US07651324B2

A diaphragm pump for pumping a fluid includes a diaphragm and a driver. The diaphragm has a first surface and a second surface. The driver includes a support portion and is connected to the diaphragm via the support portion. The driver is reciprocated to deform the diaphragm thereby performing a pumping action. The support portion includes a first supporting surface for supporting the first surface and a second supporting surface for supporting the second surface. The support portion allows the diaphragm to slidingly move along an interval between the first and second supporting surfaces when the diaphragm is deformed.
US07651319B2

A vane unit system having a plurality of vane units having at least one air foil projecting from a base. The base has a hole which receives a pin which extends between adjacent bases of vane units therein forming a rigid ring of vanes that are less susceptible to vane motion caused by pressure fluctuations within the compressor of a gas turbine. A blade assembly tool having a shape to fit within the slot in a casing that receives the vane units allows for the installation of vane units with interlocking pins without the necessity of having to remove the rotor from the casing.
US07651316B2

A conveying member, especially a rotor or stator, for conveying a flowable, preferably gaseous medium, comprises a plurality of blades (S1-S7) arranged following each other with a circumferential distance in a circumferential direction (U) around a central axis (A). Either a first circumferential distance (a) or a second circumferential distance (b) differing from the first circumferential distance (a) is provided between a blade and a respective blade following it in the circumferential direction (U) in a group of blades directly following each other in a circumferential direction (U), which the group comprises at least some of the blades (S1-S7). The first circumferential distance (a) is provided between at least two blades (S1-S7) located directly adjacent to one another, and the second circumferential distance is provided between at least two blades (S1-S7) located directly adjacent to one another.
US07651313B1

An electrically-actuated lifting and transferring apparatus designed to facilitate the lifting and transfer process of a disabled person into and out of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is realized as having a vertical or semi-vertical electric or hydraulic extension arm, a mounting apparatus, a seat belt interlock system or foldaway safety arm, a support member along a plane having a horizontal component with option to pivot from its end point from a horizontal to a substantially vertical axis, and a seat surface with locking device pivoting about a substantially horizontal axis.
US07651311B2

In this invention, a movable body movable in forward and backward directions and a connector fixed to an opener-side door are connected with each other by link members so as to constitute a parallel link mechanism, such that they can be angularly displaced relative to each other. Link member angular displacement means controls the angular displacement of each link member relative to the movable body to be in a predetermined angular position, corresponding to the position of the movable body along the forward and backward directions. Reciprocation of the movable body in the forward and backward directions by movable body drive means moves the opener-side door in the forward and backward directions as well as in the upward and downward directions, thereby opening an opener-side opening. Since the movable body is moved only in the forward and backward directions, and necessity of moving and guiding the movable body in the upward and downward directions can be eliminated, the substrate container opener can be downsized, and a space provided below a FOUP supporting portion can be utilized effectively.
US07651310B2

A system for singling and transferring objects comprises an inlet area and an outlet area for objects from the system, transfer means for transferring such objects comprising containment members, and retrieval means for retrieving and depositing such objects in the containment members. The transfer means may be actuated, in use, independently of the retrieval means so as to transfer one or more objects to the outlet area.
US07651307B2

The present invention comprises a container transport and loading system. The system generally comprises a load port for presenting articles to a tool and a container transport system. In one embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable FOUP advance plate assembly that is adapted to load and unload a FOUP from a conveyor that passes by the load port and move the FOUP horizontally. In another embodiment, the load port includes a vertically movable support structure that is adapted to load and unload a container from a shuttle that passes by the load port. The various embodiments of the load port and container transport system are improvements over conventional container transport systems. The present invention also includes a shuttle for simultaneously transporting multiple containers that a load port may load or unload a container from.
US07651302B2

A method for increasing stiffness of bearing strata formed of soil, rock or other geomaterial includes the steps of injecting non-hardening pre-compression fluids, in the form of viscous non-hardening slurries that are pressurized beneath a foundation tip for extended periods of time, into the bearing strata to cause pre-compression of the bearing strata. This enhances end bearing capacity in poorly draining soils by providing more time to squeeze water from voids in the poorly draining soils. The bearing strata may also be mechanically pre-compressed. The non-hardening pre-compression fluids may be exchanged with grout to fill a void formed by cavity expansion and previously occupied by the non-hardening, pre-compression fluid. This grout is cured without external additional pressure. Grout may be used in lieu of non hardening pre-compression fluids to affect end bearing enhancement provided that external additional pressure is not applied to the grout while it cures.
US07651301B2

A method of soil improvement work drills the ground with a drilling head arranged at a lower end of a rotary shaft and sends the rotary shaft into the ground. The method mixes pressurized water with compressed air on the ground, to prepare a fluid mixture, feeds the fluid mixture through a feed path arranged along the rotary shaft into an ejector arranged on the drilling head, and ejects the fluid mixture from the ejector toward the ground to drill. An envelope defined by a front end of the drilling head has a conical shape.
US07651298B2

A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell, being in the general shape of a prism or prism with curvilinear section, is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls, and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The two opposing end walls are configured with end apertures. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. When modules are placed end to end in a levee structure the end apertures allow filler material communication horizontally between adjacent modules. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material.
US07651297B2

A catch basin configured to allow selective positioning of the outlet and inlet ports on the side walls of the catch basin's receptacle body. At least one of the receptacle side walls comprise a slide opening having opposing sides. A slide member has a pair of slide edges that slidably engage the sides of the slide opening to substantially close the slide opening. The slide member has a port section and two or more positioning sections, with at least one positioning section located above the port section and one below the port section. The port section has an outlet or inlet port integral therewith or fixedly attached thereto or the port section comprises a mechanism for attaching an outlet or inlet port thereto, such as a port cutout having a removable knockout plate. The slide member has section removal indicators to identify which positioning sections should be removed.
US07651295B2

An extension screed is for a paving vehicle screed assembly that includes a main screed. The extension screed includes two base members movably connectable with the main screed and two vertical actuators each extending between the main screed and a separate base member. Each vertical actuator linearly displaces the connected base member with respect to the main screed in opposing vertical directions. A carriage preferably includes an inner frame movably connected with the base members and an outer frame slidably disposed about the inner frame and configured to support a screed plate. The vertical actuators vertically displace the carriage and alternatively pivot the carriage within a vertical plane. Further, a first horizontal actuator displaces the inner frame with respect to the two base members in opposing horizontal directions and a second horizontal actuator displaces the outer fame with respect to the inner frame in opposing horizontal directions.
US07651294B2

A method of use of a composition for soil stabilization is disclosed. The composition comprises a solution of soluble sodium silicate applied at the disclosed application rate to improve the load bearing capacity for a roadway. The method of the invention addresses the application of the disclosed composition to maximize stabilization of road beds.
US07651291B2

A dispenser for dispensing a substance, such as a liquid lipstick or other product, has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the product. A dispensing portion is connected with the body and defines a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving product therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is received within the bore, and a one-way valve is mounted on the dispensing portion for dispensing metered amounts of product therethrough. The one-way valve has an axially-extending valve seat, and an axially-extending visco-elastic valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat, and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of product through the seam and out of the dispenser. An actuator is drivingly connected to the piston for moving the piston within the bore and dispensing a predetermined amount of product within the bore through the outlet aperture.
US07651277B2

A network comprising: (a) a plurality of different receptacles for facilitating an optical connection to different information networks requiring different access authorization, each different receptacle coupled to one and only one different information network, each receptacle having an inner surface with a first geometry, the first geometry comprising at least a slot, a certain number of receptacles having different first geometries in which the slots are in different positions; and (b) a plurality of different plugs for coupling with the different receptacles, each plug having a second geometry, the second geometry comprising at least a key in a certain position, the certain number of plugs having different second geometries in which the keys are in different positions, each different first geometry corresponding to one and only one second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles of corresponding first and second geometries are mating pairs.
US07651275B2

A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has a double row angular ball bearing including double rows of ball groups. A pitch circle diameter of the double row ball group of the outer side is larger than a pitch circle diameter of the double row ball group of the inner side. The outer member is made of medium carbon steel including carbon of 0.40˜0.80% by weight. It is hardened by high frequency induction quenching so that each of the outer raceway surfaces is formed with a hardened layer having a surface hardness of 58˜64 HRC. The effective depth of hardened layer is set at at least 2 mm. The minimum wall thickness of the outer member at these outer raceway surfaces is set at at least 4 mm.
US07651272B2

A method of assembling an air bearing, the air bearing having a guide on a fixed side, and a slider having a pair of opposing members arranged on opposite sides of the guide, the slider being float-supported so as to be able to move relative to the guide, the method having: contacting a first opposing member of the pair of opposing members to the guide; supplying compressed air of a predetermined pressure between the first opposing member and the guide contacting each other, so as to form a temporary gap twice as large as a target bearing gap between the first opposing member and the guide; maintaining contact between the guide and a second opposing member of the pair of opposing members; and supplying compressed air of a predetermined pressure between the first opposing member and the guide as well as the second opposing member and the guide, so as to form respective target bearing gaps between first and second opposing members and the guide, in place of the temporary gap.
US07651264B2

The object is to provide a laser processing apparatus, a laser processing temperature measuring apparatus, a laser processing method, and a laser processing temperature measuring method which can highly accurately detect the processing temperature when carrying out processing such as welding with laser light. A laser processing apparatus 1A for processing members. DR, UR to be processed by irradiating the members with laser light LB comprises a laser (semiconductor laser unit 20A) for generating the laser light LB; optical means for converging the laser light LB generated by the laser onto processing areas DA, UA; and a filter 30, disposed between the members DR, UR to be processed and the optical means, for blocking a wavelength of fluorescence generated by the optical means upon pumping with the laser light LB; wherein light having the wavelength blocked by the filter 30 is used for measuring a temperature of the processing areas DA, UA.
US07651261B2

A method of thermal inspection of a part having at least one internal cavity is provided. The method includes flowing a fluid through the at least one internal cavity. The method also includes measuring a temperature at one or more locations on the part over time. The method further includes calculating at least one of a first and a second derivative of the temperature with respect to time. The method also includes comparing at least one of the first or the second derivative to one or more baseline values to determine if the part meets a desired specification.
US07651258B2

In a backlight assembly and a flat panel display apparatus, the backlight assembly has a diffusing plate, a supporting member and a reflecting plate. The supporting member has a base body portion, a supporting portion supporting the diffusing plate and a lamp holder receiving lamps to uniformly maintain spaced intervals between the lamps. The base body portion is disposed under the reflecting plate. The supporting portion and the lamp holder are inserted through engaging openings formed at the reflecting plate such that the supporting portion and the lamp holder are upwardly protruded with respect to the reflecting plate. Accordingly, the backlight assembly may reduce an area of the reflecting plate covered by the supporting member, thereby providing the light having uniform brightness distribution.
US07651254B2

A microchip matrix light source module includes at least two LEDs formed on a surface of a substrate. The light source further includes a light reflector formed on a surface upon which the LEDs are formed and interposed between the LEDs and configured to reflect and thereby redirect laterally emitted light from the two LEDs. The light reflector may include an inner body. The body may be covered, in part or in whole, with a light reflecting layer such as a metal layer. The body of the light reflector may include a layer corresponding to a layer in one of the two LEDs.
US07651252B2

Provided is a lamp unit using light-emitting-diode (LED) light sources, more particularly, a lamp unit using LED light sources which can generate a low beam and a high beam using LED light sources. The lamp unit includes a first LED light source unit which includes a first row of LED light sources; a second LED light source unit which includes a second row of LED light sources that is disposed below the first row of LED light sources; and a reflection plate which comprises a reflection surface that projects a low beam or a high beam upon turning on or off the first or second LED light source unit.
US07651250B2

A retractable lighting apparatus for the upper surface of a roof of a vehicle includes at least one lighting member adapted to be raised or lowered relative to the upper surface of the roof, and a device for effecting the raising and lowering of the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus has its own upper surface and a base component into which at least one telescopic component can be retracted.
US07651248B2

Provided is a lighting fitting intended to be mounted in a panel. The fitting includes a body in which a lamp may be mounted. The body includes one or more ventilation apertures which are sized and configured to allow heat generated by a lamp in the body to be adequately vented to the exterior of the body, but to inhibit the passage of fire from the interior of the body to the exterior of the body. The one or more ventilation apertures may be formed by a slot in the body. The one or more ventilation apertures may be configured so that when the fitting is installed in its intended orientation, an at least partially downward path is defined between the interior and exterior of the body of the fitting through the aperture.
US07651244B2

It is provided an electro-optical device including an electro-optical panel having a display area on which light from a light source is incident and an optical thin film disposed on the electro-optical panel at the side on which the light is incident and covering at least a portion of the display area. The optical thin film transmits at least a light component in a first wavelength range of the light from the light source and reflects at least a light component in a second wavelength range, wavelength in the second wavelength range being longer than wavelength in the first wavelength range.
US07651241B2

A direct type backlight unit is disclosed. The direct type backlight unit includes a plurality of lamps arranged in a plane with respect to a display area, a diffusion sheet and a diffuser sequentially arranged above the plurality of lamps, and dot patterns formed on at least one of the diffuser and the diffusion sheet to face the plurality of lamps, wherein the dot patterns disperse light at a center of the plurality of lamps and condense the light in a boundary between the plurality of lamps. Thus, an effect for removing a shape display of the lamps on an LCD panel can be obtained to improve display quality. Also, since the dot patterns are formed by a printing method, no separate prism pattern is required. As a result, the material cost can be reduced and stability in mass production can be obtained.
US07651236B2

An adornment having a power source for articles of clothing and accessories. Such adornment includes a housing with a front compartment and rear compartment. A front panel is attached to the housing. A predetermined novelty item is securably attached within such front compartment. A plurality of light members are attached securably within such front compartment and are operably connected to such power source. A mirror is attached to the interior walls of the front compartment to create the illusion of depth. A switch mechanism disposed on the housing at a predetermined location is operably connected to the power source to energize the light members. The rear compartment accommodates a power source and is accessible from an outside of the housing by a rear panel releasably attached to the housing to remove and replace such power source as necessary. The housing is attachable to articles of clothing and accessories.
US07651229B1

A mirror assembly including a mirror, a base and a flexible neck connecting the mirror and the base such that the neck can be manually manipulated to adjust the position of the base and the mirror relative to each other. The mirror assembly further includes a light source located on or adjacent to the mirror, and a power-source receiving receptacle located in the base, wherein the power-source receptacle cavity is electrically coupled to the light source.
US07651225B2

A three dimensional display apparatus includes a three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, a reflecting device, a controller and a projecting device. The three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus reconstructs a target three dimensional shape. The reflecting device reflects projection light from above the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus, to side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The controller controls the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus based on three dimensional shape information. The projecting device projects a surface image of the top face of the target three dimensional shape onto the top face of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus. The projecting device projects surface images of the side faces of the target three dimensional shape onto the side faces of the three dimensional shape reconstruction apparatus through the reflecting devices.
US07651220B1

A glare blocking system for selectively blocking specified glare spots. The system includes a transmission control material for selectively darkening a portion of the material and an electronics module for commanding the transmission control material to darken a specified area of the transmission control material. The system also includes a power source providing power to the electronic module and the transmission control material. The electronics module determines the specified area to be darkened upon the transmission control material to block a detected glare spot from view by a user. When a glare spot is detected, the specified area to be darkened corresponding to a detected glare spot is determined and the electronic module directs the specified area of the transmission control material to be darkened to block the detected glare spot from view by the user. In one embodiment, the glare blocking system includes a camera to capture an image seen through the transmission control material. Glare spots may then be detected on the captured image. The system may be used on goggles, visors, mirrors or as a panel having separate manual controls to select the areas to darken.
US07651212B2

The image forming apparatus comprises: an ink ejection device which ejects a droplet of radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; a solvent separating device which separates a coloring material component and a solvent component in the droplet of the radiation-curable ink on the recording medium; a solvent removing device which removes the solvent component separated by the solvent separating device; and a curing device which irradiates radiation onto the droplet of the radiation-curable ink after the solvent component is removed by the solvent removing device, in such a manner that the droplet of the radiation-curable ink is cured.
US07651210B2

An ink delivery system for use with a solid ink stick for use in printers is provided. The ink delivery system is used for receiving the stick and converting it to molten ink that may be transferred to media to form an image on the media. The delivery system includes a guide for receiving the stick and guiding the stick in a prescribed path and a melting unit. The melting unit is operably associated with the guide. The melting unit converts the stick to molten ink. The melting unit defines a receiving surface for receiving a first end of the stick. The receiving surface defines a plane. The guide defines a longitudinal axis of the guide adjacent the melting unit. The longitudinal axis defines an acute angle with respect to the plane.
US07651208B2

In an ink cartridge (liquid container) 1 of the invention, an ink delivery port 17 that connects an ink supply needle 15 of a cartridge holder 110 to an ink containing chamber 7 is disposed at an substantially central position in a shorter side direction of a container front surface 3a. Two positioning portions 13 and 14 that fit to positioning pins 11 provided at two places in the cartridge holder 110 so as to position a container main body 3, a pressurized air introduction portion 21 that connects a pressurized air supply path 19 of the cartridge holder 110 to a pressure chamber 5, and a data storage unit 25 that is connected to a connection terminal 23 of the cartridge holder 110 are disposed toward one side in a shorter side direction of the container front surface 3a with respect to the ink delivery port 17.
US07651207B2

A variation in brightness among light emitting portions provided in a plurality of liquid containers can be reduced to decrease power required to drive the light emitting portions, while allowing the light emitting portions to appropriately function as reporting units. Thus, to illuminate the light emitting portions provided in the plurality of ink tanks, a driving pulse for each of the plurality of light emitting portions is modulated to control rates of a light emission period and a light emission halted period during a unit time. Further, the light emission period of at least one of the plurality of light emitting portions overlaps the light emission halted period of at least another one of the plurality of light emitting portions.
US07651202B2

The liquid ejection head comprises: a plurality of pressure chambers connected to a plurality of nozzles from which liquid is ejected, the pressure chambers being arranged in a two-dimensional configuration; a diaphragm which constitutes a wall of each of the pressure chambers, the wall being located opposite to the nozzles; a plurality of piezoelectric elements disposed at positions corresponding to the pressure chambers on a surface of the diaphragm which is on an opposite side of the diaphragm from the pressure chambers, the piezoelectric elements causing portions of the diaphragm corresponding to the pressure chambers to deform; an intermediate plate which is located on a piezoelectric element side of the diaphragm where the piezoelectric elements are disposed and which forms a space around a periphery of each of the piezoelectric elements; electrical wires for electrically connecting drive circuits which drives the piezoelectric elements with drive electrodes of the piezoelectric elements, the electrical wires being disposed in the intermediate plate; and an ink pool section which is located across the intermediate plate from the diaphragm and which supplies the liquid to the pressure chambers.
US07651197B2

In a method of manufacturing an inkjet head, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer is produced on the surface of first silicon member formed from single-crystal silicon. Next, a glass layer formed of borosilicate glass or the like is sputtered onto the surface of the silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer. A silicon oxide (SiOx, x<2) layer is then formed on the surface of a second silicon member. The first and second silicon members and are bonded together by applying heat at about 450° C. with heaters, as a DC voltage is applied across electrode terminals. As a result, a silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer is formed at the interface of the glass layer and silicon oxide (SiOx, x<2) layer, anodically bonding the two layers.
US07651193B2

The ink jet recording apparatus includes an ejection head for ejecting ink droplets toward a recording medium by exerting electrostatic force onto ink containing charged colorant particles, an ink tank for reserving the ink to be supplied to the ejection head, a circulation path for circulating the ink between the ejection head and the ink tank, and a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the ejection head and the circulation path using cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid circulated through the circulation path at a time of cleaning by the cleaning mechanism is obtained by adding a charge control agent to an ink dispersion medium.
US07651188B2

A recording apparatus can be prevented from becoming dirty, for example, due to incorrectly loading a recording medium. If a width of the recording medium that has been detected by the detection means is shorter than a width, in the direction that intersects the carrying direction of the recording medium, over which the recording information is to be recorded, then a portion of the recording information, of the entire recording information, corresponding to the width, or to less than the width, of the recording medium that has been detected by the detection means is recorded onto the recording medium by the recording head. A notice is made when the width of the recording medium that has been detected by the detection means is different from a width of the size of the recording medium that has been set with the setting means. The ON/OFF of an operation through which the detection means detects the width of the recording medium is settable.
US07651186B2

An ink jet recording apparatus includes: a print head having an ink discharge port for discharging ink toward a recording medium, thereby performing printing on the recording medium; a recording medium thickness setting unit setting a thickness of the recording medium; a droplet amount setting unit setting an ink droplet amount depending on the recording medium thickness; and a droplet amount control unit controlling an amount of an ink droplet to be discharged from the ink discharge port to the set ink droplet amount.
US07651185B2

The invention provides an inkjet recording apparatus and an inkjet recording method that can reduce unevenness in the concentration that may appear on a recorded image due to a higher recording duty or other recording conditions. A recording head has first and second nozzle arrays discharging ink droplets. The first nozzle array discharges a relatively small droplet. The second nozzle array discharges a relatively large droplet. When a recording duty of a main recording scan performed by the recording head is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a control unit controls the first nozzle array to stop discharging the small droplet and instead controls an end nozzle of the second nozzle array to discharge the large droplet to at least part of a designated dot forming position corresponding to an end nozzle of the first nozzle array.
US07651183B2

An imaging apparatus includes a printing mechanism. A reservoir is connected to the printing mechanism. The reservoir contains an imaging substance supply. A secured compartment contains at least the reservoir, the secured compartment being configured to restrict access to the reservoir. A communication port is configured to receive print data. The communication port is communicatively coupled to the printing mechanism, and the communication port is accessible from outside the secured compartment.
US07651180B2

A height adjustment device for a dishware basket which can be removed from the rinsing container of a dishwashing machine. The height adjustment device is mounted on the dishware basket and includes at least one basket support plate mounted on the dishware basket. A swivel-mounted handle is mounted on the support plate for moving the dishware basket between an upper and a lower position.
US07651177B2

A method for controlling regenerative braking of an electric that compensates the difference between slip amounts of left and right wheels when an anti-lock braking system ABS is activated in a regenerative braking mode of the driving wheels in the electric vehicle. Steps include activating an anti-lock braking system in a regenerative braking mode of the electric vehicle, detecting slip amounts of left and right wheels to compare the same, and controlling to reduce a hydraulic braking torque or a regenerative braking torque in accordance with the difference between the slip amounts of left and right wheels.
US07651173B2

A wheel isolator coupling comprising a sprocket for engaging a drive member, the sprocket fixedly connected to a first adaptor, the sprocket rotationally engaged with a shaft through a first bearing, a wheel portion fixedly connected to a second adaptor, the wheel portion rotationally engaged with the shaft through a second bearing, the first adaptor having at least one receiving portion, at least one compressible member disposed within the receiving portion, the second adaptor having a radially extending member for engaging the compressible member within the receiving portion, and the sprocket imparting no axial force to the first bearing.
US07651151B2

A convertible vehicle with a movable roof and at least one movable cover part that in its closed position, covers a receiving area for the opened roof situated in the auto body and which can be moved up by at least one drive element is provided. The at least one drive element is arranged on a fastening device that can be mounted on the auto body which is also a support for at least one control unit, a hydraulic pump and connections of control lines leading to the drive units for roof movement. A multifunctional holding or fastening device with several connection flanges to accommodate at least one control unit, a pump, and connections for emerging hydraulic lines is also provided. The multifunctional holding device is designed as a support for at least one drive element for a cover part of a compartment top of a convertible vehicle.
US07651145B2

A dashboard with a glove compartment cover is created according to the invention, in which the dashboard and the glove compartment cover have a surface skin and a foam layer underneath it, and one of the foam layers comprises a first recess. The dashboard furthermore comprises a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the glove compartment cover and comprises a switch for actuating the locking mechanism. The dashboard is characterized in that the switch is arranged in the first recess of the foam layer under the surface skin.
US07651143B2

A headliner for preventing an assist grip located proximate a curtain side airbag (CSA) from detaching from a motor vehicle frame during deployment of the CSA is provided. The headliner can include a substrate layer with an assist grip aperture dimensioned such that an assist grip attachment end can extend through the substrate layer and attach to sheet metal located adjacent to a back side of the headliner. Proximate to the assist grip aperture is a weakened region within the substrate layer that affords for headliner to bend and/or tear around the assist grip during deployment of the CSA. In addition, a fabric layer attached to and extending across the substrate layer is provided wherein the fabric layer covers the weakened region within the substrate layer.
US07651137B2

A pipeline (20) that lies primarily in the sea and that is formed of multiple steel pipe sections connected in tandem at pipe joints, includes a protective coating around the pipe sections and around the pipe joints. Each pipe section is first covered, at an onshore facility, by an initial coating (30, 32) that extends along at least 80% of the pipe section length while leaving its ends uncovered, to leave gripping areas (40, 42) where the steel of the pipe is uncovered so the pipe can be clamped by tools such as those with steel jaws to position and slide it axially, or turn it, or prevent it from turning. After a pair of pipe sections are connected, a completion coating (50) is applied around the pipe joint to leave the pipeline with a coating around all of it.
US07651136B2

A force limiter for a vehicle safety belt includes a shaft and at least one metal strap, one end of which is attached to the shaft and which supports on a strap accommodation ring radially outside of the shaft. The distance between the strap accommodation ring and the shaft is variable.
US07651123B2

An airbag device is provided in which an airbag having a left airbag section and a right airbag section is folded by a new folding method. An airbag includes a left airbag section inflated on the left in front of a passenger; a right airbag section inflated on the right in front of the passenger; and a base chamber that connects ends of the left airbag section and the right airbag section. When the left airbag section and the right airbag section are folded, the lower halves of the bags and from a connecting band are folded back upward along a line L1 that connects the lower edge of the connecting band and the lower edge of the fixing plate.
US07651111B2

Retractable fixtures for use with a wheelchair are disclosed herein. A retractable fixture of one embodiment includes a platform movable between a first position behind the wheelchair and a second position beside the wheelchair. A track having forward and rear ends is beside the wheelchair, and a carriage is configured to travel along the track. The carriage is rotatably coupled to the platform at a front pivot point, and an arm is rotatably coupled to the platform at a rear pivot point. The arm is rotatable about a fixed pivot point. When the platform moves from the first position to the second position, the carriage travels along the track toward the track front end, the platform rotates about the front pivot point in a first direction, and the arm rotates about the fixed pivot point in the first direction.
US07651108B2

Drive wheel (6) is designed to pivot around a first axis (X-X′), which in particular is horizontal, for the purpose of advance of the vehicle, and around a second axis (Y-Y′), which in particular is vertical, for the purpose of steering of the vehicle, while fairing (8) extends laterally to the vicinity of wheel (6) when the vehicle is in operation, so that it at least partly covers an outer side of said wheel.Fairing (8) is not linked in rotation to wheel (6) around the first axis, with the result that it is not constrained to rotate around said axis during the advance of the vehicle, whereas said fairing is linked in rotation to said wheel around the second axis, so that it follows the steering movements of said wheel.
US07651102B2

A mounting guard ring for a sealing ring with at least one sealing lip, surrounding a sleeve-shaped protective ring with a supporting surface for the sealing lip disposed at the outer periphery and a holding device shaped as a grip, the protective ring being provided in at least one peripheral region with a first predetermined breaking site and being capable of being severed along the first predetermined breaking site by pulling on the holding device, the protective ring being closed off in sealing manner by a disk-shaped lid.
US07651094B1

A multi-level board game comprises a base assembly, a plurality of vertical support assemblies disposed substantially on a top surface of the base assembly, at least one elevated planar surface disposed substantially within a boundary formed by a configuration of the plurality of vertical support assemblies and positioned above the base assembly, a plurality of first tab assemblies, a plurality of second tab assemblies and plurality of elongated members coupled to a top surface of the base assembly and projecting substantially upward from the base assembly. The at least one elevated planar surface further comprises at least one slot formed within a lateral edge the elevated planar surface and each of the first tab assemblies and the second tab assemblies are suitable for insertion into the at least one slot formed within the at least one elevated planar surface.
US07651087B2

A recording device including a linear transporting path for transporting a plate-shaped body, comprising a stacker disposed downstream from an ejecting unit, the stacker being capable of switching between a first position where the stacker forms a portion of the linear transporting path and a second position which is positioned below the first position and where the stacker stacks the recording medium ejected by the ejecting unit, wherein the stacker includes a pair of guide ribs which supports the plate-shaped body at the first position and guides both side ends of the plate-shaped body positioned at the first position, and which to support the ejected recording medium at the second position.
US07651075B2

A bubble generator includes an air intake device, an air guide device, an aeration disc and a rotating device. The air guide device is partially immersed in liquid and guides air flowed into the air guide device through the air intake device toward the liquid. The aeration disc produces negative pressure by being rotated in the liquid and moving the liquid whereby air guided by the air guide device produces air bubbles in the liquid. The aeration disc comprises one or more blades that spin to create a vacuum of air moving downward through the air intake device and air guide device and into the liquid, and an arcuate wall that comprises one or more slots.
US07651070B2

A combination manifold and single lever cantered element system to which a filter module removably attaches. A ¼ rotation of the single lever mediates simultaneous operation of both valving and filter module release, and facilitates changing removably attachable filter modules without the need for tools.
US07651066B2

A device used for pneumatic control, includes a control piston carried in a cylinder. The control piston is mounted so as to be movable in the direction of a longitudinal piston axis, and a primary flow path that can be closed by the control pressure passes through the cylinder. The control piston is provided with a control surface that faces a control chamber of the cylinder and that is designed to transmit a control force to the control piston. The control piston is made at least partially of a plastic.
US07651064B1

The present invention relates generally to a roof clamp and, more specifically, to a plastic clamp that removable secures itself between shingles to attach a holiday decoration to the roof. The present roof clamp comprises a textured, rectangular backplate that is pushed under adjacent shingles. Two prongs extend from a center portion of the backplate such that they travel between the two adjacent shingles. A rectangular front plate is hingedly attached to the back plate along their lower lengths. The two prongs travel through two corresponding apertures on the front plate to lockingly engage the roof clamp in place by means of a catch release. A narrow plastic hook extends from the lower side of the backplate. A gripping prong is hingedly attached to the hook at its terminal end. The gripping prong is capable of rotating such that it can be manipulated to reconcile with and grasp the rigid angle of the decorative element it is holding. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US07651058B2

A stand assembly for a monitor is provided. The stand assembly includes a base and a stand having an upper end rotatably coupled to a monitor body, and a lower end rotatably coupled to the base. The stand assembly also includes torque correcting means for generating a torque which varies non-linearly with rotation of the stand, thus allowing a tilt angle of a monitor body coupled to the stand assembly to be easily adjusted throughout a large range of motion.
US07651057B2

A device for fastening at least one object to a supporting part provided with a fastening bolt comprises an engaging arrangement (13) that can be brought into engagement with the fastening bolt. The engaging arrangement (13) is mounted on an inner cage (8) connected via a number of bent flexible connecting pieces (14, 15, 16, 17) to an outer cage (3), on which, in turn, at least one holding arrangement (1, 2) for holding the or each object is formed. This results in good tolerance compensation with regard to the position of the fastening bolt.
US07651055B2

A drainmast for discharging fluid from a body in motion, such as an aircraft in flight, may include a barrier disposed at a distal portion of the drainmast. The barrier may extend downstream from the drainmast trailing edge, and may be disposed at a negative angle of attack to a local free-stream airflow, thereby forming a downdraft over the barrier to prevent migration of discharged fluid towards an aircraft skin. In some embodiments, the drainmast may include one or more vanes, disposed internally within a discharge conduit of the drainmast, for deflecting fluid flow within the drainmast towards a direction of free-stream airflow outside the drainmast. Methods for channeling fluid away from an external surface of an aircraft in flight are also disclosed.
US07651035B2

