Document Document Title
US08634963B2 Data centre and apparatus and method for data centre cooling
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for cooling a data center. The apparatus comprises an air conditioning unit for supplying cooled air to a cold portion of a data center, an airflow measurement device for measuring a rate of bypass airflow through a segregation between the cold portion and hot portion of the data center, and outputting a bypass airflow signal indicative of the rate of bypass airflow between the cold portion and the hot portion, and a control unit arranged to receive the bypass airflow signal from the airflow measurement device and to output a control signal to a means for controlling a rate of the bypass airflow to maintain a predetermined rate of bypass airflow.
US08634955B2 Mobile robot and method for controlling mobile robot
A mobile robot includes: a main body; a drive unit that moves the main body; a contact force detecting unit that detects a contact force acting against an obstacle; and a controller that controls the drive unit to move the main body toward a target object under a condition that the contact force detected by the contact force detecting unit is in a predetermined range.
US08634954B2 System and method for handling returned goods in an order-picking system
A system and method for storing returned goods (56) of different type of goods in an order-picking system (10), wherein the order-picking system (10) comprises a container warehouse (12) for providing a plurality of storage containers (52, 54), and at least one workstation (14) at which the returned goods (56) in the storage containers (52) from the container warehouse (12) are, in a return mode, delivered, the method comprising the following steps: providing (70) at least one returned good (56) of a first type of goods at a delivering station (16), detecting (72) of each of the returned goods (56) and, preferably separately, delivering the returned goods (56) to a returned-goods conveyor (32) conveying the returned goods (56) to the workstation (14), identifying (74) the type of goods of each of the detected returned goods (56), identifying (76) a storage container (52) with which the respectively identified type of goods is associated, retrieving (78) the respectively associated storage container (52) from the container warehouse (12), and conveying this storage container (52) to the workstation (14), and at the workstation (14) delivering (80) the returned goods (56) to the associated storage container (52).
US08634952B2 Fan control method and medium storing fan control program
A fan control method performed by a computer having a processor and a fan includes predicting a load of the processor for a job to be executed by referring to a memory that stores information on the load of the processor according to a job type, determining fan rotation control according to a temperature of the processor under the load, and controlling the fan according to the determined fan rotation control.
US08634945B2 Device for generating sound messages with integrated defect detection
In an audio device for generating sound messages MSGi, a detection of defects is carried out by the digital superposition, on the samples of audio sequences to be restored Sqi applied as input to a digital analogue conversion audio chain 10-1, of a test signal SqT having a spectrum of frequency(frequencies) outside of the spectrum of frequencies of the sound messages, and the application of this test signal SqT to the input of a duplicated audio chain 10-2, and in the extraction of a corresponding test signal, at the output of the conversion chain, the characteristics of which are compared with those of the test signal applied as input. This detection principle has notably the advantage of being simple to implement in an integrated manner, allowing the use of such devices in systems for managing alarms, notably for managing alarms in aircraft. The analogue-audio signal Si to be applied to the loudspeaker 3 is constructed at the output of the chain by eliminating the superimposed test signal.
US08634930B2 System for providing diabetic therapy
Various system embodiments include a glucose control input, a low physical activity input, and a diabetic therapy delivery system adapted to respond to the glucose control input and the low physical activity input to deliver diabetic therapy. According to various embodiments, the diabetic therapy includes an anti-arrhythmia therapy, a hypertension therapy, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to reduce a risk of myocardial infarction, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to be applied after a myocardial infarction to reduce an infarct area, a neural stimulation therapy adapted to reduce a risk of sudden cardiac death, a therapy adapted to secrete insulin, or a therapy to reduce a workload of a diabetic heart. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US08634928B1 Wireless power transmission for implantable medical devices
Described is an apparatus and method for increasing a gain of a transmitted power signal in a wireless link when operating in a mid field wavelength that is within a range between wavelength/100 to 100*wavelength and within a medium having a complex impedance between a transmit antenna and a receive antenna. The apparatus and method maximize the gain in the wireless link using simultaneous conjugate matching, to increase power transfer within the transmitted power signal, wherein the simultaneous conjugate matching accounts for interaction between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna, including the complex impedance of the medium between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna.
US08634922B1 Vagal nerve stimulation techniques for treatment of epileptic seizures
A system using electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat epilepsy with minimized or no effect on the heart. Treatment includes an implantable signal generator, one or more implantable electrodes for electrically stimulating a predetermined stimulation site of the vagus nerve, and a sensor for sensing characteristics of the heart such as heart rate. Heart rate information from the sensor can be used to determine whether the vagus nerve stimulation is adversely affecting the heart. Once threshold parameters are met, the vagus nerve stimulation may be stopped or adjusted. An alternative embodiment includes a modified pacemaker to maintain the heart in desired conditions during vagus nerve stimulation. In another embodiment, a modified pacemaker determines whether a vagus nerve is being stimulated, whereupon the modified pacemaker may control the heart to maintain it within desired conditions during the vagus nerve stimulation.
US08634921B2 Implantable and rechargeable neural stimulator
One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein.
US08634919B1 Intracardiac implantable medical device for biatrial and/or left heart pacing and method of implanting same
An intra-cardiac implantable medical device (IIMD) and method of implant are provided. The IIMD comprises a housing configured to be implanted entirely within a coronary sinus (CS) of the heart. The IIMD has at least one intra-cardiac device extension (ICDE).
US08634917B2 Method and system for identifying and displaying groups of cardiac arrhythmic episodes
A medical device system that receives cardiac data representing a plurality of stored arrhythmic episodes, and analyzing the cardiac data to identify and display a subset of stored arrhythmic episodes as a function of user-specified episode criteria. The medical device system presents a query window on an interactive display in order to receive user-specified episode criteria via one or more input fields. The medical device displays only those episodes matching the episode criteria such as arrhythmia type, zone of detection, date of occurrence and average heart rate in beats per minute (BPM).
US08634914B2 Pacemaker event queue to control device processor operating power
In the present disclosure, conservation of an implantable medical device power supply of is facilitated by controlling the power consumption of the device's processing component. The power supplied to the processing component is controlled to enable processing of received events as a function of predetermined criteria rather than the actual occurrence of the events which is frequent, but irregular. Accordingly, the need for the processing component to start and stop (and thereby be fully powered on each start) with receipt of each event is obviated thereby maintaining the power consumption of the processing component and increasing longevity of the device. Event data associated with received events is stored in an event queue and subsequently retrieved and transmitted for processing based on predetermined criteria. The power supplied during an idle state of the processing component may be reduced in relation to the power supplied during a wake up state.
US08634913B2 Apparatus for reversal of myocardial remodeling with pre-excitation
An apparatus for reversing ventricular remodeling with electro-stimulatory therapy. A ventricle is paced by delivering one or more stimulatory pulses in a manner such that a stressed region of the myocardium is pre-excited relative to other regions in order to subject the stressed region to a lessened preload and afterload during systole. The unloading of the stressed myocardium over time effects reversal of undesirable ventricular remodeling.
US08634911B2 Pacing interval determination for ventricular dyssynchrony
A left-ventricular pacing interval and a right-ventricular pacing interval for timing the delivery of pacing pulses to a left ventricle and a right ventricle of a heart, respectively, may be based an intrinsic conduction time interval between at least one of an atrial sensing event or an atrial pacing event of an atrial chamber of a heart and a ventricular sensing event of a ventricular chamber of the heart. In some examples, the left-ventricular pacing interval is based on the time interval, where the left-ventricular pacing interval is less than the time interval. In some examples, the right-ventricular pacing interval is based on the time interval, where the right-ventricular pacing interval is greater than the left-ventricular pacing interval and less than the time interval.
US08634896B2 3D model creation of anatomic structures using single-plane fluoroscopy
A method for 3D reconstruction of the positions of a catheter as it is moved within a human body, comprising: (a) ascertaining the 3D position of a point on a catheter for insertion into the body; (b) acquiring fixed-angle, single-plane fluoroscopic image data of the body and catheter; (c) transferring the image data and catheter-point position to a computer; (d) determining 2D image coordinates of the point on the catheter; (e) changing the insertion length of catheter by a measured amount; (f) acquiring additional single-plane fluoroscopic image data of the body and catheter from the same angle, transferring the length change and image data to the computer, and determining image coordinates of the point on the catheter; (g) computing the 3D position of the catheter point; and (h) repeating steps e-g. A 3D model is constructed by assembling the plural 3D positions of the catheter point.
US08634895B2 Biomedical surface electrode
A flexible biomedical surface electrode comprises an insulating substrate (10), a conductive electrode layer (12) screen-printed on the substrate, and an insulating masking layer (14) on the electrode layer. The masking layer is configured to expose selected regions (16) of the electrode layer. An electrically conductive adhesive gel layer (18) on the masking layer makes electrical contact with the exposed regions of the electrode layer.
US08634893B2 Features for routing conductors in medical electrical lead electrode assemblies
An insulative body of a medical electrical lead electrode assembly includes a pre-formed channel having a section extending at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the body. An electrode portion of a conductive component has an electrode contact surface facing outward from a first side of the body and a coupling portion embedded in the body. A conductor, which is coupled to the coupling portion of the component, is disposed in the channel.
US08634891B2 Method and system for self regulation of sensor component contact pressure
A method and system for regulating contact pressure of a sensor is provided. In accordance with an embodiment, a sensor includes a collapsible material capable of regulating the localized component contact pressure exerted on a tissue between a threshold which ensures proper contact between the sensing component and monitoring site but which minimizes incidents of excessive localized pressures which could result in tissue damage over prolonged use. This localized contact pressure range is maintained over a wide range of sensor application pressures. In one embodiment, a window is provided in the sensor and a colorimetric indication of the compression or expansion of the collapsible material may be determined through the window.
US08634885B2 Mobile device having a plate in a gap between sliding bodies
A mobile terminal includes first and second bodies slidably connected in a closed configuration and open configuration, a flexible circuit board electrically connecting the first and second bodies and passing through a gap formed between the first and second bodies, and one or more blocking units disposed in a spatial area formed between an opening face of the gap to the flexible circuit board and formed to be protruded to traverse the gap from the first body toward the second body, wherein the blocking units are disposed in the spatial area to cover at least a portion of the flexible circuit board. When the mobile terminal is changed from an open configuration to a closed configuration, the flexible circuit board can be prevented from being damaged by a structure.
US08634883B2 Docking apparatus for portable device
A docking apparatus for a portable device includes: a mounting unit on which the portable device is to be mounted; a connection terminal disposed in the mounting unit and configured to connect with a connector of the portable device; a terminal support unit which is rotatable with respect to the mounting unit and supports the connection terminal; and a rotation unit which is coupled to the terminal support unit and rotates the connection terminal within a predetermined rotational angle range.
US08634875B1 Address book management method and user interface
An exemplary mobile communication device comprises a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor, a transceiver coupled to the processor, an antenna coupled to the transceiver, a user interface coupled to the processor for receiving inputs from a user, and software executed by the processor for performing a method for managing a plurality of contact entries of an address book stored on the memory. The method comprises displaying a list of contact entries on the display, displaying a toggle value corresponding to each contact entry displayed on the display, receiving an input for selecting or deselecting a particular toggle value for a particular contact entry, receiving a command input for the execution of a function on the address book, and executing the function associated with the command input for each contact entry that has a selected toggle value.
US08634873B2 Mobile communication device having multiple, interchangeable second devices
A mobile communication device comprises a first device with a first display and multiple second devices. The second devices are releasably attachable to the first device and are interchangeable with each other. The mobile device can operate as a mobile cell phone with one or more second devices operable as a mobile phone hand set. The second devices can comprise one or more game controllers, batteries, physical keyboards and/or mobile phone handsets with a display. In a detached configuration, the first device is separated from the second devices and can wirelessly communicate with one or more of the detached second devices. In a three device configuration, the first device can send commands, control signals or content to one or more external devices in addition to the second devices.
US08634865B2 Transmitting apparatus, receiving apparatus and method
According to one embodiment, a transmitting apparatus includes a transmitting unit and a selecting unit. The transmitting unit transmits first control information using one of first communication resources. The first communication resources are included in a first transmission band and have respective independent numbers. The transmitting unit transmits second control information using one of second communication resources. The second communication resources are included in a second transmission band and have respective independent numbers. The selecting unit restricts the second communication resources to restricted second communication resources in accordance with a number assigned to one of the first communication resources used to transmit the first control information, and to select one second communication resource from the restricted second communication resources. The transmitting unit transmits the second control information using the selected second communication resource.
US08634863B2 Mobile terminal device and data transfer control program
There are obtained a mobile terminal device and a data transfer control program that, even in the case where a plurality of data that become a target of transfer exist, can simply carry out an operation to select data to be transferred from them and to start transfer itself without a mistake. An acceleration sensor 118 fixedly provided in the device is activated at a state where the data to be transferred are displayed on a first liquid crystal display 104 and selected by an operation section 112. A control section 121 starts the transfer of the data using an infrared communication section 105 at the time when to become a posture of a specific angle range continuously more than once. Since a predetermined melody comes out from a speaker 110 during the transfer of the data, it is possible to know that the transfer is carried out.
US08634857B2 Apparatus and systems for providing location-based services within a wireless network
A system for providing wireless telecommunications services to mobile devices includes structure and functionality for location-based services, and includes both server and client/mobile device apparatuses. One apparatus includes a data store storing at least a first record associated with a first wireless device or a second record associated with a second wireless device. A computer is coupled to the data store and is configured to receive a request from the first wireless device to obtain location information associated with the second wireless device. The computer is configured to receive a change location privileges request, and to update the first or second records in the data store based on the received change request. Other apparatuses provide additional structures and functions.
US08634844B2 Method in a wireless communication system
A method in a Central Node (CN), a method in a Remote Node (RN), and a method in a wireless communication system for allocating reference signals to be used for uplink transmission are disclosed. According to one aspect reference signals are allocated with a method comprising the steps of: determining in a CN a number of reference signals N to be used for uplink transmission by a Remote Node RN; indicating to the RN the number of reference signals N to be used for uplink transmission by the RN; configuring an uplink transmission by the RN with at most the number of reference signals N; and performing by the RN the uplink transmission with at most the number of reference signals N on transmit antennas comprised in the RN. The present disclosure further discloses a CN and a RN relating to the methods.
US08634841B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving feedback information for inter-cell cooperative transmission in wireless communication cellular system
A method for transmitting feedback information for cooperative transmission in a wireless communication cellular system comprises: receiving information on cells that can be cooperatively transmitted from a base station; determining cells that prefer the cooperative transmission among the cells that can be cooperatively transmitted; generating feedback information, which includes a preference cell indicator representing preferred cells and non-preferred cells for the cooperative transmission among the cells that can be cooperatively transmitted, precoding matrix information for the respective cell that can be cooperatively transmitted, phase information representing a phase correction value of each of the preferred cells for the cooperative transmission, and a channel quality indicator; and transmitting the feedback information through a control channel or a data channel. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a report of implicative feedback information on code books that can be designed for the gain improvement of a high-level inter-cell cooperative transmission.
US08634834B2 Systems and methods for independent setting of cell change network control mode and notification of cell change mode for uncontrolled cells
Systems and Methods for Independent Setting of Cell Change Network Control Mode and Notification of Cell Change Mode for Uncontrolled Cells are provided. In some cases, separate behavior is specified for mobile stations in respect of uncontrolled cells. In some cases, behavior is signalled by the signalling used for normal cells, but different meaning is attributed to the signalling. In some cases, at least one further criterion is combined with the signalling for controlled cells to determine the behavior for controlled cells. In some cases, additional signalling is employed.
US08634833B2 Uniquely identifying target femtocell to facilitate active hand-in
A method for macrocell-to-femtocell hand-in includes: communicating a non-directed proximity request message from a femto-proxy system over an out-of-band (OOB) channel, the proximity request message configured to be received by any of a plurality of access terminals when in proximity to the femto-proxy system, the femto-proxy system comprising an OOB radio and a femtocell communicatively coupled with a core network element; receiving a proximity response message over the OOB link from an access terminal of the plurality of access terminals in response to the proximity request message, the proximity response message indicating that the access terminal is in proximity to the femto-proxy system; communicating a presence indication from the femtocell to a core network element indicating proximity of the access terminal to the femtocell; and facilitating active hand-in of the access terminal from a source macrocell of a macro network to the femtocell.
US08634832B2 Mobile location recovery for MSC pooling
An entity of a wireless telecommunications network having a pool of Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and a Home Location Register (HLR). The entity includes a network interface which sends pages to mobiles associated with a failed MSC of the pool of MSC's and experiencing termination isolation and receives responses to the pages from at least some of the mobiles. The entity includes a processing unit which produces a registration having updated location information for each response received by the network interface, the registration sent from the network interface to the HLR to end each mobile's termination isolation for which a response was received by the network interface. A method of an entity of a wireless telecommunications network having a pool of Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) and a Home Location Register (HLR).
US08634827B2 Techniques for reporting on or tracking ground vehicles
Ground vehicle reporting and tracking techniques are provided to track vehicles associated with a particular area (e.g., an airport, a military base, etc.). Ground vehicles may regularly report information about the vehicle to one or more control stations via corresponding communication links. The communication links may include, for example, an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) link and a non-ADS-B link.
US08634818B2 Mobile terminal and control method
A mobile terminal and control method to share content with a device and control the device are provide. The mobile terminal includes a communication unit to communicate with a host and the device; a search unit to receive content information and device information; an input unit to receive a content selection signal and a device selection signal; and a control unit to control the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives content information from a host and selects content to be outputted to a device selected from device information from the host. The mobile terminal controls the selected device using control commands transmitted to the selected device based on a control mode. If the control mode is not stored in the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal may receive the control mode from the host.
US08634810B2 Pushing secure notifications to mobile computing devices
A method for pushing secure notifications includes a push service platform receiving a push notification message request from an entity registered with the push service platform, processing the push notification message request to generate a secure push notification message, and sending the secure push notification message to a target mobile computing device through a native third-party push service associated with the target mobile computing device. The secure push notification message includes a message ID (identifier) that corresponds to message content associated with the push notification message request. The method further includes the push service platform receiving a pull message request from the target mobile computing device, the pull message request requesting the message content associated with the push notification message corresponding to the message ID, and sending the requested message content associated with the push notification message to the mobile computing device.
US08634803B1 Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.
US08634802B1 Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.
US08634801B1 Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.
US08634799B1 Dynamically re-configured incident scene communication based on incident scene factors
An incident commander computing device dynamically reconfigures subscriber unit usage of radio access networks by first identifying, based at least on a type of incident occurring within a particular geographic area, a first incident response group having a first higher priority for responding to the incident and a second incident response group having a second lower priority for responding to the incident, then identifying a first higher priority radio access network having a sufficient coverage level across the particular geographic area and a second lower priority radio access network having a sufficient coverage level across the particular geographic area, and finally assigning the first incident response group to the first higher priority radio access network and assigning the second incident response group to the second lower priority radio access network.
US08634798B2 Support in HSS for emergency telecommunication services
A home subscriber server (HSS) and method are described herein for supporting an emergency telecommunication service (e.g., Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS)). In one embodiment, the HSS and the method are adapted to selectively provide telecommunication access to subscribers of an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) by associating different user priority values with different network condition statuses, where a network condition status may be a congestion level or a disaster relief emergency status.
US08634794B2 Multi-user interference cancellation in a single-carrier radio receiver
A method, apparatus, and radio receiver system for canceling multi-user interference in a single-carrier radio communication system. A front-end receiver such as a RAKE receiver receives a radio signal formatted in a sequence of frames, and outputs a plurality of user signals. A processing selector selects on a frame-by-frame basis, either a first signal processing chain that serially decodes and removes the interference contributions of the user signals, or a second signal processing chain that simultaneously decodes and removes the interference contributions of the user signals in parallel. The processing selector may select the first signal processing chain when the number of user signals is greater than or equal to a threshold value, and may select the second signal processing chain when the number of user signals is less than the threshold value.
US08634793B2 IP2 calibration measurement and signal generation
A radio frequency receiver on an integrated circuit (RFIC) includes an oscillator circuit, which generates a radio frequency (RF) oscillatory signal having a predetermined frequency that is outside of an intermediate frequency passband of the RFIC. An amplitude modulator modulates the RF oscillatory signal to produce an amplitude modulated signal which is applied to a mixer that downconverts the amplitude modulated signal. A calibration circuit receives the downconverted signal, including second order modulation (IM2) products, and, responsive to the IM2 products, generates a bias signal that is applied to the mixer to reduce the IM2 products.
US08634792B2 Adjustable antenna assembly for receive blocking
An RF receiver section includes an adjustable antenna assembly, a low noise amplifier module, and a down conversion module. The adjustable antenna assembly is configured to provide a first receive antenna structure and a second receive antenna structure. The first and second receive antenna structures receive an inbound wide bandwidth RF signal that includes an interferer RF signal component and a desired inbound RF signal component. The effective polarization of at least one of the first and second receive antenna structures is adjusted to reduce signal strength of the interferer RF signal component.
US08634781B2 Remote-control method and emitter cooperated with personal communication device
A method of a remote-control combined with a personal communication device includes an emitter having an exposed plug inserted into a reception hole of a personal communication device; and a remote-control application program downloaded from pre-set or remote servos and stored in the personal communication device. The remote-control application program is activated via the personal communication device, and the personal communication device sends a user interface sub-program to a touch panel of the personal communication device. The user interface program is activated, and the emitter emits control signals to remote-control toys. By using the personal communication device, the users conveniently play and control the remote-control toys.
US08634774B2 Communication device and control method thereof
A communication device which communicates with an external device, comprises: a communication unit configured to communicate with the external device; a control unit configured to set the mode of the communication device to one of a plurality of modes including a communication mode in which the communication unit communicates with the external device, wherein, in accordance that the communication unit completes receipt of data from a first external device in the communication mode, the control unit inquires of a user as to whether or not to transmit the received data to a second external device in a state in which the communication device has been set to the communication mode.
US08634771B2 Simple peer-to-peer network formation
Wireless devices that support bootstrapping of a peer-to-peer connection. The wireless devices may use an infrastructure mode connection to exchange security information, such as a PIN, used in establishing the peer-to-peer connection. This security information may be encrypted in accordance with a security protocol used by the access point and then may be applied in a security protocol used to establish a peer-to-peer connection. Such a bootstrapping capability supports operating scenarios in which devices that are communicating over an infrastructure network encounter an operation that requires transfer of large amounts of data and automatically transition to a peer-to-peer connection that provides better performance. With these techniques, a computing device may automatically connect to a display device and stream audio/video data to the display.
US08634764B2 Repeater system with transparent antenna integrated into a glass pane
The invention relates to a repeater system (1) for relaying the exchanges between a base station mobile telecommunication network and a user terminal, comprising an outside antenna (10) that can communicate with the base station, as well as retransmission means (20) connected to the outside antenna, wherein the retransmission means (20) are designed to act as the interface between the outside antenna (10) and an inside antenna (30) that can communicate with the user terminal to retransmit the signals received by either one of the antennae destined for the other antenna, characterized in that the outside antenna is an optically transparent planar antenna integrated into an optically transparent panel (2) used for the indoor lighting of a building.
US08634737B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member; toner image forming portion for forming a toner image on the image bearing member; a transfer member for transferring the toner image from the image bearing member onto a transfer material; a cleaning blade for removing a toner remaining on the image bearing member after transfer while being contacted to the image bearing member; a rotatable member, provided upstream of the cleaning blade, for carrying the toner and rotationally sliding on the image bearing member; a separating mechanism for removing the toner from the rotatable member in contact with the rotatable member, wherein the separating mechanism includes a toner sump for accumulating the toner in an area adjacent to the rotatable member so that the toner removed from the rotatable member is suppliable to the rotatable member; and a controller for controlling at least one of the toner image forming portion and rotatable member so that an amount of the toner in the toner sump is estimated and kept in a predetermined range.
US08634734B2 Power supply circuit for supplying power to electronic device such as image forming apparatus
A voltage conversion unit converts alternating current voltage generated by an alternating current voltage generation unit into a predetermined output voltage. An adjustment unit monitors the output voltage and adjusts a driving pattern for driving the alternating current voltage generation unit in accordance with a waveform distortion generated in a rectangular wave of the output voltage. The driving pattern is a pattern having, in a half cycle of the rectangular wave of the alternating current voltage, a first ON period during which the alternating current voltage is applied to the voltage conversion unit, an OFF period during which the alternating current voltage is not applied to the voltage conversion unit, and a second ON period during which the alternating current voltage is applied to the voltage conversion unit. The adjustment unit adjusts a ratio of the first ON period, the OFF period, and the second ON.
US08634731B2 Method for automatically controlling the sequence of processing orders for processing material containers
In a method or system for automatic controlling of jobs to be processed, the jobs to be associated with input and output material bundles, the jobs to be processed are collected into multiple groups or clusters. The groups or clusters are automatically sorted according to rules. The input material bundles are fed to a processing device at a central station, at least one post-processing apparatus being connected to and down stream from the processing device.
US08634730B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method using the same
An image forming apparatus prevents printed images from being degraded in image quality due to failure of the toner concentration to fall within a proper range, by correcting the deviations of the amount of toner consumption and the amount of toner supply depending on the individuality of each image forming apparatus and that enables exact identification of the cause of a fault associated with toner concentration, and providing an image forming method using the apparatus. A toner supply device supplies toner to a developing vessel through an opening in accordance with an instruction from a controller. The presence or absence of toner falling is detected based on the variation of the output from a magnetic permeability sensor when toner is supplied. The controller monitors the output voltage level of the magnetic permeability sensor and adjusts the input gain in accordance with the output voltage level to thereby control toner concentration.
US08634729B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming system with winding detection
An image forming apparatus includes: a sheet conveyance section having a sheet storing member to store sheets that have been aligned in a prescribed placing direction, which conveys a sheet stored in the sheet storing member; an image forming section having an image carrier, which forms an image on the image carrier; an image transfer section which transfers the image formed on the image carrier onto a sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance section; a winding detection section which detects whether or not the sheet conveyed by the sheet conveyance section is wound around the image carrier; and a controller which controls to instruct an operator to conduct a change operation of the placing direction of the sheets stored in the sheet storing member based on a sheet winding detection signal outputted from the winding detection section.
US08634714B2 Methods for determining energy efficient optical routes
An optical network includes multiple source, cross connect, and destination nodes. A traffic demand matrix is constructed for each possible pair of combinations of the source nodes and the destination nodes. A first energy reduction metric is determined for creating the bypass between the source node and any XC node based on the traffic demand matrix, and a second energy reduction metric is determined for creating the bypass between any XC node and the destination node using the traffic demand matrix. Then, a bypass that terminates at one of the XC nodes that has a largest energy reduction metric is created.
US08634710B2 Underwater camera housing
Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor.
US08634705B2 Methods and apparatus for indexing and archiving encoded audio/video data
Archival storage and retrieval of audio/video information is described. Audio and/or video information is digitized, compressed and stored in an intermediate archive format (IAF), which preserves the content at a high-enough quality for subsequent retrieval and conversion into various formats required at the time of use or distribution. A single capture operation is performed with ancillary metadata being added to facilitate subsequent searching, indexing and format conversion. Captured data content is catalogued and indexed at or subsequent to the creation of an IAF file that includes the archived information. The IAF includes a family of audio-video digital encoding formats based on public standards. The encoding format used in any particular application is determined at encoding time from information provided by the archive system user. At encoding, the particular encoding scheme is selected to optimize a tradeoff between storage constraints and end use quality requirements.
US08634691B2 Low-cost fast variable optical attenuator for optical wavelength tracking
Variable optical attenuator (VOA) formed by disposing upon a substrate a waveguide, a p-type region and an n-type region about the waveguide, and an epi-silicon region disposed upon the waveguide, the VOA responsive to a bias current to controllably inject carriers into the waveguide to attenuate thereby optical signal propagating through the waveguide.
US08634690B2 Subsea penetrator and method for producing such
The present invention relates to a subsea fibre-optic penetrator comprising a plurality of through-going optical fibres (1) and a metallic main body (3) with at least one through bore (31). According to the invention the optical fibres (1) are affixed in the main body (3) by cast glass material (2). The invention also relates to a method for providing a subsea penetrator with a plurality of through-going fibres.
US08634683B2 Optical waveguide device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide device, includes obtaining an optical waveguide by forming sequentially a first cladding layer, a core layer, and a second cladding layer on a substrate, forming a groove portion including a light path conversion inclined surface and a sidewall surface which intersects with it, and the groove portion dividing the second cladding layer and the core layer, on both end sides of the optical waveguide respectively, forming selectively a metal layer on the light path conversion inclined surface and the sidewall surface of the groove portion, forming a protection insulating layer sealing the metal layer on the optical waveguide, and obtaining a light path conversion mirror that the metal layer is formed on the light path conversion inclined surface, by forming a concave portion which penetrates the core layer from the protection insulating layer to remove the metal layer formed on the sidewall surface of the groove portion.
US08634682B1 Alignment tolerant optical interconnect devices
In one configuration of the present teachings, compliant mountings are used to allow for point-to-point optical data pipe (PP-ODP) operation over wide temperature ranges. In another configuration, a long finite conjugate imager is replaced by to infinite conjugate imagers, which allows for enhanced thermal expansion tolerances. Sleeves may be used to further ruggedize the interconnect and to provide further protection from contamination. In addition, long-range capability spanning multiple boards can be achieved by the pres set of ODP configurations of these teachings that utilize edge-mounted ODP modules in PP-ODP, BB-ODP, and ODP Bus forms.
US08634679B2 Tunable optical filter
Consistent with the present disclosure an optical filter is provided that preferably includes a plurality of looped or ring-shaped waveguides provided on a substrate which are coupled to one another by tunable couplers. Portions of each waveguide constitute part of each tunable coupler, which may include, for example, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. A heater may be thermally coupled to one or both arms of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, to thereby adjust an amount of optical coupling between adjacent looped waveguides. The filter bandwidth (i.e., the spectral width of the passband), which, as noted above, is related to such coupling, can thus also be tuned or varied. Additional heaters may be provided to tune the center wavelength of the passband so that a filter having both a variable passband spectral width and center wavelength can be obtained.
US08634668B2 Method of compression of digital images using a fixed number of bits per block
A method of compression of digital images using a fixed number of bits per block is described. Intra-coding is used for lossless compression of digital images. The image is partitioned into blocks with the same size. The encoder generates a fixed and predetermined number of bits for each block. The encoding process includes gamma conversion applied to the input image to generate data. Additional stages include prediction, quantization, DPCM, entropy coding and refinement.
US08634665B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
This invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method for improving the processing capacity per unit time in encoding and decoding images.A coefficient line sorting portion 104 sorts coefficient lines into an order which is different from that of wavelet inverse transform process as well as from that of transmission and in which the coefficient lines are sorted for an encoding process of which the degree of difficulty of encoding can be estimated by a rate control portion 109 at the earliest possible time. An encoded line sorting portion 108 sorts encoded lines into an order which is different from that of wavelet inverse transform process and in which the encoded lines are transmitted with improved resistance to the instability of the available transmission rate. This invention can be applied to image processing apparatus, for example.
US08634661B2 Event classification method using light source detection
A method for determining an event classification for digital images, comprising: receiving one or more digital images; detecting one or more man-made light emitting sources within the one or more digital images; using a data processor to automatically determine an event classification responsive to analyzing a spatial arrangement of the detected man-made light emitting sources in the one or more digital images; and storing metadata in a processor-accessible memory associating the determined event classification with each of the one or more digital images.
