 Positive resist composition and pattern formation method using the positive resist composition
A positive resist composition comprises: (A) a resin that contains a repeating unit (A1) having a lactone structure and a cyano group, and increases its solubility to an alkali developer by action of an acid; (B) a compound that generates an acid by irradiation with actinic ray or radiation; and (C) a solvent.
US07687218B2 Silicone wax-containing toner particles with controlled morphology
The present invention is a method for the preparation of electrostatographic toner including the following steps. A first dispersion is prepared with a solvent, a silicone wax, and a hyperdispersant. The first dispersion is added to an organic solvent containing a polymer material to form an organic phase. The organic phase is dispersed in an aqueous phase containing a particulate stabilizer to form a second dispersion. The second dispersion is homogenized. The organic solvent is evaporated from the second dispersion and the resultant product is recovered, washed and dried. In an alternate method the hyperdispersant is added directly to the organic phase before mixing with the aqueous phase.
US07687216B2 Two-component developer and two-component developing apparatus using the same
A two-component developer is provided in which the reduction of the hot offset occurrence temperature due to detachment of the coating layer, image density insufficiency, image fogging and toner scattering and the like can be suppressed. In the two-component developer including a toner and a carrier, the content of acrylic resin in a coating layer of the carrier is in a range from 5 to 50% by weight based on the total amount of the coating layer, and the dielectric loss (tan δ) is in the range from 4.0×10−3 to 15.0×10−3. By using the two-component developer, the reduction of the hot offset occurrence temperature in a fixing apparatus can be prevented. Further, image density insufficiency, image fogging and toner scattering and the like can be suppressed, with a result that images having high quality and sufficient image density can be obtained.
US07687213B2 Custom color toner
The present invention provides a custom color toner having a first particle size. Colored particles are attached to the surface of the base toner in an amount sufficient to provide a predetermined color to the base toner. The colored particles have a second particle size less than the first particle size.
US07687211B2 System and method for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing
A method for photolithography in semiconductor device manufacturing comprises defining test critical dimension target for a photolithography mask, measuring a mask critical dimension, comparing mask critical dimension to the test critical dimension target and determining a critical dimension deviation, determining a photolithography light base energy in response to the critical dimension deviation, and exposing the wafer according to the photolithography light base energy.
US07687206B2 Mask pattern and method for forming the same
The invention provides a mask pattern. The mask pattern comprises at least a continuous pattern. Each of the continuous patterns has a first pattern, a second pattern and a set of assistance patterns. The assistant patterns are located between the first pattern to the second pattern. The first pattern, the assistant patterns and the second pattern together form a closed opening.
US07687203B2 Positive active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery including the same
The positive active material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a composite metal oxide of the following Formula 1, and a compound being capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium having the composite metal oxide coated on the surface thereof. M1-xAlO2   [Chemical Formula 1] Wherein, in the above Formula 1, M is selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, an alkaline-earth metal, and combinations thereof, and 0.03≦x≦0.95. The composite metal oxide increases impregnation of an electrolyte, improves lithium mobility, and decreases internal resistance of a rechargeable lithium battery, and thereby improves discharge capacity and cycle-life characteristics.
US07687198B2 Electrochemical energy storage device
Apparatus and methodology subject matters relate to an improved electrochemical single or multi-cell energy storage device. Also, an outer casing may be provided as a pair of U-shaped shells, a single foil piece, or a tube-shaped structure which encases the internal electrochemical cell stack. The energy storage device and such casing when used advantageously exhibit low internal resistance, low ESR, a high voltage/capacity, and a low contact resistance between the internal stack and the outer casing.
US07687196B2 Prismatic battery and method for manufacturing the same
A prismatic battery having advantages of both a rectangular battery and a cylindrical battery and having excellent properties is provided. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing the prismatic battery, suppressing the occurrence of defects in manufacturing the prismatic batteries and having an excellent productivity is provided. A prismatic battery including: an electrode plate group, an electrolyte and a battery case for accommodating the electrode plate group and the electrolyte; wherein the side face of the battery case includes a cylindrical head portion; a prismatic body potion for accommodating the electrode plate group and the electrolyte; and a transition portion located between the body portion and the head portion.
