Document Document Title
US07899286B2 Optical coupling device
An optical coupling device for coupling an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber or space to an optical waveguide includes a lower cladding layer formed on a substrate, an optical waveguide formed on the lower cladding layer such that the tip of the optical waveguide points to an end portion of the lower cladding layer, and having a tapered distal end portion, and an upper cladding layer continuously formed on the lower cladding layer and on the distal end portion of the optical waveguide from the end portion of the lower cladding layer to the distal end portion of the optical waveguide, and having a refractive index higher than that of the lower cladding layer. The upper cladding layer draws light having entered the end portion of the lower cladding layer toward the upper cladding layer, and couples the light to the distal end portion of the optical waveguide.
US07899281B2 Large amplitude high frequency optical delay
Optical delay line system that includes a retro-reflection mirror which is displaced along a circular path while being maintained in angular alignment with launch and return sources of light subject the components of the system to minimum levels of unbalanced linear acceleration. A retroreflector is pivotally mounted on a rotating element such that the optical axis of the retroreflector's motion is mobile such that its angle or position changes relative to a fixed observer. There is no linear stopping and starting of the retroreflector and all acceleration of the retroreflector is rotational acceleration with small angles so the required forces in the optical delay line are greatly reduced. Both large displacement and high repetition rates are achieved. The system can be configured so that optical fibers serve as launch and return optics. Alternatively, free space beam paths deliver light to the optical delay and return the reflected light from the retroreflector.
US07899276B2 Distributed amplifier optical modulator
Various embodiments described herein comprises an optoelectronic device comprising a waveguide structure including a plurality of optical modulator elements each having an optical property that is adjustable upon application of an electrical signal so as to modulate light guided in the waveguide structure. The optoelectronic device also comprises a plurality of amplifiers in distributed fashion. Each amplifier is electrically coupled to one of the optical modulators to apply electrical signals to the optical modulator.
US07899274B2 Content search method and apparatus
This invention is to enable retrieving of a content the searcher imagines in mind. The search method includes: obtaining a query brain image representing a brain activity state of a searcher when perceiving or imagining the content to be retrieved; identifying the content corresponding to the query brain image by using a structure associating a content with a brain image representing the brain activity state when perceiving the content; and outputting the content corresponding to the query brain image. Thus, by using the query brain image, without specifically indicating the content such as a drawing, the searcher can extract the pertinent content only by imaging the content.
US07899271B1 System and method of moving target based calibration of non-uniformity compensation for optical imagers
A system and method for moving target based non-uniformity calibration for optical images. The described approach allows for the use of the same test chamber to perform non-uniformity calibration and moving target tests. The current approach works by scanning a test scene having a target and a background at different intensity levels in an overlapping pattern across the imager FOV and cross-referencing multiple measurements of each pixel of a test scene as viewed by different pixels in the imager; each fully-compensated image pixel sees multiple different scene pixels and each scene pixel is seen by multiple imager pixels. For each fully-compensated imager pixel, an Nth order correlation is performed on the measured and estimate pixel response data to calculate the NUC terms. This approach is based on the simple yet novel premise that every fully-compensated pixel in the array that looks at the same thing should see the same thing.
US07899258B2 Systems and methods to convert images into high-quality compressed documents
Disclosed are embodiments of systems and methods to generate a composite image from an captured image, such as from a whiteboard, chalkboard, paper, card, poster, sign, or the like. Systems and methods are disclosed for generating a foreground image layer and mask layer, which enables high-quality and high-ratio document compression. In embodiments, a foreground image layer and mask layer may be generated by identifying non-background pixels in the captured image.
US07899249B2 Media material analysis of continuing article portions
The present invention relates to systems and methods for analyzing media material having articles continuing across multiple pages. A media material analyzer includes a segmenter and an article composer. The segmenter identifies block segments associated with columnar body test in the media material. The article composer determines which of the identified block segments belong to a continuing article extending across multiple pages in the media material based on language statistics information and continuation transition information.
US07899243B2 Image capture and identification system and process
A digital image of the object (16) is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database (20). An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object.
US07899240B2 Video pattern thumbnails and method
An electronic equipment and method for creating a composite image or video pattern thumbnail from portions of data extracted from given frames in a sequence of frames. The extracted portions of frame data vary according to the location of the given frame within the sequence, and the composite image is representative of the content of the media file.
US07899238B2 Image processing device, inspection device, image processing method, inspection method, computer readable medium, and computer data signal
An image processing device comprises: an obtaining unit that obtains a first image data set expressing a first face of a sheet-type material in which one or more objects to be tested is embedded, and a second image data set expressing a second face opposite to the first face; and a specifying unit that specifies a condition of the embedded one or more objects to be tested in the sheet-type material, depending on the first and second image data sets obtained by the obtaining unit.
US07899235B1 Image exchange send non-BOFD identification
Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes receiving a plurality of paper financial items, scanning each of the paper financial items, and for each paper financial item, generating a plurality of data sets based on the scanning. For each data set, it may be determined whether the associated paper financial item is a bank of first deposit (BOFD) item or a non-BOFD item. Also, for each data set, the data set may be modified depending upon whether the associated paper financial item is determined to be a BOFD item or a non-BOFD item. Further aspects are directed to systems that perform the above method.
US07899226B2 System and method of navigating an object in an imaged subject
A system to navigate an image-guided object traveling in an area of interest of an imaged subject in relation to an acquired image of the imaged subject as created by an imaging system is provided. The system includes a navigation system to track movement of the object in the imaged subject in spatial relation to a navigation coordinate system, and a controller. The controller is operable in detecting an image of the object in the at least one image of the imaged subject, calculating a spatial relation between the location of the image of the object and a tracked location of the object, and modifying the spatial relation of the image coordinate system relative to the navigation coordinate system so as to reduce the difference between the location of the image of the object and the tracked location of the object by the navigation system.
US07899224B2 System and method of characterizing vascular tissue
A system and method is provided for using backscattered data and known parameters to characterize vascular tissue. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an ultrasonic device is used to acquire RF backscattered data (i.e., IVUS data) from a blood vessel. The IVUS data is then transmitted to a computing device and used to create an IVUS image. The blood vessel is then cross-sectioned and used to identify its tissue type and to create a corresponding image (i.e., histology image). A region of interest (ROI), preferably corresponding to the identified tissue type, is then identified on the histology image. The computing device, or more particularly, a characterization application operating thereon, is then adapted to identify a corresponding region on the IVUS image. To accurately match the ROI, however, it may be necessary to warp or morph the histology image to substantially fit the contour of the IVUS image. After the corresponding region is identified, the IVUS data that corresponds to this region is identified. Signal processing is then performed and at least one parameter is identified. The identified parameter and the tissue type (e.g., characterization data) is stored in a database. In another embodiment of the present invention, the characterization application is adapted to receive IVUS data, determine parameters related thereto (either directly or indirectly), and use the parameters stored in the database to identify a tissue type or a characterization thereof.
US07899222B2 Method for segmentation of anatomical structures from 4D image data records
A method is disclosed for segmentation of anatomical structures, in particular of the coronary vascular system, from a sequence of 3D image data records recorded in a time sequence, in which the anatomical structure is first of all segmented from a first of the 3D image data records. In the method, during the segmentation of the anatomical structure, search areas of the segmentation are restricted and/or segmentation parameters associated with the three-dimensional relationships from the other 3D image data records are used, on the basis of known spatial conditions of the structure to be segmented, with respect to anatomical objects which are located in the surrounding area and of results of the segmentation from a respective next 3D image data record in the sequence from which the structure has already been segmented.
US07899215B2 In vivo identification information creation apparatus and identification apparatus
To propose an identification information creation apparatus offering improved reliability. This invention provides: an imaging means for imaging a unique in vivo imaging target existing inside a body; an optimization means for adjusting the imaging condition of the imaging means to be optimal for the in vivo imaging target and/or applying an image process so that the image condition of an image taken by the imaging means becomes optimal; and an identification information creation means for creating a first parameter which is set in the imaging means as a result of the adjustment by the optimization means and/or a second parameter which is obtained as a result of applying the image process by the optimization means, as identification information to identify the body.
US07899209B2 Statistical modeling and performance characterization of a real-time dual camera surveillance system
The present invention relates to a method for visually detecting and tracking an object through a space. The method chooses modules for a restricting a search function within the space to regions with a high probability of significant change, the search function operating on images supplied by a camera. The method also derives statistical models for errors, including quantifying an indexing step performed by an indexing module, and tuning system parameters. Further the method applies a likelihood model for candidate hypothesis evaluation and object parameters estimation for locating the object.
US07899207B2 Image-based visibility measurement
The invention provides an image-based visibility measurement solution in which an image is used to calculate a visibility (visual range). In one embodiment, a lighting condition for the image is determined and the visibility calculation is adjusted based on the lighting condition. Further, the invention can obtain image data for a set of portions of the image and estimate a visual range based on each portion. The estimated visual ranges can be combined to calculate the visibility for the image. Still further, multiple metrics can be calculated, each of which is used to estimate a visual range. Subsequently, the visual ranges can be used to calculate the visibility for the image. Even further, configuration data that is based on a set of training images can be used to calculate the visibility for a new image. To this extent, the invention can incorporate the lighting condition, portions of the image having differing features, multiple metrics, and/or feedback through training images to accurately measure visibility based on an image.
US07899206B2 Device, system and method for determining compliance with a positioning instruction by a figure in an image
A device, system and method for calculating location coordinates for a figure in an image that is illuminated by visible light, comparing such location coordinates to location coordinates of a figure, and evaluating compliance by such figure to an instruction to assume a defined position.
US07899198B2 Headrest surround channel electroacoustical transducing
An audio system including a first audio source, including a surround channel signal, coupled to an electroacoustical transducer mounted in the back of a seat of, for example, an automobile, so that the surround channel is radiated from the electroacoustical transducer. In one embodiment, the electroacoustical transducer is oriented to radiate substantially upwardly.
US07899197B2 Electrostatic transducer, driving circuit of capacitive load, method for setting circuit constant, ultrasonic speaker, display device and directional acoustic system
Provided is an electrostatic transducer which is driven by a boosted driving signal by boosting a modulated signal obtained by modulating a carrier wave with an acoustic signal in an audio frequency band, the transducer including: an output transformer T which connects the electrostatic transducer to a secondary side winding thereof in parallel and boosts the modulated signal; and a resistor R and a coupling capacitance C1 connected in series to a primary side winding of the output transformer T, wherein a circuit constant of a primary side circuit of the output transformer T including a serial circuit of the resistor R and the coupling capacitance C1 and a circuit constant of a secondary side circuit of the output transformer including a self-inductance L2 and a load capacitance CL of the secondary side winding of the output transformer T are set such that a resonance frequency f0 of a circuit formed by the self-inductance L2 of the secondary side winding of the output transformer T and the load capacitance CL(F) of the electrostatic transducer is matched or approximately matched to a carrier wave frequency fc of the electrostatic transducer.
US07899196B2 Digital microphone
An integrated circuit, configured to process microphone signals, where the integrated circuit comprises: a preamplifier (306) with an amplifier section (301) which has a first input (φ) and a second input (φ*) and an output (φ), and with a feedback filter network (Z1; Z1, Z1*, Z2) coupled between the output (φ; φ, φ*) and the second input (φ′); where the first input (φ) to the amplifier section (301) has an input impedance which by means of the input impedance of the amplifier section is substantially isolated from the feedback network with respect to input impedance; and where the preamplifier has a frequency-gain transfer function which suppress low frequencies; and an analogue-to-digital converter coupled to receive an anti-aliasing filtered input signal and providing a digital output signal (Do).
US07899192B2 Method for dynamically adjusting the spectral content of an audio signal
A method for dynamically adjusting the spectral content of an audio signal, which increases the harmonic content of said audio signal, said method comprising translating an encoded digital signal into data bands, creating a psychoacoustic model to identify sections of said data bands that are deficient in harmonic quality, analyzing the fundamental frequency and amplitude of said harmonically deficient data bands, creating additional higher order harmonics for said harmonically deficient data bands, adding said higher order harmonics back to said encoded digital signal to form a newly enhanced signal, inverse filtering said newly enhanced signal, and converting said inverse filtered signal to an analog waveform for consumption by the listener.
US07899185B2 Real privacy management authentication system
A system for secure communications. An authentication procedure establishes a session key between communicating entities that is used to encrypt subsequent communications. The authentication procedure can be repeated for each n messages exchanged, where n is an integer, for each web page sent and received and for any other suitable interval. An entity can establish a trusted relationship with a directory server that can act as a trusted intermediary in authentication and session key set up between two or more entities that do not trust each other.
US07899182B2 Digital broadcast reception apparatus
Disclosed is a digital broadcast reception apparatus which performs a scramble judgment by obtaining a judgment PID corresponding to PCR_PID and a judgment packet corresponding to the judgment PID and judging whether the judgment packet is obtained within a first time, subsequently by a value of tsc bit, subsequently by detecting a PES packet where payload starts and judging whether it is detected within a second time, subsequently by detecting packet_start_code_prefix and judging based on the detected value, and subsequently by a value of PES_scrambling_control.
US07899176B1 Systems and methods for discovering customer center information
A method for discovering customer center information includes receiving a plurality of customer center information from a plurality of respective information sources, and correlating the plurality of customer center information to determine an identity of a customer center agent accessing customer center resources.
US07899172B2 Call forwarding systems, methods and network devices
In call forwarding of a call there is an original calling network device, an original recipient of an incoming call, and a forwardee of the call. Systems, network devices, and methods are provided for delivering local call forwarding functionality. Each network device is capable of functioning in the capacity of any one or more of the above three roles, namely, originator, original recipient, and forwardee by providing local call forwarding functionality. In some implementations there is no central processing equipment used to provide local call forwarding functionality for forwarding calls. Furthermore, a network device may provide a call forwarding destination on behalf of another network device when the other network device cannot be reached.
US07899163B2 XDSL modem and method for stabilizing XDSL operation thereof
A method for stabilizing a connection between an xDSL modem (160) and a central office (120) is provided. The method includes detecting whether a signal on a telephone line is a ring signal; setting a ring signal flag if the signal on the telephone line is the ring signal; and maintaining a connection between the xDSL modem and the central office. An xDSL modem using the method is also provided.
US07899156B2 Irradiation system including an electron-beam scanner
A property of a treatment beam is controlled during a scanning period. A portion of a region is exposed to an imaging x-ray beam during a scanning period, the imaging x-ray beam being generated by an electron-beam scanner. X-ray radiation from the region is detected, the x-ray radiation representing an attenuation of the imaging x-ray beam caused by the portion of the region. A first image of the portion of the region is generated based on the detected x-ray radiation. A characteristic of the portion of the region is determined from the generated first image. An input derived from the characteristic is generated, the input configured to cause a source of a treatment beam to modify a property of the treatment beam. The source of the treatment beam modifies a property of the treatment beam during the scanning period by providing the input to the source of the treatment beam.
US07899154B2 Small spot and high energy resolution XRF system for valence state determination
An x-ray fluorescence technique for determining a valence state of a sample. An x-ray excitation path is provided for exciting a sample with x-rays; and an x-ray detection path is provided for detecting fluorescence emitted from the sample, and focusing the emitted fluorescence to a focal spot. The detection path may include a monochromating detection optic for focusing the fluorescence; and also may include a detector on which the focal spot is focused. The precise positions of the focal spot are sensed, from which valence states of the sample can be determined; and/or the detection optic can be rocked across certain angles of incidence, to change the Bragg conditions, thereby sensing different valence states within the sample.
US07899152B2 Method for the three-dimensional representation of a moving structure by a tomographic method
The invention relates to a method for a three-dimensional representation of a moving structure by a tomographic method, in which during one recording pass a series of projection recordings is registered by an imaging unit at different recording angles between a start position and an end position, it being possible to reconstruct three-dimensional image data from the projection recordings with the following steps: a) generation of tomosynthesis projection recordings along a tomosynthesis scanning path; b) interpolation of the data of the tomosynthesis projection recordings in accordance with an interpolation algorithm in order to generate a projection data set; c) use of a tomosynthesis reconstruction method on the projection data set in order to generate a tomosynthesis volume image; d) repetition of steps b) and c) for all times of interest, and e) display of tomosynthesis representations from the tomosynthesis volume images.
US07899145B2 Circuit, system, and method for multiplexing signals with reduced jitter
An apparatus having a plurality of power supply domains and a plurality of logic components. Each of the plurality of logic components residing within a different one of the plurality of power supply domains. Each of the plurality of logic components is configured to operate with a corresponding clock signal within a respective one of the plurality of power supply domains.
US07899143B2 Adjustment mechanism for source synchronous strobe lockout
An apparatus for adjusting a lockout time in a source synchronous strobe receiver, including a delay-locked loop (DLL) and receivers. The DLL receives a reference clock and generates adjusted and encoded vectors, both indicating a first time period. A select vector is employed to select a delayed version of the reference clock that lags the reference clock by a second time period, which is slightly less than a number of reference clock cycles. The select vector is reduced in value to generate the adjusted vector. The receivers are coupled to the delay-locked loop. Each of the one or more receivers receives the encoded vector and a corresponding strobe, and locks out reception of the corresponding strobe for the first time period following transition of the corresponding strobe. The encoded vector is employed to determine the first time period by selecting a delayed version of the corresponding strobe.
US07899141B2 Receiver for receiving radio frequency signals
Receivers (1) for receiving radio frequency signals need automatic gain control alignment by hand during the production process, which makes the production process more expensive, more time-consuming and less reliable (insight). By (basic idea) providing receivers (1) with a first and a second gain controller (38, 54) for controlling the gains of a first (radio frequency) and a second (intermediate frequency) stage (3, 5) independently from each other, alignment by hand is no longer necessary, which results in a less expensive, less time-consuming and more reliable production process. The gain controllers (38, 54) have gain detectors (41, 59) for detecting output signals, and gain generators (40, 58) for generating gain control signals, and control inputs (42, 60) for receiving the same reference level signal (REF) for controlling the gains in relation to the same reference level.
US07899136B2 Frequency-offset estimation
A device for calculating an overall frequency-offset estimate from a plurality of frequency-offset estimates includes a receiver unit configured to receive a plurality of data streams, a phase shift estimation unit configured to generate a phase shift quantity representative of a phase shift over a number of consecutive data samples in the respective data stream, and a phase shift processing unit coupled to the phase shift estimation unit and configured to calculate a quantity related to the signal-to-noise ratio associated with a data stream on the basis of the respective phase shift quantity. Further, the device includes a frequency-offset estimation unit configured to generate frequency-offset estimates associated with the respective data streams, and a combiner configured to calculate an overall frequency-offset estimate on the basis of the frequency-offset estimates and on the basis of the quantities related to the signal-to-noise ratios.
US07899124B2 Methods and systems for adaptive communication
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of transferring data in a communication system. In the method, an initial impulse noise protection value is determined. A number of redundancy bits is added to blocks of data to form codewords as a function of the initial impulse noise protection value, where the impulse noise protection value corresponds to a number of consecutive symbols that can be corrected. The number of symbols that can be correctly transmitted is changed by changing only the number of redundancy bits added to each block of data.
US07899122B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for generating interpolation frame
A method for generating an interpolation frame between first and second reference frames includes dividing an interpolation frame into several interpolation areas; detecting a most correlated combination from several combinations between first reference areas and second reference areas for each interpolation area; obtaining a motion vector from the first and second reference areas; determining whether the first reference areas and the second reference areas are in a high-correlated area or a low-correlated area; giving the motion vector to the motion vector detected area, the motion vector detected area corresponding to the interpolation area which is determined to be the high-correlated area in the first and second reference areas; determining a motion vector to be given to the motion vector undetected area; and generating the interpolation frame based on the motion vector given to the motion vector detected area and the motion vector determined for the motion vector undetected area.
US07899120B2 Method for selecting output motion vector based on motion vector refinement and transcoder using the same
A method of estimating output motion vector includes generating a group of candidate motion vectors, selecting two or more reference vectors, variably establishing a search window, and estimating an output motion vector by performing a motion vector refinement on the search window. The method selects the two or more reference vectors from the group of the candidate motion vectors and the search window is established according to a relativity among the reference vectors. A transcoder using the method includes an encoding parameter estimator configured to select the two or more reference vectors and to variably establish the search window according to the relativity between the reference vectors. Therefore, the search window may be efficiently established without increasing calculation time, so that the output motion vector may be more correctly estimated.
US07899119B2 Method and device for coding a sequence of source images
A method and device for coding an image of a video sequence by image block using the time correlation between images based on movement field calculation. The method includes subdividing the images into blocks of images and a step for configuring the blocks into regions. A region corresponds to a succession of consecutive or non-consecutive blocks, according to the television scanning order of the image. In the inter- or intra-block coding step, the blocks are coded by region according to an ordering of the regions and a region according to the order of succession of the blocks that make up the region. The coded block error correction step includes analyzing the field of movement, a configuring step, and an error correction step. The step for analyzing the field of movement is carried out to calculate a “lifespan” parameter assigned to a block and corresponding to its probability of existence in subsequent images, according to the movement vector associated with this block. The configuring step is performed taking into account the value of this parameter to define and order the regions of the image from most important to least important. The error correction step uses a more effective error correction algorithm for the coded data corresponding to the most important regions than for the data corresponding to the least important regions.
US07899115B2 Method for scalably encoding and decoding video signal
The present invention relates to a method for scalably encoding and decoding a video signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, motion information, such as reference indices, motion vector, modes, etc., for an enhanced layer can be derived from a base layer, and a reference index for an image block in the enhanced layer is determined using median criterion based upon the base layer. A reference index for a block, having the most pixels corresponding to those of the image block, in the base layer is selected as the reference index for the image block, and the nearer reference index is selected if more than one block in the base layer have the same pixels corresponding to those of the image block. And, a motion vector for the base layer block related to the selected reference index is selected as the motion vector for the image block.
US07899110B1 Bit sync for receiver with multiple antennas
A receiver with multiple antennas, such as an 802.11b receiver may generate a magnitude signal for each antenna and add the results to determine a peak signal point in a received frame to provide a bit synchronization signal to a rake receiver component. The receiver may include one or more threshold switches that only pass individual or combined magnitude signals when the magnitude signals are above a certain level. The received frame may be dividing into segments using a switching circuit and registers. A comparator may then evaluate the registers to determine the segment with the highest magnitude signal. In one embodiment, values for adjacent segments may be added to a current segment when determining the segment with the highest magnitude signal.
US07899101B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor light emitting device of double hetero junction includes an active layer and clad layers. The clad layers include an n-type layer and p-type layer. The clad layers sandwich the active layer. A band gap energy of the clad layers is larger than that of the active layer. The band gap energy of the n-type clad layer is smaller than of the p-type clad layer.
US07899097B1 Synchronized delay-coupled laser system
A synchronized delay-coupled laser system includes at least two lasers. Each laser includes a laser fiber with a coupling means for coupling to a laser pump. The lasers are coupled to each other by way of two optical fibers. Each laser also includes a self-feedback section. The optical fibers interconnecting the lasers and the self-feedback sections are configured to provide a substantially identical delay time. The lasers may be ring lasers, may be semi-conductor or solid state, and may include components such as a fiber amplifier, a polarization controller, and a nonlinear oscillator. The system includes multiple interconnected lasers and also employ cross-coupling connections.
US07899091B2 Defect-tolerant demultiplexers based on threshold logic
Embodiments of the present invention include defect-tolerant demultiplexer crossbars that employ, or that can be modeled by demultiplexer crossbars that employ, threshold logic “TL” elements. The threshold-logic elements provide for tolerance for signal variation on internal signals lines of a defect-tolerant demultiplexer crossbar, and thus tolerance for defects which produce internal signal variation.
US07899084B2 Method and system for generating switching timing signal for separating transmitting and receiving signal in optical repeater of mobile telecommunication network using TDD and OFDM modulation
Disclosed are a method and system for generating switching a timing signal for separating a transmitting and receiving signal in an optical repeater of a mobile telecommunication network by using a Time Division Duplex (hereinafter, referred to as “TDD”) scheme and an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (hereinafter, referred to as “OFDM”) modulation scheme, which transmits a part of a RF signal extracted from a coupler included in a remote of an optical repeater to a switching timing signal generating circuit, locates a frame start position of a RF signal by correlating a reference signal generated in a switching timing signal generating circuit with a RF signal extracted from a coupler, and is capable of transmitting a RF signal by distinguishing between a downlink signal and a uplink signal by using a switching timing signal in a switch when calculating a starting point of a downlink signal and a uplink signal included in an RF signal on the basis of a frame starting location, generating a switching timing signal by using it, and transmitting to a remote's switch.
US07899080B2 Demultiplexer
In a demultiplexer, a finite search length and a finite jump length are set in a packet header detection section. The packet header detection section skips from a transfer start position of a multiplexed stream according to the set jump length and then searches for a start code included in a packet header which is to be detected through a range designated by the search length. A payload separation section separates payloads included in the multiplexed stream based on detection results of the packet header detection section.
US07899075B2 Uplink transport format selection
A method includes performing transport format combination selection so as to maximize transmission of higher priority data. The method operates, when scheduled and/or non-scheduled grants are taken into account for a transmission time interval, giving data of a given priority belonging to a scheduled MAC-d flow precedence over any lower priority data, whether belonging to a scheduled or a non-scheduled MAC-d flow; and giving data of a given priority belonging to a non-scheduled MAC-d flow precedence over any lower priority data, whether belonging to a scheduled or a non-scheduled MAC-d flow. In the method, where if the transmission contains any scheduled data, the size of a selected MAC-e protocol data unit is made not to exceed the total of all non-scheduled grants which are applicable for transmission in the transmission time interval; a maximum number of scheduled bits based on a serving grant, after adjustment for compressed frames, and a power offset; and the size of triggered scheduling information, if any. Also disclosed are corresponding apparatus and computer programs.
US07899073B2 Methods and apparatus for monitoring for signals and selecting and/or using a communications band based on the monitoring results
Methods and apparatus for supporting peer to peer communications are described. A plurality of wide area network communications bands in a wireless communications system are also available for use to communicate peer to peer signals. Some WAN bands may be, and sometimes are unused by a base station for WAN communications at a particular location. A peer to peer communications device monitors one or more WAN communications bands. Received signals in the monitored band or bands are compared to threshold criteria. In one embodiment, if the peer to peer communications device finds that no signal is detected in the monitored band or that the received evaluated signal from the monitored band is below a specified threshold level, then the peer to peer wireless terminal is allowed to use a band which is either the monitored band or a band corresponding to the monitored band for peer to peer signaling.
US07899065B2 Method, apparatus and system for a media gateway controller to deliver a resource provision decision to a media gateway
A method for a media gateway controller (MGC) to deliver a resource provision decision to a media gateway (MG) includes: the MGC receives a decision request from the MG and makes a resource provision decision according to service requirement information and/or resource status information, and delivers the resource provision decision to the MG. The present invention also discloses an MGC, an MG and a system comprising the MGC and MG. In the invention, the MGC does not deliver the resource provision decision already made according to service requirement information and/or resource status information until reception of a decision request from the MG so that the MGC delivers a resource provision decision passively upon request of the MG. The Pull mode for delivery of the resource provision decision is thus supported.
US07899063B2 System and method for providing services through an integrated digital network
A system and methods for providing services through an integrated digital network. The present invention embodies a system and methods for providing telecommunications services through an integrated digital network that provides the superset of all previous network types, and can continue to support being the core for existing networks—now used simply as edge access methods. The method includes connecting a multi-service core to existing telecommunications networks, wherein the core can communicate with conventional network components; interconnecting a gateway between the multi-service core and multiple existing network components, wherein the gateway is configured to share multiple service aspects with each network component and to utilize multiple transport protocols to communicate with different core network components; coordinating communications between the gateway and existing network components; and resolving differences between protocols or communications between existing core network components.
US07899051B2 Broadcast channel signal, apparatus and method for transmitting and decoding broadcast channel information
The present invention provides a broadcast channel signal, a wireless communication device and method for transmitting broadcast channel information, where an invariant subportion of a variant portion of the broadcast channel information is separated from the variant subportion of the variant portion and combined with the invariant portion, and encoded separately from the variant subportion. Both encoded portions are transmitted and decoded by a wireless communication device, which uses subsequent transmissions of the broadcast channel information to assist in the decoding in the event the broadcast channel information for a particular transmission frame of a transmission interval cannot be decoded. If the variant subportion cannot be decoded, then using one or more of a set of prestored possible matches defining anticipated bit differences, between multiple successive transmissions, based upon the relative transmission sequence, which can be negated as part of attempting to decode and combine the received information for the multiple received frames.
US07899038B2 Method and apparatus for communicating fax data over the internet
Gateway, method, and apparatus for communicating fax data over the Internet. A gateway includes: a fax receiving module adapted to convert an analog fax transmission to a fax data set; and an Internet Protocol (IP) communication module adapted to encapsulate said data set using a first streaming protocol and b further encapsulate the encapsulated data set using a second streaming protocol; wherein the first streaming protocol comprises a fax relay protocol and the second streaming protocol comprises a real-time protocol; wherein encapsulation of said data set using the fax relay protocol comprises encapsulation of said data set into a payload of network packet comprising a fax relay protocol packet; wherein further encapsulation of said encapsulated data set using the real-time protocol comprises inclusion of said fax relay protocol packet into a higher layer payload of network packet comprising a real-time protocol packet; wherein the gateway is to transfer to a switched packet network a twice-encapsulated packet comprising said data set firstly encapsulated using the fax relay protocol and further encapsulated using the real-time protocol.
US07899037B1 Voice session and data session coordination in a communication device
A communication device has a data application and a voice application. The device establishes a data session between the data application and a data system. During the data session, the device receives a voice session request from a voice communication system, and in response, alerts the user of the request and transfers a voice session request indication from the voice application to the data application. The device receives user acceptance of the voice session request, and in response, transfers a voice session acceptance indication from the voice application to the data application. In response to the voice session indications, the device transfers a data session message from the data application to the data system and then transfers a ready indication from the data application to the voice application. In response to the ready indication, the communication device then transfers a voice session acceptance from the voice application to the voice communication system.
US07899034B2 Methods for the synchronization of multiple base stations in a wireless communication system
A plurality of base station devices are linked together and synchronized to facilitate communication between the respective base station devices and respective downlink subscriber stations. According to one embodiment of the invention, one of the base station devices is designated as a master device, and the other base station devices are designated as slave devices. The respective base station devices are connected to each other by means of a synchronization bus. The master base station device then generates and broadcasts a future time stamp value, which is received by the respective slave base station devices. When the time stamp counter in the master base station device reaches the transmitted value, a control signal is broadcast over the synchronization bus. The slave base station devices then retrieve the time stamp value and reset their respective local time stamp counters to the received value. In this manner, the base station devices are synchronized.
US07899033B2 Method and system for conditionally invoking an IMS service
A pushed value associated with a party is received by a telephone network element. The pushed value is a function of a plurality of pushed values associated with the party. An incoming call for the party is received after receiving the pushed value. An Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) service for the incoming call is conditionally invoked based on the pushed value.
US07899030B2 Advanced switching architecture
The present invention provides a system and method for encapsulating protocols across a switching fabric network. Packets, which may utilize any underlying protocol, are encapsulated with a route header. This route header contains path routing, traffic and packet size information. A novel path routing scheme is used to route packets across the fabric, where the fabric has a plurality of switches, each having a plurality of ports. Each switch uses only data from within the packet and its own port count to determine the appropriate output port. There is no need to node or address lookup mechanisms in the switches.
US07899026B2 Method of performing channel quality report in a wireless communication system
A method of reporting of channel quality in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A method of reporting of channel quality in a user equipment, which receives a point-to-multipoint service in a wireless communication system, comprises receiving configuration information for reporting of channel quality from a network, the configuration information corresponding to each of at least one uplink channel, receiving a request message requesting the channel quality from the network, and reporting the channel quality using configuration information corresponding to an uplink channel among the at least one uplink channel.
US07899022B2 Block de-interleaving system
The block de-interleaving system includes an input for receiving a set of time-aligned blocks or interleaved data, physical memory unit, and a de-interleaving block for writing the blocks in the memory in a first predetermined manner and reading the blocks from the memory in a second predetermined manner to de-interleave the data of the blocks. The physical memory unit may include several different physical memories, and the de-interleaving block is adapted to completely write and read a block into and from one physical elementary memory.
US07899010B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting data from a first communication device to a second communication device
Method and apparatus for transmitting data from a first communication device to a second communication device, wherein the first communication device can assume at least two communication link states. The data is transmitted by the first communication device when the first communication device is in the first communication link state, as a function of the amount of data to be transmitted via a first jointly used communication channel or via a second jointly used communication channel to the second communication device. The data is transmitted by the first communication device, when the first communication device is in the second communication link state, via a third jointly used communication channel to the second communication device.