US08634657B2 Image processing device and computer-program product of image evaluation
An image processing device includes: a first arithmetic operation unit that individually calculates an evaluation value based upon first factors, in correspondence to each of a plurality of images included in an image batch input thereto; an exclusion unit that executes exclusion processing based upon calculation results provided by the first arithmetic operation unit so as to exclude an image, the calculation results for which satisfy a predetermined condition, from the image batch; a second arithmetic operation unit that individually calculates an evaluation value based upon second factors, which include a factor different from the first factors, in correspondence to each image in the image batch having undergone the exclusion processing; and an evaluation processing unit that ranks individual images in the image batch having undergone the exclusion processing based upon calculation results provided by the second arithmetic operation unit.
US08634655B2 Key blank identification system with bitting analysis
A key identification system is provided. The key identification system comprises a sensing device configured to extract bitting information from a master key, and a logic configured to analyze the image. The sensing device may be configured to capture information about the bittings of the master key, such as an image of the bittings. The logic analyzes information about the bittings of the master key and compares it with bitting characteristics of known key blanks to determine the likelihood of a match between the master key and a known key blank.
US08634650B2 Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes an image area extracting section for identifying and extracting, on the basis of inputted image data, an image area within the document where an image is present. The image area extracting section includes an image area detecting section for comparing a pixel value of each part of an image of the inputted image data with a threshold value so as to detect, as the image area, an area where a pixel value is larger than the threshold value. The image area extracting section further includes a judging section for judging a type of the inputted image data, and a threshold value changing section for changing the threshold value used in the image area detecting section to one suitable for the type of the inputted image data in accordance with the type judged by the judging section.
US08634643B2 Image adjustment method
An image adjustment method is disclosed. The steps of the method include: receiving an image data having a plurality of original pixels, the number of the original pixels is equal to Num1, and 2N−1≦Num1≦2N−1, wherein N and Num1 are natural numbers; adding a plurality of expanding pixels to the image data, such that a sum of the original pixels and the expanding pixels is equal to 2N−1; calculating a plurality of cumulative pixel numbers corresponding to a plurality of gray levels, wherein each of the cumulative pixel numbers is not larger than the number of the original pixels and the expanding pixels corresponding to each of the gray levels; and tuning the gray levels of the original pixels according to the corresponding relationship between the gray levels and the cumulative pixel numbers.
US08634639B2 Zero pass JPEG bit rate controller
Embodiments are directed towards compressing an image to substantially a preset file size using statistical information obtained from a single subset of the image and an initial compression of the single subset. A representative subset portion of the image is selected based in part on a clustering analysis of the image. The representative subset is then compressed, in one embodiment, twice, in order to obtain statistics useable for the entire image. A scale factor is then determined that may be used in the quantization and for creating a Bit Rate Control (BRC) curve that represents an amount of accumulated bits per Minimal Codec Unit (MCU). During the compression process, the BRC curve is used to prevent accumulating bits from over shooting a final preset file size target.
US08634635B2 System and method for stereo-view multiple animal behavior characterization
In general, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for identifying behaviors of two or more animal using video. The invention includes a system with at least two video cameras coupled to a computer where the computer is configured to automatically perform animal segmentation and identification, animal body parts identification, and behavior identification.
US08634634B2 Defect observation method and defect observation apparatus
Provided is a defect observation apparatus capable of analyzing a structure such as an arrangement and a vertical relationship of a circuit pattern formed by using design information of a sample, creating a non-defective product image from a defect image based on the analysis results, and detecting a defect by comparative inspection. The defect observation apparatus is provided with a computing unit 120 which receives an input regarding design information of a sample 106 to be observed from a storage unit 114, receives an input regarding observable layer information previously set to the sample to be observed from the storage unit 114 based on the design information including one or more layers, receives an input regarding defect coordinates on the sample detected by another inspection apparatus from the storage unit 114, analyzes, for a defect on the sample 106 to be observed based on the defect coordinates, a circuit pattern structure in a peripheral area of the defect coordinates based on the design information and the layer information, estimates a non-defective product image based on the analysis result of the circuit pattern structure, and detects a defect by a comparative inspection between the non-defective product image and image information from an image obtaining unit.
US08634631B2 Odontological imaging apparatus
A dental CT apparatus includes a control system arranged to move a radiation source and an imaging sensor on the opposite sides of an imaging station. The control system includes at least a first imaging mode designed for imaging patients and means for selecting at least one second imaging mode in which the source of radiation and the imaging sensor are driven during an exposure at an angular velocity of less than 4 degrees/second. A digital three dimensional models of teeth are generated based on imaging impressions or models of teeth by a CT apparatus provided with at least one specific imaging mode for the purpose.
US08634630B2 Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image
Method and apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications in a digital mammogram image. The method includes smoothing the digital mammogram image using a fuzzy smoothing technique to yield a fuzzy smoothed image. The method includes subtracting the fuzzy smoothed image from the digital mammogram image to yield a micro-calcifications enhanced image. The method includes scaling gray level values of pixels in the micro-calcifications enhanced image by a predetermined amount to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of the micro-calcifications. Apparatus for enhancing representations of micro-calcifications includes an image processing unit that uses an image acquisition unit to receive an image and a digital signal processor to process the image to provide a digital mammogram image with enhanced representations of micro-calcifications.
US08634615B2 Method of filtering an image dataset
A method of filtering an image dataset and an apparatus, a data carrier, and a computer program product, the method having the following steps: providing an N-dimensional input image dataset; applying a filtering algorithm to the input image dataset, wherein the filtering algorithm is essentially unvarying over the dataset, to thereby obtain a filtered image dataset; providing a spatially varying weighting function between the input and the filtered image datasets; computing a weighted sum of the input image dataset and the filtered image dataset, thereby using the spatially varying weighting function, in order to obtain an output image dataset.
US08634611B2 Report generation support apparatus, report generation support system, and medical image referring apparatus
A first display displays a medical image based on medical image data. A second display displays a generation screen for generating a string of a medical imaging report. A display controller causes the first display and the second display to display images. An operation part is for operating a pointer displayed on the first display and the second display. An annotation generator receives designation of a position on the medical image displayed on the first display by using the pointer, and attaches sign data representing a position specification sign to the medical image data. An address information acquiring part acquires address information for reading out the medical image data to which the sign data is attached. A linking part links the address information to a link object such as a string designated by using the pointer and displayed on the generation screen displayed on the second display.
US08634610B2 System and method for assessing cancer risk
Methods and systems for determining a probabilistic assessment of a person developing cancer are disclosed. The probabilistic assessment may include receiving a digital breast image of a person, selecting a region of interest within the received breast image, and analyzing this selected region of interest with respect to texture analysis. A probabilistic assessment may then be determined through the use of a logistic regression model based on the texture analysis within the region of interest and personal risk factors. A probabilistic assessment may also be determined through the use of a linear regression model based on the texture analysis within the region of interest and a known cancer indicator or risk factor.
US08634606B2 Method and system for binarization of biometric data
Embodiments of the invention disclose a system and a method for transforming a biometric of a user to a binary feature vector suitable for user authentication, comprising steps of: partitioning the biometric into a set of regions, wherein each region is a contiguous region confining a part of the biometric; determining, for each region, biometric parameters; applying, to each region, binary logical conditions to produce at least one bit of the binary feature vector, wherein the applying is performed by a processer; and outputting the binary feature vector.
US08634604B2 Method and system for enhanced image alignment
Provided is a method for analyzing image slices. The method includes extracting first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and computing a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices. The first and second sub-slices overlap.Also provided is a system for analyzing image slices. The system includes an extraction module configured to extract first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and a shift computation module configured to compute a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices of the extracted sub-slices.
US08634601B2 Surveillance-based high-resolution facial recognition
Various embodiments illustrated and described herein include at least one of systems, methods, and software that utilizes imagery from a single high-resolution camera to capture images, locate individuals, and provide images to a facial recognition process. Some embodiments also include prioritization and filtering that choose which captured images from a stream of images to process and when to process them when there are many images to be processed.
US08634598B2 Patient verification based on a landmark subsurface feature of the patient's body part
Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A described system includes a feature matching circuit that receives a first reference image that includes a representation of a distinctive landmark subsurface feature of a body part of a known patient and a second reference image that includes a representation of a contemporaneously acquired landmark subsurface feature of a body part of a person presenting. A feature matching circuit determines a correspondence between the distinctive landmark subsurface feature of a body part of a known patient and the contemporaneously-acquired landmark subsurface feature of a body part of a person presenting. A data circuit generates informational data indicative of a verification of the person presenting with respect to the known patient, the verification at least partially based on the determined correspondence between the distinctive landmark subsurface feature and the contemporaneously-acquired landmark subsurface feature. A communication circuit outputs the informational data.
US08634593B2 Pixel-based texture-less clear path detection
A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle utilizing analysis of a plurality of images generated by a camera device located upon the vehicle includes monitoring the images wherein each image comprises a plurality of pixels, utilizing a texture-less processing scheme to analyze the images including filtering the image to separate portions of the image indicating a clear surface upon which a potential road surface can be estimated from other portions of the image that do not indicate a potential road surface. The clear path is determined based upon the clear surface and the clear path is utilized to operate the vehicle.
US08634589B2 Information processing apparatus and method for registering moving objects as metadata of an image
An association degree evaluation unit acquires pieces of position information of an image sensing apparatus at respective times within an adjacent time range to an imaging time of a designated image of those sensed by the image sensing apparatus. Furthermore, the association degree evaluation unit acquires pieces of position information of a moving object at the respective times within the adjacent time range. Then, the association degree evaluation unit calculates a similarity between routes of the image sensing apparatus and moving object based on the acquired position information group, and decides a degree of association between the designated image and moving object based on the calculated similarity. An associating unit registers information indicating the degree of association in association with the designated image.
US08634561B2 Secure key management
A system for implementing secure key management is provided. The system includes a computer processor and an application configured to execute on the computer processor, the application implementing a method. The method includes populating a section of information associated with a key, the section being populated with information relating to how the key was created. The method also includes populating the section with information relating to how the key was acquired by a secure module; and binding the section to the key, wherein the key is encrypted.
US08634553B2 Encryption key generation device
A master key (K2,2) inputted by an input unit is stored in a storage unit. A matrix generating unit generates key element matrices (M1-M3) with respect to each of split keys (eR2, eR1, eR3) obtained by a key dividing unit dividing the master key (K2,2). To each coordinate entry of the key element matrices (M1-M3), operation data that successively obtained by repeating a hash operation with a one-way hash function is assigned, so as to maintain hierarchical nature of scalability (L). A key generating unit generates partial keys (K1,1-K2,2) corresponding to respective hierarchies of the scalabilities (R, L), on the basis of the key element matrices (M1-M3). These partial keys (K1,1-K2,2) are outputted to a coding unit or a decoding unit by an output unit.
US08634548B2 Free-stop hinge apparatus for folding-type mobile phone
A free-stop hinge apparatus employed in a folding-type mobile terminal preferably includes: a hinge housing; a driving part for providing a free-stop operation, which is received in the hinge housing. A hinge shaft restrains the driving part in the hinge housing, and the driving part includes a rotating driving actuating cam and a driven sliding cam slides according to rotation of the driving actuating cam. The driving actuating cam includes an inner cam formed on one surface of a body, and an outer cam confronting the inner cam, and the driven sliding cam includes an inner valley which is disposed to confront the inner cam and slides together with the inner cam, and an outer valley which is disposed to confront the outer cam and slides together with the outer cam.
US08634545B2 Method and apparatus for presenting communication identifiers
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to retrieve a telephone number having an area code, an exchange code, and an extension code, generate from the telephone number at least one additional dialing format, present a plurality of dialing formats comprising the telephone number in its original dialing format and the at least one additional dialing format, detect a selection from the plurality of dialing formats, and initiate communications according to the selected dialing format. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08634541B2 Work assignment deferment during periods of agent surplus
A contact center is described along with various methods and mechanisms for administering the same. The contact center proposed herein provides the ability to, among other things, support deferring work item routing decisions for a predetermined amount of time even when agents that are technically qualified to handle the work item are available. The deferment of work item routing decisions helps to achieve better matching and, therefore, increases contact center efficiency even though decisions are delayed.
US08634539B2 Tool and method for managed support services for PCs and other networked devices
An application that resides on a subscriber PC with a constantly updated back-end knowledge base provides solutions to specific problems. The resident application, termed Computer Health and Performance Check (“CHPC”), performs preventative maintenance tasks on the subscriber's PC, such as checking for adware/spyware, viruses, determining whether the disk needs to be defragmented, and the like. In its various embodiments, the system includes a client-side resident PC diagnostic and health performance check tool that is used in conjunction with live customer assistance to provide in-home managed PC support services. Additionally, or in the alternative, customer support is automated with a knowledge base. The system supports VoIP SIP clients to automate and set up certain features.
US08634530B2 Audio mixer and method
A telecommunications system includes a first node having audio and video streams. The system includes a second node having only an audio stream. The system includes a mechanism for forming a call between the first node and the second node so the first node and the second node communicate their audio streams with each other. The forming mechanism is in communication with the first and second nodes. Preferably, a third node can communicate with the first and second nodes through the forming means. A method for forming a telecommunications call including the steps of calling from a first node having audio and video streams a second node having only an audio stream. There is the step of forming a call between the first node and the second node so the first node and the second node communicate their audio streams with each other.
US08634525B2 Methods, systems, and products for processing communications
Methods, systems, and products select an account number of payment of a communication. When multiple account numbers are associated with a customer, the customer is prompted to select the account number that is billed for the communication.
US08634522B2 Method and system for the mass sending of messages
The present publication discloses a method and system for sending messages in a telecommunications network (1, 2, 6, 11, 12), in which method digital messages (40) which contain information on the desired reply address (32) are mass sent (3), and messages, which are sent on the basis of the reply-address information (32) are received (10). According to the invention, the reply-address information of each mass-sent message (40) is converted (3) to correspond to a predefined dialogue, in which the stage of the dialogue defines unequivocally the reply-address information (32), so that the transmission and reception of the messages are implemented in different parts of the telecommunications system (1, 2, 6, 11, 12).
US08634494B2 Bandpass sampling schemes for observation receiver for use in PA DPD system for concurrent multi-band signals
The present disclosure relates to an undersampling observation receiver for use in a power amplifier digital predistortion system for concurrent multi-band signals. In one embodiment, an undersampling observation receiver receives a concurrent multi-band signal output by a power amplifier. The concurrent multi-band output signal includes multiple original frequency bands. Theundersampling observation receiver undersamples the concurrent multi-band signal at a select sampling rate to provide an undersampled multi-band signal. The select sampling rate is such that a frequency-flipped image of at least one of the original frequency bands and images of any remaining original frequency bands fall within a frequency range of zero to half of the select sampling rate and do not overlap one another.
US08634489B1 Systems for selecting a modulation coding scheme
A computer-readable memory tangibly stores a plurality of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to determine an indication of modulation constrained capacity of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication channel. The indication of modulation constrained capacity corresponds to one modulation scheme from a plurality of modulation schemes. The instructions also cause the one or more processors to compare the indication of modulation constrained capacity corresponding to the one modulation scheme to a threshold corresponding to the one modulation scheme, and to select a modulation scheme from the plurality of modulation schemes based on the comparison of the indication of modulation constrained capacity to the threshold.
US08634487B2 Method and system for diversity and mask matching in channel estimation in OFDM communication networks using circular convolution
A mobile device in an OFDM system receives an OFDM signal comprising RS tones and data OFDM symbols. The received RS tones are extracted for channel estimation using a masking operation. Masking parameters are determined by matching channel time variance using corresponding time domain samples of the extracted RS tones. As approximated channel impulse responses of transmission channels, the time samples are masked to perform the channel estimation. The channel time variance comprising inter-carrier interference and delay spread are measured, respectively. A mean of differences in power between neighbor adjacent subcarriers of the extracted RS tones is used for the inter-carrier interference measurement. The delay spread measurement such as root-mean-squared (RMS) delay spread is calculated using the approximated channel impulse responses. Masking parameters are determined based on the inter-carrier measurement and the RMS-DS measurement for generating channel estimates by masking the approximated channel impulse responses.
US08634481B1 Feedback technique for wireless systems with multiple transmit and receive antennas
In a wireless communication system using multiple antennas at the transmitter and multiple antennas at the receiver, a so called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, a substantial improvement in capacity over the case of no feedback can be achieved using considerably less bandwidth than is required to feedback the channel estimate or channel statistics, by supplying as feedback for each data substream of an overall data stream an indicator of a rate and/or an indicator of a gain for transmission of that data substream. The indicator of the rate and/or the indicator of the gain may be the rate and/or gain directly or an encoded representation of the rate and/or gain. Typically, the best performance is achieved if indicators of both the rate and the gain are fed back. If the invention is implemented for wireless systems, then typically for each data substream there is a separate, independent antenna. The rate and the gain are computed as a function of a channel estimate which is developed at the receiver. Advantageously, the transmitter may employ only one-dimensional data coding for each of the data substreams.
US08634476B2 High definition camera
A camera includes a high definition (HD) imager with a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphic processing unit (GPU) including a plurality of processors therein; a wide area network (WAN) transceiver coupling the imager, the CPU or the GPU to a computer cloud with a cloud data storage device; and computer code executable by the processors in the GPU to encode and communicate an image or video to a cloud data storage device for sharing on Skype or a social network.
US08634470B2 Multimedia decoding method and multimedia decoding apparatus based on multi-core processor
Provided are a multimedia decoding method and multimedia decoding apparatus based on a multi-core platform including a central processor and a plurality of operation processors. The multimedia decoding method includes performing a queue generation operation on input multimedia data to generate queues of one or more operations of the multimedia data which are to be performed by the central processor and the operation processors, wherein the queue generation operation is performed by the central processor; performing motion compensation operations on partitioned data regions of the multimedia data by one or more motion compensation processors among the operation processors; and performing a deblocking operation on the multimedia data by a deblocking processor among the operation processors.
US08634464B2 Video compression and encoding method
Disclosed herein is a method for decoding a video signal having at least one frame with a plurality of blocks including a current block, including generating, for at least a selected pixel in the current block, a predicted value for at least one pixel located in a row i and a column j of the current block using a processor and according to the following equation: Xij=Li+Aj−C; wherein Xij is the predicted value, Li is the value of a pixel to the left of the current block, Aj is the value of a pixel in a row above the current block and C is the value of a pixel in the row above and the column to the left of the current block and decoding the current block using the predicted value.
US08634455B2 Symmetric leakage for adaptive finite-impulse-response filters
An adaptive finite-impulse-response filter includes a series of taps; each tap has a corresponding value of tap coefficient. Values of tap coefficients are calculated to minimize a system error function. The solution is under-constrained, and some values of tap coefficients can grow and cause overflow errors. Growth of tap coefficients is controlled by introducing tap leakage. Disclosed is a symmetric leakage algorithm, in which an updated value of the tap coefficient of a particular tap is based on the old value of the tap coefficient of the particular tap, on the old values of the tap coefficients of a set of taps preceding the particular tap, and on the old values of the tap coefficients of a series of taps following the particular tap.
US08634454B2 Receiver circuit, method of adjusting offset, and transmission/reception system
A receiver circuit includes: an equalization circuit that equalizes a first signal to obtain a second signal, and adjusts a characteristic of an equalization in accordance with an error between the second signal and a third signal; and a first offset adjustment circuit that adjusts an offset of the first signal in accordance with an error signal indicating the error.
US08634440B2 Time-division multiplexing processing circuitry
An integrated circuit including multiple instances of identical processing circuitry may be modelled within a field programmable gate array integrated circuit by second processing circuitry connected via a multiplexer to first processing circuitry and operating at a multiple of the clock frequency of the first processing circuitry. Demultiplexing circuitry is used to reform the multiple outputs of the respective separate instances to be fed back to the first processing circuitry.
US08634437B2 Extended network protocols for communicating metadata with virtual machines
Network devices include hosted virtual machines and virtual machine applications. Hosted virtual machines and their applications implement additional functions and services in network devices. Network devices include data taps for directing network traffic to hosted virtual machines and allowing hosted virtual machines to inject network traffic. Network devices include unidirectional data flow specifications, referred to as hyperswitches. Each hyperswitch is associated with a hosted virtual machine and receives network traffic received by the network device from a single direction. Each hyperswitch processes network traffic according to rules and rule criteria. A hosted virtual machine can be associated with multiple hyperswitches, thereby independently specifying the data flow of network traffic to and from the hosted virtual machine from multiple networks. The network device architecture also enables the communication of additional information between the network device and one or more virtual machine applications using an extended non-standard network protocol.
US08634434B2 Message routing in wireless mesh networks
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses related to the routing of communications in a wireless mesh network so as to provide improved range, reliability and/or throughput. At least some aspects of the techniques and apparatuses can be implemented in an intermediary node (relay node) on a wireless mesh network. The relay node and other devices on the wireless network may implement a form of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication, such as multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO). The devices on the network can communicate in accordance with IEEE standard 802.11.
US08634431B1 Quality of service and flow control architecture for a passive optical network
In controlling data packet transmission for a passive optical network, a controller provides memory access and flow control of packet data from a host memory to an external optical network device, such as an optical line termination, optical network unit, or optical network termination. The controller is programmed to control packet data flow through the transmission buffer by resizing the transmission buffer to compensate for increases or decreases in bandwidth demand. For example, the transmission buffer may include a plurality of FIFOs, each of a different transmission container type and each capable of having a different bandwidth allocation, which allocation is changed by the controller in response any one of the FIFO's usage levels increasing above a high threshold or decreasing below a low threshold.
US08634419B2 Reliable and fast method and system to broadcast data
A reliable and scalable system and method of broadcasting information to other computer nodes in a communication network requires only O(2) time steps. According to one aspect, after broadcasting data in O(1) steps to all nodes in the network, the system and method provides a distributed reliability protocol to ensure data delivery which only requires an additional O(1) steps. Therefore, unlike in prior art approaches where the root or co-root is responsible for the reliable data delivery, each node in the network takes on responsibility to deliver the message to a partner/neighborhood node. The broadcasting method and system of the can be used as building block for most collective/distributive operations, and provides a significant performance advantage in parallel computer systems that have multicast/broadcast capabilities.
US08634412B2 Session initiation protocol (SIP) message incorporating a multi-purpose internet mail extension (MIME) media type for describing the content and format of information included in the SIP message
A system and method for processing a plurality of requests for multi-media services received at a call control element (CCE) defined on the system from a plurality of IP-communication devices. The system includes at least one Network Routing Element, a Service Broker, a media sever, a plurality of application servers and a plurality of border elements, all of which are coupled to the CCE. The CCE is adapted to receive requests for multi-media services and to generate subsequent requests for the multi-media services, which are communicated to the SB for processing. The subsequent requests can each include a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message including a message identifier portion having at least a first predetermined information field and a second predetermined information field. The message identifier portion of the SIP message declares the content and format of the SIP message to a recipient device defined on the system.
US08634400B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving status report comprising received status of packet data in a mobile communication system
A method and terminal apparatus for transmitting a status report comprising a received status of packet data in a mobile communication system are provided, in which whether transmission of an implicit Negative Acknowledge (NACK) signal is required for requesting retransmission of at least one non-received data packet whose sequence number is unidentified is determined, if transmission of the implicit NACK signal is required, the implicit NACK signal including a sequence number of the last packet is generated among successfully received data packets, and a status report including the implicit NACK signal is transmitted to the transmitter, and if transmission of the implicit NACK signal is not required, a status report is transmitted to the transmitter including at least one of an ACK signal comprising a sequence number of a successfully received data packet and an explicit NACK signal comprising a sequence number of a non-received data packet whose sequence number is identified.
US08634399B2 Uplink and bi-directional traffic classification for wireless communication
Techniques for performing traffic classification for uplink and bi-directional traffic streams are described. A station receives packets for transmission on the uplink to an access point. The station identifies packets for each uplink traffic stream and packets for each bi-directional traffic stream based on at least one classification parameter for each traffic stream. The station sends packets for each traffic stream in accordance with at least one QoS parameter for the traffic stream. The access point receives packets for transmission on the downlink to at least one station. The access point identifies packets for each downlink traffic stream and packets for each bi-directional traffic stream based on at least one classification parameter for each traffic stream. The access point sends packets for each traffic stream in accordance with at least one QoS parameter for the traffic stream.
US08634394B1 Mechanism to verify packet data network support for internet protocol mobility
An access router includes a wireless network interface, an address assignment module, and an availability module. The wireless network interface establishes a wireless link with a wireless terminal. The address assignment module determines a list of packet data networks for use by the wireless terminal. The availability module determines a mobile internet protocol availability for each packet data network in the list of packet data networks and generates an availability signal based on each mobile internet protocol availability. The address assignment module transmits an address assignment message that includes the availability signal to the wireless terminal.
US08634390B2 Systems and methods for wireless local area network based control of a set-top box device
An exemplary method includes establishing, by a mobile phone device, a wireless local area network communication channel between the mobile phone device and a set-top box device, providing, by the mobile phone device, a graphical user interface for display on a display screen of the mobile phone device, the graphical user interface configured to facilitate inputting of one or more control commands by a user of the mobile phone device, and controlling, by the mobile phone device, at least one operation of the set-top box device via the wireless local area network communication channel in accordance with the one or more control commands. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
US08634389B2 Digital surveillance
A method includes establishing a first communication path from an access point to a service assurance platform via a first network. The access point is configured to provide a wireless local area network. The method includes establishing a second communication path from the access point to the service assurance platform via a mobile device coupled to a second network. The second communication path is distinct from the first communication path. The method includes initiating transmission of a message from the access point to the service assurance platform via the mobile device. The message is associated with an issue detected by a device coupled to the wireless local area network.
US08634368B2 Method for allocating resource in LTE system
The present invention relates to a fractional RB (Resource Block) allocation method which enables resource allocation in a unit smaller than RB to improve the capacity of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) in an LTE (Long Term Evolution) system. That is, the present invention introduces a resource arrangement method which allows different users to share the same resource, without even using an SDMA, and a method for informing the fractional RB allocation and how to use the same. A method for introducing multiplexation into an RB and changing the RE arrangement is proposed to support the downlink fractional RB allocation. A method for changing the RE arrangement is also proposed to support the uplink fractional RB allocation. According to the present invention, to provide a consistent service with a small amount of traffic generated as in the VoIP, resources of a smaller amount than a single RB can be used for a terminal with a good channel state. In the present invention, the occupancy of resources for the terminals of an excellent channel state is reduced so that the capacity of the VoIP can be improved.
US08634367B2 System and method for allocating transmission resources
A method for wirelessly transmitting data and control information using a plurality of transmission layers includes determining a number of bits in one or more user data codewords to be transmitted during a subframe and calculating, for each of M control signals to be transmitted during the subframe, a value (Q′), based at least in part, on the number of bits in the one or more user data codewords, and an estimated number of user data vector symbols onto which the one or more user data codewords will be mapped. The estimate of the number of user data vector symbols for a particular one of the M control signals depends, at least in part, on a number of control vector symbols to be allocated to one or more others of the M control signals. The method also includes determining a number of control vector symbols onto which to map each of the M control signals based on a respective value Q′ calculated for that control signal, mapping the control signals for that control signal, and transmitting the control vector symbols.
US08634366B2 Method and apparatus for transmitting signals segmentation
A method for transmitting a transport block includes segmenting the transport block into code blocks corresponding in number to a multiple of the number of layers to be used for the transmission of the transport block, attaching a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) to the segmented code blocks, sequentially mapping the code blocks to which the CRC has been attached to at least one layer according to a predetermined mapping rule, and transmitting the code blocks.
US08634365B2 System and method for allocating transmission resources
A method for wirelessly transmitting data using a plurality of transmission layers includes estimating a number of vector symbols to be allocated to transmission of user data codewords during a subframe and determining a number of bits in a plurality of user data codewords to be transmitted during the subframe. The method also includes calculating a number of control vector symbols to allocate to control information based at least in part on the estimated number of vector symbols and the determined number of bits. Additionally, the method includes mapping control codewords to the calculated number of control vector symbols and transmitting vector symbols carrying the user data codewords and the control codewords over the plurality of transmission layers during the subframe.
US08634362B2 Reference signals for multi-user MIMO communication
Methods and apparatuses are provided that facilitate generating sequences for transmitting reference signals (RS) based at least in part on a cell identifier or other parameters common for a plurality of cells. Where the plurality of cells provide similar joint uplink resources to a device in multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), the device can transmit a signal to the plurality of cells over the joint uplink resources. For RSs transmitted according to a sequence generated based on a cell specific identifier or other parameters, the device can utilize a cell identifier, or other parameters, common to the plurality of cells such that the plurality of cells can all decode the RSs. In this regard as well, the plurality of cells can each receive or generate the common cell identifier or other parameters to properly decode the RSs.
US08634357B2 Distributed antenna system
A wireless communication network employs a distributed antenna system to provide radio coverage. The wireless communication network comprises a plurality of access points providing service in respective coverage areas. The access point within each coverage area connects to a plurality of antennas that are widely distributed within the coverage area. Radio resources at antennas within the overlapping region of two or more neighboring coverage areas are shared by the access points in the neighboring coverage areas according to a multiple access scheme. The sharing of radio resources within the overlapping region of two or more coverage areas allows the overlapping region to be enlarged, thereby providing more time to complete a handover.
US08634353B2 Apparatus and method for hybrid automatic repeat request
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate using both synchronous and asynchronous HARQ assignment schemes. According to various aspects, the system and methods are described for determining if a synchronous HARQ or an asynchronous HARQ assignment scheme should be used for providing a resource assignment and indicating whether the resource assignment is provided using the synchronous HARQ or an asynchronous HARQ assignment scheme.
US08634346B2 Dynamic gateway selection process
A selection mechanism and a selection process are disclosed that provide the selection of a network device based on defined criteria to allow efficient use of the network and load balancing. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes receiving an initial attachment at a gateway including an identifier of a radio attachment point, obtaining a name for the radio attachment point based on the identifier, accessing a list of names of packet data network gateways (PGWs) that can serve the initial attachment to provide a network connection, comparing the name for the radio attachment point with the list of names of the PGWs to determine at least one PGW that provides a closest match to the name for the radio attachment point, and selecting at least one PGW that provides the closest match to establish the network connection.
US08634341B1 Method and apparatus for iterative synchronization of two or more electronic devices
Dynamic adjustment of offset between timebases of separated electronic circuits is provided based on an amount of time between synchronization events, wherein a synchronization event is an event involving communication across a separation between the separated electronic circuits in order to synchronize the timebases. The dynamic adjustment can be dynamically or adaptively adjusting a margin of error to account for drift that may have occurred since a prior synchronization event. Adjustments might be done by applying a learning sequence to quantify and adjust for static or slowly varying delays between the timebases and coordinating the timebases using output of the learning sequence. The learning sequence might quantify and adjust for static or slowly varying delays and frequency drift in a communication system having a master timebase device and slave timebase devices wherein slave timebase devices are configured to adjust their local timebases to coincide with the master timebase by obtaining timing/synchronization information during one or more events, the events being communication and/or synchronization events, analyzing the timing/synchronization information to derive timing errors due to system nonidealities, and applying timing correction based on timing errors derived by the analyzing.
