最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08891699B2 Characterization and assessment of communication channel average group delay variation
Characterization and assessment of communication channel average group delay variation. A signal having repeated signal components therein is received by a communication device, and that signal undergoes appropriate processing to determine respective amplitude and phase of a number of frequency bins. The phase difference from bin to bin (including respecting unwrapping, and proper normalization) is used to determine the group delay of a communication channel, or portion thereof, as a function of frequency. Multiple respective group delay measurements may be averaged to generate a wideband group delay of the communication channel as a function of frequency. Overlap between different respective band-edge portions of the communication channel may assist in generating a seamless continuous wideband spectrum estimation for use in determining the wideband group delay of the communication channel.
US08891693B2 Signal processing method and receiver for wireless communication system
A receiver selects, regarding each of signals corresponding to component elements of a transmission column vector, a number of transmission signal candidates equal to a number according to a predetermined parameter based on inter-signal point distances between a plurality of transmission signal candidates regarding the transmission column vector and the signal from among the plural transmission signal candidates. Then, the receiver reproduces the transmission signal by determining a unique set of transmission signal candidates regarding each component element of the transmission column vector based on the sum total of the inter-signal point distances between the selected transmission signal candidates and the signals.
US08891692B2 Data processing apparatus and method for interleaving and deinterleaving data
A data processing apparatus is arranged to map input data symbols to be communicated onto a predetermined number of sub-carrier signals of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed OFDM symbols. The predetermined number of sub-carrier signals is determined in accordance with one of a plurality of operating modes and the input data symbols are divided into first sets of input data symbols and second sets of input data symbols.
US08891690B2 Methods and apparatuses for transmitting and receiving preamble for multiple channel estimation
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting a preamble for multiple channel estimation. The method includes generating a channel estimation sequence, allocating the channel estimation sequence to some of a plurality of symbols in which a preamble is transmitted, and transmitting the preamble. The channel estimation sequence is generated by bisecting a sequence having a length N, generating a first sequence and a second sequence by adding a Zero-padded Suffix (ZS) having a zero value to a last part of each of the two bisected sequences, copying the first sequence and the second sequence at least once, and allocating the first sequences and the second sequences to some of the symbols.
US08891688B2 Receiver circuit and receiver apparatus
A no signal period detecting unit (10) detects a no signal period in which no receiver signal is received. A capture unit (7) captures a synchronous timing of the receiver signal on the basis of a correlation value which is worked out by a delayed correlation computing unit (6). Further, the capture unit (7) cancels the capture of the synchronous timing in the case where this no signal period is detected by the no signal period detecting unit (10).
US08891677B2 Power scaling for retransmissions in uplink MIMO hybrid ARQ
A method includes obtaining a precoder for retransmission of one codeword responsive to known precoding matrix P of rank r and modulation and coding scheme MCS assignments used in an original transmission, and a desired retransmission rank r′; and scaling power in the retransmission responsive to at least two of 1) information parameters Index of UL precoder in previous transmission, 2) rank r of uplink UL precoder in previous transmission, 3) MCS assignments in previous retransmission (MCSi), 4) rank r′ for UL retransmission 5) number of retransmit antennas used for codeword to be retransmitted x in previous transmission, 6) number of retransmit antennas x′ used for retransmission, 7) precoder for UL retransmission, 8) UL precoders and channel information for previous transmission, and 8) latest channel measurements.
US08891674B2 Digital transmission system for transmitting additional data and method thereof
A digital transmission system is provided. The system includes a transmission signal generation unit which generates transmission signals by loading data to be transmitted on carrier waves; and an additional data processing unit which loads a low power signal expressing additional data on the carrier waves on which the data is loaded by the transmission signal generation unit. The system may be embodied as an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system such as a Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DVB-T) system, or a single carrier system such as a Vestigial Sideband (VSB) system.
US08891665B2 Transmitting apparatus and communication system
Parallel/serial conversion is performed on an N (where N is a natural number)-bit first parallel data signal with a first converted clock acquired by multiplying a reference clock by N, and parallel/serial conversion is performed on an (N×K)-bit (where K is a natural number) second parallel data signal with a second converted clock acquired by multiplying the reference clock by N×K.
US08891661B2 Techniques for data transmission using high-order modulation
Techniques for data transmission using high-order modulation are provided. According to one aspect, parameters of a transmission link are determined, and a multilevel coding scheme and a high-order modulation signal constellation are selected on the basis of the determined parameters. An information indicating the selected multilevel coding scheme and high-order modulation signal constellation and data symbols encoded according to the selected multilevel coding scheme and high-order modulation signal constellation are transmitted. In other aspects, QPSK data symbols are embedded between M-QAM data symbols or M-PSK data symbols with M>4. The QPSK data symbols may be used to improve the efficiency of the decoding process.
US08891653B2 MU-MIMO transmission method in wireless LAN system
A Multi-User-Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) transmission method performed by an AP in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) system is provided. The method includes transmitting an MU-MIMO initiation message to a destination STA which is a target of a MU-MIMO transmission, the MU-MIMO initiation message informing that MU-MIMO transmission will be initiated, receiving a sounding frame transmitted by the destination STA as a response to the MU-MIMO initiation message and performing MU-MIMO transmission on data by beamforming based on channel information obtained from the sounding frame. The sounding frame includes precoded and virtualized channel information Hvirtual between the AP and the STA. A dimension of the Hvirtual is lower than a dimension of channel information H between the AP and the STA.
US08891645B2 Systems/methods of carrier aggregation providing increased capacity communications
Various embodiments of carrier aggregation are provided that increase communications capacity and throughput. Responsive to an aggregate bandwidth of a signal that is to be transmitted exceeding a limit associated with an antenna and/or other element of a transmitter, the signal is decomposed/segmented/divided into a plurality of components each one of which comprises a bandwidth that is smaller than the bandwidth of the signal. Accordingly, the transmitter is configured with a corresponding plurality of antennas and/or corresponding plurality of other elements to transmit the plurality of components. Systems/methods of spatial multiplexing are also provided further increasing network capacity and throughput.
US08891644B2 Communication apparatus and communication method
A serial-parallel converter generates a subcarrier modulation signal from a modulation signal which is generated from the input signal by a modulator. An IFFT unit performs an inverse fast Fourier transformation on the subcarrier modulation signal. A divider divides a calculation result to generate first subdata. A disperser adds dispersion coefficients to elements of first subdata. A sorter generates second subdata from post-dispersion first subdata. An operator performs a predetermined calculation using elements in the same line of the post-dispersion first subdata and second subdata. A corrector subtracts correction coefficients from elements of post-average first subdata. A synthesizer arranges post-correction first subdata in positions at the time of division and synthesizes them to generate a baseband signal. A transmitter generates a transmission signal to transmit.
US08891633B2 Video compression for high efficiency video coding using a reduced resolution image
Method for multi-level motion estimation in block-based video coding. The method is targeted to HEVC specifications of video compression, however, may be used with other video coding standards.
US08891629B2 Filter process in compression/decompression of digital video systems
A method for calculating pixel values of interpolated pixel positions located between integer pixel positions in frames of a video picture by a predefined filter operation, the method including: storing the pixel values of the integer pixel position; determining to which of a number of predefined resolution formats the video picture is adapted; defining a fixed width (W) and fixed height value (H) for the frames corresponding to a resolution format determined by the determining; loading a first set of memory addresses for the memory of the video processing apparatus corresponding to a plurality of the pixel values of integer pixel positions; and executing a filter operation on the plurality of the pixel values of integer pixel positions and calculating a plurality of the pixel values of the interpolated pixel positions.
US08891628B2 Methods for encoding and decoding a signal of images, corresponding encoding and decoding devices, signal and computer programs
A method is provided for encoding an image signal that includes motion information, by selecting a motion vector from among a set of at least three candidate vectors for at least one actual block of an actual image to be encoded. The method includes: determining an optimal-selection subset containing some of the candidate vectors; selecting the motion vector from among the vectors of the optimal-selection subset; and inserting into the signal a piece of information designating the motion vector selected from among the vectors of the optimal-selection subset.
US08891616B1 Method and apparatus for entropy encoding based on encoding cost
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for compressing a video signal are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes transforming at least a portion of the video signal to produce matrices of transform coefficients, dividing the transform coefficients by at least one quantizer value to generate matrices of quantized transform coefficients, and identifying an encoding context including the transformed portion of the video signal. The method may further include determining a cost to entropy encode a non-zero value occurring within the encoding context, determining a first range including zero and having a width that is a function of the determined cost to entropy encode a non-zero value, and setting to zero at least one transform coefficient that falls within the first range.
US08891614B2 Method and system on chip (SoC) for adapting a runtime reconfigurable hardware to decode a video stream
A method and System on Chip (SoC) for adapting a runtime reconfigurable hardware to decode a video stream, wherein the video stream is of one of a plurality of video types is disclosed. The method includes determining a video type of the video stream and identifying at least one functional block of a set of functional blocks in the runtime reconfigurable hardware in response to determining the video type. A functional block of the set of functional blocks corresponds to a decoding sub function of the video type. Thereafter, the method configures the one or more functional block based on a plurality of configuration parameters of the video type. Further, the method decodes the video stream using the one or more functional blocks in response of configuring the one or more functional block.
US08891604B2 Coordinated multi-point transmission
In a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless system supporting Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) transmission and having a first base station, a second base station, and a user equipment, a communications method implemented in the first base station is disclosed. In an aspect, the communications method includes exchanging, with the second base station through local information exchange, first information about a first channel between the first base station and the user equipment and second information about a second channel between the second base station and the user equipment, and computing at least one of a precoding matrix, a receiver filter, and a projection matrix, wherein the user equipment estimates the first information and the second information, and shares the first information and the second information with the first base station. Other apparatuses and some methods for wireless communications also are disclosed.
US08891586B1 System, apparatus and method for identifying transmission frequencies for communicating data
Systems, apparatuses and methods for identifying frequencies for use in communicating data. Frequency hopping sequences are used in the communication of data without the need to store or exchange the sequences themselves. A seed value is obtained, and the frequency hopping sequence is calculated using the seed each time data is to be communicated using that frequency hopping sequence. The data is communicated via one or more frequencies in the calculated frequency hopping sequence.
US08891585B2 Heating electrode assembly for crystal growth furnace
A heating electrode assembly for a crystal growth furnace includes: a heat insulation board unit that is disposed between a furnace wall and a heater, that includes a first surface facing the furnace wall and a second surface facing the heater, and that is formed with a hole extending through the first surface and the second surface; an electrode unit that includes an electricity input portion mounted to the furnace wall, a post portion disposed in the hole, and an abutment flange connecting the post portion and the heater; and an electrical insulating unit including a tubular sleeve that is disposed in the hole and that surrounds the post portion, and a pad that is clamped between the abutment flange and the second surface.
US08891582B2 Electric glass hot shop system
An electric glass hot shop system is described herein that has at least one electrically powered heating unit (e.g., electric furnace, electric glory hole, electric pipe warmer, electric color box, electric annealer, electric crucible kiln) used in the processing of glass.
US08891580B1 Resonator mounting assembly for isolation of resonator defining optics
A resonator mounting assembly includes a resonator cage, a base underlying the resonator cage, a plurality of first sets of kinematic mounting elements with the kinematic mounting elements of each first set mated with one another in an engaged non-secured relationship so as to support the resonator cage above the base and provide a kinematic mounting interface between them that substantially prevents any rotational moments applied on the base to be transferred to the resonator cage, and at least one second set of preload mounting elements fastened with one another in a yieldable secured relationship so as to preload the resonator cage relative to the base to maintain a positive contact at the kinematic mounting interface that substantially prevents disengagement of the mated kinematic mounting elements from one another due to forces and moments generated from thermal expansion and mounting distortion of the base.
US08891577B2 System and method for a micro ring laser
A system and method for an electrically pumped laser system is disclosed. The system includes a silicon micro-ring resonator 405. A quantum well 412 formed of a III-V group semiconductor material is optically coupled with the micro-ring resonator 405 to provide optical gain. A trapezoidal shaped buffer 414 formed of a III-V group semiconductor material and doped with a first type of carrier is optically coupled to the quantum well 412. A ring electrode 410 is coupled to the trapezoidal shaped buffer 414. The trapezoidal shaped buffer 414 enables the ring electrode 410 to be substantially isolated from an optical mode of the micro-ring resonator 405.
US08891576B2 High SMSR unidirectional etched lasers and low back-reflection photonic device
Unidirectionality of lasers is enhanced by forming one or more etched gaps (78, 80) in the laser cavity. The gaps may be provided in any segment of a laser, such as any leg of a ring laser, or in one leg (62) of a V-shaped laser (60). A Brewster angle facet at the distal end of a photonic device coupled to the laser reduces back-reflection into the laser cavity. A distributed Bragg reflector is used at the output of a laser to enhance the side-mode suppression ratio of the laser.
US08891575B2 Optical feedback structures and methods of making
An optical resonator can include an optical feedback structure disposed on a substrate, and a composite including a matrix including a chromophore. The composite disposed on the substrate and in optical communication with the optical feedback structure. The chromophore can be a semiconductor nanocrystal. The resonator can provide laser emission when excited.
US08891573B2 6.1 angstrom III-V and II-VI semiconductor platform
Use of semiconductor materials having a lattice constant of within +/−1.6% of 6.1 angstroms facilitates improved semiconductor device performance and new semiconductor structures, for example integration of field-effect devices and optoelectronic devices on a single wafer. High-mobility channels are enabled, improving device performance.
US08891568B2 Laser diode device and method of manufacturing laser diode device
A laser diode device includes: a semiconductor substrate including a semi-polar surface, the semiconductor substrate being formed of a hexagonal III-nitride semiconductor; an epitaxial layer including a light emitting layer, the epitaxial layer being formed on the semi-polar surface of the semiconductor substrate, and the epitaxial layer including a ridge section; a first electrode formed on a top surface of the ridge section; an insulating layer covering the epitaxial layer in an adjacent region of the ridge section and a side surface of the ridge section, the insulating layer covering part or all of side surfaces of the first electrode continuously from the epitaxial layer; a pad electrode formed to cover a top surface of the first electrode and the insulating layer, the pad electrode being electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second electrode formed on a surface, of the semiconductor substrate, opposite to the semi-polar surface.
US08891562B2 Tuneable laser source
Described herein is a laser (1) having a cavity for supporting oscillation of an electromagnetic signal to provide lasing action. A gain element (5) provides a source of stimulated emission for amplifying the oscillating signal. The laser also includes a wavelength selective element (7), which includes a reflecting element and a polarization modifying element. The reflecting element selectively defines a predetermined wavelength and the polarization modifying element selectively modifies the polarization of the signal component at the predetermined wavelength so as to provide high selectivity. The wavelength selective element (7) rotates the signal polarization at the predetermined wavelength into an orthogonal state. A polarization filter (9) filters out the signal components having wavelengths not corresponding to the predetermined wavelength and a polarization rotation element (11) again rotates the polarization of the signal into an orthogonal state.
US08891560B2 Method of transmitting uplink control signals in wireless communication system
A method and device for transmitting uplink control signals in a wireless communication system, the method including: reserving a preassigned scheduling request (SR) physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) resource used for transmission of a SR; determining a frequency domain sequence and an orthogonal sequence based on the preassigned SR PUCCH resource; spreading an ACK/NACK for Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) with the frequency domain sequence and the orthogonal sequence to generate a mapped sequence; and transmitting the mapped sequence.
US08891547B2 Link scanning method for cascaded remote control units, and remote electrical tilt antenna system
The present invention discloses a link scanning method for cascaded RCUs and a remote electrical tilt antenna system. The method includes: receiving, a link scanning message and sending the link scanning message to the RCU in the next cascaded RCU; generating, a link scanning response message, sending the link scanning response message to the RCU in the preceding cascaded RCU, and reporting the link scanning response message to the CCU, and sending, the link scanning message to the CCU. In the present invention, by adding a time delay in the link of the remote end serial communication bus, each RCU does not respond to the link scanning message simultaneously, the time-delayed link scanning response messages in the link of the remote end serial communication bus of each RCU are not aliased, therefore, the bus conflict problem of the link scanning when the RCUs are cascaded is effectively solved.
US08891546B1 Protocol splitter
Communication apparatus includes at least first and second communication interfaces, configured for digital communication with first and second nodes. At least one processor is coupled between the communication interfaces, and is configured, upon receiving a message from one of the first and second nodes that is directed to the other of the first and second nodes, to carry out the following actions: when the message contains a command, to convey the command to the other of the first and second nodes; when the message contains status information, to convey the status information to the other of the first and second nodes; when the message contains a response to a command, to discard the response; and when the message contains a query, to block the query from reaching the other of the first and second nodes.
US08891543B1 Method and system for processing packets in a network device
In general, the invention relates to a network device that includes a port configured to receive a packet and a packet processor (PP) configured to receive the packet from the port, in response to receiving the packet, make a first determination that a trigger condition exists, and in response to the first determination, issue a configuration action, where the configuration action, when performed by the network device, modifies a configuration of a component on the network device.
US08891542B2 Unified system networking with CEE-PCIe tunneling
Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) tunneling over Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus. An initiating device, connected to a CEE network, initiates a command. An encoding device encodes a CEE frame comprising the command, target device address, initiator signals, and an address of a CEE switch closest to the target device, connected to a PCIe network. The initiating device transmits an inquiry to the CEE switch through the CEE frame. The CEE switch comprises an address table with an entry specifying a generic PCIe device. The CEE switch is configured to convert the CEE frame into PCIe readable signals and to transmit them to PCIe devices. The initiating device receives a response indicating a PCIe acknowledgement from a corresponding device from the PCIe devices. The corresponding device is associated with the target device address. Based on the response, the initiating device initiates a transaction to the corresponding device through CEE frames.
US08891530B2 Multi-FA personal subscriber terminal and method of ordering protocol data unit thereof
A multi-FA personal subscriber station and a method of ordering protocol data units thereof is provided. The present invention allows for simultaneously accessing two frequency channels to transmit and receive data and appropriately ordering protocol data units transmitted through each frequency channel, thereby minimizing errors in TCP/IP packet transmission. According to the present invention, two frequency channels are simultaneously accessed to transmit and receive data and protocol data units transmitted through each of the frequency channels are ordered, thereby minimizing errors in TCP/IP packet transmission.
US08891528B2 Managing the capture of packets in a computing system
A method for managing the capture of packets in a computing system comprises maintaining a buffer tail pointer in a memory of an instruction executing device, receiving a series of packets at an instruction executing device, for each received packet prepending a header comprising a packet length and a packet pointer set to a current value of the buffer tail pointer, determining a next free memory location by adding the current value of the buffer tail pointer to the length of a previous packet identified by the buffer tail pointer, temporarily writing the packet and prepend header to the next free memory location in a circular packet buffer in a memory coupled to the instruction executing device, and setting the buffer tail pointer to the next free memory location.
US08891525B2 Fixed mobile convergence techniques for redundant alarm reporting
Alarm reporting systems and methods for reporting alarms to a central monitoring station using fixed mobile convergence (FMC) techniques. An alarm reporting system comprises a plurality of sensors, an alarm reporting module that receives alarm signals from the plurality of sensors, and a logic unit that generates an alarm message related to the alarm signal. The alarm reporting module further comprises at least two transceivers, the first of which is a wi-fi transceiver that communicates with a central monitoring station via a wireless access point further connected to an internet connection. The second transceiver is a cellular tranceiver that communicates with the central monitoring station via a cellular network further connected to an internet gateway. The second tranceiver provides redundancy in case the wireless access point or the first internet connection become unavailable.
US08891523B2 Multi-processor apparatus using dedicated buffers for multicast communications
An apparatus includes a multiprocessor including a plurality of processors including respective memories. Each of the memories has a dedicated storage location for multicast messages. At least one bus is coupled in common to the plurality of processors. The apparatus further includes an IPC unit coupled to the at least one bus and configured to retrieve multicast messages from the dedicated storage locations via the at least one bus and to selectively route the retrieved multicast messages among the plurality of memories.
US08891522B2 Reliable, high-throughput, high-performance transport and routing mechanism for arbitrary data flows
The present invention leverages an existing content delivery network infrastructure to provide a system that enhances performance for any application that uses the Internet Protocol (IP) as its underlying transport mechanism. An overlay network comprises a set of edge nodes, intermediate nodes, and gateway nodes. This network provides optimized routing of IP packets. Internet application users can use the overlay to obtain improved performance during normal network conditions, to obtain or maintain good performance where normal default BGP routing would otherwise force the user over congested or poorly performing paths, or to enable the user to maintain communications to a target server application even during network outages.
US08891521B2 Triggering bandwidth reservation and priority remarking
In one embodiment, a reservation proxy monitors for received connectivity check messages or beginning-of-media-flow indication messages. When either type of message is observed, the reservation proxy requests resource allocation for a media flow associated with the received message. The amount of resource allocation requested may be coordinated by exchanging messages with a call controller or policy server for one of the endpoints of the media flow, or the amount of resource allocation may be identified within the received message.
US08891513B1 System and method for low latency multicast in a network environment
An example method is provided and includes generating a packet at a switch; and sending the packet from a designated source port to a plurality of egress ports over an overlay network that is to provide an alternate routing path having a lower latency characteristic compared to a standard routing path provided by a forwarding engine of the switch. In more particular embodiments, the overlay network includes one or more dedicated paths from the designated source port to the plurality of egress ports, and the one or more dedicated paths is determined from a mapping between the designated source port and the plurality of egress ports. In other instances, the mapping is provided in a routing table.
US08891511B2 System and method for dynamic telephony resource allocation between premise and hosted facilities
A population of networked Application Gateway Centers or voice centers provides telephony resources. The telephony application for a call number is typically created by a user in XML (Extended Markup Language) with predefined telephony XML tags and deployed on a website. A voice center provides facility for retrieving the associated XML application from its website and processing the call accordingly. The individual voice centers are either operated at a hosted facility or at a customer's premise. Provisioning Management Servers help to allocate telephony resources among the voice centers. This is accomplished by suitably updating a voice center directory. In this way, the original capacity at a premise, predetermined by the hardware installed, can be adjusted up or down. If the premise is under capacity, it can be supplemented by that from a hosted facility. If the premise has surplus capacity, it can be reallocated for use by others outside the premise.
US08891506B2 Method and apparatus for providing mobile IP service through a network address translation gateway
Method and apparatus for providing Mobile internet protocol (IP) service through a network address translation gateway. In one example, a gateway between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) is provided. A foreign agent (FA) module is configured to advertise a care-of address (CoA) on the LAN and process registration and mobile IP communication traffic on the LAN and the WAN side of the gateway. A control module is configured to identify the registration and the mobile IP communication traffic on the LAN and the WAN. The control module sends mobile IP traffic to the FA and other traffic to a network address translation (NAT) module. In this manner, network address translation of mobile IP traffic is advantageously omitted. This allows the IP-in-IP tunnels used by mobile IP to pass through the gateway.
US08891494B2 Method and apparatus for the use of multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) systems for multi-packet reception (MPR) in a distributed time slot assignment protocol
A method of multiple packet reception (MPR) using distributed time slot assignment (TDSA) in a multi-user network where receivers can detect two packets at the same time includes the steps of requesting information on slot assignment in a contention area, setting a frame length and acquiring a the slot assignment, selecting the assigned slot, and announcing and confirming information about the frame length and the assigned slot. The step of requesting information on slot assignment, setting a frame length and acquiring a slot assignment, and selecting the assigned slot are performed in a network where receivers can detect two packets at the same time, where time slots are assigned to nodes instead of links, where one-hop neighbors are assigned to different time slots since they may form a link together, while sharing one time slot with one of the two-hop neighbors in a non-interfering assignment.
US08891481B2 Scattered pilot pattern and channel estimation method for MIMO-OFDM systems
Methods and apparatus are provided for inserting data symbols and pilot symbols in an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) transmission resource utilizing frequency hopping patterns for the data symbols and/or the pilot symbols. Data symbols and pilot symbols are allocated for down link (base station to mobile station) and up link (mobile station to bases station) transmission resources in a two-dimensional time-frequency pattern. For each antenna of a MIMO-OFDM (multiple input multiple output OFDM) communication system, pilot symbols are inserted in a scattered pattern in time-frequency and data symbols are inserted in an identical frequency-hopping pattern in time-frequency as that of other antennas.
US08891474B2 Mobile communication system, base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus and communication method
To specify flexibly one or more downlink component carriers for which a mobile station apparatus generates channel state information when performing communication using a plurality of component carriers complexly. A base station apparatus transmits to the mobile station apparatus a downlink control information format in which an information bit set to a value corresponding to one or more downlink component carriers requesting to report channel state information is included, and which is used for scheduling of a physical uplink shared channel, and the mobile station apparatus reports the channel state information for the one or more downlink component carriers to the base station apparatus using the physical uplink shared channel in accordance with the value set to the information bit, and a correspondence between a value set to the information bit and the one or more downlink component carriers is set in the mobile station apparatus by the base station apparatus using a signal of a higher layer.
US08891472B2 Method and apparatus for reporting channel state information in a wireless communication system
A method and apparatus are provided for reporting Channel State Information (CSI) for operation of a network, when a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI) and a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) cannot be calculated. The method includes reporting a first Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI); detecting that a Rank Indicator (RI) is changed before a second PMI is reported, the RI being changed within an RI group; calculating the second PMI and a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) using the first PMI; and reporting the second PMI and the CQI.
US08891466B2 Method of handling soft buffer for carrier aggregation and related communication device
A method of handling a soft buffer of a mobile device in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The mobile device is configured a plurality of component carriers (CCs) by a network of the wireless communication system. The plurality of CCs comprise a primary CC (PCC) and at least one secondary CC (SCC). The method comprises determining a plurality of weightings corresponding to the plurality of CCs according to an indication; determining a plurality of sizes of a plurality of sub-blocks according to the plurality of weightings; and dividing the soft buffer into the plurality of sub-blocks according to the plurality of sizes of the plurality of sub-blocks, to arrange a plurality of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) processes of the plurality of CCs in the plurality of sub-blocks.
US08891460B2 Method and device for data processing in a cellular network
Method and a device for data processing in a cellular network are provided, said method including the step of conveying signaling information between base stations over an air interface supporting SON and/or FSU in said cellular network. Furthermore, a communication system is suggested comprising said device.
US08891459B2 Spectrum interpretation in a heterogenous network
Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide for the application of extension carriers and carrier segments in the context of heterogeneous networks. As described herein, different parts of the spectrum may be interpreted differently by different type of nodes.
US08891448B2 Interference control
A method for controlling interference is described. The method includes receiving an indication that a first carrier is not received by a first base station and a second carrier is received by the first base station (610). Assigning a maximum transmission power for the first carrier so as not to exceed a transmission power for the second carrier is also included (620). The method also includes simultaneously transmitting from a UE on at least the first carrier and the second carrier. Transmitting on the first carrier is performed in accordance with the maximum assigned transmission power (630). Apparatuses and computer readable media are also described.
US08891436B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating effective scheduling grants
A method and apparatus for effectively facilitating grant scheduling is provided. The method may comprise transmitting, by a user equipment (UE), a grant request, wherein the grant request includes a UE power headroom (UPH) value, and receiving, from a Node B, a scheduling grant, wherein the scheduling grant is derived from the transmitted UPH.
US08891435B2 Low bandwidth PHY for WLAN
A method includes generating first and second preambles for first and second data units corresponding to first and second PHY modes, respectively. Generating the first preamble includes generating a first STF, LTF, and SIG field. The first SIG field includes an OFDM symbol modulated according to a first modulation technique. The OFDM symbol begins a first time interval, and ends a second time interval, after the first LTF begins. Generating the second preamble includes generating a second STF and LTF. The second STF has a greater duration, and different repeating sequence, than the first STF. The second LTF includes a second OFDM symbol modulated according to a second modulation technique, and at least partially occupying a location beginning a third time interval, and ending a fourth time interval, after the second LTF begins. The third and fourth time intervals are equal to the first and second time intervals, respectively.
US08891433B2 Mobile communication system and operation method in mobile communication
A mobile communication system includes: a base station configured to form a cell and transmit a downlink signal which has been spread with a downlink scrambling code, toward the cell; a mobile station connected with the base station by radio when the mobile station is in the cell, and configured to communicate with a counter side station through the base station; and a relay station configured to receive the downlink signal, generate a limitation downlink signal showing a limitation area in which a function of the mobile station is limited, based on the downlink signal, and transmit the limitation downlink signal which has been spread with a specific scrambling code different from the downlink scrambling code, toward the limitation area. The downlink signal contains a base station peripheral cell list showing a scrambling code used in another base station on a periphery of the base station. The relay station determines the specific scrambling code based on the base station peripheral cell list when receiving the downlink signal.
US08891431B2 Type II relay node initialization procedures
A relay node including one or more components configured to encode a message to be transmitted to an access node, the message used to identify the relay node as a relay node during initialization of the relay node.
US08891428B2 Structure of an efficient relay medium access control protocol data unit in a broadband wireless access system, and data transmission method using same
A broadband wireless access system including a relay station and a structure of a relay medium access control (MAC) protocol data unit (PDU) are disclosed. A method in which a base station (ABS) transmits data for a plurality of mobile stations (AMSs) to a relay station (ARS) in a broadband wireless access system includes generating second transmission unit data using a plurality of first transmission unit data oriented toward the plurality of mobile stations and using mobile station identifier information for indicating mobile stations to which each of the plurality of first transmission data unit data is to be transmitted and transmitting the second transmission unit data to the relay station.
US08891426B2 Methods and apparatuses relating to multimedia broadcast multicast services
In a flat Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture, each base station (16) shares Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) control plane information with its neighboring base stations (16), by sharing with neighboring base stations (16) the same control plane information that the base station (16) transmits via its air interface (24). For example, in a Wideband CDMA embodiment, where each base station (16) in a flat WCDMA RAN (12) is referred to as a NodeB÷, one NodeB÷ shares MBMS control plane information with one or more neighboring NodeB+s. Such sharing allows a given base station (16-1) not only to broadcast MBMS configuration information for its own cells (18-1), but also to broadcast such information for one or more neighboring cells (18-2, 18-3) that operate under control of one or more neighboring base stations (16-2, 16-3). Thus, a user equipment (UE) (22) camping in the given base station's cell (18-1) is provided with the information needed to acquire the MBMS user plane in its current cell (18-1) and in one or more of the neighboring cells (18-2, 18-3). In this manner, the UE (22)—also referred to as a mobile terminal—can receive MBMS transmissions from multiple base stations (16-1, 16-2, 16-3), for selective and/or soft combining. UE reception performance is thereby improved and base stations (16) in a flat RAN (12) generally can send MBMS transmissions at a lower power.
US08891423B2 Group-based machine to machine communication
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing group-based machine-to-machine communication. Machine-type communication (MTC) wireless transmit/receive units (WTRUs) may operate in MTC groups. MTC WTRUs belonging to the same MTC group may use a group-based International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and a group-based IP address for data transmission. Group-based network registration may be performed. A group-based IP address and radio resources may be proactively allocated for an MTC group. A master MTC may perform network registration/attachment process on behalf of the MTC group. A group of MTC WTRUs may transmit data according to staggered time windows.
US08891416B2 Method and device for ACK/NACK transmission in TDD-based wireless communication system
Provided are a method and a device for ACK/NACK transmission in a TDD (Time Division Duplex)-based wireless communication system. The terminal receives a SPS downlink transmission block on a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) without a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and receives a downlink transmission block on the PDSCH that is indicated by the PDCCH having a downlink assignment index (DAI). The terminal transmits a 2-bit ACK/NACK regarding the SPS downlink transmission block and the downlink transmission block on an uplink control channel.
US08891402B2 Devices for reporting uplink information
A user equipment (UE) for reporting information is described. The UE includes a processor and instructions stored in memory that is in electronic communication with the processor. The UE selects a reference cell having a reference uplink-downlink (UL-DL) configuration. The UE also selects a first uplink subframe from the reference cell. The UE further selects a first subframe set from a first cell having a first UL-DL configuration. The first UL-DL configuration is different than the reference UL-DL configuration. The UE additionally determines a first set of associations between the first subframe set and the first uplink subframe. The UE further aggregates information corresponding to the reference cell and information corresponding to the first cell based on the first set of associations to produce aggregated information. The UE also reports the aggregated information on an uplink reporting cell.
US08891398B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting and receiving information through fast feedback channel in broadband wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting information through a fast feedback channel in a wireless communications system are provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of mappers for mapping a sequence, corresponding to an index to be fed back, to a first set of resource blocks in a fast feedback channel by using a first mapping pattern and to a second set of resource blocks in the fast feedback channel by using a second mapping pattern, and a transmitter for transmitting the sequence mapped to a plurality of sets of resource blocks, wherein the sequence is mapped to each of the plurality of sets of resource blocks, and wherein each element of the sequence is mapped to each resource block.
US08891388B2 Path node determining method, media path establishing method, and signaling media gateway
The present invention provides a path node determining method, a media path establishing method and a signaling media gateway. The path node determining method comprises: for any one of the signaling media gateways in the IMS network, when receiving a first SDP offer, transmitting a first SDP offer carrying a first path parameter, wherein a network segment identifier of the signaling media gateway is added in the first path parameter of the transmitted first SDP offer; when receiving a first SDP answer for the transmitted first SDP offer, the signaling media gateway judging, according to a second path parameter in the received first SDP answer or the first path parameter in the transmitted first SDP offer, whether the signaling media gateway is a path node; and transmitting the first SDP answer which carries or does not carry the second path parameter. Through the technical solutions of the present invention, it is possible to effectively reduce the number of the nodes of a media path and save the resources of media processing equipment.