US07899003B2 Method and system for control of discontinuous reception (DRX) by a mobile device in a wireless communications network supporting voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP)
A method and system for controlling discontinuous reception (DRX) in a mobile device in a wireless communications network that supports voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) and that uses an automatic repeat-request (ARQ) method, like a hybrid automatic repeat-request (HARQ) method, uses autonomous DRX control after initial VoIP traffic setup. If the mobile device transmits a negative-acknowledgement signal (NACK) indicating unsuccessful receipt of a VoIP packet, then it autonomously turns on a predetermined delay time later to receive the retransmission of the VoIP packet, where the predetermined delay time is related to the time for the base station to process the NACK and prepare the VoIP packet for retransmission. When the mobile device transmits or retransmits a VoIP packet, reception is deactivated, but is autonomously activated the predetermined delay time later to receive an acknowledgement signal (ACK) or NACK. VoIP packets may be transmitted from the mobile device the predetermined delay time before VoIP packets are transmitted from the base station. This alignment allows an ACK or NACK to be transmitted from the base station in the same transmission time interval (TTI) as a VoIP packet.
US07899002B2 Satellite/terrestrial wireless communications systems and methods using disparate channel separation codes
A wireless communications system includes a space-based component (SBC) and an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) configured to communicate with radioterminals using a common satellite service link frequency band and respective first and second different sets of channel separation codes. The first and second sets of channel separation codes may include, for example, respective sets of scrambling codes, respective sets of frequency assignment codes, respective sets of channel assignment codes, respective sets of sub-channel assignment codes and/or respective sets of spreading codes.
US07898995B2 Dynamic adjustment of inactivity timer threshold for call control transactions
In general, this disclosure is directed to establishment and release of a connection between a communication device and an access network. More specifically, the techniques of this disclosure are directed to determining when a data flow used for exchanging call control requests becomes inactive. For example, a communication device may dynamically adjust an inactivity timer threshold associated with the data flow used by applications to exchange call control messages when a new call control transaction starts or an existing call control transaction ends, e.g., by selecting a single inactivity timer threshold for the data flow to satisfy minimum connection requirements of existing call control transactions, recently ended call control transactions and the new call control transaction. The data flow is considered inactive when no applications send or receive messages via the data flow for a period of time that exceeds the adjusted inactivity timer threshold.
US07898991B2 Serializer/deserializer test modes
Serializer, deserializer, and/or serdes ICs are configured to support one or more test modes to enable end-to-end testing in communication links in which the ICs are implemented. To support the end-to-end testing, the ICs can include a multiplexing stage with means for deterministically mapping a plurality of input parallel data signals to at least one output serial data signal and/or a demultiplexing stage with means for deterministically mapping at least one input serial data signal to a plurality of output parallel data signals. When used in combination in a communication link, the means included in the multiplexing stage and demultiplexing stage deterministically map specific input parallel data signals to specific output parallel data signals.
US07898979B2 Radio ad hoc communication system, terminal, processing method in the terminal, and program causing the terminal to execute the method
A wireless ad hoc communication system is provided in which in the case where an alternative route can not be discovered in a certain node, a restoration is attempted in an intermediate node instead of deleting all routes up to a transmission source.In order to do so, a route discovery process 20 discovers and sets a route when a corresponding route is not set at the time of data communication request 10. A link state management process 40 monitors a state of a link 30 on the route set by the route discovery process 20, and updates a link state in a route table of each wireless terminal. When the link quality deteriorates, a route information notification process 50 notifies the link state to urge a retention of transmission data. An alternative route search process 60 searches an alternative route when the link quality deteriorates, and traces back to a terminal on the transmission side in order to search further when the alternative route is not discovered. A route switching process 70 switches a possible alternative route as a qualified route.
US07898970B2 Method for end to end route control
Session independent end to end route control is provided by coordination between a pair of route control devices. Each device determines whether received traffic qualifies for end to end route control and whether the device at the other end supports end to end route control. If so, then the route control devices determine a routing mode, such as tunneling or address translation, and routing parameters. The performance of the selected path is monitored and is changed if the performance becomes unacceptable. Path performance can be measured using one-way measurement techniques that use a common inbound path or a control channel.
US07898967B2 Multiple upstream channel descriptor messages pointing to single upstream channel ID for more efficient operation of a DOCSIS system
In a DOCSIS-based communications system, different upstream channel descriptors (UCDs) all identify a single logical upsteam channel identifier (UCID) regardless of the type of cable modem (CM) to which the UCDs are sent. Different CMs having different capabilities (e.g., CMs configured according to the different DOCSIS standards 1.x, 2.0, and 3.0) receive their respective UCDs from an upstream headend. All the UCDs, however, refer to the same logical upstream channel. The different CMs therefore share this single logical upstream channel.
US07898962B2 Communications systems with retransmission request budgets
A media communications system using a multicasting or broadcasting technique, where each individual sink is allowed to request retransmissions according to a budget. The media communications system maintains the media quality of sinks that have a good communications channel in situations where one or more of the sinks is experiencing a bad communications channel, and where otherwise the communications channel would be saturated with retransmission requests and retransmissions which would affect other and possibly all media sinks.
US07898956B2 Credit-based rate control for high-speed interfaces
In accordance with at least one embodiment, credit-based flow control for high-speed interfaces is provided. Decoupling (separation) of high speed interface reference clocks from the interface data rates is enabled. Such decoupling allows consolidation of reference clocks used for high speed interfaces, thereby enabling one reference clock to be used for multiple interfaces having different data rates. It also results in reduced buffer resource (memory) requirements, and reduced system latency. In redundant systems it also simplifies the direct vs. spare selection mechanism.
US07898955B1 System and method for real-time diagnosis of routing problems
A system and method for detecting and diagnosing routing problems in a network in real-time by recording TCP flow information from at least one server to at least one prefix, and observing retransmission packets communicated from the at least one server to the at least one prefix. When a predetermined threshold for TCP flows to a prefix is reached, traceroutes may be triggered to a destination in the prefix, and the traceroutes analyzed to determine whether to issue an alarm for a routing failure. The system includes a real-time data collection engine for recording unidirectional TCP flow information, a real-time detection engine for observing the retransmission packets and issuing a warning upon a retransmission counter exceeding a predetermined threshold, and a real-time diagnosis engine for triggering at least one traceroute to a destination in the prefix that is randomly selected from TCP flows in retransmission states.
US07898939B2 Scalable and robust mechanism for remote IP device monitoring with changing IP address assignment
A method is provided for monitoring devices with changing IP addresses. SNMP trap is received from a device at a first IP address to notify that a connection is up, and a SNMP poll is transmitted to the device to obtain an identifier. Predetermined consecutive SNMP GET requests are transmitted to the device in intervals. Responsive to failing to receive from the device predetermined consecutive SNMP GET responses equal to the predetermined consecutive SNMP GET requests, it is determined that there is a connection failure or a device failure and checked whether the device is in a maintenance window. If not in maintenance window, a trouble ticket is generated. Responsive to the failure, there is a predetermined waiting period for another SNMP trap from the device with a second IP address and the same identifier notifying that a connection is back up, and no trouble ticket is generated.
US07898934B2 Information recording medium
In an information recording medium comprising at least a substrate, a recording layer, and a resin layer, the substrate is formed with at least a pit corresponding to a read only area 31 and a groove corresponding to a recording/reproducing area 32 without overlapping with each other. A reflectivity of the recording layer is specified to be more than 10%. The recording layer and the resin layer are continuously adhered over both the read only and recording/reproducing areas 31 and 32. The information recording medium is characterized in that both push-pull signal outputs T1 and T2, which are reproduced from the read only area 31 and the recording/reproducing area 32 respectively, are more than 0.1 and satisfy an inequality 1.5≧T1/T2≧0.5.
US07898931B2 Device for recording data, comprising a peripheral support membrane, and method for producing same
The data recording device comprises a two-dimensional array of microdots of nanometric dimensions arranged facing a storage medium. The storage medium comprises a sensitive area preferably comprising a flexible membrane and extended at its periphery by a flexible fixing membrane. The sensitive area of the storage medium is thus flexibly fixed to an external frame, allowing movement of the sensitive area in its plane and perpendicularly to its plane. The microdots are preferably formed on a convex front face of a substrate, enabling contact between each of the microdots and the sensitive area to be ensured in all cases. The radius of curvature of the convex surface is preferably comprised between 0.5 m and 5 m.
US07898930B2 Optical disk drive
In an embodiment, an optical disk drive includes a land prepit detection circuit. With such circuit, if the optical disk drive reads a poor-quality disk on which, in terms of signals, LPP-like noises are caused by a defect of a land area, it is possible to increase the noise immunity and LPP detection accuracy of the optical disk drive so that the optical disk drive is capable of successfully detecting LPP without fail.
US07898921B2 Optical disc, optical disc recording apparatus, and optical disc recording method
Drive information is updated to always include the recording/playback conditions determined from the most recent learning process on a data recording medium. The data recording medium has a data recording area for recording data, and a drive information area for recording drive information. The drive information includes a plurality of drive-specific information records. Each of the plural drive-specific information records defines the operating conditions of the data recording and playback apparatus when a data recording and playback apparatus that can load and access the data recording medium reads or writes data. The plural drive-specific information records are arranged chronologically according to when the information was recorded to the data recording medium.
US07898918B2 Write-once optical disc, and method and apparatus for recording/reproducing management information on/from optical disc
A write-once optical disc and a method and apparatus for recording management information on the optical disc are provided. The optical disc includes at least one recording layer and a plurality of temporary defect management areas (TDMAs) on the at least one recording layer. At least one of the TDMAs includes an indicator indicating which one of the TDMAs has an in-use status.
US07898912B2 Integrated circuit, optical disk device, and signal processing method
Before initiation of tracking control, an optical disk device performs an offset amount obtaining operation, in which a difference between a middle value of the amplitude of a tracking error signal and a predetermined reference value is obtained as an offset amount. After the initiation of the tracking control, the optical disk device initiates an attenuation operation, in which an offset amount attenuation section attenuates the offset amount obtained by the offset amount obtaining operation to obtain an attenuated offset amount, while initiating, with an initial value being 0, an estimation operation, in which an observer estimates the offset amount according to a tracking driving signal to obtain an estimated offset amount. The optical disk device corrects the tracking error signal by using the attenuated offset amount obtained by the attenuation operation and the estimated offset amount obtained by the estimation operation.
US07898911B2 Optical pickup apparatus equipped with a lens angle adjusting member and a semiconductor laser element
In an optical pickup apparatus, a collimator lens is rockably supported by edges of two protruding portions formed on opposing sides of a groove of an optical base. The collimator lens is urged against the edges of the two protruding portions by a leaf spring. The position in vertical direction of one end of the leaf spring is adjusted by a position adjustor. In this manner, a tilt angle of the collimator lens is adjusted. Therefore, astigmatism of the light spot can precisely be compensated for irrespective of variations among apparatuses to achieve an excellent light spot.
US07898909B2 Thermal-assisted magnetic recording head having substrate and light reflection section
A thermally assisted magnetic head includes a slider having a medium-facing surface and a surface-emitting semiconductor laser. The slider has a slider substrate on which part of the medium-facing surface is formed, and a magnetic head portion, on which another part of the medium-facing surface is formed, and which has a first surface in contact with a head stacking surface of the slider substrate, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a third surface opposite the medium-facing surface. The magnetic head portion comprises a main magnetic pole, an optical waveguide core having a first light exit surface at the medium-facing surface and a second light exit surface at the third surface, a first diffraction grating, provided in the optical waveguide core or further towards the second surface than the optical waveguide core, and a light reflective section provided further toward the first surface than the optical waveguide core. The surface-emitting semiconductor laser is provided opposing the second surface. The first diffraction grating causes part of emission light from the surface-emitting semiconductor laser to be optically coupled to the optical waveguide core.
US07898898B2 Semiconductor memory apparatus having a sub-word line driver for increasing an area margin in the memory core area
A semiconductor memory apparatus with a sub-word line driver is presented which has an increased area margin in the memory core area. The sub-word line driver is configured to operate in response to activation of a main word line and in response to positive and negative sub-word line enable signals. The sub-word line driver includes a pull-up driver and a pull-down driver. The pull-up driver is configured to pull-up drive a first sub-word line to the potential level of the positive sub-word line enable signal in response to the activation of the main word line. The pull-down driver is configured to pull-down drive the first sub-word line in response to the negative sub-word line enable signal.
US07898895B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device of the invention comprises: a memory cell array including memory cells formed at intersections between word lines and bit lines; first and second input/output ports each defined for inputting/outputting data of the memory cell array; sense amplifiers for amplifying data of the memory cells through the bit lines; a first select circuit which is controlled to be on/off by first select control lines extending in an intersecting direction to bit lines and is connected between the sense amplifiers and the first input/output port; a second select circuit which is controlled to be on/off by second select control lines extending along the bit lines and is connected between the sense amplifiers and the second input/output port; and first and second column decoders for selectively activating the first and second select control lines in response to an input column address.
US07898890B2 Oscillating device, method of adjusting the same and memory
An oscillating device including: an oscillator generating an oscillation signal according to an enable signal; a counter counting an oscillation number of the oscillation signal and being able to reset at the oscillation number indicated by a first signal; and a comparator comparing the counted oscillation number and a reference number, is provided.
US07898889B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A memory includes first selective transistors connected between one end of cell strings and bit lines; second selective transistors connected between the other end of the cell strings and a cell source line; a dummy cell string; a first dummy selective transistor connected between one end of the dummy cell string and a dummy bit line and whose gate is connected to a first selective gate line; a second dummy selective transistor connected between the other end of the dummy cell string and the cell source line and whose gate is connected to a second selective gate line, wherein at a time of writing in a selected memory cell, a voltage of a first dummy bit line selected is driven to a different voltage from a voltage of an unselected bit line, and any of the dummy cell transistors connected to the first dummy bit line is written.
US07898886B2 Sense amplifiers and semiconductor devices including the same
A sense amplifier includes a first transistor having a gate electrode electrically connected to a bit line and a first electrode electrically connected to a complementary bit line. A second transistor has a gate electrode electrically connected to the complementary bit line and a first electrode electrically connected to the bit line. An equalizing transistor is disposed between the gate electrode of the first transistor and the gate electrode of the second transistor. The first electrode of the first transistor and a first electrode of the equalizing transistor are electrically connected to each other, and the first electrode of the second transistor and a second electrode of the equalizing transistor are electrically connected to each other.
US07898884B2 Semiconductor device and test method therefor
Disclosed is a semiconductor device including internal power supply generating circuits for generating internal power supplies and data terminals via which data signals are output or input/output. The internal power supply monitor terminals are in common use with the data terminals. The semiconductor device also includes selection circuits for selecting, by a test control signal, whether or not output voltages of the internal power supply generating circuits are to be output to the data terminals.
US07898880B2 Dual port memory device, memory device and method of operating the dual port memory device
A dual port memory device converts an address and a control signal, which are inputted via a first port and conform to a first type memory interface, into an address and a control signal which conform to a second type memory interface, to access a memory array. The dual port memory device accesses a memory array based on an address and a control signal which are inputted via a second port and conform to the second type memory interface. The dual port memory device accesses a memory array according to the first type memory interface or the second type memory interface in response to a selecting signal. Therefore, the dual port memory device can be coupled to a processor with a first interface (e.g., PSRAM or SRAM interface) and a processor with a second interface (e.g., SDRAM interface).
US07898878B2 Methods and apparatus for strobe signaling and edge detection thereof
A data system component having a state machine circuit and receivers that utilize high and low threshold signals permits accurate detection of strobe signal pattern edges such as those for preamble, burst and post-amble conditions in the strobe signal. The state machine circuit may then be configured to set conditions associated with further circuit elements such as for power saving, data reception, on-die termination, etc. based on the conditions detected in the strobe signal to improve data or memory system performance. The components may be implemented as part of memory controllers and/or memory such as a dynamic random access memory and used in memory read and write operations.
US07898873B2 Window enlargement by selective erase of non-volatile memory cells
A method is described for enlarging a programming window of charge trapping memory cells in a virtual ground charge trapping memory EEPROM array. The method substantially eliminates second bit effects and program disturbances to nearby charge trapping memory cells.
US07898872B2 Operating method used in read or verification method of nonvolatile memory device
In an operating method in a read or verification operation of a nonvolatile memory device, selected bit lines are precharged to a logic high level and, at the same time, unselected bit lines are discharged to a logic low level. The selected and unselected bit lines are connected to respective memory cell strings and, concurrently, word lines are supplied with a pass voltage. The connection between the selected and unselected bit lines and the respective memory cell strings is shut off and, concurrently, a selected word line is supplied with a ground voltage. The selected and unselected bit lines and the respective memory cell strings are coupled together and, concurrently, a selected word line is supplied with a reference voltage and an unselected word line is supplied with the pass voltage.
US07898871B2 Flash memory device operating at multiple speeds
A method of operating a flash memory device includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode having different operating speeds. Each one of the first and second operating modes includes a bit line set-up interval and at least one additional interval. The flash memory is divided into first and second mats connected to respective first and second R/W circuits. During the bit line set-up interval of the second operating mode, the flash memory controls operation of both the first and second R/W circuits in a time division approach to stagger respective peak current intervals for the first and second mats.
US07898868B2 Multi-state memory
Maximized multi-state compaction and more tolerance in memory state behavior is achieved through a flexible, self-consistent and self-adapting mode of detection, covering a wide dynamic range. For high density multi-state encoding, this approach borders on full analog treatment, dictating analog techniques including A to D type conversion to reconstruct and process the data. In accordance with the teachings of this invention, the memory array is read with high fidelity, not to provide actual final digital data, but rather to provide raw data accurately reflecting the analog storage state, which information is sent to a memory controller for analysis and detection of the actual final digital data.
US07898866B2 Nonvolatile memory device and method of operating the same
A nonvolatile memory device includes a first plane and a second plane, an address decoder configured to decode an externally input address and to output a first plane select signal and a second plane select signal for enabling any one of the first and second planes, a controller configured to output a first plane hold signal and a second plane hold signal for disabling any one of the first and second planes depending on program states of the first plane and the second plane, a first plane control unit configured to enable the first plane in response to a first plane select signal and the first plane hold signal, and a second plane control unit configured to enable the second plane in response to a second plane select signal and the second plane hold signal.
US07898854B2 Semiconductor memory device and method of preliminary data writing to select memory cell transistors
A semiconductor memory device includes first to third memory cell units each including a first select transistor, a second select transistor and a plurality of memory cell transistors which are connected in series in a first direction between the first select transistor and the second select transistor, the first and second select transistors of the respective memory cell transistors being disposed to neighbor in a second direction crossing the first direction. Those of the memory cell transistors, which neighbor the first and second select transistors, are used as select memory cell transistors.
US07898848B2 Memory including bipolar junction transistor select devices
An array is formed by a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is formed by a bipolar junction selection transistor having a first, a second, and a control region. The cell includes a common region, forming the second regions of the selection transistors, and a plurality of shared control regions overlying the common region. Each shared control region forms the control regions of a plurality of adjacent selection transistors and accommodates the first regions of the plurality of adjacent selection transistors as well as contact portions of the shared control region. Blocks of adjacent selection transistors of the plurality of selection transistors share a contact portion and the first regions of a block of adjacent selection transistors are arranged along the shared control region between two contact portions. A plurality of biasing structures are formed between pairs of first regions of adjacent selection transistors, for modifying a charge distribution in the shared control region below the biasing structures.
US07898846B2 Magnetoresistive element
A magnetoresistive element includes a first magnetic layer which includes a first surface and a second surface and has a first standard electrode potential, a second magnetic layer, a barrier layer which is provided between the second magnetic layer and the first surface of the first magnetic layer, and a nonmagnetic cap layer which contacts the second surface of the first magnetic layer and is formed from an alloy of a first metal material and a second metal material, the first metal material having a second standard electrode potential lower than the first standard electrode potential, the second metal material having a third standard electrode potential higher than the first standard electrode potential.
US07898844B2 Magnetic tunnel junction and memristor apparatus
A magnetic memory device includes a magnetic tunnel junction having a free magnetic layer having a magnetization orientation that is switchable between a high resistance state magnetization orientation and a low resistance state magnetization orientation and a memristor solid state element electrically coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction. The memristor has a device response that is an integrated voltage versus an integrated current.
US07898842B2 Memory for storing a binary state
A memory cell for storing a binary state, the memory cell being adapted for storing a binary state based on a write indication and a binary write masking value and for storing a complementary binary state based on the write indication and a complementary binary write masking value.
US07898834B2 Semiconductor chip with chip selection structure and stacked semiconductor package having the same
A semiconductor chip with a chip selection structure suitable for a stacked semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor chip body and a chip selection structure. The chip selection structure includes a chip selection pad disposed over the semiconductor chip body, a main through electrode electrically connected to the chip selection pad, and a sub through electrode interposed between the main through electrode and the chip selection pad. A plurality of the semiconductor chips, each having the same chip selection structure, can be stacked by offsetting the stacked semiconductor chips.
US07898832B2 RV converter with current mode and voltage mode switching
A switched mode converter is disclosed that includes mode logic for switching between voltage mode and current mode. The converter includes sensing circuitry for sensing current on the primary side, load current on the secondary side, and converter output voltage. When load current is less than a predetermined value, the converter operates in voltage mode wherein output voltage of the voltage mode controller is used to control the duty cycle of a PWM controller. When load current is greater than a predetermined value, the converter operates in current mode wherein primary current is used to control the PWM controller. Thus during a light load when the converter is voltage controlled there is no need for a minimum load to stabilize the control loop. In current-mode the control loop will have faster transient response and avoid flux imbalance. Thereby providing advantages of both voltage and current controlled switched mode converters.
US07898829B2 Rectifier circuit and three-phase rectifier device
Choppers are provided respectively in the output stages of two diode bridges, and their output sides are connected in parallel to a smoothing capacitor. By controlling the operations of the two choppers, the currents which are allowed to be inputted to the diode bridges are made triangular waves of mutually opposite phases, or middle-phase waveforms of three phases.
US07898823B2 Quasi-resonant fly-back converter without auxiliary winding
Disclosed is a switching converter without an auxiliary winding. The switching converter has a transformer, a switching transistor, a coupling circuit and a regulating circuit. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, and is for transforming an input voltage into an output voltage; a first end of the switching transistor is coupled to the primary winding of the transformer, and the switching transistor is for controlling an operation of the transformer according to a control signal; the coupling circuit is for coupling a signal at the first end of the switching transistor to generate a coupled signal; and the regulating circuit is for detecting the coupled signal to generate the control signal according to the detecting result.
US07898817B2 Circuit board assembly
In one embodiment, a circuit board assembly comprises a first circuit board comprising a first array of alignment holes, a second circuit board comprising a second array of alignment holes, and at least one press pin dimensioned to fit in one or more of the alignment holes.
US07898815B2 Electronic apparatus, flexible board and board fixing member
A board fixing member has a first board supporting face and a second board supporting face both of which are adjacent to each other with an angle. A flexible board is fixed in a state in which the flexible board is supported by both the first and second board supporting faces of the board fixing member. The flexible board includes a first reinforcement plate at a first portion supported by the first board supporting face and a second reinforcement plate at a second portion supported by the second board supporting face.
US07898810B2 Air cooling for a phased array radar
In certain embodiments, a structure for electronic components includes a baseplate having a substantially planar shape. The baseplate defines one or more openings allowing air flow. The structure includes a frame coupled to the baseplate. The frame includes a planar support with a substantially planar shape that is substantially parallel to the baseplate. Then planar support and baseplate at least partially defines one or more plenums. The planar support is also configured to support one or more transmit/receive integrated microwave modules. The frame also includes a plurality of frame supports that define one or more channels for air flow. Each channel corresponds to one of the plenums. Additionally, the frame includes a ventilated panel with a surface defining a plurality of air inlets. The air inlets allow air into one of the one or more plenums. Also, the frame includes one or more thermal interfaces configured to dissipate heat.
US07898809B2 Heat sink and method of manufacturing the same
A heat sink includes a base plate and a plurality of cylindrical pins extending upwardly from the base plate. The cylindrical pins each include an upper dissipating portion, a lower mounting portion, and an engaging portion between the dissipating portion and the mounting portion. The mounting portion is interferentially fitted in a lower part of a corresponding aperture of the base plate. The engaging portion has a diameter smaller than that of the mounting portion. The engaging portion is cramped by an interior wall of the base plate defining an upper part of the corresponding aperture of the base plate by punching an upper surface of the base plate downwardly at a rim of the corresponding aperture.
US07898804B2 Air flow snorkel for computer system
A vent for a computer apparatus having first and second groups of components. The vent has an air inlet that receives air from a location adjacent to the first group of components and an air outlet that provides air into a space defined between the first and second components. Air flows from the air inlet to the air outlet through a channel that circumvents the first group of components. The computer apparatus may be a server having a plurality of disk drives disposed in a front section of a cabinet. A fan in the back section of the cabinet draws air through a first airflow path across the disk drives. A snorkel defines a second airflow path that circumvents the disk drives in the front section to provide air to the second group of components in the back section.
US07898800B2 Mounting apparatus and computer system for PCI card
A mounting apparatus is configured for securing at least one PCI card, and includes a chassis, a bracket, a positioning member, and a locking member. The chassis includes a bottom plate and a side plate perpendicular to the bottom plate. The bracket is secured on the bottom plate. The positioning member is secured on the bracket. The positioning member includes a securing plate perpendicular to the chassis side pate and parallel to the chassis bottom plate. The locking member is secured on the securing plate of the positioning member. The locking member includes a limiting plate parallel to the securing plate. The at least one PCI card is located between the limiting plate and the securing plate to secure the PCI card(s) in the chassis.
US07898799B2 Airflow management apparatus for computer cabinets and associated methods
Airflow management apparatuses for computer cabinets and associated methods are disclosed herein. The computer cabinets include a plurality of computer modules positioned between an air inlet and an air outlet and an air mover configured to move a flow of cooling air from the air inlet, past the plurality of computer modules, and out the computer cabinet via the air outlet. The computer cabinets carry an airflow restrictor positioned proximate to the air outlet. The airflow restrictor is configured to restrict the flow of cooling air through a portion of the computer cabinet to achieve a desired temperature profile in the computer cabinet.
US07898798B2 Heat dissipating structure for electronic component and display device
A heat dissipating structure for an electronic component of the present invention includes a main board on which electronic components are mounted, a heat sink disposed facing the main board and contacting a plurality of the electronic components on the main board, a heat pipe disposed on the heat sink, an arm branching from the heat sink and elastically deformable in relation to the heat sink, and a cooling fan located at the end portion of the heat pipe.
US07898791B2 Ionizer with drop-off prevention device for electrode
In an ionizer, in which an electrode cartridge having a pair of electrodes is mounted in an electrode-attaching opening of a housing so as to be freely attached and detached by means of rotating the same around a center axial line, a drop-off prevention cover is attached to the housing. In the drop-off prevention cover, a fitting hole, to which the electrode cartridge is fitted, is formed, and by means of limiting a rotation of the electrode cartridge by the fitting hole, the electrode cartridge is prevented from dropping off.
US07898783B2 Methods and apparatus to reduce substrate voltage bounces and spike voltages in switching amplifiers
Methods and apparatus to reduce voltage bounces and spike voltages in switching amplifiers are disclosed. An example method of removing a substrate current from a substrate disclosed herein comprises injecting the substrate current via turning on an active device, forming a low impedance path to ground via a substrate clamp based on the substrate current, and removing the substrate current from the substrate via the substrate clamp.
US07898778B2 Superconducting coil quench detection method and device, and superconducting power storage unit
A superconducting coil quench detection method and device capable of detecting a quench detection voltage even in a superconducting coil where a plurality of element coils are connected with a plurality of current sources and operated with repetitive pulses or AC and a voltage of several kV is applied continuously as an induction voltage. A super conducting power storage unit is also provided.
US07898762B1 Disk drive excluding servo sub-bursts when computing position error signal
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, the disk including a plurality of servo sectors wherein each servo sector comprises at least one servo burst. A read signal emanating from the head is sampled while reading a servo burst in a servo sector to generate a plurality of sample values. A quality metric is generated in response to a plurality of sample values of a servo sub-burst representing part of the servo burst. When the quality metric does not exceed a threshold, the servo sub-burst sample values are excluded when generating a position error signal (PES) representing a position of the head over the disk. When the quality metric exceeds the threshold, the servo sub-burst sample values are included when generating the PES. The head is then positioned over the disk in response to the PES.
US07898758B2 Systems and methods for storing data to magnetic tape having damaged areas
A method for using magnetic tape having damaged areas is disclosed. The method may include writing data to streaming magnetic tape, determining if the data write was successful, and responding to an unsuccessful data write by interrupting the data writing and advancing the magnetic tape forward a predetermined distance. Additionally, the method may include attempting to write data at the next location on the magnetic tape and determining if the data write was successful. The method may further include repeating the steps of advancing the tape, attempting to write, and determining whether the data write was successful following any determination that an attempted data write was not successful. The method may include further include resuming writing data to streaming magnetic tape at a location where a data write is determined to be successful.
US07898753B2 Apparatus for driving a lens by electromagnetic force
An apparatus for driving a lens by electromagnetic driving force includes a frame, a barrel, a lens holder, a lens, a kicker, electromagnets and a resilient element. The barrel rotably mounted in the frame includes a first linkage structure. The lens holder includes a second linkage structure and is mounted on the barrel through the first and second linkage structures. The lens is coupled into the lens holder, and the kicker is mounted on an external wall of the barrel, and the electromagnets are mounted at the frame and the kicker respectively. The resilient element is connected to the barrel and the frame. The barrel can be pushed by a repulsion or attraction of a magnetic field produced by electrically conducting the electromagnets, and the first and second linking structures drive the lens holder to move from a first position to a second position.
US07898751B2 Projection lens unit and manufacturing method of projection lens unit
A projection lens unit includes a magnifying optical system is provided. A second magnifying lens barrel has a shape of double circular cylinders, and a first magnifying lens barrel is fitted to an outer circular cylinder. Further, a second magnifying lens is in contact with and fixed to a step portion of inner circular cylinder. In a manufacturing step thereof, the second magnifying lens is inserted into the inner circular cylinder of the second magnifying lens barrel to be into contact with the step portion. A front end portion of the inner circular cylinder is plastically deformed by being heated and pressed to fix the second magnifying lens. An outer peripheral edge of the front end portion has a curved surface. The curved surface of the front end portion is made to be smaller in radius of curvature than the second magnifying lens.
US07898747B2 Thin type optical lens system for taking image
An optical lens system for taking image comprises three lens elements with refractive power, from the object side to the image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power, a second lens element with negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface, a third lens element with negative refractive power having at least one aspheric surface, and an aperture stop located between the first lens element and the second lens element. By such arrangements, it can effectively reduce the volume and the sensitivity of the lens system.
US07898742B2 Variable focus microlens
A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.
US07898736B2 Hybrid optical/electronic structures fabricated by a common molding process
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a molded structure including both micro lenses and metallic pins. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold apparatus having a set of first cavities and a set of second cavities, depositing a first material in the first cavities to form a set of metallic pins, and depositing a second material in the second cavities to form a set of micro lenses. The formed molded structure comprises a substrate, a set of molded microlenses on said substrate, and a set of molded metallic pins on that same substrate. The metallic pins may be formed as alignment pins or as electrical connectors. The invention enables the micro lenses and metallic pins to be manufactured by way of molding on a common substrate for the first time.
US07898734B2 Polarization preserving front projection screen
Polarization preserving front projection screens and diffusers provide optimum polarization preservation for stereoscopic 3D viewing, as well as improved light control for enhanced brightness, uniformity, and contrast for both 2D and 3D systems. Generally, the disclosed screens direct light from a projector toward viewers within a diffusion locus, while maintaining optimum gain characteristics. More specifically, light incident on a region of the front projection screen from a predetermined projection direction is reflected by an engineered surface to a predetermined diffusion locus after undergoing substantially single reflections. The engineered surface, comprised of generating kernels, is used to optimally diffuse illumination light into a range of viewing angles, within the diffusion locus, with suitable gain profile, while optimally preserving polarization for 3D applications. Such a screen, when combined with matched polarization analyzing eyewear, provides extremely low cross-talk from any observation point.
US07898731B2 Fiber optical parametric oscillator with high power and bandwidth
The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus of improved fiber-based optical parametric oscillators (FOPOs). These oscillators can be used in the creation of short pulsed laser radiation, which are useful in numerous applications, such as characterization of materials and molecules. A relationship between fiber length and performance is realized, where shorter lengths counterintuitively provide greater power and width of output bands. This relationship is used to develop improved FOPOs. For example, fibers of 10 cm or less may be used to obtain superior performance in terms of wavelength tunability (e.g. bandwidth of 200 nm and greater) and output power (e.g. pulse power of 1 nJ). Other realized relationships between length and wavelength position of output bands are also used to select the wavelength range output from the FOPO. The diameter of the fiber may be selected to provide positioning (e.g. a centering) of the range of attainable output wavelengths.
US07898717B2 Edge seals for, and processes for assembly of, electro-optic displays
An electro-optic display comprises a backplane; a layer of electro-optic material disposed adjacent the backplane; a protective layer; and a sealing layer of a metal or a ceramic extending between the backplane and the protective layer, and thus sealing the layer of electro-optic material from the outside environment.