US07687193B2 Electrochemical battery incorporating internal manifolds
An electrochemical battery includes a plurality of cells, each cell including negative and positive compartments to contain electrolyte solution. A manifold includes an outer manifold plate coupled to an inner manifold plate to supply and return electrolyte solution to the compartments. Each manifold plate includes supply shunt passages to convey electrolyte solution to the cells and return shunt passages to receive electrolyte solution from the cells.
US07687192B2 Mechanically and electrically connecting member
Disclosed herein is a member for mechanically and electrically connecting two or more objects, including an insulation body having a plurality of coupling holes for coupling the objects formed therein, a plate-shaped conductive strip mounted at the rear surface of the insulation body in the diagonal direction of the insulation body while the conductive strip is isolated from the front surface of the insulation body, the conductive strip having connection holes formed at opposite ends thereof such that the connection holes communicate with the insulation body, and a connecting bar constructed such that the connecting bar can be inserted into the corresponding connection hole of the conductive strip while the strip is connected to the objects. The connecting member accomplishes excellent mechanical connection and stable electrical connection of objects, easy assembly and disassembly, and low possibility of short circuits. Furthermore, the objects can be connected with each other in a compact structure, and therefore, the connecting member according to the present invention can be preferably used to connect battery modules constituting a medium- or large-sized battery system, especially, for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles.
US07687186B2 Enzyme electrode, and sensor and biofuel cell using the same
The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode for transporting electric charge formed by an oxidation-reduction reaction in an enzyme to a conductive member at a high speed. Specifically, the enzyme electrode has a π-conjugated metal complex molecule immobilized on the conductive member and the enzyme immobilized on the conductive member through the π-conjugated metal complex molecule.
US07687183B2 Electrochemical fuel cell elements having improved compression over channels
An electrically conductive element and a related assembly are provided for use in an electrochemical cell. The electrically conductive separator plate has an upper boundary and a lower boundary. The upper boundary has at least one land formed therein, where the land has a surface defining a first plane and the lower boundary defines a second plane. The first plane extends towards said second plane, so as to intersect with said second plane at an angle greater than zero. An assembly further comprises a compliant layer which substantially conforms to the angled land surfaces, thereby enhancing contact pressure between and across a plurality of components in the compliant layer. A method of assembling such a separator assembly in a fuel cell is also provided.
US07687182B2 Pressurized coolant for stamped plate fuel cell without diffusion media in the inactive feed region
Clearance gaps in the inactive feed regions of a fuel cell stack are controlled by non-bonded, non-nested bipolar plates to provide reactant flow uniformity and pressure within fuel cells and fuel cell stacks utilizing nested bipolar plates in the active feed regions and non-nested bipolar plates in the inactive feed regions.
US07687164B2 On-line system identification and control of fuel cell humidification via HFR measurements
A fuel cell system is provided, including an HFR measurement device in electrical communication with a fuel cell stack. The HFR measurement is used online to measure an HFR of the fuel cell stack suitable for calculation of a d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A humidity regulator is provided in fluid communication with the fuel cell stack. A controller periodically changes stack operating conditions to perturb an RH of the fuel cell stack, process the HFR response, and compute the d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio. A method for online identification and control of the fuel cell stack humidification is also provided. The d(HFR)/d(RH) ratio is an auxiliary measurement of membrane hydration which is used as a feedback for hydration control.
US07687161B2 Method for generating electricity
The present invention discloses a method of generating electricity which uses a new type of biofuel cell. The method is based on the microbial regeneration of the oxidant, ferric ions. The bio-fuel cell is based on the cathodic reduction of ferric to ferrous ions, coupled with the microbial regeneration of ferric ions by the oxidation of ferrous ions, with fuel (such as hydrogen) oxidation on the anode. The microbial regeneration of ferric ions is achieved by chemolithotrophic microorganisms such as Acidithiobacillus ferroxidans. Electrical generation is coupled with the consumption of carbon dioxide from atmosphere and its transformation into microbial cells, which can be used as a single-cell protein.