US08891384B2 Circuit emulation service for carrying time division multiplexed SCADA traffic
Embodiments of the invention employ specially adapted P2MP and MP2P transmission techniques to communicate traffic of a TDM based SCADA system over an IP/MPLS based network. Advantageously, by specially adapting P2MP and MP2P transmission techniques to carry TDM based SCADA traffic over an IP/MPLS network, an existing TDM based SCADA system can be migrated to an IP/MPLS network and operated in an easy to manage and bandwidth efficient manner as compared to a solution that employs point-to-point connections between a SCADA master node and subsystems over an IP/MPLS network. Furthermore, since TDM based SCADA equipment would not need to be replaced with IP based SCADA equipment in such a migration, significant equipment and installation costs associated with such replacement can be avoided.
US08891368B2 Presentation of a selected port
Back pressure is mapped within a network, and primary bottlenecks are distinguished from dependent bottlenecks. Further, the presently disclosed technology is capable of performing network healing operations designed to reduce the data load on primary bottlenecks while ignoring dependent bottlenecks. Still further, the presently disclosed technology teaches identifying and/or suggesting a switch port for adding a node to the network. More specifically, various implementations analyze traffic load and back pressure in a network, identify primary and dependent bottlenecks, resolve the primary bottlenecks, collect new node parameters, and/or select a switch port for the new node. Further, a command can be sent to a selected switch to activate an indicator on the selected port. New node parameters may include new node type, maximum load, minimum load, time of maximum load, time of minimum load and type of data associated with the new node.
US08891364B2 Systems and methods for distributing traffic across cluster nodes
The present application is directed towards systems and methods for distributing traffic across nodes of a cluster of intermediary devices through distributed flow distribution (DFD). Upon receipt of network traffic, a cluster node, such as an intermediary computing device or appliance, may internally steer a portion of the traffic via an inter-node communications backplane to one or more other nodes in the cluster so that the load is equally handled by all of the nodes in the cluster. A cluster node may determine whether to process the traffic steered via the backplane by computing a hash of packet parameters of the network traffic. Hash keys may be selected such that uniformity is assured, and the key used in hash computation may be synchronized across all of the nodes so that only one node determines that it should process the particular packets or traffic flow.
US08891360B2 Optimal segment identification for shared mesh protection
Nodes and methods are disclosed, including, circuitry of a source node in a mesh network retrieving information indicative of network topology; identifying a working path from the source node to a destination node; identifying potential protection segments of the working path, wherein a potential protection segment has at least one disjoint protection path available for the segment; creating a hypothetical network topology comprising the nodes of the working path and hypothetical links between the nodes, wherein the hypothetical links represents potential protection segments identified, and the links are assigned a weight; executing a Shortest Path Algorithm on the hypothetical network topology; identifying as optimal segments the potential protection segments represented by the hypothetical links determined as being in the shortest path by the Shortest Path Algorithm; generating and transmitting a message communicating need for resources in case of failure of the optimal segments.
US08891350B2 Method and apparatus of data transmission over guard sub-carriers in multi-carrier OFDM systems
A method of data transmission over guard sub-carriers is provided in a multi-carrier OFDM system. Adjacent radio frequency (RF) carriers are used to carry radio signals transmitted through adjacent frequency channels. A plurality of guard sub-carriers between adjacent frequency channels are aligned and identified for data transmission in a pre-defined physical resource unit. The identified guard sub-carriers do not overlap with normal data sub-carriers of the radio signals transmitted through the adjacent frequency channels. At least one of the identified guard sub-carriers is reserved as NULL sub-carrier. A flexible multi-carrier transceiver architecture is also provided in a multi-carrier OFDM system. Different multi-carrier and/or MIMO/SISO data transmission schemes are implemented by adaptively reconfigure same hardware modules including common MAC layer module, physical layer entities, and RF entities. Furthermore, the flexible multi-carrier transceiver architecture can be used to support data transmission over guard sub-carriers.
US08891347B2 User-focusing technique for wireless communication systems
Systems and methods for wireless communication in a system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a plurality of propagation paths formed between the transmitter and the receiver which are capable of carrying a signal transmitted by the transmitter to the receiver. The method includes transmitting a first signal from the transmitter to the receiver via a propagation path of the plurality of propagation paths, receiving the first signal at the receiver, performing a channel estimation of the first signal to obtain path parameter information of the propagation path, sending the channel estimation from the receiver to the transmitter via the propagation path, predistorting a second signal at the transmitter according to the channel estimation, transmitting the predistorted signal from the transmitter to the receiver via the propagation path, and receiving the predistorted signal at the receiver.
US08891341B1 Energy assisted magnetic recording disk drive using modulated laser light
A method and system provide a heat assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) disk drive including a media. The HAMR disk drive also includes a slider, at least one laser, at least one HAMR head on the slider and at least one electro-optical modulator (EOM) optically coupled with the laser(s) and coupled with the slider. The at least one laser and the at least one EOM are coupled to provide a modulated energy output. The at least one EOM controls the modulated energy output to have a characteristic waveform shape. The at least one HAMR head includes at least one waveguide, a write pole, and at least one coil for energizing the write pole. The at least one waveguide receives the modulated energy output and directs the modulated energy output toward the media.
US08891330B2 Method and apparatus for simultaneously accessing a plurality of memory cells in a memory array to perform a read operation and/or a write operation
A memory system includes a memory array and a read/write module. The memory array includes bit lines, word lines, and memory cells. Each of the memory cells is located at an intersection of a respective one of the bit lines and a respective one of the word lines. The memory cells include a first memory cell and a second memory cell. The first memory cell is located at the intersection of a first bit line of the bit lines and a first word line of the word lines. The second memory cell is located at the intersection of a second bit line of the bit lines and a second word line of the word lines. The read/write module is configured to concurrently activate the first memory cell and the second memory cell to simultaneously access both the first memory cell and the second memory cell.
US08891322B2 Memory system with a layer comprising a dedicated redundancy area
Systems and methods are disclosed that may include a first layer comprising a first redundant memory element, an input/output interface, a first layer fuse box, and a fuse blowing control. These systems and methods also may include a second layer coupled to the first layer through a first connection comprising a second layer memory element and a second layer fuse box coupled to the first redundant memory element. In addition, these systems and methods may further include a redundancy register coupled to the first layer, wherein upon the failure of part of the second layer memory element, the redundancy register provides information to the fuse blowing control that allocates part of the first redundant memory element to provide redundancy for the failed part of the second layer memory element by blowing elements in the first layer fuse box and the second layer fuse box.
US08891317B2 Volatile memory with a decreased consumption
A volatile memory including volatile memory cells adapted to the performing of data write and read operations. The memory cells are arranged in rows and in columns and, further, are distributed in separate groups of memory cells for each row. The memory includes a first memory cell selection circuit configured to perform write operations and a second memory cell selection circuit, different from the first circuit, configured to perform read operations. The first circuit is capable of selecting, for each row, memory cells from one of the group of memory cells for a write operation. The second circuit is capable of selecting, for each row, memory cells from one of the groups of memory cells for a read operation.
US08891316B2 Nonvolatile memory devices including notched word lines
Nonvolatile memory devices can include a floating gate on a substrate, with a first tunnel insulating film therebetween. A memory gate can be on the floating gate, with a blocking insulating film therebetween. A word line can be located at a first side of both the memory gate and the floating gate, with a second tunnel insulating film therebetween. The first side of the floating gate can protrude beyond the first side of the memory gate toward the word line.
US08891309B2 Reducing read failure in a memory device
Read failure is reduced by increasing the drain current through a serial string of memory cells during the read operation. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by using a higher read pass voltage for unselected word lines when the selected word line is within a predetermined distance of the drain side of the memory block array. If the selected word line is closer to the source side, a lower read pass voltage is used. In another embodiment, the cells on the word lines closer to the drain side of the memory block array are erased to a lower threshold voltage than the memory cells on the remaining word lines.
US08891308B1 Dynamic erase voltage step size selection for 3D non-volatile memory
Techniques are provided for erasing memory cells in a 3D stacked non-volatile memory device in a way which avoids prolonging erase time as the erase speed deceases due to the accumulation of program-erase cycles. In particular, a step size for erase pulses can be set which is a function of the number of program-erase cycles, e.g., as indicated by a count of program-erase cycles, a loop count during programming which is a function of programming speed, or an initial program voltage which is a function of programming speed. Further, the erase operation can account for different erase speeds of memory cells in different word line layers.
US08891304B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and memory system
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array includes blocks, each of the blocks includes NAND strings that each comprise memory cells serially connected in a first direction, word lines respectively connected to memory cell groups arranged in a second direction in the block, and a controller configured to perform a process (A) of verifying one of states in which all of the memory cells included in the block are turned on (pass) and at least one memory cell is turned off (fail) by use of a first read voltage applied to unselected word lines in a data read time, and to perform a process (B) of reading data from the fail block by use of a second read voltage that is higher than the first read voltage and applied to the unselected word lines.
US08891292B2 Magnetoresistive layer structure with voltage-induced switching and logic cell application
Embodiments of the invention include a voltage-switching MTJ cell structure that includes two sub-MTJs in series. Each free layer can be switched independently from the other. Each sub-MTJ has a high and a low resistance state and the MTJ cell structure can have three or four discrete resistance states. By taking advantage of the electrical field induced anisotropy combining with the spin torque effect, free layer-1 and free layer-2 can be controlled individually by voltage pulses having selected sign (polarity) and amplitude characteristics. The MTJ cell structure can be used as a fully functional logic cell with two input bit values corresponding to the high or low resistance of the two sub-MTJ structures and the output of a logical operation, e.g. an XOR function, determined by the resistance state of each MTJ cell.
US08891289B2 Ten-transistor dual-port SRAM with shared bit-line architecture
A 10-transistor dual-port SRAM with shared bit-line architecture includes a first memory cell and a second memory cell. The first memory cell has a first storage unit, a first switch set, and a second switch set. The second memory cell has a second storage unit, a third switch set, and a fourth switch set. The second switch set is coupled to a complement first A-port bit line and a complement first B-port bit line, and connected to the first storage unit. The third switch set is connected to a complement second A-port bit line, a complement second B-port bit line, and the second storage unit. Thus, the second memory cell can make use of the third switch set to share the complement first A-port bit line and the complement first B-port bit line with the first memory cell.
US08891288B2 8T SRAM cell with one word line
An integrated circuit with SRAM cells containing dual passgate transistors and a read buffer, all connected to one word line is disclosed. The read buffer and one passgate transistor may be variously configured to a separate read data line and write data line, or a combined data line, in different embodiments. The read buffer in addressed SRAM cells may be biased during read operations. The read buffer in half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line. The read buffer in addressed and half-addressed SRAM cells may be biased or floated, depending on the configuration of the read data line and the write data line.
US08891286B2 Integrated circuit, method for driving the same, and semiconductor device
An integrated circuit which can be switched to a resting state and can be returned from the resting state rapidly is provided. An integrated circuit whose power consumption can be reduced without the decrease in operation speed is provided. A method for driving the integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes a first flip-flop and a second flip-flop including a nonvolatile memory circuit. In an operating state in which power is supplied, the first flip-flop retains data. In a resting state in which supply of power is stopped, the second flip-flop retains data. On transition from the operating state into the resting state, the data is transferred from the first flip-flop to the second flip-flop. On return from the resting state to the operating state, the data is transferred from the second flip-flop to the first flip-flop.
US08891282B2 Photon echo quantum memory and method
A quantum memory and method are proposed. The quantum memory includes an ensemble of atoms embedded in a storage medium and at least one light source for emitting towards the storage medium first, second and third light pulses, the first light pulse carrying information to be stored. The at least one light source is adapted for emitting second and third light pulses which are such that a photon echo substantially carrying information stored by the first light pulse is emitted by the ensemble of atoms after emission of the third light pulse.
US08891278B1 Stack position determination in memory devices configured for stacked arrangements
Disclosed are various embodiments related to stacked memory devices, such as DRAMs, SRAMs, EEPROMs, and CAMs. For example, stack position identifiers (SPIDs) are assigned or otherwise determined, and are used by each memory device to make a number of adjustments. In one embodiment, a self-refresh rate of a DRAM is adjusted based on the SPID of that device. In another embodiment, a latency of a DRAM or SRAM is adjusted based on the SPID. In another embodiment, internal regulation signals are shared with other devices via TSVs. In another embodiment, adjustments to internally regulated signals are made based on the SPID of a particular device. In another embodiment, serially connected signals can be controlled based on a chip SPID (e.g., an even or odd stack position), and whether the signal is an upstream or a downstream type of signal.
US08891275B2 Stacked dynamic random access memory
A memory includes at least one first substrate on which unit memory arrays are disposed as a matrix type, each unit memory array including unit memory cells disposed in an array, a second substrate stacked with the at least one first substrate, the second substrate including a sense amplifier region in which sense amplifiers configured to sense information stored in the unit memory cells are disposed, and a plurality of vertical conduction traces configured to electrically connect the at least one first substrate with the second substrate. The sense amplifier region is disposed in a memory region of the second substrate, wherein the memory region of the second substrate corresponds to the memory region of the first substrate.
US08891268B2 System and method for soft-starting an isolated power supply system
One embodiment of the invention relates to a switching control system for controlling an isolated power supply. The system includes a pulse-width modulation (PWM) switching controller configured to generate at least one primary switching signal having a first duty-cycle for activating at least one primary-side switch of the isolated power supply. A synchronous rectifier (SR) switching controller is configured to generate at least one SR switching signal having a second duty-cycle for activating at least one SR switch of the isolated power supply to conduct an output current through a secondary winding of a transformer and an output inductor to generate an output voltage, the second duty-cycle being independent of the first duty-cycle in a soft-start mode.
US08891266B2 Monolithic high voltage multiplier having high voltage semiconductor diodes and high-k capacitors
High voltage diode-connected gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor structures or Schottky diodes are employed in a network including high-k dielectric capacitors in a solid state, monolithic voltage multiplier. A superjunction formed by vertical p/n junctions in gallium nitride facilitates operation of the high electron mobility transistor structures and Schottky diodes. A design structure for designing, testing or manufacturing an integrated circuit is tangibly embodied in a machine-readable medium and includes elements of a solid state voltage multiplier.
US08891265B2 Overvoltage limitation in a switch-mode converter
A switch-mode converter including an inductive transformer having a secondary winding associated with at least one first switch, including, in parallel with the first switch, at least one first diode in series with a capacitive element; and in parallel with the capacitive element, an active circuit for limiting the voltage thereacross.
US08891263B2 Inverter apparatus having power supply circuit
An inverter apparatus having a power supply circuit includes a converter circuit for rectifying AC power into DC power, a smoothening circuit for smoothening the rectified DC power, an inverter circuit for converting the smoothened DC into AC at a variable frequency through a plurality of switches to control a load, and a current detection circuit for detecting overcurrent from the smoothened DC supplied from the inverter circuit, wherein the inverter circuit applies bootstrap power for driving the switches to the current detection circuit to use the bootstrap power as power of the current detection circuit. When bootstrap power for driving switch gates is used, it is possible to use the bootstrap power as the power of the current detection circuit by adding the auxiliary circuit composed of a small number of passive elements.
US08891251B2 Method and apparatus for achieving zero AC-draw mode for a device
The disclosure describes a processing system with a soft power switch assembly configured to include a zero-power off mode that would allow an off state with no power drain by the device while maintaining all other soft power off mode capabilities, including low power modes, (e.g., sleep, hibernation modes). The processing system can be restored from the zero-power off mode using the same actuation mechanism used when switching from a power on mode to a soft power off mode.
US08891248B2 Angle-adjustable support with pivot mechanism
An angle-adjustable support includes a base, a carrier and a pivot mechanism. The base includes a sidewall and a bottom. The sidewall has a first pivot and a second pivot. The pivot mechanism pivotally connects the carrier with the base. The pivot mechanism has three working states. The carrier is locked when the pivot mechanism works in a first working state. The carrier is capable of pivoting relative to the base in a clockwise or anticlockwise when the pivot mechanism works in a second working state. The carrier is free to rotate when the pivot mechanism works in a third working state.
US08891243B2 Wall mounted diagnostic cabinet assembly
A cabinet assembly for holding electronic instruments comprising a mounting rail defining a channel therein, the mounting rail defining a plurality of spaced apertures and center cutouts and a chassis coupler mounted to mounting rail. A housing is mounted to the chassis coupler and an exterior housing cover is mounted to the housing. The mounting rail is covered by a rail cover panel having wiring raceways and an access cover panel is mounted at the base of the rail cover panel.
US08891236B2 Housings that move using a link that slidingly engages cams
An apparatus includes a first housing having a first cam and a second housing having a second cam. A link is configured and disposed to slidingly engage these cams. The first housing moves with respect to the second housing between a first position (that comprises a stacked configuration) and a second position (that comprises a deployed configuration). The aforementioned link can include a pair of substantially collinear slots disposed therethrough. The cams, in turn, can be at least substantially pear shaped and can be disposed offset to one another and substantially longitudinally parallel to one another as well. Also if desired, such cams can be disposed on interior surfaces of both housings, and on both sides of the housings as well.
US08891232B2 Support stand and standable hand-held device
A support stand suitable for a hand-held device is provided. The support stand has a first support member and a second support member. The second support member slidably fits the first support member and could be temporarily fixed at different positions on the first support member to adjust the length of the support stand. The hand-held device has a display screen and an antenna. Because the length of the support stand is variable, the hand-held device could be laid on the table by various inclination angles. Besides, the projections of the support stand and the antenna on the display screen are not overlapped, and the influence of the support stand made of metal on the signal of the antenna would be lowered.
US08891230B1 Tablet computer protector and covering assembly
A tablet computer protector and covering assembly includes a panel that having a top side and a bottom side and a perimeter wall attached to the top side. The perimeter wall extends around a receiving space for receiving a tablet computer. A covering includes a back cover, a front cover and a medial section attached to and positioned between the front and back covers. The medial section is pivotable with respect to the front and back covers to allow closing or opening of the covering. The back cover and the front cover each have an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surfaces face each other when the covering is in the closed position. A coupler releasably couples the tablet computer receiver to the back cover such that the bottom side faces the inner surface.
US08891225B2 Ceramic electronic component and method for manufacturing the same
A ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic element assembly and external electrodes. The external electrodes are disposed on the ceramic element assembly. The external electrodes include an underlying electrode layer and a first Cu plating film. The underlying electrode layer is disposed on the ceramic element assembly. The first Cu plating film is disposed on the underlying electrode layer. The underlying electrode layer includes a metal that is diffusible in Cu and a ceramic bonding material. The metal that is diffusible in Cu is diffused in at least a surface layer in the underlying electrode layer side of the first Cu plating film.
US08891219B2 Open neutral protection
A switching device is configured to connect a split-phase power source to a load. The split-phase power source includes a first hot lead, a second hot lead, and a neutral lead. When the split-phase power source is generating power, the voltage between the first hot lead and the neutral lead closes a first contact and the voltage between the second hot lead and the neutral lead closes a second contact. The contacts are connected in series between the first hot lead, the second hot lead and a third switch. The voltage potential present between the first hot lead and the second hot lead closes a third and fourth contact. The third contact is connected in series between the first hot lead and the load and the fourth contact is connected in series between the second hot lead and the load. The switching device protects against open neutral conditions.
US08891218B2 Fault tolerant fail-safe link
The present disclosure is generally directed to a plurality of solid state switches of varying periphery sizes connected in series between a power source and a load. A built-in test circuit senses an overvoltage condition across one or more of the varying periphery sizes and opens or closes the one or more of the varying periphery sizes in accordance with a measured voltage across at least one solid state switch of the plurality of solid state switches.
US08891213B2 Integrated electrostatic discharge (ESD) device
A semiconductor device for ESD protection includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type and a well region of a second conductivity type formed within the substrate. The well region is characterized by a first depth. The device includes an MOS transistor, a first bipolar transistor, and a second bipolar transistor. The MOS transistor includes a first lightly doped drain (LDD) region of a second depth within the well region, and a drain region and an emitter region within in the first LDD region. The emitter region is characterized by a second conductivity type. The first bipolar transistor is associated with the emitter region, the first LDD region, and the well region, and is characterized by a first trigger voltage. The second bipolar transistor is associated with the first LDD region, the well region, and the substrate, and is characterized by a second trigger voltage.
US08891211B2 Potential arc fault detection and suppression
A wiring fault detector adapted specifically to address the requirement for arc fault protection specified in National Electrical Code (2011) article 690.11 comprises running at least one additional wire in parallel with the power conductors to be protected, thereby allowing evaluation at the location of a fault detector of an electrical parameter indicative of conductor integrity along its whole length.In one implementation, the additional conductor allows the voltage drop across the power conductor to be measured and verified to be small and/or noise-free. In another implementation, the additional conductor is a redundant power conductor connected in parallel with the main power conductor, allowing verification that the current flow in both the main and the additional power conductors is partitioned in an expected ratio indicative of wiring integrity.
US08891210B2 Electronic control unit including discharging circuit with plurality of resistors connected in series
An electronic control unit mounted on a vehicle includes: a capacitor that smoothes voltage of a DC power source electrically isolated from a body of the vehicle; a resistor circuit including a plurality of resistors connected in series, which is connected in parallel to the capacitor to discharge electric charge stored in the capacitor; and a fault judging circuit that judges whether or not the resistor circuit is in a fault condition by comparing the voltage across the resistor included in the resistor circuit with a fault threshold value. The fault judging circuit is adapted to change the fault threshold value based on the voltage of the DC power source.
US08891207B1 Connection schemes for a multiple sensor array usable in two-dimensional magnetic recording
A method and system provide a magnetic transducer including first and second read sensors, a shield and a conductive via. The shield is between the first and second read sensors. In one aspect, the magnetic transducer also includes first and second read shields. In this aspect, the first read shield has a read shield aperture. The conductive via extends through the read shield aperture, provides electrical contact to the shield and is insulated from the first read shield. In another aspect, the shield has first and second shield layers separated by an insulating layer. In this aspect, the second shield layer has an aperture therein. The conductive via extends through this aperture, provides electrical contact to the first shield layer and is insulated from the second shield layer.
US08891206B2 Co-located gimbal-based dual stage actuation disk drive suspensions with motor stiffener
Various embodiments concern a gimbaled flexure having a dual stage actuation structure. The flexure comprises a gimbal which includes a pair of spring arms, a pair of struts, and a tongue between the spring arms. A motor is mounted on the gimbal. The motor comprises a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side. The bottom side of the motor faces the flexure. A stiffener is mounted on the top side of the motor. At least one layer of adhesive is located between the stiffener and the motor and bonded to the stiffener and the motor. The gimbaled flexure includes a slider mounting for attaching a slider, such as to the tongue. The motor bends the struts to move the slider mounting about a tracking axis while the stiffener limits the degree of bending of the motor.
US08891192B1 Disk drive calibrating parameter by injecting noise signal and measuring off-track read capability
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk comprising a plurality of tracks, and a head actuated over the disk. One of the tracks is read to generate a read signal, and a noise signal is injected into the read signal to generate a noisy read signal. An off-track read capability (OTRC) is measured based on the noisy read signal, and a parameter of the disk drive is adjusted based on the OTRC.
US08891185B2 Camera module and method for manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing camera modules for use in portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, is provided. More specifically, in camera modules utilizing lens motion type auto focus actuation, permanent magnets associated with voice coil motors utilized in the auto focus system, generate magnetic flux that can interfere with the process of bonding image sensors to camera modules if the permanent magnets of different voice coil motors are positioned too closely. Incorporating a magnetic shield into the manufacturing process to restrain or control the magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets permits voice coil motors to be positioned closer together during the manufacturing process. This increases manufacturing throughput and reduces cost.
US08891177B2 Optical imaging system for pickup
An optical imaging system for pickup, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with refractive power, the third lens element with refractive power, the fourth lens element with refractive power, the fifth lens element with refractive power; the sixth lens element made of plastic, the sixth lens with refractive power having a concave image-side surface with both being aspheric, and the image-side surface having at least one inflection point. By such arrangements, the optical imaging system for pickup satisfies conditions related to shorten the total length and to reduce the sensitivity for using in compact cameras and mobile phones with camera functionalities.
US08891176B2 Lens barrel and image capturing device
A lens barrel including a subject-side lens guided by guide bars. The lens barrel has a first guide shaft disposed within a cylindrical fixed cylinder and oriented axially along the fixed cylinder; a second guide shaft disposed outside the fixed cylinder and oriented axially; a first holding member that holds a first lens and moves along the first guide shaft; and a second holding member that holds a second lens positioned on a subject side of the first lens and moves along the second guide shaft.
US08891170B2 Laser irradiation apparatus and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A deflecting mirror which deflects a laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator, a transfer lens, a cylindrical lens array which divides the laser beam having passed through the transfer lens into a plurality of laser beams, and a condensing lens which superposes the laser beams formed in the cylindrical lens array are included. The following formula is satisfied: 1/f=1/(a+b)+1/c, when: “a” is a distance between an emission opening of the laser oscillator and the deflecting mirror; “b” is a distance between the deflecting mirror and the transfer lens; “c” is a distance between the transfer lens and an incidence plane of the cylindrical lens array; and “f” is a focal length of the transfer lens.
US08891162B2 Regenerative laser amplifier
A laser amplifier system is presented including a pump regenerative amplifier. The amplifier generally has a cavity defined by a pair of end cavity mirrors between which an amplified pump pulse oscillates. The amplifier also includes an interaction cell with a tunable gain medium amplifies laser pulses (e.g., Raman gain). The interaction cell may be positioned within the pump amplifier cavity and an input pulse may be injected into the cavity of the amplifier to transit through the tunable gain medium of the interaction cell. A pump pulse transfers energy via interaction with the input pulse (e.g., Raman interaction) as the pulses counter-propagate through the gain medium of the interaction cell. Amplification of output laser pulses, however, is generally achieved according to the wavelength of the pump laser pulses thereby providing a wavelength dependent, or “tunable”, means for amplifying laser pulses.
US08891160B2 Broadly and fast tunable optical parametric oscillator
A coherent light source is provided for producing narrow-linewidth output, continuously tunable within a broad (at least one-octave-wide) range of optical wavelengths. The source is based on type-I or type-0 near-degenerate optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which uses a nonlinear optical crystal with either birefringent phase matching or quasi phase matching. The pump wavelength is chosen such that the OPO degeneracy wavelength (at twice the pump wavelength), is close to the point of zero group-velocity dispersion. That results in an extremely broad OPO bandwidth. Fast OPO wavelength tuning is achieved by rotating an intracavity diffraction grating. In accordance with the invention, the choice of a nonlinear crystal and a pump source determines the overall tuning range. For example, the use of lithium niobate provides tuning over the range of 1.3 to 3 microns, ZGP—3.8 to 8 microns, gallium arsenide—4 to 12 microns, CGA—6 to 13 microns.
US08891156B2 Microcup designs for electrophoretic display
The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic display film comprising: a) microcups each having a first shape, and b) remaining microcups which take up at least 10% of the total number of microcups and have shapes different from the first shape. The microcup designs of the present invention not only may reduce the Moiré pattern, but it may also make the defects of the microcup walls much less noticeable, and therefore increase the cutting yield.
US08891142B2 Image reading lens, image reader, and image-forming apparatus
An image reading lens which reads an original image includes a front group lens system on an object side, and a back group lens system on an image side, the front group lens system including three lenses having two positive lenses and a negative lens, and the back group lens system including a plastic negative lens.
US08891136B2 Method and system for generating a document having a layered void pantograph
A method and system for generating a document having a void pantograph highlight pattern is presented. The method includes computing a score for a void pantograph highlight pattern layer in relation to a document formatted content layer, incrementing a relative position of the void pantograph highlight pattern layer and the document formatted content layer, repeating the computing and the incrementing steps to obtain a plurality of scores at a plurality of relative positions, evaluating the plurality of scores to determine an optimal alignment, and printing the document using variable-data printing techniques, wherein the printed document has a multi-layer architecture including the document formatted content layer and the void pantograph highlight pattern layer. The system includes a control processor, a score computation unit and an evaluation unit. The control processor provides a printer with data containing a multi-layer architecture document having a document formatted content and a void pantograph highlight pattern.
US08891132B2 Image processing apparatus for printing a copy forgery inhibited pattern using different values when in a color saving mode
By addition of a copy forgery inhibited pattern image having a lower density to an image in a saving mode, there is provided an image processing apparatus which can reduce consumption amounts of toner and ink while keeping effectiveness of the copy forgery inhibited pattern image. The present invention is an image processing apparatus having a copy forgery inhibited pattern image addition mode and a saving mode, and includes a unit configured to determine whether the copy forgery inhibited pattern image addition mode is set and a unit configured to determine whether the saving mode is set, wherein a density of the copy forgery inhibited pattern image to be added to the image in the case where the saving mode is set is lower than a density of the copy forgery inhibited pattern image to be added to the image in the case where the saving mode isn't set.
US08891130B2 Print control terminal device, image forming apparatus, print control method, and image forming method
A print control terminal device, which is connected to an image forming apparatus, includes: a User Interface (UI) unit which receives a print command for a target document; a printer driver unit which detects a transparency region, which is a region to which transparency is applied, from the target document by analyzing one or more rendering commands for each object included in the target document, and generates print data by inserting transparency information into pixel data corresponding to the detected transparency region; and a communication interface unit which transmits the generated print data to the image forming apparatus.
US08891129B2 Image forming apparatus having real-size preview function, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus that enables prevention of a print error of different sizes of characters and graphics from those intended by the user, during execution of printing involving magnification, such as aggregation printing. When performing the image formation, a controller unit determines whether or not a processing instruction instructing execution of predetermined processing on the image data has been given. When it is determined that the predetermined processing instruction has been given, the controller unit displays an image to be formed on the recording sheet in the same size as when printed thereon, as a real-size preview image, before executing the image formation on the recording sheet according to image data on which the predetermined processing has been performed.
US08891111B2 Adaptable printer driver
Some embodiments of the invention provide techniques whereby a printer driver may be modified and supplemented over time. For example, a framework may be provided which enables a printer driver's functionality to be supplemented over time to include new and/or enhanced features, such as features relating to the manner in which the capabilities of a printer are configured, print settings are manipulated, information is presented to users, print-related system events are handled, etc. In some embodiments, one or more components (which may be included in a print subsystem provided by an operating system of a computing device, in a printer driver, and/or some other system element) may be configured to automatically seek and acquire configuration data from any of various sources, including the printer device, one or more online sources, and/or other sources.
US08891107B2 Image forming apparatus, control method thereof and computer-readable storage medium
This invention provides an image forming apparatus capable of reliably printing security information even when image data of an original document that is obtained by a reading unit contains security information and an area where the security information is not contained is set as a print area, and a control method thereof. To accomplish this, when image data of an original document contains security information, the image forming apparatus extracts image the security information from data, and sets a print target area from an area indicated by the image data of the original document. When an area corresponding to, from which the security information is extracted, is not contained in the set print target area, the image forming apparatus executes printing using the extracted image data corresponding to the security information, and the image data corresponding to the print target area.
US08891102B2 Device cooperation system, function providing method
A first device includes a determining unit for determining a first number allocated to the first device and a second number allocated to a second device, a first storage for storing a first possible amount that the user can output with the first device, a first output unit for outputting an object of the first number, when the first number is less than the first possible amount, and a first update unit for updating the first possible amount according to an output number output by the first device. The second device includes a second output unit for outputting an object of the second number, when the second number is less than a second possible amount, and a second update unit for updating the second possible amount according to an output number output by the second device, only when authentication of the user is successful.
US08891091B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing control method and computer-readable storage medium
An image processing apparatus has a plurality of processing parts configured to execute different processes with respect to image data, and an executing sequence determination part configured to determine an executing sequence of the processing parts based on conditions related to a requested image processing. The processing parts execute the processes according to the executing sequence.
US08891090B2 Light-interference measuring apparatus
A light-interference measuring apparatus including: a light source of a broad band light; an objective lens section to branch an optical path of the broad band light into a reference optical path including a reference mirror and a measuring optical path including a measuring object and to output a superposed wave of two branched lights; and an optical path length changing section to change an optical path length of either the reference optical path or the measuring optical path; wherein the objective lens section includes a phase difference control member to control a phase difference between the reference light and the object light to generate destructive interference fringes, and a minimum luminance position detecting section to detect minimum luminance position of the destructive interference fringes.
US08891089B2 Phase object identification device and method
An object of the invention is to provide a phase object identification device and method which can identify a phase object in a completely different manner from conventional methods for observing or measuring a phase object.A phase object identification device 1 for identifying a phase object for changing the phase of light includes a light source 2, a sample holding means 3 for holding a phase object 31 to be identified, a holographic recording medium 4 on which a hologram 41 formed by interference between reference light 25 and object light 24 that is phase-modulated by a known phase object 32 is recorded, and a light detector 5, a phase of light 21 emitted from the light source is modulated by the phase object to be identified to generate sample light 22, the hologram of the holographic recording medium is irradiated with the sample light, reproduced light 23 reproduced from the hologram of the holographic recording medium is detected by the light detector.
US08891087B2 System and method for hyperspectral imaging
A system and method for visualizing a biological sample. One or more spectra are selected for illuminating the biological sample to indicate one or more chemicals in the biological sample. The biological sample is illuminated with the one or more spectra. Reflected light is analyzed to determine characteristics of the biological sample.
US08891081B1 Raman spectroscopy method of measuring melamine contents in dairy products having different matrixes
A raman spectroscopy method of measuring melamine contents in dairy products having different matrixes. The method includes: (a) establishing a database of characteristic curves of dairy products having different matrixes; (b) taking several copies of the dairy products having one certain unknown matrix and adding melamine standard solutions having different concentrations therein, to obtain a series of dairy product samples in which the relative concentrations of the melamine are known; (c) performing raman spectrum testing analysis and obtaining corresponding characteristic peak intensities to obtain a slope of the characteristic curve showing variation of the characteristic peak intensities with the relative concentrations of the melamine; (d) searching the database of step (a) using the slope of the characteristic curve of the dairy product samples to find a matching characteristic curve, and (e) calculating concentration of melamine in the dairy products by using the matched characteristic curve and the characteristic peak intensity.