US07898711B2 Scanning optical apparatus
A scanning optical apparatus includes a light source, a deflecting element for deflecting a beam of light emitted from the light source, an optical device for causing the beam of light emitted from the light source to be imaged into a linear shape long in the main scanning direction on the deflecting surface of the deflecting element. The optical device is comprised of a first optical element and a second optical element, and a third optical element for causing the beam of light deflected by the deflecting element to be imaged into a spot-like shape on a surface to be scanned. The third optical element includes a single lens, the opposite lens surfaces of which both include a toric surface of an aspherical surface shape in the main scanning plane, the curvatures of the opposite lens surfaces in the sub scanning plane being continuously varied from the on-axis toward the off-axis in the effective portion of the lens.
US07898709B2 Optical scan apparatus, image formation apparatus, optical deflector manufacturing method, polygon mirror processing method, and polygon mirror processing apparatus
In the optical deflector, the mean width of profile elements of a cross section of the deflection surface in the sub scan direction is set to be less than the spacing between spots of the light beams formed in the sub scan direction of the deflection surface. This makes it possible to prevent a variation in the size and shape of the spots of the light beams deflected by the deflection surface due to the undulation (unevenness) of the deflection surface. As a result, it is able to suppress a decrease of the granularity of images and form images with high quality.
US07898701B2 Image reading apparatus and multi-function machine
An image reading apparatus has a light source and an image capturing device disposed to face each other with a document table interposed therebetween. The image reading apparatus includes: an image capturing device moving mechanism, operable to perform a moving operation for moving the image capturing device in a scanning direction; and a light source moving mechanism, operable to move the light source in the first direction with the movement operation performed by the image capturing device moving mechanism.
US07898699B2 Electronic endoscope apparatus
An electronic endoscope apparatus includes a scope unit in which a color filter is provided. The scope unit further includes a filter information storage means for storing filter information showing the kind of the color filter provided in the scope unit. Further, a plurality of kinds of scope units, each of which has filter information showing a different kind of color filter from each other, can be selectively connected. The filter information stored in the filter storage means of the connected scope unit is obtained. Then, color space correction processing is performed, based on the filter information, on color image signals output from the plurality of kinds of scope units so that each of signals for display, produced from the color image signals, represents the same point in color space.
US07898679B2 Method and system for scheduling jobs in a computer system
A method for scheduling jobs in a computer system includes storing a plurality of job queue files in a random access memory, accessing at least one of the job queue files stored in random access memory, and scheduling, based in part on the at least one job queue file, execution of a job associated with the at least one job queue file. In a more particular embodiment, a method for scheduling jobs in a computer system include storing a plurality of job queue files in a random access memory. The plurality of job queue files include information associated with at least one job. The method also includes storing the information external to the random access memory and accessing at least one of the job queue files stored in the random access memory. The method also includes scheduling, based at least in part on the at least one job queue file, execution of a job associated with at least one job queue file. In response to the scheduling, the method includes updating the information stored in the job queue file and random access memory and the information stored external to the random access memory.
US07898675B1 Internet global area networks fax system
A method and apparatus for transmitting class 1, 2, or 3 fax image data streams over Internet Global Area Networks is shown. A first device converts local fax image data streams into electronic data streams, transmits the data stream over the network, to a second device at the remote fax machine which reconverts the electronic data to fax image data and prints it out on said remote fax machine.
US07898668B2 Terahertz spectrometer
A terahertz spectrometer includes: a terahertz-wave generating element; an elliptical mirror; an optical lens configured to apply a terahertz wave generated by the terahertz-wave generating element, obliquely to a focusing plane of a first focus of the elliptical mirror; and a terahertz-wave detecting element arranged at a second focus of the elliptical mirror.
US07898649B2 Measurement method and measurement apparatus
A measurement method of measuring a spectroscopic characteristic inside of a scattering medium includesa first step of measuring the spectroscopic characteristic of the scattering medium by using diffuse optical tomography by irradiating light into the scattering medium, a second step of measuring the spectroscopic characteristic of the scattering medium by using acousto-optical tomography or photo acoustic tomography by irradiating light into the scattering medium, and a third step of making an assumption of a distribution of the spectroscopic characteristic inside of the scattering medium and of changing the assumption such that a difference between a predicted value of the spectroscopic characteristic derived from the assumption and a measured value obtained in the first step can fall upon a permissible range. The third step uses data obtained in the second step for at least one of the parameter: an initial value, a constraint condition, or a boundary condition.
US07898647B2 Distance measuring apparatus
A distance measuring apparatus, which can achieve reduction in cost and size and perform measurement ranging from short-distance to long-distance accurately, includes an unit outputting first pulsed light L1 to a measurement object, an unit detecting first pulsed light L2 reflected by the measurement object to output a signal responsive to an intensity variation thereof, a measuring unit measuring a time difference between output and detection of the first pulsed light during a period when an intensity of the signal is larger than a predetermined value, a measuring unit measuring the time difference at a time when an intensity of the signal varies from less than a predetermined value to the predetermined value or more, and an unit calculating a distance to the measurement object using a time difference measured by at least one of the two measuring units.
US07898646B2 Using an interferometer as a high speed variable attenuator
A system and method provides high speed variable attenuators. The attenuators can be used within a lithographic apparatus to control intensity of radiation in one or more correction pulses used to correct a dose of the radiation following an initial pulse of radiation.
US07898644B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
By proper selection of illumination configuration, mask transmission, and mask bias, complex patterns of contact holes may be imaged with sufficient latitude for manufacturing at minimum half-pitches of k1=0.40 or below. In an embodiment, a method of transferring an image of a mask pattern onto a substrate with a lithographic apparatus is presented. The method includes illuminating a mask pattern of an attenuated phase shift mask with an illumination configuration including on-axis and off-axis components, the off-axis component of the illumination being an annular illumination extending near a pupil edge, and projecting an image of the illuminated mask pattern onto the substrate.
US07898642B2 Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A substrate table of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed which comprises a barrier configured to collect liquid. The barrier surrounds the substrate and is spaced apart from the substrate. In this way any liquid which is spilt from the liquid supply system can be collected to reduce the risk of contamination of delicate components of the lithographic projection apparatus.
US07898620B2 Transmissive liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a transmissive liquid crystal display device which is less in variation in displaying characteristics, bright in displaying image, high in contrast and less in viewing angle dependency. The liquid crystal display comprises at least a specific first optically anisotropic layer with a fixed nematic hybrid orientation structure and a specific second optically anisotropic layer.
US07898606B2 Thin film transistor substrate capable of enhancing image clarity and reducing residual images
A thin film transistor substrate and a liquid crystal display capable of eliminating residual images and enhancing clarity are presented. The thin film transistor substrate includes a charge-up capacitor for increasing electric charge in a first pixel electrode of a first pixel capacitor and a charge-down capacitor decreasing electric charge in a second pixel electrode of a second pixel capacitor. An extension electrode portion of the charge-up capacitor is formed in the shape of a frame to reduce any variation in the overlapping area between the first pixel electrode and the extension electrode portion caused by an alignment error generated during the manufacturing process.
US07898601B1 System and apparatus for selectively terminating a video signal based on the presence or absence of a terminating device
A system and apparatus are provided for selectively terminating an analog video signal depending on whether or not a terminating device is present. A conditional terminator receives an analog video signal from a video input and terminates the video signal in the absence of a terminating device and does not terminate the video signal when a terminating device is connected to the analog video signal. A conditional terminator may comprise a resistor and transistor connecting the video signal to ground when a ground signal from a terminating device is not present and disconnecting the signal from ground as a result of the presence of a ground signal from a connected terminating device. The conditional termination may occur in a video input device or alternatively in a video cable connector.
US07898597B2 Video processing apparatus and control method for the video processing apparatus
A video processing apparatus uses information related to an image quality of an inputted video signal which is to be displayed on a display apparatus and a determination table in which video display sizes previously set in accordance with video resolution or bit rate are held to determine an optimal size for displaying the inputted video signal.
US07898596B2 Method and device of automatic detection and modification of subtitle position
A method and device of automatic detection and modification of subtitle position comprises the steps of comparing an active display area parameter of a displaying device to an original subtitle control signal to generate a comparison result, and outputting a targeted subtitle control signal to modify the position of the subtitle depends on the comparison result so that the subtitle is guaranteed to display in the active display area. Accordingly, the subtitle position detection and modification method and device may not only as a solution of improper subtitle display position arrangement, but also excite the viewer's joy of the sight and eliminate the inconvenience of the complicated adjusting operations.
US07898587B2 Imaging device that prevents loss of shadow detail
An imaging device outputs brightness information according to an amount of incident light and includes: an imaging unit that includes a plurality of unit cells arranged one dimensionally or two-dimensionally, each unit cell including a photoelectric conversion part that generates a first output voltage in a reset state and a second output voltage according to an amount of incident light, and each unit cell generating a reset voltage that corresponds to the first output voltage and a read voltage that corresponds to the second output voltage; and an output unit operable to output, in relation to each unit cell, brightness information indicating a difference between the reset voltage and the read voltage when normal light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is in a predetermined range, and brightness information indicating high brightness when strong light is incident to the imaging device and the read voltage is not in the predetermined range.
US07898579B2 Method of position stamping a photo or video clip taken with a digital camera
A method of appending a position stamp to an image file of a photo or video clip taken with a digital camera having a GPS antenna and a GPS RF front-end including an analogue to digital converter for receiving GPS signals and outputting GPS signal samples together with a digital camera and computer for the same.
US07898574B2 Image processor and operating method thereof
An image processor and an operating method thereof are provided. The image processor includes: an audio data processing unit having a timer for providing audio data and information about time increment thereof; an image capturing unit for generating a number of video frames through photographing; a video data processing unit for generating each of video data and information about time increment thereof using the number of video frames, and providing the video data and the information about the time increments thereof; and a memory for storing the audio data and the information about the audio time increment, the video data and the information about the video time increment.
US07898573B1 Camera with high-quality still capture during continuous video capture
A method for processing a source frame is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating an intermediate frame by digitally processing the source frame, wherein the intermediate frame has an intermediate resolution and has an intermediate color space, (B) generating a video frame by down-sampling the intermediate frame, wherein the video frame has a video resolution lower than the intermediate resolution and has a video color space different than the intermediate color space, (C) generating a video stream by compressing the video frame with a video encoding technique and (D) generating a still picture by formatting the intermediate frame with a picture formatting technique, wherein (i) the still picture has the intermediate resolution and (ii) generating the still picture occurs substantially simultaneously with generating the video stream.
US07898572B2 Methods and apparatuses for identifying opportunities to capture content
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses identifying opportunities to capture content sense a user profile; determine a geographic location of a device; and transmit at least one suggestion to the device based on the geographic location of the device and the user profile wherein the suggestion indicates a photo opportunity.
US07898560B2 Printer
A printer capable of reducing a time for increasing the temperature of a heating element to a proper level for starting printing beforehand and suppressing density reduction in an initial stage of printing is obtained. This printer comprises a print head having a heating element for printing an image on a paper, a platen roller against which the print head is pressed through an ink sheet and the paper and print head control means applying a prescribed voltage to the heating element of the print head while carrying the paper after pressing the print head against the platen roller and before starting printing.
US07898557B2 Image displaying method, image displaying device, and contrast-adjusting circuit for use therewith
A system provides an image displaying technique that provides stable high contrast even in an area having high brightness. Based on information about an average brightness level of a digital luminance signal, black-correction processing which decreases a brightness level by offsetting the brightness level to the minus side, and increase processing which increases a contrast gain within a dynamic range, are performed for an analog luminance signal or a digital luminance signal, enabling improvement in contrast even where brightness is intense.
US07898550B2 System and method for memory bandwidth compressor
Various embodiments for reducing external bandwidth requirements for transferring graphics data are included. One embodiment includes a system for reducing the external bandwidth requirements for transferring graphics data comprising a prediction error calculator configured to generate a prediction error matrix for a pixel tile of z-coordinate data, a bit length calculator configured to calculate the number of bits needed to store the prediction error matrix, a data encoder configured to encode the prediction error matrix into a compressed block and a packer configured to shift the compressed block in a single operation to an external memory location.
US07898536B2 Display apparatus and method of driving the same
A display apparatus and a method of driving the same in which a selector outputs one of two high gamma values and one of two low gamma values in one frame unit in response to a selection signal. A gamma reference voltage generator outputs a high gamma reference voltage corresponding to the selected high gamma value and a low gamma reference voltage corresponding to the selected low gamma value. A data driving circuit outputs a first data voltage based on the high gamma reference voltage during a first active period and outputs a second data voltage based on the low gamma reference voltage during a second active period. Thus, a display panel may display an image using data voltages corresponding to different gamma curves in one frame unit, thereby improving visibility of the display apparatus.
US07898510B2 Display device and display panel device
A functional sheet is brought into intimate contact with a front surface of a plasma display panel, and the functional sheet has a structure in which heat diffusion is superior to heat insulation between the plasma display panel and outside air. In addition, a display device includes a controller for controlling a drive voltage pulse train so that power consumption in a unit area in a light emission region within the screen is limited under a set value when one image is displayed.
US07898498B2 Transducer for high-frequency antenna coupling and related apparatus and method
An apparatus includes an antenna having multiple conductive portions. The apparatus also includes a transducer electrically coupling the conductive portions of the antenna. The transducer includes a first conductive path electrically coupled to one of the conductive portions and a second conductive path electrically coupled to the first conductive path and to another of the conductive portions. The first and second conductive paths at least partially overlap along at least a substantial portion of their lengths, where the overlap occurs in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the antenna portions.
US07898496B2 Antenna mount with alternative uses
An apparatus for holding an antenna on a mounting surface by use of suction cups or suction devices such that the antenna may be temporarily removed from the surface and subsequently restored or relocated to another mounting surface. The suction cups or suction devices are mechanically connected to an support arm capable of adjustment for permitting either vertical or horizontal modification of the holding arm thereby maintaining a constant mounting angle of the holding arm for surfaces having various mounting directions or planes. By maintaining a fixed vertical of the holding arm from various mounting points, the directional alignment of the antenna, such as for a dish-type antenna, can remain relatively consistent from one installation to the next.
US07898490B2 Primary radiator, low noise blockdownconverter and satellite broadcasting receiving antenna
A primary radiator includes two horns each having an opening on a larger-diameter side and an opening on a tapered smaller-diameter side opposite to the larger-diameter side, and two corrugated portions provided around the opening on the larger-diameter side of the horn. The outermost corrugated portion is formed to surround all of the horns, and the outermost corrugated portion is formed of one sheet metal member. With this structure, sheet-metal processing can be used to form horns of adaptable shapes and a plurality of horns can be formed at a time.
US07898489B2 Beam adjusting device
The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the beam direction of a beam radiated from a stationary array of antenna elements. Antenna element feed points are coupled to a common source via a feed line structure having a source connection and feed connection terminals to be connected to the antenna element feed points, the feed line structure being at a distance from and in parallel to a fixed ground plane. A movable element is located adjacent to the feed line structure to change the signal phase of signal components being transferred between the source connection and the respective feed connection terminals. The movable element is movable for effecting a phase shift of the signal components to adjust the beam direction. The device is provided with a detection arrangement for detecting the absolute position of the movable element.
US07898487B2 Undercarriage fitted with a communication device between a wheel and the undercarriage
The invention relates to an aircraft undercarriage including at least one axle having at least one wheel mounted to rotate thereon, the undercarriage including a communication device for connecting a sensor mounted on a rim of the wheel to stationary processor means mounted on the aircraft. According to the invention, the communication device comprises firstly an antenna secured to the sensor and thus rotating together with the wheel, and secondly a stationary antenna extending at the end of the axle and connected to the processor means, the two antennas being in radio communication through a cover of non-conductive material secured to the wheel and covering the end of the axle.
US07898482B2 Conducting radio frequency signals using multiple layers
The present disclosure includes a system and method for conducting radio frequency signals using multiple layers. In some implementations, a signal transfer element configured to passively transfer RF signals between a first region and a second region includes a first conductor layer having a first continuous conductor configured as a first portion of a first antenna, a transmission line, and a first portion of a second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured to wirelessly receive and transmit Radio Frequency (RF) signals. The signal transfer element also includes a second conductor layer having a second continuous conductor configured as a second portion of the first antenna, a ground plane, and a second portion of the second antenna. The first conductor layer and the second conductor layer are spatially proximate such that the transmission line and the ground plane are configured to passively transfer RF signals between the first antenna and the second antenna independent of an electrical connection between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer.
US07898470B2 Method and system for monitoring the positions of multiple towed vehicles using a single high accuracy receiver
In a system for determining the positions of multiple towed vehicles that are towed by a towing vehicle, a satellite antenna is provided on each towed vehicle and a high accuracy satellite receiver is placed on the towing vehicle, the positions of the towed vehicle of interest being determined by switching its antennae signal through to the satellite receiver.
US07898461B2 Interferometric signal processing
Systems and methods of error handling in interferometric signal processing for a ground based slope monitoring system are described. Uncorrected movement data is extracted from interferometric radar measurements of a relatively stable reference. The movement data is corrected for changes in atmospheric conditions as a function of changes in a refractive index of the air and an offset induced at zero range.
US07898457B2 System and method for processing imagery from synthetic aperture systems
A method of processing a temporal sequence of base images from a synthetic aperture system such as a synthetic aperture radar is provided that simplifies the task of identifying moving objects. The method comprises the steps of firstly temporally filtering a plurality of the base images to form a reference image, and secondly normalising the reference image with a base image to form a change detection image. The change detection image has the property that all moving objects are emphasised. Further processing can optionally be performed on the change detection image to remove false targets based on characteristics of the highlighted areas or on a temporal track taken over a plurality of change detection images. The invention allows detection of moving objects without requiring a Doppler return from a target. The invention extends to a system adapted to implement the method, and a computer program.
US07898454B1 Radar jamming method and apparatus
A method of jamming radar apparatus carried by interceptor aircraft comprising producing a narrow radio beam of a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the radar apparatus carried by an attacking aircraft and directing the beam towards the earth to produce scattered radiation from the surface thereof which the radar of the interceptor will home on causing the interceptor to divert its course towards the scattering source.
US07898452B2 Methods and systems for calibrating a pipelined analog-to-digital converter
This method increases accuracy of a pipelined analog-to-digital converter comprising a plurality of stages, each stage comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The method includes calibrating each the ADC starting from a least significant stage until all ADCs have been calibrated using a reference digital-to-analog converter, the reference digital-to-analog converter selectively outputting values at desired trip points for each the ADC; measuring an output of each the DAC using downstream stages of the pipelined analog-to-digital converter to produce output measurements; and using the output measurements to calculate an error-corrected output of the pipelined analog-to-digital converter. The trip points are adjusted by modifying a reference current input to a comparator of each the ADC.
US07898449B2 Differential operational amplifier circuit correcting settling error for use in pipelined A/D converter
A telescopic differential operational amplifier circuit for use in a pipelined A/D converter is provided with two auxiliary differential amplifiers connected to two cascode circuits, each including cascode-connected first to fourth transistors. During the sampling phase, first and second switches are turned on to apply a predetermined bias voltage to the gates of first and fourth transistors, and the input terminal of the differential operational amplifier circuit is set to a common mode voltage. During the hold phase, the first and second switches are turned off so that a voltage of each of the gates of the first and fourth transistors change to follow an input signal inputted via the input terminal with coupling capacitors operating as a level shifter of the input signal. Then the differential operational amplifier circuit performs push-pull operation operative only in a transconductance drive region, and is prevented from operating in a slewing region.
US07898439B2 Bicycle rental system and station
A bicycle rental system and automated station that may be integrated with an automobile parking payment and management system. Users may pay for parking and/or rent and pickup bicycles at the station. The station has a meter, bicycle docks, and power plant. Transaction formalities for parking payment and rental may be handled at the meter. The bicycle docks each are adapted to secure a bicycle. The power plant uses a solar panel to collect power and stores it in energy storage device. Low-power operation may be achieved by placing some electronics in a low-power mode. Each bicycle dock may have a trigger mechanism that when activated powers on associated electronics. The bicycle docks may be divided among a number of bicycle modules. The bicycle modules provide flexibility and modularity so that the number of bicycle docks at a station may be changed.
US07898434B2 Display system and program
A display system and a program for displaying a portion of a range that is obstructed due to the body of a vehicle when viewed from a driver seat is provided. The portion of the range is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through a windshield. The display system includes an imaging means acquiring an image of an outside of a vehicle including the obstructed portion of the range, a first display means disposed on an instrument panel of the vehicle, and a control means that processes an image acquired by the imaging means. The image displayed on the first display means is seamlessly linked to a scene viewed through the windshield and the processed image is displayed on the first display means.
US07898433B2 Traffic control system
A system and method for moving vehicular traffic in a single lane through a control zone requires creation of a control protocol. The protocol establishes a spacing distance “s” and a speed “v” for each vehicle in the control zone. A computer then controls movement of a visible signal through the control zone in accordance with the established protocol. Electronic regulators monitor the distance “s” between the signal and the vehicle, and the system alarms when “s” becomes greater than a predetermined distance “d”.
US07898432B2 System and method for determining intersection right-of-way for vehicles
A method and system for determining right of way for a plurality of mobile units at an intersection. The method and system include collecting position and movement information about the plurality of mobile units approaching the intersection; storing a plurality of rules about right of way at the intersection; accessing information about geometry of the intersection; calculating which one or more of the plurality of the mobile units have right of way to enter the intersection, responsive to the position and movement information, the stored rules and the information about geometry of the intersection; and wirelessly transmitting right of way indication signals to one or more of the plurality of the mobile units.
US07898427B1 Automatic oven shutoff fire prevention
A smoke/heat detector and alarm system for shutting off power to a heat generating appliance (gas or electric powered) when smoke/heat is detected. The system includes a smoke/heat detector that responds according to a selected one of four selectable modes. The system also includes a library of telephone numbers with corresponding emergency telephone numbers that are automatically dialed in response to reception of a Smoke alarm signal. The system is designed to avoid confusion that might otherwise be encountered when a plurality of such systems are operating in close proximity to one another.
US07898422B2 Tamper-resistant microchip assembly
The present invention generally relates to a tamper-resistant microchip assembly which may be used to, for example, confirm the authenticity of the source of a product. The tamper-resistant microchip assembly may further contain information related to the origin of the product, vintage, bottle size, geographic origin, age and/or other characteristics of the product. The tamper-resistant microchip assembly is particularly suitable for use with, for example, the production and distribution of wine.
US07898409B2 Circuit for exclusion zone compliance
A circuit for exclusion zone compliance is recited. In one embodiment, the circuit comprises a satellite navigation signal reception component configured for receiving at least one signal from at least one Global Navigation Satellite System satellite and a navigation data deriving component configured for deriving position data and a clock time from the at least one signal. The circuit further comprises a non-volatile memory component configured for storing an encrypted data set describing the boundaries of an exclusion zone and a data blocking component configured for controlling the accessing of the encrypted data set. The circuit further comprises a data control component configured for blocking the output of a signal from the circuit in response an indication selected from the group consisting of: an indication that the circuit is located within an exclusion zone and an indication that output of said signal is not permitted based upon said clock time.
US07898402B2 Vehicle occupant detection apparatus
A vehicle occupant detection apparatus includes an image pickup device for imaging an area including a position of a vehicle occupant within a vehicle compartment, a light emitting element for emitting auxiliary light into the compartment that includes the imaging area of the pickup device, and a storage section for storing imaging information provided by the pickup device. The vehicle occupant detection apparatus further including a comparison section for comparing imaging information provided through further imaging by the pickup device and the imaging information stored in the storage section, to provide a difference between the imaging information provided through the further imaging and the stored imaging information, and an abnormality determination section for determining abnormality of the imaging information on the basis of the image information difference.
US07898401B2 Vehicle countdown timer and user interface
Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state.
US07898398B2 Interior mirror system
An interior mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having an imaging sensor and a reconfigurable display. Information displayed by the reconfigurable display, when the reconfigurable display is backlit by a plurality of white light light emitting diodes, is viewable through the reflective element by a driver of the vehicle. The mirror assembly includes at least one photo sensor and a control responsive to the photo sensor and operable to distinguish between daytime and nighttime lighting conditions. The control is operable to vary the intensity of information displayed by the display as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. When the reconfigurable display is backlit by the plurality of light emitting diodes during daytime lighting conditions, the control is operable to adjust the intensity of displayed information to at least about 1000 cd/m2 as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle.
US07898391B2 Multi-reader coordination in RFID system
A method of operating a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers includes operating the readers according to a spatial-division and time-division synchronization schedule. Each reader may be associated with a reader group, and the schedule may specify a duration of time that all of the readers in a group may be active. Readers in different reader groups may be scheduled independent of readers in other reader groups.
US07898390B2 Phase shifters, interrogators, methods of shifting a phase angle of a signal, and methods of operating an interrogator
An interrogator provides a phase shifter including a first power divider configured to receive a signal and provide plural quadrature components of the signal; plural mixers coupled with the first power divider and configured to scale the quadrature components using a phase shift angle; and a second power divider coupled with the mixers and configured to combine the scaled quadrature components to shift the phase angle of the input signal by the phase shift angle.
US07898388B2 Mobile asset data management system
A system and method for gathering information from an operator of an asset is provided. The system interfaces with a management computer to provide a list of questions for response by the operator. A wireless infrastructure operates to distribute the list of questions from the management computer to the operator. The wireless infrastructure includes an asset communicator having a wireless communication device for communicating the questions, a processing unit, a storage unit for storing the questions and responses thereto, a display unit for displaying the questions, and input unit for the operator to input such responses. The processing unit is operable to prompt the operator with a first question, receive a response from the operator to the first question, select another question based on the response, and prompt the operator with yet another question.
US07898384B2 System for checking the single crossing of a controlled passage
The system includes an intercepting booth (1) and at least two detecting units (2) and (3), of which the first one analyzes the variation over time of the weight of people or things penetrated into the booth, the second one analyzes the variation over time of the capacity of the electrical capacitor consisting of two metal armors (4) and (5) between which the controlled passage into the booth (1) is comprised. It further includes an electronic programmed processing unit (8) the inputs (9) of which are connected to at least the two detecting units (2) and (3) and the outputs (10) of which are connected to at least one alarm unit (11) and the elements for locking at least the door (13), of the booth (1) that separates the controlled passage (6) from the protected area (14).
US07898381B2 Sensor sheet
The body pressure distribution sensor sheet includes a first sheet, a second sheet, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive regions interposing between the first sheet and the second sheet. The pressure-sensitive regions are arranged in two directions, i.e., a lengthwise direction and a transverse direction to form a matrix. A first opening, a second opening, and a cut line are formed in an area between a pair of pressure-sensitive regions and adjacent to each other in a first oblique direction. The shape of the first opening is defined by a plurality of borders including a border and a border. The border extends from one end of the cut line in the transverse direction, and the border extends from the one end of the cut line in the lengthwise direction. The shape of the second opening is defined by a plurality of borders including a border and a border. The border extends from the other end of the cut line in the transverse direction, and the border extends from the other end of the cut line in the lengthwise direction.
US07898380B2 Dropout fuse assembly and fuse holder
A fuse holder (20) is provided that can be installed in the place of a dropout fuse element in an electrical insulating unit (1). The fuse holder has an elongate electrically insulating body providing at least one electrically insulated elongate fuse housing in the form of a passage (21) associated with the body and adapted to receive a fuse wire (22) held under tension therein. The body can be installed in such insulating unit as a replacement to an existing dropout fuse element (5) and itself provides contacts enabling such a conventional dropout fuse element to be installed in the fuse holder body from which it can drop out when the fuse is blown. A switch arrangement is provided for maintaining a fuse in the passage in an inoperative condition whilst a dropout fuse element is functional and for automatically closing an electrical circuit through a fuse installed in said passage when the dropout fuse becomes blown and drops out of the fuse holder.
US07898369B2 Temperature compensation apparatus for frequency stabilization
A temperature compensation apparatus for a cavity filter including a plunger barrel, a compensation barrel having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the compensation barrel is housed with the plunger barrel, a tuning rod housed primarily within the compensation barrel, the tuning rod having a second coefficient of thermal expansion, and wherein the compensation barrel is physically in contact with the plunger barrel and the tuning rod for allowing a direct transfer of heat between the compensation barrel, the tuning rod, and the plunger barrel.
US07898365B2 Integrated saw device heater
An integrated SAW device features an electronic assembly, a SAW device mounted to the electronic assembly, and a heater element on the SAW device to minimize thermal resistance between the SAW device and the heater element.
US07898364B2 System and method for using MEMS filter bank
A method and apparatus for recovering at least one signal of interest are provided. The method includes receiving an overall signal, the overall signal including the at least one signal of interest and a plurality of other signals, identifying at least one of the strongest components of the plurality of other signals, attenuating, using at least one MEMS resonator, any of the components identified by the identifying, wherein the overall signal will be modified to include the at least one signal of interest, attenuated versions of the components identified by the identifying, and the remaining portions of the plurality of other signals that were not subject to the attenuating, and recovering, after the attenuating, the at least one signal of interest.
US07898351B2 Modulation circuit, modulation method, program and communication apparatus
There is provided a modulation circuit including a sampling unit that over-samples an input digital signal based on a multiplying clock signal, and outputs a first over-sampling signal, a first frequency conversion unit that outputs a first high-frequency signal based on the first over-sampling signal and a reference signal, a first filter unit that outputs a second high-frequency signal based on a second over-sampling signal obtained by delaying the first over-sampling signal by one clock and the reference signal, a second filter unit that outputs a third high-frequency signal based on a third over-sampling signal obtained by delaying the second over-sampling signal by one clock and the reference signal, and an adder unit that adds the first high-frequency signal, the second high-frequency signal, and the third high-frequency signal, and outputs an output signal.
US07898345B2 Method of frequency synthesis for fast switching
A digital frequency synthesizer can be implemented with single source design, a multiplexer design, a fractional divider design, or a frequency multiplier and frequency divider design. Implementations can utilize a controller dithering circuit or a delta-sigma modulator. The frequency synthesizer can be implemented in a CMOS structure and can utilize a clean up phase locked loop (PLL).
US07898344B2 Phase-locked oscillator and multi-radar system using same
In a multi-radar system, configured comprising a plurality of radar units which generate and output signals the frequency of which increases and decreases periodically, each radar unit generates and outputs signals synchronized with a prescribed sync signal, such that the upper limit and lower limit of the periodically increasing and decreasing frequency is different for the signals of each radar unit, and moreover the timing of the upper limit and lower limit of the signals substantially coincide. By this means, the frequency intervals between signals can be reduced, and more channels can be set, without causing radio wave interference.
US07898338B2 High power integrated RF amplifier
An integrated HF-amplifier has an input bond pad, cells displaced in a first direction, and an output bond pad. Each has a amplifier with input pad, active area, and output pad. The active area is arranged in-between the input and output pads, and the input pad, active area, and output pad are respectively displaced in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A first network interconnects input pads of adjacent cells, and extends in the first direction. A second network interconnects output pads of adjacent cells, and extends in the first direction. The first and second networks obtain an output signal at the output bond pad having for all interconnected cells an equal phase shift and amplitude for a same input signal at the input bond pad. At particular bias and phase shift conditions this provides a Doherty amplifier with improved efficiency at power back off.
US07898332B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: an amplifier circuit which respectively has one or more input terminals and one or more output terminals; a replica circuit which has the same DC characteristics as those of the amplifier circuit; a reference voltage generation circuit which is connected to a bias terminal of the replica circuit, and which generates a predetermined reference voltage at the bias terminal; and a feedback circuit which takes a difference between the reference voltage generated at the bias terminal of the replica circuit and the voltage generated at a bias terminal of the amplifier circuit, and which performs feedback control by providing negative feedback of the difference to the bias terminal of the amplifier circuit so that the voltage generated at the bias terminal of the amplifier circuit is made equal to the reference voltage generated at the bias terminal of the replica circuit.
US07898331B2 Increasing the common mode range of a circuit
Increasing the input common-mode range of a circuit which accepts differential signals as inputs. Such an increase may be attained by correcting an input signal at continuous levels or at 2 or more discrete levels) without changing the strength represented by the input signal. In an embodiment, the common-mode component of an input signal is measured, and a correction voltage proportional to the difference between the measured common-mode component and a reference voltage, is generated. The correction voltage is coupled to the input terminals of the differential circuit to correct for any deviations from a desired level of common-mode voltage at the input terminals of the differential circuit. The approaches are applied to a switched-capacitor differential amplifier used in a sample-and-hold portion of an ADC.