US07687157B2 Perpendicular recording media having an exchange-spring structure
A recording medium providing improved writeability in perpendicular recording applications includes a magnetic recording layer having an axis of magnetic anisotropy substantially perpendicular to the surface thereof, an exchange-spring layer ferromagnetically exchange coupled to the magnetic recording layer and having a coercivity less than the magnetic recording layer coercivity, and a coupling layer between the magnetic recording layer and the exchange-spring layer. The coupling layer regulates the ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the magnetic recording layer and the exchange-spring layer.
US07687149B2 High shading performance coatings
The invention provides high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings. The invention provides a monolithic pane bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. The invention also provides an insulating glass unit bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. Finally, the invention provides methods of producing coated substrates by depositing high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings.
US07687143B2 Water-dispersible and multicomponent fibers from sulfopolyesters
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues, and wherein said poly(ethylene) terephthalate has an inherent viscosity of less than 0.55 dL/g. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US07687142B2 Laminate for printed wiring board
A laminate for a printed wiring board having a laminate structure comprising an electrical insulator layer (A) and an electrical conductor layer (B) bonded directly to each other, wherein the electrical insulator layer (A) is formed of a fluorocopolymer comprising repeating units (a) based on tetrafluoroethylene and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene, repeating units (b) based on a fluoromonomer excluding tetrafluoroethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene, and repeating units (c) based on a monomer having an acid anhydride residue and a polymerizable unsaturated bond in amounts of (a) being from 50 to 99.89 mol %, (b) being from 0.1 to 49.99 mol % and (c) being from 0.01 to 5 mol %, based on ((a)+(b)+(c)), and the electrical conductor layer (B) has a surface roughness of at most 10 μm on the side being in contact with the electrical insulator layer (A). The laminate for a printed wiring board is excellent in signal response in a high frequency region.
US07687137B2 Insulating substrate and manufacturing method therefor, and multilayer wiring board and manufacturing method therefor
There is provided a dimensionally accurate insulating substrate in which plane direction-wise shrinkage is practically zero and shrinkage variations are small. The insulating substrate includes a laminated body composed of at least two kinds of insulating layers made of crystallizable glass ceramics. The crystallization temperature of crystallizable glass contained in the first insulating layer is lower than the softening point of crystallizable glass contained in the second insulating layer. The difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the first and second insulating layers is preferably 2×10−6/° C. or below.
US07687133B2 Weather strip
A weather strip has a trim portion and a seal portion. The trim portion has a vehicle interior side wall, a vehicle exterior side wall, and a connecting portion. A metal insert is embedded in the trim portion. The insert has piece portions and a center bond portion which connects the piece portions to one another. The thickness of each of parts of the insert, which are other than both curved parts, is set to be thinner than the thickness of each of both the curved parts. Thus, the thickness of the insert, except for the curved parts, is small. Consequently, the entire insert, thus, the entire weather strip can be lightened. On the other hand, both the curved parts are relatively thick. Accordingly, the weather strip can assure predetermined strength and stiffness and can easily maintain an initial shape.
US07687128B2 Film and compound films with an embossed pattern, particularly for producing electrochemical components
A stamped film to be connected to an additional film has a stamped pattern defining at least one dividing line that is interrupted in a regular pattern by webs, wherein the webs each have a width that is, on average, less than an average spacing between two adjacently positioned ones of the webs, respectively. The stamped pattern has, at least in one direction, several dividing lines extending parallel to one another or has several dividing lines extending perpendicularly to one another. When mirroring the stamped film at a mirror plane that intersects the stamped film centrally and perpendicularly to the dividing lines, the webs of the dividing lines will not be superimposed on webs of a stamped film that has not been mirrored when superimposing the mirrored stamped film on the stamped film that has not been mirrored. The stacked films form electrochemical or electrochromic compounds.
