Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7335868
    Abstract: An exposure control system and method for an image sensor, which includes an image sensor, an illuminator, a controller and a light separator. The image sensor has plural photosensitive pixels in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. When an exposure is operated in a sub-region of the plural photosensitive pixels, the illuminator produces a flashlight as a light source for exposure. The light separator eliminates light except the flashlight. The controller sequentially activates each row of pixels in the sub-region, and when each row of pixels is in an exposure state, the controller drives the illuminator to produce the flashlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sunplus Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Tsai Liao, Kuo-Chun Fan, Li-Ming Chen, Chia-Kang Hsu
  • Patent number: 7335869
    Abstract: The invention is to suppress a loss in image quality resulting from a sensitivity difference among different colors and to suppress an increase in a chip area. The invention provides for example an image sensor including three light detecting element rows respectively having R, G and B color filters on light detecting apertures, in which the light detecting element in the G light detecting element row has a light detecting area larger than that of the light detecting element in other B and R light detecting element rows and centers of gravity of light detecting parts of the light detecting elements in the respective light detecting element rows are arranged with a constant pitch (pitch Q) among the light detecting element rows and in which the G light detecting element row with a larger light detecting area in the light detecting element is not positioned as an end row among the R, G and B light detecting element rows but as a central light detecting element row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsunobu Kochi
  • Patent number: 7335870
    Abstract: The method of forming image sensor protection comprises attaching a glass on a tape and scribing the glass with lines to define cover zones on the glass, the glass is then break by a rubber puncher followed by forming glue on the edge of the cover zones. The glass is bonded on a wafer with an image sensor to align the cover zones to a micron lens area of the image sensor, and then the tape is removed from the wafer, thereby forming glass with cover zones on the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Chip Engineering Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Kun Yang, Jui-Hsien Chang, Hsien-Wen Hsu
  • Patent number: 7335871
    Abstract: Methods and systems for low power switching are provided. In one embodiment, an optical switching system is provided. The system comprises at least one optically controlled switch adapted to maintain one of an open state and a closed state based on an associated light signal; and at least one light source adapted to output the associated light signal to the at least one switch, wherein the at least one light source cycles the light signal on and off, wherein the at least one light source is cycled on for a sufficient duration of time and with a sufficient periodicity to maintain the optically controlled switch in one of an open state and a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Bauhahn, Robert C. Becker, David W. Meyers, Kelly P. Muldoon
  • Patent number: 7335872
    Abstract: A photocurrent amplifier circuit which can be realized as a simple and downsized photocurrent amplifier circuit is capable of selectively amplifying, in an amplifier circuit in an output stage, one or more of current signals which are respectively obtainable from light receiving circuits. The photocurrent amplifier circuit includes: light receiving circuits; amplifier devices associated with the light receiving circuits; device selector switches which apply input voltages, which deactivate the amplifier devices, to the associated amplifier devices; and a differential amplifier circuit having an inverting input unit configured of the amplifier devices which are connected in parallel. The inputs of the amplifier devices and the output of the differential amplifier circuit are connected by gain resistors. The differential amplifier circuit amplifies, into voltage signals, current signals flowing from the light receiving circuits which are respectively associated with the gain resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hideo Fukuda, Shinichi Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7335873
    Abstract: A light-condensing method of irradiating light whose electric field vectors show two or more than two different directions onto a member having apertures arranged at least at two positions and forming a light-condensing section having a strong electric field between the apertures arranged at two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamada, Natsuhiko Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7335874
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating a subject with deep UV light and detecting 2-dimensional image information, e.g., a transmission image, fluorescence image, reflected light image, etc. The subject may be illuminated with a light pulse having a duration of 2 seconds or less and one or more components with a wavelength of between about 150 nm to about 300 nm. The light pulse may be arranged so as to minimize or eliminate any detrimental effect on the functioning of the subject, e.g., on a living cell. A concentration, mass, quantum yield, absorbance or other characteristics of one or more compounds in the subject may be determined based on one or more 2-dimensional images obtained of the subject. An illumination beam having left and right circularly polarized components may be generated, e.g., for circular dichroism analysis of a subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Zeskind, Paul Matsudaira, Daniel Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 7335875
    Abstract: An optical branching unit according to the invention, has on a substrate, a light input part which inputs light, an optical branch which branches the light input to the light input part at a predetermined ratio, a light output part which guides the light branched by the optical branch to a predetermined position, and a dummy pattern which is provided on a substrate independently of an area provided with the light input part, optical branch and light output part, made of the same material as the light input part, optical branch and light output part, and defined to have an area, so that an occupation rate, or a ratio of the dummy pattern to the area of a substrate except the light input part, optical branch and light output part, is 70% or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Terada, Yutaka Natsume
  • Patent number: 7335876
    Abstract: A scanning system for carrying out a 3D scan of a tooth model includes an imaging device and a positioning system in the form of a sliding panel which can be positioned and has first locking means. On the locking panel there are provided second locking means which interact with the first locking means such that the sliding panel can assume one of several specified positions relative to the locking panel and locks in the selected position. The sliding panel has means for mounting a dental model and stands on projections disposed on its underside. A 3D scan of a tooth model is provided by creating a first image of the object to be scanned at a precisely defined locked position, moving the sliding panel to at least one further precisely defined locked position and creating another image at each such position, and creating a 3D data set by evaluating the images produced at least two different, precisely defined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Eiff, Peter Fornoff
  • Patent number: 7335877
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved inline and automated chemical analysis is provided, in particular disclosing signal optimization for an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer apparatus. A substantially inert pathway for ion analysis is provided by using substantially inert metals or polymers for pathway parts. Other enhancements and advantages are also disclosed, including an advantageous probe profile and metal foil cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Metara, Inc.
