Patents by Inventor Alex An

Alex An has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7399866
    Abstract: Certain substituted urea derivatives selectively modulate the cardiac sarcomere, for example by potentiating cardiac myosin, are useful in the treatment of systolic heart failure including congestive heart failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Cytokinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Paul Morgan, Kathleen A. Elias, Erica Anne Kraynack, Pu-Ping Lu, Fady Malik, Alex Muci, Xiangping Qian, Whitney Walter Smith, Todd Tochimoto, Adam Lewis Tomasi, David J. Morgans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7400122
    Abstract: A switching regulator utilizing on/off control that reduces audio noise at light loads by adjusting the current limit of the switching regulator. In one embodiment, a switching regulator includes a state machine that adjusts the current limit of the switching regulator based on a pattern of feedback signal values from the output of the power supply for a preceding N cycles of the drive signal. The state machine adjusts the current limit lower at light loads such that cycles are not skipped to reduce the operating frequency of the switching regulator into the audio frequency range until the flux density through the transformer is sufficiently low to reduce the generation of audio noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventors: Balu Balakrishnan, Alex B. Djenguerian, Kent Wong
  • Patent number: 7400021
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for capturing optical micro detectors for improved surgical handling during implantation into an eye comprising the steps of providing an optically active thin film heterostructure on a soluble substrate; forming an array comprising individual optical microdetectors from the optically active thin film heterostructure; attaching the optical microdetector array onto a biodegradable polymer carrier membrane; and separating the optical microdetector array attached to the biodegradable polymer carrier membrane from the soluble substrate thereby capturing the optical microdetectors in the bio-polymer carrier membrane for improved handling of the optical micro-detectors during transfer and implantation into the eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Houston System
    Inventors: NaiJuan J. Wu, Ali Reza Zomorrodian, Alex Ignatiev
  • Patent number: 7400390
    Abstract: A method for inspecting a reticle, that includes the following stages: providing a reticle designed to be exposed by light of a first wavelength during a photolithography process; defining optical characteristics of an inspection system, whereas the optical characteristics include a second wavelength that differs from the first wavelength; and configuring an inspection system in response to the defined optical characteristics. An inspection system that includes: an illumination path adapted to direct light of a second wavelength towards a reticle designed to be exposed by light of a first wavelength during a photolithography process; a collection path adapted to collect light transmitted through the reticle; whereas at least one of the illumination path and collection path is configurable such that the inspection system emulates the photolithographic process while utilizing light of the second wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Goldenshtein, Emanuel Elyasaf
  • Publication number: 20080168352
    Abstract: When displaying various types of information, an application may identify whether any related entities exist. For example, when displaying an e-mail message, the sender information may relate to a contact entity. As such, information associated with the contact entity may be displayed along with the message. The related entity data (e.g., contact entity data) may be displayed in a subregion of the display area corresponding to the parent entity data (e.g., an e-mail message information) and/or differentiated in various manners. An application interface may further be configurable to control an amount of related entity data that is displayed. A property picker system may also be used to allow a user to specify the properties that he or she wants to make available for display in the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shishir Mehrotra, Roger A. Lueder, Steve De Mar, Alex DeNeui
  • Publication number: 20080163528
    Abstract: A display apparatus for suspending common office items in apparent defiance of gravity includes a base, capable of stable resting on a flat surface, and a cantilever support member fixedly attached to said base with a distal end hovering substantially above the top portion of the base. At least one first permanent magnet is fixedly attached to the distal end of this cantilever support member. A holder device shaped for supporting one or more common office items is connected at an uppermost point to at least one second permanent magnet fixedly attached to the holder device such that the polarity of end facing up toward the first permanent magnet is opposite that of first permanent magnet. A substantially inconspicuous tether filament is fixedly attached to the base at one end and to the holder device with the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Alex Enrique Soriano Ramos
  • Publication number: 20080165363