US08634336B2 Method for power saving in wireless local area network and apparatus for the same
A method of power saving in a wireless local area network is provided. The method, performed by a wireless device, includes acquiring TXOP (transmission opportunity) from access point (AP), the TXOP indicating an interval of time when the AP has the right to transmit at least one data block for multi user-multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) transmission, receiving a power saving indicator from the AP, the power saving indicator indicating whether the AP allows to enter doze state during the TXOP, and entering the doze state until the end of the TXOP if the power saving indicator indicates an allowance of entering the doze state.
US08634326B2 Method and node for the control of a connection in a communication network
A Method for controlling an establishment or a modification of a connection according to a packet based transmission scheme in a communication network (100) comprising a plurality of nodes (102-112) is proposed. The connection (113) to be established or modified comprises or utilizes one or more entities potentially causing a transmission delay for a transmission over the connection. An indicator indicating an expected accumulated delay for the connection (124) is sent between nodes controlling the connection and one of the nodes controlling the connection checks the indicator when it performs a decision on the packetisation time to be applied for the connection.
US08634321B2 Proxy agents in a network
Methods for network device management are described. Load balancing for one or more proxy agents 114, in a network 100, is implemented based on a threshold load and a threshold interval. The load on each of the proxy agents 114 is compared with the threshold load to determine whether a given proxy agent is overloaded, under-loaded, or balanced.
US08634319B2 Method whereby a channel quality indicator is fed back by a terminal in a multiple-antenna wireless communication system, and a device therefor
Disclosed is a method whereby a channel quality indicator is fed back by a terminal in a multiple-antenna wireless communication system. More specifically, the method comprises the steps of: receiving reference signals corresponding to a plurality of data streams from a base station; using the reference signals to calculate a channel quality indicator; and transmitting the calculated channel quality indicator to the base station; and, in the step in which the channel quality indicator is calculated, the channel quality indicator is calculated under the assumption that at least one of the reference signals has been transmitted using wither the spatial-multiplexing technique or the transmit diversity technique, depending on the feedback setting of the terminal.
US08634317B1 Method and apparatus for detecting packets
In a method for detecting a duplicate packet in a signal, the signal is received using a receiver. Carrier sense (CS) operations are performed on the received signal in at least each of two frequency bands. Clear channel assessment (CCA) operations are performed on the received signal in the at least each of two frequency bands. A determination whether the received signal corresponds to a packet duplicated in the at least two frequency bands is made based on the CS operations and the CCA operations.
US08634312B2 Effective data block transmission method using header indicator
Disclosed is a radio (wireless) communication system providing a radio communication service and a terminal, and more particularly, to a method of exchanging a data block or data unit between a base station and a terminal in an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (E-UMTS) that has evolved from a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, which can generate a data block to enhance efficiency of radio resources.
US08634305B2 Time triggered ethernet system testing means and method
Methods and apparatus are provided for evaluating the performance of a Time Triggered Ethernet (TTE) system employing Time Triggered (TT) communication. A real TTE system under test (SUT) having real input elements communicating using TT messages with output elements via one or more first TTE switches during a first time interval schedule established for the SUT. A simulation system is also provided having input simulators that communicate using TT messages via one or more second TTE switches with the same output elements during a second time interval schedule established for the simulation system. The first and second time interval schedules are off-set slightly so that messages from the input simulators, when present, arrive at the output elements prior to messages from the analogous real inputs, thereby having priority over messages from the real inputs and causing the system to operate based on the simulated inputs when present.
US08634292B2 Sliced tunnels in a computer network
In one embodiment, a path for a sliced tunnel that extends from a head-end node to a tail-end node is computed. The sliced tunnel is furcated into a plurality of child tunnels at one or more fork nodes located downstream from the head-end node. Each child tunnel carries a portion of traffic for the sliced tunnel. The sliced tunnel is merged at one or more merge nodes located downstream from respective ones of the fork nodes. The portions of traffic on the child tunnels are aggregated at the merge nodes. The head-end node sends a signaling message to establish the sliced tunnel along the computed path. The signaling message includes an indication of the one or more fork nodes where the sliced tunnel is furcated into child tunnels and the one or more merge nodes where child tunnels are merged. The head-end node then forwards traffic onto the sliced tunnel.
US08634282B2 Apparatus and method for providing a tracking servo control when reproducing optical information
An optical information reproducing apparatus and an optical information reproducing method using the same are provided. The optical information reproducing apparatus includes: a reference beam providing unit which inputs a reference beam to a reproduction recording area to be reproduced and a peripheral recording area around the reproduction recording area on an optical information recording medium, a peripheral beam detecting unit which transmits a reproduction beam reproduced from the reproduction recording area in response to the reference beam and detects a peripheral beam reproduced from the peripheral recording area, a tracking servo unit which analyzes optical information of the detected peripheral beam and controls a tracking position, and a reproduction beam detecting unit which detects the reproduction beam having pass through the peripheral beam detecting unit. Accordingly, it is possible to judge a current tracking state using the peripheral beam and to perform a tracking servo control process using the judgment result at the time of reproducing optical information.
US08634269B2 Data output circuit of semiconductor memory apparatus
A data output circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes: a data control driver configured to drive rising data and falling data to output control rising data and control falling data or drive level data to output the control rising data and the control falling data, in response to an output level test signal; a DLL clock control unit configured to drive a rising clock and a falling clock to output a control rising clock and a control falling clock in response to an enable signal and the output level test signal; and a clock synchronization unit configured to synchronize the control rising data and the control falling data with the control rising clock and the control falling clock to output serial rising data and serial falling data.
US08634267B2 Flash memory chip power management for data reliability and methods thereof
A power supply voltage for a memory chip is compared with a plurality of threshold voltages that correspond to voltages below which classes of memory operations can no longer be guaranteed. When the power supply voltage drops below a threshold voltage, appropriate action is taken, which may include generating an indicator such as a flag, proceeding with the operations in some modified manner, or disabling operations that are no longer guaranteed, either permanently or until power is restored, or until some other appropriate time.
US08634263B2 Integrated circuit having memory repair information storage and method therefor
A storage unit on an integrated circuit stores information that identifies a circuit on the integrated circuit, a selected operating condition, and a required operating configuration for the circuit for the selected operating condition. The manner of operating the circuit is changed to the required operating configuration in response to an operating condition of the circuit changing to the selected operating condition. This allows for efficiently identifying the few circuits that do not meet specified requirements based on a reduction in, for example, operating voltage, and altering their operation in order to meet the specified requirements relative to the reduced operating voltage without having to do so for the vast majority of the circuits that are able to meet the requirements at the lowered operating voltage.
US08634260B2 Semiconductor device and control method therefor
A semiconductor device includes a first and a second ROMs; and a first control circuit having an input node and sets a first and a second addresses that are different each other to be respectively recorded in the first and second ROMs from a plurality of input addresses supplied sequentially into the input node, on the basis of a setting signal, the plurality of input addresses including the first and second addresses, wherein the first control circuit being configured to set an input address as the first address based on the setting signal, and the first control circuit further being configured to set an input address as the second address on the basis of the setting signal when the first and second addresses are different each other in a predetermined portion of bits after the first address is set to the first ROM.
US08634251B2 Program method of semiconductor memory device
A program method of a semiconductor memory device may include precharging first bit lines, coupled to first strings, to increase a potential level of the first strings to a first potential level; programming memory cells of a selected word line, wherein the memory cells are coupled to second bit lines; pre-discharging the first bit lines to decrease a potential level of the word lines to a second potential level, wherein the second potential level is lower than the first potential level; and discharging the first bit lines and the word lines to a ground voltage after the pre-discharging.
US08634246B2 Nonvolatile memory device, operating method thereof and memory system including the same
A method of operating a non-volatile memory device includes performing an erasing operation to memory cells associated with a string selection line (SSL), the memory cells associated with the SSL constituting a memory block, and verifying the erasing operation to second memory cells associated with a second word line (WL) after verifying the erasing operation to first memory cells associated with a first word line (WL).
US08634244B2 Adjusting program and erase voltages in a memory device
A system and apparatus for adjusting threshold program and erase voltages in a memory array, such as a floating gate memory array, for example. One such method includes applying a first voltage level to a first edge word line of a memory block string and applying a second voltage level to a second edge word line of the memory block string. Such a method might also include applying a third voltage level to non-edge word lines of the memory block string.
US08634243B2 Data writing method and data storage device
The invention provides a data writing method for a flash memory. First, a target block for storing write data is selected from a plurality of blocks of the flash memory. A target pair page is then selected from a plurality of pair pages of the target block according to a pair page record table, wherein the pair page comprises a strong page and a weak page. The flash memory is then directed to write a data page of the write data to the strong page of the target pair page. The flash memory is then also directed to write first predetermined data to the weak page of the target pair page, wherein the weak page storing the first predetermined data extends the data duration of the strong page of the target pair page. Selecting of the target pair page, writing of the data page, and writing of the first predetermined data are repeated until all of the write data are written to the target block.
US08634242B2 Flash memory having multi-level architecture
Subject matter disclosed herein relates to a multi-level flash memory and a process flow to form same.
US08634241B2 Universal timing waveforms sets to improve random access read and write speed of memories
Methods of increasing the speed of random read and write operations of a memory device are provided for improving the performance of volatile and non-volatile memory devices. In contrast to the conventional approach that latches the current memory address right before the currently accessed memory data are outputted, the methods latch the next memory address before the currently accessed memory data are read out. The flow, timing waveforms and control sequences of applying the methods to parallel NOR flash, parallel pSRAM, serial SQI NOR flash and NAND flash are described in detail. The NOR flash device designed with the method can be integrated with a NAND flash device on a same die in a combo flash device packaged in either an ONFI compatible NAND flash package or other standard NAND flash package.
US08634231B2 Magnetic tunnel junction structure
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure is disclosed that includes a bottom electrode, a fixed layer, a tunnel barrier layer, a free layer, and a top electrode. The bottom electrode is coupled to a bottom surface of the fixed layer and extends along at least one sidewall of the fixed layer.
US08634225B2 Method and apparatus managing worn cells in resistive memories
A method and apparatus for management worn resistive memory cells are presented. A normal read mode or worn memory cell detecting mode are used depending on the wear state of a resistive memory cell. A detection reference point is changed upon wear indication to detect the resistance of the resistive memory cell. The resistance of the resistive memory cell is detected using the changed detection reference point to determine whether or not the resistive memory cell is worn by comparing the detected resistance to a wear reference level.
US08634223B2 Magnetic memory with asymmetric energy barrier
A magnetic tunnel junction memory cell includes a ferromagnetic reference layer, a ferromagnetic free layer, and a non-magnetic barrier layer separating the ferromagnetic reference layer from the ferromagnetic free layer. The magnetic tunnel junction cell has an asymmetric energy barrier for switching between a high resistance data state and a low resistance data state. Memory devices and methods are also described.
US08634213B2 Power supply circuit with a control terminal for different functional modes of operation
A method of operation for flyback power converter includes operating a controller of the flyback power converter in a regulation mode when a control signal is below a first threshold. The control signal is provided as an input to a terminal of the flyback power converter. When the control signal is below a second threshold and above the first threshold, the controller is operated in a limiting mode. The controller is operated in an external command mode when the control signal is below a third threshold and above the second threshold. Lastly, when the control signal is above the third threshold, the controller is operated in a protection mode.
US08634212B2 Controller and controlling method for power converter
A controller for a power converter is provided. The controller includes a sense current integrating circuit, a reference current integrating circuit and a drive signal generation circuit. The sense current integrating circuit performs an integrating operation to a sense current representative of a conduction current flowing through a power switch of the power converter and thereby outputs a first integrating result. The reference current integrating circuit performs another integrating operation to a reference current and thereby outputs a second integrating result. The drive signal generation circuit determines a switching period of the power switch according to a status of an output voltage of the power converter cooperative with a relative magnitude relationship between the first integrating result and the second integrating circuit. Furthermore, a controlling method for such power converter also is provided.
US08634200B2 Portable terminal
A portable terminal, which has easily adjustable reception sensitivity, includes an operating section side case section (2) having a first case member (30) which forms appearance; a display section side case section (3); a circuit section (33), which is arranged on the operating section side case section (2) or the display section side case section (3), and has a ground section (31), a power feed section (32), and a signal processing section (36) connected to the power feed section (32); a first conductive section (34), which is arranged on the operating section side case section (2) and electrically connected to the ground section (31); and a second conductive section (35) which is arranged on the display section side case section (3) and electrically connected to the power feed section (32). The first conductive section (34) is formed in the first case member (30).
US08634197B2 Board module and printer
There is provided a board module to be mounted on an electronic apparatus for adding functions to the electronic apparatus. A second board extends perpendicularly from a first board. The second board is locked to the first board at an abutting end which abuts on the first board. A plate-shaped board fixing member pinches and fixes a fixed end of the second board, which is parallel to the abutting end. The board fixing member is arranged parallel to the first board. The board fixing member is formed with a slit-shaped opening into which the fixed end is inserted, a pair of pinching projections protruding from an opening edge of the opening and pinching the fixed end from both front and rear surfaces of the second board, and a pair of slits being located adjacent to the pair of pinching projections, respectively and being parallel to the opening.
US08634196B2 Locking mechanism and electronic device
A locking mechanism and an electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a moving module, and a locking mechanism. The moving module is disposed between the first body and the second body, so that the second body is rotatable and tiltable relative to the first body. The locking mechanism includes a first connecting member and a plug. When the plug is coupled with the first connecting member by a magnetic force, the second body is slidable relative to the first body. When the second body is tilted up to decouple the plug from the first connecting member, the plug interferes the moving module, so that the second body is not slidable relative to the first body.
US08634195B2 Heatsink with substance embedded to suppress electromagnetic interference
A heatsink may include an area in thermal contact with a semiconductor microchip surface and a first trench of a first depth. The first trench may be substantially continuous around the area. A first substance, such as ferrite, may be positioned in the first trench to attenuate electromagnetic interference. A second trench having a second depth may be formed around and further from the area than the first trench. A second substance may be positioned in the second trench.
US08634191B2 Portable electronic device with buffered internal electronic module
An exemplary portable electronic device includes a bottom cover, a top cover, an electronic module, and elastic washers. The top cover engages with the bottom cover to define a space therebetween. The electronic module is received in the space. Poles protrude up from the bottom cover. The elastic washers are fixed on the electronic module. A through hole is defined in each of the washers. The poles respectively extend through the through holes of the washers, and opposite ends of each of the washers respectively elastically abut the top cover and the bottom cover.
US08634188B2 Notebook computer docking stations
A docking station for supporting a notebook computer. In one embodiment, an docking station includes a base, a platform on which the notebook computer can be placed, and a platform support armature that extends up from the base and supports the platform, wherein the armature can be pivoted to change the height of the platform and the platform can be pivoted independent of the armature to change an angle of inclination of the platform.
US08634186B2 Non-volatile memory controller cable arrangement
A cable solution which enables a flash controller which is located on a motherboard of an information processing system to be coupled with a memory socket which is located within a passive socket panel. In certain embodiments, a cable and header arrangement is provided for connecting the motherboard to the chassis socket panel card. This arrangement allows the front panel card to be simplified (i.e., to be a passive card). In certain embodiments, the solution uses a cable structure such as that used for integrated drive electronics (IDE) type disk drive cables or an ultra AT attachment (U-ATA) type cable. The cable solution provides a low cost solution which offers multiple performance options for a single cost. For example, the cable solution functions with both a standard memory card socket as well as a high speed memory card. Also, in certain embodiments, the header connections include ground signal paths interposed among the data signal paths. The board header connectors are the same for both the standard and high speed socket configurations, only the cable changes between the standard and high speed configurations.
US08634178B2 ESD protection in a very small form factor consumer electronic product
A very small form factor consumer electronic product includes at least a single piece housing having an integral front and side walls that cooperate to form a cavity in cooperation with a front opening where an edge of the side walls define a rear opening and at least some of the edges have flanges. The consumer electronic product also includes an user input assembly having a size and shape in accordance with the front opening and a clip assembly having a size and shape in accordance with the rear opening and having an external user actionable clip, a plurality of internal hooking features, and a plurality of internal latching features. The clip assembly is secured by engaging at least some of the hooking features and the flanges on the edges of the housing and engaging the latching features and corresponding attachment features on the internal support plate.
US08634172B2 Silicon controlled rectifier based electrostatic discharge protection circuit with integrated JFETs, method of operation and design structure
An enhanced turn-on time SCR based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes an integrated JFET, method of use and design structure. The enhanced turn-on time silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit includes an integrated JFET in series with an NPN base.
US08634165B2 Load beam with load bends generating load, head suspension with the load beam, and method of forming load bends of the load beam
A load beam of a head suspension has a rigid part and a resilient part supported with a base to be attached to a carriage arm. The load beam applies a load onto a head supported at a front end of the rigid part. The load beam includes a load bend formed in each of a pair of legs that extend from widthwise sides of a base end of the rigid part and form the resilient part. The load bend is formed by bending the leg along a bend line that is defined on the leg and extends in a width direction of the load beam. The bend lines on the legs are positionally shifted from each other in a length direction of the load beam.
US08634162B2 Perpendicular write head having a stepped flare structure and method of manufacture thereof
A magnetic write head for data recording having a magnetic write pole with a stepped magnetic shell structure that defines a secondary flare point. The secondary flare point defined by the magnetic shell portion can be more tightly controlled with respect to its distance from the air bearing surface (ABS) of the write head than can a traditional flare point that is photolithographically on the main pole structure. This allows the effective flare point of the write head to be moved much closer to the ABS than would otherwise be possible using currently available tooling and photolithography techniques. The write head may also include a magnetic trailing shield that wraps around the main pole portion. The trailing shield can have a hack edge defining a trailing shield throat height that is either between the secondary flare point or coincident or behind the secondary flare point, depending on design requirements.
US08634155B2 Thermally assisted magnetic recording disk with ion-implant facilitated non-magnetic regions, manufacturing method thereof, and magnetic recording method
The invention provides a magnetic disk that solves (1) a problem of cross-talk that cannot be solved even by an existing thermally assisted recording method or a discrete method (DTM or the like), (2) a problem of surface flatness, which an existing embedding type DTM or the like has, and (3) a problem of a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between materials when a thermally assisted method is applied to the DTM, and that (4) does not necessitate a special medium structure, and is excellent in a surface flatness and economically and functionally high in realizability. A DTM manufactured by ion implantation is excellent in the surface flatness, and can solve the cross-talk problem by conducting the thermally assisted recording at a temperature between a Curie temperature (Tcn) of a portion where ions are implanted (non-recording region) and a Curie temperature (Tcr) of a portion where ions are not implanted (recording region).
US08634153B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium, method of manufacturing the same, and magnetic recording/reproduction apparatus
According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, an auxiliary layer formed on the substrate, and at least one perpendicular magnetic recording layer formed on the auxiliary layer. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer includes a magnetic dot pattern. The perpendicular magnetic recording layer is made of an alloy material containing one element selected from iron and cobalt, and one element selected from platinum and palladium. This alloy material has the L10 structure, and is (001)-oriented. The auxiliary layer includes a dot-like first region covered with the magnetic dot pattern, and a second region not covered with the magnetic dot pattern. The first region is made of one metal selected from (100)-oriented nickel and (100)-oriented iron. The second region contains an oxide of the metal used in the first region.
US08634147B2 Apparatus for transferring optical element
An apparatus that transfers an optical element includes: a driving unit that generates a driving force in response to an external signal, a rotating plate that rotates due to the driving unit, a first deceleration unit that is rotatably in frictional contact with the rotating plate, a rotating shaft that has an outer screw surface and that rotates by being mated to the first deceleration unit, an intermediate plate that is rotatably in frictional contact with the first deceleration unit, a second deceleration unit that is rotatably in frictional contact with the intermediate plate, a transmission unit that transmits an external rotational force to the second deceleration unit, and a moving unit that supports the optical element and that is engaged with the outer screw surface of the rotating shaft and moves with the rotating shaft as the rotating shaft rotates.
US08634146B2 Method of making a nanostructure
A method of making a nanostructure is provided that includes applying a thin, random discontinuous masking layer (105) to a major surface (103) of a substrate (101) by plasma chemical vapor deposition. The substrate (101) can be a polymer, an inorganic material, an alloy, or a solid solution. The masking layer (105) can include the reaction product of plasma chemical vapor deposition using a reactant gas comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of organosilicon compounds, metal alkyls, metal isopropoxides, metal acetylacetonates, and metal halides. Portions (107) of the substrate (101) not protected by the masking layer (105) are then etched away by reactive ion etching to make the nanostructures.
US08634141B2 Evanescent electromagnetic wave conversion apparatus I
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial.
US08634140B2 Evanescent electromagnetic wave conversion apparatus III
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial.
US08634136B2 Transmission screen for interactive board
There is provided a screen that, as a screen suitable for an interactive board, can output video image light incident obliquely from the back surface side to a viewer side to display a reflection-free image and, at the same time, can realize easy handwriting on the screen surface on the viewer side. To this end, a transmission screen for an interactive board is provided that comprises at least a Fresnel lens sheet comprising a prism part on its incident light side, a light diffusing member provided on the Fresnel lens on its surface side remote from the prism part, and a hard coat layer provided on the outgoing light side of the light diffusing member.
US08634132B2 Objective changer having reflected light illumination for light microscopes
An objective changer having incident-light illumination for light microscopes, including: at least two microscope objectives for examining a specimen, a movable carrier, on which the microscope objectives are mounted, an immovable carrier, which is adapted for mounting on a base body of the microscope, wherein the movable carrier is adapted for defined positioning thereof relatively to the immovable carrier, and at least one illuminating means for illuminating the specimen. The objective changer includes at least one transfer interface for transferring energy for illuminating the specimen is provided on the immovable carrier, at least one energy connector, which is rigidly connected to the movable carrier, is provided for receiving energy to illuminate the specimen, the energy connector is connected to an illuminating means, and by positioning the movable carrier relatively to the immovable carrier, a line engagement can be established between the transfer interface and an energy connector.
US08634126B2 Digital binary MEMS wavefront control
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a new type of phase screen, i.e., an opto-electronic device that can convert a distorted incoming optical wavefront into a plane wave or, conversely, transform a plane wave into a prescribed varying output wavefront. The basic concept involves novel binary all-digital MEMS interferometer configurations that can be used to create controlled and arbitrary optical wavefront using only 0,1 amplitude changes followed by differential propagation distances to convert these amplitude variations into controllable and/or continuous phase variations. Clustered pixel notions, such as Floyd-Steinberg, Stucki or other algorithms useful in digital half-tone printing, are simultaneously employed to create controllable grey-level variations as well as continuous phase variations. Desired grey-levels can be obtained wherein each pixel is formed by, e.g., a 3×3 or 5×5 cluster of mirrors. Both the filling-in of the outputs of the binary mirror (0,1) and the grey-levels are accomplished simply by spatial averaging over a short propagation distance.
US08634125B2 System and method for displaying images
System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.
US08634120B2 Apparatus for condensing light from multiple sources using Bragg gratings
A color sequential illumination device including in series: first and second light sources; a condenser lens; and a grating device. The grating device includes at least one Bragg grating. The condenser lens directs light from the first and second sources into the grating device at first and second incidence angles respectively. The grating device diffracts light from the first and second sources into a common direction. Desirably, the Bragg gratings are Electrically Switchable Bragg Gratings. In one embodiment the light sources are Light Emitting Diodes. Alternatively lasers may be used.
US08634119B2 System for holography
The present invention provides systems of recording holograms that reduce the writing time, increase the diffraction efficiency, improve the resolution, or restitute color. These systems are well suited for use with an updateable 3D holographic display using integral holography and photorefractive polymer.
US08634108B2 Method and apparatus for inspecting image, image forming apparatus, and computer-readable recording medium storing image inspecting program
An image inspecting apparatus includes a first light illuminating unit that irradiates a measured object on which an image is formed with illuminating light from a diagonal direction; an imaging unit that receives specular light of the illuminating light with which the measured object is irradiated by the first light illuminating unit; and an image inspecting unit that inspects the image. The image inspecting unit generates gloss reference data from density distribution data included in print data used for forming the image by using a converting unit. The image inspecting unit inspects a gloss distribution of the image by using the gloss reference data and a gloss distribution of the image that is generated based on an amount of the specular light received by the imaging unit.
US08634106B2 Image processing device
Read data indicative of first and second surfaces of manuscript is divided into a plurality of first and second blocks, respectively. A judging unit judges, based on a first condition, whether each second block is a specified second block and whether each first block is a specified first block. A second condition is set for each first block corresponding to the specified second block. Each second block is more difficult to be judged as the specified second block based on respective second condition than based on the first condition. The judging unit judges whether each first block corresponding to the specified second block is the specified first block based on the respective second condition. The first surface is a specified color first surface when a ratio of a number of the specified first blocks to a total number of first blocks is greater than or equal to a prescribed value.
US08634105B2 Three color neutral axis control in a printing device
A color printing method includes converting source color data to intermediate color data represented in a device independent color space using a first multidimensional gamut mapping of the first device dependent color space to the device independent color space. The device independent color space has a neutral color component. The method further includes converting the intermediate color data to destination color data represented in a second device dependent color space using a second multidimensional gamut mapping of the device independent color space to the second device dependent color space. The second device dependent color space has three primary color components and a virtual black color component defined by substantially equal tonal values of the three primary color components. The second multidimensional gamut mapping includes a mapping from the neutral color component of the device independent color space to the virtual black color component of the second device dependent color space.
US08634089B2 Browser-based product design
Methods for creating a customized document using a downloadable product design tolls executing in the user's browser. A template for a partially completed product design is selected by the user and downloaded to the user's computer for editing by the user at the user's computer using the downloadable design tools. While viewing the product design template, the user can enter text or other content into the template elements. The completed product design can be uploaded to the server for production of the corresponding printed product.
US08634086B2 Tandem printing system and method to control a tandem printing system, and computer system, and computer program product
In a printing system or method a first printing apparatus and a second printing apparatus are respectively selectively operable in simplex mode and duplex mode. Each of the printing apparatuses in simplex mode process print jobs independently of the respective other printing apparatus, and in duplex mode processing print jobs jointly by both of the printing apparatuses. The printing apparatuses are connected with one another for control at least in duplex mode. An activation operating unit is provided via which at least one of the two printing apparatuses is selectively activated for the simplex mode or both of the printing apparatuses are selectively activated for the duplex mode.
US08634082B2 Pulsed lasers in frequency domain diffuse optical tomography and spectroscopy
A diffuse optical tomography system incorporating a mode-locked, tunable laser produces pulsed light that may be used to interrogate tissue with high spatial and spectral resolution. The detection signal may be heterodyne shifted to lower frequencies to allow easy and accurate measurement of phase and amplitude. Embodiments incorporating wavelength-swept, tunable, lasers and embodiments using broadband photonic fiber lasers with spectrally-sensitive detectors are described.
US08634078B2 Sensor, method for detecting the presence and/or concentration of an analyte using the sensor, and use of the method
Methods and sensors for detecting the presence and/or concentration of an analyte are disclosed. In one aspect, a sensing element for use in a sensor is disclosed. The sensing element comprises a resonant cavity device configured to emit optical radiation at an initial power level, a sensing layer exhibiting an initial refractive index, and a detector. The sensing layer is configured to absorb or adsorb an analyte and, in response to absorbing or adsorbing the analyte, exhibit a modified refractive index that differs from the initial refractive index. The resonant cavity device is further configured to, in response to the sensing layer absorbing or adsorbing the analyte, emit optical radiation at a modified power level based on the modified refractive index. The detector is configured to detect the modified power level.
US08634076B2 Multi-sample scattering measurements
In one general aspect, a multi-sample liquid scattering measurement apparatus is disclosed. It includes a coherent light source having an optical output axis, with sample cells that each include a volume that intersects with the optical output axis. Detectors are each positioned to detect scattered light resulting from an interaction between light from the coherent light source and one of the cells. Light scattering analysis logic is responsive to the detectors and operative to determine a property of a liquid sample in each of the sample cells based on the detected scattered light.
US08634068B2 Method of determining the optimal wavelength for inspecting ophthalmic lenses
Methods for inspecting ophthalmic lenses with different wavelengths of radiation are disclosed herein.
US08634064B2 Optical system for increasing illumination efficiency of a patterning device by producing a plurality of beams
A lithography system can include a radiation source, an illumination system, a patterning device, and a projection system. The illumination system can be configured to process a beam of radiation to produce a plurality of beams of radiation. The illumination system can include a pupil defining element, a condenser lens, a field defining element, a first relay that includes first and second lens arrays, a plurality of rods, a diaphragm having transmission areas, and a second relay. The patterning device can be configured to pattern the plurality of beams of radiation. Further, the projection system can be configured to project the patterned beams onto a substrate.
US08634061B2 Exposure apparatus and device manufacturing method
An exposure apparatus for exposing a substrate to a light comprises a projection optical system including an optical element and configured to project a light from an original onto the substrate, an adjusting device configured to adjust at least one of a position, an orientation and a shape of the optical element, and a controller configured to obtain an adjusting amount of the optical element based on a value of an objective function relating to an optical characteristic of the projection optical system, and to control the adjusting device based on the obtained adjusting amount. The objective function includes a variable which represents an upper limit of the adjusting amount.
US08634043B2 Reflective and transparent liquid crystal display device
A transflective liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel including a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, the first and second substrates arranged to face each other and the liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, a reflection polarizer and an absorption polarizer at opposing outer sides of the liquid crystal panel, and a backlight unit at an outer side of the liquid crystal panel and supplying light to the inside of the liquid crystal panel. A reflective axis of the reflection polarizer is parallel with a transmissive axis of the absorption polarizer, the transmissive axis of the reflection polarizer perpendicularly crosses the transmissive axis of the absorption polarize, and the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye.
US08634030B2 Streaming of digital data to a portable device
The present invention achieves wireless delivery of media streams to portable devices for providing media information related to a show or attraction for the purposes of captioning, language translation, and assistive listening. As a person moves about a venue, the device receives infrared or radio signals from transmitters at venue locations. The device decodes each signal as venue location, event time, or device trigger for presentation on the device. The device memory contains audio, text, graphics and device playback may contain one or many of these stored contents. The stored content is synchronized with the user's location, time of travel, time of day, time of a show, or an event in a show and may be in one or many languages. Presentation of stored content on the device may also be altered by user preference, stored logic constraints, automatic learning of user behavior, or user interaction with other devices.
US08634026B2 Digital broadcast receiving apparatus
Disclosed herein is a digital broadcast receiving apparatus configured to receive terrestrial digital television broadcasting and satellite digital broadcasting, including: a terrestrial digital tuner; a satellite digital tuner; a demodulating block configured to demodulate a reception signal of the terrestrial digital television broadcasting with an output supplied from the terrestrial digital tuner, and, at the same time, demodulate a reception signal of the satellite digital broadcasting with an output supplied from the satellite digital tuner; a terrestrial digital tuner control block; a satellite digital tuner control block; and a switching block configured to switch output terminals of the demodulating block in accordance with a positional arrangement of the terrestrial digital tuner and the satellite digital tuner relative to the demodulating block.
US08634019B2 Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus includes a distribution detection unit configured to detect whether a luminance distribution on the screen changes to a hill-shaped form, based on a result of adding photometric values of each of divided photometry areas by rows and by columns, a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a luminance value difference between one portion of the screen and the peripheral portion thereof, a ratio calculating unit configured to calculate a ratio of pixels having a luminance value higher than or equal to a threshold value in the one portion, and a spotlight determination unit configured to determine whether a scene of the captured image is a spotlight scene according to a detection result of the distribution detection unit, calculation result of the difference calculation unit, and a calculation result of the ratio calculation unit.