A dispensing assembly (1) has a first (10) and second dispensing unit (20), each of which first and second dispensing units has a reservoir for accommodating a liquid substance as well as a manually operable first and second pump (12, 22), respectively, attached to the reservoir. The dispensing assembly furthermore has a pump operating button assembly for jointly operating the first and second pump, the first pump connecting to a first dispensing duct in the pump operating button assembly (2A, 2B) and the second pump connecting to a second dispensing duct in the pump operating button assembly. The pump operating button assembly has at least one dispensing nozzle which is in communication with at least one dispensing duct in tie pump operating button assembly (2A, 2B) for dispensing one or more dispensing products based on the substances emanating from the first and second dispensing units. For example, at least one of the first and second pumps is a liquid pump which is designed for dispensing liquid to the associated dispensing duct. For example, at least one of the first and second pumps is a foam forming pump which is designed for dispensing a foam to the associated dispensing duct. For example, at least one of the first and second pumps is a liquid pump which is designed for dispensing liquid to the associated dispensing duct, which dispensing duct connects to an atomizing device which is accommodated in the pump operating button assembly in such a manner that a mist can be dispensed from at least one dispensing nozzle of the dispensing assembly.
US07651034B2

A universal controller for coordinating activity of an appliance room including a configurable air control portion, and a configurable appliance control portion. The configurable air control portion controls at least one air flow condition of the appliance room and includes an air control interface adapted to be operatively coupled with at least one of an influent combustion air system and a venting system. The configurable appliance control portion controls operation of a plurality of appliances and includes at least one appliance interface adapted to be operatively coupled with the plurality of appliances. The appliance control portion is adapted to selectively coordinate operation of individual appliances such that a selected at least one of the plurality of appliances can be operated according to a dynamically adjustable sequence.
US07651021B2

Electronic devices and methods for fabricating electronic devices are described. One method includes providing a substrate with a plurality of bonding pads thereon, and providing a plurality of solder microballs, the microballs including a coating thereon. The method also includes flowing the solder microballs onto the substrate and positioning the solder microballs on the bonding pads. The method also includes heating the solder microballs to reflow and form a joint between the solder microballs and the bonding pads. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07651016B2

A combination waist pack is worn comfortably about the waist and unfolds to provide a protective accessory such as a seat cushion, water resistant or insulated barrier to kneel or lay down upon, or other apparel or padded articles providing protection to various parts of a person for use in outdoor sports and recreation. The invention is convertible to a seat or other protective device while unfolded and a warm & protective waistband, hand warmer & padded pack while folded. A user is not required to attach a seat accessory as an addition to the invention nor does he/she have to take up additional space by placing it in a pocket. Therefore, the invention is less bulky even when using thicker materials for padding. The invention is also simpler to utilize than previous inventions. The invention provides seating, padding, & warmth. It is more desirable, more fashionable, more convenient, less noticeable, and more comfortable for sports and leisure. Versions include securing straps, buckles, or other attachments to attach to sports equipment or vehicles or to wrap protective garments around body. An optional version provides a heat or chemical resistant garment.
US07651015B2

A concentrate/extract cartridge for a beverage dispenser for dispensing a liquid concentrate/extract and a diluent is provided. The cartridge includes a hollow body and a dispensing tube connected to the hollow body. A piston is slideably contained by the dispensing tube. The cartridge includes a valve having a valve stem that passes through a port of a valve seat connected to the dispensing tube. The port defines a flow passage through the dispensing tube. The valve stem is connected to the piston at a first end of the valve stem, and a valve body is located at a second end of the valve stem in removable contact with the valve seat for alternately opening and closing the port. A beverage dispenser having a removably insertable concentrate/extract cartridge and a method of dispensing a beverage made from concentrate/extract and a diluent are also provided.
US07651009B2

The present invention relates to a portable liquid dispensing device. The present invention further relates to a dispensing device equipped with a concealable nozzle which is concealed when not in use and then exposed when it is desirable to spray a liquid such as an oral care product. The liquid dispensing device may be provided with an optional key holder.
US07651002B2

A closure device for a container, particularly a bottle, has a stopper called the service cap, arranged at the end thereof, on which a closing flap pivots. The closure device is provided with a locking system and cooperates with a hole in the sealed closure, or can be opened by pivoting. The closing flap has an opening device to guarantee the complete pivoting of the closing flap on opening, by a constant force and a constant movement without manual action of the user, immediately after the same has carried out a voluntary manual operation on the closing flap which is limited to releasing the locking system thereof.
US07650996B2

A product packaging system is provided including a receptacle having an opening to a compartment and a collapsible cover that may be configured to enclose product components within the receptacle. In some embodiments, the collapsible cover takes the form of a folded panel configured to extend across one or more compartments of the receptacle.
US07650976B2

A low-friction sliding member in a transmission is at least one of sliding members which are in slidable contact with each other in presence of a transmission oil composition. The low-friction sliding member includes a base material having a sliding section. A hard carbon thin film is coated at a sliding surface of the sliding section of the base material. The hard carbon thin film contains hydrogen in an amount not more than 20 atomic %. The transmission oil composition contains at least one of organic oxygen-containing compound and aliphatic amine compound.
US07650968B2

A power supply for an elevator drive includes a voltage input, a comparator for comparing the input voltage with a predetermined threshold, a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding connected to the elevator drive. The transformer has a single tapped primary winding. When the input voltage exceeds the predetermined threshold input, the comparator output causes power to be supplied to the primary winding via one of an end of the winding or the tapping of the winding, and when the input voltage is below the predetermined threshold, input power is supplied to the primary winding via the other of the end of the primary winding and the tapping of the winding.
US07650966B2

An elevator system (20) includes multiple cars (22, 24) within a hoistway (40). Parking positions (72, 74) are provided outside the range of passenger service levels (70). A destination entry strategy is used by a controller (60) for directing movement of the elevator cars (22, 24). The inventive combination of multiple cars in a hoistway, parking positions outside of the normal passenger service level range and destination entry car movement control allows for reducing car travel speed, reducing car size or both while still meeting desired handling capacity needs or even exceeding the desired handling capacity associated with another elevator system that requires larger cars, higher speeds and more building space.
US07650964B2

An arrangement of parts having a first part in the form of sheet metal which is in contact with the second part along an edge and is fixedly connected to the second part via at least one weld. To reduce stress peaks at the ends of welds, the first part has a slot in a section adjacent to the respective end of the weld, the slot beginning at the edge and extending to its end with a curved profile a curve bent by at least 180° up to its end.
US07650960B2

A speed limit assembly for a vehicle includes a cam member having varying thickness, a frictional member, and a handle. The frictional member maintains sufficient frictional forces to resist movement of the cam member during ordinary operation of the vehicle. The handle may be manipulated by an operator of the vehicle to overcome the friction created by the frictional member and move the cam member into a desired position. A portion of a speed control handle on the vehicle abuts against the cam member to define an end of the range of motion of the speed control handle. A desired permitted range of motion may be set by moving the a portion of the cam member having a corresponding thickness into the path of the portion of the speed control handle.
US07650959B2

An off-road vehicle includes a frame and four wheels that support the frame. An engine powers the wheels. The engine is mounted on the frame. The frame includes multiple frame members that surround the engine. One of the frame members disposed behind the engine is detachably affixed to the rest of the frame members. The frame members are divided into first and second groups. The first and second groups are offset fore to aft relative to each other and overlap with each other in a rear section of the first group and in a front section of the second group. The rear section of the first group defines a bent portion coupled with the second group. The front section of the second group defines a bent portion coupled with the first group.
US07650958B2

The invention relates to a traction drive for a working machine, in particular an industrial truck, including an electrical converter having a generator (11), which is drive-connected to a combustion engine (12), and a traction motor (1 or 2), which is combined with the generator (11) in spatial terms to form one structural unit. In order to increase the performance of the traction drive whilst having a high degree of efficiency and in order to achieve a simple design, the electrical converter (generator 11, traction motors 1, 2) has, according to the invention, an operating voltage of more than 100 volts, in particular more than 200 volts, and is connected to a cooling liquid cycle.
US07650954B2

A method for controlling the drive power distribution in a motor vehicle with hybrid drive by controlling the drive power distribution of torques of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor on a common drive train of a motor vehicle with hybrid drive. The conversion of a reference moment to an actual moment takes place almost without delay, in the case of a load point shift and/or in the case of a change in the moment desired by the driver. The delay in the conversion of reference moments into actual moments is calculated in advance by means of a control device, and the electric motor is controlled by the control device in such a manner that the torque differences that occur due to the delay of the internal combustion engine are balanced out by the electric motor.
US07650953B2

The present invention relates to the vehicle field, more particularly, to a hydrogen hybrid power electric vehicle which combusts hydrogen instead of gasoline or diesel, characterized in that an alcohol cracking hydrogen generator is in serial connection in the line of an exhaust pipe of the hydrogen engine of the vehicle which can produce hydrogen on board by cracking alcohol using the afterheat of the exhaust gases so as to drive the vehicle to run and the electric motor to generate power. When a vehicle is driven by a hydrogen engine according to the present invention combined with an electric motor, ultra-low emission or zero-emission can be reached. Plenty of raw materials can be used to produce hydrogen such as sugarcane, maize, sweet broomcorn and cassava etc. all of which are inexhaustible regenerative resources. The alcoholic materials used to produce hydrogen can be 50°-65° hydrous methanol or ethanol, which involve easy processing technology and low costs. It is also very safe and convenient to store, transport and supply in network liquid alcohol.
US07650951B1

In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprising a through bore running there through formed to accept drilling fluid. At least one mechanical actuation device is also disposed within the through bore. A guide channel is disposed within the through bore and comprises a geometry shaped to conduct the at least one mechanical actuation device. A switch is disposed within the guide channel in an original position and actuatable by the at least one mechanical actuation device to a subsequent position. A resettable mechanism is in contact with the switch wherein the resettable mechanism returns the switch to its original position. A receptacle may also be disposed within the through bore comprising a geometry shaped to accept the at least one mechanical actuation device.
US07650940B2

Methods of cementing comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, a cement, and a particulate elastomer comprising a carboxy group; and allowing the cement composition to set. Cement compositions comprising water, a cement, and a particulate elastomer comprising a carboxy group.
US07650936B2

A drilling flange and an independent screwed wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal that supplements the traditional elastomeric O-rings for providing a fluid seal between the drilling flange and the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal may be achieved using a metal ring gasket or two contacting metal surfaces that are machined to required tolerances and are configured to be forced together when the drilling flange is mounted to the wellhead. The metal-to-metal seal ensures a fluid seal between the flange body and the wellhead in the event that the O-rings malfunction or are destroyed by fire.
US07650931B2

A heat transfer device includes a base chamber, a fin chamber, and at least one fin. The chambers can be thermally coupled. The heat transfer device also includes a wick structure. The wick structure can include a multi-wick structure. The multi-wick structure can include a three-dimensional wick structure and/or a spatially varying wick structure.
US07650929B2

A horizontal cooler module includes a heat sink formed of a stack of radiation fins, a base block tightly fitted into the bottom side of the heat sink, and heat pipes each having a first extension arm respectively tightly inserted through the radiation fins and a second extension arm respectively fitted into the bottom open grooves of the base block with a respective flat wall portion of the second extension arm exposed to the outside of the base block and kept in flush with the bottom wall of the base block for direct contact with an external electronic chip to transfer heat energy from the electronic chip to the heat sink for quick dissipation.
US07650923B2

A track assembly for supporting fabric on a surface includes a base track defining a first half of a hinge and a first half of a snapping clamp. The base track preferably includes a tension force dissipater extending from the first half of the hinge. An upper track defines a second half of the hinge and is pivotally connectable to the base track. The upper track defines a second half of the snapping clamp for releasably engaging the fabric. The upper track includes a strut extended downwardly towards the base track such that when high tension forces are applied to the upper track, due to fabric tensioning, the strut contacts the base track and at least partially transmits the tension forces to the surface.
US07650913B2

A weaving machine starts-up in slow speed operation during a first weaving cycle following the machine start. To help avoid weft breaks, a method is provided to hold a weft thread inserted into the loom shed during the first weaving cycle. A sensor monitors the weft insertion. The inserted weft thread is held by binding threads at a location downstream from an inlet side of the loom shed, before the weft thread is bound by the warp threads. The binding of the weft thread by the binding threads is carried out dependent on a signal of the sensor.
US07650912B2

The present invention refers to a flexible conduit element for an exhaust system of a combustion engine vehicle, comprising a helically or annularly corrugated metal bellows member, an outer flexible member disposed around the bellows member and the resilient member biasing the flexible outer member towards the metal bellows member. In order to improve the absorption of vibrations of a combustion engine, the outer flexible member comprises a reticulated structure.
US07650910B2

An electro-hydraulic valve apparatus includes a flow channel, a hydraulic control channel defining an electro-hydraulic valve junction where the hydraulic control channel is adjacent to the flow channel, a flexible wall between the flow channel and the hydraulic control channel at the electro-hydraulic valve junction, and Peltier devices adjacent to the hydraulic control channel on opposite sides of the electro-hydraulic valve junction for controllably applying a hydraulic force against the flexible wall repositioning the flexible wall in relation to the flow channel to selectively close or open the electro-hydraulic valve apparatus.
US07650909B2

A system and method for conveying flowable material through a conduit that creates a strong laminar flow of the material surrounded by a boundary layer flow of the same or a different flowable material, such that long transport distances through dramatic elevation and directional changes can be achieved. Some embodiments of the system include a blower assembly, an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a mixing chamber, wherein the mixing chamber includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel and an accelerating chamber. Low pressure air is supplied to the system by the blower assembly and mixed with particulate material. The air/material mixture is transported through the mixing chamber into the accelerating chamber and through the outlet conduit. In other embodiments, the particulate material is mixed with the air in the accelerating chamber. Other embodiments of the system include only the mixing chamber, where a flow of at least one flowable material in the form of high or low pressure gas, liquid, and/or particulates suspended within the gas or liquid enters either laterally or axially, forms boundary layer and laminar flows, and exits through the accelerating chamber.
US07650901B2

A gas shutoff valve having a ball normally residing in a first seat, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the ball to escape the first seat and settle into a second seat wherein a flow of gas is blocked. The first seat is on an upper surface of a seating ball held in a base portion of the valve. The seating ball is held in place by a plate and is adjustable to compensate for gas line angles away from vertical. Adjustments to the seating ball may be made using a leveling tool inserted through a tool port in the base portion and inserting into a tool seat in the seating ball.
US07650893B2

A device for applying a hair product which includes a support on one face of which there projects application elements. The application elements are arranged such that a first group of application elements of a first row is superposable, along a longitudinal axis (X) of the support, with a second group of application elements of a second row. The application elements of the second group have a mean flexibility and/or a mean height that is greater respectively than the mean flexibility and/or the mean height of the application elements of the first group. In addition, the mean of the spacings between application elements that make up the second group is less than the mean of the spacings between application elements that make up the first group.
US07650881B2

A door assembly for a cooking appliance including a cabinet, a lower oven cavity and an upper oven cavity defined within the cabinet is provided. The door assembly includes a lower oven door movably coupled to the cabinet and configured to cover the lower oven cavity. The lower oven door defines a lower oven door air inlet and a lower oven door air outlet. A lower oven door air passage is defined within the lower oven door and provides flow communication between the lower oven door air inlet and the lower oven door air outlet. An upper oven door is movably coupled to the cabinet and configured to cover the upper oven cavity. The upper oven door defines an upper oven door air inlet and an upper oven door air outlet. An upper oven door air passage is defined within the upper oven door and provides flow communication between the upper oven door air inlet and the upper oven door air outlet. The upper oven door air inlet is positioned with respect to the lower oven door air outlet such that air exiting the lower oven door air passage is directed into the upper oven door air passage.
US07650878B2

A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.
US07650877B2

A device for pre-conditioning combustion air at an inlet path to a combustion chamber, in which the inlet includes a set of two or more magnetic fields arranged along the inlet path. Each magnetic field has a corresponding north pole and a south pole and a magnetic moment vector extending from the south pole portion to the north pole. The magnetic moment vectors are arranged mainly perpendicularly with respect to the inlet path; the magnetic moment vectors are distributed consecutively along the inlet path; the second or consecutive magnetic field are arranged with the second or consecutive magnetic moment vector's pole with the opposite pole adjacent to the inlet path relative to the first or preceding magnetic moment vector's pole.
US07650873B2

An improved spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine that includes a pair of electrodes disposed to extend from opposite sides and into a combustion chamber to form a spark gap between them that is central to the combustion chamber. Each electrode is integral with a conductive fuel delivery tube that contains a capillary passage and fuel outlet ports adjacent the electrode. The heat from combustion conducted into the electrodes and fuel delivery tubes is used to vaporize the fuel within the capillary passages before it exits the outlet ports as an atomized fog into the combustion chamber adjacent the spark gap. The vaporization of the fuel flowing in the capillary passages absorbs energy from the electrodes and thus performs a cooling effect on the electrodes. The spacing of the electrodes from opposite sides of the cylinder also allows a design that can utilize and increased spark gap to produce a larger spark across the gap.
US07650870B2

Disclosed are crankshaft, single-plate cam and beam mechanisms that provide significant improvements in performance for 2- & 4-stroke engines, compressors and pumps. These cost effective mechanisms include linkages with the new and improved use of pivoting arms that operate with a variety of cylinder arrangements. One embodiment of the crankshaft mechanism has its crankpin roller positioned within a novel yoke-arm. The cam mechanism uses a pair of centrally positioned parallel links that are connected to roller cam followers and single or diametrically-opposed pistons. A pair of laterally extending follower arms connects to the ends of the links to provide support and alignment for the piston rods. Between the reciprocating links, cam followers and follower arms is a rotating odd-lobe plate cam. A beam mechanism uses opposite-direction extending balancing beams that are connected to links, cam followers and piston rods.
US07650867B2

An intake and exhaust tuning system is disclosed. The exhaust system includes a collector slidably mounted within the exhaust fluid path and adjustable by an actuator to change the fluid path length between the collector and the exhaust ports of an engine. The intake tuning system includes a sliding member engaging parallel straight sections of tubes forming the intake system. The position of the sliding member is adjusted to change the length of the intake fluid path. Sealing members suitable for use in the intake and exhaust tuning systems are also disclosed.
US07650865B2

A power equipment apparatus includes an engine, an electric starter motor, a manual starter mechanism, a temperature sensor, and a starter switch. The temperature sensor is operatively coupled with the engine and is configured to generate a temperature signal reflecting a temperature of a portion of the engine. The starter switch is configured to selectively facilitate passage of electrical power to the electric starter motor for actuation of the electric starter motor only when both the starter switch is actuated and the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature.
US07650857B2

A pet grooming tool comprises a pet engageable portion formed of polymeric material and having a plurality of teeth. A method of forming a pet grooming tool comprises molding a pet engageable portion out of a first polymeric material and thereafter over molding a handle portion to the pet engageable portion.
US07650856B2

The invention relates to an improved submersible mollusc farm consisting of a self-supporting frame which is formed with an “H” plan floating structure comprising beams with support arms for the culture ropes. According to the invention, the structure moves vertically under the effect of tides or the weight of the culture product and is guided by means of surface floats which are equipped with a guide tube comprising slide stop elements between which the structure can slide.
US07650854B2

This invention refers to a teatcup liner and a teatcup. The liner (1) is mounted in a shell (2) of the teatcup and defines an inner space (3) for receiving a teat. The liner includes a primary component (12) forming a barrel. The primary component includes a peripheral portion (15), a primary connecting ring (16) and a lip (17) defining an opening (4). The secondary component includes a secondary peripheral portion (18) and a secondary connecting ring (20). The primary component is connectable to the secondary component for releasing the liner by a mutual engagement of the connecting rings. At least one of the connecting rings abuts the peripheral portion of the other component to form a sealing abutment between the two components.
US07650851B2

In a dip soldering process, solder is pumped through a nozzle outlet. Leads of a component on a circuit board are dipped into the surface of the flowing solder to solder the leads to a track on the underside of the circuit board. To prevent solder bridging between the leads, a plate is provided below the solder surface, and passes between the leads. When withdrawing the leads from the solder, the solder surface is dropped to the level of the plate, so that excess solder is drawn away from the leads, preventing solder bridging between the leads. Member may be movable to rise through the solder surface as the circuit board is raised away from the surface.
US07650846B2

A mainsail reefing system comprises: a drum assembly including first and second coaxial drums for collecting luff-end and leech-end reefing lines, respectively; a drive mechanism for rotating the drum assembly; and a levelwind mechanism including a cam shaft configured to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion, and first and second line guides mechanically coupled to the cam shaft, where the line guides are configured to move in a reciprocating motion across the width of the first and second drums, respectively, for guiding the reefing lines onto their respective drums. The levelwind mechanism is mechanically coupled to the reefing mechanism for coordination of movement of the line guides with rotation of the drum assembly. A preferred drive assembly comprises a third drum attached coaxially to the first and second drums, and a larger diameter threaded disc coaxially attached to an end of the third drum. During the reefing process a cockpit line is pulled off the third drum and then transitions to the larger diameter threaded disc, providing extra leverage during the outhaul tensioning of the mainsail.
US07650845B2

A device for protecting a boat hull has an inflatable element with a deflated state, in which the element can be positioned either inside or outside of the boat hull. When located outside the hull, the inflatable element is operatively connected to an inflation/deflation circuit by a conduit. A translational control device causes the inflatable element to be selectively positioned between a position inside the hull and a position outside the hull. When outside the hull, the inflatable element may be inflated or deflated by the inflation/deflation circuit. A bushing provides a through opening in the hull through which the conduit and deflated element pass. A weighted plug is provided at the end of conduit and is shaped to provide sealing engagement with the bushing.
US07650830B1

A system and method for the enhancement or fortification of a potable fluid. The system is adapted to fit on existing supplies of potable fluids, such as faucets, to permit the selective introduction of beneficiating materials into the liquid supply. The system includes interchangeable, replaceable cartridges. In one aspect of the invention, the system introduces a constant concentration of beneficiating material into the water supply. In another aspect, the system has the ability to permit discrete or continuously variable concentrations of the beneficiating material. The system may also include a water filtration device that may be operated either independently or cooperatively with the system.
US07650827B1

A tool conforms at one end to an annular nozzle end of a rocket and conforms peripherally to a tube of a launcher for the rocket so that the tool may be inserted into the tube to urge the rocket precisely into a loaded position without slipping from the nozzle and damaging elements inside the nozzle. The tool is configured to receive a blast paddle of the launcher when the paddle is pivoted across the tube to engage a detent and an igniter contact with the rocket in the loaded position. The tool is configured to urge the rocket from the loaded position for unloading from the tube and is constructed of static dissipative material.
US07650824B2

This invention generally relates to enlarging a hole in a substrate such that the enlarged hole is centered on the existing hole. A knock-out punch and die tool for enlarging a knock-out hole in an electrical box includes a punch; a generally cup shaped die; a threaded central shaft supporting the punch on one end and the die on the other end; a removable centering element placed in a cup portion of the die; and a resilient element, such as a spring, urging the centering element in an axial direction along a length of the shaft outwardly of the cup portion. The centering element and the spring may be provided as a retrofitting kit for converting non-centering punch and die tools into centering punch and die tools.
US07650816B2

On a high-voltage power switch there is provided a shaft for transmitting a rotary motion through a wall. A deflection lever is disposed on the shaft. The shaft and the deflection lever are part of a kinematic chain. For adjustment of the deflection lever in its position on the shaft, the deflection lever has an adjusting device.
US07650815B2

The present invention provides for a brake actuator for use in a motor vehicle. In a motor vehicle with one or more brakes activated by a cable system, there is a mounting bracket mounted in the motor vehicle. Movably mounted to the mounting bracket is a lever that can move in brake applying and brake releasing directions, and which is constructed to be connected to the brake cables. The lever applies tension to the brake cables when the lever is moved in the brake applying direction, and releases the tension when moved in the releasing direction. Mounted to either the lever or the mounting bracket is a retainer constructed to engage the other of the lever or the mounting bracket. The retainer acts to restrict the relative lateral movement of the lever and the mounting bracket.
US07650814B2

A bicycle cable is provided with an outer casing, an inner wire extending through the outer casing, an inner sheath covering at least a portion of the inner wire that protrudes beyond the outer casing and at least one the inner sheath cap member cap member. The inner sheath cap member has a mounting section mounted to an end part of the inner sheath and a bottom section that is formed on one end of the mounting section. The bottom section has a cable passage hole with the inner wire can pass therethrough. The bicycle cable is configured to effectively suppress the intrusion of contaminants between the inner wire and the inner sheath, and thereby, prevent the inner wire from degrading and becoming difficult to move.
US07650812B2

A shift lever has a detent rod which is movable along a longitudinal direction of a lever main body. A knob, which is graspably mounted to a distal end portion of the shift lever, has an attachment hole, and a holder is attached in the attachment hole. The holder has a button which is reciprocatingly movable into and out of the attachment hole, and a link which is interlocked with movement of the button. When the button is moved inwardly, the link abuts the detent rod, and moves the detent rod along the longitudinal direction of the lever main body. When the link moves reciprocatingly at the inner side of the knob, the link abuts the inner side of the knob. Elastic members which elastically deform are provided at the link and at a region of the inner side of the knob which region is abutted by the link.
US07650807B2

A method for adjusting an automatic transmission ratio by a driver includes imposing a ratio change required by the driver to the transmission when first conditions are fulfilled, maintaining the ratio until second conditions for returning to operation in an automatic mode are fulfilled, and automatically restoring the automatic mode when the second conditions are fulfilled.
US07650805B2

The present invention comprises a filter housing having two or more layers of filters. Each layer is preferably spaced apart from each other so as to provide a chamber or gap between them. A port or vent is located within the chamber or gap between the two layers to provide an intermediate path for gas or liquid to flow through one layer of filter or membrane and out the vent or port for integrity testing.
US07650801B2

The invention relates to a turbine flowmeter for measuring the consumption of fluids, particularly water. The turbine flowmeter comprises a housing (1) with an inflow (2), and outflow (3) and a flow channel (4). The turbine flowmeter also comprises a measuring unit (5) for measuring and indicating the consumption. A turbine (10) with a hub (11) and a number of radial vanes (12.1, 12.2) is located inside the channel (4). A holding insert (20) is also located inside the channel (4) and is comprised of a water guide cross (20.1) and of an insert base body (20.2). The water guide cross (20.1) comprises a hub (21), radial struts (22) extending from the hub (21) to the wall of the channel (4), a nozzle body (23), which surrounds the front (14) of the turbine (10), however, a gap (17) remains through which the fluid flows, and comprises a central opening (24) in the nozzle body (23). The vanes (12.1. 12.2) of the turbine (10) are positioned near the nozzle body (23). A nozzle ring (16) connects the vanes (12.1, 12.2) and extends over the outer contour of the nozzle body (23) so that a nozzle gap (18) remains between the nozzle ring (16) and the nozzle body (23). This nozzle gap (18) communicates with the gap (17) between the nozzle body (23) and the front (14) of the turbine (10). The gap (17) and the nozzle gap (18) guide the fluid so that the turbine starts running even with the smallest flow of fluid and, even during a maximum rate of flow, keeps its position behind the water guide cross (20.1) without requiring any bearing.
US07650800B2

A flow sensor comprises a measuring chamber, into which a medium may be introduced and then removed, the volume and/or flow speed of which is to be measured. Freely rotating measuring elements are mounted in the measuring chamber Furthermore, at least one sensor for the measurement of magnetic fields and/or changes in magnetic fields is provided and a circuit to which the output signals from the sensor(s) are supplied. The sensor(s) provide an output signal and supply the same to the circuit. The output signal varies periodically on each passage of a single tooth and a corresponding tooth gap on one of the measuring elements, between a minimum and a maximum value. Depending on the position of the tooth relative to the sensor(s) the output signal takes on a reproducible intermediate value. The circuit is embodied such as to convert the intermediate values into discrete values, representative of part volumes of the volumes pumped between two teeth.
US07650793B2

Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to publication usage by participants in publication readership studies. Some methods and systems employ portable monitors carried by participants of the studies along with publications fitted with various devices, such as piezoelectric transducers, RFID tags and others devices and circuits.
US07650791B2

A tightening method yielding a precise control of the resulting clamping force, in which the tightening operation is performed in two steps, and the stress level is always kept within the limits of the elastic portion of the stress×strain curve. The method employs a single or multi-spindle power wrench controlled by a computer, provided with measuring means for the precise sensing of applied torque and turn angle in real time. The method comprises in a preferred embodiment a first and a second tightening operations, the data collected during the first operation being inputted to the computer which calculates the amount of torque to be applied to the fastener in the second and final tightening operation according to an algorithm which also comprises checking steps to ascertain that the results fall within the preset values, tolerances and scatter limits.
US07650788B2

An RFID biosensor detection system for detecting particular substances has an interrogator circuit to transmit a radio frequency signal, an input transducer mounted on a piezoelectric material to receive an input radio frequency signal and propagate a corresponding acoustic wave within the piezoelectric material. At least two chemically orthogonal or semi-orthogonal biolayers are mounted on the piezoelectric material to receive substances to be tested and cause corresponding changes in the acoustic wave. An output transducer is mounted on the piezoelectric material to receive the acoustic wave and transmit a corresponding output radio frequency signal. A receiver circuit receives the corresponding output radio frequency signal and provides separate channel data indicative of the substances received.
US07650783B2

The disclosure relates to a thermal mass flow meter for determining a material flow through a vessel. In this case, a heating element is mounted on a holder which is immersed into a vessel with a flowing medium. It is suggested that the holder is subdivided into two zones of differing thermal conductivity, the holder substantially having a high thermal conductivity adjoined by a short zone of low thermal conductivity in which the heating element is arranged.
US07650780B2

A sensor may be used to measure particulate mass concentration in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. The sensor may include a signal electrode and a detector electrode at least partially enclosed within a sensor body. The sensor may continuously measure the particulate mass concentration in the exhaust of the internal combustion engine. Continuously measuring the particulate mass concentration may produce a time-resolved measurement of the particulate mass concentration. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to a feedback control system that may adjust operating conditions of the internal combustion engine.
US07650778B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for testing a fuel pump in a fuel supply system on a IC fuel injected engine, the pump having a pumping element for supplying fuel injectors via a fuel rail. The method includes providing a pump element pumping event; disabling overlapping injectors during a test-period that includes the pumping event; measuring pressure in the rail at least two engine crank angles surrounding the pumping event during the test period; and determining a fuel delivery rate value for the pump based on the measured rail pressures. Methods and apparatus also are provided for determining quantitative leakage rate in the fuel supply system of a fuel injected IC engine, the fuel system including a fuel pump with one or more pumping elements supplying injectors via a fuel rail. The method includes establishing steady state engine operating conditions with fuel rail pressure at a predetermined value; disabling all overlapping injectors and all pumping events during a test period; measuring rail pressure at preselected first and second crank angles during the test period, the first crank angle being advanced relative to the second crank angle; and calculating the leakage rate based on a pressure drop determined from the measured rail pressure at the first crank angle and the measured rail pressure at the second crank angle.
US07650770B2

A tool is used to split the coils of a key ring so that the key ring can be easily and efficiently placed on a key or other object. In one embodiment the invention includes a pair of guides, such as ribs or slots, incorporated into the bridge of the key ring grip. One rib or slot assists in getting the key ring onto the key and the other rib or slot assists in removing the key ring from the key. Alternatively, the tool could be separate from the key ring bridge and take the form of a plate having a pair of cut-out sections on opposite sides thereof. One cut-out has a sharp leading edge on the top of the plate and the other has a sharp leading edge on the bottom of the plate. A semicircular handle is attached to one side of the plate and assists it further by widening the gap between the coils so that a key can be threaded onto the free end of the key ring.
US07650768B2