US08891080B2 Contaminate detection and substrate cleaning
Detection of periodically repeating nanovoids is indicative of levels of substrate contamination and may aid in reduction of contaminants on substrates. Systems and methods for detecting nanovoids, in addition to, systems and methods for cleaning and/or maintaining cleanliness of substrates are described.
US08891069B2 Coherent LIDAR system based on a semiconductor laser and amplifier
The present invention relates to a compact, reliable and low-cost coherent LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) system for remote wind-speed determination, determination of particle concentration, and/or temperature based on an all semiconductor light source and related methods. The present invention provides a coherent LIDAR system comprising a semiconductor laser for emission of a measurement beam of electromagnetic radiation directed towards a measurement volume for illumination of particles in the measurement volume, a reference beam generator for generation of a reference beam, a detector for generation of a detector signal by mixing of the reference beam with light emitted from the particles in the measurement volume illuminated by the measurement beam, and a signal processor for generating a velocity signal corresponding to the velocity of the particles based on the detector signal.
US08891065B2 Patterning non-planar surfaces
A system for forming a pattern on a part comprises a chamber base, a pressure vessel and a retaining device. The retaining device is positionable between the chamber base and the pressure vessel to secure a deformable mask therebetween. The system further comprises a first pressure source, a second pressure source and a third pressure source. The first pressure source provides a negative pressure within the chamber to draw the mask towards a part installed within the chamber base. The second pressure source provides a positive pressure within the pressure vessel to direct the mask towards the part so that the mask corresponds to at least one complex non-planar surface of the part. The third pressure source provides a negative pressure within pressure vessel. An exposure source exposes the part through the mask while the mask is deformed corresponding to the at least one complex non-planar surface of the part.
US08891064B2 Moving body apparatus and exposure apparatus
When a wafer stage WST accelerates and decelerates on a base, a torque that acts on a wafer drive system including the base and the like is cancelled out by a torque that acts on the wafer drive system by driving a counter of a coutermass device along a linear guide in the Z-axis direction at a predetermined acceleration. Thereby, the torque that acts upon the wafer drive system is cancelled and the exposure apparatus can expose the wafer with good accuracy.
US08891052B2 Liquid crystal display device comprising first and second optical deflectors wherein each of the first and second optical deflectors includes a plurality of liquid crystal deflection elements
Included is a light emitting unit, an optical deflector, a control unit, and a liquid crystal panel. The optical deflector includes a first optical deflector and a second optical deflector which are arranged side by side in a direction from a light incident side to a light emitting side. A maximum light deflection angle of the first optical deflector is smaller than a maximum light deflection angle of the second optical deflector, and a maximum light deflection speed of the first optical deflector is higher than a maximum light deflection speed of the second optical deflector. The first optical deflector includes a first optical deflection layer and a second optical deflection layer stacked in the direction from the light incident side to the light emitting side. Each of the first and second optical deflection layers includes the liquid crystal deflection elements arranged in the planar state.
US08891051B2 Backlight and display device
A backlight of which power consumption can be reduced is provided. Further, by effective use of light emitted from the backlight, a display device with low power consumption is provided. The display device includes a light source device in which a plurality of light-emitting elements are arranged, a diffusion plate which is bonded to the light source device, a first polarizing plate which is bonded to the diffusion plate, a liquid crystal panel which is bonded to the first polarizing plate, and a second polarizing plate which is bonded to the liquid crystal panel. The light source device includes an organic resin having a projected spherical surface and a light-transmitting property covering each of the plurality of light-emitting elements and an organic resin having a planarized surface and a light-transmitting property covering the plurality of light-emitting elements and the organic resin having a projected spherical surface and a light-transmitting property.
US08891049B2 In-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device
There is provided an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device which includes a lower substrate defined and surrounded by a plurality of gate lines, common lines, and data lines, and including a thin film transistor, a plurality of common electrodes extending from the common line, and a plurality of pixel electrodes extending from a lead interconnection line connected with a drain electrode of the thin film transistor, and having sub-pixels aligned in a matrix shape and divided into an aperture region and a non-aperture region; an upper substrate having sub-color filters and a black matrix completely overlapping with the non-aperture region inside the sub-pixel, formed thereon; and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate.
US08891046B2 Liquid droplet ejection apparatus, method for manufacturing electro-optical apparatus, electro-optical apparatus, and electronic apparatus
A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes a writing device, a weight measuring device disposed adjacent to the writing device, and a controlling device. The writing device performs writing on a workpiece by ejecting functional liquid from at least one ink jet functional liquid droplet ejection head while moving the functional liquid droplet ejection head relative to the workpiece. The weight measuring device measures an amount of ejected droplets from a weight of the functional liquid ejected from the functional liquid droplet ejection head. The controlling device controls a driving power for the functional liquid droplet ejection head on the basis of a measurement result input from the weight measuring device.
US08891033B2 Display device
In a three-dimensional display device using a liquid crystal lens, a planer electrode is formed on an upper substrate of the liquid crystal lens and strip-like electrodes are formed on a lower substrate of the liquid crystal display lens. The distance between the upper and lower substrates is provided by a bead. At this time, if the bead is present on the strip-like electrode, the lens formed thereon is distorted. In order to prevent this, a bump is formed to cover the strip-like electrode. The distance between the bump and the upper substrate is small, so that the bead is pushed out of the upper part of the strip-like electrode, preventing the lens from being distorted. As a result, it is possible to prevent the crosstalk caused by the lens distortion due to the presence of the bead on the strip-like electrode.
US08891023B2 Display device and radio transmission control method
A display device includes: a monitor and receiving set having a video signal receiving section, a display section, an image quality control section, a first control signal transceiver, and a first control section; and a control and transmission set having a television broadcast receiving section, a video signal input section, a video signal transmitting section, a second control signal transceiver, a key input section, and a second control section. The Power consumption of a first radio transmission path formed by the video signal transmitting section and the video signal receiving section is larger than that of a second radio transmission path formed by the first and second control signal transceivers. A control signal for a user interface is communicated by the first and second control signal transceivers. Only the second radio transmission path of the first and second radio transmission paths is communicable in a standby state.
US08891017B2 Video processing apparatus, display apparatus, and video processing method
A video input section acquires a video signal formed of a plurality of frames. A frame separator separates the video signal acquired by the video input section on a frame basis and distributes the separated video signals. A plurality of parallel processors perform video processing in parallel on the separated video signals corresponding to the frames separated and distributed by the frame separator. A frame combiner combines the separated video signals on which the plurality of parallel processors have performed the video processing.
US08891016B2 Method for reframing images of a video sequence, and apparatus for reframing images of a video sequence
A reframing application crops a sub-part of a video source, based on its content. The reframing application involves a visual attention model that produces a saliency map, and a dedicated reframing algorithm that extrapolates a cropping window based on that saliency map. After cropping, only the reframed portion of each video image remains visible. A method for processing images of a video sequence comprises steps of determining parameters of the video sequence, parameters of a previously decoded subsequence of the video sequence and user settings, determining a portion to be cropped according to the determined parameters, and cropping in a reframing step the determined portion for being displayed. An advantage of the invention is that an advanced automatic solution is provided for tuning automatically the reframing parameters, based on the content of a video.
US08891014B2 Systems and methods for latency stabilization over an IP network
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a latency stabilization system for stabilizing the display latency between a source and a renderer over an IP network. The latency stabilization system comprises a frequency syntonization module, a frequency lock detection module, and a phase correction module. The frequency syntonization module can be configured to syntonize a frequency of a source signal from the source and a frequency of a display signal to be displayed on the renderer. The frequency lock detection module can be configured to detect whether the frequency of the source signal and the frequency of the display signal are locked. The phase correction module can be configured to, synchronize a phase of the source signal and a phase of the display signal, and generate correction data based in part on synchronization of the phase of the source signal and the phase of the display signal.
US08891013B2 Repeater being utilized between a source and sink device for Lip-syncing in an HDMI system
A repeater is to be provided between a source device and a sink device and be used in a Lip-sync correction system that transmits a video signal and an audio signal from the source device to the sink device through a HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) transmission path and reproduces the video signal and the audio signal in synchronous with them on the sink device. A communication from the source device to the sink device is defined as a downstream communication, and a communication from the sink device to the source device is defined as a upstream communication. The repeater includes a processor that receives the video signal and the audio signal through the upstream communication and the downstream communication and processes the received video signal and the received audio signal. The processor corrects deviation between the video signal and the audio signal.
US08891009B2 System and method for retargeting video sequences
A system and method for retargeting video sequences are provided. A method for retargeting a video includes a plurality of frames includes determining saliency information for the plurality of frames, determining a cost metric for the video, and retargeting the video based on the cost metric to produce a retargeted video. The cost metric considers loss due to cropping, scaling, temporal factors, and spatial factors. The retargeting makes use of a crop window for each frame in the plurality of frames.
US08890991B2 Solid-state image pickup device and system having photodiodes of varying sizes and sensitivities in each unity cell to detect movement of a subject
Certain embodiments provide a solid-state image pickup device including a first pixel, a second pixel, and an output circuit. The first pixel has a first photodiode and a first microlens that is formed above the first photodiode. The second pixel has a second photodiode and a second microlens which is formed above the second photodiode and is smaller than the first microlens. Further, the second pixel has a sensitivity of 1/n times of the first pixel and has a photoelectric conversion period of n times of the first pixel. The output circuit outputs a differential signal of a difference between a first detection signal based on a charge amount of the first signal charge and a second detection signal based on a charge amount of the second signal charge.
US08890987B2 Device and method for amplification and noise compensation
A method and a device having amplification and noise reduction capabilities, the device may include (a) an amplifier; (b) an input circuit that includes multiple sampling circuits, (c) an error capacitor that is arranged to be charged by the amplifier, during a noise integration period, to an error voltage that is indicative of noise generated as a result of a sampling of first and second signals; and (d) a feedback circuit that is arranged to provide to the second input of the amplifier and in proximity to a beginning of second phase of operation, a feedback signal that represents the error voltage and thereby at least partially compensate for the noise.
US08890986B2 Method and apparatus for capturing high dynamic range images using multi-frame interlaced exposure images
An imager includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and a control circuit for sequentially capturing first and second image frames from the array of pixels. The control circuit is configured to sequentially capture first and second pairs of adjacent rows of pixels during first and second exposure times, respectively, when capturing the first image frame. The control circuit is also configured to sequentially capture first and second pairs of adjacent rows of pixels during second and first exposure times, respectively, when capturing the second image frame. The first exposure times during the first and second frames are of similar duration; and the second exposure times during the first and second frames are of similar duration. The control circuit is configured to detect motion of an object upon combining the first and second image frames and, then, correct for the motion of the object.
US08890983B2 Tone mapping for low-light video frame enhancement
A technique is provided for generating sharp, well-exposed, color images from low-light images. A series of under-exposed images is acquired. A mean image is computed and a sum image is generated each based on the series of under-exposed images. Chrominance variables of pixels of the mean image are mapped to chrominance variables of pixels of the sum image. Chrominance values of pixels within the series of under-exposed images are replaced with chrominance values of the sum image. A set of sharp, well-exposed, color images is generated based on the series of under-exposed images with replaced chrominance values.
US08890981B2 Method and apparatus for eliminating crosstalk amount included in an output signal
An image processing device includes: a crosstalk amount calculating unit for calculating an evaluation value of crosstalk amount included in an output signal from a pixel to be corrected in an imaging device; a crosstalk correction coefficient calculating unit for calculating a crosstalk correction coefficient based on the evaluation value output from said crosstalk amount calculating unit; and a crosstalk correcting unit for eliminating crosstalk amount included in an output signal of said pixel to be corrected, using said crosstalk correction coefficient, wherein the crosstalk correcting unit subtracts, from an output signal of a pixel to be corrected, a value obtained by multiplying the output signal of a pixel adjacent to said pixel to be corrected by said crosstalk correction coefficient, thereby eliminating amount of crosstalk.
US08890980B2 Imaging apparatus and zoom lens with adjustable stop positions
An imaging apparatus includes a zoom lens, an operation unit that receives an operation for changing a magnification of the zoom lens, an imaging unit that generates image data based on a subject image formed via the zoom lens, a driver that moves the zoom lens stepwise to one of predetermined stop positions corresponding to each of a plurality steps according to the operation received by the operation unit, and a controller that controls the driver. The controller changes the stop position of the zoom lens at each step according to a size of a region of the imaging unit on which the image data is generated so that a converted focal length at the stop position of the zoom lens at each step is the same regardless of the size of the region.
US08890974B2 Methods and systems for automatic white balance
A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system is provided that includes capturing an image of a test target under a natural lighting condition, generating a first color temperature reference from the captured image, and outputting AWB configuration data for the digital system, wherein the AWB configuration data comprises the first color temperature reference and a second color temperature reference generated using the test target under simulated lighting conditions. A method for calibrating automatic white balance (AWB) in a digital system comprising a first imaging sensor is provided that includes receiving a reference for AWB that was generated using an image captured using a second imaging sensor, and compensating a histogram reference into a histogram reference for AWB for the first imaging sensor in the digital system based on R, G, B adjustment values from the second imaging sensor to the first imaging sensor.
US08890963B2 Image quality evaluation device, terminal device, image quality evaluation system, image quality evaluation method and computer-readable recording medium for storing programs
The present invention evaluates the quality of an image shot by a terminal device in a state closer to that seen with the eye. A computer evaluates the quality of an image obtained by shooting a photographic subject including a periodic pattern that fluctuates periodically in one direction. A Fourier transform unit accomplishes a two-dimensional Fourier transform on the image to obtain two-dimensional spatial frequency spectrum components. An analysis unit analyzes the resolution of the image on the basis of spectrum components of spatial frequencies included in the periodic pattern, among the two-dimensional spatial frequency spectrum components obtained by the Fourier transform unit, and analyzes the deterioration of the image on the basis of spectrum components other than these.
US08890959B2 Configuration of image capturing settings
There is provided a method for configuring a set of image capturing settings of a camera for a first scene condition type currently viewed by the camera. The method comprises detecting the first scene condition type; instructing the camera to acquire a plurality of test images, each test image corresponding to a set of image capturing settings; receiving input relating to a selected test image, and storing the set of image capturing settings corresponding to the selected test image as the configured set of image capturing settings for the first scene condition type to be used by the camera upon future detections of the first scene condition type.
US08890956B2 Combined backup camera and driver alertness system for a vehicle
A combined backup camera and driver alertness system for a vehicle includes an imaging device that is adapted to be supported on a vehicle for capturing images adjacent a rearward portion of the vehicle. A sensor is provided that generates a signal when either (1) a transmission contained in the vehicle is operated in the rearward operating mode or (2) the vehicle is actually moved in the rearward direction. The system also includes a driver alertness processor and an image display. A data router routes the images from the imaging device to the driver alertness processor when not the signal is generated by the sensor and to the image display when the signal is generated by the sensor.
US08890955B2 Adaptable wireless vehicle vision system based on wireless communication error
A vision system for a vehicle includes a camera subsystem and a display subsystem. The camera subsystem includes an imaging sensor disposed at an equipped vehicle that captures image data, and the camera subsystem wirelessly transmits the image data. The display subsystem includes a video display screen disposed in the equipped vehicle for displaying images for viewing by a driver of the equipped vehicle when the driver is normally operating the equipped vehicle. The display subsystem is operable to receive the transmitted image data from the camera subsystem. The display subsystem transmits an error signal responsive to processing of the image data and the camera subsystem receives the error signal and at least one of (a) adjusts a compression factor of the image data responsive to the error signal and (b) adjusts a transmission rate of the image data responsive to the error signal.
US08890954B2 Portable digital video camera configured for remote image acquisition control and viewing
A wearable digital video camera (10) is equipped with wireless connection protocol and global navigation and location positioning system technology to provide remote image acquisition control and viewing. The Bluetooth® packet-based open wireless technology standard protocol (400) is preferred for use in providing control signals or streaming data to the digital video camera and for accessing image content stored on or streaming from the digital video camera. The GPS technology (402) is preferred for use in tracking of the location of the digital video camera as it records image information. A rotating mount (300) with a locking member (330) on the camera housing (22) allows adjustment of the pointing angle of the wearable digital video camera when it is attached to a mounting surface.
US08890952B2 Imaging system
An imaging system comprising: a light source for illuminating a scene with a known intensity light; a camera having an optic axis and center that images the scene responsive to light reflected by the scene from the illuminating, known intensity light; a range finder controllable to determine distances to surface elements of the scene imaged by the camera; a controller configured to determine reflectivity of a surface element of the scene imaged by the camera responsive to a distance of the surface element from the camera, the known intensity of illuminating light and light from the surface element imaged by the camera.
US08890946B2 Systems and methods for spatially controlled scene illumination
A scene illumination system is provided that produces spatially uniform or controlled brightness levels for machine vision applications. The system includes a camera, multiple light sources that preferentially illuminate different regions within the camera's field-of-view, and a processing unit coupled to the camera and light sources. Focal regions of the light sources within the camera's field-of-view are sampled to determine average regional brightness and compared to target brightness levels. The processing unit controls the light sources to increase or decrease illumination levels to converge toward the target brightness levels within the field-of-view. This modulation of the light sources may be repeated with successive video images until target brightness levels are achieved. Once achieved, the iterative feedback control may be locked-in for some applications, while for others, the iterative process may continue periodically or continuously to account for different scenes or changes in lighting conditions.
US08890938B2 Digital photographing apparatus and method of controlling the same
A digital photographing apparatus and a method of controlling the same. The digital photographing apparatus that generates a 3D image includes a digital signal processing unit that generates the 3D image based on a first image obtained by photographing a predetermined object and a second image sent from another digital photographing apparatus photographing the object.
US08890937B2 Anonymized video analysis methods and systems
Methods and systems for anonymized video analysis are described. In one embodiment, a first silhouette image of a person in a living unit may be accessed. The first silhouette image may be based on a first video signal recorded by a first video camera. A second silhouette image of the person in the living unit may be accessed. The second silhouette image may be of a different view of the person than the first silhouette image. The second silhouette image may be based on a second video signal recorded by a second video camera. A three-dimensional model of the person in voxel space may be generated based on the first silhouette image, the second silhouette image, and viewing conditions of the first video camera and the second video camera. In some embodiments, information on falls, gait parameters, and other movements of the person living unit are determined. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.
US08890936B2 Utilizing depth information to create 3D tripwires in video
A method of processing a digital video sequence is provided that includes detecting a foreground object in an image captured by a depth camera, determining three-dimensional (3D) coordinates of the foreground object, and comparing the 3D coordinates to a 3D video tripwire to determine if the foreground object has crossed the 3D video tripwire. A method of defining a 3D video tripwire is also provided.
US08890933B2 Parallax image conversion apparatus
A parallax image conversion apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a first multiple parallax image generation unit configured to generate a first multiple parallax image concerning a first image signal; a second multiple parallax image generation unit configured to receive a second image signal, depth information, and blend information concerning an OSD image, change the blend information based on the depth information, and generate a second multiple parallax image concerning the OSD image based on the second image signal and the depth information; and a compounding unit configured to compound the first multiple parallax image and the second multiple parallax image by using the changed blend information.
US08890925B2 Systems and methods for mapping a URI to a plurality of endpoints for a SIP communication
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing unauthenticated client access to session initiation protocol (SIP) communication services provided by an Ethernet device comprising a proxy and a conference bridge. A device installed as an Ethernet adapter receives a SIP call request from a first client, the SIP call request comprising a first uniform resource identifier (URI), the first URI comprising a SIP alias. The device determines that the first client has not been authenticated. The device identifies that the first URI comprises a SIP alias. The device proxies the SIP call request to an endpoint associated with the SIP alias, responsive to the identification of the first URI as a SIP alias.
US08890922B2 Video communication method, device and system
In the field of communication, embodiments of the present invention provide a video communication method, device and system. The technical solutions provided by the present invention include: at least two local video cameras, configured to shoot at least two channels of local video images; an apparatus for local shooting, stitching, and fusing, configured to fuse the at least two channels of local video images, generate a panoramic video image, encode the panoramic video image into a video code stream, and transmit the video code stream to a video communication site at a remote end; a local display fusing apparatus, configured to obtain at least two channels of video data by decoding a video code stream received from the remote end, fuse the at least two channels of video data, and output the fused video data to local display apparatuses for display.
US08890916B2 Electronic device
The disclosure discloses an electronic device comprising a battery accommodating portion. The battery accommodating portion is configured to alternatively accommodate a plural of cylindrical dry batteries or a cuboid rechargeable battery. The battery accommodating portion, when a plurality of the dry batteries are arranged by being stacked in two tiers or more into a heaped bale structure when the dry batteries are accommodated, comprises a plurality of support recess portions configured to support a plurality of the dry batteries in a bottom tier, respectively. An interval between axes of the support recess portions adjacent to each other is larger than an outer diameter of each of the dry batteries and is smaller than twice of the outer diameter of each of the dry batteries.
US08890915B2 Printing method and apparatus
A thermal transfer printer comprises a print head drive mechanism that is configured to reciprocally move a print head parallel to movement of a carrier ribbon past the print head. A controller is configured to control the print head drive mechanism to move the print head in a first direction along the carrier ribbon to transfer ink material from the carrier ribbon to a substrate to print a first portion of an image on a first area of the substrate. The controller is also configured to control movement of the print head in a second direction opposite to the first direction as the carrier ribbon and substrate are also moved in the second direction to position the print head relative to the carrier ribbon so that a second portion of the image is printed on a second are of the substrate adjacent to the first area of the substrate.
US08890908B2 Method and apparatus for display calibration
A calibration system may be provided for calibrating displays in electronic devices during manufacturing. The calibration system may include calibration computing equipment and a test chamber having a light sensor. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to operate the light sensor and the display to gather display intensity performance data for obtaining a display gamma model. The display intensity performance data may be gathered using a range of display control settings that will be used in performing color calibration operations for the display. The calibration computing equipment may be configured to operate the light sensor and the display to gather display color performance data for determining a display white point calibration. Display white point calibration data may be provided to the electronic device and stored in volatile or non-volatile memory in the device or may be permanently stored in circuitry associated with the display.
US08890904B2 White balance adjusting method
The invention relates to a white balance adjusting method, which includes steps of: obtaining the maximum and minimum spectral tristimulus values Xmax, Ymax, Zmax and X0, Y0, Z0 in a chromaticity coordinate system as well as spectral tristimulus values of each gray level for red, green and blue; converting the maximum spectral tristimulus values into maximum color stimulus values; converting the maximum color stimulus values into a hue and a chroma; computing intermediate spectral stimulus values Y1 to Ymax-1 of Y; computing intermediate spectral stimulus values of X, Z; determining spectral tristimulus values of red, green, blue colors of a white field for each gray level and corresponding gray level numbers. The white balance adjusting method of this invention executes the white field adjustment by fixing the hue and the chroma of a white point for all gray levels based on brightness variance matching gray level index variance.
US08890902B2 Backlight simulation at reduced resolutions to determine spatial modulation of light for high dynamic range images
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to generating images with an enhanced range of brightness levels, and more particularly, to facilitating high dynamic range imaging by adjusting pixel data and/or using predicted values of luminance, for example, at different resolutions. In at least one embodiment, a method generates an image with an enhanced range of brightness levels. The method can include accessing a model of backlight that includes data representing values of luminance for a number of first samples. The method also can include inverting the values of luminance, as well as upsampling inverted values of luminance to determine upsampled values of luminance. Further, the method can include scaling pixel data for a number of second samples by the upsampled values of luminance to control a modulator to generate an image.
US08890901B2 Color management circuit and related method
A color management circuit and a related color management method are provided. The color management circuit is disposed in a display device which has a panel provided with a panel conversion characteristic. The color management circuit includes: a first nonlinear conversion circuit, a color matrix conversion circuit and a second nonlinear conversion circuit. The first nonlinear conversion circuit is utilized for performing a first nonlinear conversion upon a color data to generate a first conversion data. The color matrix conversion circuit is utilized for performing a liner matrix calculation upon the first conversion data to generate a matrix calculation data. The second nonlinear conversion circuit is utilized for performing a second nonlinear conversion upon the matrix calculation data to generate a second conversion data to the panel, wherein a combined conversion characteristic of the second conversion characteristic with the panel conversion characteristic is substantially linear.
US08890896B1 Image recognition in an augmented reality application
A computer-implemented augmented reality method includes obtaining an image acquired by a computing device running an augmented reality application, identifying image characterizing data in the obtained image, the data identifying characteristic points in the image, comparing the image characterizing data with image characterizing data for a plurality of geo-coded images stored by a computer server system, identifying locations of items in the obtained image using the comparison, and providing, for display on the computing device at the identified locations, data for textual or graphical annotations that correspond to each of the items in the obtained image, and formatted to be displayed with the obtained image or a subsequently acquired image.
US08890895B2 User interface device, user interface method and information storage medium
To allow a user to issue an adequate instruction concerning a process in connection with a plurality of discrete objects placed in a virtual space. A user interface device comprises a virtual space image display section for producing an image of a virtual space where a plurality of objects are placed, on a real time basis according to a position of a viewpoint defined in the virtual space, and sequentially displaying the image; a viewpoint position change section for changing the position of the viewpoint defined in the virtual space according to a first operation by the user; and an object selection section for selecting one or more objects among the objects placed in the image displayed by the virtual space image display section, according to a second operation by the user.
US08890892B2 System and method for steganographic image display
A computer-implemented method for generating images. The method includes receiving first and second target images. The method further includes computing a delta image based on a difference between the first target image and the second target image and a technique for multiplexing a first display image with the delta image, where the first display image multiplexed with the delta image, when viewed by a person in an ambient setting, is perceived as the second target image. Advantageously, a hidden image is obscured from an ambient observer, while still providing the ambient observer with a target image that is intended to be perceived.
US08890879B1 Update traversal of object trees for multiprocessor systems
A system may include a processor and memory that stores instructions to cause the processor to create a first set of objects in a first structure based on first data, where the first set of objects describes a graphical scene specified by the first data. The processor may add a command for at least one object, of the first set of objects, to a composite command that includes commands for the graphical scene and create a second set of objects in a second structure based on the first set of objects in the first structure and the composite command. The processor may receive second data, change one or more objects of the first set of objects based on the second data, and change one or more objects of the second set of objects based on the changes to the one or more objects of the first set of objects. The processor may further provide the changed second set of objects to a browser for rendering a new graphical scene.
US08890875B2 Processing method for capturing movement of an articulated structure
A method of obtaining simulated parameters ( pos(t), vit(t), acc(t), par(t)) able to characterize the movement of an articulated structure provided with sensors, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: calculating, from estimated movement state parameters of the structure, estimated measurement data ( H(t), γ(t)), each estimated measurement data item corresponding to a measurement delivered by a sensor, difference between the measurements delivered by the sensors and the estimated measurement data that correspond to them, global mathematical processing of the observer type of the data issuing from the difference in order to obtain at least one estimated difference for an estimated movement state parameter, and adding the estimated difference for the estimated movement state parameter and the estimated movement state parameter that corresponds to it in order to form a simulated parameter.
US08890873B2 Interactive electronic book
The interactive electronic book can be displayed on a dual-screen electronic device, with a first screen that displays the text of the book, and a second screen that displays the contextual references. Links to the contextual references can be displayed on the first screen alongside the text or embedded in the text. The contextual references can be historical descriptions, pictures, videos, contemporaneous writings and so on that help to put the text of the book in context. The contextual references can relate to the portion of the text that is displayed on the first screen. Different modes allow for the displayed text to be shown in marked mode, or unmarked mode. The interactive electronic book can also include testing software which tests the reader on their understanding of the text. The interactive electronic book can also be updated with new texts and contextual references.
US08890872B1 Digitizing venue maps
A system and methods provide for the automatic and computer-assisted generation of vectorized venue maps for event venues, including the outline, location, and label of each section in the venue, each row within each section, and in some cases, each individual seats in each row.
US08890871B2 Method and arrangement for monitoring the path of an animal or a human in the home
A monitoring method of a path of an animal can be realized via a data transfer network, a monitoring arrangement used in the method, a server and a computer program to be used in the monitoring arrangement, which are included in the monitoring arrangement. With the method and monitoring arrangement, the path of a monitored living target can be visualized on a data processing device for a selected time period. The data processing device can be situated in a different location than the animal being monitored. The recent 3D acceleration measurement data of the living target is compared to the long-term average data. The measurement data used in determining the path are obtained from the wireless monitoring device, which the animal carries with it.
US08890866B2 Method and apparatus of providing street view data of a comparable real estate property
Video drive-by data provides a street level view of a neighborhood surrounding a selected geographic location. A video and data server farm incorporates a video storage server that stores video image files containing video drive-by data corresponding to a geographic location, a database server that processes a data query received from a user over the Internet corresponding to a geographic location of interest, and an image processing server. In operation, the database server identifies video image files stored in the video storage server that correspond to the geographic location of interest contained in the data query and transfers the video image files over a pre-processing network to the image processing server. The image processing server converts the video drive-by data to post-processed video data corresponding to a desired image format and transfers the post-processed video data via a post-processing network to the Internet in response to the query.
US08890859B2 Liquid crystal display device and driving method of the same
Provided is a liquid crystal display device having a pixel including a transistor and a liquid crystal element and a protection circuit electrically connected to one of a source and a drain of the transistor through a data line. The protection circuit includes a first terminal supplied with a first power supply potential and a second terminal supplied with a second power supply potential higher than the first power supply potential. In a moving image display mode, an image signal is input from the data line to the liquid crystal element through the transistor, and the first power supply potential is set at the first potential. In a still image display mode, supply of the image signal is stopped, and the first power supply potential is set at the second potential. The second potential is substantially the same as the minimum value of the image signal.
US08890845B2 Optical touch screen
An optical touch structure including a light guide element, a light source, a reflecting mirror, and an image sensor is provided. The light guide element has a light-emitting surface. The light guide element guides the light provided by the light source to the light-emitting surface. The extending direction of the reflecting mirror is substantially perpendicular to the light-emitting surface. The intersection of the reflecting mirror and the light guide element is defined as a first position. The light guide element and the reflecting mirror define a touch range. The image sensor is disposed on a second position opposite to the first position. The sensing area of the image sensor at least covers the touch range. When the proceeding path of the first direction light is shorter than that of the second direction light, the strength of the second direction light is larger than that of the first direction light.
US08890844B2 Optical navigation apparatus
An optical navigation apparatus comprises a substrate with a sensor integrated circuit and an infrared source formed thereon; a sensor cover shielding the sensor integrated circuit and the infrared source; at least one visible light source formed outside the sensor cover and electrically connected with the substrate; a light guide located outside the sensor cover and covering the visible light source; and an outer housing covering the light guide and the substrate, and the outer housing comprises an infrared window and a side wall capable of guiding visible light towards and illuminating a region of the outer housing. In such an arrangement, the outer housing of the present invention is not only used as a casing for protection, but also served as light guide and distribution structure to reflect and re-distribute light sufficiently to achieve a uniform illuminated character shape.
US08890842B2 Eraser for use with optical interactive surface
An eraser is usable in a display system having a display surface. The eraser includes one or more optical detection elements for determining the coordinates of the eraser relative to the display surface.
US08890838B2 Display device with touch panel
A touch panel includes X electrodes which extend in a same direction, and Y electrodes which extend in a direction different from the direction of the X electrodes. The X electrodes and the Y electrodes respectively include intersection portions each formed where the X electrodes and the Y electrodes overlap each other, and electrode portions each formed between the intersection portions, wherein the electrode portions of one of the X electrodes is smaller in area than the electrode portions of one of the Y electrodes, and wherein dummy electrodes are formed close to the electrode portion of one of the X electrode or the Y electrodes.
US08890831B2 Flexible touch screen display
A touch sensitive active matrix display device is provided. The device includes a display fabricated on a first flexible substrate, said display having a viewing surface. The device further includes a touch sensitive sensor including a second flexible substrate, under said display. The touch sensor is operated by touching said viewing surface of said display, and said combined display and touch sensitive sensor is flexible.
US08890828B2 Digitizer
Disclosed herein is a digitizer including: an input unit having a magnetic field shielding part embedded therein; a driving coil supplied with current to induce a magnetic line of force; a sensing coil to which voltage is induced by the magnetic line of force; and a control unit supplying current to the driving coil and measuring voltage induced to the sensing coil, wherein the control unit senses variation of voltage induced to the sensing coil to calculate coordinates of the input unit when the voltage induced to the sensing coil is changed by the magnetic field shielding part.
US08890827B1 Selected content refinement mechanisms
Computer-implemented methods for refining a selection of content using touch input are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first touch input from a user for selecting content displayed on a device, providing, for display, a visual indicator of the content that has been selected, and receiving a second touch input indicating a refinement to the selection of the content. The refinement of the selection of the content is based on at least one referent entity identified with the selected content. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08890824B2 Connecting conductive layers using in-mould lamination and decoration
In one embodiment, a method for forming a touch sensor is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of electrodes on a first substrate. The plurality of electrodes are configured to form a plurality of capacitive nodes. Each capacitive node is configured to sense touch of an object proximate a touch sensing area of the substrate. The method further includes compressing together a plurality of conductive pads at least in part by applying a resin in liquid form to a first substrate, the resin being applied under pressure. A first one of the plurality of conductive pads had been formed on the first substrate. A second one of the plurality of conductive pads had been formed on a second substrate.
US08890823B2 System and method for reducing occurrences of unintended operations in an electronic device
A method of operating an electronic device, and an electronic device, are disclosed in which occurrences of unintended operations of the electronic device, such as can occur in response to inadvertent actuations of actuators of the electronic device, are reduced. In one example embodiment, the method 500 includes detecting 510 an actuation of a first sensor that is associated with a first touch-sensitive component of the electronic device, and acquiring 512 data from an additional sensor of the electronic device. The method also includes determining 518, based at least in part upon the data, whether the actuation is valid, and either performing 524 or refraining 522 from performing at least one operation based at least in part upon the determining. In at least one additional embodiment, the first sensor is a piezoelectric sensor and the additional sensor is an accelerometer.