US08634018B2 Image pickup apparatus and control method thereof
An exemplary aspect of the invention is an image pickup apparatus including a sensor unit including a plurality of pixels; an exposure control unit that controls exposure by a feedback control based on image data acquired by the sensor unit; and a display unit that displays an image having undergone exposure control. During a time period from a point immediately after activation of the image pickup apparatus until a point when an image is displayed on the display unit, the sensor unit executes temporary loading of a part of the image data, and the exposure control unit sets an optimum exposure value based on the image data temporarily loaded.
US08634008B2 Imaging signal processing methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing multiple correlated double sampling (CDS) operations on an imaging pixel, and in some cases on an array of imaging pixels, during a single integration cycle of the pixel(s). The multiple CDS operations may produce multiple CDS values, which may be processed in combination to produce a resulting value substantially free of various types of noise. The CDS operations may be performed using a CDS circuit including a single-ended charge amplifier having an input capacitor. The charge amplifier may also include a variable capacitance providing a variable gain. The variable capacitance may be provided by a feedback capacitor.
US08634007B2 Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, image capturing apparatus, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing the same
A solid state imaging device including a semiconductor substrate; at least one light sensing portion with a charge accumulating portion in the semiconductor substrate; and a dielectric layer over an induced layer of the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the charge accumulation portion, the induced layer being induced by the dielectric layer.
US08634006B2 Image sensor and a configuration for improved skew time
A method of providing a signal to a plurality of signal destinations configured in a planar array, the method comprising: electrically connecting all the signal destinations with at least one conducting element; and providing the signal substantially simultaneously to signal destinations substantially along the perimeter of the planar array and along diagonals of a rectangle.
US08634003B2 Image sensing apparatus that estimates dark current and control method therefor
An image sensing apparatus comprises an image sensor configured to convert an optical image of a subject into image signals by photoelectric conversion. The image sensing apparatus acquires information for estimating a magnitude of a dark current in the image sensor, and, on the basis of the acquired information, selects any one of vertical linear noise correction processing, black subtraction processing, and normal readout processing in which neither the vertical linear noise correction processing or the black subtraction processing is carried out. Then, the image sensing apparatus carries out the vertical linear noise correction processing to correct a vertical linear noise in an image if the vertical linear noise correction processing is selected, or the black subtraction processing to correct a vertical linear noise and a fixed pattern noise in an image if the black subtraction processing is selected.
US08633998B2 Imaging apparatus and display apparatus
Provided are an imaging apparatus and a display apparatus capable of taking a plurality of plane images in different photographing ranges and storing a display method of the plane images along with the taken plane images to arrange a reproduction method during imaging. When moving images are taken by a tele/wide simultaneous imaging mode, the moving images are displayed, and the moving images are recorded every certain time (for example, one second). In parallel with recording of the images, information associating a display method displayed on a monitor with an elapsed time from the start of imaging is stored in ancillary information. When a change in the display method is instructed, a CPU 110 switches the display of a monitor 16 to set the designated display method and stores information on designation of display method in the ancillary information in the next recording.
US08633997B2 Block-based variational image processing method
Block-based variational image processing provides improved image processing by utilizing portions of an image rather than the entire image. The image is divided into multiple smaller portions, and then iterations to determine a partial differential equation for an image processing application are performed on the smaller portions. After performing the iterations on a portion, the resulting information is able to be stored in an external memory. This results in a much lower bandwidth requirement for the data, enabling the method to be performed in hardware. Additionally, the block-based variational image processing utilizes only a small number of neighboring pixels for each iteration.
US08633991B2 Image stabilization of compact imaging device
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an imaging device having a small form factor.
US08633988B2 Image pickup device control signal generating apparatus and method using shift registers
One or more control signals in specified output states are generated at one time at a predetermined timing. A command generation section generates control data, piece by piece at each predetermined timing, corresponding to the plural control signals. A register sequentially receives the generated control data at the each predetermined timing and outputs one or more pieces of the control data to a command execution section at one time at a timing predetermined for the one or more pieces of the control data. The command execution section generates, at one time, one or more control signals of a value or values corresponding to the one or more pieces of the control data received from the register at one time at a timing predetermined for the one or more pieces of the control data.
US08633977B2 Electronic endoscope apparatus
An electronic endoscope apparatus capable of setting the brightness of a displayed spectroscopic image within a desirable range. The apparatus includes: a light source for irradiating white light on an observation target body; a color imaging device for imaging the observation target image; a first color conversion circuit for converting Y/C signals to RGB three color image signals; a spectroscopic image generation circuit for generating a spectroscopic image from the RGB three color image signals; a second color conversion circuit for converting the RGB three color image signals to Y/C signals; a light amount regulation means for regulating the amount of white light irradiated on the observation target body; and a light amount control circuit for controlling the light amount regulation means based on the luminance information provided by the Y/C signals outputted from the second color conversion circuit.
US08633974B2 Image display device
An image display device includes an image display panel including a plurality of pixels configured to display a 2D image or a 3D image, a driving circuit configured to apply a data voltage in a 2D image format or a data voltage in a 3D image format to the image display panel, a controller configured to control the driving circuit in a 2D mode for displaying the 2D image or in a 3D mode for displaying the 3D image, and a patterned retarder configured to convert light from the image display panel to alternately have a first polarization and a second polarization, wherein each pixel includes first to fourth subpixels, and the data voltage in the 2D image format is applied to the first to third subpixels and a luminance compensation voltage is applied to the fourth subpixel in the 2D mode, while the data voltage in the 3D image format is applied to the first to third subpixels and a dark gray voltage is applied to the fourth subpixel in the 3D mode.
US08633968B2 Three-dimensional recording and display system using near- and distal-focused images
Methods and apparatuses for providing simulated three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional display screen without the use of special filters or overlays on the display or special eyewear. Images having different focal points are displayed as pictures and switched between rapidly, such that the human eye automatically adjusts to focus on each picture in succession. As the pictures are presented sequentially, the viewer may perceive that the display shows images at different depth planes. The number of depth planes may vary between embodiments.
US08633967B2 Method and device for the creation of pseudo-holographic images
A method and a device enable the creation of three-dimensional images with more than two perspectives (e.g. pseudo-holographic images), especially to be reproduced with the aid of an autostereoscopic display or an autostereoscopic screen, from fed images having, in particular, only two perspectives, e.g., a left and a right image channel. Also, a related device creates and reproduces three-dimensional images having more than two perspectives, especially in the form of an autostereoscopic multi-user visualization system.
US08633957B2 Image forming apparatus with different clock outputs for toner and non-toner forming regions
The image forming apparatus includes a BG exposure clock output section 305 which outputs a BG exposure clock f1 that slightly emits light from a laser for BG exposure toward a non-toner image forming region on a photosensitive drum 222 and a laser control section 308 which controls the laser so as to slightly emit light for BG exposure based on the BG exposure clock f1 output from the BG exposure clock output section 305. The BG exposure clock output section 305 outputs a clock for BG exposure with a frequency diffused in the range from f1min to f1max.
US08633952B2 Gamut mapping and subpixel rendering systems and methods
In a first embodiment, a display system comprises a display panel with 4 or more colored subpixels. The display system receives input image data specified in a first color space and outputs image data specified in a second color space. The display system further comprises a gamut mapping module for mapping the input image data specified in the first color space to image data specified in the second color space. The gamut mapping module clamps out-of-gamut colors using at least a first clamping system and a second clamping system. The first and second clamping systems yield first and second clamped values. A weighting module produces a resulting clamped value from the first and second clamped values. A final output image value is derived from the resulting clamped value. Other embodiments of the display system include pre-reduction modules and adjustable GMA modules.
US08633951B2 Display system
A display drive circuit of the invention has: an initial-color-gamut-apex-coordinate-storing unit capable of storing initial color gamut apex coordinates; a user-target-color-gamut-apex-coordinate-storing unit capable of storing user target color gamut apex coordinates; a saturation-expansion-coefficient-deciding unit for deciding expansion coefficients of saturation data based on the initial and user target color gamut apex coordinates; and an expansion unit for expanding saturations of display data based on the saturation expansion coefficients. The expansion coefficients of saturation data are decided based on the initial and user target color gamut apex coordinates, and saturations of display data are expanded according to the expansion coefficients. Thus, the degree of expanding the saturations can be controlled for each color gamut or each of R, G and B color properties of an LC display panel.
US08633949B2 Content boundary signaling techniques
Methods and devices provide a user interface that provides visual cues when a document pan or scroll has reached an end or boundary by distorting the document image in response to further user inputs. The image distortion functionality may include shrinking, stretching, accordion expansion, or bouncing of a document image. The degree of image distortion may be proportional to the distance that a user input would have the document move beyond the encountered boundary. When a boundary of a document image is reached during a rapid pan or scroll, a bouncing image distortion may be applied to the document image to inform the user that the document reached a boundary during the movement.
US08633947B2 Computer-readable storage medium having stored therein information processing program, information processing apparatus, information processing system, and information processing method
An information processing section of a game apparatus executes a program including: a step of obtaining an image captured by an outer camera; a step of calculating, when detection of a marker is completed, a position and an orientation of a virtual camera based on a result of the marker detection; a step of obtaining hand-drawn data; a step of capturing, with the virtual camera, a fundamental polygon to which a texture is applied to generate a hand-drawn image, and displaying, on an upper LCD, an image in which the hand-drawn image is superimposed on the camera image; and a step of displaying a hand-drawn input image on a lower LCD.
US08633937B2 Information processing apparatus and information processing method
A memory section provides an input buffer capable of holding image data being a processing target of each processing by an image processing unit, and an output buffer capable of holding image data being a processing result. Through an input section, a user selects a plurality of kinds of processing to be executed by the image processing unit, and an execution sequence of the plurality of kinds of processing. A controller section reserves, based on information selected by a user through the input section, an input buffer and an output buffer for each processing in the memory section, sets an input-output connection relation between the buffers, and notifies, based on the set connection relation, the image processing unit of address information of the input buffer in the memory section and the output buffer for each processing sequentially executed by the image processing unit.
US08633931B2 Image processing method, recording medium storing program thereof and image processing apparatus
This ground tint image generating routine sets an arrangement area where a plurality of character strings are arranged, sets an arrangement start line of a character string at least within the arrangement area (S100), arranges a plurality of character strings from a start position of the arrangement start line in a predetermined direction in a predetermined order, arranges the character string from a start position of the arrangement start line of a next line (S170 to S210) when a character string to be arranged next is outside of the arrangement area, and generates a ground tint image (background image) in an area including the arrangement start line by using a plurality of character strings arranged within the arrangement area (S220).
US08633928B2 Reducing the bandwidth of sampler loads in shaders
Bandwidth may be conserved in messages transferred between a shader and a sampler by converting loads in array of structures format to structure of arrays format. More particularly, four four channel loads in array of structures format may be combined into a single eight channel message in structure of arrays format. Then, the eight channel message in structure of arrays format may be converted back to array of structures format.
US08633921B2 Data driving circuit and liquid crystal display device including the same
An exemplary data driving circuit includes a data register, a counter, and a comparator. The data register is configured for receiving serial gray level signals in turn, and outputting the plurality of gray level signals in parallel. The counter is configured for outputting counting signals. The comparator is configured for receiving the gray level signals and the counting signals, and outputting pulse voltage signals according to the gray level signals and the counting signals. A variety of duty ratios of the pulse voltage signals correspond to a variety of gray levels.
US08633919B2 Display device, driving method of the display device, and electronic device
To reduce a pseudo contour which occurs when displaying by a time gray scale method. When gradation is expressed with an n bit, the bits are divided into three bit groups, and one frame is divided into two subframe groups. Then, a (0
US08633917B2 Method and device for capacitive position detection
The method and device for capacitive position detection are disclosed. A capacitive sensing device including pluralities of first sensors and second sensors. A controller obtains a 2-D sensing information, the 2-D sensing information comprises a plurality of first 1-D sensing information from the capacitive sensing device, and obtains at least one second 1-D sensing information, wherein the value of the at least one second 1-D sensing information is generated based on the sum of the sensed values of one of first 1-D sensing information, determines at least one detected range in the 2-D sensing information based on the at least one second 1-D sensing information when the capacitive sensing device is being touched or approached by at least one external object, and determines each touch related sensing information corresponding to the at least one external object in the at least one detected range.
US08633912B2 Method for making touch panel
The present disclosure provides a method for making touch panel. An array of carbon nanotubes, a substrate, and at least two electrodes are provided. The array of carbon nanotubes is pressed via a pressing device. A carbon nanotube structure is formed on a first surface of the substrate. The at least two electrodes and the carbon nanotube structure are electrically connected and a touch panel is formed.
US08633905B2 Touch sensor, display and electronic unit
A display includes: display pixel electrodes; common electrodes; a display layer; a display control circuit performing image display control based on an image signal; touch detection electrodes each arranged to form a capacitance between each of the touch detection electrodes and each of the common electrodes; and a touch detection circuit detecting an external proximity object based on a detection signal obtained from the touch detection electrodes with use of a common drive voltage for display applied to the common electrodes by the display control circuit as a touch sensor drive signal. The touch detection circuit includes: an A/D (analog-digital) converter section performing sampling of a detection signal obtained from each of the touch detection electrodes at three or more different sampling frequencies to produce three or more sampling detection signals, and a detection section performing a detection operation based on the three or more sampling detection signals.
US08633897B2 Touch panel having curved surface and manufacturing process
The present invention is directed to the provision of a touch panel having a curved shape and its manufacturing process; for this purpose, the touch panel having a curved shape comprises an upper film substrate and a lower film substrate, each formed from a transparent plastic film having a transparent electrically conductive polymer layer, an electrode, and a wiring pattern formed thereon.
US08633896B2 Communication device
According to embodiments described in the specification, a method and apparatus for controlling the display of a mobile electronic device are provided. The mobile electronic device comprises a display; a memory for storing a first application, a first identifier identifying the first application and a second identifier for identifying a second application; and, a processor interconnected with the display and the memory, the processor configured to control the display to generate a launch interface comprising a representation of the second identifier for launching the first application.
US08633895B2 Apparatus and method for improving character input function in mobile terminal
A character input mode of a mobile terminal permits easier viewing of characters being entered on a virtual keyboard. An apparatus and a method permitting detection of misprinted/omitted character when performing a special character input mode An output manager outputs a character input screen including a virtual keyboard region and a character input field region when entering a character input mode, and outputs an auxiliary character input field showing information of currently input data on the virtual keyboard region. A display unit outputs the auxiliary character input field, the character input field, and the virtual keyboard. When an input of the virtual keyboard is detected, the output manager outputs information of data corresponding to an input position on the character input field and the auxiliary character input field. The character input mode preferably includes a mode for inputting at least one of text data, symbol data, and emoticon data.
US08633890B2 Gesture detection based on joint skipping
A system is disclosed for detecting or confirming gestures performed by a user by identifying a vector formed by non-adjacent joints and identifying the angle the vector forms with a reference point. Thus, the system skips one or more intermediate joints between an end joint and a proximal joint closer to the body core of a user. Skipping one or more intermediate joints results in a more reliable indication of the position or movement performed by the user, and consequently a more reliable indication of a given gesture.
US08633881B2 Display apparatus and driving device for displaying
Display driving arrangements including: generation circuit dividing a reference voltage by variable resistors for plural levels of voltages; a decoder circuit decoding gray scale voltage corresponding to the display data among the levels of voltages; and a register setting variable resisters resistance values to adjust amplitude and gradient of the gamma characteristic curve of the gray scale voltages with respect to the gray scale number, the generation circuit having a group of resistive voltage dividing circuits dividing the reference voltage, a variable resister amplitude adjusting the gamma characteristic curve in accordance with register setting values connected with a side of the reference voltage in series, being closer to the side of the reference voltage than the group of resistive voltage dividing circuits, a variable resister to adjust the gradient of the gamma characteristic curve per the register setting values connected within the group of resistive voltage dividing circuits in series.
US08633878B2 Image display
An image display is provided with a display area including pixels, each including illuminating means. A control circuit turns the illuminating means of the pixels on and off. A first terminal of a capacitor is connected to an input terminal of the control circuit. An image signal voltage generation circuit generates image signal voltages and a pixel drive voltage generation circuit generates pixel drive voltages for the pixels. A connector is provided for connecting either one of the image signal voltages or the pixel drive voltages to a second terminal of the capacitor. As such, an amount of drive current for the pixels is controlled in accordance with both the pixel drive voltage and the image signal voltage.
US08633876B2 Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel includes an OLED, a first transistor coupled to a data line and a scan line, a second transistor coupled to the OLED and being configured to supply current to the OLED, a third transistor coupled to a gate electrode and a second electrode of the second transistor, a fourth transistor coupled to a first reference power supply and a light emitting control line, a fifth transistor coupled to the driving transistor and the OLED, a first capacitor coupled between the gate electrode of the driving transistor and a first power supply, a second capacitor coupled between the gate electrode of the driving transistor and the first node, and a compensator configured to control a voltage of the gate electrode of the driving transistor with respect to deterioration of the OLED.
US08633864B2 Antenna having an antenna to radome relation which minimizes user loading effect
An antenna is provided, which is located within an enclosure. The antenna includes one or more arms, where each arm has an electrical length corresponding to an intended frequency band of transmission, and along said length of the arm a source of external loading will have a variable effect. The enclosure includes one or more anticipated points of contact, where a source of external loading will be brought into proximity with said enclosure, and where the one or more arms are constructed and arranged to locate the relatively high impedance areas of the antenna at least a predetermined distance from the one or more anticipated points of interest, and the relatively low impedance areas of the antenna are located more proximate the anticipated points of interest.
US08633859B2 Antenna module
An antenna module includes a support and an antenna. The support includes an upper surface and has a through hole defined in a middle of the upper surface. The antenna includes a feed unit, a first radiator unit, and a second radiator unit. One end of the feed unit is positioned on the upper surface. The other end of the feed unit passes through the through hole, and extends and attaches to a surface opposite to the upper surface. The first radiator unit and the second radiator unit are both connected to the end of the feed unit positioned on the upper surface, and both extend away from the feed unit.
US08633846B2 Successive approximation register analog to digital converter
An apparatus implements analog-to-digital conversion with released requirement on the reference settling errors and improved immunity to the noise originated from the power supply, ground and the positive and negative references. It includes a comparator comparing the specified reference levels with the analog input, multi DAC sub-circuits with separate non-binary search schemes applied to and a digital control logic controlling the reference search process. No cross-talk occurs among the different non-binary search algorithms. Each redundancy scheme is localized in a respective DAC sub-circuit and covers the reference levels only in the current DAC. The non-binary search algorithms are fulfilled in the digital domain and trade the non-binary search step sizes with the number of the search steps to introduce redundancy to the reference levels.
US08633845B2 Low power slope-based analog-to-digital converter
Providing for a two-stage single-slope analog to digital converter (ADC) exhibiting high resolution in conjunction with reduced power consumption is described herein. The ADC can achieve a digital resolution of at least 13 bits according to one or more disclosed embodiments, with significantly lower power consumption than conventional high resolution analog to digital converters. In operation, bias current supplied to one or more components of the ADC can be ramped up to a high magnitude during high accuracy or high speed processes of the ADC. Upon completion of these processes, the bias current can be sharply reduced for at least a portion of a clock cycle. During a residue amplification process associated with a second stage of the ADC, bias current can be increased to a moderate level. Average power consumption can be reduced significantly, while maintaining peak power requirements.
US08633844B2 Performing digital windowing in an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
In one embodiment, a data acquisition circuit includes an analog multiplexer to receive analog signals and select an analog signal for output, an ADC coupled to the multiplexer to receive the analog signal and perform a conversion of the analog signal to a N-bit digital value in at least N clock cycles, and a controller coupled to the ADC to enable the ADC to compare the analog signal to a second analog signal in a single clock cycle.
US08633835B1 Display of climb capability for an aircraft based on potential states for the aircraft
A method and apparatus for presenting information to operate an aircraft over terrain. A vertical profile view of the terrain is displayed relative to a location of the aircraft. A number of curves are displayed on the vertical profile view. The number of curves identify a climb capability for the aircraft based on a potential state for the aircraft.
US08633832B2 Obstacle detection apparatus for vehicle
In a vehicle obstacle detecting apparatus having a radar that transmits a laser beam in front of the vehicle to scan in different detection regions in a horizontal direction parallel to a road and receives reflection waves reflected from an object successively, it is determined whether a high reflection wave such as that reflected from delineator installed on the road at regular intervals exists in the received reflection waves in the detection regions, and if not, an obstacle such as a human being is detected from a low reflection wave. On the other hand, when the high reflection wave exists, the obstacle is detected from a second reflection wave.
US08633831B2 Single-wire telemetry and command
Communication between a payload services unit (PSU) and a payload unit utilizes a single-wire interface used to power the PSU as well as to communicate telemetry and command signals. A telemetry and command (T&C) system includes a payload unit configured to respond to a plurality of commands and generate a plurality of telemetry data, an embedded service module (ESM) within the payload unit, and a payload service unit (PSU) configured to generate the plurality of commands and receive the plurality of telemetry data. A single-wire interface is coupled between the ESM and the PSU and configured to provide power to the ESM, wherein the payload unit and PSU are configured to communicate the plurality of commands and the plurality of the telemetry data over the single-wire interface.
US08633825B2 Expansion tank with a predictive sensor
An expansion tank which comprises a tank having a predetermined volume capacity; a flexible diaphragm in the tank, partitioning tank volume into a liquid-containing portion for holding liquid and a gas-containing portion for holding a gas under a pressure that defines a normal pressurized gas volume when the liquid-containing portion holds a predetermined liquid volume; and a proximity sensor suspended in the gas-containing portion of the tank and adapted to energize an alarm signal when volume of the gas-containing portion is reduced a predetermined amount as indicated by proximity of the diaphragm.
US08633823B2 Systems and methods for automated, rapid detection of high-atomic-number materials
The present invention is directed to an inspection system that has a radiation source, a detector array, an inspection region, and a processing unit, where the processing unit a) obtains a radiographic image, b) segments the radiographic image based on radiation attenuation or transmission, c) identifies at least one segmented area on the radiographic image, d) filters the at least one segmented area using at least one geometric filter, e) generates feature vectors using the filtered segmented area; and f) compares the feature vectors against predefined values to determine whether a high-atomic-number object is present.
US08633822B2 Method and apparatus for a radio frequency identification repeater which is coupled to a radio frequency identification tag
The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.
US08633809B2 Electrode diversity for body-coupled communication systems
The present invention relates to coupler device, processing apparatus and method of processing a plurality of body-coupled communication signals which have been detected by using an electrode arrangement with a plurality of electrodes or electrode segments (40, 42; 40, 43). Respective transmission parameters of the body-coupled communication signals are estimated and at least one of a selecting and weighting processing is applied to the detected body-coupled communication signals based on the estimated transmission parameters. Then, the processed body-coupled communication signals are combined to generate a diversity output signal. Thereby, robustness against coupler misplacement and user convenience is increased in body-coupled or body-based communication systems.
US08633807B2 RF tag reader and writer
An RF tag reader and writer is provided which includes: a communication unit that communicates with one or more RF tags as an information acquisition target using an anti-collision method of avoiding a collision between signals and that performs an acquisition process of acquiring tag information which is information stored in the one or more RF tags; and a communication success rate calculator that calculates a communication success rate of the communication unit with the one or more RF tags on the basis of the number of times by which the communication unit successfully acquires the tag information from the one or more RF tags within a predetermined period and the number of times by which the communication unit performs a communication process with the one or more RF tags in a state where the collision between signals is avoided within the predetermined period.
US08633806B2 Two directional information flow in real time location sensing RFID networks
An RFID system with a plurality of tags and base stations where transmission of information to a specific tag is carried out by one of the base stations, where said one of the base stations is selected based on received signal power of the tag relative to the plurality of the base stations.
US08633805B2 Systems and methods to determine motion parameters using RFID tags
Systems and methods to determine motion parameters of physical objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to the objects. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes determining a motion parameter of the RFID tag based on detecting a Doppler frequency shift in a radio frequency signal received from the RFID tag.
US08633804B2 RFID system with RFID readers and operating method thereof
A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a host, a signal translating device and a plurality of RFID readers. The signal translating device includes a network receiving/transmitting module and an RFID receiving/transmitting module. The network receiving/transmitting module receives a control signal via a network and generates a translated signal according to the control signal. The RFID receiving/transmitting module generates an access command according to the translated signal, and transmits the access command via an RF signal. The plurality of RFID readers selectively generates an access signal or a relay access command according to the access command.
US08633803B2 Apparatus and method for locating RFID tag
Provided are a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag and apparatus and method for locating a RFID tag without comparing arrival times of blink signals transmitted from the RFID tag in order to quickly trace a location of the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a tag ID generator configured to generate a tag ID of the RFID tag, a blink generator configured to generate a plurality of sub-blink signals that form the blink signal, a sub-blink ID generator configured to generate sub-blink IDs for the generated sub-blink signals, a sub-blink ID inserter configured to insert the generated sub-blink IDs into the sub-blink signals, and a transmitter configured to transmit the blink signal having the tag ID and the sub-blink IDs.
US08633802B2 Programmable communicator
A programmable communicator device is disclosed having a wireless communications circuit, including an antenna, configured to receive a transmission, and an identity module having a unique identifier. The programmable communicator further includes a processing module including program code configured to determine if the transmission is from an authenticated caller by determining whether a received transmission contains the unique identifier, and memory configured to store telephone numbers or IP addresses received in transmissions from an authenticated caller.
US08633798B2 Computer system with security apparatus
A computer system includes a computer, a fingerprint reader, and a security apparatus to apply complete security for the benefit of an authorized user. The computer includes a first interface, a second interface, an account storage unit, and a fingerprint storage unit. The fingerprint reader can connect with the computer through the first interface for inputting fingerprint information. The security apparatus can connect with the computer through the second interface, and includes a password storage module, a first use module, a password modification module, and a normal use module.
US08633791B2 Rotary solenoid
A rotary solenoid (1) includes a stator (10), a rotor (40), and a torsion spring (50) connected between the stator (10) and the rotor (40). The stator (10) includes an armature (13) having three stator poles (14, 15) cooperatively defining a substantially cylindrical space (18) and a coil (19) wound about one of the stator poles (14). The rotor (40) includes a shaft (42) rotatably assembled to the stator (10) and a rotor core (44) fixed to the shaft (42) and received in the cylindrical space (18). The rotor core (44) has three rotor poles (43) corresponding to the stator poles (14, 15). The rotor (40) stays at a first position under the force of the torsion spring (50) and rotates to a second position under the force of the torsion spring (50) and the magnetic force of stator (10) when the coil (19) is powered.
US08633786B2 Apparatus and associated methods
In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus comprising input and output waveguides, and a carbon nanotube array. The array is positioned to electromagnetically couple the waveguides. The array has a slow-wave factor associated therewith, the speed of propagation of waves through the array being determined by this slow-wave factor. The array also has a first interface region. The apparatus further comprises a tuning element positioned to oppose the first interface region of the array to define a tuning distance. The slow-wave factor is affected by this tuning distance, and the tuning element is configured to be movable with respect to the first interface region so as to vary this tuning distance and thereby control the speed of propagation of waves through the array.
US08633775B2 Method of manufacturing piezoelectric vibrator, piezoelectric vibrator, oscillator, electronic equipment and radio-controlled timepiece
Provided is a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator of the invention, the piezoelectric vibrator including a tuning fork type piezoelectric vibrating reed including a pair of vibration arm portions, a package that accommodates the piezoelectric vibrating reed, and a pair of regulation films that is formed along a longitudinal direction of the vibration arm portions corresponding to each of the pair of vibration arm portions, the piezoelectric vibrator being capable of regulating a degree of vacuum in the package more than a certain level by irradiating the regulation films with a laser to evaporate a part of the regulation films. The method includes a gettering process of irradiating a laser in symmetrical positions via a center axis of the pair of vibration arm portions in the pair of regulation films.
US08633772B2 Power conversion circuit and electronic device with power conversion circuit
A power conversion circuit includes a pulse width modulator, a feedback module, a negative voltage producing module, a voltage regulating module, a path switch, and a rectifier module. The path switch is connected to a power port connected to a power source. The feedback module produces a feedback signal according to the voltage of a positive voltage input port of a power amplifier. The pulse width modulator receives the feedback signal, and outputs a pulse signal with a corresponding duty cycle according to the feedback signal to the path switch, then producing a switching power supply signal; the rectifier module converts the switching power supply signal to a direct current signal with a suitable positive voltage. The negative voltage producing module produces corresponding negative voltage when the path switch is turned on or off. The voltage regulating module regulates the negative voltage to a suitable negative voltage.
US08633764B2 Restoring output common-mode of amplifier via capacitive coupling
An apparatus comprises an amplifier circuit comprising at least one output node and a common-mode restoration circuit capacitively coupled to the at least one output node of the amplifier circuit. The common-mode restoration circuit is configured to introduce at least one common-mode restoring signal onto the output node, wherein the at least one common-mode restoring signal transitions in correspondence with an operation interval of the amplifier circuit and thereby compensates for a common-mode voltage drop on the at least one output node of the amplifier circuit. In one example, the amplifier circuit may comprise a current-integrating amplifier circuit, and the operation interval may comprise an integration interval.
US08633759B2 Voltage generator and method of generating voltage
A voltage generator includes a clock generator configured to generate a first clock signal and a second clock signal having a longer cycle than the first clock signal, a pumping unit configured to generate a pumping voltage in response to the first or second clock signal, a first detection circuit configured to detect the pumping voltage and generate a first control signal for controlling the operation of the pumping unit based on the result of the detection, and a second detection circuit configured to generate a second control signal for outputting the first or second clock signal generated from the clock generator depending on whether the first control signal maintains an enable state for a specific time.
US08633755B2 Load driver with constant current variable structure
A load driver includes a switching element connected to a load, a constant current generator that generates a constant current, and a driver circuit that turns on the switching element for an on-period, which depends on a value of the constant current and is shortened with an increase in the value of the constant current. The constant current generator supplies a first constant current having a first current value to the driver circuit during the on-period, and supplies a second constant current having a second current value smaller than the first current value after the on-period has elapsed and the switching element reaches an on state.
US08633752B2 Delay circuit and method for driving the same
A delay circuit includes a pulse generation unit configured to generate a pulse signal, which is activated in response to an input signal and has a pulse width corresponding to delay information, and an output unit configured to activate a final output signal in response to a deactivation of the pulse signal.
US08633750B2 Delay control circuit and method
The present invention relates to a delay control circuit and a method of controlling delay of an output signal generating based on an input signal, wherein a plurality of delayed replicas of a reference signal are generated with dedicated time delays with respect to the reference signal and are sampled at a predetermined timing defined by the input signal. One of the delayed replicas is selected based on the output of the sampling means, and the output signal is generated based on the selected replica. Thereby, a predetermined phase relationship can be generated even in cases where no strict phase relation is given between data and reference signal.
US08633748B2 Filtering circuit and semiconductor integrated circuit having the same
A filtering circuit includes jitter determination reference control unit configured to determine a jitter determination reference in correspondence to an operation mode and output a control signal in response to the jitter determination reference, and a filtering unit configured to set the jitter determination reference in response to the control signal and determine whether an input signal is maintained during a sample period in response to the set jitter determination reference.