A bottle security device includes a housing with an electronic surveillance article tag therein and a ratchet strap which extends from the housing and loops around the bottle neck to secure the device thereto. The strap has one-way locking teeth which are lockably engaged by a locking mechanism in the housing when the strap is inserted therein to secure the strap in a locked position. The housing has first and second opposed outer surfaces which taper radially outwardly and toward one another in a manner which makes the housing difficult to grasp manually or otherwise, thus helping prevent the breakage and removal of the device from the bottle. The tapered outer surfaces also serve to deflect impact forces to the housing to help prevent unauthorized removal of the device. An arcuate channel of the housing receives and aligns the strap for improved locking capability.
US07650762B2

A burn-in oven is provided with a plurality of spaced, stacked burn-in-boards, each with a plurality of individual circuits being tested under heated conditions, and a plurality of valve trays positioned between two burn-in-boards to form a heat exchange compartment below the valve tray. Each valve tray has a plenum formed above it to provide a separate chamber that is a source of cooling air. Each valve tray has a plurality of valves, one over each of a number openings in the tray. Each opening overlies an integrated circuits or device under test on the burn-in-board below the valve tray. The valves control the flow of air for cooling the integrated circuits. The flow of air through the valves is the only path for cooling airflow to the integrated circuits on the burn-in-boards.
US07650760B2

A motor controller (101) according to the invention comprises an inverter circuit (3) for driving a brushless motor (4) and a control unit for controlling the rotational speed of the brushless motor (4) by controlling the phase of the motor current of the brushless motor (4) through the inverter circuit (3).
US07650755B2

A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.
US07650752B2

An actuator has two shape memory alloys (SMAs) connected in a push-pull arrangement to a movable part. By passing current to each of the SMAs from a drive circuit part, the movable part can be driven. When a target position signal of the movable part is input to the drive circuit part, a current is passed to an SMA of the contraction side on the basis of a drive waveform obtained by adding a voltage according to the target position signal to a bias voltage, and a current is passed to the SMA on the expansion side on the basis of a signal waveform obtained by subtracting the voltage according to the target position signal from the bias voltage. Consequently, the SMA of the expansion side maintains a pre-heat state and is not cooled excessively, so that response delay at the time of the next heating can be prevented. As a result, the response of the actuator can be increased.
US07650749B2

A tidal power station device (1) in which at least one submerged sail (14, 14′) is displaceable between two magazines (18, 20).
US07650743B2

A line guidance unit, for the guidance of lines, cables or similar, with a fist end (10) which may be fixed and a second end (11) which is displaceable; is disclosed. The line guidance unit (2) comprises a channel (12), embodied as segments (13). The segments are connected with at least one support strip (1). The line guidance unit comprises means which embody the line guidance unit (2) in an arc relative to a straight line joining the both ends (10, 11), in the extended state.
US07650730B2

On a packing machine, packets of cigarettes, selected from different alternative packets of cigarettes of at least a first and second type, are produced by transferring groups of cigarettes relative to the selected type of packet from a forming path to a first packing path, along which an inner sheet of packing material is folded about each group of cigarettes, and then to a second packing path, along which at least a collar is folded about each group of cigarettes and on top of the inner sheet of packing material; each group of cigarettes is then transfer red, depending on the type of packet selected, to a third packing path, along which folding of a first outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the first type, or to a fourth packing path, along which folding of a second outer blank about each group of cigarettes is completed to form a packet of cigarettes of the second type.
US07650728B2

Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07650714B1

The body of the fisheye device is sized to be supported around the fisherman's neck and rest against his chest. The body carries a convex lens, a spinner hook for engaging and holding a fishing hook with the eye free. A visual panel is in the line-of-sight beyond the spinner hook and carries a surface which is visually appropriate to aid in tying the line through the eye of the fishing hook.
US07650707B2

Support structures for footwear and the like include contact surface-contacting members (e.g., outsole structures) having an exterior surface that includes: (a) a recessed segment extending longitudinally from a forefoot to a heel portion, (b) plural lateral motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, forefoot portion, and (c) plural medial motion inhibiting traction elements in the lateral, heel portion. The recessed segment provides a flex line about which the medial and lateral sides of the surface-contacting member can move to independently engage and disengage from a contact surface as a wearer's weight shifts. In at least some structures, the lateral side of the foot-supporting member may be less flexible and/or more stable than the medial side. Support structures of the types described above can allow more of the surface-contacting member to remain in contact with the ground and provide a solid base or support for the movement or activity.
US07650699B2

An electric drill having a function for preventing drilling of unexpected oblique hole. Further, in the electric drill, when the direction of drilling is displaced in drilling work using the electric drill, it is sensed automatically to stop the drilling. The electric drill (1) performs drilling in the direction perpendicular a workpiece (7) and has a tilt sensor (10) mounted on a tilt sensor mounting surface (8) defined in parallel to the ground surface. When the rotation axis (C) of the drill positioned perpendicular to the surface of the workpiece is tilted to an angle equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, the tilt sensor (10) senses the tilt to shutoff a drive current of the electric drill.
US07650695B1

A method of assembling conductive terminals of a plurality of electrical connectors includes the steps of: (1) providing at least two overlapping housings each of which has a terminal receiving portion including fixing holes and guiding holes each partially overlapping one fixing hole; (2) providing a terminal carrier structure with a carrier, wherein at least two conductive terminal groups are alternately disposed on the carrier and each group has at least two conductive terminals with free ends; (3) disposing the carrier structure behind the housings; (4) pushing the carrier structure so that the free ends are inserted into the fixing holes; and (5) removing the carrier so that each conductive terminal is separated from the carrier and each housing and the engaging conductive terminal group form one electrical connector. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce assembly procedure, improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost.
US07650688B2

A vacuum bonding tool for pick-and-place and bonding semiconductor chips onto a substrate or onto a previously mounted die to form a die stack includes a shank and a suction part. The shank has a vacuum conduit extending from a first end to a second end of the shank. The shank is adapted for cooperative engagement with the suction part at the second end, and the shank has a plate at the second end to support the suction part. The suction part has a surface for contacting a semiconductor chip during pick-and place operation. According to the invention, the suction part is made of an elastically deformable conductive or non-conductive material. In various embodiments, the chip contacting surface of the elastically deformable suction part flat overall, or is concave, of has a flat central region and concave regions.
US07650685B2

A method of manufacturing a head suspension for a hard disk drive includes a rigid part chain product manufacturing step forming a rigid part chain product where rigid parts are provided continuously, a flexure manufacturing step forming the flexure integrated with the resilient part and the reinforcing parts, a base manufacturing step forming the base, a stacking and coupling step stacking and connecting the rigid part chain product, the resilient part chain product, the bases, and the flexures, to form the stacked set, and a cutting step cutting and separating respective head suspensions from a stacked set.
US07650676B2

A buckle includes a male member (A) and a female member (B). The male member includes a base portion (10), a pair of leg portions (20) projected from the base portion and an engagement portion (25) that is provided to each of the leg portions and engagement with the female member. The base portion includes a projected portion (14) that is projected in a projecting direction of the leg portions (20), the projected portion (14) projected in such a manner that a projecting amount gradually increases from width-direction ends of the base portion toward a center. The leg portions each include an outer leg piece (21) and an inner leg piece (22) and further includes a tip-end connector (24) that connects the outer leg piece and the inner leg piece. A base end of the inner leg piece is positioned on the projected portion (14).
US07650671B2

A slide hinge module of a slide-type device, which includes: a hinge assembly, in which a connecting member having a locking part and a guide member having a guide part are foldably assembled with each other, and elastic force is exerted to the hinge assembly in a direction where the connecting member and the guide member are unfolded from each other by an elastic member; a slide member assembled with the guide part so as to slide, the slide member having one end at which a swing operating part is formed; and a swing member including a locking jaw which is rotatably installed at the guide member and is locked in the locking part or is released from the locking part according to a rotational angle, the swing member including a swing-trigger part, which is locked in the swing operating part according to a movement position of the slide member and is rotated so as to allow the locking jaw to be released from the locking part, or is released from the swing operating part and is rotated in an inverse direction so as to allow the locking jaw to be locked in the locking part. While the slide member slides along the guide part, the locking jaw catches torque of a hinge spring so that large amounts of frictional force due to the hinge spring aren't generated between the guide member and slid member. Therefore, the slide member can smoothly slide.
US07650658B1

A breathable mattress including a plurality of layers, where one of the mattress layers is further comprised of a plurality of sections and the sections are comprised of different types of materials, which have varying firmnesses and feel, and where each of the layers is comprised of material that is perforated or of an open-cell structure to allow for air circulation. The mattress is supported by an air filtration foundation capable of creating an air flow within the mattress.
US07653943B2

Methods, systems and architectures for processing renderable digital content are described. The various embodiments can protect against unauthorized access or duplication of unprotected content (i.e. decrypted content) once the content has reached a rendering device such as a user's computer. A flexible framework includes an architecture that allows for general media sources to provide virtually any type of multimedia content to any suitably configured rendering device. Content can be protected and rendered locally and/or across networks such as the Internet. The various embodiments can provide a standard platform that can that can be leveraged to protect content across a wide variety of rendering environments, content types, and DRM techniques.
US07653941B2

A method for detecting an infective element in a network environment is provided that includes detecting, by a first computer, an infective element within a second computer. A signal is generated and communicated that identifies the second computer as being associated with the infective element. The signal includes an address associated with the second computer. The signal is received and, in response to the signal, a communicating capability of the second computer is disabled.
US07653927B1

The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of selecting a pay per view program to be transmitted to a personal video recorder having a program receiver. A schedule of pay per view programs is obtained. Each of the pay per view programs has a title and at least one transmission time and an associated transmission channel for each transmission time. A title list comprising the titles of at least one pay per view program is generated based on the schedule. The title list is provided to a display device for display to a user. A selection by title of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is received from the user. A potential transmission time of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is determined based on the at least one transmission time. Alternatively, selection of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver may be based on user's preferences or a pre-selected list of titles.
US07653912B2

The invention provides, in one aspect, a virtual processor that includes one or more virtual processing units. These virtual processing units execute on one or more processors, and each virtual processing unit executes one or more processes or threads (collectively, “threads”). While the threads may be constrained to executing throughout their respective lifetimes on the same virtual processing units, they need not be. An event delivery mechanism associates events with respective threads and notifies those threads when the events occur, regardless of which virtual processing unit and/or processor the threads happen to be executing on at the time. The invention provides, in other aspects, virtual and/or digital data processors with improved dataflow-based synchronization. A process or thread (collectively, again, “thread”) executing within such processor can execute a memory instruction (e.g., an “Empty” or other memory-consumer instruction) that permits the thread to wait on the availability of data generated, e.g., by another thread and to transparently wake up when that other thread makes the data available (e.g., by execution of a “Fill” or other memory-producer instruction).
US07653906B2

Activities may be delayed from being dispatched until another activity is ready to be dispatched. Dispatching more than activities increase overlapping in execution time of activities. By delaying the dispatch of the activities, power consumption and thermal dissipation on a multi-threading processor may be reduced.
US07653904B2

A method, apparatus, and system are provided for a multi-threaded virtual state mechanism. According to one embodiment, active thread state of a first active thread is received using a virtual state mechanism, and virtual thread state is generated in accordance with the active thread state of the first active thread, and the virtual thread state corresponding to the first active thread is forwarded to state update logic.
US07653902B2

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for matching software requirements against target system landscape descriptions and for applying rating metrics to intermediate results during the matchmaking process. Data are received as inputs describing the requirements and dependencies of a particular software application and the resources available in the target system that may be able to meet these requirements. These data are searched for combinations of system resources that will satisfy the requirements of the application as well as optimization metrics and other requirements supplied by the user. Once a match is found, it is given a rating and ranked against any other matches.
US07653898B1

A method for analyzing a target system that includes generating a characteristics model using a schema defining a domain, obtaining a plurality of characteristics from the target system using a characteristics extractor, wherein the plurality of characteristics is associated with the characteristics model storing each of the plurality of characteristics in a characteristics store, and analyzing the target system by issuing at least one query to the characteristics store to obtain an analysis result.
US07653894B2

A method, apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for classifying and modeling operating system images for data center management. An operating system image may be classified as a golden master image, a snapshot image, or a scripted operating system image. A software model is provided to abstract operating system and platform detail, and provide a consistent and scalable way of dealing with operating system images. An installation mechanism is provided to install images based on priorities. Software installables are attached with a software definition that may either be a software stack or a software module. A software stack comprises at least one software module.
US07653886B2

In one embodiment, a method for determining crosslinking between netlists is provided. The first netlist and second netlist may have nets that have different net names but may be the same net. It is also possible that the content of individual nets in one list may need to be split or combined to accurately match the other list. Complete results will not be obtained if only 1 to 1 content matches are considered. The method determines an exploded list of one of the netlists, such as the second netlist, where the netlist is reversed such that the pins of the netlist are used as keys to an associated net name. A pin in the first netlist is then determined. The pin may be associated with a first net name in the first netlist. The pin is looked up in the exploded list using it as a key to determine a second net name for the pin. The process continues using each pin in the first netlist to determine the net name associated with the pin in the second netlist. When this process is finished, crosslinks between net names that match across netlists are determined.
US07653878B1

Techniques are described for displaying a list of items while simultaneously depicting how the items satisfy multiple criteria. A list of visual indicators is displayed in an order. The order indicates how the items satisfy a first criteria. For example, the list of items may be books displayed in alphabetical order. The order indicates how the titles rank alphabetically. While retaining the order, information is displayed to visually indicate how the items satisfy other criteria selected by the user. The user may select other criteria, and information is displayed to indicate how the items satisfy the other criteria. A page is downloaded by a browser on a client. The browser executing a page generates visual indications of how items satisfy the multiple criteria in response to user selection of the criteria.
US07653876B2

Systems and techniques to create and use a reversible format document. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: obtaining an electronic document in a binary format, reforming the electronic document in a markup language format using information selected from the binary format document according to predefined extraction parameters, and inserting an encoded version of the electronic document in the binary format into the electronic document in the markup language format. A markup language document can include a first and second portions, the first portion including a subset of information, including rules governing how the electronic document is processed by a machine, from a binary format document corresponding to the second portion, and the second portion including an encoded version of the binary format document, where the electronic document is fully transformable to the binary format after a modification to the electronic document in the markup language format.
US07653860B2

Aspects describe a transmit driver that processes data communication between a scheduler and a turbo encoder. Transmit driver receives a request for a super frame and ascertains whether it has enough information to start the super frame. If there is enough data, the super frame is written to an appropriate hardware register. Both Direct Memory Access (DMA) and non-DMA hardware can be supported with the one or more aspects. In an aspect, a method is provided for data transmission. The method includes obtaining data comprising one or more logical channels wherein each of the logical channels comprises one or more code blocks, and wherein each of the code blocks comprises one or more turbo groups, organizing the data based on the one or more code blocks to produce time-sequenced turbo groups, and outputting the time-sequenced turbo groups.
US07653856B2

The present invention relates to a power controlling method in a mobile radio communication system using Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) scheme, and more particularly to a power controlling method of response (ACK/NACK) signals for transmitting the ACK/NACK signals in different power based on the permissible probabilities of reception error that the system requires. When the ACK/NACK signals are transmitted and received in the automatic repeat request (ARQ) system, since the ACK/NACK signals can be transmitted in accordance with the transmission power satisfying an error rate required in each signal by differentiating the transmission power of the signal according to each ACK/NACK, the power consumption required in the transmission of the ACK/NACK signals can be reduced.
US07653854B2

According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor integrated circuit having: a BIST including a data generator, an address generator, a control signal generator, a result analyzer, a BIST controller, and a diagnostic data storage circuit including a first capture register which captures and outputs, in accordance with a first clock, a latest address signal and the BIST state signal output from said BIST controller while the flag signal is in as state that no fault is detected, and maintains outputs when the flag signal is in a state that a fault is detected. The semiconductor integrated circuit can further include a memory collar having a memory cell, a second capture register, a comparator, and a flag register. The semiconductor integrated circuit can perform a fault diagnosing operation of a memory by using a comparator type BIST circuit.
US07653849B1

Integrated circuits may include at least an instruction processor and input-output subsystems. Each input-output subsystem includes a wrapper circuit a wrapper circuit controlled by the instruction processor. The wrapper circuit includes two or more scan registers, where a data value stored in each scan register can be shifted out for analysis. The wrapper circuit also includes two or more update registers to transfer stored data values between itself and an associated scan register. The wrapper circuit also includes a set of combinatorial logic coupled to the scan registers, the update registers and the instruction test processor, wherein at least two I/Os of the plurality of I/Os but less than all of the plurality of I/Os couple to an external tester.
US07653843B2

A channel characteristic of a transmission channel between a remote terminal and a central office is estimated by collecting information in the remote terminal, transferring this information from the remote terminal to the central office and matching the received information at the central office with a channel and remote terminal simulation model. The values of parameters of the latter simulation model, which define the channel characteristic to be estimated, are determined as a result of the matching process. The information collected by the remote terminal typically is information that is automatically collected by the remote terminal for operational purposes, such as equalizer setting and bit allocation.
US07653826B1

The invention, in an embodiment, relates to optimizing database performance by taking advantage of sleepy drives. The invention analyzes queries to indexes based on usage frequency, and determines whether to access an index stored on a sleepy drive, or perform an alternate access plan based on green optimization. Furthermore, the invention transfers data, such as, for example, indexes, files, data areas, journals, and statistics, between active and sleepy drives based on usage frequency. In another embodiment, the invention provides an improved sleepy drive which optimizes energy savings by a graduated degree based on a speed setting. In yet another embodiment, the invention controls when read-write heads are unloaded from disks to reduce drag and power consumption by a disk drive.
US07653825B1

A method for adapting power consumption of a processor based upon an application demand is provided. The method initiates with determining an application demand based upon a current processing operation. Then, a time interval associated with the application demand is determined. Next, unnecessary power consuming functions for the application demand are determined. Then, a clock frequency for the unnecessary power consuming functions is reduced for the time interval. In one embodiment, the power is terminated to the unnecessary power consuming functions. In another embodiment, the clock frequency of the processor is adjusted for at least a portion of the time interval. A program interface for adapting power consumption of a computer system, processor instructions for adapting power consumption of a computer system and a processor are included.
US07653824B2

An information handling system is disclosed and can include at least one memory and at least two processor cores coupled thereto. Further, the information handling system can include a controller coupled to the at least two processor cores and the at least one memory. The controller can monitor the temperature within each processor core. Based on the temperature the controller can selectively steer one or more program threads away from an overheating processor core.
US07653821B2

Remote configuration and utilization of a virtual tape management system via communication of encrypted data. At least one security administrator CPU is communicably attached to a virtual tape management CPU. At least one remote data storage CPU is communicably attached to the virtual tape management CPU and to the security administrator. First software within the virtual tape management CPU validates authorized remote access to at least one remote data storage CPU and encrypts the data. Second software facilitates remote configuration and utilization of the virtual tape management CPU. At least one hardware adaptor card connects the virtual tape management CPU to a host.
US07653815B2

A system and method are provided for pre-processing encrypted and/or signed messages at a host system before the message is transmitted to a wireless mobile communication device. The message is received at the host system from a message sender. There is a determination as to whether any of the message receivers has a corresponding wireless mobile communication device. For each message receiver that has a corresponding wireless mobile communication device, the message is processed so as to modify the message with respect to one or more encryption and/or authentication aspects. The processed message is transmitted to a wireless mobile communication device that corresponds to the first message receiver. The system and method may include post-processing messages sent from a wireless mobile communications device to a host system. Authentication and/or encryption message processing is performed upon the message. The processed message may then be sent through the host system to one or more receivers.
US07653813B2

All nodes within a communication system (100) will create an IP address based on a shared-secret key. The shared-secret key is unique for every node within the communication system and is known only to the node (102) and a server (103). The router (101) can validate that the node (102) owns the IP address.
US07653804B2

A signal processing network and method for generating code for such a signal processing network are described. Pipeline blocks are each coupled to receive control signaling and associated information signaling from a scheduler. Each of the pipeline blocks respectively includes an allocation unit, a pipeline, and section controllers. The allocation unit is configured to provide a lock signal and sequence information to the section controllers in each of the pipeline blocks. The section controllers are configured to maintain in order inter-pipeline execution of the sequence responsive to the sequence information and the lock signal.
US07653803B2

In an embodiment, an input/output (I/O) memory management unit (IOMMU) comprises at least one memory configured to store translation data; and control logic coupled to the memory and configured to translate an I/O device-generated memory request using the translation data. The translation data corresponds to one or more device table entries in a device table stored in a memory system of a computer system that includes the IOMMU, wherein the device table entry for a given request is selected by an identifier corresponding to the I/O device that generates the request. The translation data further corresponds to one or more I/O page tables, wherein the selected device table entry for the given request includes a pointer to a set of I/O page tables to be used to translate the given request.
US07653791B2

A technique for realtime-safe detection of a grace period for deferring the destruction of a shared data element until pre-existing references to the data element have been removed. A per-processor read/write lock is established for each of one or more processors. When reading a shared data element at a processor, the processor's read/write lock is acquired for reading, the shared data element is referenced, and the read/write lock that was acquired for reading is released. When starting a new grace period, all of the read/write locks are acquired for writing, a new grace period is started, and all of the read/write locks are released.
US07653788B2

A method of making cache memories of a plurality of processors coherent with a shared memory includes one of the processors determining whether an external memory operation is needed for data that is to be maintained coherent. If so, the processor transmits a cache coherency request to a traffic-monitoring device. The traffic-monitoring device transmits memory operation information to the plurality of processors, which includes an address of the data. Each of the processors determines whether the data is in its cache memory and whether a memory operation is needed to make the data coherent. Each processor also transmits to the traffic-monitoring device a message that indicates a state of the data and the memory operation that it will perform on the data. The processors then perform the memory operations on the data. The traffic-monitoring device performs the transmitted memory operations in a fixed order that is based on the states of the data in the processors' cache memories.
US07653787B2

A method for building a table to select r most frequently used Internet site names. The method comprises the following steps. First, receive an Internet site name. Second, convert the Internet site name into a number. Third, store the number in a table having n entries, each entry comprising a number field for storing the number, a name field for storing the received Internet site name and a count field for storing the number of times the received Internet site name has been received, where n≧r. Fourth, if the number is in the table, increment the value of the count field of the associated entry. Fifth, if the number is new and the table is not full, enter the number in an empty entry and initialize the value of the count field to a default value. Sixth, if the number is new but the table is full, replace one of the q least frequently used entries where q
US07653774B2

A bridge includes first and second network connections, and processor means and memory together operating to implement plural software modules. These allow data to be passed between the network connections and allow the data to be handled as it passes. Each software modules has a priority, either pre-set in software or settable by the bridge in response to receiving a command from a device connected to the bridge. The bridge is operable to arrange the software modules sequentially between the network connections, such that data provided by a software module is received at the next software module in the sequence, according to their priorities. Software modules can be added to or removed from the sequence. This can be carried out dynamically, for instance by the bridge following a determination from monitoring of data flow that such would improve performance.
US07653772B2

A control system comprising an electronic device equipped with a port, a hub being connectable to multiple external devices and to be connected to the port of the electronic device, and one or more external devices to be connected to the hub, the operation of the external devices connected via the hub being controlled using the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a supplying section for supplying currents to the hub connected to the port and the external devices connected via the hub, and a storage section for storing the magnitude of the total current supplied from the supplying section.
US07653768B2

A data transfer method for connecting a master unit on an upstream side and a plurality of slave units on an downstream side in series with serial bus by a daisy chain system and transferring data having an appended error check code or error correction code between a data transmitter and a data receiver, the data transfer method including: transferring the data flowing in the serial bus in the slave unit from the data transmitter to the data receiver without performing an error check or error correction; performing an error check of the data in a circuit provided in the slave unit aside from a circuit in which the data flow; and informing a result of the error check to the master unit individually by the slave unit, which has performed the error check of the data.
US07653762B1

Various approaches for tracing events in an electronic system are disclosed. In one approach, a circuit arrangement includes a bus, a random access memory (RAM), a plurality of programmable logic resources, and coupled configuration memory cells. A circuit arrangement is implemented in the programmable logic. The circuit arrangement receives a plurality of event indication signals from an application circuit and writes event data to the RAM in response to a change in the state of any one of the event indication signals. A bus interface circuit is coupled to the bus and to the read port of the RAM. Responsive to a read transaction on the bus for the RAM, the bus interface circuit reads data from the RAM and outputs the data on the bus in a reply bus transaction.
US07653750B2

An apparatus and method provide an architected way for a web server to access a user registry in a directory service such as LDAP. In the preferred embodiments, the logic for presenting and processing a web page is encapsulated from the logic that interacts with the directory service, making it easy for a programmer to make changes to the a user registration form without having to have a detailed knowledge of the directory service and its interfaces.
US07653749B2

A server computer provides objects such as bitmaps representing graphics image for processing by a client computer or device. The object may be of any arbitrary size or format, and is converted to a data structure that can be received by the client computer. Synchronized metadata may be included in the data structure, where such metadata data is used by an application in the client computer or device.
US07653742B1

Network applications are monitored by defining and detecting activities associated with the applications. Such activities are referred to as “business activities” in the sense that the activities are performed in the process of conducting business using applications. Each business activity of interest is associated with a unique “business signature” which can be used to identify the activity from streams or collections of information. In one embodiment, each business signature of interest to a business is defined as a set of one or more parameter name-value pairs. Once defined, network traffic to and from an application is monitored to detect business signatures, to detect that a corresponding business activity was started. Detecting an activity is based on real-time matching of business signature character patterns within a stream of characters with a repository of character patterns that each represents a business signature defined for the application.
US07653735B2

This invention presents a framework for achieving dynamic End-to End QoS negotiation and control coordination, with distributed multimedia applications. The framework builds upon dynamic capability negotiations and specification of Adaptation Paths and (alternative) QoS Contracts, based on user preferences. In particular we present a protocol providing End-to-End negotiation of alternative QoS, capabilities, and preferences/configurations, based on extensions of IP-based protocols like SIP/RTSP/SDP, in coordination with mechanisms for network resource reservation (e.g. RSVP), local terminal resource (e.g. CPU, memory, power, auxiliary devices) reservation, and adaptation mechanisms. To this extent, and with respect to two or more peers (101, 103) this invention identifies six phases, through which said peers can establish multiparty, multi-stream, multimedia communications. In detail, the phases are: Protocol Discovery (104), Pre-Negotiation (106), Multi-Stream QoS Synchronization and QoS Correlation (107), Fast-Negotiation (obeying the Economy Principle) (108), Re-Negotiation (obeying the Economy Principle) (109), Resource Reservation Release (110). All the six phases can be concatenated, or be executed at different times. This invention also presents the concept of the E2ENP Broker (105), an optional third-party entity, which can be used for relieving peers (101, 103) from performing the time- and resource-consuming Pre-Negotiation phase (106) (and eventually also the Multi-Stream QoS Synchronization and QoS Correlation (107). This entity may coincide with e.g. audio-/videoconference bridges.
US07653734B1

A method for implementing a multimedia messaging service between a wireless terminal (MS) that communicates with a communication network (12, 15, 18) over a radio path and a server (20) includes receiving and storing a multimedia message addressed to the wireless terminal at a server, the multimedia message comprising at least one multimedia component, and storing information on at least one property of the wireless terminal (MS) in the server. The method further includes determining if there is any component of the multimedia message, which the wireless terminal can handle according to the stored information on at least one property of the wireless terminal. If there exists one or more such component(s), they are selected for transmission and transmitted to the wireless terminal.
US07653730B1

A system and method for dynamic provisioning of telecommunication connections in a carrier virtual network is provided. Information regarding the layer one resources available for forming a connection is maintained, and may include connection information and latency information. Using connection information and latency information, possible connections complying with service level latency requirements are identified. One of the possible connections may be provisioned. If a linking provisioned connection becomes impaired, another of the possible connections may be provisioned.
US07653723B2

For enabling to deal with various kinds of events, but without knowing the meaning of the event issued by network equipments, an event notifying equipment notifies URL for an event receiving equipment to access a HTML file corresponding to the event, in the form of an event parameter, thereby providing a HTML file for indicating a reason of generating the event and a HTML file for prompting a process corresponding to the event, in response to a request from a Web browser. An event receiving apparatus is able to execute the event process only by accessing to the URL included in the event parameter.
US07653713B2

A method of measuring round trip time (RTT) and a proximity checking method using the same. The method of measuring RTT includes: transmitting a hashed second random number and starting the RTT measurement; and receiving a hashed first random number from a device that received the hashed second random number and ending the RTT measurement, thereby greatly reducing repetitive encryption and decryption operations in the proximity check using a repetitive RTT measurement.
US07653707B2

In the present invention, a moving-picture editing program (12) controls the recording of the data transmitted from a personal computer (1-1), into a user video-data management database (4). The program (12) determines whether the data should be supplied to another personal computer (1-2) in response to a demand made by the personal computer (1-1). The moving-picture editing program(12) supplies the data to the other personal computer (1-2) in response to the demand from the other personal computer (1-2) when it is determined that the data should be supplied to the personal computer (1-1). Hence, the data can be utilized by many other users.
US07653695B2

A method and apparatus for managing information relating to electronic messages is provided. A first set of data related to one or more message senders is obtained from a first source, such as an email sever or email gateway. Each message sender has sent one or more electronic messages. A second set of data related to the one or more message senders is obtained from a second source. Message volume information that describes the messages sent by the one or more message senders for a period of time is determined based on the first set of data and the second set of data. The message volume information may be used to determine whether a particular message sent by a particular message sender is unsolicited. If a particular message is determined to be unsolicited, various actions may be performed on messages sent by the sender of the particular message.
US07653680B2

A mobile communication system capable of efficiently updating software in a group of target terminals only when the software needs to be rewritten. When there is a mobile terminal (UE#1, UE#2) that needs the update of the software version, the server transmit an OTASP request that contains terminal type and software version information to GGSN. The OTASP request is forwarded via the GGSN, SGSN, and RNC to the mobile terminal (UE#1, UE#2). The mobile terminal (UE#1, UE#2) compares its type and software version with those contained in the paging channel, and if they match, transmits an RRC connection request to the RNC.
US07653677B1

A digital logic circuit includes at least one stage. Each stage includes sum logic, combinatorial logic, and carry chain logic. The sum logic is configured to generate a first sum signal from a first set of three input signals. The combinatorial logic includes a carry generation portion and a sum generation portion. The carry generation portion is configured to generate a first carry signal from a second set of three input signals. The sum generation portion is configured to generate a second sum signal from the first sum signal and the first carry signal. The carry chain logic is configured to process the first sum signal, the second sum signal, and a carry-in signal to generate a carry-out signal and a third sum signal.
US07653672B2

Under program execution environment, a file size of a heap dump is reduced which is acquired so as to detect memory leaks, and so as to investigate occurrence causes of the memory leaks. In order to provide a memory leak investigating means which can be used even in a large-scaled system, the below-mentioned heap dump acquiring method is provided: When a heap dump is acquired, only such an object within objects stored in a heap memory is outputted which is adapted to the following conditions: That is, in a condition (1), an object exists among objects which are newly produced within a designated time period, and in another condition (2), an object is present on a reference path defined from a root set to the object which satisfies the above-explained condition (1).
US07653667B2

Methods, computer readable medium and systems are provided for moving data objects from a first storage location to a second storage location. One or more data objects may be selected having an identifier from a first storage location. The ID may be stored in at least one transactional type lock object. Systems and methods consistent with the invention may determine whether a permanent type lock exists for a data object. If the permanent type lock does exist, systems and methods consistent with the invention may store the data object, the ID of which is contained in the at least one transactional type lock object, at the second storage location, store the ID of that data object in a permanent type lock object, assign the second storage location to the ID in the at least one permanent type lock object, and delete the ID of that data object in the transactional type lock object.
US07653663B1

A method, computer program product and system for archiving data from an operational database. Data to be archived from the operational database may be stored either as received or transformed in a manner that allows the transformed archived data to be retrieved bit-for-bit identical to the original input received. Further, the data stored in the archive storage is read-only meaning that the data cannot be updated, deleted or modified. Further, backup copies of each of the storage units, which store the archived data, in the archive storage are created for disaster recovery purposes. Additionally, hash values are computed for each of the storage units in the archive storage which are used to detect unauthorized changes to the data stored in the storage units. In this manner, the authenticity of the data stored in the archive storage may be substantially guaranteed.
US07653654B1