US07687122B2 Wrapping net for sausages and method for production thereof
A tubular encasing netting for sausage and similar articles. The encasing netting contains a longitudinally running tear-open thread, the length of which is greater than that of the encasing netting in the state of use of the latter. This results in loops of the tear-open thread which are accessible from outside and which can be grasped for tearing open. The encasing netting is expediently a double-rib or warp-knit fabric. The tear-open thread is received in stitches of this fabric. The invention relates, furthermore, to a method for producing such an encasing netting, to a sausage casing connected to the encasing netting and to an article encased by this encasing netting.
US07687115B2 Method for making nanostructured surfaces
A method of making nanostructured surfaces by (a) making an aqueous mixture comprising (i) a discontinuous phase comprising a water-soluble polymer, (ii) a continuous phase comprising a chromonic material, and (iii) a non-ionic surfactant; (b) applying said mixture onto the surface of a substrate; and (c) allowing said mixture to dry.
US07687110B2 Method of in-line purification of CVD reactive precursor materials
We have devised an apparatus useful for and a method of removing impurities from vaporous precursor compositions used to generate reactive precursor vapors from which thin films/layers are formed under sub-atmospheric conditions. The method is particularly useful when the layer deposition apparatus provides for precise addition of quantities of different combinations of reactants during a single step or when there are a number of different individual steps in the layer formation process, where the presence of impurities has a significant affect on both the quantity of reactants being charged and the overall composition of the reactant mixture from which the layer is deposited. The method is particularly useful when the vapor pressure of a liquid reactive precursor is less than about 250 Torr at atmospheric pressure.
US07687108B2 Methods for manufacturing stressed material and shape memory material MEMS devices
Disclosed is a MEMS device which comprises at least one shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer and at least one stressed material layer. Examples of such MEMS devices include an actuator, a micropump, a microvalve, or a non-destructive fuse-type connection probe. The device exhibits a variety of improved properties, for example, large deformation ability and high energy density. Also provided is a method of easily fabricating the MEMS device in the form of a cantilever-type or diaphragm-type structure.
US07687103B2 Compositions and methods for preserving permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices
An improved synthetic, polymer hydrogel permeation layer for use with an active electronic matrix device for biological assays. The permeation layer includes a dried coating of raffinose or a combination of raffinose and stachyose to protect the permeation layer from degradation during shipping and storage.
US07687099B2 Spray coating
A spray coating apparatus comprises a spray gun (12) operable to deposit a sprayed coating via a spray nozzle (18) onto a surface, a mapping means (22) associated with the spray gun (12) operable to ascertain and store topographical characteristics of the surface, a position sensor (28) operable to ascertain the position of the spray gun (12) relative to the surface, a coating thickness monitor (26) operable to ascertain the thickness of a coating applied to the surface, and a nozzle control means (24) operable to control the deposition of the sprayed coating, wherein the nozzle control means (24), in use, control the deposition of the sprayed coating in response to information provided by the position sensor (28), the coating thickness monitor (26) and the mapping means (22).
US07687095B2 High moisture, low fat cream cheese with maintained product quality and method for making same
The present invention relates to methods for providing a high moisture low fat cream cheese product with high whey protein content that has a texture similar to normal cream cheese. More particularly, the invention provides a method of making a high moisture low fat cream cheese product with high whey protein content that has a higher yield stress and lower deformation values than other low fat cream cheeses with similar moisture, fat, and whey protein content. The present invention therefore is useful in producing low-cost and nutritious spreads with a pleasing texture and excellent spreadability.