US07898330B2 Class AB amplifier systems
The present invention comprises class AB amplifier systems exhibiting low quiescent power, low-voltage operation, high gain, high bandwidth, low noise and low offset, and requiring a small die area. The amplifier systems use a differential first stage and a second stage of two pair of nested current mirrors interconnected in a particular way. Using a low quiescent current, the present invention reduces power consumption almost to a theoretical minimum. Also the circuit will operate at an input of only 1.8V with a threshold voltage of 1V. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US07898323B2 Amplifying circuit with offset compensation
An amplifying circuit has an offset calibration mode and a normal mode. The amplifying circuit includes an amplifier having a non-inverting input and an inverting input for receiving, during the normal mode, a first input signal and a second input signal and an output for providing a high speed output signal, wherein the first input signal is a reference voltage or a high speed signal and the second input signal is a high speed signal. The amplifying circuit further includes a first transmission gate and a second transmission gate coupled in series between the non-inverting input and an inverting input that are enabled during the offset calibration mode. A benefit of this approach is that capacitance between the inverting and non-inverting inputs is reduced by the first and second transmission gates being in series. There is further benefit in reducing this capacitance by having each transmission gate receive an enable signal from a different source.
US07898311B2 Phase shifting circuit which produces phase shift signal regardless of frequency of input signal
A waveform generating circuit includes a constant current circuit that supplies a constant current through a power source; a current mirror circuit that flows an output current that is n times an input current; and a switching circuit that switches a flowing direction of the current in the constant current circuit between the current mirror circuit and the output terminal according to the logical level of the rectangle input signal. The waveform generating circuit generates a triangle wave having a falling slope waveform that is n times the rising slope. On the other hand, the waveform generating circuit that receives an inverted signal of the signal generates a triangle wave and its voltage is compared with another in the comparator to generate an output signal.
US07898298B2 Inverter driver integrated circuit
An inverter driver integrated circuit (IC) includes a control signal generator generating a first control signal and a second control signal by use of a pulse width modulation oscillator signal, a comparator comparing a half-wave rectified signal of a lamp feedback signal fed back from a lamp with a preset reference signal to output a lamp state signal, a first sensor receiving the lamp state signal and the second control signal to output a first sensing signal, and a second sensor receiving the first sensing signal and the first control signal to output a second sensing signal.
US07898292B2 Level converter
A level converter comprising an input circuit, coupled to a low power source and a first high power source, which generates a complementary first signal and second signal; and a shift circuit that outputs an output signal generated by shifting a voltage level of the input signal, the shift circuit including: a latch circuit having: a first inverter circuit provided in a first path between a second high power source and the low power source; and a second inverter circuit provided in a second path between the second high power source and the low power source, wherein the latch circuit is formed by coupling an input terminal and an output terminal of the first inverter circuit and the second inverter circuit; a first transistor coupled to the first path; and a second transistor coupled to the second path.
US07898291B2 Operational time extension
Some embodiments provide a reconfigurable integrated circuit (“IC”). This IC has several reconfigurable circuits, each having several configurations for several configuration cycles. The reconfigurable circuits include several time-extending reconfigurable circuits. During the operation of the IC, each particular time-extending reconfigurable circuit maintains at least one of its configurations over at least two contiguous cycles, in order to allow a signal to propagate through a signal path, which contains the particular time-extending circuit, within a desired amount of time. Some embodiments provide a method of designing a reconfigurable IC that has several reconfigurable circuits, each having several configurations and operating in several reconfiguration cycles. The method identifies a signal path through the IC that does not meet a timing constraint. The signal path includes several circuits, one of which is a particular reconfigurable circuit. The method then maintains a configuration of the particular reconfigurable circuit constant over at least two contiguous reconfiguration cycles in order to reduce signal delay through the signal path and thereby satisfy the timing constraint.
US07898287B2 Input buffer capable of reducing delay skew
An input buffer includes a delay compensation unit for combining (a) a first signal obtained by buffering an input signal using another signal, which is out of phase with the input signal, with (b) a second signal obtained by buffering the input signal using a reference voltage signal, to output a third signal.
US07898284B2 Asynchronous nano-electronics
Asynchronous nanoelectronic circuits that operate according to principles of quasi-delay insensitive design are described. Circuit or logic elements comprising n-type devices are fabricated in a first n-plane, p-type devices are fabricated in a p-plane, and connections are formed in a routing plane of a compute tile. A state-holding element comprising a selected one of a C-element, a precharge function-block, and a read-write register is described. The state-holding element can hold a value of an output of a logic element during a time when the output is disconnected from a reference voltage. Isochronic forks having an adversary path designed to make state transitions safe are explained.
US07898282B2 Systems, devices, and methods for controllably coupling qubits
A system for communicably coupling between two superconducting qubits may include an rf-SQUID coupler having a loop of superconducting material interrupted by a compound Josephson junction and a first magnetic flux inductor configured to controllably couple to the compound Josephson junction. The loop of superconducting material may be positioned with respect to a first qubit and a second qubit to provide respective mutual inductance coupling therebetween. The coupling system may be configured to provide ferromagnetic coupling, anti-ferromagnetic coupling, and/or zero coupling between the first and second qubits. The rf-SQUID coupler may be configured such that there is about zero persistent current circulating in the loop of superconducting material during operation.
US07898280B2 Electrical characterization of semiconductor materials
A system and method for characterizing electronic properties of a semiconductor sample includes illuminating the surface of the semiconductor sample with a pulse of light, measuring a photoconductance decay in the semiconductor sample after the cessation of the first pulse of light, and analyzing the photoconductance decay. The electronic properties include properties associated with at least one of the bulk of the semiconductor sample and the surface of the semiconductor sample. The pulse of light has a predetermined duration and photon energy higher than energy gap of the semiconductor. The analyzing step determines a first component of the photoconductance decay substantially associated with point imperfections in the semiconductor sample and at least one second component of the photoconductance decay substantially associated with extended imperfections in the semiconductor sample.
US07898274B2 Structure of probe
A split-type probe is used to contact with an object under test to detect an electrical characteristic thereof. The probe provided by the present invention has a contact head used to contact with the object under test, and a first needle body and a second needle body. The first needle body is connected to the contact head to transmit a testing signal to the object under test for performing detection. In addition, the second needle body is also connected to the contact head to transmit a response signal generated by the object under test due to the testing signal to obtain the electrical characteristic of the object under test.
US07898273B2 Probe for testing a device under test
A probe measurement system for measuring the electrical characteristics of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices at high frequencies.
US07898269B2 Semiconductor device and method for measuring analog channel resistance thereof
A semiconductor device and a method for measuring an analog channel resistance thereof are provided. The semiconductor device includes a substrate, a gate insulating layer and a gate formed on the substrate, a source and a drain formed in the substrate and at both sides of the gate, a source sense connected to the source, and a drain sense connected to the drain.
US07898264B2 Motor insulation deterioration detection device
Disclosed is an insulation deterioration detection device that can accurately detect insulation deterioration in multiple motors by a simple circuit configuration. When detecting insulation deterioration, one end A of a smoothing capacitor is connected via a first switch to ground, and the other end B is connected via a second switch to motor windings; in this condition, link voltage is measured by a voltage measuring circuit provided in a converter unit, and the measured link voltage value is transmitted to a microcomputer in each inverter unit via serial communication. Current flowing via motor insulation resistance Z1, Z2 is measured by a current measuring circuit provided in each inverter unit, and the microcomputer calculates the value of the insulation resistance Z1, Z2 from the link voltage value and the current value.
US07898258B2 Compact superconducting magnet configuration with active shielding having a shielding coil contributing to field formation
A superconducting magnet configuration (4; 14) for generating a homogeneous magnetic field B0 in an examination volume (4b), has an interior radial superconducting main field coil (1) which is disposed rotationally symmetrically about an axis (z-axis) and an oppositely driven coaxial radially exterior superconducting shielding coil (2) is characterized in that the magnet configuration (4; 14) consists of the main field coil (1), the shielding coil (2), and a ferromagnetic field formation device (3; 18), wherein the ferromagnetic field formation device (3; 18) is located at the radially inside of the main field coil (1), the main field coil (1) consisting of an unstructured solenoid coil or of several radially nested unstructured solenoid coils (15, 16) which are driven in the same direction, the axial extent Labs of the shielding coil (2) being smaller than the axial extent Lhaupt of the main field coil (1), wherein the axial magnetic field profile (5) generated by the main field coil (1) and the shielding coil (2) during operation has a minimum of the field strength along the axis (z-axis) in the center (4a) and a maximum of the field strength on each side of the center (4a), and wherein the axial magnetic field profile (6) generated by the ferromagnetic field formation device (3; 18) during operation has a maximum of the field strength along the axis (z-axis) in the center (4a) and a minimum of the field strength on each side of the center (4a). The magnet configuration in accordance with the invention has a very simple structure.
US07898243B2 Device for determining the strength of the magnetic field of an electromagnet
A device and a method for determining the magnetic field strength of an electromagnet is illustrated and described. The object to provide a device and a method for determining the strength of the field of an electromagnet, which allows even minor changes in the magnetic field to be determined quickly is achieved in terms of an apparatus by a device having a measurement device for determining the magnetic field of the electromagnet, a low-pass filter element which is connected to the first supply line and to the second supply line and is adapted to emit a signal at the output of the low-pass filter element from the voltage between the first supply line and the second supply line, which signal approximates to the time profile of the magnetic field strength in the electromagnet, having a low-pass filter downstream from the measurement device, having a high-pass filter connected in series with the low-pass filter element, and having a signal output, wherein the output of the measurement device and the output of the low-pass filter element are connected to the signal output.
US07898230B2 Low drop out voltage regulator circuit assembly
An integrated circuit assembly includes a voltage level generator, a level shifter, a bandgap reference generator and a voltage regulator. The voltage level generator generates output voltage level signals in response to a supply voltage. The level shifter receives the output voltage level signals from the voltage level generator and generates first and second sets of control signals. The bandgap reference generator receives a reference voltage input and generates a bandgap reference signal. The voltage regulator receives a supply voltage, the bandgap reference signal the first and second sets of control signals from the level shifter and generates a constant output voltage under varying circuit conditions.
US07898228B1 Reverse recovery current assisted body-controlled switch
A synchronous switch uses body-control switches to control the polarity of the parasitic device, which can be used to reduce power consumption by the parasitic device in accordance with various operating conditions. A charge-supplying device (such as a capacitor) is coupled in series between the bulk node (of the synchronous switch) and a power node (such as Vout or ground). The charge-supplying device provides power to the bulk node of the switch during reverse recovery of the parasitic device to minimize recombination time. Minimizing recombination time allows the polarity of the parasitic device to be switched more quickly (especially under low operating voltage and/or heavy load conditions), which converses more power.
US07898224B2 Method for switching low-power using AC and system for performing the same and power supply for using the system
A power control method using AC power, the method being capable of performing: low power control that passes only two portions of positive direction waves of each one-cycle sine wave of the AC power and only two portions of negative direction waves of each one-cycle sine wave of the AC power, which have voltage levels lower than a set reference voltage level, through a system; and high power control that does not pass only two portions of positive direction waves of each one-cycle sine wave of the AC power and only two portions of negative direction waves of each one-cycle sine wave of the AC power, which have voltage levels lower than a set reference voltage level, through the system.
US07898219B2 On-board battery supervisor
An on-board battery supervisor that monitors the state-of-charge (SOC) of a lead-acid vehicle battery and automatically disconnects loads from the battery to prevent over-discharging of the battery, is disclosed. As the battery is being discharged, the on-board battery supervisor disconnects loads at an SOC level that leaves enough energy in the battery to reliably start the vehicle engine, while providing as much energy as possible to accessory loads. The loads are automatically reconnected as the battery is charged. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are designed specifically for use in watercraft and a dual output version of the invention simplifies the electrical system. All embodiments have circuit breaker outputs, high peak current capability, a low quiescent current drain and a dual timer that allows accurate determination of the SOC of the battery.
US07898214B2 Wireless chargeable energy cell
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a circuitry and an element which can be activated, charged, or interacted using any useful source of EM-radiation which is able to emit a suitable EM-field, which circuitry or element can be produced in a cost-effective manner, as well as a method for charging the same. The circuitry or element includes an antenna for receiving and converting EM-radiation into electric energy; a rectifier for converting the energy to a rectified current, and a dechargeable energy cell. The energy cell includes, in at least one embodiment, a first and a second electrochemically active element, which are electronically separated from each other, and an electrolyte which is arranged in ionic contact with at least a portion of both the first and second electrochemically active element, wherein the energy cell is arranged to receive rectified current from the rectifier, and to convert the rectified current into stored energy by altering its electrochemical state in response to the rectified current.
US07898208B2 Control device and corresponding control method for a boost converter in a motor drive system
A boost converter boosts a DC voltage of a DC power supply. An inverter converts the output voltage of the boost converter into an AC voltage. A control device that controls the boost converter reduces an output voltage instruction value of the boost converter when the rotation speed of the AC motor decreases and an absolute value of a variation rate of the rotation speed is not less than a predetermined value. The inverter is controlled in the control mode selected from a plurality of control modes including three modes of a sine wave PWM control mode, an overmodulation PWM control mode and a rectangular wave control mode. The control device of the boost converter reduces the output voltage instruction value of the boost converter only when the control mode of the inverter is the rectangular wave control mode or the overmodulation control mode.
US07898207B2 Method for controlling a DC motor
A method of controlling a motor to cause it to execute a move toward a target position including calculating a deceleration position, wherein when the deceleration position is reached, the motor will be caused to execute a deceleration in a manner that will result in the motor stopping short of the target position, and determining whether the requested move is a first move type after the motor has reached the deceleration position and the deceleration is complete. If the requested move is a first move type, the method includes causing the motor to move toward the target position at a first velocity, and if the requested move is a second move type, the method includes causing the DC motor to move toward the requested target position at a second velocity, wherein the second velocity is greater than the first velocity. Settling time is also varied depending on move type.
US07898206B2 Stepping motor drive
A stepping motor drive is provided, by which a recoil movement of a driven member upon an initialization action can be reduced. The stepping motor drive includes: a drive signal supply means which supplies a plurality of periodic drive signals having different phases from each other to generate a rotation torque in a stepping motor, one electric cycle being constructed by a plurality of excitation steps; a control means which makes the drive signal supply means supply the drive signal upon a initialization action in which a driven member connected with rotation of the stepping motor is made abut against a stopper; and a first storing means which stores a torque control parameter according to an inversion phase characteristic intrinsic to the stepping motor.
US07898198B2 Torque controller in an electric motor
The torque of a motor operated by an inverter circuit is controlled to allow maximum torque in the motor when the motor is stalled or at low rotation speeds. Control is accomplished by providing a switching frequency to the motor at a first switching frequency, detecting a rotation speed of the motor, and switching the current to the motor to a second switching frequency when the rotation speed of the motor drops to a predetermined slow rotation speed. The second switching frequency is less than the first switching frequency.
US07898195B2 Motor drive device
The present invention presents a motor drive device capable of detecting jamming accurately without falsely detecting jamming when a movable part contacts with other members. Jamming by a backrest is detected by judging whether the value of a period of one pulse P1 and a period of the next pulse P2 (P2/P1) integrated for 150 times (integrated value: 150) exceeds a specified threshold (160) or not. Accordingly, if the backrest rubs against a backrest of an adjacent seat, and the motor speed suddenly drops for a short period, such “warp” is not falsely detected as jamming, and only actual jamming can be detected securely.
US07898191B2 Discharge lamp lighting device and light fixture
In order to suppress cost of an initial investment by a user and running cost to the user to a low extent while substantially constantly maintaining an apparent illuminance, and further, to realize resource saving, in a case of using a fluorescent lamp FHF 32 as a discharge lamp La, a lamp supply power is started to be supplied from a value lower than 45 W as rated electric power at an initial period of an operation of the discharge lamp, a light adjustment signal is changed in response to an accumulated lighting time so that the lamp supply power can be a value higher than 45 W as the rated electric power on and after a rated lifetime of the discharge lamp La, whereby the lamp supply power (output of an inverter circuit 2) is adjusted. In the fluorescent lamp FHF 32, a light/electric power ratio becomes substantially constant when the lamp supply power is 41 W to 55 W, and accordingly, a light quantity is increased without impairing light emission efficiency of the discharge lamp La, and as a result, the apparent illuminance can be maintained substantially constantly.
US07898183B2 Methods and apparatus for generating strongly-ionized plasmas with ionizational instabilities
A strongly-ionized plasma generator includes a chamber for confining a feed gas. An anode is positioned inside the chamber. A cathode assembly is positioned adjacent to the anode inside the chamber. An output of a pulsed power supply is electrically connected between the anode and the cathode assembly. The pulsed power supply comprising solid state switches that are controlled by micropulses generated by drivers. At least one of a pulse width and a duty cycle of the micropulses is varied so that the power supply generates a multi-step voltage waveform at the output having a low-power stage including a peak voltage and a rise time that is sufficient to generate a plasma from the feed gas and a transient stage including a peak voltage and a rise time that is sufficient to generate a more strongly-ionized plasma.
US07898179B2 Discharge lamp exhibiting reduced thermal stress and method of making such a lamp
A lamp (100) comprises an outer envelope (120) having first and second electrical lead-ins (140, 160) sealed into a base (180) of the envelope (120). A ceramic arc tube (200) is operatively mounted within the envelope (120), the arc tube (200) having at least one electrode (220) therein. A tubular, niobium feed-through (240) is connected to the at least one electrode (220) and sealed to the ceramic body (120) at a joint (260) that can comprise a glass frit (260a). A stainless steel rod (280) is electrically connected between the electrical lead-in (140) and the tubular niobium feed-through (240), the stainless steel rod (280) being the only electrical connection between the lead-in (140) and the niobium feed-through (240).
US07898173B2 Pattern formed object for an electroluminescent display
A pattern formed object for an electroluminescent element includes a substrate; partition walls provided on the substrate; and a coating stacked on the substrate in its part between the partition walls. The partition walls have a sloped liquid-nonrepellent surface and have such a sectional form that, at least in the lower part of the partition wall, as the distance from the substrate increases, the size of the partition wall in a direction parallel to the substrate decreases, and, in the coating, the ratio of the maximum thickness (Tmax) to the minimum thickness (Tmin), Tmax/Tmin, is not more than 130% as measured in the coating in its part between the lower ends of the partition walls adjacent to each other.
US07898168B2 Organic electroluminescent device having light-emitting layer with guest dopant
A light-emitting element is disclosed with a light-emitting layer containing a host material added with a small amount of guest material, wherein color purity can be improved as well as reduced a driving voltage. Color purity can be improved as well as reduced a driving voltage especially in a light-emitting element added with a red light-emitting material as a guest material. A light-emitting layer is disclosed that includes a first host material, which is an organic compound having a hole transporting property; a second host material, which is an organic compound having a larger dipole moment than that of the first host material; and a guest material having an electron-withdrawing group.
US07898167B2 Electroluminescence display device with improved external light coupling efficiency and brightness
An electroluminescence (EL) display device with improved external light coupling efficiency and brightness that may be easily manufactured. The EL display device includes: a substrate; a first electrode arranged above the substrate; a second electrode arranged above and substantially parallel to the first electrode; an intermediate layer arranged between the first and second electrodes, and including an emissive layer; a color converting layer arranged between the substrate and the first electrode or above the second electrode; and a light resonance controlling layer arranged between the emissive layer and the color converting layer.
US07898156B2 Muscle-driven nanogenerators
In a method of generating electricity, a plurality of living cells are grown on an array of piezoelectric nanowires so that the cells engage the piezoelectric nanowires. Induced static potentials are extracted from at least one of the piezoelectric nanowires when at least one of the cells deforms the at least one of the piezoelectric nanowires. A cell-driven electrical generator that includes a substrate and a plurality of spaced-apart piezoelectric nanowires disposed on the substrate. A plurality of spaced-apart conductive electrodes interact with the plurality of piezoelectric nanowires. A biological buffer layer that is configured to promote growth of cells is disposed on the substrate so that cells placed on the substrate will grow and engage the piezoelectric nanowires.
US07898150B2 Angular velocity detection apparatus
An angular velocity detection apparatus is disclosed. The angular velocity detection apparatus includes: a SAW angular velocity sensor; a synchronous detection unit configured to synchronously detect an output signal from the SAW angular velocity sensor by using a reference signal; and a switching signal generation unit. The switching signal generation unit cyclically switches on and off an input of a driving signal to the SAW angular velocity sensor, and switches on an input of the output signal to the synchronous detection unit when an unwanted wave is un-inputted to a sensing electrode of the SAW angular velocity sensor.
US07898147B2 Wireless actuator interface
An actuator includes a mechanical transducer component capable of applying a mechanical force to an external object in response to electronic signals. The actuator includes a communications interface capable of wirelessly receiving configuration data related to operation of the actuator. A settings module is coupled to the communications interface and capable of storing the configuration data. A controller unit is coupled to the mechanical transducer and the settings module. The controller unit is capable of determining the configuration data via the settings module and controlling the mechanical transducer in conformance with the configuration settings.
US07898145B2 Boundary acoustic wave device
A boundary acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substance made of LiNbO3 having a surface obtained by rotating a Y axis by about 15°±10° as a primary surface, a dielectric substance which is made of a silicon oxide and which is laminated to the piezoelectric substance, and an electrode structure disposed at a boundary between the piezoelectric substance and the dielectric substance and which includes an IDT arranged to utilize a boundary acoustic wave propagating along the boundary. When the density of the IDT, the thickness thereof, the wavelength deter-mined by the period of electrode fingers of the IDT, and the duty ratio thereof are represented by ρ (kg/m3), H (μm), λ (μm), and x, respectively, x and the product of H/λ and ρ are set in a range that satisfies the following formula (1): (H/λ)×ρ>70.7924(x+0.055)(−2.884)+797.09  Formula (1).
US07898121B2 Linear actuator
A linear actuator includes permanent magnet annuli arranged about an armature core for axial movement in a tubular stator upon energization of coils arranged in concentric association with the armature. The stator has portions extending radially inwards of the coils and towards one another beneath each coil, which define a spacing between the coil and the armature. The annuli have a substantially radially magnetized structure and the coils are configured for single phase power input. In one embodiment (FIG. 6), two pairs of spaced annuli are arranged on the core, wherein the axial length of the outermost annuli is half the axial length of the inner annuli.
US07898119B2 Planar motor and stage using the same
A planar motor includes a movable body and a stator configured to drive the movable body in a plane. The stator includes a first stator unit and a second stator unit. The movable body is moved in a first direction by a force acting between the movable body and the first stator unit, and is moved in a second direction by a force acting between the movable body and the second stator unit. The first stator unit and the second stator unit are arranged to face each other in such a manner that the movable body is provided therebetween.
US07898111B1 Power supply methods and systems
The invention provides, in some aspects, a power supply that includes a first rectifier circuit configured to receive a first AC input and to generate a first DC output, a second rectifier circuit configured to receive a second AC input and to generate a second DC output, and a storage unit (e.g., a capacitor) configured to store charge from both the first DC and the second DC outputs. The storage unit can itself be configured to supply that stored charge as DC power, e.g., to a computer or other coupled device.
US07898099B2 Wind energy installation and method of controlling the output power from a wind energy installation
A wind energy installation and a method of controlling the output power from a wind energy installation to an electrical grid with a specified nominal grid frequency are provided, in which the output power is controlled as a function of the time derivative of the grid frequency.
US07898097B1 Phase change on demand integrated pressure pump and power plant
Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pneumatic and hydraulic power. The pressure change in a constant volume container is also harnessed to provide a microbattery.
US07898095B2 Fiducial scheme adapted for stacked integrated circuits
A method for stacking integrated circuit substrates and the substrates used therein are disclosed. In the method, an integrated circuit substrate having top and bottom surfaces is provided. The substrate is divided vertically into a plurality of layers including an integrated circuit layer having integrated circuit elements constructed therein and a buffer layer adjacent to the bottom surface. An alignment fiducial mark extending from the top surface of the wafer into the substrate to a depth below that of the circuit layer is constructed. The vias are arranged in a pattern that provides a fiducial mark when viewed from the bottom surface of the substrate. The pattern can be chosen such that it is recognized by a commercial stepper/scanner/contact mask aligner when viewed from said backside of said wafer. After the substrate is thinned, the alignment fiducial mark is then used to position a mask used in subsequent processing.
US07898089B2 Semiconductor workpiece
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in processing semiconductor workpieces. The new apparatus and method allows for the production of thinner workpieces that at the same time remain strong. Particularly, a chuck is provided that includes a body, a retainer removeably attached to the body and a seal forming member. When a workpiece is placed on the chuck body and the retainer is engaged to the body, a peripheral portion of the back side of the workpiece is covered by the retainer while an interior region of the back side of the workpiece is exposed. The exposed back side of the workpiece is then subjected to a wet chemical etching process to thin the workpiece and form a relatively thick rim comprised of semiconductor material at the periphery of the workpiece. The thick rim or hoop imparts strength to the otherwise fragile, thinned semiconductor workpiece. Semiconductor workpieces made according to the present invention offer an improved structure for handling thinned wafers in conventional automated equipment. This results in improved yields and improved process efficiency.
US07898085B2 Solid-state imaging device and manufacturing method thereof
A solid-state imaging device comprises a solid-state imaging element including a photo-reception portion and electrode pads, and optical glass bonded onto the solid-state imaging element through a bonding layer, wherein penetrating electrodes which reach the rear face of the solid-state imaging element are formed below the electrode pads of the solid-state imaging element.
US07898083B2 Method for low stress flip-chip assembly of fine-pitch semiconductor devices
A device including a first body (101) with terminals (102) on a surface (101a), each terminal having a metallic connector (110), which is shaped as a column substantially perpendicular to the surface. Preferably, the connectors have an aspect ratio of height to diameter of 2 to 1 or greater, and a fine pitch center-to-center. The connector end (110a) remote from the terminal is covered by a film (130) of a sintered paste including a metallic matrix embedded in a first polymeric compound. Further a second body (103) having metallic pads (140) facing the respective terminals (102). Each connector film (130) is in contact with the respective pad (140), whereby the first body (101) is spaced from the second body (103) with the connector columns (110) as standoff. A second polymeric compound (150) is filling the space of the standoff.
US07898079B2 Nanotube materials for thermal management of electronic components
A heat-conducting medium for placement between a heat source and heat sink to facilitate transfer of heat from the source to the sink is provided. The heat-conducting medium can include a flexible member made from an array of interweaving carbon nanotubes. The heat-conducting medium may also include an upper surface against which a heat source may be placed, an opposing lower surface and edges about the member designed for coupling to a heat sink toward which heat from the heat source can be directed. The heat-conducting medium may also include a pad placed on the upper surface to provide structural support to the member. A method for manufacturing the heat-conducting medium is also provided.
US07898078B1 Power connector/decoupler integrated in a heat sink
Two sets of conductor fins are formed on a topmost surface of stacked semiconductor chips. The two sets of conductor fins are electrically isolated from each other, and function as radiators that dissipate heat from the stacked semiconductor chips. Conductive wiring structures are formed on each set of conductor fins to supply electrical power and electrical grounding to the stacked semiconductor chips. The bottommost surface of the stacked semiconductor chips may be bonded to a packaging substrate. Since the semiconductor fins above provide electrical power supply and electrical grounding, a higher fraction of electrical connections between the bottommost surface of the stacked semiconductor chips and the packaging substrate may be employed for input and output signal transmission without adverse impact on heat dissipation of the stacked semiconductor chips. The conductive fins function as power connectors. Decoupling capacitors including the conductive fins and dielectric portions therebetween may be formed.
US07898077B2 Adjustable threaded cores for LED thermal management
Adjustable threaded cores for LED thermal management. The cores provide a direct thermal path between a LED and a heat sink while minimizing gaps and stresses between materials. The system includes a heat generating object, a first substrate housing containing a threaded hole beginning adjacent to the heat generating object, a second substrate having compatible threading with the threaded hole, and a third substrate including a heat sink. The second substrate has a higher thermal conductivity in comparison to the first substrate. The threaded hole and threaded core may terminate adjactent to the heat sink or may extent into the heat sink.
US07898075B2 Semiconductor package having resin substrate with recess and method of fabricating the same
In one embodiment, a semiconductor package disclosed herein can be generally characterized as including a resin substrate having a first recess, a first interconnection disposed on a surface of the first recess, a first semiconductor chip disposed in the first recess, and an underfill resin layer substantially filling the first recess and covering a side surface of the first semiconductor chip. The first semiconductor chip is electrically connected to the first interconnection.
US07898073B2 Semiconductor device and semiconductor module employing thereof
A semiconductor device is provided with a silicon substrate and a structure filled in a through hole that has a rectangular cross section and extends through the silicon substrate. The structure comprises a pipe-shaped through electrode, stripe-shaped through electrodes, silicons, a first insulating film, a second insulating film and a third insulating film. The pipe-shaped through electrode is utilized as a pipe-shaped electric conductor that extends through the silicon substrate. In addition, the stripe-shaped through electrodes are provided in the interior of the pipe-shaped through electrode so that the stripe-shaped through electrodes extend through the silicon substrate and is spaced away from the pipe-shaped through electrode. A plurality of through electrodes are provided in substantially parallel within the inner region of the pipe-shaped through electrode.
US07898070B2 Image sensor package and fabrication method thereof
The invention provides an image sensor package and method for fabricating the same. The image sensor package comprises a first substrate comprising a sensor device thereon and a hole therein. A bonding pad comprising a first opening is formed on an upper surface of the first substrate. A second substrate comprising a spacer element with a second opening therein is disposed on the first substrate. A conductive plug is formed in the hole and passes through the first and second openings to the second substrate to electrically contact with the bonding pad. A conductive layer is formed on a lower surface of the first substrate and electrically connects to the conductive plug. A solder ball is formed on the conductive layer and electrically connects to the bonding pad by the conductive plug. The image sensor package further comprises a second substrate bonding to the first substrate. The image sensor package is relatively less thick, thus, the dimensions thereof are relatively reduced.
US07898066B1 Semiconductor device having EMI shielding and method therefor
A semiconductor device has a substrate having a plurality of metal layers. A die is coupled to the substrate. A plurality of metal wires is provided. At least one end of each of the metal wires is electrically coupled to at least one metal layer. A mold compound is used to encapsulate the die, a first surface of the substrate, and the plurality of metal wires. A portion of at least one metal wire remains exposed. A conductive coating is applied to the mold compound and to the portion of the at least one metal wire exposed.
US07898064B2 Methods for forming through wafer interconnects and structures resulting therefrom
The present invention relates to methods for forming through-wafer interconnects in semiconductor substrates and the resulting structures. In one embodiment, a method for forming a through-wafer interconnect includes providing a substrate having a pad on a surface thereof, depositing a passivation layer over the pad and the surface of the substrate, and forming an aperture through the passivation layer and the pad using a substantially continuous process. An insulative layer is deposited in the aperture followed by a conductive layer and a conductive fill. In another embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor device is formed including a first interconnect structure that extends through a conductive pad and is electrically coupled with the conductive pad while a second interconnect structure is formed through another conductive pad while being electrically isolated therefrom. Semiconductor devices and assemblies produced with the methods are also disclosed.
US07898062B2 Epitaxial semiconductor layer and method
A method for epitaxially forming a first semiconductor structure attached to a second semiconductor structure is provided. Devices and methods described include advantages such as reduced lattice mismatch at an epitaxial interface between two different semiconductor materials. One advantageous application of such an interface includes an electrical-optical communication structure. Methods such as deposition of layers at an elevated temperature provide easy formation of semiconductor structures with a modified lattice constant that permits an improved epitaxial interface.
US07898061B2 Structure for performance improvement in vertical bipolar transistors
A method of forming a semiconductor device having two different strains therein is provided. The method includes forming a strain in a first region with a first straining film, and forming a second strain in a second region with a second straining film. Either of the first or second strains may be either tensile or compressive. Additionally the strains may be formed at right angles to one another and may be additionally formed in the same region. In particular a vertical tensile strain may be formed in a base and collector region of an NPN bipolar transistor and a horizontal compressive strain may be formed in the extrinsic base region of the NPN bipolar transistor. A PNP bipolar transistor may be formed with a compression strain in the base and collector region in the vertical direction and a tensile strain in the extrinsic base region in the horizontal direction.
US07898058B2 Integrated chip package structure using organic substrate and method of manufacturing the same
An integrated chip package structure and method of manufacturing the same is by adhering dies on an organic substrate and forming a thin-film circuit layer on top of the dies and the organic substrate. Wherein the thin-film circuit layer has an external circuitry, which is electrically connected to the metal pads of the dies, that extends to a region outside the active surface of the dies for fanning out the metal pads of the dies. Furthermore, a plurality of active devices and an internal circuitry is located on the active surface of the dies. Signal for the active devices are transmitted through the internal circuitry to the external circuitry and from the external circuitry through the internal circuitry back to other active devices. Moreover, the chip package structure allows multiple dies with different functions to be packaged into an integrated package and electrically connecting the dies by the external circuitry.
US07898056B1 Seal ring for reducing noise coupling within a system-on-a-chip (SoC)
Disclosed is a seal-ring architecture that can minimize noise injection from noisy digital circuits to sensitive analog and/or radio frequency (RF) circuits in system-on-a-chip (SoC) applications. In order to improve the isolation, the seal-ring structure contains cuts and ground connections to the segment which is close to the analog circuits. The cuts are such that the architecture is fully compatible with standard design rules and that the mechanical strength of the seal rings is not significantly sacrificed. Some embodiments also include a grounded p-tap ring between the analog circuits and the inner seal ring in order to improve isolation. Some embodiments also include a guard strip between the analog circuits and the digital circuits to minimize the noise injection through the substrate.