A method (and system) for periodically searching through files accessible through a network, at an interval based on previously accessed data. The method includes accessing and download data from a first file on the network. An accessing time is set to access a second file on the network based on the data downloaded from the first file. In one further embodiment, the first file is a Channel Definition Format (CDF) file.
US07653653B2

A dynamically configurable list management system that supports list elements of multiple content types is presented. Each list element is associated with an element type via an element type identifier. The element type identifier uniquely identifies the element type to the list management system. Each property associated with each element type is included in the list. Each property is identified by a unique property identifier. When adding a list element of a new element type to an existing list that does not include any elements of the new element type, the list management system identifies every property associated with the new element type. For each property associated with the new element type, the list management system determines which properties are not already included in the list, and adds those properties that are not already including to the list.
US07653652B2

A schema for a SQL (structured query language) database defines classes, properties, methods, and associations.
US07653647B2

A system and method for determining file system data integrity. In one embodiment, the system includes a storage device configured to store data and a file system configured to manage access to the storage device, to store plurality of files, to store a respective signature of each of the plurality of files, and to compare a respective signature of a given file against a corresponding validation signature. In one specific implementation, the system further includes a validation signature inventory including a plurality of validation signatures, and the file system is further configured to validate a particular file by retrieving a corresponding particular validation signature from the validation signature inventory and comparing the corresponding particular validation signature against the respective signature of the particular file. In another specific implementation, the file system is further configured to store the corresponding validation signature of the given file in a write-once storage attribute.
US07653646B2

A method of determining clusters of data within a dataset, the dataset is represented by a plurality of multidimensional data entries, the method comprises (a) spanning a space, represented by a plurality of points; (b) determining a density function over the space;(c) associating a potential to the density function; (d) locating a plurality of local minima of the potential; and (e) for each of the plurality of local minima, attributing at least one of the points; thereby determining clusters of data within the dataset.
US07653645B1

As things happen on a volume, the file system forwards events to an event list manager. The event list manager stores the events and associates them with epochs that were active at the time the event occurred. Event consumers can independently declare epochs at any time. When event consumers end an epoch, they can request events that occurred during the epoch, which are reported to the event consumer using the event list manager.
US07653641B2

A scaleable abstraction control solution including an abstraction process and an abstraction system. The abstraction solution permits extraction, tracking, and management of data defined in one or more documents. The abstraction process can include double blind data abstraction. The abstracted data can be verified using a quality assurance process that can include statistical sampling, tracked random error insertion, and abstraction auditing. Data from documents can be abstracted into one or more customizable databases, forms, templates, or software.
US07653637B2

Indirect persistent storage of data in a file that is associated with an application program and is capable of having an embedded OLEObject includes creating the OLEObject by way of a Component Object Model add-in that supplements the application program, and using the OLEObject to store the data in the file. The OLEObject is marked so that it is hidden from a user of the application program. After loading a file that was previously saved and closed, the OLEObject is initialized, and the stored data is retrieved. The add-in may be a reporting add-in that queries a database, such as an OLAP database.
US07653635B1

Systems and methods for generating standard description records from multimedia information are provided. The system includes at least one multimedia information input interface (180) receiving multimedia information, a computer processor, and a data storage system (150), operatively coupled to said processor, for storing said at least one description record. The processor performs object extraction processing to generate multimedia object descriptions (200, 201, 205) from the multimedia information, and object hierarchy processing (410, 420) to generate multimedia object hierarchy descriptions, to generate at least one description record including the multimedia object descriptions (200, 201, 205) and multimedia object hierarchy descriptions for content embedded within the multimedia information.
US07653624B1

In some embodiments, a method for tracking changes comprises reviewing a first file system entry and a second file system entry, where the first and second entries are reviewed in a canonical order; providing a record file, wherein a record is associated with the record file; and comparing the first file system entry with the record.
US07653620B2

An apparatus, program product and method dynamically optimize prepared statements resident in a statement pool to permit subsequent reuses of such statements to utilize the optimized representations of such statements. The optimization of pooled statements may be performed responsive to the tracked usage of the statements in a statement pool, to direct the overhead associated with such optimization to those statements that are more likely to be utilized in the future. Among a multitude of possible optimizations, a pooled statement that requests data in a format other than that utilized by the database being accessed may be modified to request the data in the format used by the database, thereby decreasing the overhead in the database associated with format conversions.
US07653619B1

A pipelined search engine device, such as a longest prefix match (LPM) search engine device, includes a hierarchical memory and a pipelined tree maintenance engine therein. The hierarchical memory is configured to store a b-tree of search prefixes (and possibly span prefix masks) at multiple levels therein. The pipelined tree maintenance engine, which is embedded within the search engine device, includes a plurality of node maintenance sub-engines that are distributed with the multiple levels of the hierarchical memory. The search engine device may also include pipeline control and search logic that is distributed with the multiple levels of the hierarchical memory.
US07653611B2

The subject invention leverages data logging of responses to diagnostic reports to provide data that can be mined for diagnostic report quality information. Instances of the subject invention provide an initial diagnostic report assessment means to facilitate review by an entity. The entity's responses to the sorted diagnostic reports are logged unobtrusively to create diagnostic report quality data. This data is then analyzed by an analysis means that can then adjust the assessment means to improve its performance. In this manner, the performance of the assessment means is increased while reducing the workload of the entity reviewing the diagnostic reports. Other instances of the subject invention facilitate to increase the performance of a diagnostic report generating means as well. Instances of the subject invention can also employ machine learning techniques to facilitate in analyzing the quality data and/or in assessing the diagnostic reports.
US07653603B1

A network connected delivery box includes an input unit for inputting a user code. A communication unit communicates with a computer through the network so that an electrically controlled lock in the delivery box can be opened by a signal from the computer when the input user code matches a valid user code stored in the computer. Also provided is a method of managing purchase and delivery information associated with deliveries to a delivery box by storing, at a central computer, delivery information for each delivery by a delivery company. Aggregate and average delivery information is calculated and presented to a delivery box user to make an informed selection of a delivery company.
US07653600B2

An automated document cashing system is provided with an automated machine that cashes monetary transaction documents such as checks, money orders, and that makes deposit entries into the bank account of the user after validation of the user and monetary transaction document, without the aid of a bank teller. Validation of the identity of the user is performed with the use of a card associated with intelligence that identifies the user. A biometric device also may be used in identifying the validity of the user. Validation of the document involves one or more of: validating the presence of a signature; validating the amount of the monetary transaction document including a manual entry of the amount by the user; validating CAR against the LAR; and validating the banking system parameters and rules for the customer and/or the transaction. To assist in the automatic analysis of data on monetary transactional documents or on remittance documents, the user is prompted to provide a bounding box about the data. An image touch screen may be touched by the user to locate the bounding box and the user may magnify the data to fill the boundary box to exclude other data from this analysis. After document and person validation, the system will dispense money or transfer monies to a savings account, a checking account, a smart card, or the like. The system will also write money orders or wire transfer money. By supplying monies in the form of cash, credit card authorization, smart card balance, or the like to the machine, the user can pay bills such as a utility bill through the system or purchase items dispensed by the system.
US07653597B1

A payment administration system includes a system administrator, customer and merchant interfaces, and a database. The payment administrative system also includes bank interfaces, credit agency interfaces to facilitate automatic, paperless transactions rapidly. The customer is permitted to set a number of purchase and payment parameters, such as hours of use, goods or services category, and daily limits. The payment administration system generates real-time notification of any action occurring on the customer's account and permits continuous monitoring of the status of each transaction in real time.
US07653588B2

A method of providing orders to a virtual trading crowd in an exchange prior to automatically linking the order to an away market is disclosed. The method may include receiving a marketable order for a security or derivative at the exchange, wherein the exchange has a price that differs from a national best bid or offer price, routing the marketable order to a trade engine, disseminating a request for price message to all market makers quoting a class in response to receiving the marketable order, the request for price message including a price equal to the national best bid or offer price, receiving a response message at the electronic trade engine in response to the request for price message from at least one market maker, initiating a quote trigger, wherein the quote trigger occurs for a period of N seconds, and allocating the order according to an allocation algorithm, wherein an order size of each market maker is capped to prevent inflation of an allocated portion of the order.
US07653577B2

Methods of the present invention allow for validating eCommerce transactions. An exemplary method for validating an eCommerce transaction may comprise the steps of validating a Hosting Provider, validating a Merchant using the Hosting Provider to host an eCommerce website, and validating a Customer who may purchase goods or services from the Merchant via the eCommerce website. If the Hosting Provider, Merchant, and Customer are validated, an eCommerce transaction may be approved.
US07653568B2

This invention relates to a system and method for identifying target individuals who possess certain characteristics statistically indicative of their ability to influence others in their decision making regarding consumer goods, consumer products, political issues or candidates, financial matters, investments, real estate, insurance, travel and leisure, by non-limiting example. The subject invention encompasses not only the identification of a key group of individuals in a population more likely to affect the decision making of others in the population (“Influentials” as discussed below), but also includes the identification of additional (“non-Influential”) informational data common to Influential individuals, as well as the application of this additional informational data to other populations. The advantage of employing this additional informational data to ascertain Influentials is that this data can be publicly available data (such as, for example, from the U.S. Census Bureau), thus facilitating the identification of Influentials without the necessity of undertaking any surveys to identify Influentials per se instead relying on pre-existing public demographic information.
US07653563B2

A Software System, known as an Automatic Well Planning Risk Assessment Software System, is adapted to determine and display risk information in response to a plurality of input data by: receiving the plurality of input data, the input data including a plurality of input data calculation results; comparing each calculation result of the plurality of input data calculation results with each logical expression of a plurality of logical expressions; ranking by the logical expression the calculation result; and generating a plurality of ranked risk values in response thereto, each of the plurality of ranked risk values representing an input data calculation result that has been ranked by the logical expression as either a high risk or a medium risk or a low risk; generating the risk information in response to the plurality of ranked risk values; and displaying the risk information.
US07653561B2

A method of determining allocations in a business operation to maximize profit includes: collecting profit data for a plurality of classes in the business operation, where each class includes an allocation having a cost function and each allocation belongs to the group consisting of physical allocations and economic allocations; determining profit functions for the allocations from the profit data; formulating a Multiple Choice Knapsack Problem to maximize profit from the profit functions, the cost functions, and a cost constraint; and solving the Multiple Choice Knapsack Problem to determine values for the allocations.
US07653551B2

A method and system is disclosed for searching and submitting intellectual property listings, goods and services offered for sale online. Tailored searching is provided in a convenient and efficient manner on the Internet via an Aggregation Portal. The Aggregation Portal provides a uniform and user-friendly interface, whereby intermediary services are provided to facilitate transactions utilizing the Internet. Such services include legal, valuation, insurance, escrow, brokering, consulting and other professional services. Further, a multiple-listing type of commission sharing is created between the Aggregation Portal and various Internet auctions and exchanges. In one embodiment, a software application is downloaded on a user's personal computer (or network terminal) for searching, marketing and transacting goods and services, especially intellectual property.
US07653548B2

A television receiver includes an OSD display section configured to display a desired OSD, and a voice input section to which voices are inputted. The receiver also includes a storage section having prestored therein a control code associated with a voice representing a command to change channels or an analogous command, and a call-up control code associated with a voice for causing the display section to display a character image in an OSD manner. The receiver further includes a control section configured to cause the display section to display the character image associated with the call-up control code when a voice associated with the call-up control code is inputted through the voice input section. The control section instructs components of a receiver body to perform respective operations for executing the command according to the control code only during a time period during which the display section displays the character image.
US07653547B2

One aspect of the present invention relates to simulating an interaction between a client and a server. A session is established between the client and the server to conduct a test. Testing data is transmitted from the client to the server. The server processes the testing data and provides an in-band signal indicative of a response based on the testing data. The server also provides an out-of-band signal indicative of testing synchronization information related to the test.
US07653538B2

Noise is prevented when decoding an audio stream not containing syncwords or CRC bits in the elementary stream. When decoding a current frame, the private header of the next frame is analyzed and the current frame is muted if the private header of the next frame is not valid. When there is a data discontinuity caused by editing, decoding resumes from the start address of the next frame determined.
US07653536B2

A signal processing system which discriminates between voice signals and data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier. The signal processing system includes a voice exchange, a data exchange and a call discriminator. The voice exchange is capable of exchanging voice signals between a switched circuit network and a packet based network. The signal processing system also includes a data exchange capable of exchanging data signals modulated by a voiceband carrier on the switched circuit network with unmodulated data signal packets on the packet based network. The data exchange is performed by demodulating data signals from the switched circuit network for transmission on the packet based network, and modulating data signal packets from the packet based network for transmission on the switched circuit network. The call discriminator is used to selectively enable the voice exchange and data exchange.
US07653535B2

A statistical trajectory speech model is constructed where the targets for vocal tract resonances are represented as random vectors and where the mean vectors of the target distributions are estimated using a likelihood function for joint acoustic observation vectors. The target mean vectors can be estimated without formant data. To form the model, time-dependent filter parameter vectors based on time-dependent coarticulation parameters are constructed that are a function of the ordering and identity of the phones in the phone sequence in each speech utterance. The filter parameter vectors are also a function of the temporal extent of coarticulation and of the speaker's speaking effort.
US07653524B2

Analog and radio frequency system-level simulation using frequency relaxation. Embodiments of the invention use a frequency relaxation approach for analog/RF system-level simulation that accommodates both large system size and complex signal space. The simulator can determine an output response for a system by partitioning the system into blocks and simulating the propagation of an input signal through the blocks. The input signal can take various forms, including a multi-tone sinusoidal signal, a continuous spectra signal, and/or a stochastic signal. Frequency relaxation is applied to produce individual responses. The output response can be computed based on obtaining convergence of the individual responses. The input to embodiments of the simulator can be a circuit netlist, or a block-level macromodel.
US07653523B2

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method to utilize data from many different die sizes and products so that highly detailed wafer profiles can be generated that have an improved signal to noise ratio and spatial resolution. Instead of being limited to single die size like normal wafer maps, this method takes advantage of multiple die sizes and their variation in placement on the wafer to increase the information available about the wafer patterns.
US07653522B2

Assume a decision strategy that is optimal for a primary objective function(s). Without unacceptably affecting the value of the primary objective function(s), Robustness Enhancing Optimizer (REO) modifies the optimal strategy's decision variable values to maximize the likelihood that implementing the new strategy in the real world will be satisfactory (will satisfy optimization problem constraints in the real world). Modification is via linked system parameter sensitivity analysis and multi-realization optimization. REO creates new realizations by changing system parameter(s) in a selected manner (for example, multiplying by a selected factor smaller or larger than 1 proportionally reduces or increases the parameter). REO is especially valuable where probability density functions or statistically-based realizations are unavailable, or where one wants to increase the robustness of satisfying constraints for multiple realities in a particular setting.
US07653509B2

The present invention provides a method of analyzing multidimensional data using a computer as well as methods of displaying multidimensional data to a user for further analysis. The present invention provides for a method and system for state model Fitting. The system components include a detector and a computer operably connected to the detector. The computer accesses one or more logic instructions for receiving and analyzing raw data from the detector and generating a state model of the raw data based on probability weights.
US07653505B1

A method and apparatus is provided to utilize the configurability of a programmable logic device (PLD), so as to reduce the complexity of special test equipment (STE) fixtures that are required to test the PLD. The output drivers of certain I/O buffers of the PLD that are not under test may be configured to exhibit a particular impedance magnitude. The impedance magnitude of the output drivers that are not under test may then be used to supply the reference impedance that is required by the digitally controlled impedance (DCI) controllers of the I/O buffers that are under test. The DCI controllers may then correctly configure the impedance magnitude of the respective I/O buffers under test, so as to test the functionality of the controlled impedance buffers for I/O standards that require controlled impedance.
US07653488B2

Predicting sand production in a wellbore. A first set of characteristics is determined for a formation in the wellbore, wherein determining uses a plastic model of the formation, and wherein the first set of characteristics comprises a yield surface, a failure surface, a stress total strain, an elastic strain, and a plastic-strain relationship. A relationship among a second set of characteristics of the wellbore is determined using an effective stress model, wherein the second set comprises a drawdown pressure, a production rate, pore pressure, a temperature and a viscosity of a fluid in the wellbore, a fluid flow pressure in the wellbore, a drag force of fluid flow in the wellbore, and a type of fluid flow in the wellbore. A critical total strain is determined for the formation using the first set of characteristics and the relationship. The critical total strain is calibrated using a thick wall test.
US07653452B2

Methods and computer systems are provided for reducing the runtime of a material requirements planning run. In one embodiment, a computer system loads a plurality of bills of materials into a data structure. The computer system may analyze parent-child relationships between components of the plurality of bills of materials in the data structure and set for each component in the data structure a counter value that indicates the number of parent components for each component. The counter value of a specific child component may be decremented when the planning of a parent component of the specific child component is completed. The computer system may then proceed with the planning of the specific child component if the associated counter value indicates that the planning of all parent components of the specific child component is completed.
US07653450B2

A method and system for defining optimal range boundaries in a range management system. The method comprises assigning process routings to the flows, applying range break rules to the flows based on the input data regarding operations and toolsets, and outputting the results of the applying step to provide range break boundaries. The system comprises at least one device configured to receive input data, assign process routings to flows, determine range breaks by applying range break rules to the input data and the process routings, and output the results of the determining step.
US07653449B2

An improved resource allocation system comprising a reliability decision engine (323), which allocates the portfolio's assets as required for the desired reliability portfolio. The reliability decision engine including two reliability decision engines, a basic reliability decision engine (325) and a robust reliability decision engine (327). The use of robust optimization makes it possible to determine the sensitivity of the optimized portfolio. Scenarios can be specified directly by the user or automatically generated by the system in response to a selection by the user. Inputs (329, 331) are applied to basic the basic reliability decision engine (325) and inputs (311) are applied to robust reliability decision engine (327).
US07653445B2

Various methods and systems for the parametric control of a process include representing the process with a process model used to generate future predictions of a process variable. In one embodiment, the process exhibits integrating behavior that is represented by a non-integrating process model. In another embodiment, an inverse of the model is filtered using a filter that includes a lead time constant that is selected to minimize a steady state error of the predicted process variable. In yet another embodiment, an array of output model values is revised or reindexed in response to a change in a time-varying parameter related to the process.
US07653444B2

An electronic device which has a plurality of hardware which function as a predetermined model in accordance with model dependent data is disclosed which prevents easy modification of the model dependent data. An image forming device includes a plurality of control circuit boards, a plurality of memory units, and a main circuit board. The plurality of control circuit boards each control the operation of designated hardware. The plurality of memory units are readable and writable, and are each arranged in a plurality of locations which include the plurality of control circuit boards. The main circuit board writes the model dependent data to at least one of the plurality of memory units, reads the model dependent data upon startup, and identifies the model.
US07653421B2

According to an aspect of the invention, a portable wireless apparatus comprises a first housing and a second housing. The first housing comprises a first board having a first feeding portion; and a first antenna element connected to the first feeding portion and provided on a side of a first surface of the first board. The second housing foldably connected to the first housing comprises a second board having a surface opposite to the first surface of the first board when the second hosing is unfolded with respect to the first housing. The second board comprises a second feeding portion. A second antenna element is connected to the second feeding portion and provided on a side of the surface of the second board.
US07653418B1

A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.
US07653404B2

To provide a technique for analyzing radio wave condition affording improved accuracy of discrimination of radio wave propagation condition on a per-channel basis.Analyzer device 10 for analyzing the condition of radio waves used for wireless LAN communications comprises a reception portion 410 for receiving radio signals in a plurality of frequency bands; a first strength sensing portion 420 for sensing the field strength RSS1 of the center frequency band on a per-channel basis from a received radio signal; a despreading portion 430 for despreading the received radio signal; a second strength sensing portion 440 for sensing the field strength RSSI2 of the center frequency band on a per-channel basis from the despread radio signal; a discriminating portion 450 for discriminating radio wave condition by cross-checking RSSI1 and RSSI2 on a per-channel basis; and a display portion 460 for displaying the discriminated radio wave condition.
US07653401B2

Techniques for filtering broadcast SMS messages at a mobile station based on network configuration, user configuration, and/or user preferences. In one method, a broadcast message is initially received, and one or more filtering criteria are applied to the received broadcast message. The filtering criteria are defined by settings stored in a removable module (e.g., the R-UIM) coupled to the receiver. The received broadcast message is then processed if it is not filtered out by the one or more filtering criteria. The one or more filtering criteria may include (1) those imposed by a service provider and defined in a network configuration setting, (2) those determined by the mobile user and defined in a user configuration setting, (3) those selected by the mobile user based on user preferences, which allow for filtering of broadcast messages based on service category, language, and priority, or (4) any combination of the above.
US07653392B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for a mobile client device to discover and obtain the parameters of a heterogeneous wireless network via a fuzzy logic operation, within a plurality of heterogeneous wireless networks.
US07653376B2

A method of recording allocation of resources in response to a request for a data item to be transmitted to a device in the network where the request comprises data indicative of one or more requested items. The device is typically a mobile device and the requested items can be key words making up a search request or can be web site names indicating web sites of interest to the user. In response to the request, data listings having items generating a match with the requested data item are identified and data indicative of a network location corresponding to the or each matched data item are retrieved. In addition data indicative of an amount of data and a resource allocation associated with the set of data accessible via the network location are retrieved and these data, together with a network subscription associated with device and the amount of data, are used to evaluate actual usage of network resources when accessing the set of data. If data are subsequently requested from the network location the evaluated actual usage is offset against the resource allocation so as to identify an amount of usage of network resources to be charged to the network subscription, and a record associated with said data listing is updated so as to log said resource allocation event.
US07653371B2

A voltage-controlled capacitor and methods for forming the same are described. A mechanical conductor membrane of the voltage-controlled capacitor is movable to and from a first position and a second position. An amount of capacitance can vary with the movement of the mechanical conductor membrane. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) voltage-controlled capacitor can be used in a variety of applications, such as, but not limited to, RF switches and RF attenuators.
US07653365B2

The invention relates to a method and a transmitter implementing the method, wherein signal errors caused by high-rate power control commands are eliminated. The invention is based on weighting a signal to be supplied to an amplifier while the gain of a power amplifier is in a transition state.
US07653362B2

An apparatus and method for characterizing an amplifier transmitting a band limited signal using a sample of the input signal to the amplifier and a sample of the output signal from the amplifier, where the output signal is sub-sampled. The sub-sampling frequency is chosen such that images of the band limited signal do not overlap. The input signal and the output signal in a polar format are processed to determine characteristics such AM/AM and AM/PM conversion nonlinearities.
US07653358B2

An integrated circuit includes a on-chip pressure sensing circuit that generates a pressure signal based on a pressure of the integrated circuit. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and to generate inbound data from an inbound RF signal, based on the pressure signal.
US07653354B2

A transmitter IC provided with a SAW-based oscillator with an external SAW device. The transmitter IC comprises an oscillating circuit. The oscillating circuit comprises an inverter stage, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a resistor. The inverter stage has input and output terminals respectively coupled to two ends of the external SAW device. The first and second capacitors are respectively coupled between the input/output terminal and a ground. The resistor is coupled between the input and output terminals of the inverter stage.
US07653345B2

An entertainment system for a vehicle comprises a console section mounted on a surface in the vehicle, a media source layer including a media source mounted on the console section, and a screen section mounted on the media source layer, wherein the screen section includes a display and is capable of being mounted on the console section when the media source layer is removed from the console section.
US07653344B1

The present invention discloses methods and systems for providing very high quality audio and video playback using all-digital wireless paths from the source to the speaker transducers, video displays and headphones located anywhere within a distance allowed by the FCC. Each speaker has a separate digital amplifier dedicated to each transducer within it (e.g. woofer, tweeter). The present invention also discloses a system that provides a data link capable of sending an all-digital, full-bandwidth, signal from the original digital source material to each separate transducer in the system without using sound degrading lossy data compression. This system is designed to read, broadcast, and reproduce with accurate audio loudspeaker time-alignment (<100 uS) and low overall latency (less than 7 milliseconds) all popular audio and video formats in full-bandwidth and without data compression in the effort to maintain the integrity of the entire audio and video signal.
US07653340B2

A decurl device includes: a curl detecting section having a plurality of toothed wheels each which detects a curling amount and a curling direction of a sheet having a curl; and a plurality of uncurling sections each arranged downstream of the curl detecting section in a conveyance direction of the sheet having the curl, which uncurls the sheet by bending and transforming the sheet in a direction reverse to a curling direction thereof. One of the uncurling sections, which reduces the curl, is selected on the basis of the curling amount and the curling direction that have been detected by the curl detecting section, thereby uncurling the sheet.
US07653336B2

A developing apparatus in which a first magnet of a first developing sleeve includes a first magnetic pole near a potion opposing to an image bearing member, and a second magnetic pole being downstream of the first magnetic pole; and a second magnet of a second developing sleeve includes a third magnetic pole near a portion opposing to the first sleeve. Assuming that a magnetic force obtained by combining normal direction forces Fr1 and Fr2 of magnetic forces generated by the first and second magnets, respectively, near the first sleeve is Fr, a center direction component of the first sleeve of the force Fr becomes positive between the first magnetic pole and a peak value position of the second magnetic pole, and a center direction component of the force Fr becomes negative between the peak value position and the closest position between both sleeves.
US07653335B2

A compact development apparatus using a two-component developer and an image forming apparatus wherein carrier deterioration is prevented to ensure formation of a high-quality image for a long time. The development apparatus uses the developer made up of a mixture of toner, carrier, and opposite polarity particles to be charged oppositely to the toner wherein the opposite polarity particles contain the particles having a relative dielectric constant of 6.7 or more.
US07653334B2

An image forming apparatus includes a toner bottle, a supply unit that supplies toner from the toner bottle to a downstream side, a door that is openably provided to execute toner replenishment, an opening/closing sensor that senses opening/closing of the door, and a unit that renders the supply unit inoperable if the door is open. If the opening/closing sensor detects the opening of the door, counting of the number of prints is started. Then, the control unit detects whether the door is closed. If the door is still opening, the control unit checks whether the number of prints has reached a predetermined value. If not, the control unit sets the image forming apparatus in a printing state. If yes, the control unit stops the printing operation. If the closing of the door is detected, the control unit resets the count value. Subsequently, the control unit determines whether the initial value of the number of prints, which is set through a control panel at the time of starting the printing operation, is reached. If the initial value is reached, the printing operation is completed.
US07653328B2

An image forming device includes a main body and a door. The main body is provided with first and second contacting parts and an abutting surface. When the door is closed, the first and second contacting parts contact a door frame of the door, thereby determining the horizontal position of the door with respect to the main body. Also a vertical positioning stopper formed to the door frame abuts the abutting surface from above, thereby determining the vertical position of the door with respect to the main body. Further, a reactive force generated at a lock mechanism and an urging force of a spring increase a pressure to contact areas of the door with the first and second contacting parts and the abutting surface.
US07653325B2

An electrostatic charger according to the present invention includes a needle electrode, a support, and a cleaning member. The needle electrode has a linear array of needles. The support can move along the linear array. The cleaning member is supported by the support rotatably on an axis perpendicular to the linear array. While the support is moving with the cleaning member along the linear array, the cleaning member rotates, with the needles sinking in order into and subsequently coming in order out of the cleaning member. When the cleaning member makes each rotation while moving with the support, some of the needles sink in positions into the cleaning member where any other needles did not sink when the cleaning member made the previous rotation.
US07653324B2

A dual engine color printer has two print engines, one for printing each side of the sheet. Each engine comprises a single multi-color set of printing drums—a set meaning a PIP drum, a blanket and an impression drum. A scheduling method is provided for imbalanced duplex printing of sheets in a print job, imbalanced meaning that the two sides of the sheets requires different numbers of colors. This conventionally leads to a situation in which one engine would have to wait until the other engine has finished. The method comprises feeding the sheets in sequence between the print engines, and alternating, over the sequence of engines, between printing the upside of a sheet followed by the down side for even sheets and the downside followed by the upside for odd sheets. Thus the two print engines are utilized full time and are not left idle while waiting for each other.
US07653318B2

Disclosed is a Photonic Phase Locked Loop (PPLL) detector/discriminator, which makes possible a system for optically transmitting electromagnetic signals through a transmission medium (such as optical fiber, optical waveguide, underwater, in biological tissue, or in free space) with high sensitivity and extremely high dynamic range exceeding what is possible with present optical intensity modulated (AM) systems. Information is encoded on an optical carrier through the use of phase modulation (PM) or frequency modulation (FM). This information is subsequently demodulated into an accessible form through the use of the PPLL.
US07653313B2

A wireless remote access base station for converting a downstream optical signal to a downstream radio frequency (RF) signal, transmitting the converted downstream RF signal wirelessly, converting a received upstream RF signal to an upstream optical signal, and transmitting the upstream optical signal is provided. The remote base station includes: an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) for converting a downstream optical signal to a downstream RF signal and an upstream RF signal to an upstream optical signal; an antenna for transmitting the downstream RF signal wirelessly and outputting the upstream RF signal received wirelessly to the EAM; and an amplifier, which is located between the EAM and the antenna, amplifies the downstream RF signal and outputs the amplified downstream RF signal to the antenna.
US07653306B2

Transmissive WSS-based mesh nodes of degree N, N≧3, includes N node port apparatuses connected to provide a multiple wavelength channel signal with reciprocal connectivity between the N node ports. Each node port apparatus has an input port and N−1 output ports and comprises either (1) a coupler connected to said input port and having N−1 outputs, (2) a transmissive 1×(N−1) WSS connected to said input port and responsive to a control signal C for establishing a switching connection to one of its N−1 outputs, or (3) a coupler connected to said input port and having X+1 outputs including one output connected to an input of a transmissive 1×Y WSS having Y outputs, where X+Y equals N−1, the sum of the remaining X outputs of the coupler and the Y outputs of the transmissive 1×Y WSS being the N−1 output ports of the node port apparatus. Each of the N−1 output ports from each node port apparatus is connected to a different output port of each of the other N−1 node port apparatuses such that a connection made from one input port of a node port apparatus to an input port of a different node port apparatus always passes through only one WSS and at least one coupler, the connection being established in response to a control signal applied to said one WSS.
US07653303B2

A digital camera and a digital camera printing system which confirms whether there exists flawed photographic images, and the type of flaws which exist in order to avoid wasting photographic printing paper. The digital camera printing system includes a storing unit for storing photographic images; a determination unit for determining whether the photographic images are of flawless or flawed photographic images; and a print-out executing unit for executing print out of the photographic images stored in the storing unit. It is possible to select executions between an all-print-out mode for printing out all images which include the flawed and flawless photographic images, and a list print-out for printing out a list of the flawed photographic images together with the flawless photographic images.
US07653292B2

A photographing apparatus that performs photographing with a camera main body accommodated in a waterproof housing includes a touch panel disposed in overlapping relationship with a display unit of the camera main body. The camera main body is operated by the touch panel, and, when photographing is performed with the camera main body accommodated in the waterproof housing, the operation of operation buttons of the waterproof housing operate corresponding operation buttons of the camera main body.
US07653291B2

The present invention relates to a water proof case for a digital camera. The water proof case for a digital camera according to the present invention comprises a housing having an inner space to accommodate the digital camera, an upper and a lower transparent films formed, respectively, on an upper and a lower sides of the housing, a first attaching member formed on an upper surface of the housing at a side of the upper transparent film, a corrugated header extended from the housing at a side of the first attaching member, a cover connected to the housing at the side of the first attaching member and positioned at a back of the corrugated header, a second attaching member formed on an upper surface of the cover, and a light tube unit heat-fused to the upper transparent film. The water proof case for a digital camera of the present invention accomplishes enhanced sealing firstly by successive folding of the corrugated header or clip attachment to the corrugated header and secondly by binding of the second attaching member formed on the cover to the first attaching member of the housing. Further, the water proof case provides high quality image and can be prepared in a cost effective manner.
US07653289B1