US08633737B2 Two-stage post driver circuit
A two-stage post driver circuit includes a controlling circuit, a pull-up unit and a pull-down unit. A first N-type transistor of the pull-down unit and a first P-type transistor of the pull-up unit are both connected to an output pad. The controlling circuit is used for controlling the first N-type transistor and the first P-type transistor. Consequently, when the pull-up unit or the pull-down unit is turned on, the voltage difference between the drain terminal and the source terminal of the first N-type transistor or the first P-type transistor is lower than a voltage stress.
US08633736B2 Driver with accurately controlled slew rate and limited current
A driver circuit, that provides slew rate control of its output voltage, including a current generator, an output transistor, and optionally, a capacitor. The current generator has an input port, an output port and reference port. The output port couples to the gate of the output transistor. The capacitor couples between the gate and drain of the output transistor. The current generator controls a current IS flowing through the output port based on an input voltage at the input port. The current generator limits the absolute value of the current IS to be less than or equal to a maximum determined by a reference current Iref provided at the reference port. Modifications may be made to the driver circuit to limit the output current (e.g., as a function of the output voltage) and to make the slew rate limit independent of the gate-drain capacitance of the output transistor.
US08633735B2 Signal level adjusting device and high-frequency apparatus
To provide, in a frequency synthesizer including: a variable attenuator provided at a subsequent stage of a voltage controlled oscillator; a detector; and a control unit outputting a control voltage for adjusting an attenuation amount of the variable attenuator via a digital/analog converter in accordance with a detection voltage, a technology with which a spurious due to a change in an output of the digital/analog converter can be suppressed. A low-pass filter is provided between an output side of a digital/analog converter and a variable attenuator to cut a frequency component corresponding to an overshoot generated when an output of the digital/analog converter is changed. Further, a period of time from when a control unit outputs a control voltage to when it reads a signal level detected by a detector is set to a period of time longer than a time constant of the low-pass filter determined by a cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter so that no influence is exerted on an operation of automatically controlling the signal level.
US08633729B1 Localized plasmon-polariton (LPP) logic gates and computing
A computing structure is described. The computing structure includes at least one logic gate. The at least one logic gate has an arrangement of nano-particles configured to propagate localized plasmon-polaritons (LLPs). The logic gate may have a gate state and be configured to perform a logic function based on a desired logical output.
US08633728B2 Surge testing method and system for a bar-wound stator
A method for surge testing a bar-wound stator includes electrically connecting a conductive lead of a test system to a corresponding welded hair pin in each of the layers mid-way through the stator windings. A calibrated voltage surge is applied via the conductive leads into the windings of the stator at the welded hair pins. The method includes measuring a voltage drop between turns of the windings after applying the calibrated voltage surge, recording the measured voltage drop in memory of the test system, and executing a control event with respect to the stator when the measured voltage drop is more than a calibrated threshold voltage drop. A system for surge testing the bar-wound stator includes a test device having a capacitor for storing the calibrated surge voltage and a pin set that is electrically connected to the test device. The pin set includes the conductive wires and leads.
US08633723B2 Semiconductor apparatus
A semiconductor apparatus according to aspects of the invention includes a power MOSFET including a main MOSFET and sensing MOSFET's. The main MOSFET and the sensing MOSFET's are formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a sensing MOSFET is selected for changing the sensing ratio and further for confining the sensing ratio variations within a certain narrow range stably from a low main current range to a high main current range. A semiconductor apparatus according to aspects of the invention facilitates reducing the manufacturing costs thereof, obviating the cumbersomeness caused in the use thereof, and confining the sensing ratio variations within a certain narrow range stably.
US08633722B1 Method and circuit for testing accuracy of delay circuitry
In one embodiment a circuit for testing delays is provided. A test signal generator circuit toggles a plurality of output signals 1 through N in sequential order, separating the toggles by a delay period. Each output signal is coupled to an input of a respective one of a plurality of delay circuits. A phase detector circuit is coupled to the delay circuits and is configured to determine the order in which signals output from delay circuits X−1, X, and X+1 are toggled for each delay circuit X. In response to the output signals being toggled in the order X−1 followed by X followed by X+1, the phase comparator circuit is configured to output a first signal indicating correct operation. Otherwise, the phase comparator circuit is configured to output a second signal indicating incorrect operation.
US08633718B2 Method and device for position detection with palm rejection
A method and the device for palm ignoring disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of strips intersecting each other to form a plurality of intersecting regions. A pair of strips intersecting on an intersecting region contact to each other on a contact point to form a depressed intersecting region. The depression depressed by the palm can be determined by comparing the total impedance of the depression with a threshold so as to be ignored.
US08633705B2 Characterization of electrical power distribution systems
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for characterizing an electrical power distribution system are disclosed. One method includes applying, by at least one test/response unit, at least one test signal to at least one test point of the system, measuring, by a plurality of test/response units, a plurality of response signals at a plurality of test points, wherein the plurality of response signals are generated in response to the at least one test signal, and characterizing the system based on the plurality of response signals.
US08633702B2 Apparatus and method for actively balancing impedance of a resistivity measuring tool
An apparatus for making a resistivity measurement of an underground formation surrounding a borehole is provided. The apparatus includes a conductive tool body, at least one current injector electrode positioned between the tool body and a wall of the bore hole, at least one current return electrode positioned between the tool body and the wall of the bore hole, an electrical measurement device configured to monitor a voltage or a current signal indicative of an impedance imbalance, a regulator connected to the electrical measurement device, whereby the regulator is configured to receive the voltage or the current signal indicative of the impedance imbalance and is configured to generate an adjustment signal based on the voltage or the current signal indicative of the impedance imbalance.
US08633684B2 Detection system, semiconductor device, and data processing device
To provide an LSI having a low power mode that can prevent an apparatus on which the LSI is mounted from resulting in performance degradation, etc. even when its electric power is not reduced in the low power mode. Devised is a circuit that instructs an operation mode and detects whether the LSI operates as specified by the mode, and that measures a current at the time of the low power mode in a pseudo manner and, if despite having shifted to the low power mode, the current is not reduced actually, issues an alarm signal.
US08633677B2 Battery pack and method of charging battery pack
A battery pack and a method of charging the same are disclosed. The battery pack is chargeable by a variety of chargers which have different output voltages.
US08633664B2 Motor control apparatus
An inverter circuit is provided for a plurality of coils and includes switching elements forming switching element pairs in correspondence to each phase of the coils. Current detection sensors detect currents flowing low-side FETs, respectively. A control circuit has a failure detection section, which detects arm short-circuit failure of the element pairs based on current values detected by the current detection sensors at timing when one or the other of all the low-side FETs and all the high-side FETs are turned on and turned off, respectively.
US08633663B2 Control device that detects whether or not irreversible demagnetization has occurred in permanent magnet of permanent magnet synchronous motor
An estimated torque constant calculation unit calculates an estimated torque constant relating to the permanent magnet synchronous motor from a current representative value and an acceleration representative value acquired from a plurality of current values and a plurality of acceleration values in the same operation state over a plurality of periods of a sinusoidal command signal and a predetermined inertia relating to the permanent magnet synchronous motor. A demagnetization detection unit detects whether or not irreversible demagnetization has occurred in the permanent magnet of the permanent magnet synchronous motor based on a difference between the estimated torque constant and a predetermined torque constant relating to the permanent magnet synchronous motor.
US08633662B2 Drive method to minimize vibration and acoustics in three phase brushless DC (TPDC) motors
A control method for a sensor-less, brushless, three-phase DC motor. The effects of commutation on the motor may be minimized using a sinusoidal current drive on each electromagnet. The “off” times and/or the “on” times of the drive transistors controlling the electromagnets in a full “H-bridge” configuration drive scheme may be delayed. By overlapping the drive signals to the electromagnets with respect to a commutation command, the effects of switching between electromagnets may be minimized. In addition, the “on” and “off” times may also be adjusted during the overlapping to further ensure that the coils continuously conduct current, and that the current does not change direction during the switching. The delays, and hence the overlap times of the coil drive signals may be dynamically controlled, for example by using digital timers, making the response predictable and easily controlled. The present position of the rotor in the motor may be determined using Hall sensors configured in the motor, or it may be determined using the un-energized electromagnets in a motor without Hall sensors.
US08633659B2 Lighting device, headlamp apparatus and vehicle using same
A lighting device includes: a power converting unit; a voltage measuring unit for measuring an output voltage from the power converting unit or a value equivalent to the output voltage; a current measuring unit for measuring an output current from the power converting unit or a value equivalent to the output current; and a control unit for controlling the power converting unit. When one of the output voltage and the output current of the power converting unit is changed by a specific magnitude per unit hour, the control unit determines that a change in a load status has occurred and controls the power converting unit by switching constant current control in which a measurement value of the current measuring unit is kept at a specific current designated value to constant voltage control in which a measurement value of the voltage measuring unit is kept at a specific voltage designated value.
US08633657B2 Digitally controlled current regulator for high power solid state lighting
A representative apparatus embodiment provides for controlling current supplied to solid state lighting, such as light emitting diodes. A representative apparatus comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of current parameters, and a control circuit adapted to modulate an energizing cycle time period for providing a substantially constant DC average current to the solid state lighting in response to a selected current parameter from the plurality of current parameters. In a representative embodiment, the control circuit modulates a current provided to the solid state lighting in response to a predetermined minimum current level (IMIN) parameter and a predetermined peak current level (IP) parameter, such that the DC average current level (IO) is substantially proportional to one-half of a sum of a predetermined peak current level (IP) and a predetermined minimum current level IMIN ( I O ∝ I P + I MI ⁢ ⁢ N 2 ) .
US08633652B2 Temperature-stabilized current regulation driver
A driver device may include a driver transistor providing a regulated current; and a stabilization circuit to produce a stabilized reference voltage to be applied to said driver transistor. The stabilization circuit may include: first and second bipolar stabilization transistors; a voltage divider including a first resistance and a second resistance, said voltage divider being interposed between the bases of said first and said second transistors, with the first resistor connected between the base of said second transistor and said partition point of said voltage divider and the partition point acting on the base of the first transistor; and a polarization network to determine the base-emitter voltages of said first and said second stabilization transistors, wherein: said first resistance has a value lower than the value of said second resistance, and the base-emitter voltage of said first transistor is higher than the base-emitter voltage of said second transistor.
US08633651B2 Illumination assembly
An illumination assembly, comprising: at least one luminous means having at least one luminescence diode chip as light source, and at least one energizing means, which is connected to the at least one luminous means via a connecting line, wherein the energizing means is designed to energize the at least one luminous means. The energizing means comprises at least one filter element designed to filter signals which enter into the energizing means from a power supply for the energizing means and exit from the energizing means into the power supply.
US08633648B2 Gas conversion system
A gas conversion system using microwave plasma is provided. The system includes: a microwave waveguide; a gas flow tube passing through a microwave waveguide and configured to transmit microwaves therethrough; a temperature controlling means for controlling a temperature of the microwave waveguide; a temperature sensor disposed near the gas flow tube and configured to measure a temperature of gas flow tube or microwave waveguide; an igniter located near the gas flow tube and configured to ignite a plasma inside the gas flow tube so that the plasma converts a gas flowing through the gas flow tube during operation; and a plasma detector located near the gas flow tube and configured to monitor the plasma.
US08633644B2 Thin-film formed substrate, organic electroluminescence display device, color filter substrate, and method of producing thin-film formed substrate
The present invention provides a thin-film formed substrate, an organic electroluminescent display device, a color filter substrate, and a method of producing a thin-film formed substrate. The thin-film formed substrate according to the present invention is a thin-film formed substrate provided with a substrate and a thin film formed on the substrate, the substrate comprising a first bank forming a depression on the substrate, and a second bank formed on the first bank, wherein a partitioned region surrounded by the second bank has a plurality of the depressions arranged therein, and the thin film is arranged in each of the depressions.
US08633641B2 Side illumination lens for LED
A side illumination lens for a LED is disclosed. One of the embodiments includes a bottom cavity, an incident surface, four total internal reflective surfaces, and a side refractive surface. Light beam emitted by the LED enters the lens through the incident surface. A first portion of the light beam is reflected by the total internal reflection surfaces to the refractive surface and emits out of the lens. The second portion of light beam enters the lens and exits from the refractive surface. A second one of the embodiments is to roughen the side refractive surface for diffusing the exit light beams so that a broader area can be illuminated softly.
US08633639B2 Multichip package structure and light bulb of using the same
A light bulb includes a base unit, an electrical connecting unit, a light-emitting unit, and a lamp cover unit. The base unit includes a base body connected with the electrical connecting unit. The light-emitting unit includes a substrate body disposed on the base body, a plurality of blue and red light emitting groups disposed on the substrate body and electrically connected with the substrate body, and a phosphor resin body formed on the substrate body to cover the blue and red light emitting groups. Each blue light emitting group includes a plurality of blue light emitting elements electrically connected with each other in series, and each red light emitting group includes a plurality of red light emitting elements electrically connected with each other in series. The lamp cover unit includes a light-permitting cover disposed on the top side of the base body to cover the light-emitting unit.
US08633631B2 Piezoelectric motor
A piezoelectric motor including a base member; a stator disposed on the base member and comprising at least one piezoelectric element; a rotor configured to rotate by a wave motion of the stator, the wave motion being generated by the piezoelectric element; a cover member attached to the base member; a bearing arranged between the cover member and the rotor; and an elastic member configured to press the rotor toward the stator.
US08633630B2 Permanent magnet rotor of motor
A permanent magnet rotor of a motor including a rotor core and permanent magnets. The rotor core includes a central core, a plurality of sectional cores, and a connecting mechanism. The sectional cores are integrated with the central core via the connecting mechanism to form a whole iron core. Grooves are formed between each sectional core and the central core and the permanent magnets are embedded in the grooves. The permanent magnet rotor has a simple structure, excellent manufacturability in terms of production and assembly, low manufacturing costs, excellent electromagnetic performance, and meanwhile is robust enough to avoid potential deformation.
US08633628B2 Switched reluctance motor
Disclosed herein is a switched reluctance motor including: a salient pole type stator that includes a plurality of teeth having a coil wound therearound and a magnet mounted between the teeth; and a salient pole type rotor that is inserted into a central portion of the stator and rotates, wherein the magnet is mounted between the teeth having the coil wound therearound.
US08633622B2 Electric motor and planetary gear assembly
An electric motor assembly includes a stator defining a first interior space, a rotor positioned within the first interior space and configured for rotation relative to the stator, the rotor defining a second interior space, and a planetary gear assembly associated with the rotor and at least partially positioned within the second interior space.
US08633620B2 Electric motor, in particular actuator motor or drive motor in motor vehicles
An electric motor has a stator and a coil which is arranged within the stator housing and whose winding can be energized via a connection line system. A cooling plate is arranged outside the interior of the stator, and on the outer side of said cooling plate a carrier plate for motor electronics is arranged, to which carrier plate the connection line system is connected. The connection line system is led from the inside to the outside through a recess in the cooling plate and is electrically connected to the carrier plate.
US08633616B2 Modular pocket with inductive power and data
A modular pocket system includes a modularly mountable pocket modularly mountable to a tactical garment. An insert is mounted in the pocket to align and closely inductively couple a primary inductive coil and related primary drive circuits in the insert to a secondary inductive coil and related secondary charging circuits in a portable electronic device mountable into the insert for the inductively coupled transmission of power between the coils so to transmit power to the portable device, where the device has a rechargeable energy storage component electrically connected to the secondary inductive coil and secondary charging circuits.
US08633611B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle comprises an electricity accumulator configured to supply electric power to driving devices required for driving of the motorcycle and to non-driving devices; a voltage detector configured to detect a voltage of the electricity accumulator; and a power supply controller configured to control supply of the electric power; the non-driving devices including electric motor devices in an electric motor braking system configured to be electrically driven to assist braking and non-driving electric motor devices other than the electric motor devices in the electric motor braking system; and the power supply controller being configured to inhibit the electric power from being supplied to at least one specified non-driving electric motor device of the non-driving electric motor devices, when the voltage of the electricity accumulator which is detected by the voltage detector is not more than a first predetermined voltage.
US08633610B2 Systems and methods of harvesting energy in a wellbore
A system to harvest energy in a wellbore is disclosed. The system includes a flexible member disposed in a wellbore. The flexible member includes at least a portion of a drill string. The system includes an energy harvesting apparatus that includes magnetostrictive material and a conductor coupled to the magnetostrictive material. The energy harvesting apparatus is coupled to the flexible member to transfer forces from the flexible member to impart at least one of a strain or stress in the magnetostrictive material and to induce an electrical current in the conductor.
US08633597B2 Thermal vias in an integrated circuit package with an embedded die
In a multi-module integrated circuit package having a package substrate and package contacts, a die is embedded in the package substrate with thermal vias that couple hotspots on the embedded die to some of the package contacts.
US08633595B2 Semiconductor device having groove-shaped via-hole
The semiconductor device has insulating films 40, 42 formed over a substrate 10; an interconnection 58 buried in at least a surface side of the insulating films 40, 42; insulating films 60, 62 formed on the insulating film 42 and including a hole-shaped via-hole 60 and a groove-shaped via-hole 66a having a pattern bent at a right angle; and buried conductors 70, 72a buried in the hole-shaped via-hole 60 and the groove-shaped via-hole 66a. A groove-shaped via-hole 66a is formed to have a width which is smaller than a width of the hole-shaped via-hole 66. Defective filling of the buried conductor and the cracking of the inter-layer insulating film can be prevented. Steps on the conductor plug can be reduced. Accordingly, defective contact with the upper interconnection layer and the problems taking place in forming films can be prevented.
US08633591B2 Electronic device
In a conventional electronic device and a method of manufacturing the same, reduction in cost of the electronic device is hindered because resin used in an interconnect layer on the solder ball side is limited. The electronic device includes an interconnect layer (a first interconnect layer) and an interconnect layer (a second interconnect layer). The second interconnect layer is formed on the undersurface of the first interconnect layer. The second interconnect layer is larger in area seen from the top than the first interconnect layer and is extended to the outside from the first interconnect layer.
US08633589B2 Dielectric trenches, nickel/tantalum oxide structures, and chemical mechanical polishing techniques
A portion of a conductive layer (310, 910) provides a capacitor electrode (310.0, 910.0). Dielectric trenches (410, 414, 510) are formed in the conductive layer to insulate the capacitor electrode from those portions of the conductive layer which are used for conductive paths passing through the electrode but insulated from the electrode. Capacitor dielectric (320) can be formed by anodizing tantalum while a nickel layer (314) protects an underlying copper (310) from the anodizing solution. This protection allows the tantalum layer to be made thin to obtain large capacitance. Chemical mechanical polishing of a layer (610) is made faster, and hence possibly less expensive, by first patterning the layer photolithographically to form, and/or increase in height, upward protrusions of this layer.
US08633586B2 Mock bump system for flip chip integrated circuits
A mock bump system includes: providing a first structure having an edge; and forming a mock bump near the edge.
US08633585B2 Device comprising an encapsulation unit
A device in accordance with one embodiment comprises component (1) and an encapsulation arrangement (2) for the encapsulation of the component (1) with respect to moisture and/or oxygen, wherein the encapsulation arrangement (2) has a first layer (21) and thereabove a second layer (22) on at least one surface (19) of the component (1), the first layer (21) and the second layer (22) each comprise an inorganic material, and the second layer (22) is arranged directly on the first layer (21).
US08633577B2 Integrated circuit device
Provided on a chip are a plurality of conductor patterns for forming a coil, and a connection-relationship control device for controlling connection between adjacent conductor patterns. By switching the connection relationship of the conductor patterns by the connection-relationship control device, it is possible to form a coil of a desired shape at a desired position.
US08633569B1 AlN inter-layers in III-N material grown on REO/silicon substrate
III-N material grown on a silicon substrate includes a single crystal rare earth oxide layer positioned on a silicon substrate. The rare earth oxide is substantially crystal lattice matched to the surface of the silicon substrate. A first layer of III-N material is positioned on the surface of the rare earth oxide layer. An inter-layer of aluminum nitride (AlN) is positioned on the surface of the first layer of III-N material and an additional layer of III-N material is positioned on the surface of the inter-layer of aluminum nitride. The inter-layer of aluminum nitride and the additional layer of III-N material are repeated n-times to reduce or engineer strain in a final III-N layer.
US08633565B2 Semiconductor device including fuse having form of capacitor
A semiconductor device includes a fuse having the form of a capacitor. The semiconductor device includes a cathode formed on a semiconductor substrate, an anode formed over the cathode, and at least one filament having a cylindrical-shell shape formed between the cathode and the anode and electrically connecting the cathode and the anode.
US08633559B2 Solid-state imaging device, method of manufacturing the same, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes light-sensing sections serving as pixels, and waveguides each including a core layer and a cladding layer, the waveguides each being disposed at a position corresponding to one of the light-sensing sections. A cross-sectional structure of the waveguide taken in the horizontal direction of an imaging plane is different from a cross-sectional structure of the waveguide taken in the vertical direction of the imaging plane.
US08633554B2 MEMS device etch stop
The present disclosure provides a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device and a method for fabricating such a device. In an embodiment, a MEMS device includes a substrate, a dielectric layer above the substrate, an etch stop layer above the dielectric layer, and two anchor plugs above the dielectric layer, the two anchor plugs each contacting the etch stop layer or a top metal layer disposed above the dielectric layer. The device further comprises a MEMS structure layer disposed above a cavity formed between the two anchor plugs and above the etch stop layer from release of a sacrificial layer.
US08633542B2 SOI substrate and manufacturing method thereof
An object is to provide an SOI substrate provided with a semiconductor layer which can be used practically even when a glass substrate is used as a base substrate. Another object is to provide a semiconductor device having high reliability using such an SOI substrate. An altered layer is formed on at least one surface of a glass substrate used as a base substrate of an SOI substrate to form the SOI substrate. The altered layer is formed on at least the one surface of the glass substrate by cleaning the glass substrate with solution including hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or nitric acid. The altered layer has a higher proportion of silicon oxide in its composition and a lower density than the glass substrate.
US08633541B2 Diode isolated drain extended NMOS ESD cell
An integrated circuit contains a voltage protection structure having a diode isolated DENMOS transistor with a guard element proximate to the diode and the DENMOS transistor. The guard element includes an active area coupled to ground. The diode anode is connected to an I/O pad. The diode cathode is connected to the DENMOS drain. The DENMOS source is grounded. A process of forming the integrated circuit is also disclosed.
US08633535B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory includes control gates provided in an array form, the control gates passing through the first semiconductor layer, data recording layers between the first semiconductor layer and the control gates, two first conductive-type diffusion layers at two ends in the first direction of the first semiconductor layer, two second conductive-type diffusion layers at two ends in the second direction of the first semiconductor layer, select gate lines extending in the first direction on the first semiconductor layer, and word lines extending in the second direction on the select gate lines. The select gate lines function as select gates shared by select transistors connected between the control gates and the word lines arranged in the first direction. Each of the word lines is commonly connected to the control gates arranged in the second direction.
US08633534B2 Transistor channel mobility using alternate gate dielectric materials
An apparatus comprises a substrate, a phonon-decoupling layer formed on the substrate, a gate dielectric layer formed on the phonon-decoupling layer, a gate electrode formed on the gate dielectric layer, a pair of spacers formed on opposite sides of the gate electrode, a source region formed in the substrate subjacent to the phonon-decoupling layer, and a drain region formed in the substrate subjacent to the phonon-decoupling layer. The phonon-decoupling layer prevents the formation of a silicon dioxide interfacial layer and reduces coupling between high-k phonons and the field in the substrate.
US08633532B2 Semiconductor memory device having a floating body capacitor, memory cell array having the same and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor memory device having a floating body capacitor. The semiconductor memory device can perform a memory operation using the floating body capacitor. The semiconductor memory device includes an SOI substrate having a staked structure in which a base substrate having a conducting surface, a buried insulating layer and a device-forming layer are staked, a transistor formed in a portion of the device-forming layer, having a gate, a source region and a drain region, and a capacitor formed by the buried insulating layer, the conducting surface of the base substrate, and accumulated holes generated in the device-forming layer when the transistor is driven.
US08633506B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a semiconductor light source, a resin package surrounding the semiconductor light source, and a lead fixed to the resin package. The lead is provided with a die bonding pad for bonding the semiconductor light source, and with an exposed surface opposite to the die bonding pad The exposed surface is surrounded by the resin package in the in-plane direction of the exposed surface.
US08633502B2 Lighting apparatus encapsulated with synthetic resin material having translucent illumination section and also having heat sink section mixed with thermal conductive material
The invention of the present application provides a lighting apparatus that has superior waterproofing property, durability, impact resistance, and pressure resistance and that can be used in various places such as a construction site, a plastic greenhouse, a poultry house, water, or seawater.The invention of the present application provides a lighting apparatus in which electric wires are connected to a substrate 3 on which light-emitting diodes 31, 32, and 33 are mounted and synthetic resin material is used to closely cover the electric wires 52 and 53, the substrate 3, and the light-emitting diodes 31, 32, and 33 in an integrated manner.
US08633497B2 Concave-hemisphere-patterned organic top-light emitting device
A first device is provided. The first device includes an organic light emitting device, which further comprises a first electrode, a second electrode, and an organic emissive layer disposed between the first and second electrode. Preferably, the second electrode is more transparent than the first electrode. The organic emissive layer has a first portion shaped to form an indentation in the direction of the first electrode, and a second portion shaped to form a protrusion in the direction of the second electrode. The first device may include a plurality of organic light emitting devices. The indentation may have a shape that is formed from a partial sphere, a partial cylinder, a pyramid, or a pyramid with a mesa, among others. The protrusions may be formed between adjoining indentations or between an indentation and a surface parallel to the substrate.
US08633496B2 Optical device and semiconductor wafer
Provided is an optical device including a base wafer containing silicon, a plurality of seed crystals disposed on the base wafer, and a plurality of Group 3-5 compound semiconductors lattice-matching or pseudo lattice-matching the plurality of seed crystals. At least one of the Group 3-5 compound semiconductors has a photoelectric semiconductor formed therein, the photoelectric semiconductor including a light emitting semiconductor that emits light in response to a driving current supplied thereto or a light receiving semiconductor that generates a photocurrent in response to light applied thereto, and at least one of the plurality of Group 3-5 compound semiconductors other than the Group 3-5 compound semiconductor having the photoelectric semiconductor has a heterojunction transistor formed therein.
US08633493B2 Large area thin freestanding nitride layers and their use as circuit layers
Thin flat crack-free freestanding nitride layers are fabricated by laser patterning of the interface and/or opposing surface of the nitride layer. The nitride layer is substantially flat once removed from the non-native substrate. The thin flat crack free nitride layers are between 3 and 250 microns thick and can have areas greater than 1 cm2.
US08633492B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An object is to improve field effect mobility of a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor. Another object is to suppress increase in off current even in a thin film transistor with improved field effect mobility. In a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor layer, by forming a semiconductor layer having higher electrical conductivity and a smaller thickness than the oxide semiconductor layer between the oxide semiconductor layer and a gate insulating layer, field effect mobility of the thin film transistor can be improved, and increase in off current can be suppressed.
US08633488B2 Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
An active matrix display device having a pixel structure in which pixel electrodes, gate wirings and source wirings are suitably arranged in the pixel portions to realize a high numerical aperture without increasing the number of masks or the number of steps. The device comprises a gate electrode and a source wiring on an insulating surface, a first insulating layer on the gate electrode and on the source wiring, a semiconductor layer on the first insulating film, a second insulating layer on the semiconductor film, a gate wiring connected to the gate electrode on the second insulating layer, a connection electrode for connecting the source wiring and the semiconductor layer together; and a pixel electrode connected to the semiconductor layer.
US08633481B2 Semiconductor device and process for production thereof
A semiconductor device (1000) includes a thin film transistor having a gate line (3a), source and drain lines (13as, 13ad), and an island-like oxide semiconductor layer (7), and a capacitor element (105) having a first electrode (3b) formed from the same conductive film as the gate line (3s), a second electrode (13b) formed from the same conductive film as the source line (13as), and a dielectric layer positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. A gate insulating film (5) has a layered structure including a first insulating layer (5A) containing an oxide and a second insulating layer (5B) disposed on the side closer to the gate electrode closer than the first insulating film and having a higher dielectric constant than the first insulating film, the layered structure being in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer (7). The dielectric layer includes the second insulating film (5B) but does not include the first insulating film (5A). Accordingly, the deterioration of the oxide semiconductor layer due to oxygen deficiency can be suppressed without reducing the capacitance value of the capacitor element).
US08633479B2 Display device with metal oxidel layer and method for manufacturing the same
A display includes a substrate main body, a thin film transistor (TFT) on the substrate main body, the TFT including an oxide semiconductor layer and a metal oxide film sequentially stacked on top of each other.
US08633473B2 High contrast light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a high-contrast light-emitting device without using a polarization plate. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to make contrast control simpler for a light-emitting device provided with a color filter.A light-emitting device according to the present invention has a feature of having a structure for reducing reflection of light from a light-emitting later at a reflective electrode, and further, has a feature of absorbing wavelengths other than the light by a color filter to enhance the contrast. Accordingly, contrast control can be performed in consideration of only a luminescence component from the light-emitting layer, and is thus made simpler.
US08633472B2 Tunable terahertz radiation source
Terahertz radiation source and method of producing terahertz radiation, said source comprising a junction stack, said junction stack comprising a crystalline material comprising a plurality of self-synchronized intrinsic Josephson junctions; an electrically conductive material in contact with two opposing sides of said crystalline material; and a substrate layer disposed upon at least a portion of both the crystalline material and the electrically-conductive material, wherein the crystalline material has a c-axis which is parallel to the substrate layer, and wherein the source emits at least 1 mW of power.
US08633465B2 Multilevel resistive memory having large storage capacity
The present invention discloses a multilevel resistive memory having large storage capacity, which belongs to a field of a fabrication technology of a resistive memory. The resistive memory includes an top electrode and a bottom electrode, and a combination of a plurality of switching layers and defective layers interposed between the top electrode and the bottom electrode, wherein, the top electrode and the bottom electrode are respectively contacted with a switching layer (a film such as Ta2O5, TiO2, HfO2), and the defective layers (metal film such as Ti, Au, Ag) are interposed between the switching layers. By using the present invention, a storage capacity of a resistive memory can be increased.
US08633463B2 Depositing titanium silicon nitride films for forming phase change memories
Organometallic precursors may be utilized to form titanium silicon nitride films that act as heaters for phase change memories. By using a combination of TDMAT and TrDMASi, for example in a metal organic chemical vapor deposition chamber, a relatively high percentage of silicon may be achieved in reasonable deposition times, in some embodiments. In one embodiment, two separate bubblers may be utilized to feed the two organometallic compounds in gaseous form to the deposition chamber so that the relative proportions of the precursors can be readily controlled.
US08633457B2 Background reduction system including louver
A background reduction system may include, but is not limited to: a charged particle source configured to generate a charged-particle beam; a louvered structure including one or more apertures configured to selectively transmit charged particles according to their angle of incidence; and a charged-particle detector configured to receive charged particles selectively transmitted by the louvered structure.
US08633451B2 Ion sources, systems and methods
Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the ion sources, systems and methods can exhibit relatively little undesired vibration and/or can sufficiently dampen undesired vibration. This can enhance performance (e.g., increase reliability, stability and the like).