US08890819B2 Display input device and vehicle-mounted information equipment
A display input device includes a control unit for correcting horizontal coordinates of an object to be detected on an xy coordinate plane extending on a touch panel 1, which are acquired by a proximity sensor 12, according to an angle of elevation φ, an angle of deviation θ and a vertical distance z between the object to be detected and a surface of the touch panel, φ being the angle of a straight line OC with respect to the surface of the touch panel, the straight line OC extending between a predetermined point O positioned on the touch panel and a predetermined point C positioned outside the touch panel, and θ being the angle between a straight line which is an orthogonal projection of the line OC onto the xy coordinate plane, and an x axis on the xy coordinate plane.
US08890815B2 Incorporating chromatic sensors in computer mice
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that incorporate chromatic sensors in a mouse to vary the operation of the mouse. Some embodiments may include a method of modifying the programming of a mouse that includes sampling, with the chromatic sensor, an optical property of a surface upon with the mouse is operating (such as color of the surface), and then dynamically modifying the programming of the mouse based upon the sampled optical property. In this manner, the operation of the mouse, such as tracking resolution, may be customized based upon the properties of the surface upon which the mouse is operating. Other embodiments may include utilizing the mouse with the chromatic sensor as a scanner to display images on a housing of the mouse.
US08890810B2 Display apparatus and method for controlling cursor movement
A display apparatus and a display method capable of controlling cursor movement are disclosed. The display apparatus includes an input unit which receives an input cursor movement command, a display unit which displays at least one object and a cursor on a screen and moves the cursor according to the cursor movement command, and a control unit which controls the display unit to automatically move the cursor to a target point that corresponds to a direction of movement of the cursor within the object in response to the cursor moving into a range that is set on the basis of the object. Accordingly, a user can select and execute a specified object through an easy and convenient operation.
US08890805B2 Mobile terminal and mode controlling method therein
A mobile terminal including a communication unit; a memory configured to store at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; and a controller configured to display, in a first display region of a display unit of the mobile terminal, a first application indicator corresponding to a first application executable in the first mode using the first operating system and that can be activated by selecting the first application indicator, to display, in a second display region, a second application indicator corresponding to a second application executable in the second mode using the second operating system and that can be activated by selecting the second application indicator. Further, the first and second application indicators indicate whether the applications are executable in the first mode or the second mode, or executable in both the first and second modes.
US08890804B2 Coordinate sensor and display device
The amount of the light emitted from a light-emitting diode is changed from that of the initial condition to increase, among the light sensors that are not shielded from the light emitted from the light-emitting diode, the number of the light sensors at which the difference (C−D) between the light detection amount at the light sensor when the light-emitting diode is ON and the light detection amount at the light sensor when the light-emitting diode is OFF is equal to the difference (A−B) between the light detection amount at the light sensor in the initial condition when the light-emitting diode was ON and the light detection amount at the light sensors in the initial condition when the light-emitting diode was OFF with no detection object present. As a result, regardless of the presence or absence of the detection object, the coordinate sensor and the display device disclosed can establish a threshold for determining the presence or absence of the detection object, and can also determine the coordinates of the detection object in a stable manner regardless of changes in the ambient environmental light or in the ambient environmental temperature, or fluctuations in the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting element disposed in the coordinate sensor or the change in the sensitivity of the light-receiving elements.
US08890795B2 Field sequential display of color images with color selection
A color display has a monochrome modulator. An active area of the modulator is illuminated by an array of light sources. The light sources include light sources of three or more colors. The intensities of the light sources may be adjusted to project desired luminance patterns on an active area of the modulator. In a fast field sequential method different colors are projected sequentially. The modulator is set to modulate the projected luminance patterns to display a desired image. In a slow field sequential method, colors are projected simultaneously and the modulator is set to modulate most important colors in the image.
US08890792B2 Display control apparatus and method, and program
A display control apparatus may include a necessary light emission level calculation unit that calculates a necessary attention block light emission level of a back light in an attention block which satisfies a necessary luminance based on an image signal. A first neighborhood block light emission level calculation unit may calculate a light emission level of first neighborhood blocks which satisfies a deficient luminance by a light emission contribution amount to the attention block through light emission in first neighborhood blocks of the attention block which satisfies the deficient luminance by the back light in the attention block. The back light in the attention block emits the light at the largest light emission level at which the light can be emitted and back lights in the first neighborhood blocks emit the light at the first neighborhood block light emission level.
US08890784B2 Method for speeding up rotation of liquid crystal molecule and liquid crystal panel drive circuit used in the method
The present invention provides a method for speeding up rotation of liquid crystal molecule and a liquid crystal panel drive circuit used in the method. The method includes providing a liquid crystal display device, which includes a glass substrate having a liquid crystal panel drive circuit formed thereon and including a timing controller and pixel units each including a thin-film transistor, a common electrode, a pixel electrode electrically connected to the thin-film transistor, a compensation unit, and a storage capacitor, the compensation unit including a compensation capacitor, the timing controller being electrically connected to the compensation unit and the pixel electrode; calculating discharging/charging time of the compensation capacitor; activating the liquid crystal display device, where the source driver applies a drive voltage via the thin-film transistor to the pixel electrode; and the timing controller controlling the compensation unit to conduct on or cut off according to the drive voltage.
US08890780B2 Semiconductor device, display panel and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of thin film transistors of a single channel formed on an insulating substrate, and a buffer circuit including an outputting stage; a first inputting stage; a second inputting stage; a seventh thin film transistor; and an eighth thin film transistor.
US08890778B2 Display device and method for controlling the same
A display device includes an organic EL element and a capacitor. A driving transistor is connected to an anode of the organic EL element and passes a current to the organic EL element. The current corresponds to a voltage held in the capacitor. A first switch is between the capacitor and a data line, and the data line supplies the voltage to the capacitor. A voltage detector is connected to the data line for detecting an anode voltage applied to the organic EL element. A second switch is between the anode and the data line. A controller turns on the first switch, causes the organic EL element to emit light, and causes the voltage detector to detect the anode voltage by turning off the first switch and turning on the second switch while the organic EL element is emitting light.
US08890774B2 Heads-up display for a gaming environment
A heads-up display associated with a user manipulated object in a gaming environment, particularly a racing game. According to one aspect the heads-up display may reduce the distance a user's eye travels between a focal area and the heads-up display.
US08890768B2 Smartpad screen modes
A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the device. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad.
US08890761B2 Structure, printed circuit board, antenna, transmission line to waveguide converter, array antenna, and electronic device
A structure includes a first conductor plane; a plurality of second conductor planes, at least a portion thereof being provided facing the first conductor plane; a transmission line that is provided with at least a portion thereof facing one conductor plane of the first conductor plane and the second conductor plane, and that is disposed on an opposite side of the other conductor plane with respect to the one conductor plane; and a first conductor connecting portion that electrically connects the transmission line with the other conductor plane, and a unit structure that includes at least the second conductor plane, the transmission line, and the first conductor connecting portion is repeatedly disposed.
US08890750B2 Symmetrical partially coupled microstrip slot feed patch antenna element
Systems and methods which utilize a symmetrical partially coupled microstrip slot feed patch antenna element configuration to provide highly decoupled dual-polarized wideband patch antenna elements are shown. Embodiments provide a microstrip slot feed configuration in which a slot of a first signal feed is centered with respect to the patch and further provide a microstrip slot feed configuration in which slots of a second signal feed are symmetrically disposed with respect to the center of the patch and at positions near the edges of the patch. The microstrip feed utilized in communicating signals with respect to the slots of the second signal feed is adapted to provide signals of substantially equal amplitude and 180° out of phase with respect to each other according to embodiments. The second signal feed configuration utilized according to embodiments provides partial coupling between the patch and the second signal feed.
US08890741B2 A/D converter
An A/D converter having high accuracy and high throughput irrespective of characteristic variations of analog circuits is provided. The A/D converter includes a voltage-to-time converter configured to synchronize with a sampling clock signal and convert an input analog voltage to a time difference between two signals, and a plurality of time-to-digital converters each configured to convert the time difference between the two signals to a digital value. The plurality of time-to-digital converters operate in an interleaved manner.
US08890738B2 Time-to-digital converter and conversion method
The present disclosure provides a time-to-digital (TDC) converter, comprising: a coarse TDC receiving a start signal and a stop signal, delaying the first start signal in a first time unit to generate n first delayed start signals (where n is an integer equal to or larger than 2), measuring a time difference between the first delayed start signal and the stop signal in the first time unit, and generating second delayed start signals that are obtained by delaying the first delayed start signals in a time unit shorter than the first time unit; and a fine TDC receiving and delaying the second delayed start signal generated from the coarse TDC and receiving the stop signal, and measuring a time difference between the second delayed start signal and the stop signal in a second time unit.
US08890730B2 Calibration of a switching instant of a switch
An apparatus for calibration of a signal converter is disclosed. This apparatus includes a first digital-to-analog converter (“DAC”) and a calibration system coupled to an output port of the first DAC. The calibration system includes a second DAC. The calibration system is configured to provide an adjustment signal responsive to a spurious spectral performance parameter in an output of the first DAC. The spurious spectral performance parameter is sensitive to a timing error associated with the first DAC. The calibration system is coupled to provide the adjustment signal to the first DAC to correct the timing error of the first DAC.
US08890727B1 Analog-to-digital converter circuit, integrated circuit, electronic device and method therefor
An automatic gain control circuit includes an input gain stage for receiving and amplifying an analog input signal; an analog-to-digital converter for receiving the amplified analog input signal and providing a digital output signal; and an overload management module. The overload management module is arranged to receive the digital output signal; determine therefrom whether the received, amplified analog input signal exceeds an operating range of the analog-to-digital converter; and provide a first control signal to the input gain stage to adjust a gain of the input gain stage in response thereto.
US08890726B2 Data interface clock generation
In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a clock generator to generate a first clock signal. The apparatus may also include a serializer to generate serial data based on a transmit clock signal and parallel input data. The apparatus may also include a signal generator to generate at least two differential signals based on the first clock signal and the serial data.
US08890722B2 Method and apparatus for soft symbol determination
A method for wireless communication is disclosed that includes selecting a plurality of probabilities for a symbol based on a bit-to-symbol mapping; calculating a conditional mean of the symbol based on the plurality of probabilities; and, generating a signal representative of the symbol based on the conditional mean of the symbol. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.
US08890716B2 Parking assist apparatus and method
In order to provide parking assist even in a situation where an end portion of a vehicle is predicted to come into contact with an obstacle, an available parking space is set, and a target parking position is set within the available parking space. When it is determined that the end portion of the vehicle will come into contact with an end portion of the available parking space if the vehicle travels to be parked in the target parking position, an entering angle of the vehicle with respect to the available parking space is changed so that the vehicle may travel toward a target parking space with the end portion of the vehicle spaced away from a front end point P of the available parking space, and a parking path for the vehicle to travel to a non-final target parking position is calculated.
US08890707B2 Mixed element strobe
A strobe device that includes multiple strobe elements is disclosed. The strobe device may include a first strobe element and a second strobe element, where at least one aspect of the first strobe element differs from the second strobe element. For example, the first strobe element may be a Xenon flash tube strobe element and the second strobe element may be an LED-based strobe element. In response to receiving a command to generate an output, the controller determines which of the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element to activate, and sends one or more signals to the first strobe element and/or the second strobe element based on the determination. The controller may activate both of the first strobe element and the second strobe element (such as alternating activation of the first strobe element and the second strobe element). Or, the controller may select one of the first strobe element and the second strobe element. For example, depending on the ambient light at or near the strobe device, the controller may activate either the first strobe element or the second strobe element.
US08890694B2 Anti-theft hang tag
An anti-theft device comprised of a housing hingably connected to a cover. The housing and cover can move from an open position to a closed position to clasp and secure an article to be monitored. The housing and cover have latch components. When the housing and cover are rotated to a closed position in relation to one another, a latch component on the cover interconnects with a latch component of the housing to hold the housing and cover in a closed position. The latch components may be releasably lockable and may be released by application of a magnet to a blocking component in the housing which has a magnetically-attractable element associated with it, combined with manual manipulation of a latch switch to disengage the latching components of the housing and cover. The anti-theft device carries at least a passive electronic article surveillance element. More advanced electronic article surveillance elements may also be carried in the housing.
US08890686B2 Monitoring device for use in a system for monitoring protective headgear
A monitoring device includes a device interface for communication with a bridge device, wherein the device interface, when coupled to the protective headgear via the bridge device, receives event data in response to an impact to the protective headgear. A processing device executes an event simulation module that processes the event data to generate simulation display data that animates the impact to the protective headgear. A user interface includes a display device that displays the simulation display data.
US08890663B2 Transmission of power and data at multiple power levels
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a circuit coupled to a line, where the circuit may power a device, and where the power is transmitted to the device over the line as a pulse-width modulated signal. The circuit may set a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal in order to transmit a determined power level to the device. The apparatus may vary a frequency of the pulse-width modulated signal to transmit data to the device while the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal is fixed in order to continue to transmit the determined power level to the device. A variation in the frequency of the pulse-width modulated signal may be detectable by the device and represents at least a portion of the data.
US08890655B2 Intelligent observation and identification database system
An intelligent video/audio observation and identification database system may define a security zone or group of zones. The system may identify vehicles and individuals entering or exiting the zone through image recognition of the vehicle or individual as compared to prerecorded information stored in a database. The system may alert security personnel as to warrants or other information discovered pertaining to the recognized vehicle or individual resulting from a database search. The system may compare images of a suspect vehicle, such as an undercarriage image, to standard vehicle images stored in the database and alert security personnel as to potential vehicle overloading or foreign objects detected, such as potential bombs. The system may track individuals or vehicles within a zone or between zones. The system may further learn the standard times and locations of vehicles or individuals tracked by the system and alert security personnel upon deviation from standard activity.
US08890647B2 Magnetic layer composition, multilayer type coil component, and method for manufacturing the same
Disclosed herein are a multilayer type inductor including a magnetic layer composition including NiZn ferrite, a multilayer type coil component including a magnetic layer prepared therefrom, and a method for manufacturing the same.According to the present invention, a copper electrode can be used as an internal electrode of a multilayer type coil product, by including NiZn ferrite in the magnetic layer. As copper is used for the internal electrode, material costs can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the present invention can improve the maximum saturation magnetization value against the NiCuZn ferrite by about 10%, due to exclusion of Cu having weak magnetism, and can be more desirably used in a product employing high current.
US08890646B2 Laminated-type electronic component
A laminated-type electronic component including: plural magnetic material layers; plural conductive patterns; a laminated layer body formed by laminating the plural magnetic material layers and the plural conductive patterns; a coil formed in the laminated layer body by connecting the conductive patterns between the magnetic material layers; and at least one magnetic gap formed in the laminated layer body, wherein the magnetic gaps are formed of a compound of Ni and Cu.
US08890645B2 Composite isolating transformer
A composite isolating transformer includes a main winding rack and a support rack. The main winding rack includes two winding portions coaxially formed to hold respectively a primary coil and a secondary coil, and a separating portion between the two winding portions. The support rack includes a first support half member and a second support half member coupling together to encase at least one winding portion. The first and second support half members have respectively a first cover and a second cover to cover two lateral sides of the winding portion, respectively a first insulating portion and a second insulating portion corresponding to the separating portion and extending towards the separating section to couple together, and respectively a first isolating portion and a second isolating portion extended from the first and second insulating portions towards the winding portion to cover another two lateral sides of the winding portion.
US08890644B2 Two-phase coupled inductors which promote improved printed circuit board layout
Two-phase coupled inductors including a magnetic core, at least a first winding, and at least three solder tabs. Power supplies including a printed circuit board, a two-phase coupled inductor affixed to the printed circuit board, and first and second switching circuits affixed to the printed circuit board. Each of the first and second switching circuits are electrically coupled to a respective solder tab of the two-phase coupled inductor affixed to the printed circuit board.
US08890637B2 Automatic termination circuit and method
An electronic circuit arranged to terminate automatically a plurality of conductors at or near a node of a network comprising: a first input terminal electrically coupled to a first output terminal; a second input terminal electrically coupled to a second output terminal; selectable current limiting means (SCLM) arranged to limit an amount of current that may flow between the second output terminal and the second input terminal; and detecting means arranged to control switching means operable to switch the circuit between a first and a second condition responsive to the electrical potential Vx of the second output terminal, wherein in the first condition the circuit is a terminating circuit and the SCLM is selected to have a first current limit, and in the second condition the circuit is a continuing circuit and the SCLM is selected to have a second current limit.
US08890635B2 Signal generator for a transmitter or a receiver, a transmitter and a receiver
A signal generator for a transmitter or a receiver for transmitting or receiving RF-signals according to a given communication protocol includes an oscillator and a mismatch compensator. The oscillator is configured to provide a signal generator output signal having a signal generator output frequency and comprises a fine tuning circuit for providing a fine adjustment of the signal generator output frequency based on a fine tuning signal and a coarse tuning circuit for providing a course adjustment of the signal generator output frequency based on a coarse tuning signal. The mismatch compensator is configured to receive the signal generator output signal and compensate a frequency mismatch between a desired signal generator output frequency and the signal generator output frequency generated by the oscillator by providing the fine tuning signal for changing the state of the fine tuning circuit of the oscillator and by providing the coarse tuning signal for changing a state of the coarse tuning circuit of the oscillator. The mismatch compensator provides the coarse tuning signal during a guard period defined in the given communication protocol, during which no RF-signals are transmitted by the transmitter or no RF-signals are to be received by the receiver, such that the state of the coarse tuning circuit is changed within the guard period.
US08890621B2 Amplifier circuit and light receiving circuit
An amplifier circuit includes: an input pad to receive a current signal; a conversion section to convert the current signal into a voltage signal; an inductor electrically connected in series between the input pad and the conversion section; and a storage element, one end of the storage element electrically coupled between the inductor and the conversion section, the other end of the storage element electrically coupled to a ground.
US08890616B2 Power amplifier system with a current bias signal path
Power amplifier (PA) systems are typically comprised of a signal path integrated circuit (IC) and a power control IC. Advanced CMOS technologies may allow smart integration of such ICs into a single IC and provide an opportunity to improve performance and cost. Specifically, the radio frequency (RF) signal path is designed to enable local biasing of the gain stages that comprise the RF signal path. By using current-mode biasing instead of the prior art voltage-mode biasing significant area reduction is achieved as well as better isolation between the stages which reduces noise, and improves stability.
US08890595B2 Dynamic clock phase control architecture for frequency synthesis
Embodiments of a device and circuit implementing a digitally controlled oscillator with reduced analog components. In an example, the digitally controlled oscillator can include a phase accumulator controlled by a stall circuit to selective stall the phase accumulator. In some examples, the digitally controlled oscillator can include a phase select circuit to select multiple phases of a phase select circuit based on the output of the phase accumulator. In some examples, these selected phases can then be used by a phase interpolator to generate a synthetic clock signal.
US08890588B2 Circuits and methods for asymmetric aging prevention
In an embodiment, a circuit configured for asymmetric ageing prevention in an integrated circuit (IC) comprises a primary clock configured to generate a primary clock signal, a secondary clock configured to generate a secondary clock signal, a state determination circuit, and a control circuit. The state determination circuit is configured to determine a current operating state associated with at least one of a primary clock condition and a power-on-reset condition in the IC. The control circuit is configured to generate a control signal in response to a determination of an first operating state. The control signal is configured to facilitate a transition from the primary clock to the secondary clock upon determination of the first operating state, and a transition from a safe operating mode to a normal operating mode upon determination of a second operating state. The secondary clock is associated with a safe operating mode of the IC.
US08890586B2 Sawtooth wave generating circuit and switch mode power supply device having the same
A sawtooth wave generating circuit that outputs a sawtooth wave signal after calibration and a switch mode power supply device including the sawtooth wave generating circuit is disclosed. The sawtooth wave generating circuit includes a capacitor, a calibration circuit, a charging circuit, discharging circuit and a control unit. The calibration circuit feedbacks a sawtooth wave signal, generates a plurality of voltage signals based on the sawtooth wave signal, and selects one of the voltage signals to generate a calibration output signal. Therefore, the sawtooth wave generating circuit generates a stable sawtooth wave signal regardless of operating conditions.
US08890581B2 Driving circuit of insulated gate device
A driving circuit for driving an insulated gate semiconductor device based on a voltage of an externally-inputted gate signal, where the insulated gate semiconductor device has a source, a drain and a gate, and a parasitic capacitor exists between the drain and the gate. The driving circuit includes a gate voltage controlling semiconductor device disposed between, and connecting, the gate and the source of the insulated gate semiconductor device. The gate voltage controlling semiconductor device has a source and a gate, and is driven by a current charging the parasitic capacitor. The driving circuit also includes a pull-up device disposed between, and connecting, the source and the drain of the gate voltage controlling semiconductor device.
US08890580B2 Methods and circuits for reducing clock jitter
A communication system includes a continuous-time linear equalizer in the clock forward path. The equalizer may be adjusted to minimize clock jitter, including jitter associated with the first few clock edges after the clock signal is enabled. Reducing early-edge jitter reduces the power and circuit complexity otherwise needed to turn the system on quickly.
US08890576B2 Input/output sense amplifier
An input/output sense amplifier includes: a data input unit configured to amplify data using a driving voltage and to output the amplified data, and a latch unit configured to latch and output an output signal of the data input unit to an output terminal.
US08890560B2 Crack sensors for semiconductor devices
Crack sensors for semiconductor devices, semiconductor devices, methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and methods of testing semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a crack sensor includes a conductive structure disposed proximate a perimeter of an integrated circuit. The conductive structure is formed in at least one conductive material layer of the integrated circuit. The conductive structure includes a first end and a second end. A first terminal is coupled to the first end of the conductive structure, and a second terminal is coupled to the second end of the conductive structure.
US08890550B2 Electrical device for detecting moisture
An electrical device for detecting moisture has a detection cable (10a, 10b, 10c) made up of a first element (1) and of a second element (2a, 2b, 2c) which elements are elongate and electrically conducting and separated by a polymer-based material (3), and an electrical resistance measurement appliance intended to measure the electrical resistance between the first and second elements of the the cable, where the material (3) is a non-soluble and moisture-sensitive material.
US08890545B2 Measurement of transistor gate source capacitance on a display system substrate using a replica transistor
Better performance can be provided for a display system that has semiconductor microelectronic components such as demultiplexors, gate line and data line drivers, and pixel switches formed on the display substrate, e.g., a glass substrate that constitutes part of an active matrix display panel. A gate source capacitance of a constituent transistor of one of these microelectronic components, e.g., a pixel thin film transistor (TFT) that is part of a particular display element, may be measured using a replica component that emulates the behavior of the component.
US08890544B2 Transcapacitive charge measurement
In a circuit for measuring a capacitive charge a drive module is configured for coupling with a sensor electrode of a capacitive input device. The drive module is configured to drive the sensor electrode with a plurality of positive and negative measurement cycles. A latched comparator comprises an input for capturing voltages from the sensor electrode. An output of the latched comparator provides output signals based upon the captured voltages from the sensor electrode. A first counter is set based on a first output signal produced by a first voltage captured by the input during a positive measurement cycle. A second counter is set based on a second output signal produced by a second voltage captured by the input during a negative measurement cycle. A determination module is configured to produce a demodulated output signal based on the first counter value and the second counter value.
US08890534B2 Surface ionization detector
The present invention refers to a surface ionization detector comprises an emitter, a heating rod, a collecting electrode, a reducing liner and a housing. The emitter is made of molybdenum, platinum or alloy, and in the form of cylinder or a wire spiral. The heating rod heats and supports the metal emitter. When the heating rod is heated to 300-500° C., organic amine compounds collide with the surface of the emitter, generating positive ions through surface thermal ionization and thus are detected. The lowest detecting limit value of tertiary amine by the detector in the present invention can achieve to 10−14 g/s. The response to other hydrocarbons, ketones, etc., is 5-6 orders of magnitude lower than that of organic amines. The detector can selectively detect amines, hydrazines and their derivatives, and so on. The detector can be used as a detector for a gas chromatography system adopting capillary column or packed column, or alternatively be used alone as a sensor.
US08890532B2 Method for determining an electric field response of the earth's subsurface
A method for determining a component of electric field response to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring magnetic field gradient in at least two orthogonal directions in response to the induced electromagnetic field and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the magnetic field gradient measurements. A method for determining a component of electric field response of the Earth's subsurface to a time varying electromagnetic field induced in the Earth's subsurface involves measuring electric field response along a substantially closed pattern on at least one of the Earth's surface and the bottom of a body of water and determining an electric field response in a direction normal to the measured electric field response using electric field response measurements made at opposed positions along the closed pattern.
US08890512B2 Visual indicator device for proximity sensor
A device for visually indicating a change in the operational state of a proximity sensor. The device includes a transparent housing having a cavity and a magnet device for generating a magnetic field. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the housing. The magnet device is concealed within the sleeve in a first position to indicate a first operational state. When a target is positioned adjacent the sensor end, magnetic attraction occurs between the target and the magnet device due to the magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet device to a second position within the cavity wherein the magnetic field does not act on the proximity sensor to change the operational state from the first operational state to a second operational state. Further, the magnet device is visible in the second position to indicate the second operational state. The target is attached to a moving element of the valve such as a valve stem such that a change in operational state of the proximity sensor corresponds to a change in operational state of the valve.
US08890511B2 Targeting operation sites
A system for targeting an operation site includes an identifier having an electromagnetic field generator configured to produce electromagnetic fields. The system includes an implement that includes a handle, a blade portion, and an electromagnetic field sensor coupled to the blade portion. The electromagnetic field sensor is configured to produce a signal responsive to electromagnetic fields produced by the electromagnetic field generator. The system includes a control unit configured to access information indicating a position of the electromagnetic field sensor relative to the operation site, receive a signal from the electromagnetic field sensor that is indicative of a position of a tool relative to the electromagnetic field sensor, and determine a position of the tool relative to an operation site based on the received signal and the position of the electromagnetic field sensor relative to the operation site.
US08890510B2 Battery wake-up
Circuits and methods for fast detection of a low voltage in the range of few μVolts have been achieved. In a preferred embodiment the low voltage represents a current via a shunt resistor and the circuit is used to generate a digital wake-up signal. In regard of the wake-up application the circuit invented is activated periodically and in case of a certain level of the voltage drop, e.g. 50 μV, at the shunt resistor. The time required for a measurement of the voltage drop is inclusive calibration and integration time far below 1 ms. It is obvious that the circuit invented can be used for any measurements of very small voltages.
US08890509B2 Current sensor
A sensor for use in detecting a time-varying current in a conductor (106) comprises plural sets of two oppositely-configured sensor elements (104-1 . . . 104-6) arranged around a sensing volume having a central axis, the sensor elements (104-1A, 104-1B) of each set being provided substantially in a common plane that does not intersect the central axis, and each set having a different common plane, the sensor elements of each set being arranged such that a normal (N) of their common plane at a point between central parts of sensor elements lies on a plane (P) that is radial to the central axis of the sensing volume.
US08890505B2 System and method for estimating and providing dispatchable operating reserve energy capacity through use of active load management
A method for generating a value for available operating reserve for electric utility. Electric power consumption by at least one device is determined during at least one period of time to produce power consumption data, stored in a repository. Prior to a control event for power reduction and under an assumption that it is not to occur, power consumption behavior expected of the device(s) is determined for a time period during which the control event is expected to occur based on stored power consumption data. Additionally, prior to the control event, projected energy savings resulting from the control event, and associated with a power supply value (PSV) are determined based on devices' power consumption behavior. Amount of available operating reserve is determined based on projected energy savings.
US08890504B2 Power adapter
A power adapter includes a processing circuit converting mains power to another alternating current (AC) power or a direct current (DC) power, a first output outputting the converted AC or DC power, a sense resistor connected between the processing circuit and the first output for sampling current flowing through the first output and converting the sampled current to a sampled voltage, an amplifying circuit connected to the sense resistor for amplifying the sampled voltage, and a metallic oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). A gate of the MOSFET is connected to the amplifying circuit. A drain of the MOSFET is connected to the first output through a first resistor and grounded through a second resistor. A source of the MOSFET is grounded. A node between the first and second resistors is connected to the processing circuit. The amplifying circuit makes the MOSFET work in a variable resistance region.
US08890502B2 Low-noise, high bandwidth quasi-resonant mode switching power supply
High bandwidth, low noise switching power supply operating in quasi-resonant mode for filtering switching harmonic noise, while providing a fast control bandwidth and power at high efficiency. The power supply has an LCL tank defining a resonance period Ttank, and a switching circuit regulation loop for turning on its switching circuit for on-time tON commencing at a time based on a state of regulation of the power supply. A switching capacitor current sensor triggers the switching circuit to turn off at the end of the resonance period Ttank, whereupon the switching and output inductors enter a discharging phase for a period not related to resonance period Ttank. “Quasi-resonant” operation, where the power supply is in resonant mode during on time tON and not in resonant mode during off time tOFF ensures that the output inductor filters the switching harmonic noise of the switching circuit.
US08890501B2 System and method for soft-starting a power converter with a pre-charged output
A method for soft-starting a voltage generator includes disabling an output driver; detecting the voltage on an output node; ramping a reference voltage at a controlled rate from a predetermined first level until the reference voltage reaches a second level that is a predetermined function of said output node voltage; enabling the output driver when the reference voltage reaches said second level; and then ramping the reference voltage and the output node voltage at a controlled rate to a boot voltage level. A soft-start circuit for an output voltage generator includes a comparator for causing a ramp generator to ramp the reference voltage and the voltage on the output node to a boot voltage level at a controlled rate once the comparator detects that the reference voltage is substantially equal to the voltage on the output node.
US08890492B2 Automatic start/stop device for engine-driven power generator
Starting and stopping an engine is automatically controlled based on a load without using a relay. An inverter engine-driven power generator has an alternator, a rectifying circuit, a DC/DC converter, and an inverter circuit. A load detection circuit is connected to an output of the inverter circuit in parallel. A load detection line of the load detection circuit is connected to an output line of the inverter circuit in parallel via resistors. A power supply formed of a battery is connected to the load detection line. A decision circuit outputs a load detection signal when a current having a preset value or more flows through the load detection line. A drive/stop CPU starts the engine in response to the load detection. The resistors are set at a resistance value which does not influence a load to which a generator output is supplied.
US08890489B2 Capacitive power supply for handheld device
A handheld device includes an electronic instrument and a capacitive power supply for storing and delivering power to the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply includes at least one capacitor, and an electronic circuit operable to boost a voltage from the capacitor to a higher voltage for use by the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply can be rapidly recharged.
US08890486B2 Method and apparatus for charging a battery
A method and apparatus for charging a battery is provided. The apparatus includes: a constant current circuit, a constant voltage circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit is adapted to control the constant current circuit to perform constant current charging to the battery; after a battery voltage during the constant current charging reaches a preset charging limited voltage, control the constant voltage circuit to perform constant voltage charging to the battery; after a charging current during the constant voltage charging becomes smaller than or equal to a predetermined threshold, control the battery to be charged by pulse charging until an open circuit voltage of the battery is larger than or equal to a preset voltage threshold.
US08890485B2 Charger circuit
A charger circuit comprising: a charging path coupled between an input voltage and a battery; a power switch on the charging path; a switch control circuit controlling the power switch; a timer counting a charging period; and a low current control circuit issuing a signal to the switch control circuit to control the power switch such that a charging current is maintained to be a predetermined low current when the timer counts to a predetermined maximum charging period.
US08890481B2 Charging control device including a computer that monitors and/or charges a rechargeable battery and a watch dog timer for monitoring the computer
A charging control device includes a control unit and a monitoring unit. The control unit performs at least one of controlling charging to a rechargeable battery and monitoring a state of a rechargeable battery, while outputting a state signal which indicates an operation state of the control unit. The monitoring unit determines whether or not the operation state of the control unit is a predesignated specified operation state based on the state signal outputted from the control unit.
US08890480B2 Health management of rechargeable batteries
Systems and methods for health management of rechargeable batteries are disclosed. In one embodiment, a rechargeable battery system includes a rechargeable battery, and a battery health management unit operatively coupled to the rechargeable battery and including a state of health module configured to estimate a battery health by receiving battery-related data and predicting one or more failure modes. The state of health module may further include a prognostic failure mode component configured to combine at least one flight data variable with at least one model-based prognostic. In alternate embodiments, the battery health management unit may further include a state of life module and a state of charge module.
US08890469B2 Devices and methods for detecting USB devices attached to a USB charging port
Methods and devices for detecting USB devices attached to a USB charging port are disclosed. The USB charging port includes a USB port having a first data line D+, a second data line D−, and a power line. A method includes attaching the USB device to the USB port; applying power to the USB device by way of the power line; applying a first voltage to the line D+ at the USB port by way of a first impedance; applying a second voltage to the line D− at the USB port by way of a second impedance. The voltages on the line D+ and the line D− are then monitored at the USB port. If the voltage on the line D+ is approximately equal to a first predetermined value for a predetermined period and the voltage on the line D− is below a second predetermined value, then the USB device is determined to be of an alpha type device.
US08890466B2 Circuit arrangement
A circuit arrangement, especially for supplying an electromagnetic holding brake with a clocked supply voltage, includes a module for controlled provision of a clocked supply voltage for free-wheeling operation of the holding brake. The module has a switching unit for switching off the supply voltage for braking operation. A free-wheeling diode and a suppressor diode are connected in parallel to an inductance of the holding brake, with the free-wheeling diode being effective in free-wheeling operation only and the suppressor diode being effective in braking operation only.