A packet separating section 103 separates TS packets having a designated PID from a first transport stream TS1 and outputs them as a first TS packet string P1 to a bit-rate converting section 104. On the other hand, the other TS packets are output as a second TS packet string P2 to a buffer section 107. The bit-rate converting section 104 converts the bit rate of the first TS packet string P1 for output as a third TS packet string P3. The third TS packet string P3 is re-multiplexed with the second TS packet string P2 by a packet multiplexing section 105, and recorded onto a recording medium.
US07653288B2

A method of reproducing audio/video data in an interactive mode, including reading profile information indicating a version of interactive data; selecting and reading the interactive data that is manufactured with a version that is supported by a reproducing apparatus by referring to the read profile information; and interpreting and executing the read interactive data.
US07653280B2

A polymer optical waveguide includes: an optical waveguide portion that includes a core and a cladding each formed of polymer material; and a conductive line that is installed along the core integrally with the optical waveguide portion, and that has an electrode surface for external connection exposed on a surface different from an end surface of the optical waveguide portion.
US07653271B2

The present invention provides a low-cost, high-bandwidth optical laser array where subsequent streams of data are injected in a serial fashion. The invention permits the creation of multiple channels of data on a single optical substrate without the use of costly multiplexer arrays to consolidate various optical signals. Further, the serial array eliminates the need for the parallel alignment of optical data sources, such as lasers, and instead allows for the serial alignment of the optical data sources, resulting in decreased footprint applications.
US07653270B2

A waveguide sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate; a first underclad arranged on one side of the substrate; a first sensing core arranged on outer side of the first underclad and having a stripe pattern which extends in one direction; a first overclad arranged on outer side of the first sensing core; a second underclad arranged on another side of the substrate; a second sensing core arranged on outer side of the second underclad and having a stripe pattern which extends in a direction not parallel to the direction in which the first sensing core extends; and a second overclad arranged on outer side of the second sensing core. A first grooved part which extends in a direction not parallel to the direction in which the first sensing core extends is formed on the first overclad, so that the first grooved part and the first sensing core together form a first grating in a plane view. Furthermore, a second grooved part which extends in a direction not parallel to the direction in which the second sensing core extends is formed on the second overclad, so that the second grooved part and the second sensing core together form a second grating in a plane view.
US07653269B1

A quasi-PM fused optical coupler device and method for forming the same. The optical coupler device includes a first polarization maintaining (PM) input section providing a first PM input for the fused optical coupler device for receiving a linearly polarized signal and a first PM input section output. A non-PM fiber including fusion region has an input optically coupled to the first PM input section output, the fusion region including a fusion region output. A first intermediate non-PM output and a second intermediate non-PM output are both optically coupled to the fusion region output. A first support structure is provided for securing the fusion region thereto, wherein the first intermediate non-PM output includes a cleaved output near an outer edge of the first support structure to provide a shortened first intermediate non-PM output. A first PM pigtail section has a first PM input optically coupled to the shortened first intermediate non-PM output and an output that provides a first device output for the fused optical coupler device. The first PM pigtail is rotationally aligned to said shortened first intermediate non-PM output to provide a polarization extinction ratio (PER) measured at the first device output of ≧20 dB.
US07653268B1

A substrate guided relay (600) includes an input coupler (601), an output coupler (603), and an optical substrate (602). Light is delivered from the input coupler (601) to the optical substrate (602), and then to the output coupler (603). Partially reflective coatings can be used at interfaces (606,607) between components. Partially reflective coatings or other devices (501) can be also used to create one or more copies of light. Light polarization alteration devices (661,662,663,664,665) can be used within the substrate guided relay (600), alone or in combination, to tailor the polarization of light to the designer's needs. Such devices, such as half-wave plates, provide the designer with increased flexibility regarding the design and manufacture of the substrate guided relay (600).
US07653267B2

A beam modulator (14) for modulating a beam (20) includes a modulator element (26) and a housing assembly (24). The modulator element (26) is positioned in the path of the beam (20). The housing assembly (24) retains the modulator element (26). Additionally, the housing assembly (24) defines a resonant cavity (328) with the modulator element (26) positioned therein. The housing assembly (24) includes a size adjuster (30) that can be moved to selectively adjust the size of the resonant cavity (328). As a result thereof, in certain embodiments, the resonant frequency of the beam modulator (14) can be easily tuned over a relatively large frequency range.
US07653256B2

The present method of evaluating image information, includes: extracting, from image information to be evaluated, a plurality of edge pixels located in a boundary of an image expressed by the image information; calculating, for each of the edge pixels, a number of pixels that include the edge pixel targeted for calculation, that exist in the boundary, and that are arranged in a direction intersecting with the boundary; and performing out-of-focus blurring evaluation of the image information on the basis of the number of pixels that exist in the boundary and a number of the edge pixels.
US07653247B2

A system and method for extracting a corner point in a space using pixel information obtained from a camera are provided. The corner point extracting system includes a light generation module emitting light in a predetermined form (such as a plane form), an image acquisition module acquiring an image of a reflector reflecting the light emitted from the light generation module, and a control module obtaining distance data between the light generation module and the reflector using the acquired image and extracting a corner point by performing split-merge using a threshold proportional to the distance data. The threshold is a value proportional to the distance data which corresponds to pixel information of the image acquisition module.
US07653233B2

A method of operating a check processing system includes scanning a check on a first occasion to generate a first image of the check. The first image is transmitted to a financial institution. The check is scanned on a second occasion later than the first occasion to generate a second image of the check. The second image of the check is transmitted to the financial institution. The second image of the check is examined to determine whether the check was cancelled prior to the second occasion.
US07653227B2

Hierarchal modeling is used to distinguish one state or class from three or more classes. In a first stage, a normal or other class is distinguished from a diseased or other groups of classes. If the results of the first stage classification indicate diseased or data within the groups of different classes, a subsequent stage of classification is performed. In a subsequent stage of classification, the data is classified to distinguish one or more other classes from the remaining classes. Using two or more stages, medical information is classified by eliminating one or more possible classes in each stage to finally identify a particular class most appropriate or probable for the data.
US07653219B2

A system for recording and analyzing lighting attributes associated with a calibrated target device captured within an image to provide for enhanced object recognition within the captured image. A target device is used to provide lighting information relative to a subject within the image. The attributes allow the lighting conditions at the time of the image capture to be reconstructed. In addition, two or more target devices may be use to triangulate the position of a light source to any point within the captured image. Further, the lighting attributes may be used to create a contour mapping of the subject captured within the image.
US07653210B2

An automated monitoring service downloads image files (including, e.g, graphic and video files) and audio files from various Internet sites, and checks these files for the presence of embedded digital watermark data. When found, such data is decoded and used to identify the proprietor of each watermarked file. The proprietors are alerted to the results of the monitoring operation, often apprising such proprietors of unknown distribution of their image/video/audio properties. Digital watermarks carry control flags used to control viewing or playback depending on content classification.
US07653203B2

A surround audio system for a vehicle with a plurality of operating modes. The vehicle includes seating locations. The audio system includes a plurality of input channels including surround channels. The audio system further includes a plurality of operating modes. A first operating mode is characterized by substantially equal perceived loudnesses at each of said seating locations, an equalization pattern developed by weighting frequency responses at each of said seating locations substantially equally, and a balance pattern developed by weighting sound pressure level measurements at each of said seating locations substantially equally. A second operating mode is characterized by greater perceived loudness at one of said seating locations than at the other seating locations, an equalization pattern developed by weighting the frequency response at said one of said seating locations more heavily than the frequency responses at said other seating locations, and a balance pattern developed by weighting sound pressure level measurements at said one seating location more heavily than the weightings as said other seating locations.
US07653200B2

A multiple entity gateway for supporting cellular authentication from a non-cellular network, the gateway comprising a plurality of entities each located at a different one of a plurality of secure zones and having at least one gap between said entities across said secure zones, said gateway being configured to predefine communication signals allowed across said gap between said entities, thereby to filter out non-allowed signals, and provide secure cellular authentication for a communication originating from said non-cellular network. The gateway allows cellular users to connect to a cellular network via a wireless local area network such as a hotspot, use the services of the cellular network, the Internet and the hotspot at will, and be securely authenticated and charged through the cellular infrastructure.
US07653190B1

A menu is provided in a telephone call. The menu provides a plurality of destination options including a first destination option for a residence of a family, a second destination option for a first member of the family at a first location other than the residence, and a third destination option for a second member of the family at a second location other than the residence. A first selection of one of the destination options is received in the telephone call, and the telephone call is routed to a first telephone number corresponding to the first selection. Thereafter, an originating dual-tone multi-frequency trigger is detected. The telephone call to the first telephone number is interrupted, a second selection of the destination options is received, and the telephone call is routed to a second telephone number corresponding to the second selection.
US07653180B2

A test system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed test system and method includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed analysis methods utilize primary line condition information, secondary line condition information, historical line information, together with real-time measurements and external data inputs to perform line imbalance analysis, fault identification analysis, trend analysis, and jurisdictional analysis all of which have relevance to quality, performance and assurance of DSL service through the telephone line.
US07653175B2

A system is provided for radiographic inspection of an object comprising multiple having different material properties. The system comprises a radiation source configured to generate radiation, a display unit for generating a graphical user interface (GUI) including multiple fields. A user enters input data via the fields in the GUI. The input data relates to one or more material properties for each of the regions. A processor is configured to compute a plurality of exposure parameters based on the input data.
US07653170B2

An electrical circuit used for measuring times is disclosed. In one embodiment, the electrical circuit has a counter, a decoder and a multiplicity of time trap elements. At least the counter and the time trap elements are located together on an integrated semiconductor component. Each time trap element has a data input, a clock input, a delay output and a output port. The time trap element contains a delay element and a flip flop. The delay element outputs a signal change at the data input with a time delay at the delay output. The flip flop has a data input, a clock input and an output port, the data inputs, the clock inputs and the output ports of the flip flop and of the time trap element being connected to one another. The time trap elements are connected as ring oscillator.
US07653163B2

Systems that communicate in a wireless network using a first and a second frequency band are described herein. The systems may use the first frequency band to transmit or receive a control signal, enabling subsequent communication using the second frequency band.
US07653149B2

A system and method for dynamically varying traffic channel sectorization within a spread spectrum communication system is disclosed herein. In a preferred implementation the system is operative to convey information to at least one specified user in a spread spectrum communication system and includes multiple antennas, each having an associated coverage area, and each coupled to an antenna driver. The antenna drivers each include a delay element and an input summation node. A switching transmission network is disposed to selectively transmit via antennas. Selective transmission of signals results in variation in size of a given user sector. In another aspect, the system may be configured to selectively receive, and coherently combine, signals from different coverage areas.
US07653134B2

A video encoding system and method utilizes a three-dimensional (3-D) wavelet transform and entropy coding that utilize motion information in a way to reduce the sensitivity to motion. In one implementation, the coding process initially estimates motion trajectories of pixels in a video object from frame to frame in a video sequence to account for motion of the video object throughout the frames. After motion estimation, a 3-D wavelet transform is applied in two parts. First, a temporal 1-D wavelet transform is applied to the corresponding pixels along the motion trajectories in a time direction. The temporal wavelet transform produces decomposed frames of temporal wavelet transforms, where the spatial correlation within each frame is well preserved. Second, a spatial 2-D wavelet transform is applied to all frames containing the temporal wavelet coefficients. The wavelet transforms produce coefficients within different sub-bands. The process then codes wavelet coefficients. In particular, the coefficients are assigned various contexts based on the significance of neighboring samples in previous, current, and next frame, thereby taking advantage of any motion information between frames. The wavelet coefficients are coded independently for each sub-band to permit easy separation at a decoder, making resolution scalability and temporal scalability natural and easy. During the coding, bits are allocated among sub-bands according to a technique that optimizes rate-distortion characteristics.
US07653126B2

A method of controlling the operation of an equalizer (210, 216), wherein the equalizer is adapted to receive a transmitted signal (76, 78) comprising at least one predetermined sequence of symbols, includes the step of developing a set of samples from a received signal. At least one plurality of samples is identified, wherein the at least one plurality of samples corresponds to the at least one predetermined sequence of symbols. The equalizer is then operated in a selected one of three modes. A first mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified, wherein the first mode includes the step of developing a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) (100). A second mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified and the SNR is greater than a first predetermined threshold. A third mode is selected if the at least one plurality of samples is identified and the SNR is greater than a second predetermined threshold.
US07653124B2

Monitoring a demodulator includes repeating the following for each demodulating module of one or more demodulating modules of a demodulator: receiving a first signal and a second signal from a demodulating module; introducing a relative delay between the first signal and the second signal; and asynchronously sampling the first signal and the second signal to yield samples. Image data representing the samples associated with the demodulating modules is generated. The image data indicates one or more mismatches of the demodulator.
US07653123B1

An improved method and apparatus is described for using a direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) system that takes advantage of multiplicative pseudo-noise codes (PN-Codes) in order to wirelessly connect multiple peripherals in a computer system at different data rates. The use of multiplicative PN-Codes allows the system to use multiple-length PN-Codes within the same system while minimizing the hardware needed to implement such a system. The improved method and apparatus also uses an identifier in the transmitted packet header in order to communicate the choice of PN-Code to the receiver. By using multiple-length PN-Codes in conjunction with an identifier in the packet header the improved method and apparatus allows for remote peripherals to choose a suitable data rate on a packet-by-packet basis while minimizing the system complexity.
US07653117B2

An improved method is provided for decoding data in a frequency hopping communications system. The method includes: monitoring transition points between data bits in a demodulated data stream, where the data bits are transmitted to a receiver over different transmission frequencies; determining a frequency over which data bits are transmitted to the receiver; determining a reliability metric for each frequency over which data bits were received, where the reliability metric is based on transition points of data bits transmitted over a given frequency; and performing a decoding operation using the reliability metric for each frequency over which data bits were received.
US07653115B2

A semiconductor laser device with the energy density increased at the focal point and a LD pumped solid-state laser device configured of the particular semiconductor laser device are provided. A stack array laser element for radiating a two-dimensional array of laser beams includes a plurality of parallel laser beam columns each aligned in the form of dotted lines. In front of the stack array laser element, each laser beam column collimated by being refracted in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the dotted line is received, and radiated by turning at right angles to the direction of the laser beams from each emitter or emitter group. In this way, the laser beams are converted into a plurality of substantially ladder-shaped parallel laser beam columns. These parallel laser beam columns are compressed to form parallel laser beam columns in alignment. Each compressed one of parallel laser beam columns is turned at right angles and radiated. Thus, all the laser beams are converted into a plurality of aligned parallel laser beams, which are collimated and condensed at a focal point.
US07653108B2

An array of light beam emitter sections comprises: a substrate having a surface divided into an array of sections; and a grouping of light emitters disposed at each surface section and configured to emit light beams at different emission angles with respect to the surface. Also disclosed is apparatus for establishing optical communication channels between the array of light beam emitter sections and an array of light detectors. The apparatus comprises a controller coupled to the arrays of emitter sections and detectors for mapping at least one light emitter of each grouping with a light detector of the detector array to establish optical communication channels between the arrays based on the mappings. Further disclosed is a method of establishing optical communication channels between the array of light emitter sections and array of light detectors by mapping at least one light emitter of each grouping with a light detector of the detector array to establish optical communication channels between the arrays based on the mappings.
US07653106B2

A method of bonding a compound semiconductor on a silicon waveguide is used for attaining a laser above a silicon substrate. While it is essential to attain laser oscillation by injection of a current, since amorphous is formed at the bonding surface of a silicon compound semiconductor, it is difficult to directly inject the current through the silicon waveguide to the compound semiconductor. Further, even when an electrode is formed near the waveguide and the current is injected, since the current is not injected near the silicon waveguide, laser oscillation through the silicon waveguide can not be attained. The problem is solved by forming a structure of laterally injecting a current to the silicon waveguide and concentrating the current near the silicon waveguide in a compound semiconductor. Specific methods includes the following two methods, that is, a method of forming a tunneling junction structure in the compound semiconductor and another method of laterally forming a P-I-N junction to the compound semiconductor.
US07653097B2

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a laser source is provided. The laser source comprises a laser configured to generate an optical signal, and a polarization split and delay unit that is coupled to the optical signal. The polarization split and delay unit is configured to split the optical signal into a first and second orthogonally polarized component, create an optical path difference ΔL between the first and second orthogonally polarized components and combine the first and second orthogonally polarized components into a combined signal. The method comprises modulating the optical signal by applying a wavelength modulation signal to the laser such that the modulated optical signal comprises at least a first wavelength λ1 and a second wavelength λ2, wherein the first wavelength λ1 and the second wavelength λ2 are separated by a wavelength difference Δλ. The wavelength difference Δλ and the optical path difference ΔL are such that the first and second orthogonally polarized components oscillate back and forth from an in-phase state to an out of phase state. Additional embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US07653086B2

A method of scheduling upstream bandwidth. This method comprises: 1) anticipating the need for the upstream bandwidth in advance of any specific request for said upstream bandwidth; and 2) scheduling the upstream bandwidth in accordance with such need.
US07653084B2

An apparatus and method for allocating a bandwidth for up-stream data transmission to a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONUs) in an Ethernet Passive Optical Access Network (EPON) in which the ONUs are connected to a single Optical Line Terminal (OLT) are disclosed. The bandwidth allocation method for guaranteeing a Quality of Service (QoS) in the EPON includes the steps of: a) classifying up-stream data to be transmitted from a plurality of Optical Network Units (ONUs) of the EPON to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) into a plurality of classes according to predetermined data priority information, and requesting bandwidths required for individual classes from the OLT; b) allowing the OLT to perform a bandwidth distribution process according to bandwidth requirement quantities of individual classes using weights pre-assigned to individual classes; and c) allowing the OLT to distribute a residual bandwidth acquired after the bandwidth distribution process is performed from among an available total up-stream bandwidth to the ONUs.
US07653081B2

A system for transporting public switched network (PSTN) terminated signaling across an Internet protocol (IP) network includes a gateway between the PSTN and the IP network. The gateway receives a telephony signaling message from the PSTN and determines if the telephony signaling message maps to an IP signaling message. If the telephony signaling message does not map to an IP signaling message, the gateway packages the telephony signaling message in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. If the gateway receives a special IP signaling special message, the gateway unpackages the telephony signaling message from the special message for transport over the PSTN. If the gateway receives DTMF signals from the PSTN, the gateway translates the DTMF signals to digits and packages the digits in a special IP signaling message for transport over the IP network. The gateway also packages the DTMF signals in an IP media transport protocol message for transport over the IP network.
US07653065B2

A method and system for transmitting packets having a first address length on a core network supporting a second address length, where the second address length is larger than the first address length by determining a length of the first address and establishing an offset to the first address such that a combined length of the offset, length of a network prefix for the second address and length of the first address equals the length of the second address. The method and system of the present invention can be implemented as an enhancement to existing network protocols such as IPv4, IPv6 and the like.
US07653060B2

The present invention provides a system and method for utilizing the Advanced Switching network protocol to communicate over long distances, such as multiple kilometers. The present invention utilizes an existing status bit, referred to as the Perishable Bit, within the AS packet header, to reduce the number of packets which must be stored in the retry buffer. This reduces the required size of the retry buffer and simultaneously reduces the latency associated with retransmitting time critical packets after NAKs are received. The receiving device also utilizes the Perishable Bit in determining which packets to accept and which to discard.
US07653059B1

A system and method supporting communication sessions for nodes in a network. A sender node may initiate a send operation to send a message to one or more receiver nodes. For each receiver node, the message may pass from the sender node to the receiver node via a path including a plurality of nodes. At each node through which the message passes, the node may store state information regarding the message. The state information may include information specifying a link via which the message was received. Each receiver node may issue one or more replies to the message. The replies from each receiver node may pass from the receiver node to the sender node via the same path by which the message reached the respective receiver node. This may be accomplished using the state information stored on each node in the path.
US07653058B2

A wireless transceiving system capable of processing multi-channel broadcast signals and Ethernet signals from an Ethernet PON (Passive Optical Network), the wireless transceiving system includes a wireless STB (Set-top Box) transmitter for wirelessly transmitting broadcast signals which are multi-channel image signals and Ethernet signals; and at least one wireless STB receiver for receiving the broadcast signals and the Ethernet signals transmitted from the wireless STB transmitter to output image signals and audio signals corresponding to the received broadcast signals, and to support an Ethernet port based on the received Ethernet signals.
US07653056B1

This document describes tools useful in relaying a data stream from a data device to a network tunnel, such as by enabling virtual switching using a provisional identifier to conceal a user identifier. These tools, for example, may use an inexpensive switch module to create virtual switch instances. To do so, the tools may assign data packets to a virtual switch instance by mapping the data packets to a particular provisional identifier and then modifying the data packets to include the provisional identifier. The switch module may then forward the data packets based on the provisional identifier rather than on the user identifier. The tools may remove the provisional identifier before forwarding the data packets to a destination.
US07653052B2

A connection system for a communication switch is provided. The switch comprises a controller and shelves providing communication capabilities for the switch. The controller is able to communicate with each shelf shelves utilizing categories of communication signals. The connection system comprises connections providing signalling links for the categories of communication signals between the controller and the each shelf. The connections are bundled together in a single, collective span of cable and each connection provides its individual category communication signals independently of the other connections.
US07653049B2

An IP telephone system includes IP telephone apparatuses and an ENUM server. The IP telephone apparatuses, connected to an IP network, perform a voice communication. The ENUM server stores NAPTR resource records containing file transfer protocols supported by the IP telephone apparatuses and returns the NAPTR resource records, responding to a query of the IP telephone apparatuses. In the IP telephone system, when receiving a voice communication instruction from a user of a source IP telephone apparatus the source IP telephone apparatus inquires the ENUM server for NAPTR resource records of a destination IP telephone apparatus. When receiving a file transfer instruction during a voice communication, the source IP telephone apparatus transfers a file to the destination IP telephone apparatus, using a file transfer protocol specified in the NAPTR resource records.
US07653043B2

A system for performing communications within a network including a plurality of communication stations, in which when an access control is performed so that communication timing of a packet can not collide with that of another station by detecting a signal that is transmitted from another station, a header area processed not to become an error such as a physical layer header portion of a packet that is transmitted from a communication station is made to have information that is required for extracting information in a payload of the packet. A field is provided in the header area for controlling an access reservation of transmission of a packet that is generated as a result of transmission of another packet so that processing using the field can be performed.
US07653034B2

Some representative embodiments are directed to controlling access to a wireless medium using “credit” periods and “free” periods. During a credit period, credits are initially assigned to the stations and each station is repetitively polled as long as the station has credit remaining and data is available to communicate. During the free periods, stations are polled using a start-time fair queuing algorithm. By dividing the access to the wireless medium in this manner, real time applications may use the credit periods to prevent communication latency from deteriorating application performance. Specifically, the repetitive occurrence of the credit periods and the assignment of credits to the stations ensures that each station will communicate at least at a minimum data rate. Additionally, controlling access to the wireless medium in this manner prevents frame collisions and, thereby, increases network throughput.
US07653032B2

A device includes a wireless communication port to allow the device to communicate with a wireless network. The device also has at least two wireless network profiles and a distributed device management interface to manage the wireless network profiles. The device management interface is established by defining at least one wireless network adapter class and providing properties for the wireless network adapter class. A setting class is defined for wireless network adapter configurations and the wireless network adapter is associated with a wireless provider.
US07653026B2

Data transport which allows for handover is implemented by a mobile wireless communication system wherein a first datum is transmitted by a wireless base station, in response to the reception of which a mobile station transmits a second datum, in response to the reception of which the wireless base station transmits a third datum, which is received by the mobile station, the mobile station comprising a control unit which performs changeover of the reception channel for the first datum before changeover of the reception channel for the third datum during handover.
US07653009B2

In general, this disclosure describes techniques of selecting routes for network packets through a computer network based, at least in part, on electrical power procurement arrangements of devices in the computer network. As described herein, there may be a plurality of routes through a computer network from a first device to a second device. Each of these routes may include one or more devices that consume electrical power. A route selection device may make a determination regarding how network packets are to be routed among these routes based, at least in part, on arrangements made to procure the electrical power consumed by the devices along the routes. After the route selection device makes this determination, the route selection device may cause network packets to be routed among these routes in accordance with this determination.
US07653003B2

An ad hoc network organizes itself to provide communications without need for an a priori designated central control mechanism or base stations. Such self-organization is challenging in a multihop ad hoc network having member nodes that are highly mobile and widely distributed. A Synchronous Collision Resolution (SCR) protocol is well suited to provide efficient medium access control is such networks. SCR is an access protocol that archives high capacity collision free access using a signaling approach that creates a random cellular-like network after each signaling period. In use, the present invention provides quality of service and supports energy conservation for the mobile nodes.
US07653002B2

The present invention is directed to a system and method for monitoring perceived quality of a packet-switched voice service in a network. The method includes the step of receiving a packetized voice communication via the packet-switched voice service. At least one objective measurement is obtained from the received packetized voice communication. User perceived quality of voice data is derived from the at least one objective measurement. The user perceived quality of voice data is provided to a user. The steps of receiving, obtaining, deriving, and providing are performed in real-time.
US07652999B2

A method and apparatus for reliably detecting MPEG-2 packet sync-byte positions received via a digital transmission system in the event of a packet stream containing a plurality of null packets of a plurality of packets containing a fixed repeating bit pattern and for reliably synchronizing and delivering the MPEG-2 stream broadcast to the receiver transport layer. A Null-Packet Detector compares the content of the current packet with a fixed (or predetermined) bit pattern to detect a null packet to reliably identify the location of the sync-byte of the null packet. a sync-byte position is identified based upon the position of the predetermined fixed bit pattern in the header portion of a plurality of null-packets in the stream.
US07652994B2

A system includes effective transmission of compressed audio/video stream as a sequence of audio/video (AV) data units. The system includes a transcoder that transcodes the data at different data unit rates. The system also includes a transmitter that transmits the data units at different average data unit rates. A controller controls the bit rate at which the transcoder transcodes the data units in conjunction with the data unit rate per second at which the transmitter transmits the said transcoded data stream.
US07652991B2

A bridged network system (10). The system comprises at least one network server (NS) for receiving and responding to authentication session requests. The system also comprises a plurality of bridge nodes (BRNx). Each bridge node in the plurality of bridge nodes is connected to communicate with at least one other neighboring bridge node in the plurality of nodes, and each bridge node comprises at least one port (BPx), circuitry for communicating with at least one of either another bridge node in the plurality of nodes or the at least one network server, and circuitry for limiting (40, 42) a number of authentication sessions active at a same time through the at least one port. The system also comprises a central resource (e.g., BRN0). The central resource comprises circuitry for directing (74) the circuitry for limiting, for at least two bridge nodes in the plurality of bridge nodes, in response to a number of authentication sessions active at a same time through two or more bridge nodes in the plurality of bridge nodes.
US07652985B2

A data transmission system and method and a method of selecting a communication path for a dual-controller system are provided, which are applied in a first controller and a second controller of the dual-controller system. First of all, a corresponding transmission medium is selected according to a feature of a data request issued by a controller, then the data request is converted into a data format compatible with a medium interface corresponding to the selected transmission medium and is sent to a corresponding medium driving portion connected with the medium interface, and the data request is sent to another controller through the medium driving portion and a connected corresponding medium controller, so as to select a path of the highest transmission performance, and realize the data transmission between the two controllers.
US07652977B2

The present invention provides a HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) combining method in an OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) system, which adopts improved Chase combining method weighted by SNR and variance of SNR to realize HARQ combining. The method can improve system performance in processing power and time delay, particularly in low SNR environment, and will not make the system more complex.
US07652974B2

Plural grooves or lands formed in an information recording carrier include at least a wobbling region and data is recorded wobblingly in this wobbling region by phase shift modulation while recorded digitally with a single or multiple waves as a channel bit.
US07652973B2

An information storage medium, and a recording/reproducing apparatus and method, the information storage medium including a plurality of recording layers, each layer including a lead-in area or a lead-out area, a data area, a middle area, and a dedicated area, wherein the data area is flexibly allocated according to data capacity to be recorded in each of the recording layers, the middle area is allocated behind the data area, and the dedicated area is allocated behind the middle area. The dedicated area for a special purpose may selectively be allocated in an outer circumferential area of the information storage medium, i.e., an optical disk including a plurality of recording layers. In particular, optical disks in various formats are provided in which dedicated areas for special purposes can selectively be allocated in outer circumferential areas of the optical disks depending on recording characteristics of the optical disks and the outer circumferential areas.
US07652972B2

A nano data writing and reading apparatus using a cantilever structure includes a cantilever formed by patterning a deposition material deposited on a sacrificial substrate, a probe formed at a front end portion of one surface of the cantilever and formed simultaneously with the cantilever as the deposition material is filled in a probe groove pattern formed on the sacrificial substrate when the deposition material is deposited on the sacrificial substrate, a heater formed of polycrystalline silicon at the cantilever, for heating the probe, a data sensing unit formed at the cantilever and sensing data written on media, a signal connection pad connected to the data sensing unit and formed at the cantilever to provide an electrical connection with an external signal line, a signal transfer circuit unit connected to the signal connection pad, for controlling writing and reading of data on and from the media, and a bonding unit allowing the cantilever to be supported at the signal transfer circuit unit and providing a passage for an electrical connection between the signal connection pad and the signal transfer circuit unit. Accordingly, the cantilever and the probe can be precisely formed by a molding technique through the removal of a sacrificial substrate and are formed of a deposition material such as a silicon nitride material, thereby remarkably reducing variations in a thickness of the cantilever and improving the durability of the probe. Also, because a bonding process with a glass wafer for fabricating the cantilever structure is not required, the process is facilitated and a fabrication coast is greatly reduced.
US07652971B2

A threshold current modifying device is provided for an optical pickup head. The optical pickup head initially generates an output power when an operating current is larger than a threshold current of the optical pickup head, and the threshold current is related to a temperature of the optical pickup head in a functional relationship. The threshold current modifying device includes a threshold current calculating module and a power control module. The threshold current calculating module receives a temperature signal from the optical pickup head at a first temperature to output a threshold current signal according to the temperature signal and the functional relationship. The power control module receives the threshold current signal to adjust the operating current.
US07652969B2

A holographic optical accessing system includes a light source for emitting a light beam; an optical assembly module for receiving the light beam and generating a signal beam and a reference beam that are parallel to each other rather than overlap with each other, and have the same first polarization state; a lens module for focusing the signal beam and the reference beam on a focal point at the same time; and a storage medium for recording the focal point. The optical assembly module includes at least a data plane for displaying image information so that the signal beam contains the image information.
US07652968B2

A holographic recording/reproducing apparatus is adapted to split laser light into signal light and reference light and to record a hologram by illuminating a holographic recording medium with the signal light and the reference light and/or to reproduce the hologram by illuminating the holographic recording medium with the reference light. The holographic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a laser light source that emits the laser light, a measuring unit operable to measure the wavelength of the laser light, and a setting unit operable to measure the wavelength of the laser light while changing a current supplied to the laser light source, and to set the current supplied to the laser light source based on a measurement result such that the influence of a change in the wavelength of the laser light is minimized.
US07652965B2

This patent specification describes a novel optical information recording method for recording mark and space information. The method for recording optical information comprises the steps of generating a peak level current waveform having a high level, generating a bias level current waveform having a low level generating a normal boost level current waveform and a low boost level current waveform, driving a laser light source with the normal boost level current waveform superimposed on the low level current waveform in a normal boost level light emission and switching a drive current waveform for the laser light source to the low boost level current waveform superimposed on the low level current waveform in a peak level sampling operation.
US07652961B2