US08633450B2 Apparatus for assisting determination of detective quantum efficiency
An apparatus for determining MTF and DQE of an ionizing radiation imaging system/detector is provided, comprising a box having aligned windows transparent to an ionizing radiation beam. When the box is placed in front of the detector, the beam passes through the box. The apparatus further comprises: a KERMA module for measuring incident free-air KERMA; a backscatter baffle for preventing backscatter of the beam from the detector into the KERMA module; a scatter baffle for preventing scatter of the beam into the KERMA module, and to reduce backscatter from the backscatter baffle; at least one MTF module for enabling acquisition of at least one edge image. Each module and the at least one backscatter baffle are independently moveable in and out of the beam, such that open, dark and edge images may be independently acquired, and KERMA module measurements may be performed independent of image acquisition, to determine DQE.
US08633446B2 X-ray detector and X-ray image detecting method
An X-ray detector and a method of detecting an X-ray image. The method includes: during an offset adjustment, sequentially outputting first gate signals to a plurality of gate lines for turning on the switching devices; during an offset read out, sequentially outputting second gate signals to the plurality of gate lines for turning on the switching devices after a first window time; and during the offset read out, reading electrical signals output by the switching device.
US08633442B2 Terahertz wave generating device, camera, imaging device, and measuring device
A terahertz wave generating device includes a plurality of light sources and an antenna. The light sources are configured to generate pulsed light. The antenna is configured to generate terahertz waves by being irradiated with the pulsed light generated by the light sources. The antenna has a plurality of pairs of electrodes with the electrodes in each of the pairs facing each other across a gap portion with a predetermined distance. The light sources is configured to irradiate the gap portions between the electrodes in the pairs with the pulsed light such that the gap portions between the electrodes of at least two of the pairs are irradiated with the pulsed light at mutually different timings.
US08633440B2 Optical demultiplexing system
Demultiplexing systems and methods are discussed which may be small and accurate without moving parts. In some cases, demultiplexing embodiments may include optical filter cavities that include filter baffles and support baffles which may be configured to minimize stray light signal detection and crosstalk. Some of the demultiplexing assembly embodiments may also be configured to efficiently detect U.V. light signals and at least partially compensate for variations in detector responsivity as a function of light signal wavelength.
US08633439B2 System and method for electromagnetic interference shielding for critical dimension-scanning electron microscope
System and method for EMI shielding for a CD-SEM are described. One embodiment is a scanning electron microscope (“SEM”) comprising an electron gun for producing an electron beam directed toward a sample; a secondary electron (“SE”) detector for detecting secondary electrons reflected from the sample in response to the electron beam; and a dual-layer shield disposed around and enclosing the SE detector. The shield comprises a magnetic shielding lamina layer and a metallic foil layer.
US08633437B2 Ultra-fast laser system
A laser system is provided which selectively excites Raman active vibrations in molecules. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and remote sensing.
US08633433B2 Optical potentiometer having an optical element with optical property continuously varying along a moving direction and operating device
An optical potentiometer includes a linear power transmission member, a retaining member configured to retain the power transmission member, and an optical element. An optical property of the optical element continuously varies along a moving direction of the power transmission member. The potentiometer further includes a light source, a light receiving section, a linear light transmitting member and a calculating section. The linear light transmitting member guides the light from the light source and outputs the light to the optical element, and guides light input from the optical element to the light receiving section. The calculating section calculates displacement of the power transmission member based on the electric signal output by the light receiving section.
US08633432B2 Reflective focusing and transmissive projection device
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reflective focusing and transmissive projection device having a body, a set of reflective-focusing components and a light detector. The body has a surface layer with first and second surfaces, and a detecting layer outside the second surface. The set of reflective-focusing components is in the surface layer. Each reflective-focusing component has a contouring element and a curved reflective element conformed to the contouring element. The curved reflective element is configured to reflect light of a first type, transmit light of a second type and focus the light of the first type outside the first surface of the surface layer. The light detector is in the detecting layer, and is configured to receive light and generate light data associated with the received light. Also, the contouring element can be configured to focus the light of the second type on the light detector.
US08633430B2 Method for generating images with an expanded dynamic range and optical device for carrying out such a method, in particular a laser scanner microscope
Method and apparatus for generating an at least two-dimensional image of at least part of a sample. The method involves scanning the sample. Acquiring at least one light signal by an optoelectronic detector for different areas of the sample. Converting the light signal into an electrical signal. Distributing the electrical signal onto several parallel evaluation channels whose signal evaluations differ from each other so that their dynamic ranges are different. Generating a result signal in each evaluation channel. Selecting at least one of the result signals as a function of one of the result signals in order to generate the image for the sample range concerned. It is also possible to generate one intermediate result signal for each channel, typically from the respective actual result signal and one or more other sources. Thus the signal selection depending on both the result signals and the intermediate result signals are possible.
US08633429B2 Image pick-up module with contact point circuit connection
An image pick-up module and method for producing an image pick-up module. An image pick-up module, particularly for installation in an endoscope, the image pick-up module having an electronic image sensor, a first circuit board, a second circuit board and a cable.
US08633427B2 High-frequency heating device
The high-frequency heating device, the subject of the present invention, is driven by an inverter and, by reducing the power losses in the mentioned inverter the operating efficiency is increased.
US08633426B2 Electrically heatable sheet of glass, method for production thereof and also window
The invention relates to an electrically heatable sheet of glass (10), including at least one electrically conductive coating applied on at least one side of the sheet of glass and also to at least one contacting applied at least in regions on the coating, the contacting being configured as a spray coating.
US08633423B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling substrate temperature in a process chamber
Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a substrate during processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for retaining and controlling substrate temperature may include a puck of dielectric material; an electrode disposed in the puck proximate a surface of the puck upon which a substrate is to be retained; and a plurality of heater elements disposed in the puck and arranged in concentric rings to provide independent temperature control zones.
US08633409B2 Waterproof structure of wire leading portion
There is provided a waterproof structure of a wire leading portion. A rubber cap is assembled with wire connected to a circuit board. A housing accommodates the circuit board. A packing holder is accommodated next to the circuit board through an opening of the housing. A packing is assembled on an outer periphery of the packing holder to be in close contact with an inner surface of the housing. The packing holder includes: a rubber cap secession prevention wall formed in a direction that crosses an accommodation direction; a wire insertion hole formed to penetrate the wall; and a rubber cap accommodation chamber communicating with the wire insertion hole and continuing to an inner surface of the wall. The inner surface of the wall and a cross-section of the circuit board are formed to hold the rubber cap that is accommodated in the rubber cap accommodation chamber.
US08633403B2 Methods and apparatus for shielding circuitry from interference
This is directed to methods and apparatus for shielding a circuitry region of an electronic device from interference (e.g., EMI). A conductive dam may be formed about a periphery of the circuitry region. A non-conductive or electrically insulating fill may then be applied to the circuitry region within the dam. Next, a conductive cover may be applied above the fill. The cover may be electrically coupled to the dam. The dam may include two or more layers of conductive material stacked on top of one another. In some embodiments, the conductive cover may be pad printed or screen printed above the fill. In other embodiments, the conductive cover may be a conductive tablet that is melted above the fill.
US08633386B2 Cable management device and server using same
A cable management device includes a shell, a driving assembly and a cover. The shell includes a first coil winder and a second coil winder. The driving assembly is slidably fixed to the shell, the driving assembly including a sliding rack and a rotating rack. The cover is releasably latched to the shell. The cable assembly includes a first end, a second end and a coil section. The first end is fixed to the driving assembly, the second end is fixed to the shell. The coil section is wound onto the first coil winder and the second coil winder. When the driving assembly is slid out of the shell, the driving assembly stretches the coil section, and the rotating rack rotates relative to the sliding rack, bending the cable assembly.
US08633383B2 Electric junction box
An electric junction box for preventing rattle between cassette blocks assembled to each other before being fixed to main body case, includes a first cassette block a second cassette block configured to be assembled to each other by locking structure, an electric distribution member for distributing power to the second cassette block from the first cassette block. The electric distribution member includes an input power source line, and a pair of connectors connected with both ends of the input power source line and engaged with the lower surface of the first cassette block and the lower surface of the second cassette block, respectively. A direction of drawing the input power source line out of each of the pair of connectors is arranged perpendicular to a direction engaging the pair of connectors with the first cassette block and the second cassette block.
US08633381B2 Termination unit for multi-phase superconductor cable
A termination unit for a multi-phase superconductor cable has, for each phase, a cylindrical modular element (1, 2, 3) having a thermally insulating external envelope (1A, 2A, 3A) containing a superconductor cable portion (7, 8, 9) contained in an internal envelope (1B, 2B, 3B) containing a cooling fluid. A branch element (4, 5, 6) of each phase, provided with an electrical connection element (4A, 5A, 6A), is arranged at the end of each said modular element, where each branch element (4, 5, 6) is directly connected to the corresponding cable portion (7, 8, 9) and only the electrical connection element (4A, 5A, 6A) projecting from the modular elements (1, 2, 3).
US08633379B2 Solar cell
A solar cell is discussed. The solar cell includes a substrate having a first conductivity type and made of a crystalline semiconductor; an emitter region having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, and forming a p-n junction with the substrate; a surface field region having the first conductivity type and being separated from the emitter region; a first electrode connected to the emitter region; and a second electrode connected to the surface field region, wherein at least one of the emitter region and the surface field region includes a plurality of semiconductor portions, and at least one of the plurality of semiconductor portion is a crystalline semiconductor portion.
US08633376B2 Photovoltaic concentrator assembly with optically active cover
A photovoltaic concentrator assembly that includes a housing that defines an internal volume and includes a rim, wherein the rim defines an opening into the internal volume, a photovoltaic cell positioned in the internal volume, and an optical element that includes an optically active body and a flange extending outward from the body, wherein the flange is sealingly engaged with the rim of the housing to enclose the internal volume.
US08633372B2 Light recapturing system and method
A system for recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting that light into electrical current which can be used to power the same light source or other devices. An exemplary embodiment may use photovoltaic cells to recapture light from ceiling lights and convert it into a source of power for the ceiling light. Another embodiment may be a tanning bed that recaptures light using photovoltaic cells. Some embodiments may recapture light from multiple lighting fixtures. An exemplary embodiment may include a computer and battery for storing energy produced by the photovoltaic cells. Another exemplary embodiment is a method of recapturing light emitted by a light source and converting the light into energy which can be used to power electrical activities.
US08633366B2 Drum pedal cover
A drum pedal cover for attachment to a drum pedal surface is hereby disclosed. Single or multiple layers of padded foam material are employed, which are attached to the drum pedal surface. The padded material is used to reduce shock and provide comfort to the user during drumming. The drum pedal cover is attached to the drum pedal surface by employing the use of several strap assemblies, which are woven through apertures in the drum pedal cover. The strap assembly winds underneath the drum pedal's surface and is attached from the underside of the drum pedal. The strap assembly enables the user to rapidly employ and deploy the invention.
US08633358B2 Lettuce line RS16893282
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RS16893282. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RS16893282, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RS16893282 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RS16893282, including the gametes of such plants.
US08633356B2 Method for controlling root parasitic plants
It is an objective to provide a method for controlling root parasitic plants. The present invention is directed to a method for protecting plants from root parasitic plants comprising regulating the activity of a protein associated with the strigolactone biosynthetic pathway (including the strigolactone biosynthetic and signalling pathway) in plants or expression of a gene encoding such a protein.
US08633342B2 Process for producing alkylaromatic compounds
In a process for alkylation of an alkylatable aromatic compound to produce a monoalkylated aromatic compound, a first feed stream comprising fresh alkylatable aromatic compound is passed to a first reaction zone which comprises a transalkylation catalyst and which also receives a second feed stream comprising polyalkylated aromatic compounds. The first and second feed streams are contacted with the transalkylation catalyst in the first reaction zone under conditions to transalkylate the polyalkylated aromatic compounds with the alkylatable aromatic compound to produce the desired monoalkylated aromatic compound. A first effluent stream comprising unreacted alkylatable aromatic compound and the monoalkylated aromatic compound is removed from the first reaction zone and passed to a fractionation system to separate the first effluent stream into a first light fraction comprising the unreacted alkylatable aromatic compound and a first heavy fraction comprising the monoalkylated aromatic compound. At least part of one or more impurities in the fresh feed stream are removed in the first reaction zone.
US08633328B2 Method of making fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids and precursors thereof
Provided are saturated partially fluorinated alkoxy carboxylic acids or salts thereof and methods of preparation.
US08633320B2 Process for preparing bromo-substituted quinolines
Disclosed are methods for the preparation of bromo-substituted quinolines of the formula (I) where R is aryl, heteroaryl, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl, which are useful as intermediates in the preparation of agents for the treatment of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infections: Formula (I).
US08633318B2 Compounds for treatment or prevention of inflammation, an inflammatory disease, or an immune or an autoimmune disorder
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, geometrical isomers, tautomers, optical isomers or N-oxides, which are inhibitors of SSAO activity. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to the use of these compounds for the treatment of medical conditions wherein inhibition of SSAO activity is beneficial, such as such as inflammatory diseases and immune disorders.
US08633307B2 Dark quenchers for donor-acceptor energy transfer
The present invention provides a family of dark quenchers, termed Black Hole Quenchers (“BHQs”), that are efficient quenchers of excited state energy but which are themselves substantially non-fluorescent. Also provided are methods of using the BHQs, probes incorporating the BHQs and methods of using the probes.
US08633293B2 Self-repairing polymer
A polymer includes a reaction product of an epoxy resin, a first crosslinking agent, and a second crosslinking agent. The first crosslinking agent is reactive with the epoxy resin and has a first molecular weight. The second crosslinking agent is reactive with the epoxy resin and has a second molecular weight of at least 2.5 times greater than the first molecular weight. The polymer has a first phase having a first glass transition temperature at which the polymer is transformable between a first shape and a second shape. The second crosslinking agent is crystallizable within the polymer and thereby has a melting temperature that is detectable within the polymer.
US08633284B2 Tailorable polyimide prepolymer blends, crosslinked polymides and articles formed therefrom
A polyimide prepolymer blend including a first prepolymer component comprising a first polyimide oligomer having the formula E1-[R1]n-E1 and a second prepolymer component selected from M1, a second polyimide oligomer having the formula E2-[R2]n-E2, and combinations thereof; where R1 and R2 independently comprise: where n is from about 1 to about 5, V is a tetravalent substituted or unsubstituted aromatic monocyclic or polycyclic linking structure, R is a substituted or unsubstituted divalent organic radical. E1 and E2 independently comprise crosslinkable functional groups. M1 comprises a mixture of monomeric compounds including a diamine component, a dianhydride component, and an end group component. The prepolymer blend, prior to cure, provides at least one predetermined prepolymer blend property; and when cured under suitable cure conditions, the prepolymer blend provides a crosslinked polyimide matrix having at least one predetermined crosslinked matrix property.
US08633282B2 Metal removing agent and metal removing filter
A metal removing agent has a capability of removing metal clusters and metal ions from fuel with high efficiency. The metal removing agent is made of resin having anionic functional group of a functional group density within a range of 2 to 25 mmol/ml. The anionic functional group contained in the metal removing agent is at least one selected from sulfonate group, carboxyl group, sulfate group, thiol group, phosphate group, phosphonate group, iminodiacetic acid group, and aminophosphate group. A metal removing filter has a container and the metal removing agent. The container accommodates the metal removing agent.
US08633277B2 Methods for forming polymer-drug conjugates
Methods for preparing polymer-drug conjugates are provided. The disclosed methods involve polymeric reagents comprising a moiety of atoms arranged in a specific order, wherein the moiety is positioned between a water-soluble polymer and a reactive group. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided.
US08633273B2 Process for production of a heat-stabilized acrylate polymer
Polyamide-reinforced polyacrylate polymer compositions comprising a continuous polyacrylate polymer phase and a discontinuous polyamide phase are produced by a melt mixing process. When crosslinked with peroxide curatives the polyamide-reinforced polyacrylate polymer compositions exhibit enhanced resistance to heat aging compared to carbon black-reinforced polyacrylate polymer compositions.
US08633269B2 Play modeling dough
The present invention is directed toward a play composition including a polymeric binder and oil. In an embodiment, the binder is a hydrogenated triblock copolymer including styrene. The oil is a mineral oil. The composition may further include a plasticizer, a release agent, and one or more fillers.
US08633268B2 Synthetic polyisoprene foley catheter
An indwelling urinary drainage catheter (12, 110) includes synthetic polyisoprene rubber (SPIR). Advantageously, the SPIR catheter can meet the tensile and resiliency requirements of Foley applications while avoiding the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive patients. The SPIR comprises an accelerator system that uses a carbamate as the only accelerator, a guanidine as the only accelerator, a combination of guanidine and carbamate accelerators, a combination of carbamate and thiazole accelerators, or a combination of guanidine, carbamate and thiazole accelerators.
US08633266B2 Tin-free stabilizer composition
A stabilizer composition for halogenated polymers comprising at least one zinc salt of a carboxylic acid and/or of a β-diketone, comprising a metal salt of the carboxylic acid selected from the group of the following metals: Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al and Zn; a metal salt of the β-diketone selected from the group of the following metals: Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Al and Zn; and an amino alcohol derivative.
US08633265B2 UV stabilization of isosorbide polycarbonates
Provided herein are polymeric compositions that are suitable protected from UV-induced discoloration and degradation. Such resins comprise an isosorbide polymer and one or more hindered amines. These resin compositions are useful in the manufacture of various shaped, formed and/or molded articles.
US08633263B2 Coating composition and method of making and using the same
Compositions include an aqueous continuous liquid phase and core-shell particles dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase. Each core-shell particle includes a polymer core surrounded by a shell consisting essentially of nonporous spherical silica particles disposed on the polymer core, wherein the nonporous spherical silica particles have a volume average particle diameter of 60 nanometers or less. Methods of making and using the compositions to coat a substrate are also disclosed.
US08633261B2 Polymer composites having particles with mixed organic modifications
The present invention relates to polymer composites prepared from a host polymer and particles. Specifically, this invention is concerned with the organic modification of the particles. More specifically, the particles are organically modified with at least two organic modifiers that are different and have specific chemical and physical properties.
US08633260B2 Polymer compound comprising dye and curable resin composition comprising same
The present invention relates to a polymer compound including a dye, and a curable resin composition including the same. The polymer compound including the dye according to the present invention may exhibit characteristics such as excellent heat resistance, solubility, coating uniformity, chemical resistance and the like by introducing a single molecule type dye into a side chain of a polymer binder to be modified into a polymer form and applying the modified polymer to a curable composition.
US08633252B2 Use of pterosin compounds for treating diabetes and obesity
This invention relates to the use of pterosin compounds of formula I for treating diabetes including type I and type II. Also disclosed is the use of the pterosin compounds for treating obesity.
US08633249B2 Adjuvant chemotherapy for anaplastic gliomas
The present invention involves the use of 2,4-disulfonyl phenyl tert-butyl nitrone (2,4-ds-PBN) in the treatment and prevention of gliomas. The 2,4-ds-PBN may be used alone or combined with other traditional chemo- and radiotherapies and surgery, to treat or prevent glioma occurrence, recurrence, spread, growth, metastasis, or vascularization.
US08633248B2 Parenteral selenomethionine for production of selenium-rich foods
A formulation for parenteral administration which includes selenomethionine and at least one oil-based vehicle. The formulation is used for elevating the selenium levels in the blood, milk and/or meat of an animal. These products (i.e. milk and meat) and the formulation itself are used to meet the selenium nutritional requirement for growth and health in a selenium deficient animal.
US08633247B2 Method for decreasing cartilage damage in dogs
A method for modulating enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage in a dog comprises administering to the dog an enzymatic degradation modulating effective amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), for example as a component of a food composition. By practice of the method in a dog having arthritis, mobility of the dog can be increased, weight bearing in an arthritic limb can be increased, and/or pain associated with arthritis can be reduced.
US08633242B2 Benzylidene indanones and processes for preparation and use thereof
The present invention relates to benzylidene indanones of general formula 1. The compounds exhibited tubulin polymerisation inhibition. A series of compounds 2-benzylidene 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) indanones having general formula 1 were synthesized from gallic acid through a chemical process. 2-(3,4-Methylenedioxybenzylidine), 3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl), 4,5,6-trimethoxyindanone (8), a representative compound of this series possessing the molecular formula C29H28O9, was synthesized from gallic acid and exhibits potent anticancer activity. Compound 8 was evaluated for acute oral activity in Swiss albino mice and found to be safe up to 300 mg/kg body weight. The anticancer activity of the compounds has been determined, in order to obtain new potent and cost effective molecules using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay.
US08633241B2 Nebivolol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, process for preparation and pharmaceutical compositions of nebivolol
The present invention provides an improved process for the synthesis of nebivolol or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, more particularly hydrochloride salt of formula (I). The present invention further provides a new Form T1 of nebivolol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts.The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and process for the preparation of a solid oral dosage form of nebivolol hydrochloride of formula (I), without the use of wetting agent, and optionally using binder and/or disintegrant.
US08633240B2 Paclitaxel trihydrates and methods of making thereof
Novel paclitaxel trihydrates. The paclitaxel trihydrates described herein are obtained by recrystallizing paclitaxel from a water/alcohol solution. Such recrystallization is known in the art to yield the one previously known paclitaxel crystalline trihydrate polymorph. Formation of the novel paclitaxel trihydrates described herein is induced by subjecting paclitaxel trihydrate crystals to an elevated pressure. As evidenced by NMR spectra, the novel paclitaxel trihydrates described herein have three-dimensional structures and/or water coordination geometry structures that are distinct from any previously known paclitaxel trihydrate.
US08633237B2 Indane derivatives
The present invention relates to anindane derivative according to formula I wherein the variables are defined as in the specification, or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of said indane derivatives and to their use in therapy, for instance in the treatment or prevention of psychiatric diseases where an enhancement of synaptic responses mediated by AMPA receptors is required, including schizophrenia, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
US08633235B2 Benzimidazole derivatives, compositions containing them, preparation thereof and uses thereof
Compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification as well as salts and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds are prepared. They are useful in therapy, in particular in the management of pain.
US08633234B2 Rifaximin
Amorphous rifaximin, methods of making it, and pharmaceutical compositions containing it. Also described are methods of converting amorphous rifaximin to crystalline rifaximin and vice versa.
US08633230B2 Viral hepatitis treatment
The present disclosure relates to methods for treating viral hepatitis, compounds useful in the treatment of viral hepatitis, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. In one embodiment, pharmaceutical compositions comprising nitazoxanide, tizoxanide, or derivatives and/or mixtures thereof are provided, as well as methods of treating hepatitis C using such compositions.
US08633229B2 Pharmaceutical composition having dopaminergic activity
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition having dopaminergic activity and other related pharmaceutical activities comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s), optionally along with excipients(s); a process of preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s), optionally along with excipients(s), wherein the process comprising steps of: (a) extracting a clear solution containing trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine from plant source; and (b) optionally precipitating derivative(s) of trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine from the clear solution and obtaining said composition; and an in-vitro method to increase levels of dopamine or to inhibit prolactin by allowing composition comprising trigonelline or its derivative(s) and 4-hydroxyisoleucine or its derivative(s) to bind to cell receptors.
US08633228B2 Amide derivative, pest control agent containing the amide derivative, and pest controlling method
A pest control agent containing a compound represented by the following Formula (1), wherein A represents a carbon atom, a nitrogen atom, or the like, K represents a non-metal atom group necessary for forming a cyclic linking group derived from a 5- or 6-membered aromatic ring, in combination with A and two carbon atoms to which A bonds, X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, or the like, n represents an integer of from 0 to 4, T represents —C(═G1)-Q1 (wherein G1 and G2 represent an oxygen atom or the like, Q1 represents a phenyl group which may have a substituent, a heterocyclic group which may have a substituent, or the like), or the like, Q2 represents a phenyl group or the like, G3 represents an oxygen atom or the like, and R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C6 alkyl group, or a group represented by -L-D, or the like (provided that at least either R1 or R2 represents a group represented by -L-D); as an active ingredient exhibits an excellent effect.
US08633225B2 Piperidinium compounds and cosmetic compositions containing them
Cosmetic or dermatological compositions which comprise at least one piperidinium salt, preferably a 4-[(2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxyphenylacetyl)oxy]-1,1-dimethyl-piperidinium salt, and the use thereof, particularly as antiperspirants. This Abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08633201B2 Thienopyrimidines having Mnk1/Mnk2 inhibiting activity for pharmaceutical compositions
The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions comprising thienopyrimidine compounds. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the thienopyrimidine compounds of the invention for the production of pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of diseases which can be influenced by the inhibition of the kinase activity of Mnk1 and/or Mnk2 (Mnk2a or Mnk2b) and/or variants thereof.
US08633200B2 Inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus replication
The disclosure generally relates to compounds of formula I, including compositions and methods for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The disclosure provides novel inhibitors of HIV, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods for using these compounds in the treatment of HIV infection.
US08633197B2 Piperidine/piperazine derivatives
The invention relates to a DGAT inhibitor of formula including any stereochemically isomeric form thereof, a N-oxide thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, and methods for preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds as well as the use as a medicine of said compounds.
US08633193B2 Pyrrolo-pyridine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine and related heterocyclic compounds
Pyrrolo-pyridine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine and related heterocyclic compounds analogues of the formula: wherein R, R2, R5, E, Z1, Z3, Z4, and Ar are defined herein. Such compounds are ligands of C5a receptors. Preferred pyrrolo-pyridine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine and related heterocyclic compounds of the invention bind to C5a receptors with high affinity and exhibit neutral antagonist or inverse agonist activity at C5a receptors. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and to the use of such compounds in treating a variety of inflammatory, cardiovascular, and immune system disorders. In addition, the present invention provides labeled pyrrolo-pyridine, pyrrolo-pyrimidine and related heterocyclic compounds, which are useful as probes for the localization of C5a receptors.
US08633182B2 Indanyloxyphenylcyclopropanecarboxylic acids
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I, wherein the groups R1, R2, R3, m and n are defined as in claim 1, which have valuable pharmacological properties, in particular bind to the GPR40 receptor and modulate its activity. The compounds are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by this receptor, such as metabolic diseases, in particular diabetes type 2. Furthermore, the invention relates to novel intermediates, useful for the synthesis of compounds of formula I.
US08633180B2 Organic compounds
Optionally substituted 4,5,7,8-tetrahydro-(optionally 4-thioxo or 4-imino)-(1H or 2H)-imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidine or 4,5,7,8,9-pentahydro-(optionally 4-thioxo or 4-imino)-(1H or 2H)-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidine compounds or Compounds of Formula (I), processes for their production, their use as pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08633179B2 Synergistic interaction of NOTCH-1 inhibitors with glucocorticoids
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for preventing and/or treating various conditions in a patient, including for example, T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as for example, Alzheimer's disease. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, such methods include providing a patient with an effective amount of a combination of a NOTCH-1 inhibitor and glucocorticoid. The present invention further encompasses methods for increasing the efficacy of, and mitigating resistance to, glucocorticoids in the treatment of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoma, which generally include providing a patient with an effective amount of one or more NOTCH-1 inhibitors.
US08633170B2 Therapy-enhancing glucan
This invention provides a composition comprising an effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of antibodies. This invention further provides the above compositions and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject with cancer comprising administrating the above-described composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of vaccines. This invention also provides a method of treating a subject comprising administrating the above pharmaceutical composition to the subject. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing efficacy of natural antibodies. This invention provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing host immunity. This invention also provides a composition comprising effective amount of glucan capable of enhancing the action of an agent in preventing tissue rejection.
US08633162B2 Methods of providing therapeutic effects using cyclosporin components
Methods of treating an eye of a human or animal include administering to an eye of a human or animal a composition in the form of an emulsion including water, a hydrophobic component and a cyclosporin component in a therapeutically effective amount of less than 0.1 % by weight of the composition. The weight ratio of the cyclosporin component to the hydrophobic component is less than 0.8.
US08633155B2 Methods of using angiopoietin-like 4 protein to stimulate proliferation of pre-adipocytes
ANGPTL4 compositions and methods of using such compositions, and agonists or antagonists thereof, for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases or disorders are included, including methods to modulate cell proliferation, cell adhesion, and cell migration.
US08633149B2 Targeting PAX2 for the treatment of breast cancer
The present application provides methods of prevention and/or treatment of breast cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.
US08633148B2 Encapsulates
The present application relates to encapsulated, solid, water soluble benefit agents and products comprising such encapsulates, as well as processes for making and using such encapsulates and products comprising such encapsulates. In one aspect, the present application relates to a melamine formaldehyde and/or urea formaldehyde encapsulation process that offers as solution to the dissolution of solid, water soluble benefit agents during the process's emulsification step.
US08633146B2 Non-fluoropolymer surface protection composition comprising a polyorganosiloxane-silicone resin mixture
The present invention encompasses a surface treatment composition which comprises a polyorganosiloxane fluid-silicone resin mixture and a carrier. The polyorganosiloxane fluid-silicone resin mixture comprises about 50% to about 99.99% by weight of one or more polyorganosiloxane fluid compounds, at least 0.01% by weight of one or more silicone resin, and a maximum of 5% by weight of water.
US08633134B2 Substituted amidine compounds for combating animal pests
The invention relates to substituted amidine compounds of formula (I), to the enantiomers, diastereomers and salts thereof and to compositions comprising such compounds. The invention also relates to the use of the substituted amidine compounds, of their salts or of compositions comprising them for combating animal pests. Furthermore the invention relates also to methods of applying such substituted amidine compounds.The substituted amidine compounds of the present invention are defined by the following formula I: wherein A1 to A4, B1 to B3, R1 to R3, (R4)p, (R5)q, X and Y are defined as in the description.
US08633133B2 Synthesis of clay-templated subnano-sized zero valent iron (ZVI) particles and clays containing same
A clay comprising a 2:1 aluminosilicate clay having negative charge sites, the 2:1 aluminosilicate clay containing subnano-sized zero valent iron (ZVI) particles distributed on clay surfaces is provided. In one embodiment, at least some or all of the particles have a cross-section of five (5) angstroms or less. Methods of synthesizing and the novel clays and the clay-templated subnano-scale ZVI particles themselves are also described. Such novel products are useful in a variety of remediation applications, including for reduction and dechlorination reactions.
US08633131B2 Mesoporous oxide-catalyst complex and method of preparing the mesoporous oxide-catalyst complex
A mesoporous oxide-catalyst complex including: a mesoporous metal oxide; and a catalyst metal supported on the mesoporous metal oxide, wherein the catalyst on the mesoporous metal oxide has a degree of dispersion of about 30 to about 90 percent.
US08633117B1 Sputter and surface modification etch processing for metal patterning in integrated circuits
In one embodiment, fabricating conductive lines in an integrated circuit includes providing a layer of conductive metal in a multi-layer structure fabricated upon a wafer and sputter etching the conductive metal using methanol plasma, wherein a portion of the conductive metal that remains after the sputter etching forms the conductive lines. In another embodiment, fabricating conductive lines in an integrated circuit includes providing a layer of conductive metal in a multi-layer structure fabricated upon a wafer, wherein the layer of conductive metal is an intermediate layer in the multi-layer structure, etching the multi-layer structure to expose the conductive metal, sputter etching conductive metal using methanol plasma, wherein a portion of the conductive metal that remains after the sputter etching forms the conductive lines, forming a liner that surrounds the conductive lines, subsequent to the sputter etching, and depositing a dielectric layer on the multi-layer structure.
US08633114B2 Methods for manufacturing high dielectric constant films
Provided are methods for depositing a high-k dielectric film on a substrate. The methods comprise annealing a substrate after cleaning the surface to create dangling bonds and depositing the high-k dielectric film on the annealed surface.