US07687093B2 Method and an apparatus for thawing frozen meat
The invention comprises a method of thawing meat frozen in meat blocks (1) and comprising an apparatus for initial separation of the meat block (1) before the meat block (1) is placed in a rotating container (7), said meat block (1) being subjected to pressure before treated in the rotating container (7), said pressure initiating a separation process of the meat block (1) into individual pieces (2). This pressure may be applied over the diagonals of the meat block (1). The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing the method, said apparatus comprising a number of pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) which either cooperate in pairs or cooperate with a firm opposite face for applying pressure to the meat block (1). The faces of the pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) may be plane, or they may comprise elevations or depressions as well as adapted to act over at least one of the diagonals of the meat block (1).
US07687091B2 Bacterial hydrolystate
A method for producing a feedstuff or feedstuff component, e.g. a palatability-enhancing agent, said method comprising subjecting a microbial culture which comprises a methanotrophic bacterium to enzymatic hydrolysis.
US07687087B2 Production of oil seed protein isolate
Oil seed protein isolates, particularly canola protein isolate, are produced at a high purity level of at least about 100 wt % (Nx 6.25) by a process wherein oil seed protein is extracted from oil seed meal, the resulting aqueous protein solution is concentrated to a protein content of at least about 200 g/L, and the concentrated protein solution is added to chilled water having a temperature below about 15° C. to form protein micelles, which are settled to provide a protein micellar mass (PMM). The protein micellar mass is separated from supernatant and may be dried. The supernatant may be processed to recover additional oil seed protein isolate by concentrating the supernatant and then drying the concentrated supernatant, to produce a protein isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt %. The concentrated supernatant may be mixed in varying proportions with at least part of the PMM and the mixture dried to produce a protein isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt %.
US07687085B2 Anti-obestic composition
The composition of the present invention comprises (1) a biologically effective amount of an extract of a plant of the genus Eucalyptus as an active ingredient, and (2) a biologically acceptable carrier or diluent, and is effective for inhibiting or preventing obesity (increase in weight), lipid storage disease, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, or thrombosis, and is also effective for inhibiting or reducing an amount of triglyceride or an amount of cholesterol in blood. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is used in the form of drugs, food products, food additives, animal feeds, and additives for animal feeds.
US07687084B2 Cool-pet system
Included is an invention that deals with animal and pet nuisance, behavior control, obedience training, urinary and potty training, and repellent/discouragement method where a solution having vinegar and flavors being dispensed from a spray bottle is found to be effective in stopping or discouraging dogs, birds or animals from being noisy, being hyperactive, and behaving badly. The solution is also useful for obedience training purposes and can also be applied as a repellent/discouragement method when sprayed onto desired spots or onto the animal.
US07687081B2 Herbal formulation useful as local anesthetic
The invention provides a novel herbal formulation useful as local anesthetic in topical surgical operations, nerve block conduction, extradural and infiltration anesthesia. Formulation(s) comprises of extract(s) of Spilanthus calva and Spilanthus oleraceae with Gymnema sylvestre, Urtica dioica and Piper longum. The formulation can be used as topical application as ointment or spray or cream.
US07687079B2 Methods of treating ileus
The present invention relates to a method of treating ileus in a patient, which includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.
US07687067B2 2-pyridinylcycloalkylcarboxamide derivatives useful as fungicides
A compound of general formula (I): A process for preparing this compound.An intermediate of general formula (II) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I). A fungicidal composition comprising a compound of general formula (I).A method for treating plants by applying a compound of general formula (I) or a composition comprising it.
US07687065B1 Gel composition for skin care and protection and a method for preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a gel composition useful for skin care and protection comprising up to 80% w/w Dead Sea water (or similarly constituted water), solubilizers, gelling agents or viscosity modifiers and deionized water to complete up to 100%. Preferably, the composition is a clear liquid gel. The gel optionally comprises hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic active agents. In the composition of the present invention the hydrophobic active agents may be vegetable oils, free fatty acids or vitamins, or any combination thereof and the hydrophilic active agent may be humectants, α-hydroxy acids, anti irritant agents, plant extracts, moisturizing agents or hydrolyzed plant proteins or any combination thereof. The gel may further comprise antioxidants and fragrances.