An optical information recording method in an optical recording generation method for performing recording and reproduction of information by radiating laser light which is pulse-modulated according to a recording waveform having a plurality of setting parameters onto a storage medium is disclosed. The method comprises reading information recorded in the storage medium; determining positions corresponding to a detection pattern from the detection pattern and a reproduction signal, the detection pattern being defined according to a specific parameter from among the plurality of setting parameters, and the reproduction signal being obtained by reading the information; detecting the state of the reproduction signal according to the result of the determination; generating an ideal reproduction signal according to the detection pattern; and obtaining a predetermined signal evaluation index value using the result of detection of the state of the reproduction signal and the ideal reproduction signal.
US07652960B2

In a recordable optical disc including at least one recording layer, write strategy information is recorded within disc control information, so that standardized disc control information can be uniformly applied to data recording and reproduction. At least one disc information is recorded as the disc control information within the management area. The disc control information is recorded per at least one write strategy type for a same writing speed and recording layer. The write strategy type recorded in the corresponding disc information is determined by recording write strategy parameters of the optionally determined write strategy type among applicable write strategy types.
US07652959B2

An optical disk device includes a BE control means which issues a request for recording of data upon an optical disk. Furthermore, this optical disk device includes an FE processing means which, upon receipt of the recording request from the BE control means, irradiates laser light from a pickup head onto the optical disk, and records data stored in a buffer RAM upon the optical disk. If an error has occurred during the recording of the data upon the optical disk by the FE processing means, then the BE control means first acquires, from the FE processing means, error information including an error occurrence address. And the BE control means performs control to execute recovery processing, according to this error information.
US07652954B2

A write head structure for perpendicular recording having a pole tip integrated into the metal film surrounding a C aperture near field light source is disclosed. The close proximity of the pole tip to the light source enables more precise location of data cells written into the magnetic media, through the use of dual gradient thermally assisted recording. In dual gradient recording, data is fixed by the effect of both a thermal gradient, which affects the coercivity of the magnetic media, combined with a magnetic field gradient imposed by the pole tip.
US07652951B2

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for using an acoustic logging tool conveyed in a borehole in an earth formation for determining a characteristic of the formation. The method comprises using a first acoustic source for generating an acoustic signal in the earth formation at a first frequency. A second acoustic source spaced apart from the first source is used for generating an acoustic signal in the earth formation at a second frequency different from the first frequency. An acoustic receiver is used for receiving a third acoustic signal indicative of said characteristic. The third acoustic signal has a frequency substantially equal to a difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. The third acoustic signal is produced by a nonlinear interaction between the first signal and the second signal in a portion of said earth formation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07652948B2

Nonvolatile memory devices include a memory cell array having memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and an address storing unit that is configured to store therein an indicator of an initial column address and an indicator of an end column address, to identify a subset of the columns that extends from the initial column address to the end column address. A program circuit is configured to verify a programming operation for a selected row at the subset of the columns that extends from the initial column address to the end column address. Analogous methods of programming a nonvolatile memory device also may be provided.
US07652944B2

A semiconductor device is composed of a first circuit receiving a first power supply voltage; and a second circuit receiving a second power supply voltage. The second power supply voltage is higher than the first power supply voltage. Such device arrangement is effective for reducing the soft error rate, when the second circuit is more susceptive to a soft error than the first circuit, especially when the second circuit is a memory device.
US07652941B2

A memory device is provided which has: a memory cell to store data; a word line to select the memory cell; a bit line connectable to the selected memory cell; a precharge power supply to supply a precharge voltage to the bit line; a precharge circuit to connect or disconnect the precharge power supply to or from the bit line; and a current limiting element to control the magnitude of a current flowing between the precharge power supply and the bit line at least by two steps according to an operation status.
US07652937B2

Receiver architectures and related bias circuits for a data processor are provided. One embodiment of a receiver architecture includes three linear receiver stages coupled in series. The first stage receives a differential data strobe (DQS) input signal associated with a plurality of data (DQ) signals, and the first stage has a first programmable swing voltage associated therewith. The second stage has a programmable shift voltage associated therewith, and the third stage has a second programmable swing voltage associated therewith. The receiver architecture also includes a programming architecture coupled to the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage. The programming architecture is configured to set the first programmable swing voltage, the programmable shift voltage, and the second programmable swing voltage.
US07652935B2

When a data write sequence is started, initially, write data is latched in a data latch circuit corresponding to one memory mat. Then, a program pulse is applied to the memory mat, and data read from a memory cell, which is a data write target bit in the memory mat, is performed. Thereafter, verify determination of the memory mat is performed. After a verify operation for the memory mat is completed, a program pulse is applied to another memory mat, and a verify operation for another memory mat is performed.
US07652930B2

The present invention is a method circuit and system for erasing one or more non-volatile memory (“NVM”) cells in an NVM array. One or more NVM cells of a memory array may be erased using an erase pulse produced by a controller and/or erase pulse source adapted to induce and/or invoke a substantially stable channel current in the one or more NVM cells during an erasure procedure. The voltage profile of an erase pulse may be predefined or the voltage profile of the erase pulse may be dynamically adjusted based on feedback from a current sensor during an erase procedure.
US07652923B2

A memory applicable to an embedded memory is provided. The memory includes a substrate, a gate, a charge-trapping gate dielectric layer, a source, and a drain. The gate is disposed above the substrate. The charge-trapping gate dielectric layer is disposed between the gate and the substrate. The source and the drain are disposed in the substrate beside the gate respectively.
US07652922B2

An apparatus, system, and computer-implemented method for controlling data transfer between a plurality of serial data link interfaces and a plurality of memory banks in a semiconductor memory is disclosed. In one example, a flash memory device with multiple links and memory banks, where the links are independent of the banks, is disclosed. The flash memory devices may be cascaded in a daisy-chain configuration using echo signal lines to serially communicate between memory devices. In addition, a virtual multiple link configuration is described wherein a single link is used to emulate multiple links.
US07652921B2

The present disclosure provides a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) cell and programming method thereof. The cell can denote at least two logic levels. The cell has a read-transistor with a floating gate, and Band-To-Band-Tunneling device (BTBT device) sharing the floating gate with the read-transistor. The BTBT device is configured as an injection device for injecting a first charge onto the floating gate when the BTBT device is biased with a first gate bias voltage such that the BTBT device is in accumulation, to set at least one of the logic levels. A first electrode is coupled to bias the BTBT device with a first bias voltage that is higher than the first threshold voltage. The first bias voltage is controlled such that the BTBT device is in accumulation during a write operation. The injected amount of charge on the floating gate is determined by the first bias voltage.
US07652917B2

In a data program/erase device of a nonvolatile memory cell, data are re-written by means of an FN tunnel current of an entire channel surface. In a buried n-well of a semiconductor substrate in a flash memory formation region, p wells are placed in the form isolated from each other. In each of the p wells, a capacitor portion, a capacitor portion for programming/erasing data and an MIS•FET for reading data are placed. In the capacitor portion for programming/erasing data, rewriting (programming and erasing) of data is performed by means of an FN tunnel current of an entire channel surface.
US07652915B2

One embodiment of the present invention includes a three dimensional memory array having a plurality of memory elements coupled to form the array through a single top lead and a single bottom lead, each memory element including a magnetic free layer in which non-volatile data can be stored, wherein each memory element possesses unique resonant frequencies associated with each digital memory state, thereby enabling frequency addressing during parallel write and read operations, each memory element further including a fixed layer and a spacer formed between the free layer and the fixed layer.
US07652912B2

A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a free layer having first and second magnetic layers magnetized oppositely to each other, and also having a first nonmagnetic layer formed between the first and second magnetic layers, a first fixed layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a second nonmagnetic layer formed between the second magnetic layer and the first fixed layer, a first drive circuit passing a write current through a first write current line in a data write operation, and thereby generating a data write magnetic field acting on magnetization of the free layer, and a second drive circuit passing a spin injection current between the first magnetic layer and the first fixed layer in a data write operation, and thereby exerting a force in the same direction as or in the direction opposite to the magnetization direction of the first fixed layer on the magnetization of the free layer.
US07652907B2

A memory device including a stack of layers. At least one first active layer is based on a crystalline ionic and electronic conducting material capable of releasing and/or accepting at least one ionic species. At least one second active layer is based on a crystalline ionic and electronic conducting material capable of releasing and/or accepting the ionic species. The first active layer and the second active layer are based on a material that has a high potential variation for a low variation in the concentration of the ionic species. At least one layer forms an electrolyte between the first active layer and the second active layer, and is based on at least one ionic conducting and electronic insulating material. A measurement instrument is provided for measuring the electrochemical potential difference between the first active layer and the second active layer.
US07652902B2

An object is to provide an integrated-inverter electric compressor that can enhance assembly and vibration resistance of power semiconductor switching devices and control substrates thereof constituting the inverter device. The integrated-inverter electric compressor, in which an inverter device is installed in an inverter container provided on an outer circumference of a housing, includes a plurality of IGBTs constituting the inverter device and a guide member having a plurality of guide holes for passing terminals of the IGBTs provided between the control substrate and the IGBTs. The guide member is provided with at least one first positioning pin, fitted in positioning holes provided in a mounting surface of the IGBT, in one side surface facing the IGBT, and at least one second positioning pin, fitted in positioning holes provided in the control substrate, in another side surface facing the control substrate.
US07652900B2

An inverter type AC generator includes an inverter circuit converting a DC output into AC output of a predetermined frequency and supplying the AC output to a load via a load line in order to improve the quality of an AC output waveform at least in parallel operations. The inverter AC generator includes a zero-crossing detection circuit for detecting a timing of zero-crossings of an AC output voltage waveform on the output line. A controller generates a drive signal in synchronization with the timing of the detected zero-crossings, when a predetermined number of zero-crossings have been detected, and drives the inverter to perform a synchronized operation process.
US07652895B2

The invention relates to an electric insulating body (2) provided with a conductor pattern (1) and an electronic device (10) comprising such a body (2) and at least one electronic element (30). According to the invention, the body (2) has first and second faces (2A, 2B) in between of which an angle of less than 180 degrees is defined, wherein the conductor pattern (1) of the body (2) extends over both faces (2A, 2B), which body (2) carries both the conductor pattern (1) and the electronic element (30). The conductor pattern (1) comprises strip-shaped regions (1A) and regions (1B) with a larger width than the strip-shaped regions (1A), which regions (1B) are suitable for electrically contacting the electronic element (30). The electronic element (30) is, for example, a camera. The device (10) with such a camera is particularly suitable for use in a mobile communication apparatus.
US07652891B2

A method according to one embodiment may include providing a baffle assembly comprising at least one airflow control zone with an airflow resistance. The method of this embodiment may also include positioning said baffle assembly in a flow of air through a chassis. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US07652889B2

An apparatus adapted for locating position of an electronic system or device in an information technology (IT) center comprises a connector strip adapted for attachment to a rack cabinet configured for mounting multiple electronic devices, and a jumper adapted for interfacing an electronic device of the multiple electronic devices and configured to mate with and attach to the connector strip. The apparatus further comprises a logic adapted to identify position of the interfaced electronic device in the rack cabinet based on attachment of the jumper to the connector strip.
US07652888B2

A method and a housing assembly including a case defining an opening, and a coupler positioned within the opening and configured for coupling to a connector, wherein the case defines a securing portion positioned proximate to the opening and is configured for securing a portion of the connector when coupled with the coupler.
US07652887B2

An electronic control module mounted to an adaptive vehicle mount or directly onto a car body. The control module includes a casing which may have at least one leverage tab integral with the casing. The casing also includes an integral fastening tab, and may act as a lever such that the leverage tab and fastener tab withstand forces which counterbalances the force exerted on the casing when the casing is mounted to an adaptive vehicle mount or directly onto the car body.
US07652883B2

An electronic device includes a housing that has a bottom surface and a side surface and includes an opening for air cooling formed therein; and a substrate that has a heat generating component mounted on a surface thereof facing the bottom surface of the housing and is fixed in the housing such that there is space between the substrate and the opening. The electronic device further includes a heat radiation component that contacts the heat generating component on the substrate and that spreads, between the bottom surface of the housing and the substrate, through the space, and to a position near and inside the opening; and a fan that is disposed in the space and fixed in the housing independently of the substrate so as to perform air cooling using the opening.
US07652877B2

An electronic apparatus includes a first part, a second part, and a rotating holding part configured to rotatably hold the second part to the first part, wherein, in addition to a closed state in which the first part and the second part are placed upon one another and an opened state in which the second part is apart from the first part so that both first and second parts are opened, an intermediate state is provided in which respective opposite faces of the first and second parts are apart by a predetermined space and thereby radiation is available, and a lifting mechanism is provided to cause an end of the second part to be apart from a corresponding end of the first part in the rotating holding part so that the opposite faces of both parts are apart by the predetermined space and thus the intermediate state is created.
US07652872B1

Memory module adapters and methods for connecting memory modules to computing systems are disclosed. The memory module adapter includes memory connectors, a multi-memory connector, and a support that supports the memory connectors and multi-memory connector. The memory connectors are electrically connected to the multi-memory connector. Memory modules are connected to a computing system by inserting the memory modules along a first insertion axis into a memory connector of a memory module adapter and inserting the memory module adapter along a second insertion axis to a platform connector of a computing platform within the computing system.
US07652870B2

A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a plurality of ceramic dielectric layers, a plurality of inner electrode layers and and external electrodes. The ceramic dielectric layers includes barium titanate crystal grains having pores inside. The inner electrode layers are between the ceramic dielectric layers. The external electrodes are electrically connected to the inner electrode layers. The barium titanate crystal grains each have a core-shell structure which include a core and a shell around the core. The the pores are mainly formed in the cores.
US07652866B2

A flexible conductive static control brush assembly includes first and second brushes disposed on a common backing strip. Each brush includes a plurality of filaments disposed inwardly from opposite edges of the backing strip. Bands overlie outer end portions of the filaments adjacent edges of the backing strip, with the bands covering only a portion of each filament length. The backing strip includes parting lines for tearing to remove an intermediate portion of the backing strip between the brushes to expose the filaments.
US07652865B2

An earthing device which needs not be buried under the ground is provided. The earthing device includes an earthing panel and a discharging device mounted inside the earthing panel. The discharging device includes at least one electrode plate, multiple discharging electrodes coupled to the electrode plate, and catalyst filled between the discharging electrodes. Since an earth electrode needs not be buried under the ground, it requires less construction costs, time and area, and environmental pollution (especially, soil pollution) does not happen. Further, the earthing device can be simply and economically installed regardless of place.
US07652852B2

A method of production of a magnetoresistance effect device is able to prevent or minimize a drop in the MR ratio and maintain the high performance of the magnetoresistance effect device even if forming an oxide layer as a surface-most layer constituting a protective layer by the oxidation process inevitably included in the process of production of microprocessing by dry etching performed in a vacuum. Two mask layers used for microprocessing are doubly piled up. This method of production of a magnetoresistivity effect device including a magnetic multilayer film including at least two magnetic layers includes a step of providing under a first mask material that is a nonorganic material a second mask material able to react with other atoms to form a conductive substance, and a device made according to the method.
US07652851B2

A head support device of self-balancing type and a disk drive are disclosed. The head support device reduces manufacturing variation in a load and the number of components, and has stability and reliability, while being inexpensive. In this head support device, a flange and a nut cramp, via a collar, a head support arm having a reinforcing plate fixed thereto. The head support arm is supported rotatably about a line provided between contact points at which pivots contact the flange and in a direction perpendicular to a recording medium. A spring as an elastic member provides an urging force toward the recording medium, and is provided unitarily with the head support arm. Bent portions are provided on both sides of the arm composing the head support arm to a tab.
US07652850B2

Embodiments of the invention decrease bending vibrations and torsional vibrations of a voice coil generated by off-plane vibrational forces on the voice coil to reduce noise and to enable a large capacity. In one embodiment, a rotating disk type storage unit comprises a rotating disk recording medium, a head that moves radially relative to the rotating disk recording medium to perform recording or reproduction, a turnable actuator having mounted on one side thereof the head, and a voice coil motor to drive the actuator. The voice coil motor comprises a voice coil mounted on the other side end of the actuator, and a magnet arranged in opposition to the voice coil. A magnet outer periphery of the magnet disposed distant from an actuator turning center is formed to be arcuately concave in shape, and the concave-shaped outer periphery intersects the voice coil.
US07652848B2

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a magnetic head slider to be easily mounted on or dismounted from a suspension and can hold a magnetic head slider so as not to be removed due to a shock resultant from handling during a characteristic test and a manufacturing process. A load beam is formed with protruding portions on both sides. A flexure includes a frame portion, a plate portion, a spring portion, an E-shaped pressing portion, and a probe portion. The plate portion extends from a guide portion of the frame portion. The probe portion may be formed by partially cutting out the frame portion. A limiter is formed on both sides of the plate portion. The limiter protrudes from the rear of the load beam and has a hook-shaped tip. The hook-shaped portion of the limiter engages with the protruding portion 6 of the load beam to limit excess vertical movement of the flexure. A gap may be formed between the limiter and the protruding portion.
US07652844B2

A mounting system for a media playback device is provided having an outer module for rigidly mounting the media playback device to a surface, and a corresponding cartridge which is capable of being inserted and removed from the outer module. While inserted in the outer module, a first mounting subsystem functions to fixedly mount the cartridge within the outer module such that shock, vibration, and other physical environmental factors are not amplified in the cartridge. A second mounting subsystem is provided to protect the cartridge while removed from the outer module, and generally comprises a resilient material around a portion of the cartridge.
US07652843B2

A completely circumferential shroud is provided around the motor hub flange of a hard disk drive spindle motor. The shroud is continuous, smooth, and uniform, and formed at the same axial height as the flange to reduce air flow disturbances that are generated by the rotating motor hub flange. Unlike prior art designs that provide openings to accommodate the actuator, the present design has no openings or irregular shapes that can cause air flow disturbance. Air flow disturbance, especially when near the actuator arms or head suspensions, can impact track misregistration. In addition, the probability of circulating contamination particles inside the motor out into the disk drive enclosure is also reduced due to less irregular airflow patterns.
US07652842B2

An audio cassette adapter with cable and connector storage in the body of the cassette. Internal cable storage is facilitated by an internal retractable mechanism that reduces the amount of storage external to the audio cassette adapter housing. In one embodiment, the internal retractable mechanism includes a cable support around which the cable is wound and a separate support driver engaged with the cable support that drives the cable support.
US07652841B2

A servo controlling method of the present invention is a servo controlling method for controlling a position of a magnetic head against a magnetic tape that is accommodated in a cartridge and has at least a data track and a servo track, and the method includes the steps of: reading tape variance information from a magnetic tape cartridge (23) side, the magnetic tape cartridge (23) being composed of a cartridge (20) and a magnetic tape (21); reading a servo signal recorded in the servo track by the magnetic head and converting the servo signal into head position information; and controlling the position of the magnetic head according to an off-track value based on the tape variance information and an off-track value calculated from the head position information. With this configuration, even in the case where a recording track width is narrowed and a tape speed is increased, the magnetic head can follow a recording track accurately at a high speed.
US07652839B2

A magnetic recording disk in a disk drive has identical pre-patterned servo patterns on its front and back surfaces. The servo patterns on each disk surface are pre-patterned with a single master template, resulting in the identical pattern on each disk surface. The servo sectors on the two disk surfaces can form identical patterns of angularly spaced arcuate-shaped lines or straight lines that extend radially across the data tracks. However, because the lines on at least one of the disk surfaces do not replicate the path of the recording head, the sampling rate of the servo sectors on that surface is not constant but varies with radial position of the head. To accommodate this, the disk drive's servo control system calculates a timing adjustment from an estimate of the radial position of the head and uses this timing adjustment to adjust the time to open a time window to allow detection of the servo sectors.
US07652838B2

A feeding mechanism includes a first feeding mechanism and a second feeding mechanism that operates during non-operation of the first feeding mechanism. A movement control unit that performs a control of moving the feeding mechanism towards a housing cabinet. A swivel mechanical unit swivels an inclination angle of the feeding mechanism to a predetermined angle along with an operation by the movement control unit. A movement stopping unit stops a movement of the feeding mechanism based on the inclination angle of the feeding mechanism.
US07652837B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to erasing data recorded on a magnetic disk with increased certainty by using an external magnetic field. One embodiment is directed to a method for erasing data recorded on a magnetic disk, which is housed in a magnetic disk drive, by using an external erasure magnetic field generated by an external erasure magnetic field generator. The method comprises the steps of: moving a first magnetic disk drive within an external erasure magnetic field in a moving state appropriate for the type of the first magnetic disk drive, and erasing data recorded on a magnetic disk in the first magnetic disk drive; and moving a second magnetic disk drive, which differs in type from the first magnetic disk drive, within an external erasure magnetic field in a moving state that differs from the moving state of the first magnetic disk drive, and erasing data recorded on a magnetic disk in the second magnetic disk drive.
US07652833B2

A camera module for small-sized electronic apparatuses such as digital cameras and cellular phones includes a lens unit; and a holder which houses the lens unit and is displaceable along an optical axis direction of the lens unit. A coil is provided on the holder of octagon shape in cross section having eight outside surface portions with a yoke having an outer cylindrical wall portion formed to have an octagon shape similar to the octagon shape of the coil and having eight magnet mounting inner surfaces. Eight flat plate-shaped magnets on the mounting surfaces for providing a magnetic field are arranged to face the outside surface portions of the coil through a predetermined constant spacing. Upper and lower leaf springs respectively support the holder so as to be displaceable along the optical axis direction of the lens unit; a base for supporting the yoke and the lower spring.
US07652832B2

An optical system includes a lens cell having a generally cylindrical lens cell body. The lens cell body has a lens cell central longitudinal axis and a lens cell optical axis eccentrically offset from the lens cell central longitudinal axis. A sleeve includes a generally cylindrical sleeve body having an outer surface with a first longitudinal axis and an inner surface with a second longitudinal axis eccentrically offset from the first longitudinal axis. The lens cell is inserted into the sleeve. A housing has a generally cylindrical body with the sleeve at least partially inserted into the housing. A clip is disposed about at least a portion of the circumference of the housing. The lens cell and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other and to the housing such that the lens cell optical axis is aligned in a desired location. After the lens cell optical axis is aligned in the desired location, the clip is releasably coupled to and inserted through the housing and into the sleeve to restrict rotation of the sleeve relative to the housing.
US07652831B2

A lens barrel for holding a lens system including at least a plastic lens disposed between two glass lenses separated from each other by a spacer ring comprises a cylindrical lens holding barrel fixedly holding the two glass and the plastic lenses, a cylindrical spacer ring fitted in the cylindrical lens holding barrel for elastically supporting the plastic lens therein and positioning the two glass lenses at a predetermined axial distance on opposite sides of the plastic lens.
US07652823B2

A non-polarizing beam splitter has a first prism; one or more ground layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on a slant face of the first right angle prism; an Au layer having thickness of 13 to 35 nm which is formed on the ground layer; one or more protective layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on the Au layer; and a second prism which is jointed to an outermost layer of the protective layer via adhesive. The non-polarizing beam splitter divides light at wavelength of 640 nm to 820 nm into transmission light and reflection light by a predetermined ratio.
US07652818B2

An optical sight includes an optical train having an optical path therethrough, an entrance, and an exit. A reticle is visible through the exit of the optical path. An unpowered reticle illumination source has a first light source that illuminates the reticle responsive to the level of ambient light, and a second light source that illuminates the reticle with an unpowered light source. The reticle illumination source preferably has a scintillation material positioned so that ambient light entering the ambient-light receiver is incident upon the scintillation material, whereupon the scintillation material responsively emits secondary light. A light-gathering prism receives the secondary light and has a diffusing surface disposed to illuminate the reticle using the secondary light. An unpowered light source is positioned to emit light through the diffusing surface to be incident upon the reticle. The unpowered light source may be a tritium light source.
US07652812B2

A method of supplying an electrically controllable system having variable optical/energy properties in transmission or in reflection, including at least one carrier substrate with a multilayer that allows migration of active species, including at least two active layers separated by an electrolyte, the multilayer being placed between two electrodes connected respectively to upper and lower current leads respectively. In addition to a constant first energy potential, a time-varying second energy potential is applied between the current leads, the first and second energy potentials being designed to ensure switching between two states having different optical/energy properties in transmission or reflection.
US07652806B2

A method and system for optimal node placement of a color correction table first generate a high resolution color correction table. A low resolution color correction table is generated. Each node of the low resolution color correction table has a corresponding color correction value generated by interpolating the color correction values of the high resolution color correction table. A reconstructed color correction table is generated, and each of the nodes of the reconstructed color correction table has a corresponding color correction value generated by interpolating the color correction values of the low resolution color correction table using an interpolation method identical to an output device interpolation method. Differences between the color correction values of the reconstructed and the high resolution color correction table are quantified into a measure of error, and the node locations of the low resolution color correction table are adjusted, and the procedure is repeated.
US07652794B2

A prepress workflow process suitable for generating a reproduction composite image from a source image that may be tolerant to or exhibit improved tolerance to misregistration when printed is provided. Embodiments of the prepress workflow process include obtaining a source image. Next, N≧2 color separations are generated from the source image. The color separations may be process or non-process color separations. The N color separations are first processed globally for improving the misregistration tolerance of a reproduction composite image to be formed therefrom. If the misregistration tolerance of the reproduction composite image is not acceptable to be user, at least a portion of each N color separation may be further processed at a local level for producing an improved misregistration tolerant reproduction composite image.
US07652792B2

A printing machine includes a high-speed print device configured to receive a print media and discharge a printed product that includes a printed image. An image capturing device is positioned adjacent the print device and is configured to capture an image of the printed image on the printed product. A computer includes a monitor, a processor, an input device, and a communication device configured to communicate with the print device. The monitor is configured to display the captured image, the input device is configured to allow a user to vary the displayed image, and the processor is configured to calculate an adjustment to the print device in response to the varied image.
US07652782B2

A document input from a scanner is used as input image data and is stored in image memory in page number order. A control unit prints the input image data and receives instruction data showing the cutting edge when cutting on the center line of the printing paper from the input unit. The control unit stores the addresses at which the input image data are stored in an array A; the image processing unit sorts the addresses stored in the first or second half of the array A, based on instruction data shown by the instruction data discussed above, in descending order by page number. The image processing unit alternates and stores in an array B addresses stored in the first or second half of the sorted array A, and in the first or second half of the unsorted array A. The print processing unit prints the input image data, in the order stored in the array B, on both sides of printing paper, and attains printing results as shown in FIG. 1.
US07652774B2

In determining an endpoint of etching a substrate, light that is directed toward the substrate is reflected from the substrate. A wavelength of the light is selected to locally maximize the intensity of the reflected light at an initial time point of the etching process. The reflected light is detected to determine an endpoint of the substrate etching process.
US07652761B2

The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus for calibrating a laser ablation system, such as an excimer laser system for selectively ablating a cornea of a patient's eye. The invention also facilitates alignment of eye tracking cameras that measure a position of the eye during laser eye surgery. A calibration and alignment fixture for a scanning laser beam delivery system having eye tracking cameras may include a structure positionable in a treatment plane. The structure having a feature directing laser energy incident thereon to a calibration energy sensor, at least one reference-edge to determine a characteristic of the laser beam (shape, dimensions, etc.), and an artificial pupil to determine alignment of the eye tracking cameras with the laser system.
US07652760B1

A system for detecting coatings on a transparent or semi-transparent medium includes a conductive sensor and a light reflection sensor which are configured to determine a presence and the conductivity of the coating on the medium.
US07652759B1

An industrial device comprises a light emitter and a detector that is optically coupled to the emitter. A first deformable mirror/lens is optically coupled to the emitter, the first deformable mirror/lens is dynamically shaped to facilitate receipt of light at the detector. For example, the deformable mirror/lens can be associated with one or more actuators that causes the mirror/lens to be shaped in a desirable manner.
US07652757B2

A method and apparatus for inspection of a security article (10) is provided in which a substantially collimated light beam (15) from a point light source (14) is directed onto a diffractive optical projection element (DOE) (11). The light beam is transformed by the DOE (11) into a patterned beam (17) which is reconstructed to form a projected image at a particular position in space remote from the surface of the security article 910). An optical detection device 916) is located at which the patterned beam (17) is reconstructed to detect the projected image. The inspection method and apparatus may be used in equipment for handling, sorting, counting or otherwise processing security articles, in particular security documents such as banknotes. The apparatus may include a processor for generating a signal when the absence or poor quality of a DOE is detected and which is used to isolate or mark the security article.
US07652749B2

The present invention relates to the activation of a software upgrade in a lithographic apparatus that transfers a pattern onto a substrate. The time and date of the activation of a software upgrade is compared with the time and date of the exposure of the first layer of a substrate or of a “lot” of substrates. If the activation date and time is later than the first exposure date and time, software-functionality types is not mixed on a single lot or substrate and the old software-functionality is used for that lot or substrate. If, on the other hand, the activation date and time of the software-functionality update is earlier than the first exposure of the lot or substrate, the lot or substrate has not yet been affected by the old software-functionality and the new, updated software-functionality may be used to control the pattern transfer onto all of the substrate layers.
US07652747B2

This invention discloses an immersion exposure method which executes immersion exposure for an exposure target film by transferring an image of a pattern formed on a mask onto the exposure target film through an immersion medium. A first vapor pressure as the target value in an immersion exposure atmosphere which surrounds the immersion medium is set. A second vapor pressure in the immersion exposure atmosphere is measured. The first vapor pressure is compared with the second vapor pressure. Whether to adjust the vapor pressure in the immersion exposure atmosphere is selected in accordance with the comparison result.
US07652742B2

A spacer spraying system and spacer spraying method are provided which are capable of spraying spacers uniformly in a liquid crystal display panel forming region on a substrate. A stage includes a main stage section having a predetermined size and an auxiliary stage section supported in the main stage section so as to be slid in the main stage section or another auxiliary stage section having a structure in which the auxiliary stage section can be connected to the main stage section. By making the auxiliary stage section be slid in the main stage section or be connected to the main stage section according to a size of a substrate mounted on the stage, a size of the stage is made changeable so that a distance between an edge portion of the stage and a liquid crystal display panel forming region existing near the edge portion of the stage falls within a predetermined range.
US07652741B2

Disclosed is an active matrix substrate which includes a display area and a terminal area located outside the display area. The terminal area includes extraction wirings connected with signal lines and scanning lines of the display area. A testing terminal for making contact with a probe of a prober and a connection terminal on which a chip is mounted are provided on each of the extraction wirings. The terminals are connected with the extraction wirings through contact holes. Even when an area of the testing terminal is larger than an area of the connection terminal, an opening area of a second contact hole for the testing terminal is reduced to an area smaller than an opening area of a first contact hole for the connection terminal.
US07652740B2

The present invention is an array substrate for use in a liquid crystal display device, which includes a first double-layered metal structure and a second double-layered metal structure. The first double-layered metal structure includes a gate electrode, a gate line and a gate pad electrode on a substrate, wherein all of the gate electrode, the gate line and the gate pad electrode have a first barrier metal layer and a first copper layer. The second double-layered metal structure includes a data line, source and drain electrodes, a capacitor electrode, and a data pad electrode, wherein all of the data line, the source and drain electrodes, the capacitor electrode and the data pad electrode have a second barrier metal layer and a second copper layer.
US07652739B2

A matrix-addressed type liquid crystal display apparatus having switching devices such as TFTs is provided, featuring that an increased effective voltage can be applied without causing hysteresis in V-T characteristics. Namely, by substantially increasing a value of an applicable voltage in excess of which a display defect starts to appear, a high numerical aperture and a high contrast ratio have been achieved at the same time. In the LCD apparatus of the present invention, a gap between adjacent reverse tilt domains each formed in a portion of a pixel which is arranged corresponding to an arbitrary pixel electrode becomes broader than a minimum gap between adjacent pixel electrodes corresponding thereto, or a thickness of a liquid crystal cell in the portion between adjacent reverse tilt domains is set thinner than a thickness of a liquid crystal cell in the portion of the pixel.
US07652732B2