US08633111B2 Composition for polishing surfaces of silicon dioxide
A composition for polishing surfaces comprises the following components: a) at least one inorganic abrasive component (S) comprising a lanthanide oxide, b) at least one organic dispersing-agent component based on polymer (P), c) at least one organic gelling agent (G) such as gellan gum, d) water as solution or dispersing medium, and e) if appropriate further auxiliary and additive materials and has high stability.
US08633108B1 Dual damascene process
A method for forming dual damascene structures in a semiconductor structure is disclosed. The method generally includes etching a substrate using a first hard mask to form a plurality of first trenches and vias, forming a set of first conductive lines and via interconnects, removing the first hard mask, etching the substrate using a second hard mask to form a plurality of second trenches and vias, and forming a set of second conductive lines and via interconnects. At least some of the first conductive lines are interspersed between some of the second conductive lines. A planarization process is used on the substrate after forming the first conductive lines and via interconnects before forming the second conductive lines and via interconnects.
US08633105B2 Method of fabricating a self-aligning damascene memory structure
A method of forming a memory cell is provided. The method includes forming a first pillar-shaped element that includes a first semiconductor material, forming a first opening self-aligned with the first pillar-shaped element, and depositing a second semiconductor material in the first opening to form a second pillar-shaped element above the first pillar-shaped element. Other aspects are also provided.
US08633100B2 Method of manufacturing integrated circuit packaging system with support structure
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate; forming a connection post on the substrate, the connection post having a post top and a post side; mounting an integrated circuit die on the substrate, the integrated circuit die having a top die surface; molding an encapsulation on the integrated circuit die and the connection post; and forming a connector recess in the encapsulation by removing the encapsulation around the connection post exposing a portion of the post side.
US08633090B2 Method for forming substrate with buried insulating layer
A method for forming an edge-chamfered substrate with a buried insulating layer is provided, which comprises the following steps: providing a first substrate (S10); forming an etching mask layer on surfaces of the first substrate, wherein said etching mask layer is formed on the whole surfaces of the first substrate (S11); chamfering a glazed surface of the first substrate and the etching mask layer thereon by the edge grinding (S12); by rotary etching, etching the first substrate which is exposed by the edge grinding on the etching mask layer (S13); providing a second substrate (S14); and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate with a buried insulating layer (S15). The method avoids the edge collapses and the changes of the warp degree in subsequent processes.
US08633085B2 Dual-depth self-aligned isolation structure for a back gate electrode
Doped semiconductor back gate regions self-aligned to active regions are formed by first patterning a top semiconductor layer and a buried insulator layer to form stacks of a buried insulator portion and a semiconductor portion. Oxygen is implanted into an underlying semiconductor layer at an angle so that oxygen-implanted regions are formed in areas that are not shaded by the stack or masking structures thereupon. The oxygen implanted portions are converted into deep trench isolation structures that are self-aligned to sidewalls of the active regions, which are the semiconductor portions in the stacks. Dopant ions are implanted into the portions of the underlying semiconductor layer between the deep trench isolation structures to form doped semiconductor back gate regions. A shallow trench isolation structure is formed on the deep trench isolation structures and between the stacks.
US08633078B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device is formed with a gate pattern formed on a substrate, and a recrystallized region having a stacking fault defect in the substrate at one side of the gate pattern. The semiconductor device can have a reduced leakage current and improved channel conductivity.
US08633069B2 Array substrate and manufacturing method thereof, active display
A manufacturing method for an array substrate comprising: sequentially forming a gate metal film, a gate insulating layer and an active layer film; applying photoresist, and patterning the photoresist; etching the stacked layers corresponding to a photoresist-completely-removed region; ashing to remove the photoresist in a photoresist-partially-remained region and remain a part of photoresist in a photoresist-completely-remained region, etching the gate insulating layer and the active layer film in the photoresist-partially-remained region; forming an insulating layer film; lifting off the photoresist and the insulating layer film thereon; forming a conductive film, and patterning the conductive film to from a source electrode, a drain electrode, a data line, a pixel electrode and an active layer channel.
US08633064B1 Methods of manufacture of top port multipart surface mount silicon condenser microphone package
The present invention relates to a surface mount package for a silicon condenser microphone and methods for manufacturing the surface mount package. The surface mount package uses a limited number of components which simplifies manufacturing and lowers costs, and features a substrate that performs functions for which multiple components were traditionally required, including providing an interior surface on which the silicon condenser die is mechanically attached, providing an interior surface for making electrical connections between the silicon condenser die and the package, and providing an exterior surface for surface mounting the package to a device's printed circuit board and for making electrical connections between package and the device's sprinted circuit board.
US08633059B2 Integrated circuit packaging system with interconnect and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a base carrier; providing a first integrated circuit having a first integrated circuit inactive side and a first integrated circuit active side; coupling a second integrated circuit, having a second integrated circuit inactive side and a second integrated circuit active side, to the first integrated circuit in an active-to-active configuration; attaching the first integrated circuit over the base carrier; attaching a redistribution structure over the first integrated circuit; and forming a base encapsulation over the redistribution structure, the base encapsulation having a recess partially exposing the redistribution structure.
US08633057B2 Semiconductor package and method of fabricating the same
Provided is a semiconductor package and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor package includes: a package body including a plurality of sheets; semiconductor chips mounted in the package body; and an external connection terminal provided on a first side of the package body, wherein the sheets are stacked in a parallel direction to the first side.
US08633051B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
An object is to prevent a reduction of definition (or resolution) (a peripheral blur) caused when reflected light enters a photoelectric conversion element arranged at a periphery of a photoelectric conversion element arranged at a predetermined address. A semiconductor device is manufactured through the steps of: forming a structure having a first light-transmitting substrate, a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements over the first light-transmitting substrate, a second light-transmitting substrate provided so as to face the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, a sealant arranged so as to bond the first light-transmitting substrate and the second light-transmitting substrate and surround the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; and thinning the first light-transmitting substrate by wet etching.
US08633050B2 Solar cell, and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a solar cell having an effective minority charge carrier lifetime (τeff) of at least 500 μs, said method comprising: providing a semiconductor wafer; and passivating a surface of said wafer by ALD-depositing a metal oxide layer on said surface by sequentially and alternatingly: (iii) exposing said surface to a first precursor, resulting in a coverage of the surface with the first precursor, and (iv) exposing said surface to a second precursor, resulting in a coverage of the surface with the second precursor, wherein at least one of steps (i) and (ii) is stopped before the coverage of the surface reaches a saturation level.
US08633048B2 Method for fabricating package structure having MEMS elements
A fabrication method of a package structure having MEMS elements includes: disposing a plate on top of a wafer having MEMS elements and second alignment keys; cutting the plate to form therein a plurality of openings exposing the second alignment keys; performing a wire bonding process and disposing block bodies corresponding to the second alignment keys, respectively; forming an encapsulant and partially removing the encapsulant and the block bodies from the top of the encapsulant; and aligning through the second alignment keys so as to form on the encapsulant a plurality of metal traces. The present invention eliminates the need to form through holes in a silicon substrate as in the prior art so as to reduce the fabrication costs. Further, since the plate only covers the MEMS elements and the encapsulant is partially removed, the overall thickness and size of the package structure are reduced.
US08633047B2 Method for manufacturing a sensor chip
The present sensor chip comprises a substrate. A plurality of electrode elements is arranged at a first level on the substrate with at least one gap between neighbouring electrode elements. A metal structure is arranged at a second level on the substrate, wherein the second level is different from the first level. The metal structure at least extends over an area of the second level that is defined by a projection of the at least one gap towards the second level.
US08633038B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device
In wafer probe inspection for a flip-chip semiconductor device having a solder bump, electric test may be performed at a high temperature by causing a probe needle to directly contact a solder bump over a wafer. The inventors have examined such high temperature probe tests in various ways and revealed the following problems. When a high temperature probe test is performed at 90° C. or higher using a palladium alloy probe needle, tin diffusion due to a solder bump occurs at the needle point to raise resistance, resulting in causing open failure. According to the invention of the present application, at least the tip of a palladium-based probe needle has mainly a granular grain structure in a high temperature probe test performed with the palladium-based probe needle contacting a solder bump electrode over a semiconductor wafer.
US08633034B2 Methods for evaluating the aggregation of a protein in a suspension including organopolysiloxane and medical articles coated with organopolysiloxane containing a protein solution
This invention relates to methods for evaluating or inhibiting the aggregation of a protein in an aqueous suspension including organopolysiloxane and medical articles coated with organopolysiloxane containing a protein solution including sugar and a non-ionic surfactant.
US08633032B2 Nucleic acid extraction kit, nucleic acid extraction method, and nucleic acid extraction apparatus
A nucleic acid extraction kit, which enables the nucleic acid extraction operation to be accomplished safely without causing contamination, and in which the complex preparation of reagents and the disposal treatments that are performed before and after the nucleic acid extraction operation can be performed rapidly and simply, with the extraction performed in an automated manner. The nucleic acid extraction kit includes: a container including reagent wells that each store at least a reagent, a sample well into which a biological sample is introduced, a waste liquid well, and a collection well in which an extracted nucleic acid is collected, and an extraction filter cartridge equipped with an extraction filter for separating and extracting a nucleic acid from the biological sample, wherein the extraction filter cartridge is formed in a manner that enables the extraction filter cartridge to be supported on the waste liquid well and the collection well.
US08633031B2 Expression quantification using mass spectrometry
In various aspects, the present teachings provide systems, methods, assays and kits for the absolute quantitation of protein expression. In various aspects, the present teachings provide methods of determining the concentration of one or more proteins of interest in one or more samples of interest. In various aspects, the present teachings provide methods of determining the absolute concentration of one or more isoforms of a protein using standard samples of signature protein fragments and parent-daughter ion transition monitoring (PDITM). In various embodiments, the absolute concentration of multiple isoforms of a biomolecule in a sample, multiple proteins in a biological process, a combination of multiple samples, or combinations thereof, can be determined in a multiplex fashion using the present teachings. In various aspects, provided are methods of assessing the response of a biological system to a chemical agent.
US08633030B2 Polypeptides having carboxypeptidase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having carboxypeptidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08633028B2 dsRNA induced specific and non-specific immunity in crustaceans and other invertebrates and biodelivery vehicles for use therein
Methods for inducing systemic, non-specific and/or sequence specific immune responses in invertebrates, e.g., marine invertebrates such as mollusks, porifera, ctenophora, echinodermas, marine worms, cnideria and preferably crustaceans, by the administration of at least one dsRNA, that confers immunity against a pathogen, or modulates expression of gene that affects growth, reproduction, and general health or “robustness” are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying invertebrate genes, e.g., crustacean genes, the expression of which is involved in the induction of non-specific (systemic) immune responses against pathogens. Also disclosed are preferred delivery systems and methods for stably administering at least one dsRNA to a crustacean whereby the dsRNA is administered via injection, immersion, in a feed or nutrient medium or comprised in a microorganism, e.g., yeast or microalgae, that expresses said dsRNA and is ingestible by said crustacean, e.g., a shrimp.
US08633014B2 Device for biochemical processing and analysis of a sample
A device including a sample compartment, a coil and an arm for mechanical manipulation of a sample vessel placed in the sample compartment and containing a sample is described. In at least one embodiment, the coil is surrounding the sample compartment and the sample compartment has an opening for insertion and removal of the sample vessel. A method, using the device according to at least one embodiment of the invention for detection of magnetic permeability, relative magnetic permeability or relative magnetic susceptibility, is also described.
US08633001B2 Process for producing optically active succinimide derivatives and intermediates thereof
A process for producing optically active succinimide derivatives as key intermediates of (3R)-2′-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)spiro{pyrrolidine-3,4′(1′H)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine}-1′,2,3′,5(2′H)-tetraone, which comprises the following reaction steps.
US08632999B1 Nucleic acid amplification methods
The present invention relates to assays and kits for carrying out said assays for the rapid, automated detection of infectious pathogenic agents and normal and abnormal genes. The present invention further relates to methods for general amplification of total mRNAs and for analyzing differential mRNA expression using the amplification methods disclosed herein.
US08632996B2 Method for producing recombinant antibody and antibody fragment thereof
A recombinant antibody or the antibody fragment thereof which specifically reacts with an extracellular domain of human CCR4; a DNA which encodes the recombinant antibody or the antibody fragment thereof; a method for producing the recombinant antibody or the antibody fragment thereof; a method for immunologically detecting CCR4, a method for immunologically detecting a cell which expressed CCR4 on the cell surface, a method for depleting a cell which expresses CCR4 on the cell surface, and a method for inhibiting production of Th2 cytokine, which comprise using the recombinant antibody according or antibody fragment thereof; a therapeutic or diagnostic agent for Th2-mediated immune diseases; and a therapeutic or diagnostic agent for a blood cancer.
US08632985B2 Binding molecules for the treatment of myeloid cell malignancies
Provided is a human C-type lectin, binding molecules that specifically bind to the human C-type lectin, nucleic acid molecules encoding the binding molecules or the human C-type lectin, compositions comprising the binding molecules or the human C-type lectin and methods of identifying or producing the binding molecules. The human C-type lectin is specifically expressed on myeloid cells and binding molecules capable of specifically binding to the human C-type lectin can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of neoplastic disorders and diseases.
US08632981B2 Method for a rapid test
Disclosed is a method for a rapid test. In accordance with an embodiment, a particle reagent is placed into a separate sample or reagent receptacle or test tube, in which the particle reagent reacts with one or several analytes in the liquid sample, and the particle reagent is put into contact with the rapid test device, in which a visible signal is formed by the particle reagent.
US08632977B2 Annealing control primer and its uses
The present invention relates to an annealing control primer for improving annealing specificity in nucleic acid amplification and its applications to all fields of nucleic acid amplification-involved technology. The present primer comprises (a) a 3′-end portion having a hybridizing nucleotide sequence substantially complementary to a site on a template nucleic acid to hybridize therewith; (b) a 5′-end portion having a pre-selected arbitrary nucleotide sequence; and (c) a regulator portion positioned between said 3′-end portion and said 5′-end portion comprising at least one universal base or non-discriminatory base analog, whereby said regulator portion is capable of regulating an annealing portion of said primer in association with annealing temperature.
US08632970B2 Multiplex capture of nucleic acids
Methods of capturing two or more nucleic acids simultaneously from a single sample are provided. Different nucleic acids are captured through cooperative hybridization events on different subsets of particles or at different selected positions on a spatially addressable solid support. Methods of capturing one or more long nucleic acids and methods of capturing one or more nucleic acid for sequencing are also provided. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.
US08632960B2 Method of forming resist pattern and negative tone-development resist composition
A method of forming a resist pattern, including: forming a resist film on a substrate using a resist composition containing a base component (A) which exhibits decreased solubility in an organic solvent under action of an acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, conducting exposure of the resist film, and patterning the resist film by a negative tone development using a developing solution containing an organic solvent, wherein the base component (A) includes a resin component (A1) containing a structural unit (a0) derived from an acrylate ester containing an acid decomposable group which generates an alcoholic hydroxy group by the action of acid to thereby exhibit increased hydrophilicity.
US08632958B2 Method of controlling surface roughness of a flexographic printing plate
A method of controlling surface roughness of the relief surface of a flexographic printing element during thermal processing is provided. An imaged and exposed relief image printing element is thermally developed to remove the portions of at least one layer of photopolymer that are not crosslinked and cured by a) heating the at least one layer of photopolymer to soften uncured portions of the at least one layer of photopolymer; b) causing contact between the at least one layer of photopolymer and a blotting material; and c) separating the blotting material from the at least one layer of photopolymer. Thereafter, a smooth material is inserted between the surface of the at least one layer of photopolymer and the blotting material. In the alternative, a polymeric film is laminated onto the relief image printing element using heat and pressure.
US08632942B2 Method of forming patterns
A method of forming patterns includes (a) coating a substrate with a resist composition for negative development to form a resist film having a receding contact angle of 70 degrees or above with respect to water, wherein the resist composition for negative development contains a resin capable of increasing the polarity by the action of an acid and becomes more soluble in a positive developer and less soluble in a negative developer upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, (b) exposing the resist film via an immersion medium, and (c) performing development with a negative developer.
US08632937B2 UV-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor with benzoxazole derivative and analogues thereof as sensitizer
Lithographic printing plate precursor comprising (a) a lithographic substrate with a hydrophilic surface and (b) a radiation-sensitive coating on the hydrophilic surface comprising (i) one or more types of monomers and/or oligomers and/or polymers, each comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated group accessible to a free-radical polymerization, (ii) at least one sensitizer, and (iii) at least one coinitiator capable of forming free radicals together with the sensitizer, said coinitiator being other than metallocenes, characterized in that the at least one sensitizer comprises a compound of formula (I) wherein at least one of the groups R9 to R12 is a bulky group which has a van der Waals volume of at least 55 Å3.
US08632932B2 Toner, color toner set, developer, process cartridge, and image forming method
A toner including a binder resin comprising a resin (a) comprising a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton formed from an optically-active monomer. The polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton has a weight average molecular weight of from 7,000 to 60,000. The binder resin comprises the polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton in an amount of from 10 to 90% by weight. The optical purity X (%) of the polyhydroxycarboxylic acid skeleton represented by the following formula is 80% or less: X(%)=|X(L-isomer)−X(D-isomer)| wherein X(L-isomer) and X(D-isomer) represent molar ratio (%) of L-isomer and D-isomer of the optically-active monomer, respectively.
US08632931B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
The present invention relates to an electrophotographic photosensitive member obtained by providing an intermediate layer and a photosensitive layer on a conductive support in the stated order, the electrophotographic photosensitive member being characterized in that the intermediate layer contains a specific polyolefin resin and a specific organic electron-transporting substance, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus each having the electrophotographic photosensitive member.
US08632925B2 Apparatus and methods for making high performance fuel cell
An electrolyte-free, oxygen-free, high power, and energy dense single fuel cell device is provided, along with methods for making and use. The fuel cell device is based on an electron-relay function using a nanostructured membrane prepared by cross-linking polymers, and having embedded within the membrane, a reactant. Use of the fuel cell device does not produce water, or CO2, and no oxygen is needed. The rechargeability of the fuel cell device revealed it can function as a portable battery.
US08632921B2 Electrochemical cell with diffuser
An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode configured to operate as an anode to oxidize a fuel when connected to a load. The first electrode includes a permeable electrode body configured to allow flow of an ionically conductive medium therethrough. An electrode holder includes a cavity for holding the first electrode. A diffuser is positioned in the cavity between the first electrode and the electrode holder with a gap formed between the diffuser and the electrode holder. The diffuser includes openings configured to allow flow of the ionically conductive medium therethrough and to distribute the flow through the first electrode. A second electrode is positioned in the cavity on a side of the first electrode that is opposite the diffuser, and is configured to operate as a cathode when connected to the load and in contact with the ionically conductive medium.
US08632902B2 Device for retaining a battery
A device is provided for retaining a battery in a motor vehicle and has a receptacle element for receiving a battery, a bracket element, which at least partially encloses the receptacle element and/or the battery, and a fixing element, which is fastenable on the bracket element, the battery being fixed inside the receptacle element using the fixing element. It is thus possible to provide a device for retaining a battery which offers the greatest possible protection for the battery even in case of an accident.
US08632901B2 Dish shaped and pressure equalizing electrodes for electrochemical batteries
A stacked battery has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. One or more gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment. The electrode units may be “dish shaped” and may contain a pressure equalization valve to reduce electrode unit deflection and improve pressure equalization between cell segments. The pressure equalization valve may allow a gas to diffuse through adjacent cell segments and may substantially prevent electrolyte from diffusing through.
US08632889B2 Molded member made of form-stabilized material and method for the manufacture thereof
Molded member made of form-stabilized material, comprising at least one first component and one second component, characterized in that the second component has a different pigmentation than the first component and the second component is disposed inside the first element, forming a boundary surface, in such a way that the boundary surface represents a spatially curved surface.
US08632883B2 Separation media for biomolecules comprising porous hybrid particles containing inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles
The present invention relates to separation of biomolecules. More closely, the invention relates to a method for production of a separation medium comprising hybrid particles of inorganic and organic material as well as the hybrid particles produced by this method. Finally, the invention relates to use of the hybrid particles for separation of biomolecules, preferably phosphoproteins. The method comprises the following steps: addition of inorganic metal oxide particles to an organic solution to form a mixture; and emulsification of the mixture to form porous hybrid particles, wherein the density of the porous hybrid particles is between 1.0 and 1.5 g/ml, and wherein the inorganic particles have a shape and size that maximizes their active surface area enabling the inorganic particles to interact with biomolecules.
US08632880B2 Aqueous pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and utilization thereof
Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) sheet having excellent foam repulsion resistance and an aqueous PSA composition suitable for preparing this sheet. The composition primarily comprises an acrylic polymer obtained by polymerizing a starting monomer material containing an alkyl(meth)acrylate as a main monomer and both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid. The acrylic polymer preferably has a weight average molecular weight of 65×104 to 100×104. The starting monomer material is preferred to further contain a silanol-forming monomer and polymerized without the silanol-forming monomer to produce a polymer having a gel fraction of 7 to 17 mass %. The post-crosslink PSA preferably has a gel fraction of 20 to 55 mass %.
US08632875B2 Method for producing panels and panel produced according to the method
A method for producing panels and a panel produced according to the method is provided. The method includes the following steps: a) providing a large-format, press blank particle board made of wood material including a press skin created during production at least on the top side thereof; b) grinding off a part of the press skin from the top side of the particle board; c) applying a base coat made of a liquid melamine-based resin to the top side of the particle board, wherein the resin diffuses at least partially into the top edge layer of the particle board, and at least penetrates and treats the remaining area of the press skin; d) drying the base coat; e) applying a primer over the base coat; f) drying the primer; g) applying at least one water-based paint enriched by pigments for generating a decoration; h) drying the decoration; i) applying a seal made of at least one melamine-based resin enriched with wear-resistant particles and cellulose fibers; j) drying the seal; k) applying a base coast made of a liquid melamine-based resin to the bottom side of the particle board, wherein the resin diffuses at least partially into the bottom edge layer of the particle board; l) drying the base coat; m) applying a counterpart to the bottom of the particle board; n) pressing the layer construction under the effect of pressure and temperature; o) cutting the particle board into panels of the desired width and length; p) applying binding agents and locking elements to opposite side edges for binding and locking a plurality of panels into a floating laid composite floor.
US08632874B2 Dielectric materials, methods of forming subassemblies therefrom, and the subassemblies formed therewith
A circuit subassembly, comprising a dielectric layer formed from a dielectric composition comprising, based on the total volume of the composition: about 15 to about 65 volume percent of a dielectric filler; and about 35 to about 85 volume percent of a thermosetting composition comprising: a poly(arylene ether), and a carboxy-functionalized polybutadiene or polyisoprene polymer.
US08632872B2 Ceramic honeycomb structure
There is provided a ceramic honeycomb structure usable as a catalyst substrate and being improved warm-up properties and thermal insulation properties, and being excellent in exhaust gas purification performance; by employing larger heat capacity and larger thermal conductivity compared with a material of the partition walls in at least one of insides and surfaces of the respective partition walls.
US08632866B2 Polyester laminates
A polyester laminate including at least one polyester layer C and at least one layer selected from the group consisting of a resin layer D and a paper layer E. The polyester layer C is made of a polyester resin A in which from 5 to 80 mol % of the total diol units is a diol unit having a cyclic acetal structure. The resin layer D is made of a resin other than the polyester resin A. At least one surface layer of the polyester laminate is the resin layer C. The polyester laminate is particularly suited as a container for preserving food because of its excellent heat sealability and high fragrance preservation.
US08632859B2 Method for the transparent coating of a substrate with plasma at atmospheric pressure
The invention relates to a method for improving the properties of coatings on transparent materials by plasma treatment, preferably by an atmospheric pressure plasma.
US08632856B2 Highly water repellent fluoropolymer coating
Highly water repellent coated articles may be made by applying to a substrate a coating having dispersed therein or sprinkled thereon partially or fully fluorinated polymer microparticles. The coating includes a partially fluorinated hexafluoropropylene copolymer binder in a nonfluorinated solvent that dissolves the binder and does not dissolve the microparticles. The coating is heated sufficiently to bond the microparticles to the binder but not so much as to cause the receding water contact angle for the coating to fall below 80°.
US08632854B2 Substrate centering device and organic material deposition system
A substrate centering device for an organic material deposition system comprises: a plurality of substrate support holders configured to be reciprocally movable in a facing direction within an organic material deposition chamber and supporting both side portions of a substrate loaded by a robot; a substrate centering unit configured to be reciprocally movable at each of the substrate support holders and centering the substrate by guiding both side portions of the substrate; and a plurality of substrate clampers configured to be reciprocally movable in a vertical direction at each of the substrate support holders, and clamping the substrate that has been centered by the substrate centering unit.
US08632849B2 Anti-counterfeit film with an amphichroic pattern and a preparation method thereof
An anti-counterfeit film comprising an amphichroic pattern is prepared by (1) mixing a polymerizable liquid crystal material of chiral structure and a photoinitiator, blade-coating the mixture on a base film and then drying; (2) partially exposing the resulting material produced in step (1) using a positioned UV lamp, then drying and exposing in an UV radiation to obtain a desired film. The film prepared by the method has an amphichroic pattern which typically presents a red and green picture when being vertically observed, the original red and green respectively changes into green and blue when being observed at a certain incline angel. The anti-counterfeit film is characterized by obvious color change, easy identification, practicability and convenience, thus facilitating promotion and application.
US08632848B2 Surface coating method for an orthodontic corrective bracket
A surface coating method for an orthodontic corrective bracket is provided, in which each orthodontic bracket formed of ceramic is covered with a titanium coating layer having a predetermined thickness so as to be able to minimize a frictional force and to increase surface hardness and durability while a wire fitted into slots of the brackets applies orthodontic tension to teeth. Accordingly, when the teeth are corrected using the ceramic orthodontic brackets on whose surfaces the titanium coating layer having a predetermined thickness is formed, the frictional force can be minimized while the wire fitted into the slots of the brackets is applying the orthodontic tension to the teeth, and thus it is possible to realize a tooth movement path desired by an orthodontist and to shorten a treatment period.
US08632842B2 Severable support for a stent and method of coating
A stent with at least one severable supporting device and methods of coating using the same are disclosed. The severable supporting device can be an end tube or a tab attached to some portion of the stent by at least one “gate” or attachment. The end tube or tab may be part of the design of the stent when it is originally manufactured, or it may be attached to the stent in a secondary process by a biocompatible glue or solder. The end tube or tab can be used to support a stent during a coating process eliminating the need for a mandrel which would otherwise contact the stent during the coating process.
US08632839B2 Methods of forming self-supporting films for delivery of therapeutic agents
The present disclosure relates to self-supporting films for delivery of a therapeutic agent containing at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one therapeutic agent. Methods of forming the self-supporting films are also disclosed.
US08632838B2 Articles having non-fouling surfaces and processes for preparing the same including pretreatment of articles
Processes are described herein for preparing medical devices and other articles having a low-fouling surface on a substrate comprising a polymeric surface. The polymeric surface material may possess a range of polymeric backbones and substituents while providing the articles with a highly efficient, biocompatible, and non-fouling surface. The processes involve treating the substrate to reduce the concentration of chemical species on the surface of or in the substrate without altering the bulk physical properties of the device or article, and thereafter forming a grafted polymer layer on the treated substrate surface.
US08632833B2 Low starch extrusion
The present invention includes methods for producing an extruded food particle by extruding through an extruder having a screw within a barrel, a composition containing nutritional food components, essentially no starch and a gum in an amount sufficient to act as a binder once the composition exits the extruder. The present invention also includes extruded food particles that do not use starch as a binder.
US08632815B2 Process for nanoemulsification of curcumin and derivatives of curcumin
A process for nanomulsification of highly lipophillic polyphenols compounds using non-ionic surfactant and a non-ionic co-solvent with the help of sonar energy, to enhance the aqueous solubility is disclosed herein.
US08632814B2 Substrates comprising switchable ferromagnetic nanoparticles
In a process for producing organic substrate particles bonded to switchable ferromagnetic nanoparticles with a mean particle diameter in the range from 10 to 1000 nm, the ferromagnetic nanoparticles used are those nanoparticles which are nonferromagnetic at first, but become ferromagnetic when the temperature is lowered, these at first nonferromagnetic nanoparticles in dispersed form are bonded to the organic substance particles, and then the nanoparticles bonded to the substrate particles are made ferromagnetic as a result of the temperature being lowered.
US08632805B2 Controlled-release formulations, method of manufacture, and use thereof
The present invention includes a controlled-release composition having a matrix. The matrix contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of an active agent or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, ester, and/or prodrug thereof, an ionic non-gelling matrix polymer, and a pH modifier. The ionic non-gelling matrix polymer is practically insoluble and unswellable at a first aqueous fluid pH and is soluble at a second aqueous fluid pH. The pH modifier is present in an amount to control the release of the active agent from the composition. The controlled-release composition is substantially free of a gelling or swellable excipient. The present invention also provides methods of making and using the controlled-release compositions.
US08632797B2 Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents with lyophilized matrices
Embodiments of surgical grafts, and methods, for the delivery of therapeutic agents to a target tissue via acellular matrices, are described. In some embodiments, nonviable matrices are successful in preventing or lessening adhesion formation by guiding tissue repair and remodeling, while also providing the target tissue with therapeutic agents that can act as repair and remodeling factors. An exemplary method to modulate flexor tendon healing and provide elimination or reduction of fibrotic adhesions involves loading a freeze-dried flexor digitorum longus allograft with recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors for the targeted and transient expression of growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5).
US08632792B2 Cooling sensation agent composition and sensory stimulation agent composition
A cooling sensation agent composition with a prolonged cool sensation effect is provided comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of aceia or ketal derivatives of 3-(1-menthoxy)propan-1,2-diol represented by Formula (1), single or mixed carbonic esters ol one or two kinds ol alcohols represented by Formula (2), and carboxylic esters represented by Formula (4). A sensory stimulation agoni composition, a flavor or fragrance composition, a beverage or food product, a perfume or cosmetic product, a toiletry product, a daily utensil product or grocery, a fiber, a fiber product, a cloth or a medicine comprising the cooling sensation agent composition; a production method thereof; a cooling processing method of a fiber, fiber product or a cloth, comprising compounding the cooling sensation agent; and new compounds are also provided.
US08632791B2 Silicone microparticles comprising silicone elastomer spherical microparticles coated with polyorganosilsesquioxane, and method of producing same
Provided are silicone microparticles including 100 parts by mass of silicone elastomer spherical microparticles having a volume average particle diameter within a range from 0.1 to 100 μm, and 0.5 to 25 parts by mass of a polyorganosilsesquioxane that coats the surface of the silicone elastomer spherical microparticles, in which the silicone elastomer is capable of absorbing not less than 30 parts by mass of at least one oily substance selected from the group consisting of sebum, hydrocarbon oils and ester oils per 100 parts by mass of the silicone elastomer. These silicone microparticles are capable of absorbing a large amount of the above oily substances, are able to ameliorate various problems caused by sebum such as changes in cosmetic make-up properties, changes in the color of cosmetic materials and increased shininess of cosmetic materials, and are also able to suppress the greasiness, stickiness, and oily film feeling of cosmetic materials containing at least one of liquid oils composed of hydrocarbon oils and ester oils. The silicone microparticles can be produced by hydrolyzing and condensing an organotrialkoxysilane in a water medium, in the presence of the above silicone elastomer spherical microparticles and an alkaline material, thereby coating the surface of the silicone elastomer spherical microparticles with a polyorganosilsesquioxane.