US07687062B2 Method for diagnosing colon cancer
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing colon cancer by detecting a colon cancer specific antigen, defensin α6 from the blood of patient and a diagnostic kit for colon cancer comprising anti-defensin α6 antibody. The diagnostic kit for colon cancer of present invention comprises: a solid support such as 96-well plate for ELISA, nitrocellulose membrane, polyvinylidene fluoride membrane, microplate, glass substrate, polystyrene substrate, silicone substrate or metal plate, on which anti-defensin α6 antibody is immobilized; and, a means for detecting colon cancer specific antigen such as a primary antibody which specifically binds with an antigen conjugated with an antibody on a solid substrate and a secondary antibody-signal complex which specifically binds with the primary antibody. The diagnostic kit of the invention can diagnose colon cancer with the minute amount of patients' blood, which makes possible the easy and simple diagnosis of colon cancer.
US07687053B2 Embolic compositions with non-cyanoacrylate rheology modifying agents
Compositions for embolization are disclosed herein. The compositions disclosed can have a matrix-forming component, a solid-aggregate material, and a rheology modifying agent, wherein the matrix-forming component includes at least alkyl cyanoacrylate monomers, a stabilizer, and a plasticizer, and the solid-aggregate material includes at least a radiopacifier. The composition and a method of administering the composition are useful for treating vasculature abnormalities, particularly when the composition solidifies upon contact with an ionic environment, such as blood.
US07687052B2 Styrylpyridine derivatives and their use for binding and imaging amyloid plaques
This invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits and to styrylpyridine compounds, and methods of making radiolabeled styrylpyridine compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of making compounds for inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form amyloid deposits, and a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits.
US07687043B2 Heat block assembly and organic compound synthesizing apparatus using the heat block assembly
A heat block assembly and an organic compound synthesizing apparatus using the heat block assembly are provided. The heat block assembly includes one or more heat blocks provided with grooves in which reaction containers are inserted, and a temperature adjustor for adjusting the temperature of the heat block.
US07687027B2 Cleaning compositions, methods and materials for reducing nucleic acid contamination
The present invention relates to methods using cleaning compositions for the reduction of nucleic acid contamination. More particularly, the present invention relates to cationic compositions that bind to, and can remove, extraneous nucleic acids, polynucleotides, and DNA from the surface of a substrate. Preferably, the cationic compositions include a substance with a molecular weight of 500 Da or more. The present invention finds utility as a surface decontamination agent in PCR and other related DNA amplification techniques.
US07687018B2 Means for conveying material
Means for conveying hot granular material from a loading zone to an arc melting furnace (3), comprising a horizontal trough (1), trough vibration generators that cause the granular material to move along the trough, a sluice gate (4) to regulate the material flow in the discharge zone and a sluice gate to regulate the material flow in correspondence with the loading zone. Separating baffles (5) are arranged inside the conveyor trough defining cells in which the granular material accumulates and considerably improving the effectiveness of the action of the gases that are forced through the granular bed, for instance to prevent oxidation of the hot DRI or to perform an additional reduction process.
US07687012B2 Method and apparatus to shape a composite structure without contact
A method and apparatus including means for delivery of at least one high speed composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material. The method and apparatus also includes a movable collection device which intersects in the composite stream of polymer fibers and secondary material and at least one non-contact deflector to redirect at least a portion of the composite stream.
US07687008B2 Method for producing ceramic honeycomb filter
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb filter having large numbers of flow paths partitioned by cell walls, the flow paths having plugs at positions separate from an end surface of the honeycomb filter, comprising the steps of introducing a base-forming material into the flow paths on one end surface side, charging a plug-forming material into flow paths to be provided with plugs from the other end surface side, and sintering it.