US08890462B2 Stepper motor with common solenoid current driver
A stepper motor assembly includes a unipolar winding stepper motor, four drivers, and a transmission control module. The stepper motor has four coil parts. Each driver has a transistor connected to one of the coil parts. Each driver is operable to drive a phase of the stepper motor, where first and second phases are opposites of each other and third and fourth phases are opposites of each other. The transmission control module houses the four transistors. A transmission is also disclosed that includes the disclosed stepper motor assembly.
US08890461B2 Actuator assembly with preloaded ball screws
An actuator assembly includes a first motor having a first transmission mechanism, a second motor having a second transmission mechanism, and a drive shaft operatively coupled to the first transmission mechanism of the first motor and the second transmission mechanism of the second motor. The actuator assembly includes a torque application system disposed in operative communication with the first motor and the second motor, the torque application system configured to direct an application of a translation torque and a preload torque between the first motor and the first transmission mechanism and between the second motor and the second transmission mechanism.
US08890458B2 Selectively biased robot mechanism platform for a storage library
Systems and methods are described for providing selective biasing of a platform in context of one or more modules. While moving in the Z-direction with respect to the modules, the platform travels in an unbiased manner. For example, one or more alignment features on the platform are engaged with one or more alignment features on the modules to allow the platform to substantially float within an X-Y region defined by the alignment features. When the platform reaches its desired Z-location, magnetic features bias the platform into a substantially locked and repeatable X-Y position (e.g., using permanent magnets and/or electromagnets). In some embodiments, the platform is locked into an accurate position to allow a robotic mechanism of a storage library to move around efficiently within the modules while still being able to perform operations that involve accurate positioning (e.g., pick and place operations on media cartridges).
US08890456B2 Automated shade control system utilizing brightness modeling
Automated shade systems comprise motorized window coverings, sensors, and controllers that use algorithms to control operation of the automated shade control system. These algorithms may include information such as: 3-D models of a building and surrounding structures, shadow information, reflectance information, lighting and radiation information, ASHRAE clear sky algorithms, log information related to manual overrides, occupant preference information, motion information, real-time sky conditions, solar radiation on a building, a total foot-candle load on a structure, brightness overrides, actual and/or calculated BTU load, time-of-year information, and microclimate analysis. Modeled brightness information may be utilized to control shades.
US08890454B2 Phase locked loop based torsional mode damping system and method
A torsional mode damping controller system is connected to a converter or placed inside the converter. The converter is driving a drive train including an electrical machine and a non-electrical machine. The controller system includes a first input interface configured to receive a first digital signal from a first phase lock device or a first dynamic observer, a second input interface configured to receive a second digital signal from a second phase lock device or a second dynamic observer, and a controller connected to the first and second input interfaces. The controller is configured to receive the first and second digital signals, compare the first digital signal with the second digital signal, generate control data for a rectifier and/or an inverter of the converter, and send the control data to the rectifier and/or to the inverter.
US08890448B2 Braking apparatus, electric drive, and elevator system
The invention relates to a braking apparatus, an electric drive and an elevator system. The braking apparatus comprises an apparatus for dynamic braking, for braking an electric machine with dynamic braking, an input for the control signal of the braking apparatus, and also a controller, for controlling the apparatus for dynamic braking as a response to the aforementioned control signal of the braking apparatus.
US08890447B2 Startup control circuit of drive circuit
Startup of motor is reliably executed and sonic noise is reduced. A control circuit controls a selector to apply control to output a full-drive waveform at startup and then output a PWM modulation waveform. The full-drive waveform which is an alternating waveform in which positive and negative are inverted at 180° is output. Then, the PWM drive waveform is selected.
US08890446B2 Amplitude control for vibrating resonant sensors
A system is provided for controlling the amplitude of a vibrating resonant sensor through a drive signal applied to the resonator. The system comprises a controller that provides the drive signal to a forcer coupled to the resonator to excite the resonator into vibration at its resonant frequency. The system further comprises a buffer having an input node that receives charge of a pickoff capacitor of the resonator that is a measure of the resonator vibration and a current reference waveform. The buffer provides an output that is a difference signal that represents an error of the resonator vibration that corresponds to a difference between the measured resonator vibration and the current reference waveform, wherein the controller adjusts the drive signal in order to null the difference signal.
US08890445B2 Drive control device and drive control method
A drive control device includes a signal generation unit, a position detection unit, a speed detection unit, and a drive control unit. Based on at least one light receiving signal inputted from at least one light receiving unit of an encoder, the signal generation unit digitizes the at least one light receiving signal to generate at least one non-interpolated digital encoder signal, and digitizes and interpolates the at least one light receiving signal to generate at least one interpolated digital encoder signal. The position detection unit detects a position of an object based on the at least one interpolated digital encoder signal. The speed detection unit detects a speed of the object based on the at least one non-interpolated digital encoder signal. The drive control unit performs a drive control of the object based on the above-detected position and speed.
US08890444B2 Electron gun used in particle beam device
An electron gun used in a particle beam device, for example in an electron microscope, has a relatively good brightness and may be operated under vacuum conditions which can be easily achieved (i.e., for example, at a residual pressure of about 10−6 or 10−7 mbar). The electron gun comprises an electron source having an electron emission surface. Furthermore, the electron gun comprises a first electrode configured to control a path of electrons emitted from the electron emission surface, a second electrode which is configured to suppress emissions of electrons from a side surface of the electron source and a third electrode configured to accelerate electrons emitted from the electron source to a final energy. A first voltage, a second voltage and a third voltage are adjusted to avoid any crossover of electrons emitted from the electron emission surface.
US08890435B2 Wireless lighting control system
A lighting device includes a DC/DC power converter, a controller/processor electrically connected to the DC/DC power converter, a light emitting diode (LED) current control circuit communicably coupled to the controller/processor and electrically connected to the DC/DC power converter, and two or more LEDs comprising at least a first color LED and a second color LED electrically connected to the LED current control circuit. The LED current control circuit provides an on/off signal having a cycle time to each LED in response to one or more control signals received from the controller/processor such that the two or more LEDs produce a blended light having a specified color based on how long each LED is turned ON and/or OFF during the cycle time.
US08890431B2 LED driving apparatus and method
There are provided an LED driving apparatus and an LED driving method thereof. The LED driving apparatus includes: a light emitting unit including one or more LEDs, a rectifying unit rectifying an input signal to generate a first signal; a signal conversion unit inverting a waveform of a first signal to generate a second signal; and an operation unit arithmetically operating the first and second signals. A plurality of AC signals each having a different waveform are arithmetically operated to generate a signal having a small amount of a ripple component, and an LED is driven by the signal, thus preventing a lifespan of the LED from being shortened by omitting a smoothing electrolytic capacitor, one of main causes shortening the lifespan of an LED driving circuit.
US08890429B2 Solid-state light-emitting element drive device, lighting system and lighting fixture
A solid-state light-emitting element drive device includes a switching regulator and a control circuit. The switching regulator includes a series circuit of a switching element and an inductor, a regenerative element configured to allow a regenerative current to flow therethrough from the inductor when the switching element is turned off, and output terminals configured so that a solid-state light-emitting element is connected therebetween. The control circuit is configured to control a switching operation of the switching element of the switching regulator. The control circuit is configured to suppress an output power of the switching regulator if a parameter obtained from at least one of an ON-period and an OFF-period of the switching element is out of a prescribed range.
US08890427B2 Apparatus and method of operation of a low-current LED lighting circuit
An apparatus and method of operation of a low-current LED lighting circuit are disclosed. The invention utilizes high AC voltage input and unreduced voltage ripple component of the rectified DC power signal, which provides the ability to drive an LED load at high power factor at low current. The invention discloses both active and passive circuits to limit the peak current flowing to the LED and create a current source for the LED load. The proposed circuit increases reliability by optionally eliminating capacitor, inductor, and heatsink components while minimizing luminous flux fluctuations.
US08890424B2 Illumination device, illumination system, and lamp
The present invention provides an illumination device, an illumination system, and a lamp. The illumination system includes the illumination device and a light modulation module. The illumination device includes a light emitting diode (LED) array, an alternating current (AC) current source, and an output power control module. The AC current source is electrically coupled to the LED array. The output power control module is electrically coupled to the LED array and the AC current source. The LED array, the AC current source, and the output power control module together form a closed-loop control loop. The light modulation module is electrically coupled to the closed-loop control loop for modulating illumination brightness of the LED.
US08890419B2 System and method providing LED emulation of incandescent bulb brightness and color response to varying power input and dimmer circuit therefor
A lighting system is disclosed, including a first lighting module and a second lighting module connected parallel to the first lighting module. The first lighting module, with a first activation voltage, generates light at a first color temperature and the second lighting module, with a second activation voltage, generates light at a second color temperature. The two lighting modules generate light when current flows through them. When input voltage is changed, both the amount of current flowing through the two modules changes and the ratio of current flowing through the two lighting modules changes. The change in ratio changes the color temperature of the light produced by the lighting system resulting from combination of the light produced by the two modules. The combined output brightness and color temperature each change with applied power in such a way to emulate the lighting profile of an incandescent lamp.
US08890411B2 Computer controlled configurable lighting system for modular vehicle lights
A vehicle lighting control system and method are provided. The vehicle lighting control system includes a light module with light carrier positions for receipt of individual light sources. A lighting controller coupled with the light module is configured to identify a light source type associated with the individual light sources occupying light carrier positions of the light module. A power source coupled with the lighting controller provides power to the individual light sources in accordance with the type of light source identified. The individual light sources are removable from the light module and may be replaced by other light sources of a different type. The lighting controller is adapted to be reconfigured such that the different type of light source associated with the other light sources is identified and power is provided to the other light sources in accordance with the different light source type identified.
US08890410B2 Plasma generation device
A plasma generation device, including: an ionization unit that ionizes gas in a target space; an electromagnetic wave oscillator that oscillates an electromagnetic wave to be radiated to the target space; and an antenna that radiates the electromagnetic wave supplied from the electromagnetic wave oscillator to a gas ionization region in which gas ionized by the ionization unit is provided. The ionization unit ionizes gas and the antenna radiates the electromagnetic wave thereto to generate plasma. A plurality of strong electric field regions are formed around the antenna when the electromagnetic wave is supplied from the electromagnetic wave oscillator. The strong electric field region is a region stronger in electric field than the surrounding area. The ionization unit ionizes gas around the plurality of strong electric field regions, or gas around a plurality of regions in which immediately before strong electric fields come into existence.
US08890407B2 Semiconductor device and light-emitting device
One feature of a semiconductor device of the present invention is to include an electrode that serves as an electrode of a light-emitting element. The electrode includes a first layer and a second layer. Further, end portions of the electrode are covered with a partition layer having an opening portion. Moreover, a part of the electrode is exposed by the opening portion of the partition layer. One feature of a semiconductor device of the present invention is to include an electrode that serves as an electrode of a light-emitting element and a transistor. The electrode and the transistor are connected electrically to each other. The electrode includes a first layer and a second layer. Further, end portions of the electrode are covered with a partition layer having an opening portion. Moreover, the second layer is exposed by the opening portion of the partition layer.
US08890399B2 Method of making ruthenium-based material for spark plug electrode
A method of making an electrode material for use in a spark plug and other ignition devices including industrial plugs, aviation igniters, glow plugs, or any other device that is used to ignite an air/fuel mixture in an engine. The electrode material is a ruthenium-based material that includes a “fibrous” grain structure. The disclosed method includes hot-forming a ruthenium-based material into an elongated wire that includes the “fibrous” grain structure while intermittently annealing the ruthenium-based material as needed. The intermittent annealing is performed at a temperature that maintains the “fibrous” grain structure.
US08890393B2 Spark gap having a plurality of series-connected individual spark gaps, which are located in a stack arrangement
The invention relates to a spark gap comprising a number of series-connected individual spark gaps which are placed in a stack arrangement, which are spaced apart from each other by insulating material discs and are provided with a spring contact, the individual spark gaps including ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes, and further comprising control elements for influencing the voltage distribution over the stack arrangement. According to the invention the ring-shaped or disc-shaped electrodes required to form one of the respective individual spark gaps are each inserted into an insulating body and held by same in a centered manner. The respective insulating material discs are located between and fixed by the insulating bodies. A recess is provided inside the insulating body to receive and center the electrodes, whose shape is complementary relative to the contour of the respective electrode, wherein the recess comprises on the inner circumference at least partially elastic, resilient centering projections or centering noses.
US08890386B2 Rotor and motor
A rotor includes first and second rotor cores and a field magnet placed between the first and second rotor cores. Each of the rotor cores has a main body portion and a plurality of extensions, which extend radially outward from the main body portion at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The field magnet causes the individual extensions to function as magnetic poles. A magnetic pole constituting section including at least part of each of the extensions and the first main body portion of each rotor core are made of different materials, made of the same material but formed as separate elements, or includes regions having different properties.
US08890385B2 Rotor for rotary electric machine
A rotor for a rotary electric machine has a plurality of magnetic poles provided at intervals in a circumferential direction of a rotor core, at an outer periphery of the rotor core. Each of the magnetic poles includes a central magnet, a pair of circumferential-direction magnets disposed on both sides of the central magnet in the circumferential direction such that a spacing between the pair widens towards an outer periphery of the rotor core, and low permeability regions provided in the vicinity of end portions of the central magnet in the circumferential direction, and having a permeability lower than a magnetic material of the rotor core. The rotor core is formed such that a width of a magnetic path entrance portion that is formed between a magnetic-pole inward side face of the circumferential-direction magnet and the adjacent low permeability region decreases towards an outer peripheral face of the rotor core.
US08890376B2 Energy harvesting methods and devices, and applications thereof
An apparatus harvests electrical power from mechanical energy. The apparatus includes first and second load-bearing structures, a plurality of magnetostrictive elements, and an electrical circuit or coil. The load-bearing structures experience a force from an external source. The magnetostrictive elements are arranged between the load-bearing structures. The load-bearing structures transfer at least a portion of the force to at least one of the magnetostrictive elements. In this way, at least one of the magnetostrictive elements experiences the force transferred from the load-bearing structures. The force on the magnetostrictive element causes a change in magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element. The electrical circuit or coil is disposed within a vicinity of the magnetostrictive element which experiences the force. The electrical circuit or coil generates electric power in response to the change in the magnetic flux of the magnetostrictive element.
US08890375B2 Multi-function vibrating device
A multi-function vibrating device is disclosed. The multi-function vibrating device providing sound producing and vibration functions includes a holder having a hollow space, a suspension divided into at least two parts, a vibration member suspended by the suspension and having at least a pair of receiving concaves for fixing the corresponding two parts of the suspension. The multi-function vibrating device has larger vibrating amplitude and small size.
US08890370B2 Systems and methods for an intelligent energy-saving power supply
The systems and methods described herein include an intelligent energy-saving power supply system which conserves energy by recognizing when a chargeable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone, has been detached from its battery charger and by then cutting off power to the battery charger to prevent energy from being consumed while not serving the useful function of charging the chargeable electronic device. In addition, these systems may optionally include a device which turns off the receiver circuit of an electronic device to additionally save power and an interface which displays the amount of energy conserved by using the energy-saving power supply system.
US08890367B2 Resonance power receiver that includes a plurality of resonators
Provided is a resonance power receiver, including a first resonator, a second resonator to receive a resonance power and a phase shifter to shift the phase of the signal received via the second resonator such that the signal received via the first resonator and the signal received via the second resonator are in phase.
US08890357B2 Bathing system transformer device with first and second low voltage output power connections
A line voltage transformer device for a bathing installation includes a housing structure, with a line voltage electrical power connection including a line voltage wiring cable having an electrical connection at a distal end for connection to a line voltage AC supply outlet adjacent the bathing installation. A voltage transformer circuit is disposed within the housing and connected to the line voltage electrical power connection and is configured to transform AC line voltage electrical power from the line voltage electrical power connection to low voltage AC power at first and second low voltage AC terminals, wherein the low voltage AC power is delivered to the first and second low voltage AC terminals. A first low voltage wiring connection set is attached to the first and second low voltage AC terminals, the first wiring set including a first low voltage outlet connector for electrical connection to a first separate low voltage bathing installation device to provide low voltage AC power to the first separate device. A second low voltage wiring set is attached to the first and second low voltage AC terminals, the second wiring set including a second low voltage connector for connection to a second separate low voltage bathing installation device to provide low voltage AC power to the second separate device.
US08890345B2 Turbine with power conversion units with coupling means
The invention concerns a turbine driving a power conversion means, the power conversion means comprising several power conversion units, preferably of approximately similar power conversion capacity, that have coupling means for coupling the power conversion units to the turbine, the turbine having measuring means for determining the rotation speed of the turbine and/or a flow speed of the turbine driving flow of wind or water and a control system for controlling the coupling means in dependence of the determined rotation speed and/or flow speed. In accordance with the invention the control system has means for activating and deactivating the coupling means for the different the power conversion units so that the power conversion units are used equally.
US08890341B2 Harvesting energy from a drillstring
The subject disclosure relates to energy harvesting. More particularly, the subject disclosure relates to harvesting energy from the relative motion between a rotary stabilizer and the drill string. In further embodiments, the subject disclosure relates to harvesting energy from vibrations in the drill string.
US08890339B1 Self-defining, low capacitance wire bond pad
A bond pad region is provided that reduces parasitic capacitance generated between bond pad metallization and underlying silicon by reducing the effective area of the bond pad, while maintaining flexibility of wire bond sites and ensuring mechanical integrity of the wire bonds. Embodiments provide, in a region that would be populated by a traditional bus bar bond pad, a small bus bar bond pad that is less than half the area of the region and populating at least a portion of the remaining area with metal tiles that are not electrically connected to the small bus bar bond pad or to each other. The metal tiles provide an attachment area for at least a portion of one or more wire bonds. Only those tiles involved in connection to a wire bond contribute to parasitic capacitance, along with the small bus bar pad.
US08890332B2 Semiconductor chip layout with staggered Tx and Tx data lines
A chip layout for a high speed semiconductor device is disclosed. The chip layout isolates Rx terminals and Rx ports from Tx terminals and Tx ports. A serial interface is centrally located to reduce latency, power and propagation delays. Stacked die that contain one or more devices with the chip layout are characterized by having improved latency, bandwidth, power consumption, and propagation delays.
US08890331B2 Photoelectric conversion device, image pickup system and method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion device
A photoelectric conversion device includes a first semiconductor substrate including a photoelectric conversion unit for generating a signal charge in accordance with an incident light, and a second semiconductor substrate including a signal processing unit for processing an electrical signal on the basis of the signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion unit. The signal processing unit is situated in an orthogonal projection area from the photoelectric conversion unit to the second semiconductor substrate. A multilayer film including a plurality of insulator layers is provided between the first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate. The thickness of the second semiconductor substrate is smaller than 500 micrometers. The thickness of the second semiconductor substrate is greater than the distance from the second semiconductor substrate and a light-receiving surface of the first semiconductor substrate.
US08890328B2 Semiconductor device and method of forming vertical interconnect structure between non-linear portions of conductive layers
A semiconductor device is made by forming a first conductive layer over a first temporary carrier having rounded indentations. The first conductive layer has a non-linear portion due to the rounded indentations. A bump is formed over the non-linear portion of the first conductive layer. A semiconductor die is mounted over the carrier. A second conductive layer is formed over a second temporary carrier having rounded indentations. The second conductive layer has a non-linear portion due to the rounded indentations. The second carrier is mounted over the bump. An encapsulant is deposited between the first and second temporary carriers around the first semiconductor die. The first and second carriers are removed to leave the first and second conductive layers. A conductive via is formed through the first conductive layer and encapsulant to electrically connect to a contact pad on the first semiconductor die.
US08890325B2 Heterojunction structures of different substrates joined and methods of fabricating the same
In one embodiment, a heterojunction structure includes a first substrate; a second substrate comprising an electrode pad, the second substrate joined to the first substrate by an adhesive layer interposed between the first and second substrates, the first substrate and the adhesive layer having a via hole penetrating therethrough to expose a region of the electrode pad; a connection electrode disposed in the via hole and contacting the electrode pad; and an insulation layer electrically insulating the connection electrode from the first substrate. One of the first and second substrates has a thermal expansion coefficient different than a thermal expansion coefficient of the other of the first and second substrates, and at least one of the adhesive layer or the insulation layer comprises an organic material.
US08890319B2 Chip to package interface
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor package includes a semiconductor chip disposed within an encapsulant, and a first coil disposed in the semiconductor chip. A dielectric layer is disposed above the encapsulant and the semiconductor chip. A second coil is disposed above the dielectric layer. The first coil is magnetically coupled to the second coil.
US08890314B2 Package configurations for low EMI circuits
An electronic component includes a high voltage switching transistor encased in a package. The high voltage switching transistor comprises a source electrode, a gate electrode, and a drain electrode all on a first side of the high voltage switching transistor. The source electrode is electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of the package. Assemblies using the abovementioned transistor with another transistor can be formed, where the source of one transistor can be electrically connected to a conducting structural portion of a package containing the transistor and a drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the second conductive structural portion of a package that houses the second transistor. Alternatively, the source of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion, and the drain of the second transistor is electrically isolated from its conductive structural portion.
US08890296B2 Wafer level chip scale package
A semiconductor device, a method of manufacturing semiconductor devices and a circuit package assembly are described. A semiconductor device can have a semiconductor substrate with first and second surfaces and a sidewall between them. First and second conductive pads on the first and second surfaces are in electrical contact with corresponding first and second semiconductor device structures in the substrate. An insulator layer on the first surface and sidewall covers a portion of the first conductive pad on the first surface. An electrically conductive layer on part of the insulator layer on the first conductive pad and sidewall is in electrical contact with the second conductive pad. The insulator layer prevents the conductive layer from making electrical contact between the first and second conductive pads.
US08890295B2 Package for mounting a light emitting element including a flat plate-shaped electrode and method for manufacture
A package for mounting a light emitting element includes a housing and a flat plate-shaped electrode. The electrode is exposed from a lower surface of the housing. An upper surface of the electrode includes a mounting area on which the light emitting element is mounted. An insulator is arranged on the upper surface of the electrode. An element connector is connected to the insulator. A tubular reflective portion extends from the element connector to a height corresponding to the upper surface of the housing. A terminal is arranged on the side surface of the housing and connected to the reflective portion. A recess accommodates the light emitting element. The recess is formed in an upper portion of the housing, and the recess is formed by the upper surface of the electrode, the element connector, and the reflective portion.
US08890294B2 Stack semiconductor package and manufacturing the same
To manufacture a stack semiconductor package, a board mold covers a first semiconductor. The board mold includes a first face and a second face opposite to the first face. An active surface of the first semiconductor faces the second face. A first opening is formed in the board mold from the second surface. The first opening is disposed on the first semiconductor. A second opening penetrates the board mold from the first surface. A conductive metal layer fills the first and the second openings using an electroless plating method. A plurality of semiconductor devices is stacked on the first face of the board mold.
US08890287B2 Integrated nano-farad capacitors and method of formation
A high value capacitance per unit area capacitor is fabricated on a substrate 1 by converting a portion of a primary function anti-reflecting conducting layer 36 to a high value dielectric layer 37 by partially oxidizing the conducting layer to form the dielectric layer. The resultant combination is sandwiched between two metal layer electrodes 35 and 55 to complete the capacitor structure.
US08890279B2 Trench Schottky rectifier device and method for manufacturing the same
A trench Schottky rectifier device includes a substrate having a first conductivity type, a plurality of trenches formed in the substrate, and an insulating layer formed on sidewalls of the trenches. The trenches are filled with conductive structure. There is an electrode overlying the conductive structure and the substrate, and thus a Schottky contact forms between the electrode and the substrate. A plurality of embedded doped regions having a second conductivity type are formed in the substrate and located under the trenches. Each doped region and the substrate form a PN junction to pinch off current flowing toward the Schottky contact so as to suppress current leakage.
US08890277B2 Graphite and/or graphene semiconductor devices
Various embodiments are provided for graphite and/or graphene based semiconductor devices. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer and a semimetal stack. In another embodiment, the semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer and a zero gap semiconductor layer. The semimetal stack/zero gap semiconductor layer is formed on the semiconductor layer, which forms a Schottky barrier. In another embodiment, a semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor layers and a semimetal stack. In another embodiment, a semiconductor device includes first and second semiconductor layers and a zero gap semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer includes a first semiconducting material and the second semi conductor layer includes a second semiconducting material formed on the first semiconductor layer. The semimetal stack/zero gap semiconductor layer is formed on the second semiconductor layer, which forms a Schottky barrier.
US08890273B2 Methods and apparatus for an improved reflectivity optical grid for image sensors
An improved reflectivity optical grid for image sensors. In an embodiment, a backside illuminated CIS device includes a semiconductor substrate having a pixel array area comprising a plurality of photosensors formed on a front side surface of the semiconductor substrate, each of the photosensors forming a pixel in the pixel array area; an optical grid material disposed over a backside surface of the semiconductor substrate, the optical grid material patterned to form an optical grid that bounds each of the pixels in the pixel array area and extending above the semiconductor substrate, the optical grid having sidewalls and a top portion; and a highly reflective coating formed over the optical grid, comprising a pure metal coating of a metal that is at least 99% pure, and a high-k dielectric coating over the pure metal coating that has a refractive index of greater than about 2.0. Methods are also disclosed.
US08890272B2 Photodetector
A photodetector is provided, comprising: a radiation-absorbing semiconductor region and a collection semiconductor region separated by and each in contact with a barrier semiconductor region; wherein, at least in the absence of an applied bias voltage, the band gap between the valence band energy and the conduction band energy of the barrier semiconductor region is offset from the band gap between the valence band energy and the conduction band energy of the radiation-absorbing semiconductor region so as to form an energy barrier between the radiation-absorbing semiconductor region and the collection semiconductor region which resists the flow of minority carriers from the radiation-absorbing semiconductor region to the collection semiconductor region. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a photodetector.
US08890270B2 Photoelectric conversion device and method for manufacturing the photoelectric conversion device
It is aimed to provide a photoelectric conversion device having high reliability by reducing cracks occurring in a photoelectric conversion layer. Included is a laminate in which a substrate, a pair of electrodes located on the substrate with a gap therebetween, and a photoelectric conversion layer located in the gap and on the pair of electrodes are laminated, wherein each of the pair of electrodes includes a linear portion extending along the gap and a first projecting portion including a curved tip surface projecting from the linear portion toward the gap, the linear portion and the first projecting portion being alternately arranged along the gap.
US08890260B2 Polysilicon design for replacement gate technology
The present disclosure provides an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate; and a passive polysilicon device disposed over the semiconductor substrate. The passive polysilicon device further includes a polysilicon feature; and a plurality of electrodes embedded in the polysilicon feature.
US08890251B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, and a gate line, located over the substrate, which includes a first conductive layer and one or more second conductive pattern layers located in the first conductive layer. The second conductive pattern layer comprises a metal layer to thus reduce resistance of a gate line.
US08890250B2 Electrostatic discharge protection structure
An electrostatic discharge protection structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a first well region, a gate structure, a second well region, a second well region, a second conductive region, and a deep well region. The first well region contains first type conducting carriers. The second well region is disposed within the first well region, and contains second type conducting carriers. The first conductive region is disposed on the surface of the first well region, and contains the second type conducting carriers. The deep well region is disposed under the second well region and the first conductive region, and contacted with the second well region. The deep well region contains the second type conducting carriers.
US08890234B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device of an embodiment includes: a semiconductor layer; a tunnel insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer; an organic molecular layer that is formed on the tunnel insulating film, and includes first organic molecules and second organic molecules having a smaller molecular weight than the first organic molecules, the first organic molecules each including a first alkyl chain or a first alkyl halide chain having one end bound to the tunnel insulating film, the first organic molecules each including a charge storage portion bound to the other end of the first alkyl chain or the first alkyl halide chain, the second organic molecules each including a second alkyl chain or a second alkyl halide chain having one end bound to the tunnel insulating film; a block insulating film formed on the organic molecular layer; and a control gate electrode formed on the block insulating film.
US08890233B2 3D memory array with improved SSL and BL contact layout
A 3D memory device includes a plurality of ridges, in some embodiments ridge-shaped, in the form of multiple strips of conductive material separated by insulating material, arranged as bit lines which can be coupled through decoding circuits to sense amplifiers. The strips of conductive material have side surfaces on the sides of the stacks. A plurality of conductive lines arranged as word lines which can be coupled to row decoders, extends orthogonally over the plurality of stacks. The conductive lines conform to the surface of the stacks. Memory elements lie in a multi-layer array of interface regions at cross-points between side surfaces of the semiconductor material strips on the stacks and the conductive lines. The memory elements are programmable, like the anti-fuses or charge trapping structures. In some embodiments, the 3D memory is made using only two critical masks for multiple layers. Some embodiments include a staircase-shaped structure positioned at ends of the semiconductor material strips. Some embodiments include SSL interconnects on a metal layer parallel to the semiconductor material strips, and further SSL interconnects on a higher metal layer, parallel to the word lines.
US08890228B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device includes: a memory array on a first substrate; and a peripheral circuit on a second substrate, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate may be attached to each other so that the memory array and the peripheral circuit are electrically connected to each other.
US08890227B1 Memory cell
Implementations disclosed herein may relate to a memory cell, such as a DRAM memory cell, for example.
US08890226B2 Strained channel dynamic random access memory devices
DRAM trench capacitors formed by, inter alia, deposition of conductive material into a trench or doping the semiconductor region in which the trench is defined.
US08890224B2 Semiconductor structures having a metal-insulator-metal capacitor structure
A semiconductor structure includes a through-substrate-via (TSV) structure disposed in a substrate. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor structure is disposed over the substrate. A dual damascene structure disposed over and electrically coupled with the TSV structure, wherein the dual damascene structure includes a via portion and a trench portion A first dielectric layer is disposed around the via portion of the dual damascene structure. A second dielectric layer disposed around the trench portion of the dual damascene, wherein the second dielectric layer is disposed over the MIM capacitor structure.
US08890219B2 UTBB CMOS imager having a diode junction in a photosensitive area thereof
An image sensor device is provided, including at least one transistor lying on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate that includes a semi-conducting layer, in which a channel area of the transistor is disposed in a portion thereof, and an insulating layer separating the semi-conducting layer from a semi-conducting support layer, wherein the semi-conducting layer and the insulating layer extend beyond the channel area, and extend under at least a portion of source/drain regions of the transistor, wherein the semi-conducting support layer includes at least one photosensitive area including at least one P-doped region and at least one N-doped region forming a junction, the photosensitive area being disposed facing the transistor on a side of the channel area thereof and opposite a side of a gate electrode thereof, and wherein the insulating layer is configured to provide a capacitive coupling between the photosensitive area and the semi-conducting layer.
US08890195B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a stacked structural body, a first, a second and a third conductive layer. The stacked structural body includes first and second semiconductors and a light emitting layer provided therebetween. The second semiconductor layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the light emitting layer. The first conductive layer is transparent. The first conductive layer has a first major surface on a side opposite to the second semiconductor layer. The second conductive layer is in contact with the first major surface. The third conductive layer is in contact with the first major surface and has a reflectance higher than a reflectance of the second conductive layer. The third conductive layer includes an extending part extending in parallel to the first major surface. At least a portion of the extending part is not covered by the second conductive layer.
US08890192B2 Light emitting diode with sidewise light output structure and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a substrate, an electrode structure positioned on the substrate, an LED component electrically connected to the electrode structure, and a lens structure positioned on the substrate and covering the LED component. The lens structure includes a rugged structure adjacent to the substrate; the roughness of the rugged structure decreases gradually along a direction from a center of the lens structure center toward a peripheral edge thereof. The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing the LED light source.
US08890189B2 Wafer for LED mounting, method for manufacturing same, and LED-mounted structure using the wafer
Provided is a wafer for LED mounting having a small difference in thermal expansion coefficient from an LED and having excellent heat conductivity, a method for manufacturing the wafer for LED mounting, and an LED-mounted structure manufactured by using the wafer for LED mounting. The wafer for LED mounting (6) is constituted of a metal infiltrated ceramic composite (61) and a protective layer (62) that is formed therearound. The metal infiltrated ceramic composite (61) preferably has a thin metal layer (63) on a surface thereof. The method for manufacturing the wafer is characterized by comprising filling at least one selected from the group consisted of porous ceramic bodies, ceramic powder compacts and ceramic powders into a tubular body made of metal or ceramic, then impregnating a metal into the void of at least one selected from the group consisted of porous ceramic bodies, ceramic powder compacts and ceramic powders, and thereafter performing a process.
US08890187B2 Light-emitting device with an insulating partition
A low-power light-emitting device which can be manufactured in simple steps and is suitable for increasing definition and the size of a substrate is provided. The light-emitting device includes a layer for blocking visible light; a conductive layer that partly overlaps with the layer for blocking visible light; a color filter layer that includes an opening over the layer for blocking visible light; a first electrode layer for transmitting visible light that is connected to the conductive layer through the opening, over the color filter layer; an insulating partition over the first electrode layer overlapping with the opening; a layer containing an organic compound over the first electrode layer and the partition; and a second electrode layer over the layer containing an organic compound. The layer containing an organic compound includes a layer containing a donor substance and an acceptor substance and a layer containing a light-emitting organic compound.
US08890185B2 Nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting element
A nitride-based semiconductor light-emitting element disclosed in the present application includes: an active layer having a growing plane which is an m-plane and which is made of a GaN-based semiconductor; and at least one radiation surface at which light from the active layer is to be radiated. The radiation surface has a plurality of protrusions on the m-plane. A base of each of the plurality of protrusions is a region inside a closed curve, and a shape of the base has a major axis and a minor axis. An angle between the major axis and an extending direction of an a-axis of a crystal is not more than 45°.
US08890183B2 III-Nitride light-emitting devices with reflective engineered growth templates and manufacturing method
A light emitter includes a first mirror that is an epitaxially grown metal mirror, a second mirror, and an active region that is epitaxially grown such that the active region is positioned at or close to, at least, one antinode between the first mirror and the second mirror.