There are provided a substrate which has solved an unsatisfactory adhesion problem of a seal part in a liquid crystal cell comprising a retardation layer provided on the inner side of the cell, and a liquid crystal cell using the substrate. A black matrix layer 12 formed of a metal and its picture frame part 12A, a color filter layer 13, and a retardation layer 14 are stacked on a substrate 11, and an area including at least the picture frame part 12A is an area to be sealed.
US07652725B2

A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: an insulating substrate; a gate line formed on the substrate and including a gate electrode; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer opposite the gate electrode; a data line formed on the gate insulating layer and including a first source electrode located on the semiconductor layer; first and second drain electrodes formed on the semiconductor layer, separated from each other and overlapping the gate electrode; a passivation layer formed on the data line and the first and the second drain electrodes; and first and second pixel electrodes electrically connected to the first and the second drain electrodes, respectively, wherein an overlapping area between the gate electrode and the first drain electrode is different from an overlapping area between the gate electrode and the second drain electrode.
US07652715B2

A photographing apparatus includes an imaging optical system to guide light from a subject, a movement mechanism to move the imaging optical system, a sub control section to move the imaging optical system toward a predetermined position with the aid of the movement mechanism when a power supply is turned on, and a main control section to execute system initialization when the power supply is turned on, and to move the imaging optical system with the aid of the movement mechanism and interrupt the movement of the imaging optical system at the predetermined position. The sub control section may also start a lens barrel initialization processing to drive the lens barrel from a non-photographing position to a photographing standby position while the main control section executes system initialization, and the main control section may drive the lens barrel to the photographing standby position after the system initialization is finished.
US07652697B2

A circuit and method of detecting a saturation level of an image sensor including a photodiode using a black pixel circuit included in the image sensor. The saturation level detecting circuit includes a pixel unit, a reset node and a detection controller. The pixel unit includes a floating diffusion node connected to, or disconnected from, the photodiode and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage of the floating diffusion node. The reset node is connected to, or disconnected from, the floating diffusion node. The detection controller transfers a power voltage or a reference voltage to the reset node.
US07652692B2

An apparatus and method for storing moving picture signals in the apparatus equipped with a camera. The method includes the steps of entering a preview mode for enabling the moving picture signals photographed by the camera to be displayed when the camera is powered; coding the photographed moving picture signals and storing the coded moving picture signals in an image memory when a storage key is input in the preview mode; shifting to the preview mode when a temporary pause key is input in a first moving picture storage mode in which the moving picture signals are stored and entering a second moving picture storage mode in which the moving picture signals stored in the image memory are converted to moving picture files and stored; returning to the first moving picture storage mode when the storage key is input in the preview mode; and linking the stored moving picture files to generate one moving picture file and storing the moving picture file, when a record end key is input in the preview mode or the first moving picture storage mode.
US07652686B2

A device for detecting objects, persons or the like, including, for example, in the surroundings of a vehicle, has a stereo-sensitive image recording unit which includes at least two image sensors and an evaluation unit to evaluate the signals, supplied by the image sensors, using which, in a simple manner, a three-dimensional geometry of the surroundings of a vehicle is variably recordable at a desired operating range and at a desired viewing angle, and in which the optical axes of the image sensors are changeably alignable relative to each other and/or relative to vehicle.
US07652683B2

A line head includes: a first substrate having a plurality of organic electroluminescent devices; a bonding layer disposed on the first substrate and having optical transparency; a second substrate bonded to the first substrate with the bonding layer therebetween and having a reflective film that covers at least a part of the bonding layer; and a plurality of exit portions respectively from which light that has passed through the bonding layer is exited, the light emitted from the organic electroluminescent devices.
US07652678B2

Techniques to generate partial display updates in a buffered window system in which arbitrary visual effects are permitted to any one or more windows (e.g., application-specific window buffers) are described. Once a display output region is identified for updating, the buffered window system is interrogated to determine which regions within each window, if any, may effect the identified output region. Such determination considers the consequences any filters associated with a window impose on the region needed to make the output update.
US07652676B2

A system and method for color managing content elements on a display device are provided. The systems and methods for color managing content elements on a display device comprising using a set of color space characteristic values that describe a color space of the display device to create a profile having a multidimensional table encapsulating the display behavior as described by color space characteristic values for the display device.
US07652673B1

Texture mapping includes (i) calculating the weighted average of the colors of two texels near a particular pixel, (ii) determining a fractional portion of a texture coordinate of the pixel, and (iii) retrieval of a pair of complementary coefficients from a table of pairs of predetermined, complementary coefficients according to the fractional portion of the coordinate of the pixel. Each of the complementary coefficients corresponds to the relative distance between the pixel and each of the two texels as represented by the fractional portion of the first coordinate of the pixel in the coordinate space of the texture image since each texel has whole, integer coordinates in the coordinate space of the texture image. Each coefficient of the pair of complementary coefficients is used to weight a respective one of the colors of the two texels and the weighted colors are summed to produce a weighted average color of the two texels. A weighted average of the colors of the other two of the four nearest texels is calculated in the same manner. The pair of complementary coefficients are partitioned values in a single data word and are therefore loaded into the processor which performs the calculate the weighted average only once to weight two separate colors. The precision and data format of each coefficient of the table are the same as the precision and data format of each component of each pixel of the rendered graphical image. Accordingly, the processing environment remains unchanged while a computer processor alternately interpolates a texel color and combines the interpolated texel color with the color of the pixel.
US07652672B2

Methods for texture image management are provided. An embodiment of a method for texture image management comprises the following steps. A texture image is acquired from a non-writable memory device. The received texture image is directly applied to a fragment.
US07652666B2

An interactive cinematic lighting system used in the production of computer-animated feature films containing environments of very high complexity, in which surface and light appearances are described using procedural RenderMan shaders. The system provides lighting artists with high-quality previews at interactive framerates with only small approximations compared to the final rendered images. This is accomplished by combining numerical estimation of surface response, image-space caching, deferred shading, and the computational power of modern graphics hardware.
US07652664B2

Power consumption required for charging and discharging a source signal line is reduced in an active matrix EL display device. A bipolar transistor (Bi1) has a base terminal B connected to an output terminal c1 of an operational amplifier (OP1), a collector terminal C connected to a low power potential (GND), and an emitter terminal E connected to a resistor R2. A high power potential (VBH) is a potential in synchronization with a high power potential of a light emitting element. A potential of the output terminal c1 of the operational amplifier (OP1) is outputted as a buffer low power potential (VBL). The low power potential (VBL) corresponds to a potential difference between the high power potential (VBH) and a high power potential (V1). Accordingly, the low power potential (VBL) can follow the high power potential (VBH), that is a high power potential of the light emitting element.
US07652644B2

An electron emission display for improving brightness uniformity by compensating brightness deviation between respective elements. The electron emission display includes a display panel, a scan driver, a data driver, and a brightness compensator. The display panel includes a plurality of scan electrodes, a plurality of data electrodes, and a plurality of display elements respectively formed at crossing points of the scan electrodes and the data electrodes. The display elements respectively include an electron emitter. The scan driver applies a selection signal to the scan electrode. The data driver applies a data signal to the data electrode. The brightness compensator compensates brightness by changing the data signal when brightness deviation of the display elements is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
US07652642B2

There is provided a plasma display apparatus and a driving method of a plasma display panel. The plasma display apparatus comprises a plasma display panel comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, and an electrode driver alternatively applying a sustain pulse of a first polarity to the first electrode and the second electrode and applying a pulse of a second polarity opposite to a first polarity after a magnitude of a voltage of a sustain pulse of a first polarity is maximized. Therefore, it is possible to increase discharge efficiency without rising a driving voltage or increasing an electrode space by increasing an amount of space discharge.
US07652637B2

An antenna connected to a circuit portion and configured to effect transmission and reception of information by radio communication, the antenna including a driven meander line portion which has a feed section connected to the circuit portion and which is a line conductor formed in a meandering pattern, and a parasitic meander line portion which does not have a feed section connected to the circuit portion and which is a line conductor formed in a meandering pattern and positioned relative to the driven meander line portion, so as to influence an input impedance of the driven meander line portion. Also disclosed is a radio-frequency identification tag including the antenna.
US07652631B2

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, methods and systems for radiating elements are provided. In a method embodiment, a method of forming a radiating element includes forming a pair of conductive fingers having first and second portions. The first portion is a dipole arm. The conductive fingers are separated by a tapered notch that has a width at a first end that is less than a width of a second end. For each conductive finger, the method also includes capacitively coupling the first portion of the conductive finger to the second portion of the conductive finger.
US07652627B2

A system for providing position information by using a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and a method of acquiring the position information of a mobile device thereof where the system includes: a first node including referenced position information; and a plurality of second nodes calculating their respective position information based on the reference position information of the first node, wherein the mobile device calculates its position information by using the reference position information received from the first node and/or one or more of the respective position information of the second nodes. According to the system and method, at an indoor place where a global positioning system (GPS) signal is weak or absent, the GPS position information can be acquired through the position information providing system using a low-price wireless LAN communication network.
US07652619B1

A system for processing a signal comprises a transmit unit to transmit a signal, and a receive unit receiving the signal and performing equivalent time sampling thereon by sampling each cycle of the received signal and reconstructing the received signal from the samples, wherein the receive unit applies a plurality of down-conversion rates to the equivalent time sampling for an acquisition window.
US07652606B2

A digital-analog converter including a first selection circuit of switch elements, which are coupled to each other and to a high potential power supply, and a second selection circuit of switch elements, which are coupled to each other and to a low potential power supply. First and second voltage dividing circuit each include series-connected resistor elements, each coupled between adjacent switch elements of the corresponding selection circuit. A control circuit provides a control signal to the selection circuits to activate one of the switch elements in each selection circuit and couple the activated switch element to the corresponding potential power supply. The first and second voltage dividing circuits divide voltages of the high and low potential power supplies with the resistor elements between the activated switch elements.
US07652602B2

Interface unit for voltage input signals comprising two or more input channels. The input signals of these two or more input channels are connected alternately by an analog multiplexer to an analog-to-digital converter. The A/D converter comprises an integrated sigma-delta modulator circuit which generates a digitized 1-bit signal representing the input signal voltage level for a control unit irrespective of whether the input channel signal is digital or analog. By means of the invention all input voltage channels are made similar such that the input channels of the interface unit can receive an analog or digital signal irrespective of each other.
US07652598B2

A method for improving performance and flexibility of serial data analysis in test instruments, is independent of data bit rate, encoding scheme or communication protocol embodied in the serial data. The serial data is input to a transmitter section, where it is demultiplexed into a plurality of multi-bit lanes, such as n bits for each of N lanes. The N lanes are then encoded into characters, the encoded N lanes having m bits per lane where m>n. Bit stuffing is used to adjust the data rate and/or to insert qualifiers. The stuffed, encoded N lanes are then multiplexed into N serial lanes, which are output from the transmitter section for input to a receiver section at a data rate that is optimal for the receiver section. In the receiver section the N lanes are deserialized, decoded and input to a word recognizer to generate a trigger event signal.
US07652594B2

Disclosed herein is a dynamic content design, delivery and distribution software architecture that enables a centrally located designer, using a graphical interface, to create, edit, manage, and organize a matrix of trigger points that are plotted on a computerized map of geographical space. Each of these trigger points may be tagged with content, which is then relayed to a dynamic client device that is remotely located. The client device then displays the content to a remote user in a manner predetermined by the centrally located designer, the content varying based on feedback provided by the client device. The system and methods disclosed enable a centrally located designer to assume the role of an automated tour designer. As such, designers can compile a variety of different tours, each aimed at users with particular preferences. The architecture further offers a means to publish tour scripts for public consumption. The system is sufficiently flexible for use in any instance in which a user requires dynamic content, which is displayed contingent on any number of conditions.
US07652589B2

In at least some embodiments, a method comprises determining an orientation of a device, said device having at least one component with a selectable function. The method further comprises selecting a function for the at least one component based on the orientation.
US07652587B2

According to the method a temperature module is defined, simulating the thermal behavior in the electric motor (1), based on a multi-mass model. The rotational speed (n) and the current (i) for the electric motor (1) are continuously recorded as input parameters for the temperature model and at least one bearing power loss and/or bearing inner temperature (TIL1′), corresponding to a bearing (8,9), is continuously derived from the temperature model. A first warning signal (W1) is given when a computer-determined bearing power loss exceeds a given comparative value. Furthermore, a second warning signal (W2) is given when a computer-determined bearing inner ring temperature exceeds a given temperature difference (ΔT) from a corresponding computed bearing outer ring temperature (TAL1′). The thermal behavior of non-accessible components, in particular, the bearing (8, 9), can thus advantageously be determined by mere evaluation of the current (i) and the rotational speed (n). The fitting of temperature sensors (2, 3, 4, 12) in the electric motor (1) can also be avoided.
US07652586B2

According to one embodiment, a first capacitive element may be provided and associated with a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A second capacitive element may also be provided, and a capacitance between the first and second capacitive elements may be used to detect formation of the fouling layer. According to another embodiment, a thermal device is provided proximate to a surface where a fouling layer is to be detected. A detector (e.g., a thermometer or vibration detector) may detect a condition associated with the surface, and formation of the fouling layer may be determined based at least in part on the condition.
US07652585B2

A method and a device for detecting the degree of pollution in an operational converter are disclosed. An operating state of at least one of the converter components that is exposed to the ambient air is determined and a corresponding operating state of said component in an unpolluted state is determined. The two operating states are then compared and the calculated comparison value is used as a measurement for the degree of pollution of the converter. Detecting the degree of pollution of an operational converter permits a reduction in the number of breakdowns caused by unprotected operation of a converter, and associated disadvantages such as costs and damage to a company's image.
US07652583B2

A method and system for maintaining operator alertness comprises a detector for detecting a physical status of an operator. The physical status indicates a first level of operator alertness. A user interface requests a second level of operator alertness from a self-evaluation of the operator at a request time. An evaluator measures at least one of an accuracy of the operator response to the requested input and a response time of the operator from the request time. An alert module generates alarm data or an alarm signal to alert the operator based on the first level of operator alertness indicating an inattentive state and at least one of the measured accuracy and operator response time indicating the inattentive state.
US07652582B2

A system and method are provided for tracking a user's posture. The system and method include an environmental module for determining the user's physical environment, a biomechanical module for determining at least a user's posture in the user's physical environment, and an output module for outputting to the user an indication of at least the user's posture relative to at least a target correct posture. The physical environment can include a computer workstation environment, a manufacturing environment, a gaming environment, and/or a keypadding environment.
US07652576B1

A method and apparatus is provided for electronically and wirelessly monitoring a plurality of ID tags of assets as a service for a plurality of tagged asset users and notifying the tagged asset user and/or other authorized entities when conditions sensed by tag circuitry exceeds predetermined boundaries. Typically, the tag will include wireless GPS and/or other sensing circuitry along with telephone type circuitry for communicating sensed data, such as location, to the monitoring service. The notification may further include advertising or other information specifically helpful to the owner of the tagged asset.
US07652569B2

A monitoring system for purposes of enhancing independent living incorporates a wearable communication device, such as a cellular telephone, in combination with a recharging base which might be coupled to a wire line telephone system. Either or both of the base station and wearable device can be in communication with sensors scattered through an individual's residence for purposes of collecting data pertaining to activities of daily living. Either or both of the wearable unit and base station could incorporate sensors responsive to physiological parameters of the resident. Both units can independently communicate with third party monitors to communicate data about, or direct immediate attention to the state of an individual using the system.
US07652568B2

Monitoring device modules (10) in containers on a ship are polled by a tracking proxy (12). Monitoring data is thus captured, and the proxy 12 can ascertain in real time that the correct group of containers is present. The proxy (12) also transmits higher-value report messages with relatively low bandwidth via a satellite communication system (13) to a gateway (15). The gateway (15) routes the messages on to various systems such as tracking centers. Also, the gateway (15) regularly polls and authenticates the distributed tracking proxies (12) within its group.
US07652554B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a multilayer filter constructed so as to be less likely to suffer peeling between a varistor part and an inductor part. A multilayer filter 10 as a preferred embodiment has a structure in which a varistor part 20 and an inductor part are stacked. The varistor part 30 consists of a stack of varistor layers 31, 32 with internal electrodes 31a, 32a, and the varistor layers contain ZnO as a principal component, and contain at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pr and Bi, Co, and Al as additives. The inductor part 20 consists of a stack of inductor layers 21-24 with conductor patterns 21a-24a, and the inductor layers contain ZnO as a principal component and substantially contain neither Co nor Al.
US07652544B2

A voltage controlled oscillator of the present invention includes power supply terminal (101), control terminal (2) for controlling an output frequency, output terminals (3a, 3b), cross-coupled transistors (5a, 5b), capacitances (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b), LC tanks (10a, 10b), resistor (117), grounding capacitance (18) and center frequency control circuit (16). Center frequency control circuit (16) includes resistors (11a, 11b), grounding capacitance (12), center frequency control terminal (4) for controlling a center frequency of the output frequency, and voltage-divider circuit (15). Resistors (11a, 11b) are connected to the base terminals of cross-coupled transistors (5a, 5b), the other ends of resistors (11a, 11b) are connected to each other, and, to this connecting point, one end of grounding capacitance (12) and one end of voltage-divider circuit (15) are connected. The other end of voltage-divider circuit (15) is connected to center frequency control terminal (4).
US07652543B2

A method for arranging electronic elements is provided. The method is suitable for a set of N electronic elements in which N is an odd number. The set of N electronic elements include a first electronic element subset and a second electronic element subset. The electronic elements of the first electronic element subset are arranged according a first predetermined method and the electronic elements of the second electronic element subset are arranged according to a second predetermined method, wherein the second electronic element subset is adjacent to the first electronic element subset.
US07652538B2

Circuits and methods are provided for providing high speed operational amplifiers and, in particular, operational amplifiers having frequency compensation circuits that provide improved slew rates with low power dissipation when configured with feedback. Frequency compensation schemes are provided to enable dynamic configuration of frequency compensation circuits implementing miller compensation whereby nodal connections of compensation capacitors are changed during driver setup and driving periods such that compensation capacitors are connected to source voltages to rapidly charge/discharge compensation capacitors using supply source currents during setup period, while providing frequency compensation during the setup and driving periods to maintain circuit stability and prevent oscillation of an output voltage due to the feedback.
US07652535B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a low voltage continuous time common mode feedback (CMFB) module, for low voltage operational amplifiers, providing good linearity, wide bandwidth and low systematic offset. The common mode feedback module includes a controlling module and an initializing module. The controlling module and the initializing module are parallel common mode feedback loops. The controlling module is a main CMFB loop and the initializing module is an auxiliary CMFB loop and both the loops work simultaneously. The controlling module and the initializing module receive a first differential input voltage and a second differential input voltage supplied by differential outputs of a main differential amplifier. Both the CMFB loops are low gain amplifiers in order to provide operation as linear as possible over the entire differential output operating range of the main differential amplifier.
US07652527B2

A diversity receiver includes: a plurality of demodulating means for demodulating inputted OFDM signals, to output their demodulated signals; noise component calculating means provided for each demodulating means, for calculating noise components included in the demodulated signals outputted from corresponding demodulating means; channel profile calculating means provided for each demodulating means, for calculating channel profiles based upon the demodulated signals outputted from corresponding demodulating means; transmission channel decision means for determining transmission channel based upon the channel profiles; reliability information generating means for generating reliability information indicating reliability of the demodulated signals outputted from each demodulating means, based upon the noise components and the results of the determinations by the transmission channel decision means; a weighting factor calculating means for calculating, depending on the reliability information, weighting factors used in combining the demodulated signals outputted from each demodulating means; and a combining means for combining, depending on the weighting factors, the demodulated signals outputted from each demodulating means.
US07652517B2

A method and system for generating multiple clock signals from a reference clock signal are provided. In one implementation, the system includes a reference clock to generate a reference clock signal having a first frequency, a first prescaler to receive the reference clock signal and generate a first output clock signal having a pre-determined frequency relative to the first frequency of the reference clock signal, and a second prescaler to receive the first output clock signal and generate a second output clock signal having a second pre-determined frequency relative to the first pre-determined frequency of the first output clock signal. The first output clock signal is substantially synchronous to the second output clock signal.
US07652512B2

A clock synchronizing circuit applied in a SMD block is provided. The clock synchronizing circuit includes a number of stages of clock synchronizing units. The clock synchronizing circuit can achieve the purpose of clock synchronizing by using a novel circuit design of the forward delay unit, the mirror control unit or the backward delay unit in each stage of clock synchronizing unit or by using a short-pulse generation circuit to generate a short pulse for triggering out an output clock of each stage of forward delay unit.
US07652507B1

A circuit for assisting signal transitions on a wire, and a method thereof. The circuit includes a first subcircuit that causes a first transistor that is coupled to the circuit's output to turn on during a rising transition and then turn off. The first transistor drives the output to a high state to assist in the rising transition. The circuit also includes a second subcircuit that causes a second transistor that is coupled to the circuit's output to turn on during a falling transition and then turn off. The second transistor drives the output to a low state to assist in the falling transition.
US07652506B2

A complementary signal generating circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an inverting element inverting a first signal to generate a second signal; a first transistor connecting a first power supply potential and a first output terminal electrically in accordance with the first signal; a second transistor connecting the first output terminal and a second power supply potential electrically in accordance with the second signal; a third transistor connecting the first power supply potential and a second output terminal electrically in accordance with the second signal; and a fourth transistor connecting the second output terminal and the second power supply potential electrically in accordance with the first signal.
US07652504B2

In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a circuit supplied by a first supply voltage during use, the circuit having at least a first input signal; and a level shifter supplied by the first supply voltage during use and coupled to provide the first input signal to the circuit. The level shifter is coupled to receive a second input signal sourced from circuitry supplied by a second supply voltage during use, and is configured to generate the first input signal by level shifting the second input signal. Coupled to receive a power control signal indicating, when asserted, that the second supply voltage is to be powered down, the level shifter is configured to assert a predetermined level on the first input signal independent of the second input signal and responsive to an assertion of the power control signal.
US07652503B2

A semiconductor device includes an external pin, a control parameter decision circuit, and a register update circuit. The control parameter decision circuit includes a register and an output selector. The register is initialized in accordance with resetting of the semiconductor device. The output selector, according to a level value of an external input signal supplied via the external pin, selects one of a signal whose level value is set equal to a register value of the register and a signal whose level value is set opposite to the register value of the register, and outputs the selected signal as a control parameter signal. The register update circuit updates the register value of the register when a level value of the control parameter signal need be changed.
US07652501B2

A Programmable Logic Device (PLD) structure using third dimensional memory is disclosed. The PLD structure includes a switch configured to couple a polarity of a signal (e.g., an input signal applied to an input) to a routing line and a non-volatile register configured to control the switch. The non-volatile register may include a non-volatile memory element, such as a third dimension memory element. The non-volatile memory element may be a two-terminal memory element that retains stored data in the absence of power and stores data as a plurality of conductivity profiles that can be non-destructively sensed by applying a read voltage across the two terminals. New data can be written to the two-terminal memory element by applying a write voltage across the two terminals. Logic and other active circuitry can be positioned in a substrate and the non-volatile memory element can be positioned on top of the substrate.
US07652493B2

The invention relates to a method for arranging chips of a first substrate on a second substrate, in which the chips are grouped at least into first chips and into second chips, the first chips of the first substrate are singulated and the singulated first chips are arranged on the second substrate in such a way that each of the first chips on the second substrate is unambiguously assigned to the associated first chip on the first substrate.
US07652488B1

The invented method for measuring the health of a solid rocket propellant includes embedding at least one piezoelectric capacitance sensor in the propellant, where the capacitance of the sensor is a function of a modulus of the propellant, and where the position is selected to measure manifestations of stress failure as a consequence of changes in the shear modulus. The capacitance of the sensor is measured at a predetermined frequency. The capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor is converted into a digital representation which is then converted into the digital representation of a modulus (or gradient modulus). In subsequent analysis, the modulus (or gradient of the modulus) is correlated to the health of the solid rocket propellant.
US07652486B2

A capacitance detection circuit that compensates for the fluctuation of a reference voltage with a simple structure. A C-V circuit for a sensor element generates a detection signal by amplifying a capacitance change value of the sensor element by a predetermined gain based on a reference voltage. A voltage compensation circuit, which is connected to the C-V circuit and supplies a reference voltage to the C-V circuit, reduces the gain relative to a deviation amount when the reference voltage fluctuates by a predetermined deviation amount.
US07652481B2

A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by applying conductive wires on the membrane underneath the aggregate in a grid pattern. A measuring and switching circuit generates voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to the wires. The circuit has a relay for each wire which can be switched between a current sensor system and the negative potential. The sensor system is arranged to sense at each of the wires in turn the current flowing from the roof deck through any leak in the membrane to the wire. A microprocessor operates the relays in turn to connect all the other wires to the negative as a shield while each wire is sensed. From the output of the grid the changes in current in the x and y directions are analyzed to locate the leak in the membrane.
US07652478B2

A multicomponent induction logging tool is positioned within an alignment loop and the transmitter is activated at a number of rotation angles of the tool. Misalignment between the transmitter and receiver coils can be determined from the induced signals in the receiver coil.
US07652475B2

Example methods and apparatus control ratios between a maximum gradient amplitude (MGA) of a readout lobe (GREAD) in a Cartesian continuous sampling read gradient (CSRG) and an MGA of a dephase lobe (GDEPHASE) in the CSRG and an MGA of a rephase lobe (GREPHASE) in the CSRG, where the direction of GREAD is opposite to the direction of GDEPHASE, and GREPHASE. One example method includes controlling an MR apparatus to produce a CS gradient where GREAD and GDEPHASE correspond to the first ratio and where GREAD and GREPHASE correspond to the second ratio. One example method includes controlling the MR apparatus to acquire an MR signal in response to the CS gradient. The MR signal is acquired during the read lobe and during a portion of the dephase lobe and/or the rephase lobe. The method includes selectively altering the ratios based on an SNR ratio associated with the MR signal.
US07652470B2

A ball and sleeve joint for a motor vehicle has a housing (1) and a ball sleeve (5) which extends out of the housing (1) on both sides. The ball sleeve (5), has a through hole (8) and a bearing area (4) and is mounted with the bearing area (4) in the housing (1). Two joint parts, which are rotatable and pivotable in relation to one another, are formed by the ball sleeve (5) and the housing (1). A sensor (13), which interacts with a signal transmitter (2) arranged at the other joint part, is arranged at one of the joint parts. Both the sensor (13) and the signal transmitter (2) are arranged between the through hole (8) and the housing (1).
US07652469B2

An inductive position sensor has a spatially periodic scale with a series of conducting or permeable features of pitch T and a reading head with drive windings and sense windings, facing the scale with a spatial period 2T along the scale. The windings are each divided in two identical winding elements,having the same relative location within two identical winding element patterns having a center-to-center distance along the scale of NT+T/2, N being an integer, and connected so that the winding element polarities in each winding are either opposed for drive windings and the same for sense windings or the same for drive windings and opposed for sense windings. Thereby, direct couplings in both patterns cancel each other, while the spatially periodic signals coupled via the scale reinforce each other.
US07652466B2

There is provided a buffer circuit that outputs a signal according to an input signal. The buffer circuit includes a first receiving transistor that receives the input signal through its base terminal, a first clamp transistor having polarity same as that of the first receiving transistor, of which an emitter terminal and a collector terminal are connected to corresponding terminals of the first receiving transistor and which receives a first clamp voltage restricting a signal level output from the buffer circuit through its base terminal, and a first current defining section that is commonly provided for the first receiving transistor and the first clamp transistor and defines a total amount of emitter currents flowing into the first receiving transistor and the first clamp transistor. The buffer circuit outputs an output signal according to an emitter voltage of the first receiving transistor.
US07652460B2

A method for designing a digital compensator for a switching mode power supply is provided such that the digital compensator has complex conjugated zero pair or a right hand pole to eliminate the complex conjugated pole pair or right hand zero in the transfer function of the control-to-output voltage of the switching mode power supply.
US07652450B2

In a charging device, a driving power supply circuit for driving a control circuit is formed as a separate system from a first power supply circuit, regardless of whether the first power supply circuit is in a driving state or a non-driving state. A microcomputer alternately and intermittently controls the first power supply circuit in the driving state or the non-driving state when the battery pack is not mounted in the charging device in order to reduce the potential difference between the battery pack and the output voltage of the first power supply circuit, thereby avoiding an excessive discharge current from the battery pack when the battery pack is mounted in the charging device.
US07652447B2

Power capacitors for AC motors are mounted diametrically on associated transmissions. The power capacitors are in one embodiment annular and in another embodiment, arcuate. By having power capacitors mounted on transmission housings diametrically, cooling of the power capacitors is facilitated for both air and liquid cooling.
US07652443B2

Methods and systems for controlling a power inverter in an electric drive system of an automobile are provided. The various embodiments control the power inverter by, responsive to a commanded torque of the electric motor being below a first torque level, controlling the power inverter to set a switching frequency of the power inverter at a first set frequency; and, responsive to the commanded torque of the electric motor being between the first torque level and a second torque level, controlling the power inverter to determine the switching frequency of the power inverter as a function of the commanded torque of the electric motor while maintaining the switching frequency above a dynamic frequency limit. The method reduces switching frequencies in the inverter at high commanded torques, while maintaining the switching frequencies above dynamic frequency limit that provides effective control over the motor.
US07652433B2

A method for prolonging the life span of a planar light source generating apparatus is provided. The planar light source generating apparatus forms an emitting layer not only on a plurality of cathodes but on a plurality of gates as well. Moreover, an anode of the planar light source generating apparatus is electrically connected to a current sensor for reading out a maximum current density when the planar light source generating apparatus operates. To operate the planar light source generating apparatus, a DC square voltage is applied to the cathodes (or gates) while the gates (or the cathodes) are electrically connected to a ground. Once the current density detected by the current sensor drops to a definite ratio of the maximum value, the external voltage supplying the aforementioned cathodes and the gates are switched. Thus, the life span of the planar light source generating apparatus is prolonged.
US07652426B2

Provided is a plasma display panel that protects both substrates against distortion when assembled, and reduces a halation effect. The plasma display panel includes: a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other; address electrodes which are formed on the first substrate to extend in a first direction; barrier ribs which are disposed between the first and second substrates, and define discharge cells; phosphor layers which are formed within the discharge cells; first electrodes and second electrodes which are formed on the second substrate to extend in a second direction crossing the first direction; and a dielectric layer which covers the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the dielectric layer includes grooves formed in correspondence with the barrier ribs, and at least portions of the barrier ribs are inserted into the grooves.
US07652417B2

A cathode substrate (10) and gate substrate (30) are arranged such that at least gate ribs (12) abut against cathode ribs (34) and gate electrodes (35) and, depending on the case, the cathode ribs (34) abut against cathodes (13). The gate ribs (12) and cathode ribs (34) can be formed to heights of about 5 μm to 300 μm. The gate ribs (12) can be surface-polished so their heights are uniform. The distance between the cathode electrodes (13) and gate electrodes (35) can accordingly be made uniform and short, so driving at a low voltage and an increase in luminance uniformity can be realized.
US07652413B2

A spark plug fitted to a cylinder head has a center electrode with a noble metallic tip portion having a sectional area S1 between 0.07 mm2 and 0.95 mm2 and a melting point of 2000° C. or more, and a ground electrode with a noble metallic tip portion having a sectional area S2 and a melting point of 1700° C. or more. The plug has a length H ranging from 6.5 mm and 10 mm between the head and the tip portion of the center electrode, a length G ranging from 1.1 mm and 2.0 mm between the tip portions, a length J between the head and a housing, a length F satisfying J≦F≦H−1.0 mm between the head and an insulator, and a pocket clearance P satisfying P≧1.1×(G+0.0345×S1−1.2418+0.0327×S2−1.2418) between the housing and the insulator.
US07652412B2