US07898054B2 Substrate structures for integrated series connected photovoltaic arrays and process of manufacture of such arrays
This invention comprises manufacture of photovoltaic cells by deposition of thin film photovoltaic junctions on metal foil substrates. The photovoltaic junctions may be heat treated if appropriate following deposition in a continuous fashion without deterioration of the metal support structure. In a separate operation, an interconnection substrate structure is provided, optionally in a continuous fashion. Multiple photovoltaic cells are then laminated to the interconnection substrate structure and conductive joining methods are employed to complete the array. In this way the interconnection substrate structure can be uniquely formulated from polymer-based materials employing optimal processing unique to polymeric materials. Furthermore, the photovoltaic junction and its metal foil support can be produced in bulk without the need to use the expensive and intricate material removal operations currently taught in the art to achieve series interconnections.
US07898051B2 Imaging device, method of driving imaging device, and method of manufacturing imaging device
An imaging device is provided and includes: a photoelectric conversion layer that has a silicon crystal structure and generates signal charges upon incidence of light; a multiplication and accumulation layer that multiplies the signal charges by a phenomenon of avalanche electron multiplication; and a wiring substrate that reads the signal charges from the multiplication and accumulation layer and transmits the read signal charges. The photoelectric conversion layer includes: a first conductive impurity layer containing first impurities in an impurity concentration; an electron acceleration layer containing the first impurities in a lower impurity concentration than the first conductive impurity layer; and a second conductive impurity layer to which a voltage is applied, the second conductive impurity layer containing second impurities and disposed on a side opposite a light incidence side of the electron acceleration layer, and an insulating layer is disposed between the electron acceleration layer and the multiplication and accumulation layer.
US07898050B2 Image sensor and method for manufacturing the sensor
An image sensor and a method for manufacturing the sensor are provided for reducing loss of light reflected from photodiodes, and thus, improving light efficiency. The method of manufacturing an image sensor can include providing a semiconductor substrate having a photodiode; and then forming a reflective film frame on the photodiode, the reflective film frame having sidewalls that are inclined with respect to the uppermost surface of the photodiode; and then forming an opening over the surface of the reflective film frame and corresponding to the photodiode by forming a reflective film on the sidewalls of the reflective film frame.
US07898049B2 Touching microlens structure for a pixel sensor and method of fabrication
A structure and method for increasing the sensitivity of pixel sensors by eliminating a gap space formed between adjacent microlens structures in a pixel sensor array. Advantageously, exposure and flowing conditions are such that adjacent microlens structures touch (are webbed) at a horizontal cross-section, yet have a round lens shape in all directions. Particularly, exposure and flowing conditions are such that each touching microlens structure is formed to have a matched uniform radius of curvature at a horizontal cross-section and at a 45 degree cross-sections. To improve quality of mircrolens structure uniformity exhibited at all pixel locations including those near a pixel array edge or corner, a top anti-reflective coating layer is applied on top of a photoresist layer prior to the exposure and flowing steps.
US07898048B2 MEMS sensor
An MEMS sensor is described. The MEMS sensor may include a substrate, a lower thin film provided in contact with a surface of the substrate, and an upper thin film opposed to the lower thin film at an interval on the side opposite to the substrate.
US07898045B2 Passive electrically testable acceleration and voltage measurement devices
Acceleration and voltage measurement devices and methods of fabricating acceleration and voltage measurement devices. The acceleration and voltage measurement devices including an electrically conductive plate on a top surface of a first insulating layer; a second insulating layer on a top surface of the conductive plate, the top surface of the plate exposed in an opening in the second insulating layer; conductive nanotubes suspended across the opening, and electrically conductive contacts to the nanotubes.
US07898044B2 MEMS sensor and production method of MEMS sensor
An MEMS sensor of the present invention includes a substrate, a lower thin film provided on a surface of the substrate, an upper thin film opposed to the lower thin film at an interval on the side opposite to the substrate, and a wall portion surrounding the lower thin film and the upper thin film and protruding on the side opposite to the lower thin film with respect to the upper thin film.
US07898041B2 Block contact architectures for nanoscale channel transistors
A contact architecture for nanoscale channel devices having contact structures coupling to and extending between source or drain regions of a device having a plurality of parallel semiconductor bodies. The contact structures being able to contact parallel semiconductor bodies having sub-lithographic pitch.
US07898036B2 Semiconductor device and process for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate; a gate electrode formed on the semiconductor substrate; source and drain extension regions formed in the semiconductor substrate on a first and a second side corresponding to a first sidewall surface and a second sidewall surface, respectively, of the gate electrode; a first piezoelectric material pattern formed on the semiconductor substrate continuously covering the first sidewall surface of the gate electrode from the first side of the gate electrode; a second piezoelectric material pattern formed on the semiconductor substrate continuously covering the second sidewall surface of the gate electrode from the second side of the gate electrode; and source and drain regions formed in the semiconductor substrate outside the source extension region and the drain extension, respectively.
US07898034B2 Semiconductor chips having improved electrostatic discharge protection circuit arrangement
A semiconductor chip may include a plurality of pads arranged in at least a first and a second row, and a plurality of protection circuits connected to the plurality of pads. The plurality of protection circuits may include at least one diode. A first protection circuit may be connected to a first pad in the first row of pads, and a second protection circuit may be connected to a second pad in the second row of pads. The first and second protection circuits may be arranged under the first row of pads.
US07898032B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
The present invention realizes the miniaturization of a semiconductor device. On a first insulation film, an island-like semiconductor layer and a second insulation film which surrounds the semiconductor layer are formed, and resistance elements (for example, poly-silicon resistance elements) which are formed of a conductive film are arranged to be overlapped to an upper surface of the semiconductor layer in plane.
US07898028B2 Process for fabricating a strained channel MOSFET device
A process for fabricating a MOSFET device featuring a channel region comprised with a silicon-germanium component is provided. The process features employ an angled ion implantation procedure to place germanium ions in a region of a semiconductor substrate underlying a conductive gate structure. The presence of raised silicon shapes used as a diffusion source for a subsequent heavily-doped source/drain region, the presence of a conductive gate structure, and the removal of dummy insulator previously located on the conductive gate structure allow the angled implantation procedure to place germanium ions in a portion of the semiconductor substrate to be used for the MOSFET channel region. An anneal procedure results in the formation of the desired silicon-germanium component in the portion of semiconductor substrate to be used for the MOSFET channel region.
US07898027B2 Metal-oxide-semiconductor device
A MOS device includes a semiconductor substrate having a first conductive type, a source region, a gate structure, and a drain region having a second conductive type. The gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate and substantially parallel to a first direction. The source region and the drain region are both disposed in the semiconductor substrate, and on two opposite sides of the gate structure. The source region includes at least a source doped region having the second conductive type, and at least a source contact region having the first conductive type, and the source doped region and the source contact region are alternately arranged along the first direction.
US07898023B2 Recessed channel array transistor (RCAT) structures
Recessed channel array transistor (RCAT) structures and method of formation are generally described. In one example, an electronic device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first fin coupled with the semiconductor substrate, the first fin comprising a first source region and a first drain region, and a first gate structure of a recessed channel array transistor (RCAT) formed in a first gate region disposed between the first source region and the first drain region, wherein the first gate structure is formed by removing a sacrificial gate structure to expose the first fin in the first gate region, recessing a channel structure into the first fin, and forming the first gate structure on the recessed channel structure.
US07898021B2 Semiconductor fin based nonvolatile memory device and method for fabrication thereof
A semiconductor structure and a method for fabricating the semiconductor structure include a semiconductor fin having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A first gate dielectric and a charge storage layer are successively layered upon the first side of the semiconductor fin. A second gate dielectric and a gate electrode are layered upon the second side and the charge storage layer. The semiconductor structure comprises a nonvolatile semiconductor device.
US07898018B2 Non-volatile two-transistor programmable logic cell and array layout
A two-transistor non-volatile memory cell is formed in a semiconductor body. A memory-transistor well is disposed within the semiconductor body. A switch-transistor well is disposed within the semiconductor body and is electrically isolated from the memory transistor well. A memory transistor including spaced-apart source and drain regions is formed within the memory-transistor well. A switch transistor including spaced-apart source and drain regions is formed within the switch-transistor well region. A floating gate is insulated from and self aligned with the source and drain regions of the memory transistor and switch transistor. A control gate is disposed above and aligned to the floating gate and with the source and drain regions of the memory transistor and the switch transistor.
US07898015B2 Insulating film and semiconductor device using this film
An insulating film includes a first metal, oxygen, fluorine and one of a second metal or nitrogen, and satisfies {k×[X]−[F]}/2≦8.4 atomic %, wherein the fluorine amount [F], the one element amount [X], and a valence number difference k between the first and second metals or between oxygen and nitrogen.
US07898010B2 Transparent conductor based pinned photodiode
A pinned photodiode with improved short wavelength light response. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, a gate oxide is formed over a doped, buried region in a semiconductor substrate. A conductor is formed on top of the gate oxide. The gate conductor is transparent, and in one embodiment is a layer of indium-tin oxide. The transparent conductor can be biased to reduce the need for a surface dopant in creating a pinned photodiode region. The biasing of the transparent conductor produces a hole-rich accumulation region near the surface of the substrate. The gate conductor material permits a greater amount of charges from short wavelength light to be captured in the photo-sensing region in the substrate, and thereby increases the quantum efficiency of the photosensor.
US07898008B2 Vertical-type, integrated bipolar device and manufacturing process thereof
A bipolar device is integrated in an active layer, wherein delimitation trenches surround respective active areas housing bipolar transistors of complementary types. Each active area accommodates a buried layer; a well region extending on top of the buried layer; a top sinker region extending between the surface of the device and the well region; a buried collector region extending on top of the well region and laterally with respect to the top sinker region; a base region, extending on top of the buried collector region laterally with respect to the top sinker region; and an emitter region extending inside the base region. The homologous regions of the complementary transistors have a similar doping level, being obtained by ion-implantation of epitaxial layers wherein the concentration of dopant added during the growth is very low, possibly zero.
US07898007B2 Semiconductor devices including line patterns separated by cutting regions
Semiconductor devices are provided. A semiconductor device can include a substrate and a plurality of dummy line patterns on the substrate that extend in a first direction parallel with one another. Each of the dummy line patterns can include a plurality of sub-line patterns aligned along the first direction and which are separated from each other by at least one cutting region therebetween. The dummy line patterns can include first and second dummy line patterns which are adjacent to each other in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. At least one of the cutting regions between a pair of sub-line patterns of the first dummy line pattern is aligned with and bounded by one of the sub-line patterns of the second dummy line pattern in the second direction.
US07898005B2 Inorganic nanotubes and electro-fluidic devices fabricated therefrom
Nanofluidic devices incorporating inorganic nanotubes fluidly coupled to channels or nanopores for supplying a fluid containing chemical or bio-chemical species are described. In one aspect, two channels are fluidly interconnected with a nanotube. Electrodes on opposing sides of the nanotube establish electrical contact with the fluid therein. A bias current is passed between the electrodes through the fluid, and current changes are detected to ascertain the passage of select molecules, such as DNA, through the nanotube. In another aspect, a gate electrode is located proximal the nanotube between the two electrodes thus forming a nanofluidic transistor. The voltage applied to the gate controls the passage of ionic species through the nanotube selected as either or both ionic polarities. In either of these aspects the nanotube can be modified, or functionalized, to control the selectivity of detection or passage.
US07898002B2 Nitride semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a substrate; a first nitride semiconductor layer formed over the substrate; a second nitride semiconductor layer formed on the first nitride semiconductor layer and having a larger band gap energy than the first nitride semiconductor layer; a third nitride semiconductor layer formed on the second nitride semiconductor layer and including a p-type nitride semiconductor with at least a single-layer structure; a gate electrode formed on the third nitride semiconductor layer; and a source electrode and a drain electrode formed in regions located on both sides of the gate electrode, respectively. The third nitride semiconductor layer has a thickness greater in a portion below the gate electrode than in a portion below the side of the gate electrode.
US07898001B2 Single photon detector and associated methods for making the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a photon avalanche detector in the semiconductor substrate. The photon avalanche detector includes an anode of a first conductivity type and a cathode of a second conductivity type. A guard ring is in the semiconductor substrate and at least partially surrounds the photon avalanche detector. A passivation layer of the first conductivity type is in contact with the guard ring to reduce an electric field at an edge of the photon avalanche detector.
US07897998B2 III-nitride power semiconductor device
A power semiconductor device that includes common conduction regions, charge compensation regions, each adjacent a respective common conduction region, and a stand off region over the common conduction regions and charge compensation regions.
US07897994B2 Method of making (100) NMOS and (110) PMOS sidewall surface on the same fin orientation for multiple gate MOSFET with DSB substrate
A method of forming an integrated circuit device that includes a plurality of MuGFETs is disclosed. A PMOS fin of a MuGFET is formed on a substrate. The PMOS fin includes a channel of a first surface of a first crystal orientation. A NMOS fin of another MuGFET is formed on the substrate. The NMOS fin includes a channel on the substrate at one of 0° and 90° to the PMOS fin and includes a second surface of a second crystal orientation.
US07897988B2 Electroluminescent device
An electroluminescent device includes a conduction substrate, a reflection layer, a patterned transparent conduction layer, at least one light emitting diode (LED) element, a first contact electrode and a second contact electrode. The reflection layer is disposed on the conduction substrate, and the patterned transparent conduction layer is formed on the reflection layer. The LED element is formed on the patterned transparent conduction layer, and the LED element includes a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer and a second semiconductor layer in sequence. The second semiconductor layer is disposed on the patterned transparent conduction layer and the reflection layer. The first contact electrode is disposed at one side of the first semiconductor layer, and the second contact electrode is disposed at one side of the conduction substrate.
US07897985B2 LED light engine kernel and method of making the kernel
A light engine kernel for a light emitting diode (LED) includes a solid body of transparent material having an index of refraction of at least 1.5. The body has a domed, light-emitting top that is an inverted parabola of revolution, a reflective sidewall that is a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC), and a cavity at a focus of the CPC that is adapted to receive an LED. The domed top may include a phosphor coating of a yellow-emitting phosphor. The cavity may be adapted to receive only a single LED or plural LEDs of the same or different colors on a board. The kernel and LED are not integrally formed, reducing thermal degradation of the phosphor coating and improving application flexibility.
US07897983B2 Light emitting diode assembly and light emitting diode display device
An exemplary light emitting diode (LED) assembly includes a cover, a substrate, a LED unit, a first electrode terminal, and a second electrode terminal. The substrate includes a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the substrate thereto. The substrate and the cover cooperatively define a cavity. The LED unit is received in the cavity. The first and the second electrode terminals extend from the second surface. The first electrode terminal is electrically connected to one of a positive lead and a negative lead of the LED unit and the second electrode terminal is electrically connected to the other. The second electrode terminal includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion symmetrically arranged at opposite sides of the first electrode terminal. The first and the second electrode portions are at least partially symmetrical with respect to the first electrode terminal.
US07897970B2 Lower substrate, display apparatus having the same and method of manufacturing the same
In a lower substrate, a display apparatus having the lower substrate and a method of manufacturing the lower substrate, the lower substrate includes a pixel area and a circuit area. An image is displayed in the pixel area. A first signal electrode is disposed in a circuit area. A first insulating layer includes an opening, through which the first signal electrode is exposed. A second signal electrode is disposed on the first insulating layer in the circuit area, and spaced apart from the first signal electrode. A second insulating layer is disposed on the first insulating layer, and includes a contact hole, through which the first and second signal electrodes are exposed. A conductive layer electrically connects the first signal electrode to the second signal electrode. Therefore, a manufacturing process is simplified so that a yield of the lower substrate is increased.
US07897967B2 Anti-fuse device
An anti-fuse device includes a substrate and laterally spaced source and drain regions formed in the substrate. A channel is formed between the source and drain regions. A gate and gate oxide are formed on the channel and lightly doped source and drain extension regions are formed in the channel. The lightly doped source and drain regions extend across the channel from the source and the drain regions, respectively, occupying a substantial portion of the channel. Programming of the anti-fuse is performed by application of power to the gate and at least one of the source region and the drain region to break-down the gate oxide, which minimizes resistance between the gate and the channel.
US07897964B2 Spirofluorene derivative, material for light-emitting element, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a material having a high Tg and a wide energy gap. The present invention provides a spirofluorene derivative represented by General Formula 1. (In the formula, R1 is any one of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a group represented by General Formula 2. Each of R2 and R3 is either hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and may be identical or different. R4 is an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms. Each of R5 and R6 is any one of hydrogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 15 carbon atoms and may be identical or different.)
US07897963B2 Thiazole-based semiconductor compound and organic thin film transistor using the same
Provided are an organic semiconductor compound using thiazole, and an organic thin film transistor having an organic semiconductor layer formed of the organic semiconductor compound using thiazole. The novel organic semiconductor compound including thiazole has liquid crystallinity and excellent thermal stability, and thus is provided to form an organic semiconductor layer in the organic thin film transistor. To this end, a silicon oxide layer is formed on a silicon substrate, and an organic semiconductor layer including thiazole is formed on the silicon oxide layer. In addition, source and drain electrodes are formed on both edge portions of the organic semiconductor layer. The organic thin film transistor using the organic semiconductor layer has an improved on/off ratio and excellent thermal stability. Also, a solution process can be applied in its manufacture.
US07897960B2 Self-aligned nanotube field effect transistor
A self-aligned carbon-nanotube field effect transistor semiconductor device comprises a carbon-nanotube deposited on a substrate, a source and a drain formed at a first end and a second end of the carbon-nanotube, respectively, and a gate formed substantially over a portion of the carbon-nanotube, separated from the carbon-nanotube by a dielectric film.
US07897956B2 Biasing a transistor out of a supply voltage range
The present disclosure relates to constructing and operating a transistor or other active device with significantly reduced flicker noise.
US07897940B2 Removable liners for charged particle beam systems
An apparatus. The apparatus including: a chamber having an interior surface; a pump port for evacuating the chamber; a substrate holder within the chamber; a charged particle beam within the chamber, the charged beam generated by a source and the charged particle beam striking the substrate; and one or more liners in contact with one or more different regions of the interior surface of the chamber, the liners preventing material generated by interaction of the charged beam and the substrate from coating the one or more different regions of the interior surface of the chamber.
US07897932B2 Identification and localization of radioisotopes
A radiation detection, localization, and identification system uses a searching algorithm to identify geometric correlation of hypothetical solutions to Compton Imaging. Geometric correlation of correct associations of gamma ray energies with each detected event yields the identity and location of radiation sources. The system's detector is an array of radiation detectors networked to act as a single detection system. This network has wide area of view and high sensitivity to radiation sources since no collimation is required.
US07897931B2 X-ray imaging sensor and X-ray imaging method
The invention concerns an x-ray imaging sensor and an x-ray imaging method in which, in a scintillator element (11, 21) or in an element having a corresponding functionality, x-ray quanta are converted into photons having a wavelength substantially greater than the wavelength range of the x-ray quanta. The information detected in the scintillator element (11, 12) is converted to pixel-specific electric signals in a semiconductor element (13, 23), which includes photodiodes (15, 25, 35) or corresponding means that are arranged to divide at least part of the area of the sensor to pixels (14, 24, 34). Arranged in functional connection with the pixel-specific photodiodes (25, 35) or corresponding means, there has been arranged means comprising an I/F (current to frequency) converter (26, 36) or a corresponding component for quantizing the electric signals by converting them to pixel-specific frequencies, i.e. pulse trains.
US07897919B2 Method and system for thermal imaging having a selective temperature imaging mode
The present invention is a method for operating a thermal imaging camera for selective temperature imaging, and a thermal imaging system having a selective temperature imaging mode. When first entering the selective temperature imaging mode of operation, the system and method automatically determine the hottest area in a scene and display it in a predetermined hue. The remainder of the scene is displayed in grayscale. The method and system allow further adjustment of the set point of the selective temperature imaging mode, and display portions of the scene as hot as or hotter than the set point value in gradient shades of the predetermined hue.
US07897918B2 System and method for focused ion beam data analysis
A system and method for improving FIB milling endpointing operations. The methods involve generating real-time images of the area being milled and real-time graphical plots of pixel intensities with an increased sensitivity over native FIB system generated images and plots. The images and plots are generated with raw signal data obtained from the native FIB system. More specifically, the raw signal data is processed according to specific algorithms for generating images and corresponding intensity graphs which can be reliably used for accurate endpointing. In particular, the displayed images will display more visual information regarding changes in milled material, while the intensity graphs will plot aggregate pixel intensity data on a dynamically adjusting scale to dramatically highlight relative changes in milled material.
US07897911B2 Optoelectronic sensor arrangement and process for monitoring a surveillance area
An optoelectronic sensor arrangement (1), with a plurality of optical transmitters (21, 22) positioned side by side in an optical transmitter strip (12), such that each optical transmitter (21, 22) transmits the light of a transmitted cone (α1, α2) into a surveillance area (50), and with a plurality of optical receivers (31, 32) positioned side by side in an optical receiver strip (14), which optical receivers (31, 32) receive the light of a received cone (β1, β2) from the surveillance area (50), where each receiver (31, 32)comprises a spatially-resolving element (41, 42), such that each optical transmitter (21, 22) and optical receiver (31, 32) form an optical receiver/transmitter pair, and a control unit contains means for determining the optical incident point (L1, L1′, L2, L3) on one of the optical receivers (31, 32) of the transmitted cone (α1, α2) of each optical transmitter (21, 22) and/or of a foreign light source (G1).
US07897910B2 System for characterizing a light field
A method and system for establishing extended optical traps for commercial use. The method and system employs a diffractive optical element (DOE) to process a light beam wherein the DOE includes phase information and amplitude information to create the extended optical trap. Such extended traps can be line traps and can be further expanded to two and three dimensional configurations.
US07897909B2 Solid-state image pickup device, a method of driving the same, a signal processing method for the same, and image pickup apparatus
A solid-state image pickup device including: a pixel array portion; a dummy pixel; a differential circuit; a reset voltage supplying section; and a common phase feedback circuit.
US07897901B2 Ultra low voltage CMOS image sensor architecture
A pixel element for an image sensor comprising, a photodiode and a reset transistor coupled to an input node, wherein said reset transistor is a PMOSFET coupled between said input node and the supply voltage, and wherein said pixel further comprises parallel complementary signal paths.
US07897886B1 Non-transfer switch for providing power from an alternate power source in a non-separately derived power management system
A manually operated transfer-type switch has an electrically interlocked isolating plug and plugboard arrangement to isolate two power supplies, e.g., utility and electric generator, from one another. The switch functions to connect electrical loads with either the utility or generator power supply without performing making and breaking of current. The plug is engaged with the plugboard in a first position for supplying utility power and in a second position for providing generator power. A locking arrangement prevents the disengagement of the plug from the plugboard when power is supplied from either the utility or from the generator.
US07897879B2 Ceramic substrate grid structure for the creation of virtual coax arrangement
Signal line conductors passing through vertical vias in an insulative substrate for supporting and interconnecting integrated circuit chips are provided with shielding conductors in adjacent vias that link respective power and ground planes. The shielding conductors' presence in positions around a signal via is made possible through the employment of power plane and ground plane conductive grids that are laid out in rhomboid patterns. The power plane and ground plane grids possess a left-right mirror relation to one another and are displaced to place the rhomboid's corners to avoid overlapping any of the grid lines.
US07897878B2 Compliant penetrating packaging interconnect
A circuit package is provided. The circuit package includes a plurality of electrically conductive pads located on a bottom surface of the circuit package, wherein at least one pad of the plurality of bottom surface pads has a recession for receiving an electrically conductive protrusion located on a substrate to which the circuit package is to be mounted.
US07897874B2 Foam coaxial cable and method for manufacturing the same
A foam coaxial cable includes a central conductor; an inner skin layer surrounding the central conductor coaxially; an insulation layer surrounding the inner skin layer coaxially and made of polyethylene resin containing a plurality of foam cells uniformly formed therein; wherein the inner skin layer is made of polyolefin resin having excellent compatibility with the polyethylene resin to increase an interfacial adhesive force with the insulation layer, an outer skin layer surrounding the insulation layer coaxially to prevent overfoaming of the insulation layer and allow uniform creation of foam cells; a shield surrounding the outer skin layer coaxially; and a jacket surrounding the shield. This cable improves an interfacial adhesive force between the central conductor and the insulation layer and also improves the degree of foam of the foam cells, thereby capable of propagating ultra high frequency of GHz level without signal interference.
US07897868B2 Stacked photovoltaic element and method for producing the same
A stacked photovoltaic element comprising a plurality of unit photovoltaic elements each composed of a pn- or pin-junction, connected to each other in series, wherein a zinc oxide layer is provided at least one position between the unit photovoltaic elements, and the zinc oxide layer has resitivity varying in the thickness direction.
US07897867B1 Solar cell and method of manufacture
A solar cell that is readily manufactured using processing techniques which are less expensive than microelectronic circuit processing. In preferred embodiments, printing techniques are utilized in selectively forming masks for use in etching of silicon oxide and diffusing dopants and in forming metal contacts to diffused regions. In a preferred embodiment, p-doped regions and n-doped regions are alternately formed in a surface of the wafer through use of masking and etching techniques. Metal contacts are made to the p-regions and n-regions by first forming a seed layer stack that comprises a first layer such as aluminum that contacts silicon and functions as an infrared reflector, second layer such titanium tungsten that acts as diffusion barrier, and a third layer functions as a plating base. A thick conductive layer such as copper is then plated over the seed layer, and the seed layer between plated lines is removed. A front surface of the wafer is preferably textured by etching or mechanical abrasion with an IR reflection layer provided over the textured surface. A field layer can be provided in the textured surface with the combined effect being a very low surface recombination velocity.
US07897862B2 Stringed instrument learning and teaching method, music notation system, and corresponding visual aid
A simplified playing method and music notation system for the learning and teaching of playing the guitar, banjo, ukulele, or similar stringed instrument, primarily for use as accompaniment to singing. One embodiment of the method is comprised of 2 parts: 1. A notation system which specifies non-standard tuning information (24), specifies movable chord fingering information[(40), (42)], and uses numbers (20), letters, colors (64), or symbols to specify the fret space locations to implement the movable chord fingering, and 2. A modification to the instrument, adding a corresponding (numbered, colored, etc.) fret designation visual aid [(34), (68) to indicate where to place the movable chord fingering on the neck of the instrument. Since most chord changes are made simply by moving one simple chord shape up and down the fretboard, and the notation system is very easy to read, learning to play the instrument becomes significantly faster and easier.
US07897840B2 Salt responsive genes useful for generating salt resistant transgenic plants
The present invention provides transgenic plants transformed with exogenous nucleic acid encoding a Dunaliella salt-inducible or salt-responsive protein selected from the group consisting of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) subunit, NADPH dependent quinone reductase (QOR), aldo-keto reductase (AKR), bifunctional aspartate kinase-homoserine reductase (AK-HSD) and mitochondrial import membrane translocase subunit (TIM9), or a fragment, homolog or variant thereof. The transgenic plants have increased tolerance to salt as compared to corresponding non-transgenic plants. The present invention further provides nucleic acids, constructs and vectors encoding the Dunaliella salt-inducible or otherwise salt-responsive proteins, and to a method of producing transgenic plants having an increased tolerance to salt, a method of modifying plant capacity to survive salt shock, and a method of modifying plant recovery after exposure to salt stress, by introducing the nucleic acids, constructs and/or vectors into one or more cells of the plant.
US07897821B2 Sulfonium compound
A compound is shown by the following formula (5) in which at least one of Rf groups represents a fluorine atom or a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, A′ represents a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an alkylene group having at least one hetero atom, or a single bond, G represents a divalent organic group having a fluorine atom or a single bond, Mm+ represents an onium cation, m represents a natural number of 1 to 3, and p represents a natural number of 1 to 8.
US07897816B2 Tetramine compound and organic EL device
The present invention provides a tetramine compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1, R2 and R3, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, a tertiary alkyl group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms, an unsubstituted aryl group or an aryl group substituted with a tertiary alkyl group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms, and n represents 3 or 4.
US07897807B2 Manufacture of hydrofluoroalkanesulfonic acids
A process for manufacture of hydrofluoroalkanesulfonic acid with at least one hydrogen bonded to the carbon atom adjacent to the carbon atom bonded to the sulfonic acid group comprising: contacting a fluoroolefin with sulfite in an aqueous solution adjusted to about pH 4 to pH 12; removing water from the solution to form a solid; directly treating the solid with oleum; and distilling the hydrofluoroalkanesulfonic acid therefrom. Also a process for manufacture of potassium hydrofluoroalkanesulfonate in high purity is described.
US07897803B2 Cis-alkoxy-substituted spirocyclic 1H-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives serving as pesticides
The invention relates to a plurality of processes for the preparation of novel cis-alkoxy-substituted spirocyclic 1 H-pyrrolidine-2,4-dione derivatives of the formula (I) in which A, G, X and Y are as defined in the disclosure.
US07897802B2 Process for production of substituted cyclopentanone
A substituted cyclopentanone represented by the following formula (2): (wherein R3 and R4 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, may be the same as R1 and R2, respectively, and may be the same as each other) can be produced by hydrogenating the double bond in a compound represented by the following formula (1): (wherein R1 and R2 represent a substituent having 1 to 8 carbon atoms) in the presence of a transition metal catalyst by using a carboxylic acid or a specific concentration of a carboxylic acid ester as a solvent. This process can produce a substituted cyclopentanone which is useful as a jasmine fragrance, an intermediate thereof or the like, in a simple and inexpensive manner at a high cis-isomer ratio.
US07897801B2 Process for the preparation of dinitriles
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of dinitriles by hydrocyanation of unsaturated nitrile compounds in the presence of a catalyst based on a metal element in the zero oxidation state and on organophosphorus ligands;the invention relates more particularly to a process for the recovery from the hydrocyanation medium of a catalyst for the hydrocyanation of unsaturated nitrites to dinitriles. It consists in controlling the concentration of unsaturated nitrites in the reaction medium resulting from the hydrocyanation reaction in order to obtain a concentration by weight of unsaturated nitrites of less than 20% in the said medium, and in then feeding the said medium to a stage of settling into two upper and lower phases. The lower phase comprises most of the catalytic system, while the upper phase is composed essentially of the dinitriles.
US07897798B2 Methods and apparatus for producing alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks and systems including same
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for producing alkyl esters from lipid feed stocks, such as plant oils and/or animal fats, and systems including the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes a process for producing alkyl esters including mixing a lipid feed stock with an alcohol to form a reaction mixture; and contacting the reaction mixture with a catalyst under supercritical conditions for the alcohol, the catalyst comprising an unmodified metal oxide selected from the group consisting of alumina, titania, zirconia, and hafnia, and removing residual free fatty acids from the reaction mixture. Other embodiments are included herein.
US07897795B2 Process for the preparation of prostaglandin analogues and intermediates thereof
The present application provides intermediates for preparing prostaglandin analogues and processes for preparing prostaglandin analogues and intermediates thereof. The intermediates include: A compound of formula (6): R1 represents H, C1-C5-alkyl, or benzyl, in particular isopropyl.
US07897788B2 Indol-1-yl-acetic acid derivatives
The invention relates to indol-1-yl-acetic acid derivatives and their use as active ingredients in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also concerns related aspects including processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of those compounds and methods of treatment comprising administration of said compounds.
US07897787B2 Maleimide derivative
A compound represented by the following general formula (I): [wherein R1 and R2 independently represent hydrogen atom, or a group represented by the following formula (A): (wherein X1 and X2 represent hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, or a halogen atom), provided that R1 and R2 do not simultaneously represent hydrogen atom; R3 and R6 represent an alkyl group; R4 and R7 represent hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, carboxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, or sulfo group; and R5 and R8 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a vinyl group, a thienyl group, or a pyrrolyl group], or a salt thereof, which is usable for efficient screening for a chemical substance having applicability as a catalyst of the reaction of Michael addition.
US07897786B2 Unsaturated dipyrromethene-boron borocarbons
The invention relates to unsaturated dipyrromethene-boron borocarbons of formula (I) and the use thereof for fluorescence or electroluminescent analysis. The fluorescent properties are provided by the central ring of six atoms comprising the —N—B—N— sequence, R1 to R7 permitting the modification of the compound properties (fluorescence emission wavelength, quantitative fluorescent yield), at least one of the substituents S1 and S2 has a chromophore end group which permits an excitation of the molecule at wavelengths close to those of the substituent chromophore. A preferably selected from the chromophore substituents with a wavelength close to the ultraviolet which significantly increases the Stokes displacement.