US07687001B2 Method of manufacturing speaker edge member
It is an object of the present invention to improve a speaker edge member manufacturing method in which a substrate is introduced into an edge member molding material by virtue of insertion molding, to prevent a trouble such as a crack on a parting line or the like, thus shortening a manufacturing time and thus reducing a manufacturing cost. The method comprises the steps of: attaching the substrate into the edge member molding die; introducing the edge member formation material into the edge member molding die before or after attaching the substrate into the edge member molding die; heating/pressurizing the substrate and the edge member formation material in the edge member molding die so as to obtain a molded edge member. At this time, the outer edge portion of the substrate is located in a position separated a predetermined distance from the dividing line of the die.
US07686995B2 Three-dimensional printer
A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure.
US07686990B2 Method of producing a ceramic matrix composite article
A method of producing a CMC article having a net shape, and by which the article can be formed to have an exterior surface with desirable characteristics, such as being free of an imprint pattern of a fiber reinforcement material within the article. The method entails providing a body comprising the fiber reinforcement material, and depositing a coating on a surface of the body. The coating contains a carbonaceous binder and a slurry containing a ceramic particulate material. Following its deposition, the carbonaceous binder within the coating is cured to render the coating machinable, and the coating is then machined to approximately produce the net shape of the article.
US07686978B2 Method for the application of active materials onto active surfaces and devices made with such methods
The invention provides methods for the application of active materials onto active surfaces useful in organic electronic devices. The methods of the invention include selecting a liquid composition including an active material and a suitable liquid medium whereby when the liquid composition is deposited on the desired active surface it has no greater than about a 40° contact angle; treating the active surface to raise its surface tension before the deposition of a liquid composition containing the desired active material is deposited thereon; and combination thereof. The invention also provides organic electronic devices having at least two active layers, wherein at least one active layer comprises an active material that was deposited using at least one practice of the method of the invention.
US07686968B2 Composition for removing conductive materials and manufacturing method of array substrate using the same
A composition for removing a conductive material and a manufacturing method of an array substrate using the composition, wherein the composition may include a nitric acid of about 3 to 15 wt %, a phosphoric acid of about 40 to 70 wt %, an acetic acid of about 5 to 35 wt %. The composition may further include a chlorine compound of about 0.05 to 5 wt %, a chlorine stabilizer of about 0.01 to 5 wt %, a pH stabilizer of about 0.01 to 5 wt %, and water of residual quantity.
US07686965B2 Centrifugal fluid filtration devices, systems and methods
Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises, for example, an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. The fluid filtration devices, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. Additionally, methods are provided for that comprise, for example: obtaining an influent from a target source of fluid to be filtered; filtering the influent in a first filtration step; filtering the influent in a second filtration step upon receiving effluent from the first filtration step by transferring influent through a plurality of radial arms by rotating the radial arms having filters disposed therein about an axis in a filtration unit; and emitting a final filtered fluid effluent.
US07686960B2 Multistage process for treating water utilizing in one stage magnetic seed to sorb dissolved contaminants, and in another stage utilizing magnetic seed to clarify the water
A multi-stage process for removing dissolved contaminants and suspended solids from water employing a magnetic separation technique. The process includes two tanks and magnetic seed. In the first tank, water is clarified by magnetic technologies and in the second tank dissolved solutes are sorbed on magnetic seed.
US07686957B2 Method for treating fluids by coagulation on membranes
The invention relates to a method for treating fluids, in particular waste waters involving coagulation/flocculation, clarification by filtration or flotation stages and a stage of filtration through micro-, ultra, and nanomembranes or of hyperfiltration. The inventive method consists in injecting two times several coagulating reagents in a quantity ranging from 75 to 125% of an optimal coagulation dose or a dose cancelling a Zeta potential (pz) in an area (area n° 1) situated upstream of the clarification stage (2) and from 0.1 to 25% of an optimal dose cancelling the pz in a second area (area n° 2) situated upstream of the stage of membrane filtration (4).