US08632780B2 Human complement C3 derivates with cobra venom factor-like function
A modified human complement C3 protein (C3) is disclosed comprising a substitution of a portion of a human C3 protein, with a corresponding portion of a Cobra Venom Factor protein (CVF) which results in a human C3 protein with CVF functions, but with substantially reduced immunogenicity. Advantageously, the C3 protein can be manipulated to contain at least one of the following CVF functions: increased stability of the C3 convertase and increased resistance to the actions of factors H and/or I. A large number of hybrid C3 proteins containing substitutions in the C-terminal portion of the alpha chain of C3 are presented and tested for the above functions. Methods of treatment of diseases such as reperfusion injury, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases of increased complement activation are presented as well as methods of increasing the effectiveness of gene therapeutics and other therapeutics.
US08632778B2 Stabilized anti-interleukin-6 antibody-containing preparations
The present invention provides stabilized preparations containing an antibody in a glycine buffer and/or a histidine buffer and also provides processes for preparing a protein-containing stabilized preparation, comprising adjusting the pH with a basic amino acid or a basic amino acid derivative or a salt thereof.
US08632772B2 Methods of treating multiple myeloma using combination therapies based on anti-CS1 antibodies
Compositions and methods for treating MM are provided herein.
US08632764B2 Directed evolution and in vivo panning of virus vectors
The present invention provides methods of achieving directed evolution of viruses by in vivo screening or “panning” to identify viruses comprising scrambled AAV capsids having characteristics of interest, e.g., tropism profile and/or neutralization profile (e.g., ability to evade neutralizing antibodies). The invention also provides scrambled AAV capsids and virus particles comprising the same.
US08632754B2 Tooth sensitivity treatment compositions
A tooth sensitivity treatment composition is disclosed. The composition includes a compound of formula I M1-A-M2-B-M1  (I) wherein: M1 is a monovalent or divalent metal; M2 is a polyvalent metal or metal oxide; and A and B are, independently, selected from the group consisting of C2-C6 diacids, triacids, and tetraacids. Methods for treating tooth sensitivity are also disclosed.
US08632750B2 Methods for recommending neurophysiological disorder therapy
Neurophysiologic information such as quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is used in a method for classifying, diagnosing, and treating physiologic brain imbalances. Neurophysiologic information is also used to guide sample selection in clinical tests for psychopharmacologic drug candidates. Finally, neurophysiologic information is used for remotely assessing and treating patients with physiologic brain imbalances.
US08632748B2 Compositions of high specific activity 117mSn and methods of preparing the same
Compositions of high specific activity 117mSn with specific activity of greater than 100 Ci/g Sn and methods of producing the same. The method includes exposing 116Cd to an α-particle beam of sufficient incident kinetic energy and duration to convert a portion of the 116Cd to 117mSn to form an irradiated material. The irradiated material is dissolved to form an intermediate solution containing 117mSn and 116Cd. The 117mSn is separated from the 116Cd to yield high specific activity 117mSn.
US08632744B2 Process for producing carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotubes produced thereby
A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.
US08632743B2 Synthesis of carbon nitrides from carbon dioxide
Provided are methods of converting carbon dioxide to carbon nitrides. In a first reaction, carbon dioxide may be reacted with metal nitrides, such as Li3N, to form carbon nitrides in a fast and exothermic reaction. Also provided are methods of using product metal cyanamides from the first reaction to subsequently generate additional carbon nitrides.
US08632742B2 Methods of controlling mercury emission
Disclosed are methods for controlling, mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer used in a combustion process. A method of controlling mercury re-emission from a combustion process includes measuring either mercury concentration, oxidation-reduction, potential (ORP), and/or sulfide concentration within a scrubber liquor of a wet flue gas desulpherizer (wFGD); correlating the mercury concentration, ORP, and /or sulfide concentration with an amount of mercury re-emission additive required in the scrubber liquor to reduce and/or prevent mercury re-emission to a selected level; and adjusting the rate of addition of mercury re-emission additive into the scrubber liquor to attain the selected level of mercury re-emission.
US08632734B2 High throughput thermally tempered microreactor devices and methods
A microreaction device or system (4) includes at least one thermal control fluidic passage (C,E) and a principal working fluidic passage (A) with average cross-sectional area in the range of 0.25 to 100 mm2, and having a primary entrance (92) and multiple secondary entrances (94) with the spacing between secondary entrances (94) having a length along the passage (A) of at least two times the root of the average cross-sectional area of the passage (A). The device or system (4) also includes at least one secondary working fluidic passage (B) having an entrance (102) and multiple exits (106) including a final exit (106), each exit (106) being in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the multiple secondary entrances (94) of the principal fluidic passage (A).
US08632721B2 Electrospinning in a controlled gaseous environment
Apparatus and method for producing fibrous materials in which the apparatus includes an extrusion element configured to electrospin a substance from which the fibers are to be composed by an electric field extraction of the substance from a tip of the extrusion element, a collector disposed from the extrusion element and configured to collect the fibers, a chamber enclosing the collector and the extrusion element, and a control mechanism configured to control a gaseous environment in which the fibers are to be electrospun. The apparatus and method provide a way to produce a fiber collection having a plurality of nanofibers disposed in relation to each other. The nanofibers in the fiber collection are preferentially oriented along a longitudinal axis of the fiber collection.
US08632718B2 Method for forming tapered products
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming molded tapered products, such as masonry blocks, whereby high quality finished products are removed from their mold without the need for complex machinery for demolding. The mold may include one or more mold cavities having one or more movable cavity walls. The movable cavity walls may include an end liner having a planar product forming surface capable of moving from a vertical position to an angled position. Tapered products may be formed by moving the mold towards a pallet so that the pallet engages with the end liner and causes the end liner to move from the vertical position to the angled position. Moldable material may then be introduced into the mold cavity and may be allowed to remain in the mold cavity until it is self-sustaining.
US08632717B2 Method of nanoimprinting a piezoelectric polymeric material for forming high aspect ratio nanopillars
A method of nanoimprinting a piezoelectric polymeric material includes: heating a surface of the piezoelectric polymeric material to an imprinting temperature greater than (Tc−25)° C. and less than Tc, in which Tc is the Curie temperature of the piezoelectric polymeric material; and pressing the heated surface of the piezoelectric polymeric material using a nanoimprinting template having a nanopillar structure so as to form the piezoelectric polymeric material with high aspect ratio nanopillars.
US08632712B2 Method of supporting a structural box beam
An internal stiffening member of varying configurations in which the stiffening elements support the skin using a compression-only load path is disclosed. A rib can be inserted into an assembled structural box beam, and a filler material can be used to fill any gaps between the slip-in rib and the interior surface of the structural box beam. The filler material is preferably an expandable material, such as an expandable foam-type material. However, in situations where a slip-in rib forms a primary structural rib, the filler material is preferably a structural adhesive or liquid shim material. A solid adhesive or filler would not crush under the clamping forces from fasteners or bolts at localized fitting attachments.
US08632709B2 Process for producing water-dispersible particulate agricultural-chemical composition
A process for efficiently producing a water-dispersible particulate agricultural-chemical composition having improved disintegrability/dispersibility in water, the composition having a particular size in the range of 50-1,000 μm. The process is characterized by comprising the following steps (a) to (e): (a) a step of kneading an agricultural-chemical active ingredient, a surfactant, and water; (b) a step of extruding the resultant mixture through a screen having pores 600-2,000 μm in diameter to form granules; (c) a step of drying the granules; (d) a step of rotating two toothed rolls with irregularities on the surface arranged in parallel to each other, and leading the dried granules to pass between the toothed rolls thereby pulverizing the granules; and (e) a step of sieving the pulverized granules.
US08632708B2 Fiberglass reinforced plastic products having increased weatherability, system and method
A method for making a ladder rail includes the steps of using a central reinforcement to carry structural resin and maintain distribution of structural resin through an impregnation process, wherein the central reinforcement is fed to a curing die at a rate of greater than 5 ft/min. There is the step of forming the rail.
US08632707B2 Fabric for non-woven web forming process and method of using same
A method of manufacturing a non-woven web includes the step of collecting stretched filaments that form the non-woven web on a fabric in an apparatus for the formation of non-woven webs. The fabric comprises machine direction (MD) yarns and cross-machine direction (CMD) yarns, wherein the MD and CMD yarns are interwoven in a repeating pattern in which at least some of the CMD yarns are interwoven with the MD yarns in pairs that follow the same weaving sequence. Such a fabric can provide potential advantages such as reduced air leakage, reduced air disturbances, and improved web hold-down effect.
US08632706B2 Self-adhered single-sided slip-resistant material
A single-sided, slip resistant, self-adhesive material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior layer capable of being treated or coated to accept a pressure sensitive adhesive, a middle layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent to produce a single-sided slip resistant material. A number of in-line rollers are provided after a pair of rollers, which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that is used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies) the film prior to the film being coated on one side with a pressure sensitive adhesive.
US08632703B2 Azeotropic and azeotrope-like compositions of E-1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene
Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are disclosed. The azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions are mixtures of E-1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-Octafluoro-2-pentene with methyl formate, n-pentane, 2-methylbutane, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, dimethoxymethane, cyclopentane or Z-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene. Also disclosed is a process of preparing a thermoplastic or thermoset foam by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as blowing agents. Also disclosed is a process of producing refrigeration by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as solvents. Also disclosed is a process of producing an aerosol product by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as propellants. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as heat transfer media. Also disclosed is a process of extinguishing or suppressing a fire by using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions. Also disclosed is a process of using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions as dielectrics. Also disclosed is a process for the separation of a chemical compound from a mixture of two or more chemical compounds using such azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions.
US08632701B2 Proton conductive hybrid material, and catalyst layer for fuel cell using the same
This invention provides an organic-inorganic hybrid material, which can exhibit high proton conductivity in a wide temperature range of a low temperature to a high temperature, a proton conductive material, which has a small particle diameter, that is, has a particle diameter capable of reaching pores of primary particles of carbon powder or the like, and has controlled particle diameters, a catalyst layer containing these materials for a fuel cell and an electrolyte film containing these materials for a fuel cell, and a fuel cell. The proton conductive hybrid material comprises proton conductive inorganic nanoparticles and a proton conductive polymer, wherein the Stokes particle diameter of the proton conductive hybrid material by dynamic light scattering is not more than 20 nm.
US08632695B2 Negative electrode active material for nonaqueous secondary battery
A negative electrode active material for nonaqueous secondary batteries containing a silicon solid solution. The silicon solid solution has one or more than one of a group 3 semimetal or metal element, a group 4 semimetal or metal element except silicon, and a group 5 nonmetal or semimetal element incorporated in silicon. The solid solution shows an XRD pattern in which the position of the XRD peak of the solid solution corresponding to the XRD peak position assigned to the (422) plane of silicon shifts to the smaller or greater angle side relative to the position of the XRD peak assigned to the (422) plane of silicon peak by 0.1° to 1°. The solid solution has a lattice strain of 0.01% to 1% as determined by XRD.
US08632687B2 Method for electron beam induced etching of layers contaminated with gallium
The invention relates to a method for electron beam induced etching of a layer contaminated with gallium, with the method steps of providing at least one first halogenated compound as an etching gas at the position at which an electron beam impacts on the layer, and providing at least one second halogenated compound as a precursor gas for removing of the gallium from this position.
US08632681B2 Forward osmosis device
The invention relates to a forward osmosis (FO) device (10) with a semipermeable membrane (5, 5a) capable of performing forward osmosis between a first (F1) and a second fluid (F2). In a first fluid confinement (4a), a first swirl generator (7a) is positioned and in a second fluid confinement (4b) positioned on the other second side of the membrane, a second swirl generator (7b) is positioned. The swirl generators are arranged to create a circular flow pattern (S2, S3) for the first and the second fluid, respectively, wherein the first (7a) and second (7b) swirl generator, upon engagement, are arranged to create a circular flow pattern for the first and the second fluid, respectively, by rotating motion (RA1, RA2). The invention is advantageous by obtaining FO device that is capable of reducing the concentration polarization (CP) near the membrane by creating a cross flow velocity over the membrane and facilitate control of the cross flow velocity independent of the through flow of the membrane. The external concentration polarization can thereby be controlled and further reduced.
US08632676B2 Liquid filter assembly; components; and methods
A liquid filter assembly is provided. The preferred assembly includes a serviceable filter cartridge having a primary filter section and a secondary or bypass filter section. The preferred assembly includes a bypass valve arrangement and a suction filter arrangement. A valve, to allow flow from an interior of the assembly to a reservoir if needed, is provided. Preferred serviceable filter cartridges are shown.
US08632673B2 Process for catalytic hydrotreating of sour crude oils
A continuous process for upgrading sour crude oil by treating the sour crude oil in a two step process that includes a hydro-demetallization section and a hydro-desulfurization section, both of which are constructed in a permutable fashion so as to optimize the operating conditions and catalyst lifespan to produce a high value crude oil having low sulfur and low organometallic impurities.
US08632665B2 Electrochemical sensor with diffusion labyrinth
The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor including a housing with a chamber containing an electrolyte, at least one measuring electrode for oxygen detection, at least one counter electrode and at least one reference electrode, wherein the sensor has a two-part diffusion barrier, wherein a first part of the barrier forms a labyrinth with a second part of the barrier disposed between the measuring and the counter electrode.
US08632664B2 Test meter for use with a dual chamber, multi-analyte test strip with opposing electrodes
A test meter for use with a dual-chamber, multi-analyte test strip includes a test strip receiving module and a signal processing module. The test strip receiving module has a first electrical connector configured for contacting a first analyte contact pad of a first working electrode of the test strip; a second electrical connector configured for contacting a second analyte contact pad of a second working electrode of the test strip, a third electrical connector configured for contacting a first counter/reference contact pad of a first counter/reference electrode layer of the test strip, and a fourth electrical connector configured for contacting a second counter/reference contact pad of a second counter/reference electrode layer of the test strip. The signal processing module is configured to receive a first signal via the first electrical connector and the third electrical connector and employ the first signal for the determination of a first analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, whole blood sample) applied to the dual-chamber, multi-analyte test strip. Moreover, the signal processing module is also configured to receive a second signal via the second electrical connector and fourth electrical connector and employ the second signal for the determination of a second analyte (e.g., a ketone analyte) in the bodily fluid sample applied to the dual-chamber, multi-analyte test strip. Furthermore, the third and fourth electrical contacts provide contact in an opposing manner.
US08632656B2 Method for treating liquid flows at a chemical pulp mill
A method for treating liquid flows at a chemical pulp mill including at least an alkaline cooking process for producing pulp, brown stock treatment with essentially closed liquid cycles, a pulp bleaching plant using ECF-bleaching, a chemical recovery plant comprising a chemical recovery boiler, and effluent purification. Chloride-containing bleaching plant effluents are led to the effluent purification, where they are treated in order to decrease the organic matter content thereof. At least 20% of the purified effluent is returned to a pulp mill process and purified effluent is used in a last washing stage included in brown stock treatment. In the brown stock treatment the liquid flow is passed counter-currently to evaporation, wherefrom it is led for treatment to a recovery boiler process, wherein a separation process for chlorides is arranged for controlling the chloride level of the liquor cycle.
US08632653B2 Method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements
A method of manufacturing curved composite structural elements can include fabricating a web ply in a flat curve over a removable substrate and laying up the ply on a curved web surface of a manufacturing tool. The method also can include laying up a diagonal ply with fibers oriented at +/−45° from the centerline of the web surface. The method further can include cutting a unidirectional composite tape into segments and laying up the tape segments to form a cross ply with a fiber orientation normal to the centerline of the web surface. One or both edges of the diagonal and cross plies may be folded over one or two sides of the manufacturing tool to form one or two flange surfaces. Additionally, a cap ply can be laid up on one or both flange surfaces using composite tape. The structural element layup can then be inspected and any excess composite material can be trimmed away.
US08632652B2 Method for manufacturing separator, separator manufactured therefrom and method for manufacturing electrochemical device having the same
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a separator for an electrochemical device. The method contributes to formation of a separator with good bondability to electrodes and prevents inorganic particles from detaching during an assembling process of an electrochemical device.
US08632645B2 Manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus of insulation cap
A manufacturing method of an insulation cap, includes the steps of: supplying an elongated tube from a tube supplying unit to a tube placing table; moving a tube press-fastening portion and a welding body portion towards the tube placing table so as to press-fasten a press-fastening position of the tube placed on the tube placing table and to press-contact a press-contacting position of the tube placed on the tube placing table; performing a welding process with respect to the press-contacting position of the tube; moving the tube placing table during the welding process to feed the tube in a tube feeding direction by a specified amount; blanking the tube subjected to the welding process after feeding the tube to form the insulation cap; and discharging the formed insulation cap from a blanking position.
US08632627B2 Gas dehydration system with desiccant transporter
A gas dehydrator system, including, a desiccant transport wheel configured to rotate a solid desiccant from a first dehydration section to a first regeneration section, a first gas path extending through the first dehydration section, wherein the solid desiccant is configured to collect moisture from a first gas in the first gas path, and a second gas path extending through the first regeneration section, wherein the solid desiccant is configured to release the moisture into a second gas in the second gas path to regenerate the solid desiccant.
US08632624B2 Fluid trap and method of separating fluids
A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.
US08632623B2 Aerogel-based filtration of gas phase systems
A purification method comprises directing a system having a gas phase component and a contaminant through a filter including an aerogel material, e.g., hydrophobic silica-based aerogel particles. A filter for purifying a gas phase system comprises an aerogel material in an amount sufficient to remove at least a portion of a contaminant present in the gas phase system. In preferred examples, the filter is a fluidized bed. In further examples, the filter is a packed bed.
US08632613B2 Process for applying one or more treatment agents to a textile web
A process for treating a textile web includes applying a first treatment agent to the web. The web is moved in an open configuration over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web to facilitate the distribution of the first treatment agent through a first extent of the thickness of the textile web. A second treatment agent is applied to the web. The web is moved in an open configuration thereof over a contact surface of an ultrasonic vibration system. The ultrasonic vibration system is operated to impart ultrasonic energy to the textile web to facilitate the distribution of the second treatment agent through a second extent of the thickness of the web. The second extent is different than the first extent.
US08632606B2 Medical stent
A medical stent comprising a coil formed by winding a wire around an axis, an outer layer formed substantially tubular made from a first resin material, provided on an outer peripheral side of said coil and coaxial to said coil, and an inner layer formed substantially tubular made from a second resin material, provided on an inner peripheral side of said coil and coaxial to said coil.
US08632605B2 Elongated lung volume reduction devices, methods, and systems
A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an elongate implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to compress lung tissue. The implant may be longer in axial length than an axial length of the target axial region in which it is deployed. Deployment may involve allowing an end of the implant to move relative to surrounding tissue while the implant is progressively deployed.
US08632600B2 Prosthesis with modular extensions
A joint prosthesis system has two implant components and a bearing. One of the implant components has an articulation surface for articulation with the bearing. The other implant component has a mounting surface for supporting the bearing. At least one of the first and second components includes a recess and a stud in the recess. The joint prosthesis also includes an extension mounted on the stud and extending out from the bone-engaging surface to an end. Part of the extension is received in the recess.
US08632597B2 Rotatable reverse metaglene
A metaglene assembly for use in a shoulder prosthesis includes a metaglene body, an augment, a void, at least one fastener hole, and at least one fastener. The metaglene body has a lateral, prosthesis-facing side, and a medial, bone-facing side. The augment extends medially from the medial, bone-facing side of the metaglene body. The void is defined by a portion of the medial, bone-facing side of the metaglene body and a lateral portion of the augment. The fastener hole extends from the void through the augment. The fastener is configured to extend within the fastener hole.
US08632596B2 Temporomandibular joint replacement apparatus and methods
Embodiments of the invention are related to temporomandibular joint replacement apparatus and methods, amongst other things. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for treating dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint including a base plate comprising a bottom surface defining a tongue, and a surface plate comprising a substantially convex surface. The surface plate can be configured to be fastened to the base plate. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US08632578B2 System for providing heat treatment and heat loss reduction for treating meibomian gland dysfunction
A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction comprising a heating element that applies heat to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands, which assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force application device may also apply force to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss, and to help express obstructions from the meibomian gland, including from a channel of the meibomian gland, with reduced discomfort to the patient. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands.
US08632574B2 Reduced component bone plating system
An orthopedic screw system includes a screw with a locking head that can both lockingly engage in a fixed angle threaded screw hole to secure a plate to a bone without compression, and non-lockingly engage at a compression screw hole to provide compression between the plate and the bone. The structure of the system is particularly well adapted to plates and screw of small dimensions, such as screws smaller than 3.5 mm and is capable of providing high compressive force, on the order of 120 lbs of axial load, without significant plastic deformation between the screw and plate.
US08632571B2 Pedicle screw and device and method for stabilizing the spinal column
A pedicle screw has a screw shaft and a screw head connected thereto. The screw head has a center longitudinal axis extending in an X-direction. The screw further has a recess for receiving a connecting rod with a circular cross-section, a fixing screw that is used to fix the connecting rod in the screw head, a clamping unit between the fixing screw and a head base and an intermediate element.
US08632569B2 Soft tissue repair device and associated methods
A fibrous tissue repair device includes first and second tubular anchors having corresponding longitudinal passages. The tissue repair device includes corresponding first and second inserters. Each inserter has a shaft with a distal portion received in the longitudinal passage of the corresponding tubular anchor. A flexible strand couples the first and second anchors.
US08632567B2 Compound barb medical device and method
A compound barb medical device is provided which includes an elongated body having at least one barb formed along the length of the body, the barb defining an inner surface with a first portion disposed at a first orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and a second portion disposed at a second orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. Optionally, the barb defines a third portion disposed at a third orientation relative to the longitudinal axis. A method for forming a compound barb on a medical device is also provided.
US08632566B2 Colored suture construction
A colored suture includes an elongate woven braid of filaments including one or more ends made of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The suture also includes second and third ends which can be colorable or dyeable before or after incorporation into the elongate woven braid. This invention provides surgeons with improved recognition of suture ends in surgery by construction of a bi-colored co-braid with at least two ends of different color schemes or patterns braided into a UHMWPE construction. One of the colored ends runs continuously from one end of the suture to the other end. The other colored end can be colored only on one half of the end. This provides a suture with two distinguishable ends, while still maintaining a continuous line of color along the length of the suture.
US08632543B2 Composite intramedullary nail
An intramedullary nail for use in a medullary canal of an epiphysis and a diaphysis of a long bone is provided. The nail includes a body having a length in a longitudinal direction and a width in the transverse direction normal to the longitudinal direction. The body has a diaphyseal portion and a first epiphyseal portion. The diaphyseal portion has an external periphery configured for placement in the medullary canal of the diaphysis of the long bone. The diaphyseal portion defines a longitudinally extending first surface of the diaphyseal portion. The first surface defines a longitudinally extending first void. The first epiphyseal portion extends from the diaphyseal portion. The first epiphyseal portion is configured for placement in the medullary canal of the first epiphysis of the long bone. The nail also includes a first insert positioned in the longitudinally extending first void of the diaphyseal portion. The first insert and the diaphyseal portion of the body are made from different materials.
US08632538B2 Invasive ablation probe with non-coring distal tip
A medical device for delivering RF energy to a target tissue region includes an elongate delivery cannula having a lumen in communication with a distal opening. A deployment member is positioned and longitudinally movable in the lumen. An array of electrode elements are secured to a distal end of the deployment member, the deployment member being movable from a delivery position, in which the electrode elements are positioned within the lumen, to a deployed position, in which the electrode elements extend distally out of the cannula distal opening. A sealing member formed from a bio-compatible material sufficiently rigid to penetrate solid body tissue partially extends from, and substantially seals, the distal cannula opening when the deployment member is in the delivery position.
US08632524B2 Injectable biocompatible material delivery system
An injectable biocompatible material delivery system is disclosed and can include an injector and a material delivery cannula that can be in fluid communication with the injector. Further, the injectable biocompatible material delivery system can include a light source that can be configured to emit light to at least a portion of the injector, at least a portion of the material delivery cannula, or a combination thereof. Further, the light source can be configured to activate an injectable biocompatible material as it moves through the system.
US08632517B2 Two bar stitch bonded loop fastener for diaper and related method
A tear away diaper fastening system including a segment of loop material having a plurality of outwardly projecting loop elements adapted to engage cooperating hooking elements in juxtaposed contacting relation. The loop material includes a composite sheet of stitch bonded construction including a polymer film substrate layer. A first plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer to define a plurality of parallel stitch lines of flat stitches extending along the machine direction of the sheet material to form a ground layer substantially covering an upper surface of the substrate layer. A second plurality of yarn elements extends in stitched relation through the substrate layer in zigzag crossing relation between parallel needle lines to define a plurality of raised loops extending above the ground layer.
US08632514B2 Laminate with indicia for an absorbent article
The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid impervious backsheet formed from a laminate. The liquid impervious backsheet may include at least three layers, a first layer forming the wearer facing side of the backsheet, a second layer forming the garment facing side of the backsheet, and a third layer partially but not fully covering the garment facing surface of the second layer. The first layer may include at least one first indicium on a garment-facing surface thereof and only present on a front half of the backsheet, the at least one first indicium being visible through said second and third layers when looking at the absorbent article from the garment facing side of backsheet.
US08632513B2 Systems and methods for removing ingested material from a stomach
When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.
US08632503B2 Safety pen needle assembly having shielding for patient and non-patient ends
A safety pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes a hub and a needle fixed to the hub. Further, a first shield is provided, along with a second shield which has a biasing element disposed to urge the second shield proximally towards a proximal end of the needle. The assembly further includes a releasable retaining assembly for releasably retaining the second shield in an initial position against the force of the biasing element. A predetermined extent of movement of the first shield causes the retaining assembly to release the second shield, and, wherein, with the second shield being released, the second shield is urged proximally by the biasing element to a second position where the second shield covers the proximal end of the needle. Advantageously, with the subject invention, an assembly is provided which allows for passive activation of a shield on a non-patient end of a pen needle assembly by a patient-end shield.
US08632496B2 Modular medical pump assembly
A medical pump subassembly comprises a magnetic cup forming a recess. The magnetic cup includes a protrusion within the recess. The cup forms a central aperture through the protrusion. The medical pump subassembly further comprises an electromagnetic coil within the recess and circumscribing the protrusion, a weld ring surrounding the recess, a barrier plate covering the recess, and a seal between the weld ring and the barrier plate to fluidically separate an interior of the cup from an external surface of the barrier plate.
US08632482B2 Method and apparatus for treating pelvic pain
A method and apparatus for treating self-treating internal muscles and trigger points related to pelvic pain in women and men. The apparatus includes a rod having a handle attached to a straight portion at a first end of the rod and a pressure applicator attached to a second end of the rod, where a first curved portion is disposed between the straight portion of the rod and the second end of the rod. In the method of the present invention, a trigger point is located in the patient's pelvic floor, the patient inserts the apparatus either vaginally or rectally to allow contact of the pressure applicator of the apparatus with the pelvic floor, and pressure is applied to the trigger point using the apparatus.
US08632481B2 Therapeutic shoe
A therapeutic shoe includes a main body, a sole located at one side of the main body, a vibration layer, and a power generating module. The vibration layer is located between the main body and the sole. The power generating module includes a power generating unit, a rectifying circuit and a vibration device, which are electrically connected in series. The power generating unit generates and induces induced current. The rectifying circuit receives, rectifies, amplifies and processes the induced current from the power generating unit. The vibration device is located at the vibration layer and receives the processed induced current from the rectifying circuit to vibrate according to a predetermined vibration frequency in the vibration layer.
US08632473B2 Detecting worsening heart failure based on fluid accumulation with respiratory confirmation
A medical device monitors a level of fluid accumulation, e.g., pulmonary edema, and one or more respiratory parameters of the patient to detect worsening heart failure. The medical device may use intrathoracic impedance measurements to monitor both the fluid accumulation and the one or more respiratory parameters. Respiration rate and volume, also referred to as the tidal volume, are examples of respiratory parameters. The medical device examines the one or more respiratory parameters after determining that the fluid accumulation indicates worsening heart failure. In this manner, the medical device uses the one or more respiratory parameters to confirm a determination of worsening heart failure that was made based on the fluid accumulation.
US08632457B2 Receiving apparatus and in-vivo information acquiring system using the same
An object of the invention is to receive, with a high sensitivity, a radio signal transmitted within a short time before a capsule endoscope reaches the stomach of a subject and acquire, in a satisfactory state, information on the interior of the subject such as image data picked up by the capsule endoscope. The receiving apparatus according to the invention includes a plurality of receiving antennas including a specified receiving antenna for receiving a radio signal from a capsule endoscope before the stomach is reached, a switching controller, an arrival determining unit and a mode switching unit. The switching controller performs a control operation for switching to and maintaining the receiving antenna in an initial mode or a control operation for switching to the receiving antennas in a normal mode. The arrival determining unit determines whether the capsule endoscope has reached the stomach or not. The mode switching unit instructs the switching controller to perform the control operation for switching to the initial mode, and upon determination that the stomach has been reached, gives the instruction to perform the control operation for switching to the normal mode.
US08632452B2 Peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor δ (PPARδ) and the development of preimplantation embryos
Methods and compositions for enhancing development of a preimplantation mammalian embryo and for increasing the live birth potential of an in vitro fertilized mammalian embryo are disclosed. An in vitro method of activating the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) in a preimplantation mammalian embryo comprises culturing an embryo in an embryo culture medium, and upon or after commencement of expression of PPARδ in the cells of the embryo, activating the PPARδ by adding an amount of a PPARδ ligand to said medium effective to bind to PPARδ to deter apoptosis in the cells of the cultured embryo and/or increase proliferation of the cells of the cultured embryo.
US08632450B2 Method of treating urinary incontinence
A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient includes implanting in the patient a device having a band, two magnets, and a power source; placing the band around a urethra; and implanting the power source outside of a pelvis. The power source is operable to electromagnetically couple the two magnets thus constricting a lumen of the urethra.
US08632439B2 Control device for vehicular lockup clutch
A control device for a vehicular lockup clutch, including a lockup clutch that directly connects an input rotation member and an output rotation member of a hydraulic transmission device constituting part of a power transmission path between an engine and drive wheels, a linear solenoid valve that controls an engagement hydraulic pressure for engaging and actuating the lockup clutch, and a controller that is configured to perform a flexible start control for slip-engaging the lockup clutch when a vehicle starts moving, and to perform, before starting the flexible start control, a precharge control for establishing a standby state in which a predetermined preparation pressure is indicated to the linear solenoid valve.
US08632438B2 Hybrid vehicle driving system
The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle driving system which can implement sufficient lubrication while a vehicle is being driven. A hybrid vehicle driving system 1 of the invention includes a lubrication pump 122 which is connected to a first input shaft 11 and which is adapted to lubricate a transmission 20 and a lubricated state determination unit 55 which determines a lubricated state of the transmission 20. When the lubricated state determination unit 55 determines that lubrication is necessary, the first input shaft 11 is rotated by an electric motor 7 so as to drive the lubrication pump 122, or the first input shaft 11 is rotated by an internal combustion engine 6 by engaging a first engaging and disengaging unit to thereby drive the lubrication pump 122.