US07897785B2 1,3-Diiodohydantoin compound and production method thereof
The present invention provides a means which can inhibit release of I2 in production or storage of 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound, and thereby solve decrease in purity of the compound and various problems caused by I2.The present invention provides a production method for 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound comprising a step to prepare a wet body containing a 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound, and (1) a step to dry the wet body by contacting the wet body with heated gas or (2) a step to lyophilize the wet body, a storage method for 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound comprising a step to store a 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound under a temperature condition of 15° C. or lower, and a 1,3-diiodohydantoin compound wherein content of released I2 is 1% by mass or less.
US07897781B2 Cold menthol receptor-1 antagonists
The invention is directed to TRPM8 antagonists of Formula (I). More specifically, the present invention relates to certain novel compounds, methods for preparing compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and methods for treating TRPM8-mediated disorders. Pharmaceutical and veterinary compositions and methods of treating pain and various other disease states or conditions using compounds of the invention are also described.
US07897776B2 Sulfonamide containing compounds for treatment of inflammatory disorders
Provided are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment or prophylaxis of an inflammatory condition, in particular asthma. The compounds are of the general Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, prodrug or derivative thereof: wherein: X and Y are independently selected from —CH2— or —CH2—CH2—; Z is selected from S(O)m or Se(O)m and m is 0, 1 or 2; R1 is optionally substituted heteroaryl or heterocyclic; R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C6 straight alkyl, and C1-C6 branched alkyl, wherein all may be optionally substituted; and R3 and R4 are alkyl.
US07897775B2 Crystalline form of a benzimidazole-carboxamide medicinal compound
The invention provides crystalline forms of the novel benzimidazole-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compound, 4-(4-{[(2-isopropyl-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carbonyl)amino]methyl}-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)piperidine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline compound, methods of using the compound to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes useful for preparing crystalline forms of the compound.
US07897768B2 Method for making tetrabenazine compounds
A method of preparing a tetrabenazine compound (TBZ compound) having structure I comprising the steps of reacting a nucleophilic alkenyl species with aldehyde compound II and oxidizing the resultant allylic alcohol to provide enone III. The protecting group P1 on the tetrahydroisoquinoline nitrogen is removed and the resultant deprotected intermediate is induced to undergo an amino cyclization reaction to provide a product TBZ compound having structure I. The method may be used to prepare either enantiomeric form of tetrabenazine; (+)-tetrabenazine or (−)-tetrabenazine. Alternatively the method may be adapted to provide a mixture enriched in one tetrabenazine enantiomer, a racemic mixture, or a diastereomeric mixture of tetrabenazine compounds. In addition, the present invention provides novel synthetic intermediate compositions which may be used to prepare either or both enantiomers of tetrabenazine, derivatives of tetrabenazine, and analogs of tetrabenazine.
US07897759B2 Metabolically stable puromycin analogs
Disclosed are structurally modified, metabolically stable nucleosides having antitumor activity wherein the formation of toxic metabolites is blocked and antimicrobial activity. The disclosure further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more disclosed modified nucleosides and to methods of use thereof.
US07897754B2 SiRNA targeting ras-related nuclear protein RAN
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed.
US07897753B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of XIAP gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating XIAP gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of XIAP gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of XIAP genes.
US07897752B2 RNA interference mediated inhibition of telomerase gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating telomerase gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of telomerase gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of telomerase genes, such as telomerase template RNA (TERC/TR), or a telomerase protein (TERT).
US07897750B2 Strategies for gene expression analysis
The invention provides methods for screening compound or chemical libraries by analyzing expressed RNA samples from biological samples treated with members of a compound library in a high throughput format.
US07897746B2 Pericarp-preferred promoter from maize lipid transfer protein gene
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions are novel nucleotide sequences for a pericarp-preferred promoter and terminator isolated from the maize lipid transfer protein 1 coding region. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the regulatory sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to one or more of the regulatory sequences of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.
US07897742B2 Twin-arginine translocation in Bacillus
Described herein are methods to enhance protein secretion in a host cell. In preferred embodiment, the host cell is a gram-positive microorganism such as a Bacillus. In another preferred embodiment, the host cell is a gram-negative microorganism. Preferably the gram-negative microorganism is an Escherichia coli or a member of the genus Pantoea. Protein secretion may be enhanced by the overexpression of protein components of the Tat pathway. Alternatively, secretion of foreign proteins can be selectively enhanced by forming a chimeric polypeptide comprising a tat signal sequence and the protein of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the tat signal sequence is selected from phoD or LipA.
US07897740B2 Secreted protein called 36P6D5 characteristic of tumors
Described is a gene and its encoded secreted tumor antigen, termed 36P6D5, and to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and compositions useful in the management of various cancers which express 36P6D5, particularly including cancers of the bladder, kidney, prostate, breast, colon, ovary, and pancreas.
US07897729B2 Polymeric immunoglobulin fusion proteins that target low affinity FcγReceptors
The present invention concerns a family of nucleic acids, polypeptides and cloning vectors which direct expression of fusion proteins that can mimic aggregated IgG (AIG) and immune complex function with respect to their interactions with FcγR and which allow for the inclusion and targeting of a second protein domain to cells expressing FcγR. This was accomplished by expressing multiple linear copies of the hinge and CH2 domains (HCH2) of human IgG1 fused to the framework region of human IgG1. Convenient restriction sites allow for the facile introduction of additional amino-terminal domains. Methods for treating patients using fission proteins are also disclosed. The HCH2 polymers described here represent a new strategy in the design of recombinant proteins for the therapeutic targeting of FcγR in autoimmune disorders.
US07897726B2 Fluorescent proteins from Aequorea coerulscens and methods for using the same
The present invention provides nucleic acid compositions encoding a novel colorless GFP-like protein, acGFP, from Aequorea coerulscens and fluorescent and non-fluorescent mutants and derivatives thereof, as well as peptides and proteins encoded by these nucleic acid compositions. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions of the present invention are colored and/or fluorescent and/or can be photoactivated, and can be used in a variety of different biological applications, particularly for labeling. Finally, kits for use in such biological applications are provided.
US07897724B2 Solid phase Fmoc chemistry process to prepare peptides
The present invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of N6-(aminoiminomethyl)-N2-(3-mercapto-1-oxopropyl)-L-lysylglycyl-L-α-aspartyl-L-tryptophyl-L-prolyl-L-cysteinamide, cyclic(1→6)-disulfide of formula (1), which involves assembling a peptide chain comprising of six amino acids and a thioalkyl carboxylic acid in a required sequence on a solid support to obtain a peptide bound resin of formula (2), capping the free amino groups after each coupling, cleaving Dde group in the peptide of formula (2) from the solid support to obtain peptide-solid support of formula (3), guanylating the peptide of formula (3) at ε-lysine-NH2 in an organic solvent to obtain peptide-solid support of formula (4), cleaving and deprotecting all groups in the peptide of formula (4) from the solid support to obtain peptide-amide formula (5), oxidizing the SH-peptide of formula (5) with an appropriate oxidizing agent to obtain the crude peptide-amide of formula (1) and purifying the crude peptide-amide of formula (1) by chromatographic technique. The solid support is either resin or a cellulose support like cotton, gauze, fabric, paper and perloza beads. The described process is simple, easy, environment friendly, takes lesser time and more cost effective.
US07897720B2 Method for removing catalyst residues from polymer solution and polymers purified by the method
Disclosed is a method for removing a metallic compound catalyst residue from a polymer solution which is prepared in the presence of a catalyst containing metal of Group 10 using a thiourea compound, a polymer from which the metallic compound catalyst residue is removed using the method, and a film produced using the method.
US07897719B2 Catalyst and process for the polymerization of cyclic ethers
The present invention provides a catalyst comprising a mixture of at least one acid-activated sheet silicate with a transition metal oxide of groups 8 and/or 9 of the Periodic Table of the Elements and also a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran, polytetrahydrofuran copolymers, diesters or monoesters of these polymers, in which tetrahydrofuran is polymerized in the presence of at least one telogen and/or comonomer over such a catalyst.
US07897717B2 Insulating liquid die-bonding agent and semiconductor device
An insulating liquid die-bonding agent for bonding a semiconductor-chip-mounting member to an active surface of a semiconductor chip, said agent comprising: (A) a mixture of (a-1) an organopolysiloxane resin having alkenyl groups and (a-2) a linear-chain organopolysiloxane having in one molecule at least two alkenyl groups; (B) an organopolysiloxane having in one molecule at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms; (C) an organic silicon compound having in one molecule at least one silicon-bonded alkoxy groups; (D) insulating spherical silicone rubber particles having an average diameter of 0.1 to 50 μm and having a type A durometer hardness according to JIS K 6253 equal to or below 80; and (E) a hydrosilylation-reaction catalyst, may not damage the active surface of the semiconductor chip, is well suited for screen printing, is resistant to the formation of voids on the interface between the semiconductor chip and the die-bonding agent, and does not lose its wire-bonding properties.
US07897710B2 Bimodal polyethylene film
Film formed from a polyethylene resin composition which obeys a dynamic rheological relationship at 190° C. between melt storage modulus G′, measured in Pa and at a dynamic frequency where the loss modulus G″=3000 Pa, and dynamic complex viscosity η*100, measured in Pa·s at 100 rad/s, such that (a) G′(G″=3000)>−0.86η*100+z where z=3800, and at the same time (b) G′(G″=3000)>0.875η*100−y where y=650, and having an impact strength (DDT) of at least 250 g, measured on 15 μm thick film (blown under conditions with BUR=5:1 and Neck Height=8×D) conditioned for 48 hours at 20°-25° C., according to ASTM D1709.
US07897706B2 Polymerization process using a supported, treated catalyst system
The present invention relates to a supported, treated catalyst system and its use in a process for polymerizing olefin(s). More particularly, it provides a supported, treated catalyst system produced by a process comprising the steps of: (a) forming a supported bimetallic catalyst system comprising a first catalyst component and a metallocene catalyst compound; and (b) contacting the supported bimetallic catalyst system of (a) with at least one methylalumoxane-activatable compound.
US07897702B2 Epoxy resin, curing agent and 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene derivative
The invention discloses a novel cross-linked epoxy resin with flame-retardant properties and method for producing the same. The polymeric material of the invention includes an epoxy resin, a curing agent and a modification agent. Particularly, the modification agent is a derivative of 9,10-Dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene 10-Oxide (DOPO). Moreover, the curing agent is 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM), or tris(4-aminephenyl)amine (NNH).
US07897701B2 Fast curing mold release compositions and methods of preparing same
A mold release composition comprising at least one siloxane polymer having functional terminal groups; at least one siloxane polymer having at least one functional pendent group; and a crosslinking agent. The mold release agent is ready to mold composite parts in less than 30 minutes under room temperature curing conditions.
US07897697B2 Epoxy resin, blocked polyisocyanate or polymers with polyhydroxystyrenes having novolak structure
A process for preparing derivatized poly(4-hydroxystryrene) having a novolak type structure which comprises the steps of (i) supplying a solution of methanol containing 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol, (ii) subjecting said solution to an acid catalyzed displacement reaction for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to convert substantially all of said carbinol to 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol methyl ether in solution, (iii) polymerizing said ether containing solution in the presence of a suitable acid catalyst for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form a novolak type polymer. New compositions of matter which comprise the derivatized poly(4-hydroxystyrene) prepared in the above manner and which have application in the electronic chemicals market such as in a photoresist composition, and in other areas such as in varnishes, printing inks, epoxy resins, copying paper, tackifiers for rubber, crude oil separators, and the like.
US07897691B2 Proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications
A proton conductive graft polymer comprises at least a structure unit of a sulfonated polymer side chain covalently attached to a hydrophobic perfluorocyclobutane polymer main chain. The sulfonated condensation polymer side chain has a high local ion exchange capacity while the main polymer chain is substantially free of sulfonic acid group. A membrane made from the graft polymer can provide good mechanical properties and high proton conductivity at wide range of humidity and temperatures.
US07897686B2 Method for preparing graft rubber latex having low residual monomer content
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a graft rubber latex having a low residual monomer content, and more precisely, a method for preparing a graft rubber latex having a high rubber content, which is characterized by graft-copolymerization of a mixture of a rubber latex having a gel content of at least 95% and an average particle diameter of 2,500˜5000 Å, a monomer mixture comprising one or more compounds selected from a group consisting of aromatic vinyl compound, vinyl cyan compound and acrylate compound, and small particle size latex produced by emulsion polymerization. The method of the present invention has the advantages of speedy processes with excellent latex stability and at the same time reducing residual monomer content in the latex upon completion of the polymerization, improving perceived quality of the product and increasing yield.
US07897681B2 Hybrid PVC/wood-reinforcement nanocomposites and method of manufacture
Compositions including composites of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles are disclosed. A wood-polymer composite using the PVC-nanoparticle composite as a matrix also is disclosed. The nanoparticle filler is dispersed throughout the PVC matrix by blending the nanoparticles with a mixture of PVC particles that have been pre-heated to a temperature at or above a fusion point of the PVC, thereby fusing the PVC particles prior to the addition of the nanoparticles to the matrix. Also disclosed are methods of forming the composite compositions. The composite compositions can be used to replace wood boards.
US07897674B2 Polymer electrolyte with high stability, its use in electrochemical systems
Polymer electrolyte for an electrochemical generator based on at least a four branched polymer, at least a poly(vinylyldienefluoride), a poly(vinyldiene fluoro-co-hexafluoropropene copolymer), a poly(tetrafluoroethylene), a poly(ethylene-co-propylene-co-5-methylene-2-norbornene) or an ethylene propylene-diene copolymer, a polyol, a poly(methylmethacrylate, a poly(acrylonitrile), SiO2Al2O3, or nano TiO2 non coated or coated with an organic material. This electrolyte allows to prepare electrolytic compositions that can be used in high performance electrochemical devices.
US07897657B2 Inkjet ink for polyvinyl chloride resin sheet
Present invention relates to an inkjet ink used for a polyvinyl chloride resin sheet, wherein the inkjet ink comprises an organic solvent, a pigment and a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate resin, the organic solvent is a mixed solvent comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by a formula (1) and compounds represented by a formula (2), together with a lactone compound, and the quantity of the lactone compound is within a range from 1 to 40% by weight relative to the total weight of the ink.[Formula 1] CH3CO(OR1)mOR2  (1) (wherein, R1 represents an ethylene group or propylene group, R2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and m represents an integer from 1 to 3) [Formula 2] CH3CH(OH)COOR3  (2) (wherein, R3 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 8 carbon atoms).
US07897648B2 Silica aerogels
This invention relates to silica aerogels and to a method for their preparation from rice husk. Rice husk is very rich in silica, and its ash can contain up to 92-97% of amorphous silica. The rice husk ash is prepared by burning the rice husk on a heating plate with excess air until the white ash is obtained. Silica from rice ash husk is in a very active form and has been found to be a very potential starting material for silica aerogels.
US07897640B2 Method of treatment of virus infections using shikonin compounds
Medicaments containing shikonin compounds and salts thereof including shikonin and alkannin are used for treatment of virus infections, mycoplasma infections and malignant tumor.
US07897632B2 Multi-cyclic cinnamide derivatives
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula (I): or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, wherein Ar1 represents an imidazolyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, Ar2 represents a phenyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkoxy group, or the like, X1 represents a double bond or the like, and Het represents an imidazolyl group that may be substituted with a C1-6 alkyl group, or the like, which is effective as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for a disease caused by Aβ.
US07897628B2 Aryl carbonyl derivatives as therapeutic agents
This invention relates to aryl carbonyl derivatives which are activators of glucokinase which may be useful for the management, treatment, control, or adjunct treatment of diseases, where increasing glucokinase activity is beneficial.
US07897612B2 Substituted 1,8-naphthyridinecarboxamides for use as prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors
The invention described herein relates to certain bicyclic heteroaromatic N-substituted glycine derivatives of formula (I) which are antagonists of HIF prolyl hydroxylases and are useful for treating diseases benefiting from the inhibition of this enzyme, anemia being one example.
US07897609B2 Aryl substituted imidazonaphthyridines
Imidazonaphthyridine ring systems substituted with an aryl substituent, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US07897607B2 Cyclic compounds
There is provided a CRF receptor antagonist comprising a compound of the formula (I): A-W—Ar  (I) wherein, A is a group represented by the formula (A1) or (A2): (wherein, ring Aa is a 5- or 6-membered ring which may be further substituted; ring Ab is a 5- or 6-membered ring which may be further substituted; ring Ac is a 5- or 6-membered ring which may be substituted; R1 is optionally substituted alkyl, substituted amino, substituted hydroxy, etc.; X is carbonyl, —O—, —S—, etc.; Y1, Y2 and Q are independently optionally substituted carbon or nitrogen;  is a single or double bond); W is a bond, optionally substituted methylene, optionally substituted imino, —O—, —S—, etc.; Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; or a salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.
US07897606B2 5,6-di-substituted oxadiazolopyrazines and thiadiazolopyrazines as CXC-chemokine receptor ligands
Disclosed are compounds of the formula and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful for the treatment of chemokine-mediated diseases such as COPD.
US07897603B2 Selected CGRP-antagonists, processes for preparing them and their use as pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to the CGRP-antagonists of general formula I wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined as in claim 1, the tautomers, the isomers, the diastereomers, the enantiomers, the hydrates thereof, the mixtures thereof and the salts thereof and the hydrates of the salts thereof, particularly the physiologically acceptable salts thereof with inorganic or organic acids or bases, as well as those compounds of general formula I wherein one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, their use and processes for preparing them.
US07897601B2 Cannabinoid receptor modulators
A compound having the general structure of Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or ester thereof, is useful in treating diseases, disorders, or conditions such as obesity, metabolic disorders, addiction, diseases of the central nervous system, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders.
US07897599B2 Cytokine inhibitors
The present invention provides low molecular weight compounds useful as cytokine inhibitors, and compositions thereof. In particular, compounds of the invention are useful as anti-inflammatory agents. There are further provided methods for the preparation of such agents and their use in preventing or treating conditions mediated by cytokines such as arthritis.
US07897593B2 HIV integrase inhibitors
The invention encompasses series bicyclic pyrimidinone compounds of Formula I which inhibit HIV integrase and prevent viral integration into human DNA. This action makes the compounds useful for treating HIV infection and AIDS. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating those infected with HIV.
US07897591B2 Method of treating fatty liver disease
The present invention relates to a method for treating a fatty liver disease or disorder in a patient in need thereof. The method comprises administering at least one matrix metalloproteinase (“MMP”) inhibitor to the patient. Fatty liver disease or disorders include, for example, NAFLD, NASH, ALD, fatty liver associated with chronic hepatitis infection, TPN, steroid treatment, tamoxifen treatment, gastrointestinal operations, diabetes and Reye's Syndrome. The method is particularly useful when the fatty liver disease is associated with TPN and the patient is an infant or when the patient is obese. MMP inhibitors useful in the present invention include, for example, Marimastat, tetracyclines, Prinomastat, Batimastat, BAY 12-9566, AG3340, BMS-275291, Neovastat, BB-3644, KB-R7785, TIMP1, TIMP2, doxycycline, minocycline, RS-130,830; CGS 27023A, Solimastat, Ro 32-3555, BMS-272591, and D2163. Marimastat is a preferred MMP inhibitor.
US07897589B2 Substituted pyrazoline compounds, their preparation and use as medicaments
The present invention relates to substituted pyrazoline compounds, methods for their preparation, medicaments comprising these compounds as well as their use for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of humans and animals.
US07897582B2 Oligonucleotide compositions and methods for the modulation of the expression of B7 protein
Compositions and methods for the treatment of asthma with oligonucleotides which specifically hybridize with nucleic acids encoding B7 proteins.
US07897567B2 Methods of protecting against radiation damage using alpha thymosin
Damage to cells and/or a subject caused by radiation is treated or prevented by administration of an alpha thymosin peptide.
US07897566B2 Analogues of GLP-1
Disclosed are peptide analogues of glucagon-like peptide-1, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salts thereof, methods of using such analogues to treat mammals and pharmaceutical compositions useful therefor comprising said analogues.
US07897555B2 Microcapsules
Microcapsules for use in liquid detergents having a core and a polyelectrolyte complex shell in the form of a semipermeable membrane comprising a particulate permeability-regulator. The invention also relates to a process for making the microcapsules and liquid detergents comprising said microcapsules.
US07897550B2 Urea grease composition for constant velocity joints
Urea grease composition for constant velocity joints is provided containing base oil, one or more urea thickener compounds, (A) one or more molybdenum sulphurized dialkyldithiocarbamates represented by general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently chosen from alkyl groups of from 1 to 24 carbons, m+n=4, m is from 0 to 3 and n is from 4 to 1, (B) triphenylphosphorothionate represented by formula (II) and (C) one or more stearic acid metal salts.
US07897548B2 Additives and lubricant formulations for improved antiwear properties
A lubricated surface, a method for reducing wear between moving parts, and lubricants, and lubricant additive concentrates containing a wear reducing agent. The lubricated surface contains a base oil of lubricating viscosity, a hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound, a metal-free friction modifier and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble magnesium compound effective to provide a reduction in surface wear greater than a reduction surface wear for a lubricant composition devoid of the titanium compound, metal-free friction modifier, and magnesium compound. The lubricant composition contains no more than about 800 ppm phosphorus and is devoid of calcium detergents and organic molybdenum compound.
US07897546B2 Composition and method for recovering hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir
This invention is directed to a composition comprising encapsulated expandable polymeric microparticles including expandable base microparticles encapsulated in a shell of at least one layer of a labile or degradable encapsulation material. The encapsulated microparticles have an unexpanded volume average particle size diameter of from about 0.05 to about 5,000 microns. The invention is further directed to the use of the composition for modifying the permeability of subterranean formations and increasing the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.
US07897537B2 Ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods of preparation
The present invention relates generally to ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods for preparing such catalysts. In particular, the invention provides catalyst composition of the general formula: BxMyS[(1.1 to 4.6)y+(0.5 to 4)x] where B is a group VIIIB non-noble metal and M is a group VI B metal and 0.05≦y/x≦15.
US07897535B2 Sputtering target and manufacturing method therefor, and recordable optical recording medium
To provide a sputtering target for preparing a recordable optical recording medium characterized by comprising Bi and B and a manufacturing method thereof, a recordable high density optical recording medium using the sputtering target, and a sputtering target which is capable of improving a speed of the film formation for the improvement of productivity, which has a high intensity at the time of the film formation and which has a heightened packing density.
US07897528B2 Heat resistant labels
Various embodiments of the present inventions encompass a variety of methods and devices for attaching labels, tags, or identification devices to hot metals.
US07897523B2 Substrate heating apparatus, heating method, and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A substrate heating apparatus having a conductive heater which heats a substrate includes a filament arranged in the conductive heater and connected to a filament power supply to generate thermoelectrons, and an acceleration power supply which accelerates the thermoelectrons between the filament and conductive heater. The filament has inner peripheral portions formed at a predetermined interval along an inner circle concentric with the substrate, outer peripheral portions formed at a predetermined interval on an outer circle concentric with the inner circle and having a diameter larger than that of the inner circle, and a region formed by connecting the end point of each inner peripheral portions and the end point of a corresponding one of the outer peripheral portions.
US07897517B2 Method of selectively depositing materials on a substrate using a supercritical fluid
A method for depositing one or more materials on a substrate, such as for example, a semiconductor substrate that includes providing the substrate; applying a polymer film to at least a portion of a surface of the substrate; and exposing the semiconductor substrate to a supercritical fluid containing at least one reactant for a time sufficient for the supercritical fluid to swell the polymer and for the at least one reactant to penetrate the polymer film. The reactant is reacted to cause the deposition of the material on at least a portion of the substrate. The substrate is removed from the supercritical fluid, and the polymer film is removed. The process permits the precise deposition of materials without the need for removal of excess material using chemical, physical, or a combination of chemical and physical removal techniques.
US07897512B2 Methods of forming integrated circuit devices including a multi-layer structure with a contact extending therethrough
Integrated circuit devices have a first substrate layer and a first transistor on the first substrate layer. A first interlayer insulating film covers the first transistor. A second substrate layer is on the first interlayer insulating film and a second transistor is on the second substrate layer. A second interlayer insulating film covers the second transistor. A contact extends through the second interlayer insulating film, the second substrate layer and the first interlayer insulating film. The contact includes a lower contact and an upper contact that contacts an upper surface of the lower contact to define an interface therebetween. The interface is located at a height no greater than a height of a top surface of the second substrate and greater than a height of a bottom surface of the second substrate layer.
US07897508B2 Method to eliminate Cu dislocation for reliability and yield
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide methods of forming a metal interconnect structure which avoid defects arising from copper migration. In accordance with particular embodiments, an electroplated copper feature is subjected to a brief thermal anneal prior to chemical mechanical polishing and subsequent formation of an overlying barrier layer. This thermal anneal intentionally provokes migration of the copper and resulting formation of hillocks or voids, which are then removed by a CMP step. The barrier layer may thus subsequently be formed over a defect-free surface, which has already experienced stress release along grain boundaries as a result of the thermal treatment.
US07897503B2 Infinitely stackable interconnect device and method
A device having the capability for electrical, thermal, optical, and fluidic interconnections to various layers. Through-substrate vias in the interconnect device are filled to enable electrical and thermal connection or optionally hermetically sealed relative to other surfaces to enable fluidic or optical connection. Optionally, optical components may be placed within the via region in order to manipulate optical signals. Redistribution of electrical interconnection is accomplished on both top and bottom surfaces of the substrate of the interconnect chip.
US07897502B2 Method of forming vertically offset bond on trace interconnects on recessed and raised bond fingers
A method of making a semiconductor device comprises forming a first conductive layer recessed below a surface of a substrate. The method further comprises forming a second conductive layer raised above the surface of the substrate to create a vertical offset between the first and second conductive layers. The method further comprises forming an interconnect structure on the first and second conductive layers.
US07897487B2 Laser processing method and chip
An object to be processed can be cut highly accurately along a line to cut.An object to be processed 1 is irradiated with laser light while locating a converging point within a silicon wafer 11, and the converging point is relatively moved along a line to cut 5, so as to form modified regions M1, M2 positioned within the object 1 along the line to cut 5, and then a modified region M3 positioned between the modified regions M1, M2 within the object 1.
US07897482B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A separation layer containing a halogen element is formed over a glass substrate by a plasma CVD method; a semiconductor element is formed over the separation layer; and separation is then performed inside the separation layer or at its interface, so that the large-area glass substrate and the semiconductor element are detached from each other. In order to perform detachment at the interface between the glass substrate and the separation layer, the separation layer may have concentration gradient of the halogen element, and the halogen element is contained more near the interface between the separation layer and the glass substrate than in the other areas.
US07897479B2 Managing integrated circuit stress using dummy diffusion regions
Roughly described, methods and systems for improving integrated circuit layouts and fabrication processes in order to better account for stress effects. Dummy features can be added to a layout either in order to improve uniformity, or to relax known undesirable stress, or to introduce known desirable stress. The dummy features can include dummy diffusion regions added to relax stress, and dummy trenches added either to relax or enhance stress. A trench can relax stress by filling it with a stress-neutral material or a tensile strained material. A trench can increase stress by filling it with a compressive strained material. Preferably dummy diffusion regions and stress relaxation trenches are disposed longitudinally to at least the channel regions of N-channel transistors, and transversely to at least the channel regions of both N-channel and P-channel transistors. Preferably stress enhancement trenches are disposed longitudinally to at least the channel regions of P-channel transistors.
US07897476B2 Method of manufacturing SOI substrate
To provide an SOI substrate with an SOI layer that can be put into practical use, even when a substrate with a low allowable temperature limit such as a glass substrate is used, and to provide a semiconductor substrate formed using such an SOI substrate. In order to bond a single-crystalline semiconductor substrate to a base substrate such as a glass substrate, a silicon oxide film formed by CVD with organic silane as a source material is used as a bonding layer, for example. Accordingly, an SOI substrate with a strong bond portion can be formed even when a substrate with an allowable temperature limit of less than or equal to 700° C. such as a glass substrate is used. A semiconductor layer separated from the single-crystalline semiconductor substrate is irradiated with a laser beam so that the surface of the semiconductor layer is planarized and the crystallinity thereof is recovered.
US07897473B2 Method of manufacturing a dual contact trench capacitor
A method of manufacturing a dual contact trench capacitor is provided. The method includes forming a first plate provided within a trench and isolated from a wafer body by a first insulator layer formed in the trench. The method further includes forming a second plate provided within the trench and isolated from the wafer body and the first plate by a second insulator layer formed in the trench.
US07897470B2 Non-volatile memory cell device and methods
A method of fabricating a memory cell including forming nanodots over a first dielectric layer and forming a second dielectric layer over the nanodots, where the second dielectric layer encases the nanodots. In addition, an intergate dielectric layer is formed over the second dielectric layer. To form sidewalls of the memory cell, a portion of the intergate dielectric layer and a portion of the second dielectric layer are removed with a dry etch, where the sidewalls include a location where a nanodot has been deposited. A spacing layer is formed over the sidewalls to cover the location where a nanodot has been deposited and the remaining portion of the second dielectric layer and the nanodots can be removed with an isotropic etch selective to the second dielectric layer.
US07897460B2 Methods of forming recessed access devices associated with semiconductor constructions
The invention includes methods of forming recessed access devices. A substrate is provided to have recessed access device trenches therein. A pair of the recessed access device trenches are adjacent one another. Electrically conductive material is formed within the recessed access device trenches, and source/drain regions are formed proximate the electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material and source/drain regions together are incorporated into a pair of adjacent recessed access devices. After the recessed access device trenches are formed within the substrate, an isolation region trench is formed between the adjacent recessed access devices and filled with electrically insulative material to form a trenched isolation region.
US07897459B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A through electrode is formed prior to fabricating a semiconductor device by using a standard manufacturing method. Aside face of the through electrode is insulated from a semiconductor substrate by an insulating film, while the top face thereof is covered with a protective insulating film. These insulating films covering the through electrode protect a conductor of the through electrode and prevent emission of a contaminant from the conductor. Standard manufacturing conditions can be applied without change.
US07897456B2 Non-volatile memory device and method for fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory device includes a peripheral circuit region and a cell region. A method for fabricating the non-volatile memory device includes forming gate patterns over a substrate, the gate pattern including a tunnel insulation layer, a floating gate electrode, a charge blocking layer and a control gate electrode, and removing the control gate electrode and the charge blocking layer of the gate pattern formed in the peripheral circuit region.
US07897451B2 Method for creating tensile strain by selectively applying stress memorization techniques to NMOS transistors
By selectively applying a stress memorization technique to N-channel transistors, a significant improvement of transistor performance may be achieved. High selectivity in applying the stress memorization approach may be accomplished by substantially maintaining the crystalline state of the P-channel transistors while annealing the N-channel transistors in the presence of an appropriate material layer which may not to be patterned prior to the anneal process, thereby avoiding additional lithography and masking steps.
US07897449B2 Pixel structure and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a pixel structure is provided. First, a first mask process is performed to form a patterned first metal layer on a substrate, wherein the patterned first metal layer includes a gate. Next, a second mask process is performed to form a patterned insulating layer and a patterned semiconductor layer over the gate, wherein the patterned insulating layer is disposed on the patterned first metal layer, and the patterned semiconductor layer is disposed on the patterned insulating layer. Then, a third mask process is performed to define a thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel electrode connected thereto and to form a passivation layer to cover the TFT.
US07897445B2 Fabrication methods for self-aligned LDD thin-film transistor
A self-aligned LDD TFT and a fabrication method thereof. The method includes providing a semiconductor layer. A first masking layer is provided over a first region of the semiconductor layer, said first masking layer comprising a material that provide a permeable barrier to a dopant. The semiconductor layer is exposed, including the first region covered by the first masking layer, to the dopant, wherein the first region covered by the first masking layer is lightly doped with the dopant in comparison to a second region not covered by the first masking layer.
US07897443B2 Production method of semiconductor device and semiconductor device
The present invention provides a production method of a semiconductor device, which can improve characteristics of a semiconductor element including a single crystal semiconductor layer formed by transferring on an insulating substrate. The present invention is a production method of a semiconductor device comprising a single crystal semiconductor layer formed on an insulating substrate, the production method comprising the steps of: implanting a substance for separation into a single crystal semiconductor substrate, thereby forming a separation layer; transferring a part of the single crystal semiconductor substrate, separated at the separation layer, onto the insulating substrate, thereby forming the single crystal semiconductor layer; forming a hydrogen-containing layer on at least one side of the single crystal semiconductor layer; and diffusing hydrogen from the hydrogen-containing layer to the single crystal semiconductor layer.
US07897442B2 Method for fabricating pixel structure
A method for fabricating a pixel structure is disclosed. A substrate is provided. A first conductive layer is formed on the substrate, and a first shadow mask exposing a portion of the first conductive layer is disposed over the first conductive layer. Laser is used to irradiate the first conductive layer for removing the part of the first conductive layer and forming a gate. A gate dielectric layer is formed on the substrate to cover the gate. A channel layer is formed on the gate dielectric layer over the gate. A source and a drain are formed on the channel layer and respectively above both sides of the gate. A patterned passivation layer is formed to cover the channel layer and expose the drain. An electrode material layer is formed to cover the patterned passivation layer and the exposed drain.