    Abstract: A spectrometer capable of flash photolysis useful in the study of chemistry is disclosed, the spectrometer comprises a compartment for receiving a chemical sample; a first light source; a collective objective lens for directing light radiation emitted from the first light source through the chemical sample in the compartment; a second light source for directing a short flash pulse of light radiation into the chemical sample in the compartment; and a means for measuring the change in absorption having an input for receiving the light radiation emitted from the chemical sample in the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Alex Gusev
  • Publication number: 20080164858
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to adjust a current limit in a switching regulator. One example switching regulator includes a comparator having first and second inputs and an output. The first input of the comparator is adapted to sense a current flow through a switch and the second input of the comparator is adapted to sense a variable current limit value. A controller is coupled to the output of the comparator and to the switch to control switching of the switch to regulate an output of a power supply in response a feedback signal. The controller disables the switch if the sensed current flow through the switch is greater than the sensed variable current limit value. The variable current limit value is set to a first variable current limit value by the controller in response to an input line voltage of the power supply if there is not an over current condition during a first switching cycle that occurs after a skipped switching cycle of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: POWER INTEGRATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alex B. Djenguerian, Stefan Baurle, Kent Wong
  • Publication number: 20080167603
    Abstract: A respiratory assist device and method for the prevention of ventilator acquired pneumonia in a patient is described. The respiratory assist device administers nitric oxide to the oropharyngeal area in order to decontaminate or prevent the contamination of secretions that collect in the oropharyngeal area during intubation of the patient. The respiratory assist device and method may be adapted for use, for example, as an endotracheal tube or as a tracheotomy tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Alex Stenzler, Arthur Samuel Slutsky
  • Publication number: 20080167514
    Abstract: A vaginal brachytherapy applicator is versatile to different anatomies and more comfortable to the patient than prior applicators. An inflatable balloon on a shaft may be inelastic or elastic. In one embodiment the shaft is rotatable relative to the balloon for enabling a ring or band of dose delivery, for versatility in radiation placement. Alternatively, the source can be rotated and pulled back within a stationary shaft. An adjustment is provided for reducing the length of balloon that inflates, to accommodate different anatomies and positions. Although isotope radiation sources can be used in the applicator, an electronic source is preferred, and the system and method include procedures for using the applicator with an electronic source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Alex Lim, Paul A. Lovoi, Heike Hausen, Daren L. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080167124
    Abstract: A system and method for adding, accessing and/or using software modules within the context of an active computer game are provided. The system and method include overlaying graphics/video on top of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Alex P. Korchemniy, Charles F. Manning, Jason Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20080164282
    Abstract: A container (20) has a body (22) having a body opening (40). A spout fitment (24) is mounted within the body opening. A cap (26) has: a sidewall (120); a web (122) enclosing an upper end of the sidewall; a flange (124) extending outward from the sidewall; an external thread (132) along the sidewall below the flange; a removed condition disengaged from the body and spout fitment; and an installed condition threadingly mounted by the external thread to at least one of the body and spout fitment. In the installed condition, a perimeter portion (128) of the flange is below a rim (110) of the spout fitment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: PLASTEK INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alex S. Szekely, Peter A. Piscopo
  • Patent number: 7397150
    Abstract: A method and a control unit for driving a control circuit (1) are suggested which make possible an improved distribution of the generated power loss. A component (15), especially of a motor vehicle, is driven via at least two outputs (5, 10) of the control circuit (1). Each output (5, 10) is connected pairwise to one of several potentials (40, 45) via controllable switch means (20, 25; 30, 35) and a drive voltage (UA) is formed for the component (15) from a difference between the potentials at the two outputs (5, 10). A pregiven clocked course of the drive voltage (UA) is adjusted by switching more than one of the controllable switch devices (20, 25; 30, 35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Grossmann, Torsten Baumann
  • Patent number: 7398259