The piezoelectric actuator comprises: a supporting substrate; a thermal stress controlling layer which is formed on the supporting substrate; and a piezoelectric body which is formed as a film onto the thermal stress controlling layer on the supporting substrate at a higher temperature than room temperature, wherein the thermal stress controlling layer reduces a film stress induced by formation of the piezoelectric body.
US07652411B2

A physical shield placed on the face of a high intensity focused ultrasound transducer for medical applications is described. The shield may be shaped or angled to match a particular pattern of mechanical or acoustic energy that may damage the transducer during operation. The shield may be ablative, replaceable or modified as needed. Methods of manufacturing a transducer with a shield are also disclosed.
US07652409B2

A positioner (2) for moving a sample platform (6) relative to a base (4) is described. The positioner is driven by a piezoelectric arranged to expand and contract along a drive axis, the piezoelectric element has an input end coupled to the base and an output end coupled to first (14) and second (16) output levers extending away from the drive axis of the piezoelectric element in opposing directions. The output levers each have an inner arm arranged to be acted on by the piezoelectric element as it expands and an outer arm to which the sample platform is mounted via platform supports (26, 28). The output levers are mounted such that the piezoelectric element acts on the inner arms of the output levers to cause the outer arms to move in a plane containing the drive axis. This motion of the output levers is communicated via the platform supports to the sample platform, so moving it relative to the base along a direction parallel to the drive axis.
US07652405B2

A plurality of convex portions are located inside of a virtual circumferential surface. Each convex portion connects an adjacent pair of circumferential portions with each other. Each convex portion is an arcuate curve bulging radially outward. Each convex portion defines a minimum radius. A difference between a radius R and the minimum radius is a depth Dh. Dhr=Dh×25.5/R. A range of an angular width A in relation to circumferential portion and a range of the depth Dh are set by the following expression, (5.6×Dhr+11.3)°×6/p≦A<35°×6/p and A<[360/p−2×arccos]°  (1) Therefore, decrease in torque is prevented. Torque pulsation is suppressed.
US07652402B2

A plurality of coils wound around a stator magnetic-pole core are connected together and connected to output wires by use of a bus bar. The bus bar having a generally cylindrical body portion is disposed at one axial end of the stator magnetic-pole core, around which the coils are wound such that clearances are formed within magnetic-pole core slots, with an axial clearance formed between the bus bar and the coils. The body portion has such a radial dimension that at least a portion of the clearances within the magnetic-pole core slots is left uncovered. Air holes are formed in the motor housing on opposite sides of the stator magnetic-pole core to thereby form cooling air passages extending through the magnetic-pole core slots.
US07652401B2

A flat vibration motor is provided. The flat vibration motor includes a rotor portion, a stator portion, a fixing mount, a pair of terminals, and a base portion. The rotor portion generates vibrating force when rotating. The stator portion houses and couples with the rotor portion to allow the rotor portion to rotate. The fixing mount extends from a side of a lower case of the stator portion. Each terminal includes a contacting portion, an elastic portion, and a joining portion. The base portion forms a plurality of supporting holes through which each of the terminals respectively passes. The joining portion of the terminal connects electrically to the circuit board through a peripheral lower surface around the supporting hole, when the base portion and the fixing mount are coupled.
US07652400B2

A regulator assembly mounting threaded aperture is formed on an inner wall surface of a rear bracket, and a receiving recess portion is recessed into an inner wall surface of the rear bracket around the regulator assembly mounting threaded aperture. A regulator assembly mounting penetrating aperture is disposed through a base of a regulator assembly, and an engaging protruding portion is disposed so as to project from the base around the regulator assembly mounting penetrating aperture. The regulator assembly is fixed to the rear bracket by engaging the engaging protruding portion in the receiving recess portion and fastening a regulator assembly mounting screw that has been passed through the regulator assembly mounting penetrating aperture into the regulator assembly mounting threaded aperture.
US07652399B2

Embodiments of a linear vibrator are provided that are capable of reducing the manufacturing cost, increasing the product reliability and increasing the vibrating quantity. An embodiment of a linear vibrator can include a case formed of an upper case portion and a lower case portion coupled to each other to provide a predetermined inner space; a substrate disposed on an upper surface of the lower case portion; a first coil and a second coil installed at both end parts inside of the case and connected to the substrate; a spring having one side fixed on at least one of the inside faces of the case; and a magnet fixed at another side of the spring and located between the first and second coils inside of the case, where the magnet can vertically vibrate through an interaction with the first and second coils.
US07652395B2

A power control system includes a base having a housing configured for releasably receiving a control unit and a cavity within the housing for receiving a solid state relay having a hockey puck configuration. The base includes an input power terminal for coupling to an input power source, an output power terminal for coupling to a power receiving load, and coupling fixtures for fixedly and electrically coupling to input and output power terminals and control terminals of the received solid state relay. A control unit is configured to control the solid state relay for selectively providing, at least a portion of, the power received at the input power terminal to the output power terminal. The control unit has a housing adapted to be releasably coupled to the base housing. The control unit and base each configured to electrically couple the control unit to the control terminals of the received solid state relay as a function of the control unit being coupled to the base.
US07652378B2

A semiconductor metal structure with an efficient usage of the chip area is provided. The structure includes a substrate, a copper-based interconnection structure over the substrate, the copper-based interconnection structure comprising a plurality of metallization layers connected by vias and in first dielectric layers, at least one aluminum-based layer over and connected to the copper-based interconnection structure, wherein a top layer of the at least one aluminum-based layer comprises a bond pad and an interconnect line connecting to two underlying vias, vias/contacts connecting a top layer of the copper-based interconnection structure and a bottom layer of the at least one aluminum-based layer, wherein the vias/contacts are in a second dielectric layer, and a third dielectric layer overlying the at least one aluminum-based layer, wherein the bond pad is exposed through an opening in the third dielectric layer.
US07652370B2

Provided are a plastic microfabricated structure, and a microfabricated thermal device, a microfabricated reactor, a microfabricated reactor array and a micro array using the same, which may be applied to a bio chip, and the present invention may fabricate the plastic microfabricated structure for providing a heating region by means of insulating plastic, which has a thin thickness, flatness enough to allow a photolithography process to be performed, thermal isolation in its some or total area, and a small thermal mass, and on top of the heating region of the plastic microfabricated structure, a heater, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature, an electrode, and an electrode pad are formed to thereby fabricate the microfabricated heating device, whereby element may be readily fabricated at a low cost, and the heating region is formed of a plastic thin layer, so that uniform temperature control is possible even with a low power, and various samples may be thermally treated at a fast speed to obtain their reaction and analysis.
US07652364B2

A printed circuit board includes at least two conductive traces, each having a first portion and a second portion. The printed circuit board also includes a cross-over section that includes two electrically conductive portions, each connecting electrically to the first and second portions of a corresponding one of the conductive traces, such that the conductive traces in their first portions lie on opposite sides of each other as they do in their second portions.
US07652363B2

Wiring lines for the supply of a voltage to feed a drive voltage to an integrated circuit formed in a semiconductor chip are disposed so as to cover a main surface of the semiconductor chip, so that, if the wiring lines are removed for the purpose of analyzing information stored in the semiconductor chip, the integrated circuit does not operate and it is impossible to analyze the information. Further, there is provided a processing detector circuit for detecting that the wiring lines have been tampered with. When the processing detector circuit detects a change in the state of the wiring lines, the integrated circuit is reset. Thus, it is possible to improve the security of information stored on the card.
US07652358B2

A semiconductor device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a semiconductor device including a main substrate and one or more sub substrates, and the semiconductor device includes first heat generating devices mounted on the sub substrates, sub-substrate heatsinks mounted to the first heat generating devices, and a main-substrate heatsink mounted to the main substrate, wherein the sub-substrate heatsinks and the main-substrate heatsink are secured to each other, such that there is a predetermined positional relationship between the sub substrates and the main substrate.
US07652352B2

An active structure of a semiconductor device. In one aspect, the active structure of the semiconductor device includes first to (n)th field regions, and first to (n+1)th active regions formed alternately with the first to (n)th field regions, wherein one or more of the first to (n+1)th active regions are connected at edge portions thereof to close one or more of the field regions. In another aspect, the active structure of the semiconductor device includes first to (n)th field regions, and first to (n+1)th active regions formed alternately with the first to (n)th field regions, wherein the first and (n+1)th active regions are connected to (n+2)th and (n+3)th active regions at edge portions thereof, closing the field regions.
US07652351B2

A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of chip regions and a plurality of chip rings. The plurality of chip regions include semiconductor integrated circuits each having a multilayered wiring structure using a metal wiring, and are formed into independent chips. The plurality of chip rings has the multilayered wiring structure using the metal wiring, and surround the respective chip regions. The plurality of chip rings are electrically connected to one another.
US07652347B2

A semiconductor package includes a base substrate on which a semiconductor chip is placed so that a first surface thereof faces the base substrate. A circuit section is formed adjacent to the first surface. An insulation layer is formed on a second surface of the semiconductor chip which faces away from the first surface. Passive elements are formed on the insulation layer. Via patterns are formed to pass through the insulation layer and are connected to the passive elements. Via wirings are formed to pass through the semiconductor chip and connected to the circuit section, the via patterns and the base substrate. Outside connection terminals are attached to a first surface of the base substrate, which face away from a second surface of the base substrate on which the semiconductor chip is placed.
US07652346B2

A semiconductor device includes an active region formed on a semiconductor substrate, an element isolation region formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to surround the active region, and a gate electrode formed on the active region. A region that causes tensile stress so as to improve carrier mobility in the active region is provided in the element isolation region.
US07652336B2

Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor wafer, forming at least one isolation structure within the semiconductor wafer, and forming at least one feature over the semiconductor wafer. A top portion of the at least one isolation structure is removed, and a liner is formed over the semiconductor wafer, the at least one feature, and the at least one isolation structure. A fill material is formed over the liner. The fill material and the liner are removed from over at least a portion of a top surface of the semiconductor wafer.
US07652333B2

The semiconductor integrated circuit has so-called SOI type first MOS transistors (MNtk, MPtk) and second MOS transistors (MNtn, MPtn). The first MOS transistors have a gate isolation film thicker than that the second MOS transistors have. The first and second MOS transistors constitute a power-supply-interruptible circuit (6) and a power-supply-uninterrupted circuit (7). The power-supply-interruptible circuit has the first MOS transistors each constituting a power switch (10) between a source line (VDD) and a ground line (VSS), and the second MOS transistors connected in series with the power switch. A gate control signal for the first MOS transistors each constituting a power switch is made larger in amplitude than that for the second MOS transistors. This enables power-source cutoff control with a high degree of flexibility commensurate with the device isolation structure, which an SOI type semiconductor integrated circuit has originally.
US07652330B1

A family of logic circuits is constructed from double-gated four terminal transistors having independent gate control. First and second inputs to each logic element are independently coupled to the top and bottom gates of a transistor. The output voltage developed at either the source or drain represents an output logic state value according to the designed logic element. In a dynamic configuration the drain is precharged to an appropriate voltage. Complementary static CMOS configurations are also shown. Bottom Gates not driven by logic inputs or control signals may be biased to control the speed and power of the described logic circuits. Specific designs are given for AND, NAND, XOR, XNOR, OR and NOR combinational logic elements.
US07652329B2

In one embodiment, a vertical MOS transistor is formed without a thick field oxide and particularly without a thick field oxide in the termination region of the transistor.
US07652328B2

A semiconductor device includes an isolation region, a semiconductor element region defined by the isolation region, and having a channel forming portion and a recessed portion, the recessed portion being formed between the isolation region and the channel forming portion, and an epitaxial semiconductor portion formed in the recessed portion, wherein the semiconductor element region has a wall portion between the isolation region and the epitaxial semiconductor portion.
US07652324B2

A NAND type dual bit nitride read only memory and a method for fabricating thereof are provided. Firstly, a plurality of isolation layers, which are spaced and parallel to each other are formed in the substrate. Next, a plurality of word lines and a plurality of oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) stack structures are formed on the substrate. The word lines are spaced and parallel to each other, and also the word lines are perpendicular to the isolation layers. Each of the ONO stack structure is located between the corresponding word line and the substrate. And then a plurality of discontinuous bit lines, which are located between the word lines and between the isolation layers are formed on the substrate. The structure of the present invention of the NAND type dual bit nitride read only memory is similar to that of a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), and their fabrication processes are fully compatible.
US07652317B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first and second semiconductor regions formed on the semiconductor substrate insulated and separated from each other, a gate dielectric film formed on the substrate to overlap the first and second semiconductor regions, a floating gate electrode formed on the gate dielectric film and in which a coupling capacitance of the first semiconductor region is larger than that of the second semiconductor region, first source and drain layers formed on the first semiconductor region to interpose the floating gate electrode therebetween, a first and second wiring lines connected to the first source and drain layers, respectively, second source and drain layers formed on the second semiconductor region to interpose the floating gate electrode therebetween, and a third wiring line connected to the second source and drain layers in common.
US07652312B2

A complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor comprises a photodiode region generating electrical charges in response to incident light thereon. The CMOS image sensor further comprises a first floating diffusion layer adapted to receive the electrical charges from the photodiode region in response to a global transfer signal and a second floating diffusion region adapted to receive the electrical charges from the first floating diffusion region in response to a pixel selection signal.
US07652305B2

A hermetically sealed package includes: a first plate including inside and outside surfaces; a second plate including inside and outside surfaces; frit material disposed on the inside surface of the second plate; and at least one dielectric layer disposed directly or indirectly on at least one of: (i) the inside surface of the first plate at least opposite to the frit material, and (ii) the inside surface of the second plate at least directly or indirectly on the frit material, wherein the frit material forms a hermetic seal against the dielectric layer in response to heating.
US07652299B2

A nitride semiconductor light-emitting device includes a substrate and a nitride semiconductor layer including a light-emitting layer stacked on the substrate, wherein a normal line relative to a lateral face of the nitride semiconductor layer is not perpendicular to a normal line relative to a principal plane of the substrate. A method for the production of a nitride semiconductor light-emitting device that includes a substrate and a nitride semiconductor layer including a light-emitting layer stacked on the substrate includes the steps of covering a first surface of the nitride semiconductor layer with a mask provided with a prescribed pattern, removing the nitride semiconductor layer in regions to be divided into component devices till the substrate, subjecting the nitride semiconductor layer to wet-etching treatment and dividing the nitride semiconductor layer into the component devices.
US07652294B2

A display device having a gate wiring including a first conductive material, an insulating film over the gate wiring, a semiconductor film over the insulating film, a source electrode and a drain electrode including a second conductive material formed over a source region and a drain region, and a pixel electrode including a transparent conductive film. The device includes a first terminal portion electrically connected to the gate wiring and having a first layer including a same material as the first conductive material and a second layer including a same material as the transparent conductive film. The device further includes a second terminal portion electrically connected to the source wiring and having a first layer including a same material as the second conductive material and a second layer including a same material as the transparent conductive film. An IC chip may be electrically connected to at least one of the first and second terminal portions.
US07652293B2

An electro-optical device in which a plurality of thin films are laminated on a substrate and a transistor is formed by a part of the plurality of laminated thin films includes a light-shielding insulating layer that forms a part of the plurality of thin films and is laminated on the substrate so as to cover at least a part of a semiconductor layer of the transistor in plan view.
US07652291B2

A flat panel display that can prevent a voltage drop of a driving power and, at the same time, minimizes the characteristic reduction of electronic devices located in a circuit region where various circuit devices are located includes: a substrate; an insulating film arranged on the substrate; a pixel region including at least one light emitting diode, the pixel region arranged on the insulating film and adapted to display an image; a circuit region arranged on the insulating film and including electronic devices adapted to control signals supplied to the pixel region; and a conductive film interposed between the substrate and the insulating film in a region corresponding to the pixel region and electrically connected to one electrode of the light emitting diode.
US07652289B2

In a conventional analog buffer circuit composed of polycrystalline semiconductor TFTs, a variation in the output is large. Thus, a measure such as to provide a correction circuit has been taken. However, there has been such a problem that a circuit and driver operation are complicated. Therefore, a gate length and a gate width of a TFT composing an analog buffer circuit is set to be larger. Also, a multi-gate structure is adopted thereto. In addition, the arrangement of channel regions is devised. Thus, the analog buffer circuit having a small variation is obtained without using a correction circuit, and a semiconductor device having a small variation can be provided.
US07652286B2

An insulating film having depressions and projections are formed on a substrate. A semiconductor film is formed on the insulating film. Thus, for crystallization by using laser light, a part where stress concentrates is selectively formed in the semiconductor film. More specifically, stripe or rectangular depressions and projections are provided in the semiconductor film. Then, continuous-wave laser light is irradiated along the stripe depressions and projections formed in the semiconductor film or in a direction of a major axis or minor axis of the rectangle.
US07652282B2

A main semiconductor region of semiconducting nitrides is formed on a silicon substrate via a buffer region of semiconducting nitrides to provide devices such as HEMTs, MESFETs and LEDs. In order to render the wafer proof against warping, the buffer region is divided into a first and a second multilayered buffer subregion. The first buffer subregion comprises multiple alterations of a multi-sublayered first buffer layer and a non-sublayered second buffer layer. Each multi-sublayered first buffer layer of the first buffer subregion comprises multiple alternations of a first and a second buffer sublayer. The second buffer sublayers of each multi-sublayered first buffer layer either do not contain aluminum or do contain it in a higher proportion than do the first buffer sublayers. The second multilayered buffer subregion comprises multiple alternations of a first and a second buffer layer. The first buffer layers of the second multilayered buffer subregion are less in aluminum proportion than the fourth buffer layers of the second multilayered buffer subregion.
US07652269B2

A laser atom probe (100) situates a counter electrode between a specimen mount and a detector (106), and provides a laser (116) having its beam (122) aligned to illuminate the specimen (104) through the aperture (110) of the counter electrode (108). The detector, specimen mount (102), and/or the counter electrode may be charged to some boost voltage and then be pulsed to bring the specimen to ionization. The timing of the laser pulses may be used to determine ion departure and arrival times allowing determination of the mass-to-charge ratios of the ions, thus their identities. Automated alignment methods are described wherein the laser is automatically directed to areas of interest.
US07652267B2

An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.
US07652266B2

In apparatus for detecting the emission of fluorescent radiation from a sample in response to excitation by two or more different radiation sources (145, 160) over the same time period, each radiation source (145, 160) is imprinted with a modulation regime which can then be separately detected in the emitted fluorescent radiation. For instance in techniques based on fluorescent resonant energy transfer (“FRET”), the drive current to two or more different LED sources (145, 160) may be frequency modulated, or pulse width modulated, according to different modulation regimes. Responses of the sample, for instance of different donor/acceptor probes contained in the sample, to each of the sources (145, 160) can then be separately detected by means of the different modulation regimes, even where the wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the responses are the same or overlapping.
US07652265B2

An air treatment system includes a housing defining a chamber, and an ultraviolet lamp positioned within the chamber. The housing further defines an air inlet at a first end portion of the housing and an air outlet at a second end portion of the housing opposing the first end portion. The chamber provides flow communication between the air inlet and the air outlet. At least one ultraviolet lamp is positioned within the chamber. The at least one ultraviolet lamp is positioned about a first axis and includes a first end and a second end spaced with respect to the first end along the first axis. The at least one ultraviolet lamp is configured for facilitating inactivating contaminants within air channeled through the chamber.
US07652264B2

A filament member configured to discharge thermions may be employed in an ion source of an ion implantation apparatus. A filament member may include an anode disposed around a central portion of the filament member, a cathode disposed around a periphery of the filament and/or enclosing the anode, and at least one conductive path disposed between the anode and the cathode to discharge the thermions.
US07652262B2

A radiographic imaging system 1 of the present invention includes: a radiographic image detecting apparatus 6 to obtain radiographic image data; a console 7 to operate the radiographic image detecting apparatus, the console including a display unit 17 for displaying the obtained radiographic image data; and an image storage device 2 which is communicable with the radiographic image detecting apparatus and the console through a network 8, wherein the radiographic image detecting apparatus transmits the obtained radiographic image data to the image storage device, and generates confirmation radiographic image data has a small amount of data based on the information and transmits the information to the console, the image storage device stores the transmitted radiographic image data, and the console displays the transmitted confirmation radiographic image data on the display unit.
US07652259B2

Imaging apparatus, is provided, comprising a first device, for obtaining a first image, by a first modality, selected from the group consisting of SPECT, PET, CT, an extracorporeal gamma scan, an extracorporeal beta scan, x-rays, an intracorporeal gamma scan, an intracorporeal beta scan, an intravascular gamma scan, an intravascular beta scan, and a combination thereof, and a second device, for obtaining a second, structural image, by a second modality, selected from the group consisting of a three-dimensional ultrasound, an MRI operative by an internal magnetic field, an extracorporeal ultrasound, an extracorporeal MRI operative by an external magnetic field, an intracorporeal ultrasound, an intracorporeal MRI operative by an external magnetic field, an intravascular ultrasound, and a combination thereof, and wherein the apparatus further includes a computerized system, configured to construct an attenuation map, for the first image, based on the second, structural image. Additionally, the computerized system is configured to display an attenuation-corrected first image as well as a superposition of the attenuation-corrected first image and the second, structural image. Furthermore, the apparatus is operative to guide an in-vivo instrument based on the superposition.
US07652247B2

An aerodynamic lens, comprises a cylindrical body having an inlet and an outlet; and a convergence-divergence lens portion inside the cylindrical body, having a lens hole formed at the center of the convergence-divergence lens portion, through which a carrier gas and particles pass, a convergence slant surface at a convergence angle (α) with a central axis of the aerodynamic lens at the front of the lens hole, and a divergence slant surface at a divergence angle (β) with the central axis of the aerodynamic lens at the rear of the lens hole.
US07652244B2

Reflective optical sensors. A reflective optical sensor for sensing the presence of an object can include a reflective sensor package having a first cavity and a second cavity. The first and second cavities can be located side-by-side in the sensor package. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) can be located within the first cavity for producing an optical emission. An optical receiver can be located within the second cavity and configured to receive at least a portion of the produced optical emission that is reflected from the object such that when the reflected emission is above a threshold strength the object is determined to be present. The optical receiver can be a shunt phototransistor and can include reverse bias protection.
US07652241B2

A system and method for timing image acquisitions provide an optical charge pulse to a sensor within an optical imaging system prior to image acquisitions by the optical imaging system. This optical charge pulse compensates for dark current discharge in the sensor.
US07652239B2

A video correction circuit of the invention includes an detection unit for detecting the cumulative light-emission frequency data on each pixel by sampling video data supplied to a display device having a plurality of pixels; a cumulative data storage unit for storing the cumulative light-emission frequency data on each pixel; an adder for adding the cumulative light-emission frequency data on each pixel detected by the detection unit to the cumulative light-emission frequency data on each pixel stored in the cumulative data storage unit, thereby writing the result to the cumulative data storage unit as new cumulative light-emission frequency data; and a correction unit for correcting the video data based on the cumulative light-emission frequency data stored in the cumulative data storage unit, thereby outputting the corrected video data to the pixel portion. The pixels are provided with light-emitting elements of a plurality of colors. The cumulative light-emission frequency data is divided into a plurality of data fragments, each of which is stored in each of the plurality of memories for each color of the light-emitting elements.
US07652237B2

Color point control system (1) comprising a LED device (2) comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes (3a,3b,3c,3d) emitting a first light, said diodes (3a,3b,3c,3d) fixed on a substrate (4), a layer (5) on at least one light-emitting diode (3a,3b,3c,3d) capable to convert at least a first portion of the first light into a second light, only one photo-sensor (6) for measuring a second portion of the first light of each single diode (3a,3b,3c,3d) during a turn-off time where all other diodes are turned-off, and a controller (9) for sequentially turning-off said diodes (3a,3b,3c,3d) except one single diode (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) and for comparing the second portion of the first light of each single diode (3a,3b,3c,3d) measured by the photo-detector (6) to a default value and to adapt the emitted second portion of first light of each single diode (3a,3b,3c,3d) to said default value.
US07652235B2

Devices systems, and methods can characterize an optical surface of an object. A wavefront sensor system focuses light energy propagating from the object to form a pattern on a detector. The system maps the pattern to an array with a transform function such as a Fourier transform. The values of array correspond to characteristic locations and signals in a transform space, for example an intensity of spatial frequency signals in frequency space. The characteristic location and intensity of these signals in transform space are used to measure the optical surface. For example, a characteristic frequency of a spatial frequency intensity peak in Fourier transform space can be used to estimate the location of spots on the detector. Alternatively, the characteristics can be used to the measure sphere, cylinder and axis of a wavefront, wavefront elevation maps and point spread functions, often without locating positions of individual spots on the detector.
US07652228B2

A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warning article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.
US07652224B2

A semiconductor wafer marking apparatus and a semiconductor wafer marking method includes a laser head unit including a flowcell having a laser radiation region and a laser source radiating laser energy on the laser radiation region in response to an input current. An optical system radiates a laser beam on the semiconductor wafer. A cooling water reservoir stores cooling water. A pipe is disposed in the flowcell and connected to the cooling water reservoir. A marking interlock system detects leakage of cooling water from the pipe, an abnormal temperature of the laser radiation region, and an abnormal input current supplied to the laser source, and generates a marking interlock signal to terminate a marking operation of the semiconductor wafer. A marking unit turns off the laser source to terminate the marking of the semiconductor wafer in response to the marking interlock signal.
US07652223B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a method of welding sputtering target tiles to form a large sputtering target. Embodiments of a sputtering target assembly with welded sputtering target tiles are also provided. In one embodiment, a method for welding sputtering target tiles in an electron beam welding chamber comprises providing strips or powder of sputtering target material on a pre-determined at least one interfacial line between at least two sputtering target tiles, that are yet to be placed, on a surface of support, placing the at least two sputtering target tiles side by side with edges of the at least two sputtering target tiles abutting and forming at least one interfacial line on top of the strips or powder of sputtering target material, pumping out the gas in the electron beam welding chamber, preheating the at least two sputtering target tiles and the strips or powder of sputtering target material to a pre-heat temperature less than the temperature at which the at least two target tiles begin to melt, undergo a change in physical state, or undergo substantial decomposition, and welding the at least two sputtering target tiles placed side by side into a large sputtering target.
US07652222B2

A discharge voltage detecting unit of an electric discharge machine detects a discharge voltage and determines an average discharge voltage in a specified period of time. An optimum machining condition computing unit determines a discharge current that makes an average discharge voltage detected by a discharge voltage detecting unit equal to an average discharge voltage when a new machining liquid is used. The optimum machining condition computing unit determines an optimal discharging time, an optimal non-operating time, and an optimal servo reference voltage from relational equations depending on the determined discharge current. A machining condition data base storing unit stores the discharge current, the discharging time, the non-operating time, and the servo reference voltage. A servo control unit establishes the optimum machining conditions at the time of machining.
US07652220B2

A touch sensor device for a household appliance or the like is disclosed, for producing a signal for controlling the appliance's operation when touched by a user's finger. The sensor comprises a capacitance sensor element connected to control circuitry, wherein the sensor is connected to a first side of a circuit board, typically facing towards the inside of the appliance. In the same vicinity on the other side of the circuit board is a conductive field that is not galvanically connected to the sensor element, but which is positioned against a non-conductive panel, the other side of which forms the exterior of the appliance. The exterior surface of the panel is a touch area, so that contact by a user's finger in the touch area alters the capacitance, which is detected by the capacitance sensor element and is detected by the control circuitry for controlling the appliance.
US07652210B2

A safety device for electrical outlets includes a body having prongs rigidly attached to the body which can be inserted into the openings of a standard electrical outlet, wherein one or more of the prongs define a spring-biased portion defining a barb for engaging the rear surface of the outlet once the device is fully inserted therein.
US07652203B2

The present invention provides grain, seed, feed made from the grain or seed, pet food made from the grain, and food products made from the grain. The grain may be maize grain with the following characteristics: oil burdened, elevated protein content, and low phytate levels. The combination of oil burdened, protein laden, and decreased phytate characteristics in grain makes a grain that provides more calories, protein and phosphorus and other nutrients to the feeding animal. Pet foods, and animal feeds and corn food products made of the present invention will provide increased nutrition because of the increased bioavailability of the components of the grain.
US07652202B2

A barley cultivar, designated Salute, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of barley cultivar Salute, to the plants of barley Salute, and to methods for producing a barley plant produced by crossing barley cultivar Salute with itself or another barley variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a barley plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic barley plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to barley varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from barley cultivar Salute, to methods for producing other barley varieties, lines or plant parts derived from barley cultivar Salute, and to the barley plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid barley seeds and plants produced by crossing barley cultivar Salute with another barley cultivar. This invention further relates to methods for developing other barley varieties or breeding lines derived from variety Salute including cell and tissue culture, haploid systems, mutagenesis, and transgenic derived lines. Salute demonstrates a unique combination of traits for the human food market including waxy starch, low cracking upon pearling and increased levels of Beta-glucan fiber and Beta-glucan fiber viscosity.
US07652198B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D4698013. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D4698013. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D4698013 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D4698013 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07652194B2

This invention describes a process for gene expression in plants utilizing translational vectors. Said translational vectors cause a gene of interest to be stably integrated into a transcriptionally active host genomic DNA such that the transcription of the gene of interest is controlled by a promoter of the host plant. Said translational vectors are preferably based on internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements that are of plant origin.
US07652193B2

Tetraploid watermelon inbreds are disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds and plants of the tetraploid watermelon inbreds, the methods of propagating the tetraploid inbreds through seeds and tissue culture. The invention also relates to methods of producing the triploid seedless watermelon seeds and plants by crossing the tetraploid inbreds with diploid watermelon inbreds, and to the triploid plants produced therefrom.
US07652188B2

An adhesive bandage is provided. The adhesive bandage includes: (a) an absorbent pad having an absorbent surface; (b) an adhesive tape attached to the absorbent pad, the adhesive tape being configured for attaching to a skin region so as to position the absorbent surface against a portion of the skin region; (c) a display being positioned on an outer surface of the adhesive bandage the display being configured and positioned so as to be viewable by an individual when the adhesive tape is attached to the skin region; and (d) a power source attached to or integrated with the adhesive tape, the power source being for powering the display, the display being for increasing an acceptability of use of the adhesive bandage by the individual when powered. Furthermore, the present invention provides an adhesive bandage with a display, the display being for displaying a skin condition value and for increasing an acceptability of use of the adhesive bandage by the individual when powered.
US07652187B2

A process for the sulfuric acid catalyzed alkylation of C3-C5 olefins with isobutane is disclosed wherein the requisite mixing is accomplished by the use of eductors within the reactor. In addition the alkylate product is subjected to primary and secondary coalescers for removal of entrained sulfuric acid. The vaporized unreacted C4's are recovered as liquid by absorption and desorption in an absorber oil.
US07652186B2

The invention relates to a method of making a PAO characterized by a low viscosity, low Noack volatility, and excellent cold temperature properties, using a promoter system comprising an alcohol and an ester. The products comprise trimers obtained by fractionating a hydrogenated bottoms product from an oligomerization process using said promoter system.
US07652182B2

Integrated, energy efficient process for making detergent range alkylbenzenes, heavies coproduced during the alkylation of benzene with olefin using a solid, acidic catalyst are transalkylated. Spent benzene from regeneration of the solid, acidic catalyst used for alkylation provides at least about 50 percent of the benzene provided for the transalkylation. The integrated processes thus reduce the load on the benzene distillation assembly used in the alkylbenzene refining system.
US07652175B2

A method of use for a high shear device incorporated into a process or system for the production of acetaldehyde from ethylene as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, by forming a feed stream emulsion, and thereby enhancing the acetaldehyde production process in the system.
US07652172B2

This invention provides a practical synthesis route for 4,5-dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione (DPD), an unstable small molecule which is proposed to be the source of universal signaling agents for quorum sensing in bacteria. The synthesis route includes new intermediates and allows preparation of isotopically-labeled DPD and ent-DPD. The method provides sufficient quantities of DPD for study of spontaneous binding of borate to DPD, the signal for the marine bacteria V. harveyi.
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