US08890163B2 Semiconductor device including metal silicide layer and method for manufacturing the same
A device formed from a method of fabricating a fine metal silicide layer having a uniform thickness regardless of substrate doping. A planar vacancy is created by the separation of an amorphousized surface layer of a silicon substrate from an insulating layer, a metal source enters the vacancy through a contact hole through the insulating later connecting with the vacancy, and a heat treatment converts the metal in the vacancy into metal silicide. The separation is induced by converting the amorphous silicon into crystalline silicon.
US08890161B2 Thin film transistor substrate and method for fabricating the same
The present invention relates to methods for fabricating a thin film transistor substrate.
US08890152B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
One object of the present invention is to provide a structure of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor in a channel formation region in which the threshold voltage of electric characteristics of the transistor can be positive, which is a so-called normally-off switching element, and a manufacturing method thereof. A second oxide semiconductor layer which has greater electron affinity and a smaller energy gap than a first oxide semiconductor layer is formed over the first oxide semiconductor layer. Further, a third oxide semiconductor layer is formed to cover side surfaces and a top surface of the second oxide semiconductor layer, that is, the third oxide semiconductor layer covers the second oxide semiconductor layer.
US08890149B2 Electro-luminescence display device
There is provided an electric device which can prevent a deterioration in a frequency characteristic due to a large electric power external switch connected to an opposite electrode and can prevent a decrease in the number of gradations. The electric device includes a plurality of source signal lines, a plurality of gate signal lines, a plurality of power source supply lines, a plurality of power source control lines, and a plurality of pixels. Each of the plurality of pixels includes a switching TFT, an EL driving TFT, a power source controlling TFT, and an EL element, and the power source controlling TFT controls a potential difference between a cathode and an anode of the EL element.
US08890120B2 Tunneling field effect transistors (TFETs) for CMOS approaches to fabricating N-type and P-type TFETs
Tunneling field effect transistors (TFETs) for CMOS architectures and approaches to fabricating N-type and P-type TFETs are described. For example, a tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) includes a homojunction active region disposed above a substrate. The homojunction active region includes a relaxed Ge or GeSn body having an undoped channel region therein. The homojunction active region also includes doped source and drain regions disposed in the relaxed Ge or GeSn body, on either side of the channel region. The TFET also includes a gate stack disposed on the channel region, between the source and drain regions. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric portion and gate electrode portion.
US08890117B2 Nanowire circuit architecture
A nanowire circuit architecture is presented. The technology comprises of nanowire transistors (8,9), and optionally nanowire capacitors (12) and nanowire resistors (11), that are integrated using two levels of interconnects only (1,2). Implementations of ring-oscillators, sample-and-hold circuits, and comparators may be realized in this nanowire circuit architecture. Circuit input and circuit output as well as the transistor connections within each circuit are provided in the two levels of interconnects (1,2).
US08890115B2 Stable and metastable nanowires displaying locally controllable properties
Vapor-liquid-solid growth of nanowires is tailored to achieve complex one-dimensional material geometries using phase diagrams determined for nanoscale materials. Segmented one-dimensional nanowires having constant composition display locally variable electronic band structures that are determined by the diameter of the nanowires. The unique electrical and optical properties of the segmented nanowires are exploited to form electronic and optoelectronic devices. Using gold-germanium as a model system, in situ transmission electron microscopy establishes, for nanometer-sized Au—Ge alloy drops at the tips of Ge nanowires (NWs), the parts of the phase diagram that determine their temperature-dependent equilibrium composition. The nanoscale phase diagram is then used to determine the exchange of material between the NW and the drop. The phase diagram for the nanoscale drop deviates significantly from that of the bulk alloy.
US08890110B2 Vertical memory device and method of fabricating the same
A vertical memory device capable of minimizing a cell size and improving current drivability and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The vertical memory device includes a common source region and source regions formed on the common source region and extending in a first direction. Channel regions are formed on each of the source regions, the channel regions extending in the first direction. Trenches are formed between the channel regions. A drain region is formed on each of the channel regions. A conductive layer is formed on a side of each of the channel regions, the conductive layer extending to the first direction. A data storage material is formed on each of the drain regions.
US08890101B2 Electromagnetic wave absorbing device
An electromagnetic wave absorbing device includes a ground layer formed of a metal conductor layer, a dielectric layer formed on the ground layer, and a unit cell pattern layer which is formed on the dielectric layer and made of resistive materials, wherein at least two electromagnetic bandgap-based unit cell patterns are periodically arranged on the unit cell pattern layer.
US08890099B2 Radiation source and method for lithographic apparatus for device manufacture
A radiation source for generating EUV from a stream of molten metal fuel droplets by LPP (Laser Produced Plasma) or (Dual Laser Plasma) has a fuel droplet generator arranged to provide a stream of droplets of fuel and at least one laser configured to vaporise at least some of said droplets of fuel, whereby radiation is generated. The fuel droplet generator has nozzle, fuel supply line, and reservoir, with a pumping device arranged to supply a flow of molten metal fuel from the reservoir through the fuel feed line and out of the nozzle as a stream of droplets. The fuel droplet generator has a replaceable filter assembly in the fuel feed line, arranged to filter the molten metal fuel in use, to deter nozzle blockage by solid particulate impurities in the fuel.
US08890096B2 Measuring/inspecting apparatus and measuring/inspecting method enabling blanking control of electron beam
Technique capable of achieving shortening of settling time, which is caused by ringing, etc. of a blanking control signal is provided. A measuring/inspecting apparatus is configured to have a main blanking unit and a correction blanking control unit as a high-speed switching control unit of an electron beam. During the period of switching of a main blanking control signal from ON to OFF, a correction blanking control signal is applied in real time in synchronization with the switching. The ringing caused by the main blanking are corrected so as to be cancelled out by that, the settling time is shortened as a result.
US08890091B2 Diamond tools
A method comprising: selecting a diamond material; irradiating the diamond material to increase toughness and/or wear resistance of the diamond material; and processing the diamond material into one or more diamond tool pieces, wherein the diamond material is selected from the group consisting of: a HPHT diamond material having a total equivalent isolated nitrogen concentration in the range 1 to 600 ppm; a CVD diamond material having a total equivalent isolated nitrogen concentration in the range 0.005 to 100 ppm; and a natural diamond material having a total nitrogen concentration in the range 1 to 2000 ppm, wherein the irradiating comprises controlling energy and dosage of irradiation to provide the diamond material with a plurality of isolated vacancy point defects, the isolated vacancy point defects having a concentration in a range 1×1014 to 1×1021 vacancies/cm−1.
US08890090B2 Line scanning apparatus utilizing irradiation position and stationary time for scanning control
The invention includes an irradiation nozzle which radiates a line scanning beam, an irradiation position sensor which detects an irradiation position of the line scanning beam, an arithmetic processing circuit unit which measures the stationary time of the line scanning beam at the irradiation position detected by the irradiation position sensor, and an irradiation control unit which performs scanning control of the line scanning beam by utilizing the irradiation position measured by the irradiation position sensor and the stationary time detected by the arithmetic processing circuit unit. According to this line scanning apparatus, scanning control of the line scanning beam is performed by utilizing the irradiation position of the beam and the stationary time corresponding to the irradiation position, so that irradiation of the beam to an erroneous position or excessive irradiation of the line scanning beam can be more reliably prevented, and thereby the reliability of the line scanning apparatus can be improved.
US08890081B2 High-sensitivity, high-speed continuous imaging system
A continuous imaging system for recording low levels of light typically extending over small distances with high-frame rates and with a large number of frames is described. Photodiode pixels disposed in an array having a chosen geometry, each pixel having a dedicated amplifier, analog-to-digital convertor, and memory, provide parallel operation of the system. When combined with a plurality of scintillators responsive to a selected source of radiation, in a scintillator array, the light from each scintillator being directed to a single corresponding photodiode in close proximity or lens-coupled thereto, embodiments of the present imaging system may provide images of x-ray, gamma ray, proton, and neutron sources with high efficiency.
US08890080B2 Detector module, light shielding member, radiation detecting apparatus, and radiation imaging apparatus
A detector module configured to be included in an array of a plurality of detector modules that form a radiation detector is provided. The detector module includes a light emitting element configured to emit fluorescence upon receiving radiation, a light receiving element configured to convert the fluorescence into an electrical signal, and at least one support member located on a side opposite from said light emitting element, said at least one support member configured to support a light shielding member which covers a gap formed between adjacent detector modules in the array.
US08890077B2 Remote detection of radiation
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of detecting inaccessible radiation sources by measuring corresponding ions and excited molecules created by radiation, using LIDAR technology. The LIDAR system of the present invention employs a pulsed laser transmitter, a telescope receiver, and associated control and acquisition systems. Light propagates out from the laser transmitted and is directed into the volume surrounding the radioactive source, or the “ion cloud.” The ion cloud absorbs the transmitted light, which induces the non-fluorescing ions to fluoresce. Light from the ion cloud is then backscattered and the telescope receiver subsequently collects the photons from the backscattered light. The intensity of the fluorescence (determined by the photon count) is measured, which provides an indication of the number density of the ionized atoms. Algorithms can then be used to relate the measured ionization rates to the source activity.
US08890072B2 Advance spatial and spectral target generation for hardware in the loop systems
A system comprises a micro-mirror device including a surface having a plurality of micro-mirrors movable to reflect light incident to the micro-mirrors in at least a first direction and a second direction, a control circuit configured to arrange the micro-mirrors to project a spatial image using the incident light and to generate spectral content for the formed spatial image, and a spectrometer circuit configured to extract spectral image information from the generated spectral content and provide the spectral image information to the control circuit. The spectral content includes light having one or more wavelengths outside a range of wavelengths for visible light, and the control circuit is configured to rearrange one or more micro-mirrors of the micro-mirror device to adjust spectral content based on the extracted spectral image information.
US08890071B2 Method for assembling and hermetically sealing an encapsulating package
A method of assembling and hermetically sealing a package including a side wall mounted on a substrate, with the space thus defined accommodating a component that operates in a controlled atmosphere, the space being closed off by a hermetic sealing cover mounted on said side wall. This method involves depositing a metallic connector element, also referred to as a brazing preform, on the upper face of the side wall; depositing the upper cover on, and in contact with, the brazing preform; subjecting the assembly thus obtained to the desired environment in terms of the kind of gas and operating pressure of the component; increasing the temperature to a value that is at least in excess of the melting temperature of the material that constitutes the brazing preform; then lowering said temperature in order to cause solidification of said brazing material and, consequently, sealing of the cover on the side wall.
US08890069B2 Method for detecting defect of substrate
A method for detecting defects includes irradiating at least one electron beam into a first region of a substrate, irradiating at least one electron beam into a second region electrically connected to the first region, and detecting secondary electrons emitted from the second region. The electron beam irradiated into the first region may be the same or different from the electron beam irradiated into the second region. Alternatively, different beams may be simultaneously irradiated into the first and second regions. An image generated based on the secondary electrons shows a defect in the substrate as a region having a grayscale difference with other regions in the image.
US08890060B2 Method of processing image charge/current signals
A method of processing an image charge/current signal representative of trapped ions undergoing oscillatory motion. The method includes applying a validity test to each of a plurality of peaks in the image charge/current signal in the frequency domain, wherein applying the validity test to a peak in the image charge/current signal in the frequency domain includes determining whether a phase angle associated with the peak meets a predetermined condition. The method also includes forming a new image charge/current signal that: includes data representative of one or more peaks that have passed the validity test; and excludes data representative of one or more peaks that have failed the validity test. The method may be performed by a mass spectrometry apparatus.
US08890053B2 Image sensor having an auxiliary amplification unit
Provided is an image sensor capable of supporting a high speed operation. The image sensor includes a plurality of sampling units sampling a pixel signal to output a sampled signal pair; an auxiliary amplification unit amplifying a signal of the sampled signal pair; and an amplification unit sensing a differential signal pair transmitted through the auxiliary amplification unit to generate output data.
US08890051B2 Integrating circuit and light-detection device
A photodetecting device 1 includes a photodiode PD and an integrating circuit 10. The integrating circuit 10 includes an amplifier circuit 20, a capacitive element C, a first switch SW1, and a second switch SW2. The second switch SW2 is provided between a reference potential input terminal to which a reference potential Vref is input and a terminal of the capacitive element C on the inverting input terminal side of the amplifier circuit 20, and the second switch is opened or closed according to the level of a second reset signal Reset2, and is capable of applying the reference potential Vref to the terminal of the capacitive element. Thus, an integrating circuit and a photodetecting device capable of achieving both low power consumption and high speed can be realized.
US08890042B2 Induction heating device, control method thereof, and control program thereof
The present invention includes: a plurality of induction heating coils (11, 12, 13) which are disposed adjacently; capacitors (21, 22, 23) each of which is connected in series thereto; a plurality of inverters (30, 35, 31) each of which applies a high frequency voltage converted from a DC voltage to each series resonant circuit of the induction heating coil and the capacitor; and a control circuit (50) which operates the plurality of the inverters with a same frequency and current synchronization, controls so that a phase difference becomes minimal at a specific inverter, which supplies the maximum power to the plurality of the induction heating coils, between the high frequency voltage generated therefrom, and a resonant current flowing the series resonant circuit, and set a DC power supply voltage Vdc applied to the plurality of the inverters so that the output voltages (Vinv) become greater than mutual induction voltages (Vm).
US08890041B2 Device for warming food by means of inductive coupling and device for transferring energy
A device wherein food can be warmed by means of induction, said device comprising at least one secondary coil which is formed from a current conductor, whereon at least one heating element is connected. The invention also relates to a device which is used to transfer energy in a device in order to warm food by means of induction, said device comprising a primary coil which is connected to a voltage source and which is formed from a current conductor. According to the invention, the primary and secondary coil is cast into a coil body by casting means, and the insulating casting means exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion which essentially corresponds to the coil body.
US08890034B2 Fire prevention device using sensor input parameters
‘Firevoider’ is a set of apparatus that combine and analyze electronic signals from Hall Effect sensors, current transformer, Pyroelectric infrared sensor, ionization chamber smoke sensor, to determine the imminence of fire hazard. On determination of the imminence of fire ‘Firevoider’ turns OFF the power to the range after pausing and sounding an alarm long enough to allow the cook to intervene. The various electronic circuitries are provided with stored charge powers back up to retain memory during power failures. In addition to the above features ‘Firevoider’ has a ‘Timer Mode Cooking’ feature that can automate cooking and save up to 40% power. ‘Firevoider’ does not interfere with cooking if the situation is safe or the cooking is attended. The apparatus for carrying out the various functions include, a smoke sensor to measure smoke level, a motion sensor that detects horizontal motion in the near vicinity of the range, a Hall sensor that measures power consumption by stove(s), a current transformer that determines the lower cut off level of power consumption by the range, a solid state relay to control power supply to the range, electronic circuitry to process signals, a set of two piezoelectric alarms to alarm the hazard status and indicate actions, a set of LED lamps to indicate various situations and status and suitable enclosure to accommodate the circuitry and sensing elements spread over four locations.
US08890031B2 MIG welder control system and method
A system for controlling a welding operation provides for open-loop control of voltage applied to a wire electrode during an initial arc initiation stage of operation. The voltage may be based upon an operator set voltage. Electrode wire feed speeds may be varied during the same period. The voltage may be changed, but still open-loop controlled after initial contact between the electrode and a workpiece. The control transitions from open-loop to closed loop following the arc initiation stage, which may be a fixed interval or varied based upon various factors. Closed-loop voltage control then ensues, in which voltage may be limited to values based upon the initial open-loop voltage. The voltage may be regulated by control of SCR firing angles, such as by reference to a zero-crossing of an input AC waveform.
US08890030B2 Hybrid welding apparatuses, systems and methods
Hybrid welding apparatuses include a laser that produces a leading laser beam, and, an arc welder that produces a trailing backhand weld arc, wherein the leading laser beam and the trailing backhand weld arc are directed towards a common molten pool, and wherein the trailing backhand weld arc trails the leading laser beam as the leading laser beam progresses in a weld direction.
US08890027B2 Laser processing method and laser processing system
An object to be processed 1 is irradiated with laser light L with a standard pulse waveform, so as to form a molten processed region 131, which has a larger size in the thickness direction of the object 1 and is easy to generate a fracture 24 in the thickness direction of the object 1, within a silicon wafer 111, and with laser light L with a retarded pulse waveform, so as to form a molten processed region 132, which has a smaller size in the thickness direction of the object 1 and is hard to generate the fracture 24 in the thickness direction of the object 1, within a silicon wafer 112.
US08890025B2 Method and apparatus to scribe thin film layers of cadmium telluride solar cells
A method of laser scribing a CdTe solar cell structure includes providing a laser operable to produce an optical pulse. The optical pulse is characterized by a temporal profile having a first power level during a first portion of the optical pulse and a second power level less than the first power level during a second portion of the optical pulse. The method also includes directing the optical pulse to impinge on the CdTe solar cell structure. The CdTe solar cell structure includes a substrate, a transmission spectrum control layer adjacent the substrate; a barrier layer adjacent the transmission spectrum control layer, and a conductive layer adjacent the barrier layer. The method further includes initiating a removal process for the conductive layer and terminating the removal process prior to removing the barrier layer.
US08890024B2 Annealing apparatus using two wavelengths of continuous wave laser radiation
A thermal processing apparatus and method in which a first laser source, for example, a CO2 emitting at 10.6 μm is focused onto a silicon wafer as a line beam and a second laser source, for example, a GaAs laser bar emitting at 808 nm is focused onto the wafer as a larger beam surrounding the line beam. The two beams are scanned in synchronism in the direction of the narrow dimension of the line beam to create a narrow heating pulse from the line beam when activated by the larger beam. The energy of GaAs radiation is greater than the silicon bandgap energy and creates free carriers. The energy of the CO2 radiation is less than the silicon bandgap energy so silicon is otherwise transparent to it, but the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by the free carriers.
US08890020B2 Expanded graphite foil heater tube assembly
A heater tube is provided for use in a method of producing a diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) tipped cutting tool by sintering a mass of crystalline particles to a metal carbide. The heater tube has a cylindrical shape and is comprised of a plurality of windings of an expanded graphite foil which are compressed together. In the method, a heater tube assembly is formed which comprises the metal carbide substrate positioned within the heater tube and a mass of diamond or CBN particles positioned within the heater tube adjacent the substrate. The method includes simultaneously applying sufficient levels of pressure to the heater tube assembly and sufficient levels of electrical current to the heater tube assembly for a sufficient amount of time to cause sintering of the crystalline particles and bonding to the substrate to form a diamond or CBN tipped cutting tool.
US08890008B2 Keyboard
An exemplary keyboard includes a keyboard shell; a supporting panel arranged to the keyboard shell and having a plurality of elastomer holes therein; a plurality of keycaps arranged on the corresponding elastomer holes; a plurality of keycap supports between the supporting panel and the corresponding keycaps; a plurality of elastomers through the corresponding elastomer holes and being exposed out of the supporting panel; light emitting members arranged on the light emitting substrate and corresponding to each of the keycap; and an FPC sheet arranged between the light emitting substrate and the supporting panel, the FPC sheet comprising a key signal pads corresponding to each of the elastomer holes; light emitting substrate arranged under the supporting panel; the cross-section area of the elastomer hole is greater than that of the elastomer.
US08890001B2 Wiring board and mounting structure using the same
A wiring board of the present invention includes a substrate including a woven fabric formed of a plurality of glass fibers and a resin covering the woven fabric; a plurality of through holes T penetrating through the substrate in a thickness direction thereof; and a plurality of through hole conductors adhered to inner walls of the through holes T respectively. The through holes T include a first through hole and a second through hole, and, in the woven fabric, the number of the glass fibers through which the first through hole penetrates is larger than the number of the glass fibers through which the second through hole penetrates. In the first and second through holes, portions thereof having narrowest widths are surrounded by the woven fabric, and the narrow width portion of the first through hole is smaller than the narrow width portion of the second through hole.
US08889997B2 Methods for improving corrosion resistance and applications in electrical connectors
A method of manufacturing an electrical conductor includes providing a substrate layer, depositing a graphene layer on the substrate layer and selectively depositing boundary cappings on defects of the graphene layer to inhibit corrosion of the substrate layer at the defects. Optionally, the boundary cappings may include nano-sized crystals deposited only at the defects. The selectively depositing may include electrodepositing boundary cappings on exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects. The selectively depositing may include reacting boundary capping material with exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects to deposit the boundary cappings only at the defects.
US08889996B2 Cable connection structure and cable connection method
A cable connection structure includes a cable and a substrate that includes a connection electrode to which the cable is connected. The substrate includes two or more protrusions that form a groove in which a conductor part of the cable is arranged. The height of the protrusions is greater than the diameter of the conductor part of the cable.
US08889994B2 Single-layered printed circuit board and manufacturing method thereof
A single layered printed circuit board and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method can include forming a bonding pad, a circuit pattern and a post on a surface of an insulation film, in which one end part of the post is electrically connected to at least a portion of the circuit pattern, pressing an insulator on the surface of the insulation film, in which the circuit pattern and the post are buried in the insulator, selectively etching the insulator such that the other end part of the post is exposed, and opening a portion of the insulation film such that at least a portion of the bonding pad is exposed.
US08889992B2 Strippable insulation shield for cables
Strippable semiconductive shields comprise a composition comprising in weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the composition: (A) 20 to 80% of an interpolymer of an olefin and an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl comonomer, (B) 1 to 90% chlorinated polyolefin, (C) 20 to 45% carbon black, (D) 0.1 to 5% antioxidant, (E) 0.01 to 5% acid scavenger stabilizer; (F) Optionally free radical initiator, (G) Optionally silane functionality, (H) Optionally a sulfur-containing curative, and (I) Optionally a radiation-cure catalyst.
US08889989B2 Elastomeric cable adapters for power transmission cables and cover assemblies and methods including the same
A cable adapter unit for building up an outer diameter of an electrical cable to facilitate fitment of a cold-shrinkable cover sleeve body on the electrical cable includes a cold-shrinkable, tubular, elastomeric cable adapter and a removable holdout. The cable adapter defines a cable adapter through passage configured to receive the electrical cable. The cable adapter includes: an integral, electrically conductive, tubular stress cone layer; and an electrically insulating, tubular outer layer integral with and surrounding the stress cone layer. The stress cone layer and the outer layer each define a portion of the through passage. The holdout is mounted within the through passage and is configured to be withdrawn therefrom. The holdout maintains the cable adapter in an expanded state in which the cable adapter is elastically expanded and, when withdrawn from the through passage, permits the cable adapter to radially contract to a contracted state about the electrical cable.
US08889986B2 Electrical filter housing kit and method of making an electrical filter
A filter housing having a first filter housing section extending around a first space with a first central axis, a second filter housing section extending around a second space with a second central axis, and a first coupler. The first and second filter housing sections are combined with the first coupler to produce the filter housing by connecting a first end of the first filter housing section and a first end of the second filter housing section to the first coupler into a first combined configuration to define a combined space to operatively support a printed circuit board extending into and continuously between the first and second spaces through the first coupler. The second end of the first filter housing section is configured to selectively operatively connect to either of a separate: a) end fitting for a cable; and b) a second coupler through which a printed circuit board can be directed.
US08889982B2 Concentrator for solar radiation and use thereof
The invention relates to a concentrator arrangement for solar radiation which has a beam splitter for deflecting solar radiation by means of total reflection. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for concentrating and converting solar energy which has such a concentrator and at least one device for the conversion of solar energy. Such devices for the conversion of solar energy are for example solar cells, solar modules or thermal solar collectors. The concentrators according to the invention are used for concentrating solar radiation just as in sun protection panels.
US08889979B2 Thick-film pastes containing lead—tellurium—lithium—titanium—oxides, and their use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices
The present invention provides a thick-film paste for printing the front side of a solar cell device having one or more insulating layers. The thick-film paste comprises an electrically conductive metal, and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide dispersed in an organic medium.
US08889977B1 Electrical pickup for stringed musical instrument
An electric pickup for stringed musical instruments for installation on a bridge that includes height-adjusting wheels for adjusting string height. The pickup includes three piezo-electric sensing elements symmetrically arranged around the adjuster stud, and the entire downward force generated by the strings and coupled to the instrument face through the bridge is borne by the piezo-electric elements.
US08889951B2 Herbicide resistant barley expressing mutant acetohydroxy acid synthase
The application discloses non-naturally occurring barley plants with increased resistance to herbicides, particularly imidazolinone herbicides. The imidazolinone resistance is conferred by mutant acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS), more particularly by AHAS with a SER653 mutation. Also disclosed are the barley seeds per se, an isolated nucleic acid incorporating the nucleic acid sequence conferring imidazolinone resistance, a method of inhibiting weed growth in the vicinity of a barley plant, an a method of growing a barley crop. Seeds have been deposited at NCIMB.
US08889949B2 Method for increasing resistance of monocot plants against abiotic stresses, TPSP fusion enzyme gene constructs, and transformants
The present invention relates to a method for increasing resistance of monocot plants against abiotic stress which comprises a step of transforming monocot plants with a recombinant plasmid containing a fused gene (TPSP) of trehalose-6-phosphate synthetase (TPS) gene and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) gene to express the TPSP gene while maintaining normal growth and development characteristics. The present invention can increase the resistance of monocot plants against various stresses so that it can greatly contribute to the improvement of production and quality of valuable agricultural crops. The present invention also relates to a transgenic monocot plant, plant cell, or protoplast transformed with a nucleic acid encoding an enzyme for trehalose biosynthesis, under control of an inducible promoter, that increases tolerance to low temperature, salt, and water stress.
US08889942B2 Integrated light olefin separation/cracking process
Systems and methods for producing a hydrocarbon are provided. The method can include separating a hydrocarbon comprising olefins and paraffins to produce an olefin-rich hydrocarbon comprising about 70 wt % or more olefins and a paraffin-rich hydrocarbon comprising about 70 wt % or more paraffins. The method can also include cracking at least a portion of the olefin-rich hydrocarbon in the presence of one or more catalysts at conditions sufficient to produce a cracked product comprising about 20 wt % or more C2-C3 olefins.
US08889941B2 Process for preparing lower olefins from an oxygenate
The invention relates to a process for preparing lower olefins from an oxygenate, the process comprising subjecting C4 hydrocarbons obtained in an oxygenate-to-olefins conversion step to extractive distillation to obtain a stream enriched in unsaturated C4 hydrocarbons comprising isobutene and n-butenes, and a stream enriched in saturated C4 hydrocarbons; converting the isobutene in the stream enriched in unsaturated C4 hydrocarbons into an alkyl tertiary butyl ether to obtain an isobutene-depleted unsaturated C4 hydrocarbon stream and alkyl tertiary-butyl ether; and recycling at least part of the isobutene-depleted unsaturated C4 hydrocarbon stream and/or at least part of the alkyl tertiary-butyl ether, optionally after conversion into tertiary butanol and/or isobutene, to the oxygenate-to-olefins conversion step.
US08889936B2 Method of regenerating ruthenium catalysts for the hydrogenation of benzene
The present patent application describes a method of regenerating a ruthenium catalyst for the hydrogenation of benzene, which comprises flushing the catalyst with inert gas in a regeneration step until the original activity or part of the original activity has been attained.
US08889935B2 Process for preparing 1-butene and a 1,3-butadiene derivative
A process for preparing 1-butene and a 1,3-butadiene derivative, containing the steps of a) non-oxidatively catalytically dehydrogenating a feedstock gas stream containing n-butane, hydrogen, other low-boiling secondary constituents and high boilers, to form a product mixture containing unreacted n-butane, 1-butene, 2-butenes, 1,3-butadiene, hydrogen, other low-boiling secondary constituents and high boilers; b) removing hydrogen, other low boilers and high boilers, to give a product mixture containing n-butane, 1-butene, two 2-butenes and 1,3-butadiene; c) reacting some of the 1,3-butadiene obtained in the removing b), to form a derivative; d) removing the 1,3-butadiene derivative obtained in the reacting c); e) selectively hydrogenating the 1,3-butadiene not derivatized in the reacting c), to form 1-butene; and f) distillatively removing 1-butene from the hydrocarbon stream obtained in the hydrogenating e), to leave a residual stream.
US08889929B2 Process to make 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene from 1,1,3-trichloropropene and/or 3,3,3-trichloropropene
Disclosed is a process for the synthesis of 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (HCC-1230xa) using 1,1,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240za) and/or 3,3,3-trichloropropene (HCC-1240zf) and Cl2 gas as the reactants, wherein the process takes place in a single reactor system. Before this invention, HCC-1230xa was made in a two-step process using HCC-1240za/HCC-1240zf and Cl2 gas, and the processing was conducted using two separate reactors.
US08889925B2 Process of fluorination in liquid phase
The present invention provides a process of fluorination in liquid phase in a solvent medium of a compound of formula (II) CX1X2═CZCX3X4X5, in which Z represents H, Cl or F, and each X1 represents independently hydrogen or chlorine, given that at least one of the X1 represents a chlorine.
US08889924B2 Process for the production of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
The present invention provides a simple three step process for the production of 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze). In the first step, carbon tetrachloride is added to vinyl fluoride to afford the compound CCl3CH2CHClF (HCFC-241fb). HCFC-241fb is then fluorinated with anhydrous HF to afford CF3CH2CHClF (HCFC-244fa) in the second step. Dehydrochlorination of HCFC-244fa, in the third step, affords the desired product, CF3CH═CHF (HFO-1234ze). Following similar chemistry, vinyl chloride may be used in place of vinyl fluoride.
US08889923B2 Synthesis of ethanol from biomass
A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over either cobalt and palladium supported on graphite or cobalt and platinum supported on silica selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.
US08889920B2 Process for preparing 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM) from para-cymene. The process for preparing 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM) comprises an electrochemical process for preparing a mixture of 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde dimethyl acetal and 4-(1-alkoxy-1-methylethyl)benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal, and intermediates passed through in the process, a hydrolysis step to form the corresponding benzaldehydes and a hydrogenation of this mixture to form 4-isopropylcyclohexylmethanol (IPCHM).
US08889919B2 Cyclic compound, process for production of the cyclic compound, radiation-sensitive composition, and method for formation of resist pattern
A cyclic compound represented by formula (1): wherein L, R1, R′, and m are as defined in the specification. The cyclic compound of formula (1) is highly soluble to a safety solvent, highly sensitive, and capable of forming resist patterns with good profile. Therefore, the cyclic compound is useful as a component of a radiation-sensitive composition.
US08889910B2 Activated base metal catalysts
Nitro-compounds are hydrogenated with an activated Ni catalyst that has an average particle size (APS) less than 25 μm and is doped with one or more elements from the list of Mg, Ce, Ti, V, Nb, Cr, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au and Bi via its/their addition to the alloy before activation and/or doped with one or more elements from the list of Mg, Ce, Ti, V, Nb, Cr, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au and Bi by their adsorption onto the surface of the activated catalyst. This invention also includes the hydrogenation of nitro-compounds with an activated Ni catalyst that has and APS less than 20 μm and is doped with one or more elements from the list of Mg, Ce, Ti, V, Nb, Cr, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Tr, Pt, Pd, Mo, Cu, Ag, Au and Bi via its/their addition to the alloy before activation and/or doped with one or more elements from the list of Mg, Ce, Ti, V, Nb, Cr, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Cu, Pd, Pt, Mo, Ag, Au and Bi by their adsorption onto the surface of the activated catalyst.
US08889907B2 Process for production of amide compounds
The present invention provides a method for producing an amide compound from a nitrile compound using a biocatalyst that realizes low cost, energy saving and low environmental burdens. The production method of the amide compound of the present invention is a method for producing an amide compound from a nitrile compound using a biocatalyst in a reactor, wherein the nitrile compound is reacted with the biocatalyst to produce the amide compound under such stirring conditions that the stirring power requirement is in the range of 0.08 to 0.7 kW/m3.
US08889906B2 Tetralin and indane derivatives and uses thereof
Compounds of the formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein m, p, q, Ar, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. Also provided are methods for preparing, compositions comprising, and methods for using compounds of formula I.
US08889905B2 Process for preparing formic acid
Process for obtaining formic acid by thermal separation of a stream comprising formic acid and a tertiary amine (I), in which a liquid stream comprising formic acid and tertiary amine (I) is produced by combining tertiary amine (I) and a formic acid source, secondary components comprised therein are separated off, formic acid is removed by distillation from the resulting liquid stream in a distillation apparatus, where the bottom output from the distillation apparatus is separated into two liquid phases, and the upper liquid phase is recirculated to the formic acid source and the lower liquid phase is recirculated to the separation of the secondary components and/or to the distillation apparatus, wherein low boilers are removed by distillation from the upper liquid phase and recirculated to the depleted stream.
US08889902B2 Acetylsalicylic acid salts
Novel betaine salts of acetylsalicylic acid, namely 4-trimethylammoniobutanoate acetylsalicylic acid addition salt (gamma-butyrobetaine acetylsalicylate), L-carnitine acetylsalicylic acid addition salt and 3-(trimethylammonioamino)propanoate (meldonium) acetylsalicylic acid addition salt. Use of meldonium acetylsalicylate as antiplatelet agent for treating various pathologies induced by platelet aggregation, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic agent.
US08889882B2 Process for preparing biphenyl imidazole compounds
The invention provides processes for preparing intermediates useful for preparing compounds of the formula: or a salt thereof, where R1-3 are as defined in the specification.
US08889880B2 Processes for preparing tubulysins
Tubulysins are a series of naturally occurring cytotoxic agents that are of interest as anticancer therapeutic agents. Processes and intermediates useful for preparing naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring tubulysins and analogs and derivatives thereof are described.