    Abstract: Physical neural network systems and methods are disclosed. A physical neural network can be configured utilizing molecular technology, wherein said physical neural network comprises a plurality of molecular conductors, which form neural network connections thereof. A training mechanism can be provided for training said physical neural network to accomplish a particular neural network task based on a neural network training rule. The neural network connections are formed between pre-synaptic and post-synaptic components of said physical neural network. The neural network generally includes dynamic and modifiable connections for adaptive signal processing. The neural network training mechanism can be based, for example, on the Anti-Hebbian and Hebbian (AHAH) rule and/or other plasticity rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: KnowmTech, LLC
    Inventor: Alex Nugent
  • Patent number: 7398088
    Abstract: A method (FIG. 11) and corresponding wireless communication unit (102, FIG. 5) and mobility manager (116, FIG. 6) for facilitating a handover from one communication network (106) to another communication network (108) of an ongoing communication (120, 122) between a wireless communication unit (102) and a peer communication unit (114, 714). The method including obtaining call information (1103) corresponding to the ongoing communication where the ongoing communication uses the first communication network; and ascertaining a handover number (1105) for use by the wireless communication unit to originate a handover call (1107) via the second network (108), the handover number terminating within the first communication network for use in facilitating the handover of the ongoing communication to the second communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly S. Belkin, Alex P. Hirsbrunner, Jheroen P. Dorenbosch
  • Patent number: 7397793
    Abstract: A method of relaying calls across a packet network includes receiving an integrated services digital network setup request. The setup request is then translated into packet network form and transmitted across a packet network. A destination device on the packet network interfaces with the destination device through integrated service digital network procedures. A connect message from the destination device on the packet network is then received and translated into an integrated services digital network connection message. The connection message is then transmitted to an integrated services digital network device to establish a connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Urquizo, Dewey Spencer
  • Publication number: 20080161684
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for imaging system calibration using a field replaceable unit. Certain embodiments provide a field replaceable unit for imaging system calibration. The unit includes an array of radio opaque fiducials arranged for use in image calibration for an imaging system. The unit also includes a plurality of receivers positioned around a periphery of a detector in the imaging system for use in navigation calibration for the imaging system. The unit further includes a connection for providing data regarding image calibration and navigation calibration to a processor. Additionally, the unit includes a frame for positioning the array of radio opaque fiducials and the plurality of receivers embedded in a concave target with respect to a detector in the imaging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Dun Alex Li, Mohamed Ali Hamadeh, Daniel A. Beaudet, Lisa Marie Last
  • Publication number: 20080159357
    Abstract: The present invention presents a simple and novel channel estimation scheme for UWB communication systems. As disclosed herein, the present invention maximizes the extraction of information by incorporating a new generation of transmitted-reference (Tr) transceivers that utilize a single reference pulse(s) or a preamble of reference pulses to provide improved channel estimation while offering higher Bit Error Rate (BER) performance and data rates without diluting the transmitter power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Faranak Nekoogar, Farid U. Dowla, Alex Spiridon, Peter C. Haugen, Dave M. Benzel
  • Publication number: 20080162731
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing advertising content to terminals communicating over a communications network is provided. The apparatus includes a processing element that communicates with network elements residing on the network or other networks to receive information regarding the terminals and their users. At least one of the terminals may be a mobile terminal. The processing element communicates an instruction to an advertising platform based on this information, and the advertising platform in turn selects and transmits advertising content to the respective terminals according to the instruction. Such content may include text messages, voice messages, picture messages, video clips, and more. In some cases, the processing element may determine a common characteristic of two or more terminals and their users based on the information received, and advertising content based on that common characteristic may be sent to the terminals. A method, system, and computer program product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Risto A. Kauppinen, Alex Esser
  • Publication number: 20080160107
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treatment of blood and blood products using gaseous nitric oxide. The treatment involves the contacting blood or a blood product with gaseous nitric oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicants: Nitric Biotherapeutics, Inc., Cardinal Health 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. McCaney, Alex Stenzler, Chris Miller