US07897441B2 Method of fabricating a CMOS image sensor
A method of fabricating a CMOS image sensor comprising forming an epitaxial layer on a semiconductor substrate, the epitaxial layer comprising a pixel and logic area, forming an STI layer in the epitaxial layer, forming a plurality of wells and a gate pattern having a spacer on the epitaxial layer, forming a plurality of source and drain regions in the epitaxial layer using ion implantation, forming a salicide blocking layer on the epitaxial layer and gate pattern in the pixel area, forming a plurality of silicide layers in the logic area by performing a silicidation process, sequentially forming a PMD liner nitride layer and a PSG layer on the salicide blocking layer in the pixel area and the epitaxial layer and the gate pattern in the logic area, and forming a plurality of contacts connecting the PSG layer to the source and drain regions.
US07897440B1 Vertical thyristor-based memory with trench isolation and method of fabrication thereof
A semiconductor device may comprise a plurality of memory cells. A memory cell may comprise a thyristor, at least a portion of which is formed in a pillar of semiconductor material. The pillar may comprise sidewalls defining a cylindrical circumference of a first diameter. In a particular embodiment, the pillars associated with the plurality of memory cells may define rows and columns of an array. In a further embodiment, a pillar may be spaced by a first distance of magnitude up to the first diameter relative to a neighboring pillar within its row. In an additional further embodiment, the pillar may be spaced by a second distance of a magnitude up to twice the first diameter, relative to a neighboring pillar within its column.
US07897439B2 Electronic device with unique encoding
An electronic device comprising a thin film transistor (TFT) array and manufacturing methods thereof according to various embodiments. Jet-printed material is deposited on selected partially formed transistors to form completed transistors. Thus, a selected number of the TFTs are connected into the circuit while the remainder of the TFTs are not connected. An electronic read-out of the array identifies the specific array by distinguishing the connected TFTs from the unconnected ones. For a TFT array with n elements there are 2n alternative configurations; therefore, a relatively small number of TFTs can uniquely identify a huge number of devices. Such uniquely encoded devices have applications for encryption, identification and personalization of electronic systems.
US07897433B2 Semiconductor chip with reinforcement layer and method of making the same
Various semiconductor chip reinforcement structures and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes providing a semiconductor chip that has a side and forming a polymer layer on the side. The polymer layer has a central portion and a first frame portion spatially separated from the central portion to define a first channel. An underfill material may be provided to invade the channel and establish a mechanical joint between the polymer layer and the underfill material.
US07897425B2 Image sensor and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating an image sensor. The method may include forming a gate, a photo diode, and a floating diffusion region on a pixel region of a semiconductor substrate; forming an oxide film on the pixel region and on an edge region of the semiconductor substrate; forming a sacrificial oxide layer by etching the oxide film using a first photoresist pattern as a mask; forming a metal layer on the first photoresist pattern, the gate, and the floating diffusion region; forming a salicide layer on the gate and the floating diffusion region; etching a remaining non-salicided portion of the metal layer, the first photoresist pattern, and the sacrificial oxide layer; forming an interlayer insulating film on the semiconductor substrate and planarizing the interlayer insulating film; and forming contact holes and forming an edge open part by etching the interlayer insulating film using a second photoresist pattern as a mask.
US07897422B2 Semiconductor light-emitting device and a method to produce the same
A new structure of a semiconductor optical device and a method to produce the device are disclosed. One embodiment of the optical device of the invention provides a blocking region including, from the side close to the mesa, a p-type first layer and a p-type second layer. The first layer is co-doped with an n-type impurity and a p-type impurity. The doping concentration of the p-type impurity in the first layer is smaller than that in the second layer, so, the first layer performs a function of a buffer layer for the Zn diffusion from the second layer to the active layer in the mesa structure.
US07897421B2 Organic electroluminescent element, display and illuminator
A method of producing an organic electroluminescent element may include forming a transparent electrode as an anode on a transparent substrate; forming a light emission layer on the transparent substrate having thereon the anode; and forming a cathode on the substrate having thereon the anode and the light emission layer. The light emission layer may be formed by a method including arranging at least one vaporization crucible E evaporating a light emission dopant and at least one vaporization crucible I evaporating a host material and an intermediate layer forming material; and moving the substrate having thereon the anode over the vaporization crucibles E and I to form a light emission layer.
US07897415B2 Ferroelectric recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a ferroelectric recording medium and a method of manufacturing the same. The ferroelectric recording medium includes a substrate, a plurality of supporting layers which are formed on the substrate, each of the supporting layers having at least two lateral surfaces; and data recording layers formed on the lateral surfaces of the supporting layers. First and second data recording layers may be respectively disposed on two facing lateral surfaces of each of the supporting layers. The supporting layers may be polygonal pillars having at least three lateral surfaces. A plurality of the supporting layers can be disposed at uniform intervals in a two-dimensional array.
US07897412B2 Method of manufacturing magnetic random access memory including middle oxide layer
In a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) having a transistor and a magnetic tunneling junction (MTJ) layer in a unit cell, the MTJ layer includes a lower magnetic layer, an oxidation preventing layer, a tunneling oxide layer, and an upper magnetic layer, which are sequentially stacked. The tunneling oxide layer may be formed using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. At least the oxidation preventing layer may be formed using a method other than the ALD method.
US07897408B2 Method for producing CdS-apoferritin and ZnS-apoferritin complexes
First, an ammonium acetate solution and an acetate solution of a metal such as Cd or Zn are mixed, so as to form an ammonium complex of the metal. Next, an apoferritin solution, listeria apoferritin (listeria Dps) or their recombinant and thioacetic acid are added to the thus obtained reaction solution, which is maintained at a pH of from 4.0 to 9.0. By allowing the reaction solution to stand for 12 hours or more, a complex of a nanoparticle including CdS or ZnS and apoferritin or listeria Dps is produced.
US07897405B2 Method for identifying the elution time of an analyte
A method for determining a time of elution of a peptide of interest from a liquid chromatography column includes a step of obtaining chromatographic data for each of a plurality of candidate fragment ions of the peptide of interest. A time along a common chromatographic time is scale determined corresponding to maximum overlay of the ion signals measured for each of the plurality of candidate fragment ions. Finally, the determined time is assigned as the time of elution of the peptide of interest from the liquid chromatography column. In particular, the chromatographic data is acquired during selective reaction monitoring of an eluate from the liquid chromatography column containing the peptide of interest. The chromatographic data includes ion signals measured along the common chromatographic time scale for each of the plurality of candidate fragment ions.
US07897404B2 Conjugates of defined stoichiometry
The invention relates to a process for the production of a biomolecule-linker conjugate of uniform stochiometry. It especially relates to a conjugate consisting of a biomolecule of a molecular weight between 5 kD and 500 kD and a hydrophilic linker molecule said linker having a molecular weight between 1 and 15 kD and between 4 and 60 charged residues, characterized in that said conjugate comprises at least one biomolecule-linker product of uniform stoichiometry in a pre-selected amount.
US07897394B2 Endoplasmic reticulum localization signals
The invention relates to cellular localization signals. In particular, the invention relates to endoplasmic reticulum localization signals in monomeric or multimeric form. The localization signals are utilized as research tools or are linked to therapeutics. Disclosed are methods of making and using polypeptides and modified polypeptides as signals to localize therapeutics, experimental compounds, peptides, proteins and/or other macromolecules to the endoplasmic reticulum of eukaryotic cells. The polypeptides of the invention optionally include linkage to reporters, epitopes and/or other experimental or therapeutic molecules. The invention also encompasses polynucleotides encoding the localization signals and vectors comprising these polynucleotides.
US07897388B2 Growth of neural precursor cells using umbilical cord blood serum and a process for the preparation for therapeutic purposes
This invention is concerned with stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood serum and a method for growing human embryonic stem cells and adult cells comprising sera separated from clotted umbilical cord blood, including growing and differentiating cord blood stem cells into neural precursors, comprising transdifferentiating CD34+, CD45+ and CD133+ stem cells from mononuclear cells derived from umbilical cord blood to neural precursors. The stem cells obtained from the umbilical cord include pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells, and separating pluripotent stem and progenitor cell population of mononuclear cells obtained from the umbilical cord blood. A magnetic cell separator is used to separate out cells which contain a CD marker and then expanding the cells in a medium containing retinoic acid as a differentiating agent supplemented with one or more growth factors BDNF, GDNF, NGF and FGF in presence of cord blood serum. The invention is also concerned with the transplantation and repair of nerve damage, strokes, spinal injury, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, prepared with a media for culturing umbilical cord blood stem cells in umbilical cord serum.
US07897387B2 Fungal cell wall synthesis gene
A reporter system reflecting the transport process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall was constructed and compounds inhibiting this process were discovered. Further, genes conferring resistance to the above compounds were identified and methods of screening for compounds that inhibit the activity of the proteins encoded by these genes were developed. Therefore, through the novel compounds, the present invention showed that antifungal agents having a novel mechanism, i.e. inhibiting the process that transports GPI-anchored proteins to the cell wall, could be achieved.
US07897383B2 Recombinant constructs and their use in reducing gene expression
Recombinant constructs useful for reducing the expression of endogenous mRNA and any substantially similar endogenous mRNA are disclosed. In particular, a recombinant construct comprising, inter alia, a suitable nucleic acid sequence and its reverse complement can be used to alter the expression of any homologous, endogenous RNA (i.e., the target RNA) which is in proximity to this suitable nucleic acid sequence.
US07897378B2 Method and device for purifying nucleic acids
The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from a sample and a device that is suitable therefore.
US07897367B2 Lactobacillus acidophilus nucleic acid sequences encoding protease homologues and uses therefore
Protease-like nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides and fragments and variants thereof are disclosed in the current invention. In addition, protease-like fusion proteins, antigenic peptides, and anti-protease-like antibodies are encompassed. The invention also provides vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention and cells into which the vectors have been introduced. Methods for producing the polypeptides and methods of use for the polypeptides of the invention are further disclosed.
US07897364B2 Method for determining inhibitors of neurotrypsin
The invention relates to a method for determining whether a compound is a neurotrypsin inhibitor, characterized in that the compound is incubated together with neurotrypsin, a variant thereof or a fragment comprising the protease domain and with a protein or peptide comprising agrin, a variant thereof or a fragment comprising the α- or the β-cleavage site of agrin, in an aqueous buffer solution, and the amount of cleavage of agrin is measured. Additionally, the invention relates to inhibitors of neurotrypsin found by this method, in particular to compounds of formula wherein Hal1 and Hal2 are fluorine, chlorine or bromine, and the use of such inhibitors for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases caused by deficiency of synapses, for example skeletal muscle atrophy, schizophrenia, and cognitive disturbance.
US07897359B2 Cell cycle regulation and differentiation
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating neural cell proliferation or differentiation. The present invention also provides methods for selecting for bioactive agents effective in regulating proliferation or differentiation.
US07897352B2 Stabilizing agents and capture ligands for use in assays measuring analyte concentrations
The present invention is related to compositions useful for the measurement of free or unbound analyte concentrations in a fluid. The present invention includes the use of capture ligands and stabilizing agents to improve the accuracy of analyte concentration assays. Methods and tools for using the present invention are also disclosed.
US07897350B2 Immunological assay and antibodies for anti-mullerian hormone
The present invention discloses compositions and methods to measure an amount of Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) in a sample, including a mammalian sample such as a primate, rodent, equine, or bovine sample. The compositions and methods herein also provide antibodies that bind to epitopes on AMH that are stable to proteolysis of AMH.
US07897344B2 Methods and oligonucleotide designs for insertion of multiple adaptors into library constructs
Aspects described and claimed herein provide methods to insert multiple DNA adaptors into a population of circular target DNAs at defined positions and orientations with respect to one another. The resulting multi-adaptor constructs are then used in massively-parallel nucleic acid sequencing techniques.
US07897343B2 Causative agent of the mystery swine disease, vaccine compositions and diagnostic kits
Composition of matter comprising the causative agent of Mystery Swine Disease, Lelystad Agent, in a live, attenuated, dead, or recombinant form, or a part or component of it. Vaccine compositions and diagnostic kits based thereon. Recombinant nucleic acid comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific nucleotide sequence. Peptides comprising a Lelystad Agent-specific amino acid sequence. Lelystad Agent-specific antibodies.
US07897339B2 Methods of chromosome drying and spreading
The present invention provides for a method of drying and spreading chromosomes from various biological samples to yield optimal chromosomal spreading. The method requires preparing a biological sample for treatment, providing a cytogenetic chamber capable of setting predetermined conditions, pre-testing a portion of the biological sample in the cytogenetic chamber, and finally treating the remaining biological sample. The method is useful to yield metaphase chromosomes that are small and rounded, with very few overlapping or scattered chromosomes. Furthermore, the method is uses restricted ranges of temperature and relative humidity to achieve consistent chromosomal spreading. The morphologies of the chromosomes are preserved in order to execute banding techniques at 550 bands and chromosomal analysis on high-resolution chromosomes.
US07897338B2 Mobility-modified nucleobase polymers and methods of using same
The present invention relates generally to nucleobase polymer functionalizing reagents, to mobility-modified sequence-specific nucleobase polymers, to compositions comprising a plurality of mobility-modified sequence-specific nucleobase polymers, and to the use of such polymers and compositions in a variety of assays, such as, for example, for the detection of a plurality of selected nucleotide sequences within one or more target nucleic acids. The mobility-modifying polymers of the present invention include phosphoramidite reagents which can be joined to other mobility-modifying monomers and to sequence-specific oligonucleobase polymers via uncharged phosphate triester linkages. Addition of the mobility-modifying phosphoramidite reagents of the present invention to oligonucleobase polymers results in unexpectedly large effects the mobility of those modified oligonucleobase polymers, especially upon capillary electrophoresis in non-sieving media.
US07897323B2 Lithographic method
A method of achieving frequency doubled lithographic patterning is described. An optical pattern (16) having a first period (p1) is used to expose conventional acid-catalysed photoresist (18) on substrate (20), leaving regions of high exposure (24), regions of low exposure (26) and intermediate regions (22). Processing proceeds leaving regions (24) which received high exposure very polar, i.e. hydrophilic, regions (26) of low exposure very apolar, i.e. hydrophobic, and the intermediate regions having intermediate polarity. A developer of intermediate polarity such as propylene glycol methyl ether acetate is then used to dissolve only the intermediate regions (22) leaving photoresist patterned to have a pitch (p2) half that of the optical period (p1). Alternatively, the photoresist is removed from the apolar and polar regions leaving only the intermediate regions (22) again with the same pitch (p2) half that of the optical period (p1).
US07897317B2 Method for producing core material of electrophotographic ferrite carrier and resin-coated ferrite carrier
The present invention provides a method for producing a core material of an electrophotographic ferrite carrier, by charging a raw powder with an average particle size of 20 to 50 μm obtained by preparing raw materials for ferrite into a combustion flame along with a carrier gas for the raw powder, thermal-spraying the powder in atmospheric air to ferritize the powder, subsequently rapidly solidifying the thermal-sprayed particle, and sampling and collecting the particle, wherein the method satisfies the conditions comprising the following (1) to (3): (1) a mixture gas of propane and oxygen is used for the combustion flame for the thermal spraying, and a volumetric ratio of the propane to the oxygen is 1:3.5 to 6.0; (2) the carrier gas for the raw powder is air, nitrogen, oxygen or a mixture gas thereof, and the ratio (a/b) of a charged amount (a) of a raw powder (kg/hr) to a charged amount (b) of the carrier gas (kg/hr) for the raw powder is 4.8 or less; and (3) a flame flow velocity of the combustion flame is 65 to 125 m/sec.
US07897299B2 Phase-shift mask and method of forming the same
In an attenuated phase-shift mask (PSM) and a method of forming the same, a phase-shift layer and a light-shielding layer are sequentially stacked on a transparent substrate. The phase-shift layer and the light-shielding layer are sequentially removed from the substrate, to form a light-shielding pattern including a first opening and a phase-shift pattern including a second opening that is connected to the first opening and partially exposes the transparent substrate. Then, a transmitting portion is formed through the light-shielding pattern by partially removing the light-shielding pattern. The transmitting portion includes at least one portion of the phase-shift pattern on which a transmittance controller is formed. In one embodiment, the transmittance controller comprises a metal having a high absorption coefficient, and is formed through sputtering and diffusion processes. Accordingly, the intensity deviation between 0th and 1st order beams may be decreased, to thereby improve the processing margin of the exposure process.
US07897297B2 Method and system for optimizing intra-field critical dimension uniformity using a sacrificial twin mask
Disclosed is a method and a system for optimizing intra-field critical dimension of an integrated circuit. A first mask for an integrated circuit is provided comprising at least one device region. A second mask is provided by copying the first mask and a lithography operation is provided to the integrated circuit using the first and second masks, wherein the critical dimension of the integrated circuit is optimized using the second mask. The second mask comprises a plurality of sacrificial patterns, which may be a plurality of flat patterns or a plurality of grating patterns.
US07897294B2 Nano-material catalyst device
A catalyst member can comprise nano-scale nickel particles. The catalyst member can be used for a plurality of different uses, for example, electrodes of a fuel cell or an electrolysis device. The nano-scale nickel particles can be sintered or combined in other manners to form the desired shape.
US07897287B2 Fuel cell vehicle including reaction-off gas discharge system
A fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell stack for generating electric power by receiving supply of a reaction gas; a humidifying device for delivering an oxidizing off-gas discharged from the fuel cell stack and an oxidizing gas with a water vapor permeable membrane interposed therebetween, and thereby carrying out a moisture exchange between the oxidizing off-gas and the oxidizing gas; and a discharge flow passage for discharging the oxidizing off-gas discharged from the humidifying device to an outside of the vehicle. An oxidizing off-gas outlet that opens toward a front side of the vehicle is formed in the humidifying device. The discharge flow passage is connected to the oxidizing off-gas outlet and is bent in an approximate U shape from a front side of the vehicle to a back side of the vehicle.
US07897285B2 Fuel cell system including gas recycling and pressurizing assembly
A fuel cell system including a gas recycling and re-pressurizing assembly. In one embodiment, the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, the stack having an oxygen outlet and an oxygen inlet. The fuel cell system additionally includes two gas/water separator tanks, each of the tanks containing a quantity of water and a quantity of oxygen gas. Both tanks are capable of being fluidly connected to either the oxygen inlet or the oxygen outlet of the fuel cell stack. In addition, the two tanks are connected to one another so that water may be transferred back and forth between the two tanks. The system also includes a pump for transferring water back and forth between the tanks.
US07897284B2 Lithium secondary battery
A lithium secondary battery is provided with a positive electrode, a negative electrode (1), a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrode assembly having the negative electrode (1), the positive electrode, and the separator. The negative electrode (1) has a negative electrode current collector (11) and negative electrode active material layers (12), (13) formed on respective surfaces of the negative electrode current collector (11). The negative electrode active material layers are composed of an alloy containing silicon, which intercalates and deintercalates lithium, and iron, which does not intercalate or deintercalate lithium. At least a portion of the electrode assembly has a curved portion in which the negative electrode active material layer (13) disposed inward relative to the negative electrode current collector contains a higher concentration of the iron than the negative electrode active material layer (12) disposed outward relative to the negative electrode current collector.
US07897280B2 Safety kit for secondary battery
Disclosed herein is a sheet-shaped safety kit that is attached to opposite major surfaces of an electrode assembly for secondary batteries. The safety kit includes a group of metal sheets electrically connected to a cathode terminal of the electrode assembly, another group of metal sheets electrically connected to a cathode terminal of the electrode assembly, and an insulation sheet disposed between the two metal sheet groups. The metal sheets of one of the metal sheet groups are interconnected with each other at lower ends of the metal sheets, the lower-end interconnection part interconnecting the lower ends of the metal sheets has a width less than that of the metal sheets, and lower-end corners of the interconnected metal sheets are larger than lower-end corners of the metal sheets that are not interconnected with each other.
US07897276B2 Intersecting battery cavities
A system comprising a first battery cavity and a second battery cavity adjacent to the first battery cavity. Both of the first and second battery cavities are oriented in a common direction. The system also comprises a third battery cavity which comprises at least part of the first battery cavity and at least part of the second battery cavity. The third battery cavity is oriented in a different direction than the common direction.
US07897274B2 Magnetoresistive device, magnetoresistive head and magnetic recording-reproducing apparatus
A magnetoresistive device includes a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer formed between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, and electrodes allowing a sense current to flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stack including the magnetization pinned layer, the nonmagnetic intermediate layer and the magnetization free layer. At least one of the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer is substantially formed of a binary or ternary alloy represented by the formula FeaCobNic (where a+b+c=100 at %, and a≦75 at %, b≦75 at %, and c≦63 at %), or formed of an alloy having a body-centered cubic crystal structure.
US07897258B2 Laminate made from epoxy resin, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer and crosslinkers
A composition useful as an impregnant for the making of laminates for printed wiring boards comprises a FR4 epoxy resin which is a bisphenol A epoxy resin advanced with tetrabromobisphenol A, a crosslinking agent of a strene-maleic anhydride copolymer and a co-crosslinking agent is an optionally brominated bisphenol A and/or an optionally brominated bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.
US07897252B1 Surfaces of thermoplastic sheets and structures modified with photocatalytic materials
Thermoplastic surface modification is achieved with photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide, tungsten oxide and mixtures thereof. A uniform coating of a powdered photocatalyst is applied to a thermoplastic surface that is wetted with an organic solvent. The coating is in a range between approximately 1.5 mg/cm2 to approximately 2.5 mg/cm2. After the uniform coating of photocatalyst is dried, the thermoplastic surface is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature, usually in a range between approximately 80° C. to approximately 130° C.; then, a mild pressure is applied to imbed the photocatalyst into the surface of the thermoplastic sheet. The method of modification is inexpensive, long-lasting and non-detrimental to the thermoplastic surface. A surface is provided with improved aesthetic appearance, extended lifetime and sustained protection from undesirable growth of nuisance organisms, such as algae, fungus, bacteria, mold, mildew and the like.
US07897249B2 Composite material structure with interlayer electrical conductance
A composite material structure includes a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer, a resin layer between the first fiber layer and the second fiber layer and a plurality of chopped fibers provided in the resin layer.
US07897247B2 Coated cutting tool insert
The present invention discloses coated cutting tool inserts particularly useful for turning of nodular cast iron preferably at high speeds, comprising a cemented carbide substrate comprising from about 5 to about 9 wt-% Co and from about 1 to about 5 wt % cubic carbides and balance WC of 86-94 wt-%, and a coating comprising a first layer of TiCxNyOz with equiaxed grains, a layer of TiCxNyOz with a thickness of less than about 10 to about 15 μm with columnar grains, a layer of TiCxNyOz with a thickness of from about 0.1 to about 2 μm and with equiaxed or plate-like grains, a layer of α-Al2O3 with thickness from about 3 to about 8 μm, an outer layer of a multilayered structure of TiN+TiC with TiC being the outermost layer and a total thickness of from about 0.5 to about 2 μm and wherein the outer coating layer has been removed in the edge line and on the rake face so that the α-Al2O3 layer is on top along the cutting edge line and on the rake face and the outer TiC layer is the top layer on the flank face.
US07897242B2 Injection molded article
A plurality of undulations are continuously formed on a front surface and a back surface of at least a beam portion in an injection molded article, and warpage generated by molding is prevented. Injection molding of the present invention is effective for, for example, prevention of the warpage of a beam generated by influences of light intercepting ridges formed on an inner surface of a lens barrel or the like.
US07897240B2 Nonwoven fabric
A nonwoven fabric that is not easily damaged during use is provided. A fiber web supported by a predetermined supporting member from the lower face side is blown with fluid, mainly composed of gas, from the upper face side of the fiber web to move fibers that constitute the fiber web, thereby forming at least a plurality of open areas. The nonwoven fabric includes a plurality of open areas continuously formed along a predetermined direction with a predetermined interval and a plurality of joining portions, each of which are formed between the open areas adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction.
US07897237B2 Honeycomb structure and method of manufacturing the same
A tubular honeycomb structure 1 comprising partition walls 2 which define and form a plurality of cells 3 each functioning as a fluid passage extending from one end face 4 of honeycomb structure to other end face 5, wherein the areas of the sections of the individual cells 3 (cell sections) normal to the flow direction A of fluid are so made as to be approximately equal to each other over a given range of the center of each cell and its vicinity in the fluid flow direction A and to gradually decrease or gradually increase at each cell end of at least one end face 4 of honeycomb structure in the fluid flow direction A. This honeycomb structure can reduce the incoming loss and outgoing loss of a fluid such as exhaust gas or the like and can show a lower pressure loss.
US07897236B2 Electrostatic flocking and articles made therefrom
The present invention is directed to an article having at least one surface coated with electrostatically flocked material. The flock material used is one or more fibers, preferably synthetic fibers. When electrostatically flocked onto the article surface, the flock material is oriented, thus providing a silky smooth feel to the surface. The articles may include, for example, elastic articles such as rubber gloves, elastic medical drapes or wraps, elastic orthopedic supports/braces and clothing. The present invention also provides a process and apparatus for electrostatically flocking material onto an article.
US07897234B2 Potting material for electronic components
A potting compound for electronic components comprises a first composition of asphalt and sand and a second composition that attenuates the forces normally applied by the first composition when it is used alone. The force attenuator preferably comprises solvent-refined heavy paraffinic petroleum oil from about 0.1 to 20 wt % of the compound.
US07897231B2 Optical information recording medium and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an information recording medium with high reliability and excellent repeated rewriting performance even when no interface layer is formed and a method for manufacturing the same. Accordingly, the information recording medium for carrying out recording and/or reproducing by light irradiation or electric energy application has a material layer containing at least one element selected from a group GM consisting of Sn and Ga, at least one element selected from a group GL consisting of Ta and Y, and oxygen.
US07897227B2 Articles and methods for applying color on surfaces
Articles for applying color on a surface comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The article further includes a releasable liner, and the sheet of dry color component is arranged between the releasable liner and the adhesive. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.
US07897226B2 Adhesive sheet and a release liner
The present invention provides an adhesive sheet comprising a resin film and an adhesive layer adhering to one side of said resin film, wherein the adhesive sheet does not cause significant shrinkage when it is stored together with a release liner thereon for a prolonged time. The adhesive sheet of the present invention is an adhesive sheet comprising a resin film and an adhesive layer adhering to one side of said resin film, characterized in that said adhesive layer has one or more grooves on a side opposite to a side on which said adhesive layer adheres to said resin film, and said groove or grooves exist only in an inner area of said opposite side of said adhesive layer and are not open at side surfaces of said adhesive layer. The present invention also provides a release liner for an adhesive sheet having embosses on its surface and being good in smoothness.
US07897223B2 Pallet container, and method for producing an electrostatically non-chargeable and/or electric charge-draining pallet container
A pallet container includes a bottom pallet, a lattice frame, and a multilayer inner container made of thermoplastic material by a blow-molding technique and received in the lattice frame, for storing and transporting liquid fill material. The inner container has an exterior layer which is configured to be incapable of permanently retaining an electrostatic charge by allowing electric charges to be drained. The exterior layer contains an antistatic compound and has a layer thickness which does not or only insubstantially change a transparency or translucency of the exterior layer, allowing easy optical detection of a fill level of the liquid fill material in the container. The exterior layer includes a fusible, easily stretchable thermoplastic material (polymer). At least one of a center layer and an interior layer of the multilayer container includes a cold-impact-resistant HDPE material (High Density Polyethylene) with a high molecular weight.
US07897220B2 Web and method for making fluid filled units
A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. In one embodiment, the web is configured such that a gap forms between each pair of adjacent pouches when the pouches are inflated. In one embodiment, an inflation edge of the web comprises a frangible connection that allows the inflation edge to be broken by an unsharpened object.
US07897219B2 Web and method for making fluid filled units
A preformed web and a method of producing dunnage units from the preformed web. The web is an elongate flattened thermoplastic tube having an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of perforations that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A starting point of the lines of perforations is spaced apart from the inflation edge.
US07897218B2 Recording element for aqueous inks
The present invention is directed to an image-recording medium comprising a paper support and, coated on one side of the support, in order: a lower ink-receiving layer, an upper gloss layer and, coated on the opposite side of the support, an inner layer comprising at least 75% by weight of fine inorganic particles and a binder, and an outer layer substantially consisting of a polymeric material. Another aspect of the present invention relates to an inkjet printing process.
US07897214B2 Laser applied multifunctional coatings for marine and aerospace vehicles
A method of producing a functional layer on a substrate, such as metal would include the steps of applying an electrostatic powder as a primer coat to the substrate, after which the primer is cured by a laser. A conductive layer is then applied and cured to form a functional layer, such as conductive tracings over all or a portion of the substrate.
US07897211B2 Method for forming film pattern and method for manufacturing an organic EL device, a color filter substrate and a liquid crystal display device
A method for forming a film pattern made of a high-performance material by arranging a functional fluid on a base substrate and drying the functional fluid, the functional fluid being the high-performance material dissolved or dispersed in a solvent is provided. The method includes: forming liquid reception portions in an effective area and a non-effective area of the base substrate on which the film pattern is to be formed, the non-effective area surrounding the effective area; arranging the functional fluid in the liquid reception portions formed in the effective area; and arranging the functional fluid or the solvent in the liquid reception portions formed in the non-effective area, wherein, in the non-effective area, larger amounts of the solvent are arranged in the liquid reception portions in areas that are more distant from a center of the effective area.
US07897209B2 Apparatus and method for producing aligned carbon-nanotube aggregates
An apparatus of the present invention for producing an aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate is an apparatus for producing an aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate by synthesizing the aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate on a base material having a catalyst on a surface thereof, the apparatus including: a formation unit that processes a formation step of causing an environment surrounding the catalyst to be an environment of a reducing gas and heating at least either the catalyst or the reducing gas; a growth unit that processes a growth step of synthesizing the aligned carbon-nanotube aggregate by causing the environment surrounding the catalyst to be an environment of a raw material gas and by heating at least either the catalyst or the raw material gas; and a transfer unit that transfers the base material at least from the formation unit to the growth unit. Thus provided is a production apparatus and a production method that are capable of improving efficiency in the production of aligned CNT aggregates by preventing a decrease in production volume and deterioration in quality of aligned CNT aggregates in serial production and by making it easy to increase the size of the apparatus.
US07897201B2 Method for manufacturing magnetoresistance effect element
A method is for manufacturing a magnetoresistance effect element having a magnetization fixed layer, a non-magnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetization free layer being sequentially stacked. The method includes: forming at least a part of a magnetic layer that is to become either one of the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization free layer; forming a function layer including at least one of an oxide, a nitride, and a fluoride on the part of the magnetic layer; and removing a part of the function layer by exposing the function layer to either one of an ion beam and plasma irradiation.
US07897197B2 Method for producing solid electrolyte capacitors
Disclosed are sintered bodies that include: (a) 30 to 100 mol % of NbOx, wherein 0.5
US07897195B2 Devices for coating stents
Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.
US07897181B2 Method for photothermal therapy using porous silicon and near infrared radiation
The present invention relates to an agent for photodynamic therapy (PDT) containing porous silicon (PSi) and a method of quantitative measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced therefrom. Particularly, it is expected that the present invention will contribute to the development of cancer treatment without side effects by suggesting PSi, a safe and reliable new cancer drug that can destroy cancer cells through generating sufficient heat with little ROS produced if the PSi is used as nanobomb for a new PDT that kills cancer cells with heat or explosion. In addition, it is expected that the present invention will provide a reliable and reproducible method for quantitative measurement of a very small amount of ROS produced therefrom through an XRD analysis.
US07897180B2 Enamel matrix protein composition for treatment of systemic inflammatory response
The present invention relates to the use of a preparation of an active enamel matrix substance, such as an amelogenin, for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for modulating an immune response. The composition can be used in preventing and/or treating a condition or disease in a mammal that is characterised by said mammal presenting an imbalance in its native immune response to an internal and/or external stimuli, i.e. wherein at least a part of said mammal's immune system is stimulated non-discriminatingly, reacts hypersensitively to said immunogen, or fails to react to said stimuli. Said condition can typically either be systemic or local, such as a systemic and/or post-traumatic whole-body inflammation or an autoimmune disease.
US07897179B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing water soluble drug
The present invention is directed to a process of preparing beads coated with a water soluble drug for incorporation into a pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) preparing a supersaturated drug solution containing a desired amount of drug, which is completely saturated at a first temperature but which is supersaturated at a second temperature which is below the first temperature; and (b) coating inert beads with the drug solution, said drug solution being maintained at or below the first temperature but above the second temperature, and said beads maintained at a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is less than the first temperature and wherein the solution containing the drug is supersaturated at the second temperature, as well as to the pharmaceutical compositions containing same.