US08889863B2 Stereoselective methods, catalysts and intermediates for the synthesis of (−)-Nutlin-3 and related compounds
The present invention provides methods and intermediates are provided for the preparation of (−)-Nutlin-3. Methods and intermediates are also provided for the enantioselective addition of aryl nitromethanes to aldimines. Bis(amidine) catalysts for the use in these and other reactions are also provided.
US08889856B2 Tetrahydropyrrolothiazine compounds
The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: wherein A is selected from the group consisting of; R1 is H or F; R2 is H, —CH2OH, C1-C3 alkyl, R3 is H, F, or CN; R4 is H, F; or CN; and R5 is H, —CH3, or —OCH3; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US08889855B2 Preparation of maytansinoid esters
Provided are efficient methods for direct coupling of a maytansinoid with a carboxylic acid to prepare a maytansinoid C-3 ester in high yield using a rare earth metal-based or trifluoromethanesulfonate-based Lewis acid catalyst and a base together with a coupling reagent. Also provided are compositions used in such methods.
US08889853B2 Process for the preparation of disaccharides applied to heparin pentasaccharides
The invention provides an intermediate and the process for making the same. This intermediate is useful in the process for making polysaccharides, and more particularly fondaparinux.
US08889843B2 Nucleic acid synthesizing dimer amidite and nucleic acid synthesizing method
To provide an excellent dimer amidite which can be subjected to purification, preferably, whose protective groups can be removed under mild conditions, and a method for synthesizing a nucleic acid using the dimer amidite, a dimer amidite having a structure represented by the following General Formula (1) and a method for synthesizing a nucleic acid including performing condensation reaction of the dimer amidite are provided: wherein in General Formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently represent any one of groups selected from General formulas (2) to (4) and Structural Formulas (12) to (15) with a compound where R1 and R2 are each represent Structural Formulas (12) being excluded:  and wherein in the General Formulas (2) to (4), R3 represents any one group represented by the following Structural Formulas (16) to (25):
US08889835B2 Polymeric carriers of therapeutic agents and recognition moieties for antibody-based targeting of disease sites
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for delivery of therapeutic agents to target cells, tissues or organisms. In preferred embodiments, the therapeutic agents are delivered in the form of therapeutic-loaded polymers that may comprise many copies of one or more therapeutic agents. In more preferred embodiments, the polymer may be conjugated to a peptide moiety that contains one or more haptens, such as HSG. The agent-polymer-peptide complex may be delivered to target cells by, for example, a pre-targeting technique utilizing bispecific or multispecific antibodies or fragments, having at least one binding arm that recognizes the hapten and at least a second binding arm that binds specifically to a disease or pathogen associated antigen, such as a tumor associated antigen. Methods for synthesizing and using such therapeutic-loaded polymers and their conjugates are provided.
US08889832B2 Antibodies inhibiting c-Met dimerization, and uses thereof
The present inventions relates to a process for the selection of anti c-Met antibodies capable to inhibit both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent activation of c-Met. More particularly, said process is based on the inhibition of the c-Met dimerization. In another aspect, the present invention concerns such antibodies and compositions comprising such antibodies for the preparation of a medicament to treat cancer. Diagnosis process and kits are also part of the invention.
US08889830B2 Hemoglobin-albumin complex, and artificial plasma expander and artificial oxygen carrier containing the complex
A novel hemoglobin-albumin complex which has high stability of the oxygenated form, has high biocompatibility, and is easily prepared (synthesized), and an artificial plasma expander and an artificial oxygen carrier containing the complex are provided. The hemoglobin-albumin complex of the invention is characterized by having hemoglobin as the core, and albumin as the shell bound via a crosslinker to the above hemoglobin. Also, the artificial oxygen carrier of the invention is characterized by containing the hemoglobin-albumin complex of the invention.
US08889824B2 Grafted poly(arylsulfone) and a process for grafting a poly(arylsulfone)
The invention relates to a poly(arylsulfone), the poly(arylsulfone) having an aryl group grafted with a covalently attached substituent of the Formula (I): The invention also relates to a process for grafting a poly(arylsulfone), in the presence of an enzyme, for the preparation of said grafted poly(arylsulfone). The poly(arylsulfone) according to the invention shows beneficial properties for application in a membrane. The invention therefore further relates to a membrane comprising a poly(arylsulfone) according to the invention, and to the use of a poly(arylsulfone) according to the invention in a separation process. In addition, the invention relates to a polymer blend and a copolymer comprising a grafted poly(arylsulfone) according to the invention, and to a membrane comprising such polymer blend or copolymer.
US08889822B2 Copolymers comprising polyamide blocks and polyether blocks and having improved mechanical properties
The invention relates to a process for producing a shaped article having excellent mechanical properties, said article comprising a block copolymer PAX.Y/PE comprising polyamide (PA) blocks alternating with polyether (PE) blocks, prepared from homopolyamide blocks PAX.Y by polycondenstation of linear aliphatic diamines where PAX.Y is selected from the group consisting of PA 10,12; PA 6,18; PA 10,14; and PA 12.12, reacted with polyether PE blocks in the presence of a catalyst to produce a block copolymer PAX.Y/PE, wherein said PE blocks are either PE diols, or PE blocks comprising NH2 ends. The articles formed are either a fabric, film, sheet, rod, pipe, injection-molded component, or a shoe sole; the copolymer PAX.Y/PE has an improved flexural modulus of at least 300 MPa greater than a copolymer polyamide 12/polytetrametylene with the same size of PA block and with the same size of PE block respectively.
US08889821B2 Polyester amide compound
A polyester amide compound having a polycarboxylic acid unit in an amount of 25 to 50 mol %, the polycarboxylic acid unit containing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid unit represented by the following formula (I) in an amount of 70 mol % or more; a polyhydric alcohol unit in an amount of 25 to 50 mol %, the polyhydric alcohol unit containing an aliphatic diol unit represented by the following formula (II) in an amount of 70 mol % or more; and a structural unit represented by the following formula (III) in an amount of 0.1 to 50 mol %: wherein, in formula (I), Ar represents an arylene group; in formula (II), X represents a C2 to C20 alkylene group; and in formula (III), R represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group.
US08889816B2 Method for preparing phosphorus-containing polyphenylene oxide resin with low molecular weight
Disclosed is a method for preparing a phosphorus-containing polyphenylene oxide resin with a low molecular weight, comprising the steps of: step 1: providing a phosphorus-containing phenolic compound and a raw polyphenylene oxide resin having a number-average molecular weight of more than 10000; step 2: dissolving the raw polyphenylene oxide resin into a solvent to make a solution of the raw polyphenylene oxide resin; step 3: adding the phosphorus-containing phenolic compound into the solution of the raw polyphenylene oxide resin; step 4: introducing an initiator, and carrying out a re-dispersing reaction at a reaction temperature of above 60° C. under the effect of the initiator; and step 5: after the reaction is finished, the product obtained being phosphorus-containing polyphenylene oxide resin with a low molecular weight, the number-average molecular weight thereof being 1000-6000. By dispersing the phosphorus-containing phenolic compound into the solution of polyphenylene oxide resin, and carrying out the re-dispersing reaction in the presence of the initiator to prepare the phosphorus-containing polyphenylene oxide resin with a low molecular weight, the obtained phosphorus-containing polyphenylene oxide resin with a low molecular weight is convenient to process, and suitable for use as the matrix resin of composite materials for high-frequency circuit boards or as an additive component for other polymeric materials.
US08889815B2 Reinforced polyurethanes and poly(ureaurethane)s, methods of making the same and articles prepared therefrom
The present invention provides polyurethane composition including: (a) at least one polyurethane including a reaction product of components comprising: (i) at least one polyisocyanate; (ii) at least one branched polyol having 4 to 18 carbon atoms and at least 3 hydroxyl groups; and (iii) at least one diol having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; and (b) at least one reinforcement material selected from the group consisting of polymeric inorganic materials, nonpolymeric inorganic materials, polymeric organic materials, nonpolymeric organic materials, composites thereof, and combinations thereof; coatings and articles made therefrom and methods of making the same.
US08889812B2 Aqueous silane systems based on tris(alkoxysilylalkyl)amines and the use thereof
The invention relates to an aqueous composition based on tris-silylated amino-functional silicon compounds, which is substantially free of organic solvents and which substantially does not release any alcohol even during the cross-linking process, and to method for the production thereof, and to the use thereof, for example for the hydrophobization of metal, glass or mineral surfaces, such as concrete and bricks, as adhesion promoter or for rock consolidation, among other things.
US08889809B2 Cycloalkyl group-containing silicone resin composition and a method of using the same
One object of the present invention is to provide a silicone resin composition having remarkably low gas permeability which is useful for a purpose requiring lower gas permeability. Further, another object of the present invention is to provide an optical semiconductor device provided with a cured product obtained by curing the silicone resin composition which has discoloration resistance, durable reflection efficiency and high reliability. The present invention provides a silicone resin composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule, and is represented by the average compositional formula (1), (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two hydrogen atoms bonded to a silicon atom, and is represented by the average compositional formula (2), (C) a catalytic amount of a curing catalyst, and (D) 0.001 to 3 parts by mass of an antioxidant, relative to a total 100 parts by mass of components (A) and (B). The silicone resin composition contains a mixture of three dimensional organopolysiloxanes and linear organopolysiloxanes having alkenyl groups and requires at least 20 to 80 mass %, based on total of (A) and (B), of cycloalkyl groups.
US08889798B2 Paint composition
The present invention relates to a paint composition comprising a component A, being a basic binder, and a component B, being an isocyanate compound. The present invention also relates to the use of the present paint composition as a paint or top coat. The present invention moreover relates to an object of which at least one surface is coated with at least one layer of the present paint composition.
US08889790B2 Polycarbonate resin composition and molded article thereof
The present invention relates to a polycarbonate resin composition, comprising: a polycarbonate resin containing a structural unit derived from a dihydroxy compound having a moiety represented by the following formula (1) [provided that a case where the moiety represented by formula (1) is a moiety constituting —CH2—O—H is excluded]; and an elastomer composed of a core●shell structure, wherein a core layer of the elastomer is composed of a butadiene-styrene copolymer, and a polycarbonate resin molded article obtained by molding the polycarbonate resin composition: CH2—O  (1).
US08889782B2 Peelable protective film and composition thereof
A peelable protective film having perfect adhesion for providing temporary protection to objects is disclosed, which protective film having a peel strength ranging between 35 and 100 g/cm is capable of being easily peeled off from an adhered object and without leaving any residual adhesive; a composition containing a vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, a high-molecular-weight emulsified, polymerized PVC powder, a low-molecular-weight emulsified, polymerized PVC powder, a trimellitate plasticizer, a diisobutyrate-based plasticizer, a phenol-free Ca—Zn stabilizer, fumed silica, aluminum hydroxide, barium sulfate and calcium carbonate is so suited for making the peelable protective film having a thixotropic index ranging between 2.00 and 2.20.
US08889781B2 Recycled thermoplastic with toughener
Disclosed is a thermoplastic composition including a) a recycled thermoplastic including polyamide resin, polyolefin and mineral filler, wherein the recycled thermoplastic includes at least 60 weight percent content of recycled polyamide selected from the group consisting of polyamide 66, polyamide 6, blends of polyamide 66 and polyamide 6, and copolymers having repeat units of polyamide 66 and polyamide 6; and at least 1 weight percent content of polyolefin; b) polymer toughener, wherein the polymer toughener includes at least 50 to 85 weight percent non-functionalized rubber and 15 to 50 weight percent of a functionalized rubber; and c) 10 to 50 reinforcing agent having a minimum aspect ratio of 3; and molded articles manufactured therefrom.
US08889780B2 Quick-drying coating compounds
The present invention relates to quick-drying two-component polyurethane coating compositions, to processes for preparing them, and to their use.
US08889777B2 Engineered earthen recreational and sport surface
A composition for use as a sport or recreational surface includes about 88 to 90 percent by weight of a sand blend that is formed of at least three different sands mixed together, the sand blend including a first sand that is represents a majority by weight of the sand blend and has a clay/silt content of at least 1% by weight; about 5-7 percent by weight of a hydrocarbon wax; at least about 2 percent by weight of polymeric material; and at least about 3 percent by weight of rubber, the percentage by weight of each ingredient being based on the total weight of the composition.
US08889771B2 Use of molecules carrying associative groups as plasticisers
The invention relates to the field of plasticizers, compounds used as additives in polymers for facilitating the transformation thereof or modifying the mechanical properties thereof especially rigidity.
US08889770B2 Brominated flame retardant, antimony oxide free polymer formulations
Antimony free flame retardant compositions are prepared by combining a polymer resin, certain halogenated polyphenylene ether flame retardants and a non-brominated phenoxy oligomer or polymer such as a poly-phenylene ether, aryloxyester, or aryloxycarbonate. The present antimony free flame retardant compositions also typically have more desirable physical properties than similar compositions comprising antimony trioxide and other flame retardant. In particular embodiments, ATO free flame retardant HIPS and PC/ABS compositions are provided.
US08889765B2 Water-absorbing material having a coating of elastic film-forming polyurethane with high wicking and high permeability
The invention relates to a process for producing a water-absorbing material by coating water-absorbing polymer particles with a film-forming polyurethane and silica, heat treating the coated particles and coating the heat-treated particles with pyrogenic hydrophilic silica. The invention further relates to the water-absorbing material obtainable according to the process of the invention. The water-absorbing material has improved wicking ability (FHA) and core shell saline flow conductivity (CS-SFC).
US08889763B2 Ink jet ink, ink jet recording method, and ink cartridge
To provide an ink jet ink capable of achieving both high colorability and excellent bleeding resistance of an image and having excellent storage stability, provided is an ink jet ink including at least a pigment and a star polymer having a structure represented by at least one formula selected from the group consisting of the following general formulae (1) to (3). R1—(S—R1′)n1  General formula (1) R2—(X—S—R2′)n2  General formula (2) R3—(O—X—S—R3′)n3  General formula (3)
US08889757B2 Oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric material
The present invention relates to methods for making oxidation resistant homogenized polymeric materials and medical implants that comprise polymeric materials, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making antioxidant-doped medical implants, for example, doping of medical devices containing cross-linked UHMWPE with vitamin E by diffusion and annealing the anti-oxidant doped UHMWPE in a super critical fluid, and materials used therein.
US08889755B2 Low melt flow branched lonomers
Embodiments of the present invention include a branched aromatic ionomer, and a process of making it, by co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer represented by the general formula: [R-AZ]y-MX wherein R is a hydrocarbon chain having from 2 to 40 carbons and at least one polymerizable unsaturation; A is an anionic group; M is a cationic group; Z is −1 or −2; X is +1, +2, +3, +4, or +5; and y is an integer having a value of from 1 to 4. The branched aromatic ionomer has a melt flow index ranging from 1.0 g/10 min. to 13 g/10 min. Optionally the melt flow index ranges from 1.3 g/10 min. to 1.9 g/10 min.
US08889753B2 Blownfilm grade showing superior stiffness, transparency and processing behaviour
Extrusion blown film comprising a polypropylene composition, said polypropylene composition comprises a random propylene copolymer, a high melt strength polypropylene, a polypropylene and optionally a clarifier, wherein • the random propylene copolymer comprises units derived from propylene and at least another C2 to C20 α-olefin, • the high melt strength polypropylene has a branching index g′ of less than 1.0, the polypropylene (B) has a MFR2 (230° C.) of at least 400 g/10 min, • the clarifier comprises at least one α-nucleating agent, and wherein further • the branching index g′ of the random propylene copolymer and the branching index g′ of the polypropylene are higher than the branching index g′ of the high melt strength polypropylene, • the random propylene copolymer has lower melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) than the polypropylene, • the extrusion melt blown film and/or the polypropylene composition (i) fulfill(s) the equation (I) Tm−Tc<30 (I) wherein Tm is the melting tempareture [° C.] making up more than 50% of the total melting enthalpy Hm of the extrusion melt blown film or of the polypropylene composition; Tc is the crystallization temperature [° C.] of the extrusion melt blown film or of the polypropylene composition; and/or (ii) has (have) a melt flow rate MFR2 (230° C.) of 1.0 to 5.5 g/10 min.
US08889748B2 Process for producing expandable styrene polymer compositions
A composition comprising at least one expandable styrene polymer component and at least one cyclohexanecarboxylic ester and also optionally further components can be processed to mechanically robust foam materials.
US08889747B2 Fischer Tropsch reactor with integrated organic rankine cycle
A process for recovering heat uses a product stream from a Fischer Tropsch synthesis reactor as the coolant in the same Fischer Tropsch reactor. This stream is then used as the working fluid in an associated organic Rankine cycle. In this manner, the waste heat from the Fischer Tropsch reactor can be efficiently converted into shaft work within the Fischer Tropsch plant. The Fischer Tropsch fluid can then be recycled into the plant product stream.
US08889743B2 Inhibition of filovirus entry into cells and uses thereof
The present invention discloses method to treat infections caused by filovirus. Such a method comprises blocking the PI3 kinase pathway or the calcium-associated pathway at the gene or protein level. Also disclosed herein are the compounds useful in the treatment of filoviral infection.
US08889738B2 Amido-amine polymer compositions
Compounds, polymers, crosslinked polymers and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same may be derived from multi-amine monomers and multi-functional monomers having two or more amine reactive groups. Such compounds, polymers, crosslinked polymers and compositions may be used to treat hyperphosphatemia or to remove ions from the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans.
US08889732B2 Fused heterocyclic compounds and thrombopoietin receptor activators
Fused heterocyclic compounds useful for prevention, treatment or improvement of diseases against which activation of the thrombopoietin receptor is effective are provided.A compound represented by the formula (I) (wherein R1 is an aryl group fused to a saturated ring or the like, A, B, L1, R2, L2, L3, Y, L4, R3 and X are defined in the description), a tautomer, prodrug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound or a solvate thereof.
US08889729B2 Compositions for treating amyloid associated diseases
Indole derivatives, compositions including same, and methods utilizing same for the treatment of amyloid associated diseases, such as type II diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's dementia or diseases, systemic and localized amyloidosis, and prion-related encephalopathies are provided.
US08889722B2 Pharmaceutical composition containing optically active compound having thrombopoietin receptor agonist activity, and intermediate therefor
An optically active 4-phenylthiazole derivative having a thrombopoietin receptor agonist activity and a pharmaceutical composition containing the present compound as an active ingredient are created, and a platelet production regulating agent which can be orally administered is provided.Disclosed is a pharmaceutical composition containing, as an active ingredient, an optically active compound represented by the formula: wherein, R1 is a halogen atom or C1-C3 alkyloxy; R2 is C1-C8 alkyl; R3 is C1-C8 alkyl; R4 and R5 are each independently a fluorine atom or chlorine atom; R6 is C1-C3 alkyl or C1-C3 alkyloxy; * indicates that a carbon atom marked with an asterisk is an asymmetric carbon, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a solvate thereof.
US08889720B2 Non-flushing niacin analogues, and methods of use thereof
One aspect of the present invention relates to substituted pyridines and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are active against a range of mammalian maladies. Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also relates to methods of treating a range of mammalian maladies or conditions, including but not limited to hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, angina, pellagra, Hartnup's syndrome, carcinoid syndrome, arterial occlusive disease, obesity, hypothyroidism, vasoconstriction, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, lipodystrophy, or dyslipidemia, raising serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and lowering serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
US08889716B2 Transglutaminase TG2 inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use thereof
Certain compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts are provided herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt therein and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain disease states responsive to the inhibition of transglutaminase TG2 activity are described. These disease states include neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease. Also described are methods of treatment include administering at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as a single active agent or administering at least one compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents.
US08889715B2 Substituted pyridoxine-lactam carboxylate salts
The present invention provides salt adducts comprising at least one positively charged moiety being a pyridoxine or a derivative thereof and at least one carboxylated 5- to 7-membered lactam ring, optionally additionally substituted, methods of their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising them. Salt adducts of the invention and compositions comprising them may be used to in the treatment of diseases or disorders associated with or inflicted by alcohol consumption.
US08889705B2 Noscapine analogs and their use in treating cancers
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. The compounds are noscapine analogs. The compounds and compositions can be used to treat and/or prevent a wide variety of cancers, including drug resistant cancers. While the antitussive plant alkaloid, noscapine, binds tubulin, displays anticancer activity, and has a safe pharmacological profile in humans, structure-function analyzes pointed to a proton at position 9 of the isoquinoline ring that can be modified without compromising tubulin binding activity. Noscapine analogs with various functional moieties at position 9 on the isoquinoline ring kill human cancer cells resistant to other anti-microtubule agents, such as vincas and taxanes.
US08889696B2 Substituted pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-ones and therapeutic uses thereof
Compounds useful as antiproliferative agents according to Formula (I), wherein n, A, R1, R2, and Ar1 are as defined herein, and salts thereof; antibody conjugates, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, and synthetic methods are provided.
US08889694B2 N-alkoxyamides of 6-(substituted phenyl)-4-aminopicolinates and 2-(substituted phenyl)-6-amino-4-pyrimidinecarboxylates and their use as selective herbicides for crops
N-Alkoxyamides of 4-aminopicolinic acids and 6-amino-4-pyrimidinecarboxylates are selective herbicides for corn, canola and sugar beet.
US08889686B2 Method of decreasing the bitterness of a pharmaceutical dosage form containing zopiclone
L malate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are disclosed for decreasing the bitterness of eszopiclone dosage forms
US08889661B2 Treatment of lupus nephritis using laquinimod
This invention provides a method of treating a subject afflicted with active lupus nephritis comprising periodically administering to the subject an amount of laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof effective to treat the subject. This invention also provides laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in treating a subject afflicted with active lupus nephritis. This invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an amount of laquinimod or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in treating a subject afflicted with active lupus nephritis.
US08889657B2 Nanoparticle PEG modification with H-phosphonates
The present invention provides phosphonate conjugates and methods of preparing the phosphonate conjugates so as to allow, for example, improved methods and compounds for modifying the surface of a nanoparticle to increase in vivo circulation times and targeted delivery performance.
US08889642B2 Methods and compositions for RNAi-based cancer treatment
The present invention generally concerns methods and compositions for treating mutated K-ras expressing cancers.
US08889639B2 Compositions and methods for modulating PGC-1β to treat lipid-related diseases and disorders
The present invention provides methods for treating lipid-related diseases and disorders, e.g., hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type II diabetes, and for modulating lipid biosynthesis, lipid transport, plasma triglyceride levels and/or plasma cholesterol levels, by modulating the expression or activity of PGC-1β. Methods for identifying compounds which are capable of treating or preventing a lipid-related disease or disorder are also described.
US08889632B2 Stabilized p53 peptides and uses thereof
Cross-linked peptides related to human p53 and bind to HMD2 or a family member of HDM2 useful for promoting apoptosis, e.g., in the treatment of and identifying therapeutic agents that binding to HMD2 or a family member of HDM2.
US08889631B2 Disruptors of early/recycling endosomes
A delivery system for introducing a cargo molecule into cytosol of a living cell can include: a first membrane binding element linked to an endosomal compartment disrupting element through a first linker having one or more anionic moieties; and a second membrane binding element linked to an exogenous cargo molecule through a second linker having one or more anionic moieties, the second linker having a region that is selectively cleavable, wherein the first and second membrane binding elements both induce endocytosis into an early/recycling endosome and the endosomal compartment disrupting element destabilizes the early/recycling endosome such that the exogenous cargo molecule is released from the second membrane binding element and into the cytosol of the living cell.
US08889629B2 Use of a cyclic undecapeptide for the preparation of a medicament for administration during myocardial ischaemic events
The invention relates to the use of a cyclic undecapeptide, with the structure in formula (I), for the preparation of a medicament for administration during a myocardial ischaemic event.
US08889617B2 Liquid food composition
Provided is a liquid food composition capable of semi-solidifying in the stomach, which is a one-pack type product containing a water-soluble dietary fiber preliminarily added thereto and in the form of a liquid that can be easily taken, and stably sustains the liquid nature thereof during distribution and storage. The liquid food composition, which is capable of semi-solidifying in an acidic region, comprises a water-soluble dietary fiber (a), a specific metal compound (b), a protein (c) and an emulsifier (d), and the particle size distribution of particles contained in said liquid food composition shows two or more peaks in a neutral region.
US08889611B2 Bleach catalyst compounds, method for the production thereof and use thereof
The invention relates to compounds in solid form, containing a) one or more manganese complex compounds of the general formula (1), where M is independently selected from manganese in the III or IV oxidation state, X is independently a co-ordinating or bridging species selected from H2O, O22−, O2−, O2−, OH−, HO2−, SH−, S2−, SO, Cl−, N3−, SCN−, N3−, RCOO−, NH2− and NR3, where R is a radical selected from H, alkyl and aryl, L are independently organic ligands, each of which contains at least two nitrogen atoms co-ordinated on manganese, z is an integer from −4 to +4, Y is a monovalent or multivalent counter-ion selected from chloride, sulphate, hydrogen sulphate, nitrate and acetate, which leads to charge neutrality of the complex, and q is an integer from 1 to 4, and b) one or more salts of the general formula R′—C6H4—SO3Me, where R′ is CH3 or C2H5 and denotes Me, Na, K, Ca or Mg, characterized in that the molar ratio of the manganese complex compound of the general formula (1) to salt of the general formula R′—C6H4—SO3Me is 1:0.5 to 1:5. The invention also describes a method for producing the compounds and to the use thereof as oxidation catalysts or bleach catalysts, in particular in detergents or cleaning agents.
US08889607B2 Lubricating oil composition
A lubricating oil base oil includes, as a major component, a diester represented by the following formula (1), and a lubricating oil composition including the lubricating oil base oil. In the formula, R1 and R2 each independently represent a 1-ethylpentyl group, an n-heptyl group, or a n-hexyl group. When the diester in which both of R1 and R2 each represent an n-heptyl group or an n-hexyl group is defined as A, the diester in which one of R1 and R2 represents a 1-ethylpentyl group is B, and the diester in which both of R1 and R2 each represent a 1-ethylpentyl group is defined as C, the molar ratio of the diesters falls within a range of A:B:C=25 to 65:30 to 50:3 to 25. The lubricating oil base oil is suitable for a fluid dynamic pressure bearing, an oil-impregnated porous bearing, or a dynamic pressure-type oil-impregnated porous bearing.
US08889601B2 Controlling bioavailability of nutrient additions in subsurface formations
Controlling microbial growth and activity during Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery processes is disclosed. Specific control of microbial growth and activity in this process results in prevention of nutrient loss in transit and allows better targeting of microbial activity to the desired subsurface location(s).
US08889596B2 Methods of bead manipulation and forming bead arrays
According to various embodiments, a method is provided that comprises washing an array of DNA-coated beads on a substrate, with a wash solution to remove stacked beads from the substrate. The wash solution can include inert solid beads in a carrier. The DNA-coated beads can have an average diameter and the solid beads in the wash solution can have an average diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the DNA-coated beads. The washing can form dislodged DNA-coated beads and a monolayer of DNA-coated beads. In some embodiments, first beads for forming an array are contacted with a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) solution comprising a PEG having a molecular weight of about 350 Da or less. In some embodiments, slides for forming bead arrays are provided as are systems for imaging the same.
US08889594B2 Agent for improving good rice seedling growth
There is provided an agent for improving the growth of seedlings, having effects of raising healthy rice seedlings, such as increase of the tillering number, increase of root weight, enhancement of greenness, and increase of stem thickness.An agent for improving the growth of rice seedlings containing, as active ingredients, 5-aminolevulinic acid represented by formula (1), a derivative thereof or a salt of the acid or the derivative, and a gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor: R2R1NCH2COCH2CH2COR3  (1) wherein R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, an aryl group or an aralkyl group; and R3 represents a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyloxy group, an alkoxycarbonyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aralkyloxy group or an amino group.
US08889589B2 Layered solid sorbents for carbon dioxide capture
A solid sorbent for the capture and the transport of carbon dioxide gas is provided having at least one first layer of a positively charged material that is polyethylenimine or poly(allylamine hydrochloride), that captures at least a portion of the gas, and at least one second layer of a negatively charged material that is polystyrenesulfonate or poly(acryclic acid), that transports the gas, wherein the second layer of material is in juxtaposition to, attached to, or crosslinked with the first layer for forming at least one bilayer, and a solid substrate support having a porous surface, wherein one or more of the bilayers is/are deposited on the surface of and/or within the solid substrate. A method of preparing and using the solid sorbent is provided.
US08889588B2 High-durability metal foam-supported catalyst for steam carbon dioxide reforming and method for preparing the same
Disclosed is a catalyst support for steam carbon dioxide reforming reaction utilizing the advantages of superior thermal conductivity and thermal dispersion of a metal foam support and a large specific surface area of a carrier material, which allows selective control of coating amount and the thickness of a support layer and prevents cracking on the support surface, using both the sol-gel method and the slurry method that have been used for coating of a metal foam support.
US08889583B2 Catalyst production
The present disclosure utilizes an emulsion aggregation (EA) process to produce ceramic catalysts of controlled surface area, in particular, extremely high surface area powders. In embodiments, resins are utilized to form resin catalysts including the active catalysts. These resin catalysts may be in powder form, having a high surface area. The particle size, particle size distribution, and shape of the produced powders can be controlled to a great degree. In embodiments, the powders can also be made porous.
US08889573B2 Fiber assembly, composite of electro conductive substrate and fiber assembly, and production methods thereof
The present invention relates to a fiber assembly obtained by electrifying a resin in a melted state by application of voltage between a supply-side electrode and a collection-side electrode so as to extend the resin into an ultrafine composite fiber by electrospinning, and accumulating the ultrafine composite fiber, wherein the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least two polymeric components and the ultrafine composite fiber includes at least one type of composite fiber selected from a sea-island structure composite fiber and a core-sheath structure composite fiber as viewed in fiber cross section, at least one selected from an island component and a core component has a volume specific resistance of 1015Ω·cm or less, and at least one selected from a sea component and a sheath component has a volume specific resistance exceeding 1015Ω·cm. Thereby, the present invention provides a fiber assembly obtained by accumulating an ultrafine composite fiber obtained by electrospinning without the use of any solvent or water as a spinning solution, a composite of an electro conductive substrate and such a fiber assembly, and production methods thereof.
US08889567B2 Apparatus and methods for low K dielectric layers
Methods and apparatus for a low k dielectric layer of porous SiCOH. A method includes placing a semiconductor substrate into a vapor deposition chamber; introducing reactive gases into the vapor deposition chamber to form a dielectric film comprising SiCOH and a decomposable porogen; depositing the dielectric film to have a ratio of Si—CH3 to SiOnetwork bonds of less than or equal to 0.25; and performing a cure for a cure time to remove substantially all of the porogen from the dielectric film. In one embodiment the porogen comprises a cyclic hydrocarbon. The porogen may be UV curable. In embodiments, different lowered Si—CH3 to SiOnetwork ratios for the deposition of the dielectric film are disclosed. An apparatus of a semiconductor device including the low k dielectric layers is disclosed.
US08889562B2 Double patterning method
Disclosed is an improved double patterning method for forming openings (e.g., vias or trenches) or mesas on a substrate. This method avoids the wafer topography effects seen in prior art double patterning techniques by ensuring that the substrate itself is only subjected to a single etch process. Specifically, in the method, a first mask layer is formed on the substrate and processed such that it has a doped region and multiple undoped regions within the doped region. Then, either the undoped regions or the doped region can be selectively removed in order to form a mask pattern above the substrate. Once the mask pattern is formed, an etch process can be performed to transfer the mask pattern into the substrate. Depending upon whether the undoped regions are removed or the doped region is removed, the mask pattern will form openings (e.g., vias or trenches) or mesas, respectively, on the substrate.
US08889560B2 Methods of forming fine patterns for semiconductor device
Methods of forming fine patterns for a semiconductor device include forming a hard mask layer on an etch target layer; forming a carbon containing layer on the hard mask layer; forming carbon containing layer patterns by etching the carbon containing layer; forming spacers covering opposing side walls of each of the carbon containing layer patterns; removing the carbon containing layer patterns; forming hard mask patterns by etching the hard mask layer using the spacers as a first etching mask; and etching the etch target layer by using the hard mask patterns a second etching mask.
US08889553B2 Method for polishing through-silicon via (TSV) wafers and a polishing composition used in the method
A method for polishing Through-Silicon Via (TSV) wafers is provided. The method comprises a step of subjecting the surface of a TSV wafer to a polishing treatment with a polishing composition containing an organic alkaline compound, an oxidizing agent selected from sodium chlorite and/or potassium bromate, silicon oxide abrasive particles, and a solvent to simultaneously remove Si and conductive materials at their respective removal rates. By using the method of this invention, Si and conductive materials can be simultaneously polished at higher removal rates to significantly save the necessary working-hour costs for polishing TSV wafers. A polishing composition used in the above method is also provided.
US08889543B2 Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming switching devices on a substrate. A lower structure is formed in the substrate having the switching devices. A lower conductive layer is formed on the lower structure. Sacrificial mask patterns are formed on the lower conductive layer. Lower conductive patterns are formed by etching the lower conductive layer using the sacrificial mask patterns as an etch mask. An interlayer insulating layer is formed on the substrate having the lower conductive patterns. Interlayer insulating patterns are formed by planarizing the interlayer insulating layer until the sacrificial mask patterns are exposed. Openings exposing the lower conductive patterns are formed by removing the exposed sacrificial mask patterns. Upper conductive patterns self-aligned with the lower conductive patterns are formed in the openings.
US08889538B2 Methods of forming diodes
Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes in which a first electrode is formed to have a pedestal extending upwardly from a base. At least one layer is deposited along an undulating topography that extends across the pedestal and base, and a second electrode is formed over the least one layer. The first electrode, at least one layer, and second electrode together form a structure that conducts current between the first and second electrodes when voltage of one polarity is applied to the structure, and that inhibits current flow between the first and second electrodes when voltage having a polarity opposite to said one polarity is applied to the structure. Some embodiments include diodes having a first electrode that contains two or more projections extending upwardly from a base, having at least one layer over the first electrode, and having a second electrode over the at least one layer.