US07686945B2 Process to prepare water-white lubricant base oil
Process to prepare a water-white lubricating base oil having a saturates content of more than 90 wt %, a sulphur content of less than 0.03 wt % and a viscosity index of between 80-120 by subjecting a non-water-white hydrocarbon feed having a lower saturates content than the desired saturates content to a hydrogenation step, the hydrogenation step comprising contacting the feed with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the contacting is performed in two steps: (a) contacting the hydrocarbon feed with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of above 300° C. and at a WSHV of between 0.3 and 2 kg of oil per litre of catalyst per hour, and (b) contacting the intermediate product obtained in step (a) with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at a temperature of below 280° C.
US07686943B2 Hydroprocessing using hydrothermally-prepared bulk multimetallic catalysts
The invention relates to a process for upgrading hydrocarbonaceous feedstreams by hydroprocessing using bulk bimetallic catalysts. More particularly, the invention relates to a catalytic hydrotreating process for the removal of sulfur and nitrogen from a hydrocarbon feed such as a fuel or a lubricating oil feed. The catalyst is a bulk catalyst containing at leas one Group VIII metal and at least one Group VIB metal. The catalyst is prepared hydrothermally.
US07686942B2 Method for preparation of ethylene and propylene by catalytic cracking using a fluid-bed catalyst
A method for preparation of ethylene and propylene by catalytic cracking using a fluid-bed catalyst. The main technical problems to be solved are a relatively high reaction temperature, and low activities and poor selectivities of the catalyst at a low temperature, during the reaction for preparing ethylene and propylene by catalytically cracking naphtha. The fluid-bed catalyst is a composition of the chemical formula Mo1.0VaAbBcCdOx based on stoichiometric ratio. The method using the fluid-bed catalyst has satisfactorily solved the above-mentioned problems, and is useful in the industrial production of ethylene and propylene by catalytically cracking naphtha.
US07686921B2 Liquid distribution mat made of enhanced cellulosic fibers
A liquid distribution mat that is a wet-laid mat of enhanced cellulosic fibers that are cellulosic fibers cross-linked in sheet form, as well as methods of making the liquid distribution mat. The liquid distribution mat has high vertical wicking properties and excellent structural integrity in both wet and dry states. The liquid distribution mat is suitable for use in an absorbent article. When used in an absorbent article such as a baby diaper, the liquid distribution mat rapidly acquires and transports bodily discharges from the point of insult to other regions of the absorbent article, thereby maximizing the utilization of the absorbent article.
US07686919B2 Method and device for the continuous cooking of pulp
The continuous digester system has an inlet defined therein for the feed of a chips suspension and an outlet for the output of a cooked suspension of pulp. The suspension or chips is fed in to the inlet through a line at the beginning of the cook, where the chips suspension has a volume of starting cooking fluid that establishes a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5. A final cooking fluid is present during the cook for the major part of the cook and is withdrawn through a withdrawal strainer only during the final 15 minutes of the cook. The final cooking fluid ensures a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5 in association with the withdrawal. The withdrawn final cooking fluid during the final 15 minutes of the cook consists of spent black liquor that maintains a residual alkali level that lies under 15 g/l.
US07686918B2 Magnetron plasma processing apparatus
A magnetron plasma processing apparatus has a baffle plate interposed between a processing space and a gas exhaust port so as to confine a plasma in the processing space in a processing chamber. The baffle plate has through holes allowing the processing space and the gas exhaust port to communicate with each other. The baffle plate is provided along lines of magnetic force of a magnetic field at a position where the plate is located.
US07686912B2 Method for bonding substrates and method for irradiating particle beam to be utilized therefor
A substrate bonding method for mutually bonding substrates, has a first radiation step for irradiating the surfaces of the individual substrates with an oxygen particle beam, a second radiation step for irradiating the surfaces of the individual substrate with a nitrogen particle beam simultaneously with or subsequently to the first radiation step, and a step for stacking the individual substrates and bringing the surfaces thereof into close contact. Particularly, the substrates which have been irradiated first with an oxygen plasma and subsequently with a nitrogen plasma are stacked and bonded.