US07897178B2 Water-swellable clay mineral laminated powder, dye/water-swellable clay mineral complex and composition comprising the same
The water-swellable clay mineral laminated powder of the present invention is characterized in that a layer of ionic molecule having two or more ionic functional group is laminated on the surface of a base powder particle, and a layer of water-swellable clay mineral is laminated thereon, and the layers are sequentially laminated so that the surface charge or the ionic charge of each layer is alternately positive and negative. The water-swellable clay mineral laminated powder of the present invention can impart new functionalities to the base powder easily, as a result of that the water-swellable clay mineral is stably laminated on the surface of the base powder.And the dye/water-swellable clay mineral complex of the present invention is characterized in that polybase and/or nonionic hydrophilic polymer and dye are complexed to water-swellable clay mineral. The dye/water-swellable clay mineral complex of the present invention is excellent for various resistance characteristics of the dye such as dissolution resistance, lightfastness, and chlorine resistance. In addition, the dye/water-swellable clay mineral complex is very useful as a water-type coloring agent since it has excellent coloring abilities, clearness, and dye fastness in water.
US07897174B2 Formulation comprising bioactive agents and method of using same
Disclosed are methods of making BMP-2 microparticles and methods of using the microparticles. These microparticles are prepared, for example, by mixing a solution containing BMP-2 with a second solution whose ionic concentration and pH results in the precipitation of the BMP-2.
US07897171B2 Medical devices having improved mechanical performance
According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that contain at least one covalently crosslinked polymeric region, which contains at least one block copolymer comprising at least one low Tg block and at least one high Tg block.
US07897168B2 Degradable polymers incorporating gamma-butyrolactone
Disclosed herein are implantable medical devices having controlled release biodegradable polymer coatings thereon wherein the polymer is formed from ring opening of γ-butyrolactone and at least one additional monomer selected from the group consisting of trimethylene carbonate, lactide, polyethylene glycol, glycolide, the monomers formed from ring opening of ε-caprolactone, 4-tert-butyl caprolactone, and N-acetyl caprolactone, and combinations thereof, and at least one drug releasable from the biodegradable polymer. Also disclosed are implantable medical devices form of the biodegradable polymers and processes for forming the polymers.
US07897163B2 Bone graft and scaffolding materials immobilized with osteogenesis enhancing peptides on the surface
The present invention relates to a bone graft material and a scaffold for tissue engineering applications, which have an osteogenesis-promoting peptide immobilized on the surface. More particularly, the invention relates to a bone graft material and a scaffold for tissue engineering applications, which have a cell adhesion-inducing peptide and/or tissue growth factor-derived peptide immobilized on the surface. By the osteogenesis-promoting peptide immobilized on the surface, the inventive bone graft material and scaffold for tissue engineering applications can promote the transition, proliferation and differentiation of cells associated with regeneration, and eventually maximize the regeneration of tissue. Moreover, the peptide immobilized on the surface has low molecular weight, indicating a reduced risk of immune responses upon its application in the body, and can be present in a stable form within the body, thus showing lasting effects. Accordingly, the peptide makes it expedient to perform surgical operations for the regeneration of periodontal tissue, alveolar bone and other bone tissues, and will show high therapeutic effect.
US07897153B1 Chimera of human IgE receptor α-chain and avian constant immuno-globulin domains for the determination of serum IgE
The instant application inter alia relates to chimeric fusion constructs comprising the extracellular portion of human FcεRIα and at least one avian constant immunoglobulin domain and the use thereof for in vitro diagnostic purposes.
US07897150B1 Canine lymphoma cell line and uses thereof
An isolated canine peripheral T-cell lymphoma cell line, where the cell line is a canine-lymphoma cell line and uses thereof are disclosed. An isolated canine peripheral T-cell lymphoma cell line where the cell line is the canine-lymphoma cell line designated OSW (ATCC No. PTA-9116) is also disclosed.
US07897127B2 Collecting particles from a fluid stream via thermophoresis
A method of collecting particles from a gas-particle stream having a first temperature and a plurality of particles, the method comprising: cooling an interior surface of a collection chamber to a second temperature less than the first temperature of the gas-particle stream; flowing the gas-particle stream through the chamber, wherein the gas-particle stream is directed along the cooled interior surface of the collection chamber, and a temperature gradient between the gas-particle stream and the cooled interior surface creates a thermophoretic force; and the thermophoretic force attracting the particles from the gas-particle stream to the interior surface of the collection chamber, wherein the particles are deposited onto the interior surface of the collection chamber.
US07897118B2 Air conditioner device with removable driver electrodes
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air-conditioning system therein, whereby the air-conditioning system preferably includes at least one emitter electrode, at least one collector electrode, at least one driver electrode disposed adjacent to the collector electrode, and/or at least one trailing electrode positioned downstream of the collector electrode. The collector electrode and the driver electrode are removable from the device. In one embodiment, the driver electrodes are removable from the device and/or the collector electrode. The ability of remove the collector electrode as well as driver electrode allow for easy cleaning of the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present device includes a removable exhaust grill upon which the driver electrode and/or the trailing electrode are coupled to. The removable grill allows the user to easily clean the driver electrode without having to remove the collector electrode.
US07897117B2 Catalytic converter with mounting device for a hot exhaust gas oxygen sensor
A catalytic converter having a housing holding upstream and downstream catalytic material carrying substrates or bricks includes a ring located between the substrates, the ring having a gap therein for receipt of a mid-bed oxygen sensor. The ring traps a layer of insulating material between the ring and the converter housing or shell surface surrounding the inter-substrate gap. The ring is coupled to the housing at a plurality of embossments either by welding or mechanical couplings.
US07897112B2 Multi-chamber chemical delivery container
A multi-chamber chemical delivery container for storing dry chemicals that are used to produce a liquid microbial deactivation fluid. The container includes two housing sections and a dividing wall that is located between the two housing sections. The dividing wall separates the container into two compartments. Openings formed in each of the two housing sections are dimensioned to respectively receive an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting. The inlet and outlet fittings are dimensioned to respectively engage with inlet and outlet connectors that are fluidly connected with a fluid circulation system of a microbial deactivation system.
US07897099B2 Method for producing honeycomb structure
There is provided a honeycomb structure and a method for producing the honeycomb structure, capable of reducing variance in pore diameter depending on part and capable of increasing the mean pore diameter as a whole. There is provided a method for producing a cordierite honeycomb structure 1 including the step of firing a honeycomb formed body. In the firing step, a temperature rise rate from 1200° C. to 1250° C. is controlled to 40° C./hr or more, a temperature rise rate from 1250° C. to 1300° C. is controlled to 2 to 40° C./hr, and a temperature rise rate from 1300° C. to 1400° C. is controlled to 40° C./hr or more. There is further provided a honeycomb structure having a porosity of 50 to 70%, a mean pore diameter of 15 to 30 μm, a difference in a mean pore diameter of 5 μm or less between in the central portion and in the outer peripheral portion, a thermal expansion coefficient of 1.0×10−6/° C. or less in each of the central portion and the outer peripheral portion, and an A-axis compression strength of 1.5 MPa or more in each of the central portion and the outer peripheral portion.
US07897093B2 Thermoplastic articles and improved processes for making the same
The present invention is directed to improved processes for making plastic articles, and articles made therefrom. In a broad aspect, the invention is directed to improved processes and articles made therefrom, that include the steps of providing as separate materials a first material that includes a thermoplastic polyolefin, a second material including an admixture of a particulated filler and a second thermoplastic polyolefin, and a third material that includes an elastomer; applying a shear force to the first, second and third materials, while the materials are at an elevated temperature for blending the materials to form a molten blend; shaping the molten blend and solidifying the molten blend.
US07897080B2 Polyethylene-oxide based films and drug delivery systems made therefrom
The invention relates to the film products and methods of their preparation that demonstrate a non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Desirably, the films disintegrate in water and may be formed by a controlled drying process, or other process that maintains the required uniformity of the film. The films contain a polymer component, which includes polyethylene oxide optionally blended with hydrophilic cellulosic polymers. Desirably, the films also contain a pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent with no more than a 10% variance of the active agent pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic active agent per unit area of the film.
US07897079B2 Method and apparatus for scrim embedment into wet processed panels
A method of producing a paperless gypsum/fiber board from a mixture including reinforcing material particles, calcined gypsum and water. A headbox feeds the mixture into a panel forming area (forming pond) over the upper surface of a continuous forming fabric to form a panel mat. Also, a reinforcing mesh is fed over a transverse member, located over a portion of the forming fabric, and into the forming pond to embed the mesh in the mixture. At least a portion of a downstream end of the transverse member is under a downstream portion of the headbox or downstream of the headbox. Then the panel mat is pressed, the calcined gypsum of the pressed panel mat is rehydrated, and the resulting board is dried.
US07897077B2 Process for pelletizing polymer melts comprising low-boiling substances
The invention relates to a process for pelletizing polymer melts, at above ambient pressure, in a pelletizing chamber into which a cutting apparatus has been inserted. In a first step, the pelletizing chamber is flooded with a gas which is inert toward the polymer melt and whose pressure is that at which the pelletizing process is carried out. The polymer melt is then injected into the pelletizing chamber. Finally, the gas is displaced from the pelletizing chamber via a liquid as soon as the polymer melt begins to flow through the cutting apparatus, this melt being cut into pellets.
US07897070B2 Amorphous silica coating for heat reflectivity and heat resistance
A composition for improving the heat reflectivity and the heat resistance of a metal substrate. The coating composition comprises a latex resin including acrylic polymers; silica; and a fire retardant including at least one of a phosphated pentaerythritol ammonium salt, an organo-polyphosphate ammonium salt, an ammonium salt, and a Magnesium salt. The silica reflects and resists heat. Additionally, the silica raises the decomposition temperature of the resin by insulating the resin from heat and reflecting heat away from the resin. This, in turn, increases the ability of the composition to maintain its bond to the substrate at high temperatures. As such, the coating remains on the substrate where it reflects and resists heat, i.e., it does not easily brush or rub off after several hours of exposure to high heat. The silica can be rice hull silica.
US07897060B2 Magnetorheological materials having a high switching factor and use thereof
The invention relates to magnetorheological materials comprising at least one non-magnetisable carrier medium and magnetisable particles contained therein, at least two magnetisable particles fractions being contained as particles and these being formed from non-spherical particles and from spherical particles.
US07897056B2 Apparatus for etching or stripping substrate of liquid crystal display device and method thereof
Disclosed are an apparatus for etching or stripping a substrate of a liquid crystal display device and a method thereof. The present invention includes carrying out an etching or stripping process on substrates using an etchant in a first etchant tank, counting a number of the substrates etched or stripped using the etchant in the first etchant tank, checking readiness of a second etchant tank at a predetermined point in time before the counted number reaches a maximum substrate number set up previously for the etchant tanks, and carrying out the etching or stripping process on the substrates using an etchant in the second etchant tank when the second etchant tank is in readiness for use and the counted number reaches the maximum substrate number.
US07897050B2 Dense gas means for extraction of a solute from solids
The present invention provides methods and systems for the extraction of solutes from solid matter using dense gases in a mechanical auger separation system.
US07897042B2 Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water, process and apparatus for purifying breeding water, and aquarium set
Entrapping immobilization pellets for purifying breeding water in an aquarium to breed aquatic animals, wherein the entrapping immobilization pellets have a phosphorus content of 0.05 mass % or less.
US07897032B2 Method and apparatus for stripping voltammetric and potentiometric detection and measurement of contamination in liquids
A sampling system for measuring the presence and concentration of inorganic ion species, including, metals, metalloids and non-metals, in a liquid solution including a first sampling unit. The first sampling unit includes a potentiometric subsystem configured to gather environmental metrics of the liquid sample, a preparation subsystem, coupled to the potentiometric module, the preparation subsystem being configured to prepare and isolate contaminants of concern in a flow of a liquid sample into metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic forms; and a voltammetric subsystem selectively coupled to the preparation subsystem, potentiometric subsystem and a sample source, the voltammetric subsystem being configured to identify and determine a concentration of metal, metalloid, or non-metal ionic species through stripping voltammetry. The system is configured to compare a value of a stripping signal of the sample with a predetermined value to determine if dilution of the sample is required.
US07897031B2 Control apparatus, system, and method for reduction and/or prevention of space weather induced corrosion
An apparatus, system, method and computer program product directed to controlling corrosion, particularly space weather induced corrosion, of a conductive structure in contact with a corrosive environment and coated with a semiconductive coating, where the corrosion is controlled by a controllable filter and a corresponding electronic control unit configured to process and adjust the controllable filter in response to at least one measured parameter associated with space weather effects on the conductive structure.
US07897030B2 Material and device properties modification by electrochemical charge injection in the absence of contacting electrolyte for either local spatial or final states
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
US07897028B2 Process for the recovery of materials from a desulfurization reaction
Disclosed herein is an improved method for regenerating materials from a desulfurization/demetallation reaction. The desulfurization/demetallation reaction preferably has products including one or more of an alkali sulfide, polysulfide or hydrosulfide, or alkali earth sulfide, polysulfide, or hydrosulfide. The method includes the steps of reacting the desulfurization/demetallation products with a halogen, liberating and removing sulfur from the product, and then electrolyzing the halogenated products to separate the halogen from the alkali metal or alkali earth metal.
US07897024B2 Conducting belt for use with anode holder and anode holder
A conducting belt is used with an anode holder for supplying an electric current to an anode for plating a surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode and the substrate are vertically disposed so as to face each other in a plating tank of a plating apparatus. The conducting belt includes a belt capable of contacting an outer circumferential edge of the anode and holding the anode.
US07897019B2 Tower for the distillation of seawater
Systems and methods for desalting seawater by distillation are disclosed. Warm air is fed into the bottom of a natural draft tower. The warm air passes through seawater in an exchange means to increase the water content of the air. The moisture-laden air then rises and is drawn through a condensing means. The condensing means is cooled by cold water drawn from deep ocean depths. Desalted seawater is collected from the condensing means.
US07897018B2 Process for producing papermaker's and industrial fabrics
The invention discloses herein the use of short wavelength infrared energy to selectively control the locations where thermal fusing or bonding takes place or does not take place in an industrial fabric. Also, the method involves forming a mushroom cap on the tail of a fiber/yarn or monofilament and also creating a surface pattern formation.
US07897015B2 Single ply tissue products surface treated with a softening agent
Tissue products are described that have been topically treated with a chemical additive, such as a softener. The softener may be, for instance, a polysiloxane. The polysiloxane is topically applied to a tissue sheet, such as a single ply sheet, so as to form a Z-directional gradient in the sheet. Particular, most of the polysiloxane remains on the surface of the tissue product as opposed to migrating to the center of the sheet. In this manner, tissue sheets are formed with improved softness at lower levels of polysiloxane and without the need for applying any surfactants to the sheet. A system for applying chemical additives to tissue sheets is also described. The system includes a chemical additive applicator, such as a meltblown die that emits the chemical additive through a plurality of orifices. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for periodically cleaning the orifices during application of the chemical additive. The cleaning device may be, for instance, a brush that traverses across the die head when desired.
US07897014B2 Arrangement for the treatment of cellulose pulp in a washing apparatus arranged with displaced peripheral valve seals
A washer for washing and dewatering cellulosic pulp is disclosed, comprising a rotary drum with a plurality of external compartments defined by axial compartment walls distributed along the drum's circumference, a stationary cylindrical casing enclosing the drum, whereby a ring-shaped space is defined between the casing and the drum and where longitudinal seals divide the ring-shaped space into a forming zone for forming the pulp, at least one washing zone for washing the pulp at overpressure, and a discharge zone for feeding out the washed pulp, and the filtrates from different washing stages are collected in a peripheral valve located at the drum's end wall, the filtrate stages are separated by seals in the valve, and at least some of the valve seals are displaced in relation to the corresponding longitudinal seal, as seen in the direction of rotation of the drum.
US07897012B2 Sheet containing fibrous or tubular moisture adsorbent metal oxide
This invention is to provide a sheet product that is excellent in moisture absorption amount, moisture absorption speed and moisture release speed and is capable of keeping a powder from falling off and that can have a large content of a moisture adsorbent, and the sheet product of this invention contains (a) a moisture adsorbent formed of a tubular or fibrous metal oxide, (b) a cellulosic fibrillated fiber, and (c) an organic fiber having a fineness of 0.01 dtex to 0.45 dtex and is characteristically produced by a paper-making method.
US07897009B2 Plasma processing apparatus
A plasma processing apparatus (100) includes a plasma generation mechanism; a process container defining a process chamber configured to perform a plasma process on a target substrate; a substrate worktable configured to place the target substrate thereon inside the process container; and an exhaust mechanism configured to decrease pressure inside the process container. A wall (27a) of a support portion (27) for supporting a microwave transmission plate (28) is present in an area having an electron temperature of 1.5 eV or more during plasma generation. A covering portion (60) made of a heat resistant insulator, such as quartz, is disposed to cover the wall (27a).
US07897008B2 Apparatus and method for regional plasma control
An apparatus for controlling a plasma etching process includes plasma control structure that can vary a size of a plasma flow passage, vary a speed of plasma flowing through the plasma flow passage, vary plasma concentration flowing through the plasma flow passage, or a combination thereof.
US07897007B2 Substrate holding apparatus and substrate polishing apparatus
A substrate holding apparatus has a substrate holder body with a substrate holding side facing a polishing surface and holding a substrate on the substrate holding side and a retainer ring fixedly secured to the substrate holder body. The retainer ring is arranged to surround an outer periphery of the substrate held by the substrate holder body so that the retainer ring engages with the polishing surface radially outside the substrate as the polishing of the substrate is effected. The substrate holder body is provided with a membrane having inside and outside surfaces. The inside surface cooperates with a surface of the substrate holder body to define a fluid pressure chamber to which a fluid pressure is applied. The outer surface engages with the substrate held by the substrate holder body.
US07897002B2 Method of modifying a surface
This invention provides a method for modifying the appearance of a surface using a thin laminate. The laminate includes an indicia containing layer disposed against the lower surface of a carrier film. The laminate may optionally include a bonding coat or layer for attaching the laminate to a surface, at least one removable protective layer, and a release coating for facilitating the transfer of the laminate on a surface. The method includes applying the floor modifying laminate to at least part of a floor being modified, and can also include applying a curable composition over the laminate and curing the composition.
US07897000B2 Adhesive film bonding method
A method of bonding an adhesive film for die bonding to the rear surface of a wafer having a plurality of devices on the front surface, comprising the steps of holding the front surface side of the wafer on the holding surface of a chuck table for holding the wafer; supplying the adhesive film onto the rear surface of the wafer held on the chuck table; and rolling a pressing-roller while pressing it against the adhesive film supplied onto the rear surface of the wafer to bond the adhesive film to the rear surface of the wafer, wherein the step of rolling the pressing-roller is carried out in such a positional relation that a straight line connecting the center of the wafer and a notch becomes parallel to the axis of the pressing-roller.
US07896989B1 Cross-sectional functionally graded propellants and method of manufacture
Methods of making cross sectional, functionally-graded munitions propellants exhibiting various distributions of particle concentrations and burn rate, including having a fast burning core and slower burning outer layer(s). Unlike prior art methods of preparing such munitions, propellants prepared according to our inventive method(s) may be performed substantially as a single extrusion step or as a few processing steps, without requiring the time, expense and/or difficulties that characterized familiar, laminating methods and methods which use multiple extruders. Our inventive method advantageously employs a demixing phenomenon that, prior to our inventive application and teaching, has been considered quite undesirable in the preparation of propellants where uniformity and well-mixedness have been propellant attributes widely sought after.
US07896988B2 Charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board and method for destroying chips on a circuit board
A charge system for destroying chips on a circuit board is provided. The charge system has a first substrate having a number of recesses formed therein with each of the recesses having a housing disposed therein. A high density charge is disposed within the housing. A number of recesses are formed within the high density charge. A number of low density charges are disposed within each of the recesses formed within the high density charge. A second substrate is located proximate to the first substrate. The low density charge and the high density charge are structured to destroy the second substrate after ignition. A method of destroying chips is also provided.
US07896979B2 Activating flux for welding stainless steels
An activating flux for welding stainless steel includes: from 25 to 40 weight percent of titanium dioxide (TiO2); from 25 to 30 weight percent of chromium oxide (Cr2O3); from 10 to 30 weight percent of silicon dioxide (SiO2); from 10 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum disulphide (MoS2); and from 5 to 15 weight percent of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), which are active additive materials. A welding rod or wire includes a welding material and an activating flux. The activating flux layer is provided on or in the welding rod or wire and is formed as an outer layer or a core portion of the welding rod or wire.
US07896977B2 Dishwasher with sequencing corner nozzles
An automatic dishwasher having multiple spray nozzles located in the corner of a utensil rack in which case the wash liquid is sequentially sprayed from the corner spray nozzles.
US07896976B2 Ventilation device for the discharge pipe of a water supply household appliance
A ventilation device for the discharge pipe for removing a flow medium pumped to a household appliance. A pipe ventilation valve is connected to the discharge pipe by a channel and comprises a valve body disposed in a float chamber filled with a working medium which is separated from the flow medium and actuates the valve body. The valve body is actuated by transmitting a pneumatic force between the flowing medium and the working medium of the float chamber or between the flowing medium and a sealing surface adjacent to the valve body by means of a pressure medium which is separated from the flowing medium and is enclosed in the channel. The inventive pipe ventilation device makes it possible to avoid a direct contact between the valve body of the pipe ventilation valve and the flowing medium, thereby preventing the valve body from being soiled.
US07896971B2 Methods for removing concrete accretions from mixing drum
Methods for removing accretions of cured concrete from within a mixing drum are herein disclosed. One method includes an inserting impact tool mounted upon a boom into the interior of the mixing drum, addressing a bit of the impact tool to an accretion adhered to the inner surface of the mixing drum, and actuating the impact tool to apply a force to the accretions through the bit so as to remove the accretion from the interior surface of the mixing drum.
US07896967B2 Gas supply system, substrate processing apparatus and gas supply method
A gas supply system for supplying a gas into a processing chamber for processing a substrate to be processed includes: a processing gas supply unit; a processing gas supply line; a first and a second branch line; a branch flow control unit; an additional gas supply unit; an additional gas supply line; and a control unit. The control unit performs, before processing the substrate to be processed, a processing gas supply control and an additional gas supply control by using the processing gas supply unit and the additional gas supply unit, respectively, wherein the additional gas supply control includes a control that supplies the additional gas at an initial flow rate greater than a set flow rate and then at the set flow rate after a lapse of a period of time.
US07896965B2 Method for the production of a plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor chips and optoelectronic semiconductor chip
A method for the production of a plurality of optoelectronic semiconductor chips each having a plurality of structural elements with respectively at least one semiconductor layer. The method involves providing a chip composite base having a substrate and a growth surface. A non-closed mask material layer is grown onto the growth surface in such a way that the mask material layer has a plurality of statistically distributed windows having varying forms and/or opening areas, a mask material being chosen in such a way that a semiconductor material of the semiconductor layer that is to be grown in a later method step essentially cannot grow on said mask material or can grow in a substantially worse manner in comparison with the growth surface. Subsequently, semiconductor layers are deposited essentially simultaneously onto regions of the growth surface that lie within the windows. A further method step is singulation of the chip composite base with applied material to form semiconductor chips. An optoelectronic semiconductor component is produced according to the method.
US07896959B1 Filtration apparatus
A filtration apparatus for use in a system containing a gas or liquid to be decontaminated. The apparatus has at least one housing for a filter that removes contaminants from a gas or liquid which include biologics and chemicals. The housing contains an inlet portion and an outlet portion in association with valves for closing or regulating the flow of gas or liquid to be decontaminated by the filter. A differential pressure gauge is optionally provided to monitor the pressure in the housing and to indicate when the filter should be replaced. One or more housings can be used for the apparatus. The apparatus is useful for securing water systems, gas delivery systems, and vacuum systems.
US07896957B2 Air purifier
An air purifier includes a shell with an air inlet and an air outlet. An electric field filter, an air passage and a blower are disposed inside the shell. The electric field filter includes a filter frame disposed at the air outlet and a grid base disposed under the filter frame. A filter is provided inside the filter frame. One end of the air passage connects with the grid base and the other end connects with the blower. The blower is disposed at the air inlet. The filter frame and the grid base are integrated as a hermetic whole. Due to the integrated configuration of the filter frame and the grid base, when removing out the electric field filter, the power is cut automatically. This effectively prevents an occurrence of the electroshock, and improves safety performance of the purifier. Furthermore, air leakage can be greatly reduced, for there is no gap between the filter frame and the grid base.
US07896954B2 Fluid storage and purification method and system
A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. A solvent mixture comprising an ionic liquid and a cosolvent is provided within the vessel. The fluid is contacted with the solvent mixture for take-up of the fluid by the solvent mixture. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.
US07896950B2 Plasma-aided method and apparatus for hydrogen storage and adsorption of gases into porous powder
Provided are plasma-aided gas storage methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a porous powder bed assembly equipped with corona discharge electrodes is used to generate a non-equilibrium plasma of negatively ionized gas molecules which absorb onto porous particles, e.g., activated charcoal, to form a gas storage entity. Gas adsorbed onto the particles is desorbed at moderate temperatures by aid of ultraviolet light illumination.
US07896949B2 Membranes for separation of carbon dioxide
Methods for separating carbon dioxide from a fluid stream at a temperature higher than about 200° C. with selectivity higher than Knudsen diffusion selectivity include contacting a porous membrane with the fluid stream to preferentially transport carbon dioxide. The porous membrane includes a porous support and a continuous porous separation layer disposed on a surface of the porous support and extending between the fluid stream and the porous support layer. The porous support comprises alumina, silica, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, stainless steel, titanium, nickel-based alloys, aluminum-based alloys, zirconium-based alloys or a combination thereof. Median pore size of the porous separation layer is less than about 10 nm, and the porous separation layer comprises titania, MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, La2O3, CeO2, HfO2, Y2O3, VOz, NbOz, TaOz, ATiO3, AZrO3, AAl2O4, A1FeO3, A1MnO3, A1CoO3, A1NiO3, A2HfO3, A3 CeO3, Li2ZrO3, Li2SiO3, Li2TiO3, Li2HfO3, A4N1yOz, YxN1yOz, LaxN1yOz, HfN2yOz, or a combination thereof; wherein A is La, Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba; A1 is La, Ca, Sr or Ba; A2 is Ca, Sr or Ba; A3 is Sr or Ba; A4 is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti or Zr; N1 is V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Si or Ge; N2 is V, Mo, W or Si; x is 1 or 2; y ranges from 1 to 3; and z ranges from 2 to 7.
US07896945B2 Carbothermic processes
A mass of solid aluminium carbide containing product is produced by injecting particulate alumina into a bath (30) of molten aluminium metal; and injecting carbonaceous material, consisting of, containing or yielding carbon, into the bath (30). The bath (30) of molten aluminium metal is maintained at a superheated temperature to heat and react carbon with molten aluminium to produce solid aluminium carbide which mixes with alumina to form a mass (36) containing entrapped gas and entrapped molten aluminium metal and having a bulk or apparent density less than aluminium. The mass is allowed to accumulate as a mass of solid aluminium carbide containing product on the upper surface of the bath. The carbonaceous material is a hydrocarbon material or is produced by pyrolysis, decomposition or cracking of a hydrocarbon material.
US07896932B2 Non-oxidative hair dye composition
A non-oxidative hair dye composition containing the components (a) and (b): (a) one or two or more kinds of a glycylglycine derivative represented by the following formula (1) and having two or three amino acid residues or salts thereof, and wherein Y represents an amino acid residue or a bivalent group represented by the formula (2); and (b) a direct dye; Wherein symbol * and R, X, n and m are defined in the claims and in the disclosure.
US07896929B2 Treating textiles with silicone polyether-amide block copolymers
A method of treating textiles with a silicone block copolymer containing polyether-amide units is disclosed. Textiles treated with the silicone block copolymer have a feel or hand comparable to conventional hydrophobic silicones, but do not negatively impact the hydrophilicity of the textile.
US07896928B2 Ionized performance fabric composition
A composition for treating fabric includes about 0.1 to about 10.0% cross linking agent, about 0.1 to about 5.0% polyolefin, about 0.1 to about 0.5% wetting agent, about 0.0 to about 8.0% aminofunctional silicone, about 0.0 to about 6.0% ionizing agent, about 0.0 to about 2.0% catalyst and any remainder as a carrier. The composition has a pH of between about 2.0 to about 4.0 and at least some aminofunctional silicone and/or ionizing agent is provided.
US07896926B2 Method of surface oxidizing zirconium and zirconium alloys and resulting product
A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the oxidative treatment of an amorphous zirconium or zirconium alloy substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.
US07896912B2 Expandable medical device with S-shaped bridging elements
An expandable medical device includes a plurality of cylindrical tubes each formed of a plurality of adjacent struts interconnected at alternating ends. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter at which the adjacent struts form substantially V-shapes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are arranged with the interconnected ends of the struts aligned facing each other in adjacent cylindrical tubes and a plurality of S-shaped bridging elements connected between the interconnected ends of the struts in adjacent cylindrical tubes. The bridging elements are connected entirely above a midline of the V-shapes on one cylindrical tube and entirely below the midline of the V-shapes on an adjacent cylindrical tube.
US07896910B2 Modular apparatus for therapy of an animate body
Modular therapy apparatus for treatment of at least a portion of an animate body comprises a first modular member and a second modular member. The first modular member comprises a heat transfer device adapted to transfer heat between the device and the at least a portion of an animate body. The second modular member forms a pouch having a perimeter and is adapted to receive the first modular member. The second modular member comprises a front side and a back side. The front side has a hook portion, which forms the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. The back side has a loop portion, which forms the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. The second modular member can be wrapped around the at least a portion of an animate body and the hook and loop portions fastened to one another to secure the second modular member with the first modular member positioned therein to the at least a portion of the animate body.
US07896907B2 System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone
A system and method for attaching soft tissue to bone is provided. In general, the apparatus includes an expandable body that is configured to expand into bone, and an expander pin that is adapted to be driven into the expandable body. The device can also include a tissue attachment apparatus that can be used to secure tissue to the device, thereby providing a method for attaching tissue to bone.
US07896906B2 Artificial facet joint
Various methods and devices for replacing damaged, injured, diseased, or otherwise unhealthy posterior elements, such as the facet joints, the lamina, the posterior ligaments, and/or other features of a patient's spinal column, are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are effective to mimic the natural function of the spine by allowing flexion, extension, and lateral bending of the spine, while substantially restricting posterior-anterior shear and rotation of the spine.
US07896905B2 Bone fixation apparatus
What is provided is a fixation system that offers a strong and stable construct for maximum fusion augmentation and yet is versatile enough for any patient and is easy to use. Disclosed is a connection assembly for connecting a spinal implant, the assembly comprising: a body, the body including a body opening for receiving at least a portion of a first connector; a swivel having first and second ends and being operatively connected to the body, the first end including a swivel opening for receiving at least a portion of a second connector; a locking plate having an arm at least partially extending into the body opening; a locking unit operatively connected to the body and contacting the second end of the swivel; and whereby activation of the locking unit causes the arm to engage the first connector and swivel opening to engage the second connector thereby preventing relative rotation between the first and second connectors.
US07896902B2 Multi-axial double locking bone screw assembly
A top-loading multi-axial, double locking bone anchor assembly. A receiver member receives an internal saddle member, a bi-polar member, and a bone anchor through an open bottom, which are retained by an internal threaded ring member threaded onto the receiver member. A double-locking compression retaining member includes an external nut-like fastener and an internal setscrew-like fastener. The nut-like fastener attaches to an upper portion of the receiver member and interfaces with the internal saddle member to retain a desired angular position on the bone anchor and the setscrew-like fastener interfaces with an elongated member placed in a channel of the receiver member to retain it to the assembly. The bone anchor is capable of multi-axial as well as multi-polar positioning with respect to the receiver member.
US07896901B2 Tissue fixation device
A tissue fixation device is provided that is preferably used to secure a ligament or graft within a prepared bone tunnel, for example in ACL replacement. The tissue fixation device generally includes an elongate member having a shaft portion that is adapted to be at least partially disposed within a bone tunnel, and a guide member that forms a portion of the proximal end of the elongate member. The guide member has a graft-seating surface that is effective to seat a graft and to position the graft toward one side of a bone tunnel when the device is disposed within the bone tunnel. The device also includes a graft-retaining member formed on at least a portion of the graft-seating surface.
US07896900B2 Medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular needle holder
A medical instrument for grasping an object, in particular a surgical needle holder, including an elongated shaft, two jaw parts arranged at a distal end of the shaft, at least one of the jaw parts being pivotable with respect to the other of the jaw parts between a grasp state for grasping the object between the jaw parts and a release state for releasing the object. A handle is arranged at a proximal end of the shaft and has at least one operating element for moving the at least one pivotable jaw part between the grasp state and the release state via an axially movable force transmission element operatively connected with the at least one operating element and with the at least one pivotable jaw part via an articulated joint. The instrument further includes a latching mechanism for immobilizing the at least one pivotable jaw part in the grasp state.