US08889526B2 Apparatus for thinning, testing and singulating a semiconductor wafer
A wafer translator is provided with a patterned layer of wafer bonding thermoset plastic and is removably attached with a wafer so as to form a wafer/wafer translator pair. The wafer translator acts as a mechanical support during a thinning process as well as during a wafer dicing operation. The singulated integrated circuits are then removed from the wafer translator. In some embodiments, wafer level testing of the integrated circuits on the wafer is performed subsequent to the wafer thinning process but before the wafer and wafer translator are separated. In other embodiments, wafer level testing of the integrated circuits on the wafer is performed subsequent to the wafer dicing operation but before the diced wafer and wafer translator are separated.
US08889524B2 Substrate treating method, stack and semiconductor device
A method that includes, in the sequence set forth, (1) temporarily fixing a substrate onto a support via a temporary fixing material including a central section (A) having two or more layers and a peripheral section (B) with solvent resistance, section (B) being in contact with a peripheral portion of the support on the substrate side and with a peripheral portion of the substrate on the support side, section (A) being in contact with a central portion of the support on the substrate side and with a central portion of the substrate on the support side, the temporary fixing thus resulting in a stack in which section (A) is covered with the support, section (B) and the substrate; (2) processing the substrate and/or transporting the stack; (3) dissolving section (B) with a solvent; and (4) heating the residue of the temporary fixing material and separating the substrate from the support.
US08889519B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses a semiconductor device, comprising: a substrate, a gate stack structure on the substrate, source and drain regions in the substrate on both sides of the gate stack structure, and a channel region between the source and drain regions in the substrate, characterized in that at least one of the source and drain regions comprises a GeSn alloy. In accordance with the semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same of the present invention, GeSn stressed source and drain regions with high concentration of Sn is formed by implanting precursors and performing a laser rapid annealing, thus the device carrier mobility of the channel region is effectively enhanced and the device drive capability is further improved.
US08889517B2 Broadband dielectric reflectors for LED with varying thickness
A broadband, omnidirectional, multi-layer, dielectric reflector for an LED in a white light emitting device provides both near 100% reflectivity across the visible spectrum of light, and electrical insulation between the substrate and the electrical circuitry used to power and control the LED. When a sealant material, having a higher index of refraction than air, is used to protect the LED and the accompanying electrical circuitry, an aluminum reflector layer or substrate is provided to make up for the loss of reflectivity at certain angles of incidence. The dielectric reflector includes two separate sections with two different thicknesses, a thinner section below the LED providing better heat conductivity, and a thicker section surrounding the LED providing better reflectivity.
US08889512B2 Method and device including transistor component having a field electrode
A transistor component and method of forming a transistor component. One embodiment provides a semiconductor arrangement including a semiconductor body having a at least one first trench, a first field electrode arranged in the lower trench section of the at least one first trench and being insulated from the semiconductor body by a field electrode dielectric. A dielectric layer is formed on the first field electrode in the at least one first trench, including depositing a dielectric material on a first side of the semiconductor body and on the field plate at a higher deposition rate than on sidewalls of the at least one first trench.
US08889502B2 Finlike structures and methods of making same
Semiconductor materials, particularly III-V materials used to form, e.g., a finlike structure can suffer structural damage during chemical mechanical polishing steps. This damage can be reduced or eliminated by oxidizing the damaged surface of the material and then etching away the oxidized material. The etching step can be accomplished simultaneously with a step of etching back a patterned oxide layers, such as a shallow trench isolation layer.
US08889489B2 Metal injection molded heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device is provided. The heat dissipation device includes an integrated heat spreader and a base plate coupled to the integrated heat spreader, wherein the base plate comprises a plurality of metal pellets to dissipate heat from the integrated heat spreader.
US08889488B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor package
A semiconductor package and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a semiconductor element, a package body and a conductive part. The substrate has an electrical contact. The semiconductor element is disposed on the substrate. The package body covers the semiconductor element and defines a through hole from which the electrical contact is exposed. Wherein, the package body includes a resin body and a plurality of fiber layers. The fiber layers are disposed in the resin body and define a plurality of fiber apertures which is arranged as an array. The conductive part is electrically connected to the substrate through the through hole.
US08889487B2 Three-dimensional high voltage gate driver integrated circuit
A three-dimensional (3D) gate driver integrated circuit includes a high-side integrated circuit stacked on a low-side integrated circuit where the high-side integrated circuit and the low-side integrated circuit are interconnected using through-silicon vias (TSV). As thus formed, the high-side integrated circuit and the low-side integrated circuit can be formed without termination regions and without buried layers. The 3D gate driver integrated circuit improves ease of high voltage integration and improves the ruggedness and reliability of the gate driver integrated circuit.
US08889481B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device comprises: a semiconductor structure formed with openings for exposing pads on an one surface thereof, a first conductive layer formed in the openings to make the one surface of the semiconductor structure more uniform, and conductive patterns formed on portions of the one surface of the semiconductor structure including the first conductive layers.
US08889478B2 Method for manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory element, and nonvolatile semiconductor memory element
Provided is a method for manufacturing a variable resistance nonvolatile semiconductor memory element, and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory element which make it possible to operate at a low voltage and high speed when initial breakdown is caused, and exhibit favorable diode element characteristics. The method for manufacturing the nonvolatile semiconductor memory element includes, after forming a top electrode of a variable resistance element and at least before forming a top electrode of an MSM diode element, oxidizing to insulate a portion of a variable resistance film in a region around an end face of a variable resistance layer.
US08889466B2 Protective insulating layer and chemical mechanical polishing for polycrystalline thin film solar cells
A method for forming a photovoltaic device includes forming an absorber layer with a granular structure on a conductive layer; conformally depositing an insulating protection layer over the absorber layer to fill in between grains of the absorber layer; and planarizing the protection layer and the absorber layer. A buffer layer is formed on the absorber layer, and a top transparent conductor layer is deposited over the buffer layer.
US08889455B2 Manufacturing nanowire photo-detector grown on a back-side illuminated image sensor
An embodiment relates to a method of manufacturing a device comprising a substrate having a front side and a back-side, a nanowire disposed on the back-side and an image sensing circuit disposed on the front side, wherein the nanowire is configured to be both a channel to transmit wavelengths up to a selective wavelength and an active element to detect the wavelengths up to the selective wavelength transmitted through the nanowire.
US08889452B2 Piezoelectric device and method for manufacturing piezoelectric device
A piezoelectric device includes a piezoelectric thin film formed by separating and forming a piezoelectric single crystal substrate, an inorganic layer formed on a back surface of the piezoelectric thin film, an elastic body layer disposed on a surface opposite to the piezoelectric thin film of the inorganic layer, and a support pasted to a surface opposite to the inorganic layer of the elastic body layer. In a membrane structure portion, the inorganic layer and the elastic body layer are disposed on the piezoelectric thin film through a gap layer. The elastic body layer reduces a stress caused by pasting the piezoelectric thin film including the inorganic layer and the support and has a certain elastic modulus. The inorganic layer is formed with a material having an elastic modulus higher than that of the elastic body layer and suppresses damping caused by disposing the elastic body layer.
US08889447B2 Double layer interleaved p-n diode modulator
A method for fabricating an optical modulator includes forming n-type layer, a first oxide portion on a portion of the n-type layer, and a second oxide portion on a second portion of the n-type layer, patterning a first masking layer over the first oxide portion, portions of a planar surface of the n-type layer, and portions of the second oxide portion, implanting p-type dopants in the n-type layer to form a first p-type region and a second p-type region, removing the first masking layer, patterning a second masking layer over the first oxide portion, a portion of the first p-type region, and a portion of the n-type layer, and implanting p-type dopants in exposed portions of the n-type layer, exposed portions of the first p-type region, and regions of the n-type layer and the second p-type region disposed between the substrate and the second oxide portion.
US08889442B2 Flexible semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a method of transferring semiconductor elements formed on a non-flexible substrate to a flexible substrate. Also, provided is a method of manufacturing a flexible semiconductor device based on the method of transferring semiconductor elements. A semiconductor element grown or formed on the substrate may be efficiently transferred to the resin layer while maintaining an arrangement of the semiconductor elements. Furthermore, the resin layer acts as a flexible substrate supporting the vertical semiconductor elements.
US08889438B2 Peeling apparatus and manufacturing apparatus of semiconductor device
To eliminate electric discharge when an element formation layer including a semiconductor element is peeled from a substrate used for manufacturing the semiconductor element, a substrate over which an element formation layer and a peeling layer are formed and a film are made to go through a gap between pressurization rollers. The film is attached to the element formation layer between the pressurization rollers, bent along a curved surface of the pressurization roller on a side of the pressurization rollers, and collected. Peeling is generated between the element formation layer and the peeling layer and the element formation layer is transferred to the film. Liquid is sequentially supplied by a nozzle to a gap between the element formation layer and the peeling layer, which is generated by peeling, so that electric charge generated on surfaces of the element formation layer and the peeling layer is diffused by the liquid.
US08889435B2 Plasma density control
A first embodiment is a method for semiconductor processing. The method comprises forming a component on a wafer in a chamber; determining a non-uniformity of the plasma in the chamber, the determining being based at least in part on the component on the wafer; and providing a material on a surface of the chamber corresponding to the non-uniformity. The forming the component includes using a plasma. The material can have various shapes, compositions, thicknesses, and/or placements on the surface of the chamber. Other embodiments include a chamber having a material on a surface to control a plasma uniformity.
US08889424B2 Device and method for performing a diagnostic test
A device and method for performing a point of care diagnostic test for detecting and quantifying at least one analyte in a biological sample (e.g., a body fluid). A device may include an immunoassay apparatus and a holder with an adjustable variable angle stage for positioning the immunoassay apparatus relative to a light source and a detector device so as to optimize the angle of incidence and angle of radiation to optimize an elastic light scattering signal from the immunoassay apparatus. The elastic light scattering signal may be used to quantify the amount of the analyte(s) of interest present in the sample. The device is based upon elastic light scattering, so the variation in the angle of incidence and angle of reflection are optimized to maximize signal generation due to elastic light scattering.
US08889419B2 Methods for enhanced virus-mediated DNA transfer using molecules with virus- and cell-binding domains
A method to increase the efficiency of transduction of hematopoietic and other cells by retroviruses includes infecting the cells in the presence of fibronectin or fibronectin fragments. The fibronectin and fibronectin fragments significantly enhance retroviral-mediated gene transfer into the cells, particularly hematopoietic cells including committed progenitors and primitive hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides improved methods for somatic gene therapy capitalizing on enhanced gene transfer, hematopoietic cellular populations, and novel constructs for enhancing retroviral-mediated DNA transfer into cells and their use.
US08889418B2 Engineering and optimization of improved systems, methods and enzyme compositions for sequence manipulation
The invention provides for engineering and optimization of systems, methods, and compositions for manipulation of sequences and/or activities of target sequences. Provided are compositions and methods related to components of a CRISPR complex particularly comprising a Cas ortholog enzyme.
US08889413B2 Mammary artery derived cells and methods of use in tissue repair and regeneration
An isolated mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell is disclosed. Furthermore, methods of isolating the mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell are disclosed. The cell is useful in tissue engineering technologies, specifically in vascular tissue engineering.
US08889399B2 Compositions and methods for the biosynthesis of 1,4-butanediol and its precursors
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having 4-hydroxybutanoic acid (4-HB) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) biosynthetic pathways. The pathways include exogenous nucleic acids encoding a) an α-ketoglutarate decarboxylase; b) a 4-hydroxybutanoate dehydrogenase; c) a 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA:acetyl-CoA transferase or a butyrate kinase and a phosphotransbutyrylase; d) an aldehyde dehydrogenase, and e) an alcohol dehydrogenase, wherein the exogenous nucleic acids are expressed in sufficient amounts to produce 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO). Also provide is a method for the production of 1,4-BDO. The method includes culturing the non-naturally occurring microbial organism having 4-HB and 1,4-BDO biosynthetic pathways substantially anaerobic conditions for a sufficient period of time to produce 1,4-BDO.
US08889398B2 Composition for inactivating an enveloped virus
The present invention relates generally to the field of prevention of diseases caused by enveloped viruses. More particularly, this invention concerns a composition for inactivating an enveloped virus comprising at least one non phospholipid Lipid Vesicle (nPLV) able to interact with said enveloped virus and an agent that enhances the lipid exchange between said nPLV and the membrane of said enveloped virus.
US08889395B2 Crystal metabolite recovery
A method for producing a crystalline and/or amorphous metabolite suspension from a cell fermentation broth in a continuous centrifuge process comprising (a) adding at a separate inlet to the centrifuge the fermentation broth comprising the cells and the metabolite of interest, wherein the metabolite is partly or wholly on crystalline and/or amorphous form; (b) adding at another inlet to the centrifuge an aqueous liquid comprising a salt and/or a carbohydrate having a higher density than the cells and a lower density than the metabolite of interest in its precipitated form; (c) removing the cells at a separate outlet to the centrifuge; and (d) removing the suspension comprising the crystalline and/or amorphous metabolite of interest at another outlet to the centrifuge.
US08889388B2 Acoustic device and methods thereof for separation and concentration
The invention provides a settling device comprising an acoustic wave generator and an inclined settling chamber. The angle θ between the acoustic wave direction and the inclined settling chamber is greater than 0 and less than 90°. The invention also provides a concentration method and a separation method using the device. The invention can be used to concentrate or separate particles such as inorganic particles, organic particles, and biological particles, for example, mammalian cells, bacteria, yeast, algae, and plant cells. The invention exhibits technical merits such as higher efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production.
US08889385B2 Fermentive production of four carbon alcohols
Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway.
US08889383B2 Production of mevalonate, isoprene, and isoprenoids using genes encoding polypeptides having thiolase, HMG-CoA synthase and HMG-CoA reductase enzymatic activities
The invention features compositions and methods for the increased production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in microorganisms via the heterologous expression of the mvaE and mvaS genes from the organisms Listeria grayi DSM 20601, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus gallinarum EG2, and Enterococcus casseliflavus.
US08889377B2 GPCR comprising an IC2 insertion
Certain embodiments provide a method for crystallizing a GPCR. The method may employ a fusion protein comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus: a) a first portion of a family C G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), wherein the first portion comprises the TM1, TM2 and TM3, regions of the GPCR; b) a stable, folded protein insertion; and c) a second portion of the GPCR, wherein the second portion comprises the TM4, TM5 TM6 and TM7 regions of the GPCR.
US08889366B2 Marker for graft failure and mortality
Subject of the present invention is a biomarker for graft failure and/or mortality after organ transplantation. Procalcitonin was found to be a useful marker for the prediction or risk stratification for graft failure and/or mortality of a subject who has received an organ transplant and monitoring and therapy guidance of such subject.
US08889360B2 Thermal cycler and thermal cycling method
A thermal cycler includes a holder to which a biotip having a longitudinal direction is attached in such a manner that one end portion of the biotip is at a higher level than the other end portion, and that the distance between one end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis is shorter than the distance between the other end portion of the biotip and the rotational axis, a heating unit heats a first end portion of the biotip, a rotating unit rotates the holder, and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the rotating unit. The controller has a first mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes smaller than the gravity, and a second mode a rotation speed at which the magnitude of the centrifugal force acting on the reaction mixture becomes greater than the gravity.
US08889359B2 Method and kit for amplifying and detecting polynucleotide using a modified Tth polymerase
Disclosed is a method of amplifying a polynucleotide, comprising: (a) mixing primers for amplifying the polynucleotide, a polymerase, nucleotide substrates and a template polynucleotide, and (b) amplifying the polynucleotide by polymerase reaction, wherein the polymerase has an amino acid sequence consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1 or an amino acid sequence with at least 85% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein an amino acid residue corresponding to position 653 of the amino acid sequence has been replaced with glutamic acid.
US08889344B2 Coating compositions
In one aspect, coating compositions are provided that comprise a component a component that comprises one or more silicon, antimony, aluminum, yttrium, cerium, lanthanum, tin, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, indium or zinc compounds. In another aspect, coating compositions are provided that comprise a plurality of discrete particles. Preferred coating compositions of the invention are useful for antireflective purposes, particularly with an underlaying photoresist coating layer, as well as for a barrier layer in immersion lithography.
US08889341B2 Negative-working lithographic printing plate precursors and use
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor comprises a negative-working radiation-sensitive imageable layer and an outermost layer comprising a vinyl alcohol copolymer comprising at least one unit of each of the (a), (b), and (c) recurring units, in any order, defined in the disclosure. The (c) recurring units are present in the vinyl alcohol copolymer in an amount of at least 0.5 mol %, based on the total recurring units. These precursors can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates either on-press or off-press after imaging using near-UV, visible, or infrared radiation.
US08889331B2 Acoustic method to prepare polyester resin emulsions
The disclosure relates to a process for making a latex emulsion suitable for use in a toner comprising at least one amorphous polyester resin and a solvent to form a resin mixture, including that the process is carried out at room temperature using acoustic mixing.
US08889330B2 Toner, development agent, and image formation method
A toner including a mother toner particle having a core-shell structure formed of a core containing a binder resin, a coloring agent, and an optional releasing agent, and a shell having a layer thickness of from 0.01 to 2.00 μm, the core having a softening index of from 60 to 85° C. as measured by a flow tester, and the shell having a thermal hardness of from 0.7 to 1.8 m, and an optional external additive.
US08889324B2 Image bearing member, image forming method, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An image bearing member including an electroconductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer provided overlying the electroconductive substrate, the photosensitive layer containing at least one charge transport materials selected from the group consisting of a naphthalene tetracarboxylic acid diimide-isoindol derivative represented by the following chemical structure 1, a naphthalimide-isoindol derivative represented by the following chemical structure 2, and a triphenyl amine-isoindol derivative represented by the following chemical structure 3, where R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, and a nitro group, k represents an integer of 1 to 4, and l represents an integer of from 1 to 5 and R3 represents a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, a substituted or non-substituted cycloalkyl group, and a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, where R1, R2, and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, and nitro group, and k represents an integer of 1 to 4, l represents an integer of from 1 to 5, and m represents an integer of 1 to 6, and where R1, R2, R5, and R6 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a halogen atom, and nitro group, and k represents an integer of 1 to 4, and l, n, and p represent integers of from 1 to 5.
US08889319B2 Compound, method for preparation of the same, and lithium secondary battery comprising the same
Disclosed are a novel compound, a method for preparing the same, and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same. More specifically, disclosed are a compound in which five MO6 octahedrons are bonded to one another around one MO6 octahedron such that the MO6 octahedrons share a vertex, to form hollows and Li cations substituted instead of Na cations using an ion substitution method are present in the hollows, and a crystal structure thereof is not varied even upon intercalation and deintercalation of Li cations, a method for preparing the same, and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same as a cathode active material.
US08889311B2 Cathode pressure control utilizing a capacitance model
Systems and methods to control fuel cell stack pressure through a cathode backpressure valve. A flow offset value is used as a capacitance term during transient operational conditions to account for discrepancies between the stack flow setpoint and the actual stack flow. The capacitance term is based on operational parameters, including stack pressure changes, stack coolant temperature and stack volume. The additional flow produced by the capacitance terms may be fed, along with pressure drop models and a valve position model to provide a more accurate prediction of valve position.
US08889309B2 Fuel cell system and AC impedance measurement method
A fuel cell system capable of measuring AC impedance comprises: power generation stabilizing means for stabilizing power generation in a fuel cell, and impedance measuring means for measuring the AC impedance after power generation in the fuel cell has been stabilized. Since the AC impedance in a low frequency range is measured after power generation in the fuel cell is stabilized, no external disturbance occurs during measurement, and the AC impedance can be measured with a high degree of precision. Thus, a fuel cell system and a measuring method with which AC impedance can be measured with a high degree of precision can be provided.
US08889295B2 Electrodes, lithium-ion batteries, and methods of making and using same
Described herein are improved composite anodes and lithium-ion batteries made therefrom. Further described are methods of making and using the improved anodes and batteries. In general, the anodes include a porous composite having a plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites. At least one of the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites is formed from a dendritic particle, which is a three-dimensional, randomly-ordered assembly of nanoparticles of an electrically conducting material and a plurality of discrete non-porous nanoparticles of a non-carbon Group 4A element or mixture thereof disposed on a surface of the dendritic particle. At least one nanocomposite of the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites has at least a portion of its dendritic particle in electrical communication with at least a portion of a dendritic particle of an adjacent nanocomposite in the plurality of agglomerated nanocomposites.
US08889291B2 Electrode and battery
A battery realizing the superior cycle characteristics is provided. An electrode includes a current collector including an active-material-layer-formation region and a flat and smooth region having a surface roughness smaller than that of the active-material-layer-formation region, and an active material layer provided in the active-material-layer-formation region of the current collector. An electrode lead is connected to the flat and smooth region.
US08889285B2 Electric vehicle propulsion system and method utilizing solid-state rechargeable electrochemical cells
A vehicle propulsion system comprising a plurality of solid state rechargeable battery cells configured to power a drivetrain. In accordance with once aspect of the invention, a transportation system that is powered at least in part by electricity stored in the form of rechargeable electrochemical cells. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these cells are combined in series and in parallel to form a pack that is regulated by charge and discharge control circuits that are programmed with algorithms to monitor state of charge, battery lifetime, and battery health.
US08889281B2 Batteries for efficient energy extraction from a salinity difference
An electrochemical system includes: (1) a battery including an anode and a cathode; (2) a first source of a first electrolyte having a first concentration of ions; (3) a second source of a second electrolyte having a second concentration of the ions, wherein the second concentration is greater than the first concentration; and (4) a fluid conveyance mechanism connected between the battery and each of the first source and the second source. During charging of the battery, the anode and the cathode are at least partially immersed in the first electrolyte, and, during discharging of the battery, the anode and the cathode are at least partially immersed in the second electrolyte. The fluid conveyance mechanism exchanges the first electrolyte with the second electrolyte between charging and discharging of the battery, and exchanges the second electrolyte with the first electrolyte between discharging and charging of the battery.
US08889276B2 Method for managing the operation of a hybrid system
A method for managing the operation of a hybrid continuous current supply, said supply including a fuel cell stack a battery and a DC/DC converter including an input and an output, the converter input being connected to the output of the fuel cell stack and the output being connected to a variable load in parallel to the battery, the fuel cell stack being formed of a plurality of electrochemical cells adapted to produce electricity from a fuel and an oxidising gas.
US08889272B2 Coated article with low-E coating including tin oxide inclusive layer(s) with additional metal(s)
A coated article includes a coating, such as a low emissivity (low-E) coating, supported by a substrate (e.g., glass substrate). The coating includes at least one dielectric layer including tin oxide that is doped with another metal(s). The coating may also include one or more infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of or including material such as silver or the like, for reflecting at least some IR radiation. In certain example embodiments, the coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered, heat bent and/or heat strengthened). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of windows, including monolithic windows for buildings, IG windows for buildings, etc.
US08889271B2 Compound containing a 5-membered heterocycle and organic light-emitting diode using same, and terminal for same
Disclosed are a novel-structural compound including a 5-membered heterocycle, an organic electronic device using the same, and a terminal thereof.
US08889269B2 Electroactive materials
A compound having Formula I, Formula II, or Formula III: Ar1 may independently be phenylene, substituted phenylene, naphthylene, or substituted naphthylene. Ar2 is the same or different at each occurrence and is an aryl group. M is the same or different at each occurrence and is a conjugated moiety. T1 and T2 are independently the same or different at each occurrence and are conjugated moieties which are connected in a non-planar configuration; a and e are the same or different at each occurrence and are an integer from 1 to 6; b, c, and d are mole fractions such that b+c+d=1.0, with the proviso that c is not zero, and at least one of b and d is not zero, and when b is zero, M has at least two triarylamine units; and n is an integer greater than 1.
US08889266B2 Organometallic complex, and light-emitting element, light-emitting device and electronic-device using the organometallic complex
It is an object of the present invention to provide an organometallic complex which can increase recombination efficiency of electrons and holes. One aspect of the present invention is an organometallic complex having a structure represented by a general formula (1), wherein each of R1 and R2 is any of a halogen group, a —CF3 group, a cyano group, and an alkoxycarbonyl group, each of R3 and R4 is any of hydrogen and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and M is an element that belongs to Group 9 or 10 of the periodic table.
US08889265B2 Copolymer and polymer light emitting device using the same
A copolymer having two or more repeating units selected from the group consisting of arylene groups, divalent heterocyclic groups and divalent aromatic amine groups wherein the copolymer has, on at least one of molecular chain ends, a monovalent heterocyclic group, a monovalent group derived from a heterocyclic group coordinated metal complex, and an aromatic end group selected from aryl groups having a formula weight of 90 or more, and the copolymer shows fluorescence in the solid state and has a polystyrene-reduced weight-average molecular weight of 103 to 108.
US08889263B2 Composite structure
The present invention provides an apparatus including a first metal component and a second metal component. The apparatus includes an interface between the first component and the second component, and a metal mesh interposed in the first interface. The apparatus further includes a composite component including a composite material. The composite component includes two portions, the first portion filling voids in the first interface and the second portion forming a structure that adjoins the first component and the second component. The metal mesh extends into the second portion of the composite component.
US08889257B2 RuO2-coated fibrous insulator
An article having: a nonconductive fiber and a RuO2 coating. A method of: immersing a nonconductive article in a solution of RuO4 and a nonpolar solvent at a temperature that is below the temperature at which RuO4 decomposes to RuO2 in the nonpolar solvent in the presence of the article; and warming the article and solution to ambient temperature under ambient conditions to cause the formation of a RuO2 coating on a portion of the article. An article having: a nonconductive fiber and a coating. The coating is made by electroless deposition, sputtering, atomic-layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, or physical vapor deposition.
US08889254B2 Impact-damage-resistant glass sheet
Impact-damage-resistant glass sheet comprising at least one chemically etched surface in combination with a tempering surface compression layer, the glass sheet exhibiting a high standardized ball drop failure height and a high flexural modulus of rupture strength, useful to provide damage-resistant glass cover sheets for consumer electronic video display devices, is provided by subjecting thin glass sheet to a combination of a surface tempering treatment and a surface etching treatment that improves strength while maintaining the optical glass sheet properties required for video display applications.
US08889253B2 Covering a substrate with a polymer film that is stable in a liquid medium
The present invention relates to a process for covering a substrate with a polymer film characterized in that, prior to the deposition of said polymer film, nanoparticles are adsorbed electrostatically onto the surface of said substrate to be covered.
US08889243B2 Mechanical fastening nets and methods of making the same
A method of making a mechanical fastening net. The method includes providing a net having strands of polymer and open areas between the strands of polymer and molding a portion of the polymer in the strands of the net into upstanding posts to form the mechanical fastening net. A mechanical fastening net that includes a polymeric backing, a plurality of openings in the polymeric backing, and upstanding posts on at least one of the first or second major surface of the polymeric backing is also disclosed. The polymeric backing has a range of thicknesses ranging from minimum to maximum thickness, and for at least a portion of the polymeric backing, the minimum thickness of the polymeric backing is where it abuts one of the openings.
US08889240B2 Stretch release article
Provided are adhesive articles and assemblies that include a flat and at least partially elastic backing along with a patterned adhesive coating on each side of the backing. When viewed from directions perpendicular to the backing, the adhesive on one side of the backing does not substantially overlap the adhesive on the opposing side of the backing. As a result, it is possible to use a stretch removable adhesive article that uses, for example, an aggressive adhesive to provide a reliable bond but still remove cleanly and easily from delicate substrates that would otherwise be damaged or destroyed if bonded with conventional adhesive constructions.
US08889239B2 Stabilised cross-linked polymers
The present invention is concerned with the process for preparing a cross-linked stabilized polymer composition using at least one graftable polymer stabilizer, and the subsequent use of that composition for forming pipes, for example PEX pipes. The graftable stabilizer becomes anchored to the polymer such that stabilizer activity is retained in the cross-linked product. Cross-linking can be achieved by conventional processes such as PEXa, PEXb and PEXc. Embodiments demonstrate excellent levels of antioxidant retention (as measured by oxidative induction retention after exhaustive solvent extraction) and the cross-linked product are suitable for portable water applications, including hot water applications.
US08889226B2 Method of bonding a metal to a substrate
A method of bonding a metal to a substrate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a nano-brush on a surface of the substrate, where the nano-brush includes a plurality of nano-wires extending above the substrate surface. In a molten state, the metal is introduced onto the substrate surface, and the metal surrounds the nano-wires. Upon cooling, the metal surrounding the nano-wires solidifies, and during the solidifying, at least a mechanical interlock is formed between the metal and the substrate.
US08889225B2 Chemical vapor deposition of fluorocarbon polymers
Provided is a method for forming a fluorocarbon polymer on a surface of a structure. A feedstock gas is directed through a porous heat member having a temperature sufficient to crack the feedstock gas and produce a reactive species that includes (CF2)n wherein n=1 or 2 radicals in the vicinity of a structure surface on which the fluorocarbon polymer is to be formed. The structure surface is maintained at a temperature lower than that of the porous heat member to induce deposition and polymerization of the (CF2)n wherein n=1 or 2 radicals on the structure surface.
US08889219B2 Thermochromic material and fabrication method
In a method for manufacturing of thermochromic material, a target increased luminous transmittance level for the thermochromic material is determined (210). The luminous transmittance level is defined within a predetermined wavelength region. Preferably, this predetermined wavelength region at least partly comprises visible light. A concentration level of a first dopant element is determined (212) for generating the luminous transmittance level of the thermochromic material. The first dopant element is capable of forming an oxide having a high bandgap in its electronic structure, and in a specific embodiment is Al and/or Mg. A VO2-based thermochromic material is doped (214) with the determined concentration level of the first dopant element. At least one second dopant may also be employed.
US08889218B2 Foam window mount having an electric conductive layer over a light blocking layer
A foam mount has a shape of an enclosed frame surrounding an open area, the frame in cross section having a peripheral surface; an inside surface opposite to the peripheral surface, the inside surface defining the open area. The inside surface includes a groove having an open end and the open end of the groove faces the open area of the foam mount. A coating is applied over selected surfaces of the foam mount, wherein the coating has a visible light transmission of less than 15%. Also disclosed is a method of coating an electric conductive coating over the visible light blocking coating and a decorative coating over selected surfaces of the foam mount.
US08889214B2 Deposition amount measuring apparatus, depositing apparatus including the same, and method for manufacturing light emitting display
A deposition amount measuring apparatus includes a plate-shaped body having a rotating shaft, a plurality of deposition amount sensors along side surfaces of the body, the deposition amount sensors being configured to measure an amount of deposition material, and a housing surrounding the body, the housing including an inflow port that exposes one of the deposition amount sensors.
US08889213B2 Processes for coating a carrier with microparticles
Processes for coating a carrier with microparticles of a drug are described. For example, a coated carrier can be obtained in a one-stage process that entails evaporating a solvent from microdroplets of a solution containing an API to obtain dry microparticles, which are then coated on the carrier.
US08889211B2 Coating process for drug delivery balloons using heat-induced rewrap memory
A method of producing a drug coated balloon that comprises the steps of: subjecting a balloon catheter with a folded and wrapped balloon thereon to a pre-annealing step to induce a fold/wrap memory in the resulting pre-annealed balloon; unfolding the pre-annealed balloon sufficiently to expose the full circumferential surface of the balloon by application of an inflation pressure that retains said fold/wrap memory; applying a drug coating formulation to the unfolded balloon surface; releasing pressure to relax the balloon and induce creasing along fold memory; and evacuating the balloon slowly to induce refolding and rewrapping of the balloon. The method overcomes the need to use a folding apparatus to fold and wrap a drug coated balloon.
US08889198B2 Method for suppressing and relieving itching and inflammation
The present invention provides a method for suppressing and relieving itching and inflammation, by administering to a host in need of such treatment an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition containing highly lipophilic polyalkoxyflavonoid. The pharmaceutical composition and functional food of the present invention for suppressing and relieving itching and inflammation contain highly lipophilic polyalkoxyflavonoid extracted from squeezed juice of a whole portion of a citrus fruit (inclusive of pericarp thereof). Furthermore, the functional food of the present invention contains it.
US08889195B2 Compositions comprising calcium citrate malate and methods for making the same
Compositions containing calcium citrate malate wherein the calcium citrate malate exhibits one or more of: a pore area of at least about 30 m2/g; a dissolution rate of at least about 95% by weight of the calcium citrate malate in less than about 120 seconds.
US08889192B2 Magnetic nanomedicine for inhibiting/treating human prostate cancer
The present invention discloses a magnetic nanomedicine for inhibiting/treating human prostate cancer, which comprises a core containing a magnetic particle having a diameter of less than 10 nm; a shell made of a carboxylated polyaniline and encapsulating the core; and a medicine covalently linked to the shell and able to inhibit/treat prostate cancer. The magnetic nanomedicine of the present invention not only has superior thermal stability and but also has water solubility higher than that of the conventional anti-prostate cancer medicine. Further, the magnetic nanomedicine of the present invention can be magnetically conducted to the cancer area to increase the local concentration of medicine and enhance the therapeutic effect.
US08889180B2 Coated drug delivery formulations
The invention relates generally to methods of making formulations for delivering biological agents to a patient. In one aspect, proliposomal drug-delivery systems for medicaments are provided. In another aspect, coated proliposomal formulations for poorly water soluble drugs, and methods for making the same, are provided. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide enhanced stability and bioavailability for pharmaceutical formulations.
US08889178B2 Bioactive porous bone graft compositions in synthetic containment
Bioactive porous bone graft implants in various forms suitable for use in bone tissue regeneration and/or repair, as well as methods of use are provided. The implants are formed of bioactive glass and have an engineered porosity. The implants may be contained in polymer for enhanced clinical results and better handling.