    Inventors: Ye Han, Yuzhong Wang, Wenjing Yang
  • Patent number: 7335878
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for efficient photodetachment and purification of negative ion beams. A method of purifying an ion beam includes: inputting the ion beam into a gas-filled multipole ion guide, the ion beam including a plurality of ions; increasing a laser-ion interaction time by collisional cooling the plurality of ions using the gas-filled multipole ion guide, the plurality of ions including at least one contaminant; and suppressing the at least one contaminant by selectively removing the at least one contaminant from the ion beam by electron photodetaching at least a portion of the at least one contaminant using a laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: UT-Battelle LLC
    Inventors: James R. Beene, Yuan Liu, Charles C. Havener
  • Patent number: 7335879
    Abstract: A system and method for characterizing and charging a sample. The system includes a vacuum chamber, a first apparatus in the vacuum chamber and configured to characterize a sample, and a second apparatus in the vacuum chamber and configured to charge the sample. The second apparatus includes an electron gun configured to provide an electron beam to the sample and including an emission cathode biased to a first voltage relative to a reference voltage, a sample holder configured to support the sample, and a mesh located between the electron gun and the sample holder. Additionally, the second apparatus includes a first voltage supply configured to bias the mesh to a second voltage relative to the sample holder, and a second voltage supply configured to bias the sample holder to a third voltage relative to the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hermes-Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhong-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 7335880
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for estimating critical dimensions of highly scaled circuit features on the basis of scanning electron microscopy, wherein area fractions of a scan area are determined. Preferably, the SEM is operated with high electron beam energies to enhance the overall resolution and to reduce edge effects and image artifacts. Thus, fast and statistically significant measurement results may be obtained, thereby allowing enhanced process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Eckhard Langer, Moritz-Andreas Meyer
  • Patent number: 7335881
    Abstract: With complexity of a process, the setting of conditions for pattern measurement by an SEM image falls into difficulties. However, the present invention aims to realize the setting of easy and reliable measuring conditions even with respect to a pattern complex in structure. Points characterized in terms of an SEM image signal are calculated as candidates for measurement values. The calculated candidates for measurement values are displayed with being superimposed on the SEM image. An operator selects the optimum one from the displayed candidates and thereby determines the optimum image processing condition for measurement. The relationship between the result of measurement under a predetermined image processing condition and pattern portions has been made clear using model data of a sectional shape and an electron beam simulation image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Maki Tanaka, Chie Shishido, Yuji Takagi
  • Patent number: 7335882
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method, apparatus and system for nanofabrication in which one or more target molecules are identified for manipulation with an electron beam and the one or more target molecules are manipulated with the electron beam to produce new useful materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: R. Malcolm Brown, Jr., Zack Barnes, Chie Sawatari, Tetsuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 7335883
    Abstract: A method of imaging a sample, the method comprising: (a) irradiating a sample with a pulse of electromagnetic radiation, said pulse having a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; (b) determining a first parameter related to the amplitude of the radiation, which is either reflected from and/or transmitted by the sample, in the time domain; (c) calculating the value of the first parameter at a first time value relative to the value of the first parameter at a second time value which coincides with a physical feature of the dataset of the first parameter with respect to time; and (d) generating an image by plotting the value calculated in step (c) for different points of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Teraview Limited
    Inventors: Vincent Patrick Wallace, Ruth Mary Woodward, Donald Dominic Arnone, Bryan Edward Cole
  • Patent number: 7335884
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bolometer, and more specifically to a compensation circuit for compensating non-uniformity due to the difference of operating temperature between bolometers which exist in bolometer array using semiconductor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hee Chul Lee, Chi Ho Hwang, Yong Soo Lee, Sang Gu Kang
  • Patent number: 7335885
    Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR sensor to generate a detector signal based upon one or more absorption bands selected from the 15.1? absorption band of CO2, the 6.27? absorption band of H2O and the 4.67? absorption band for CO and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The fire detector has a waveguide sample chamber (which can be of a re-entrant design) with at least one opening covered by a thin filtering membrane and a heat exchanger thermally connected to the sample chamber with at least one opening covered by another thin filtering membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Airwave, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 7335886
    Abstract: A ceiling-mounted passive infrared detector assembly (30) that has three main components: a junction box (10) which is adapted to be mounted within an opening in a ceiling; a cover (44) adapted to mate with the junction box (10); and an electronic passive infrared detector subassembly (43) including an infrared sensor (42) and processing circuitry (45) for processing electrical signals generated by the infrared sensor (42) and producing output signals. The cover (44) has mounting means such as a flange (48) adapted to mount to the junction box (10) (or directly to a ceiling if a junction box is not used) and an extended portion (50) with a cavity (52) and an aperture (46). The cover (44) also has a lens array (36) located across the aperture (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G Eskildsen, Robert E Lee
  • Patent number: 7335887
    Abstract: Described herein is system for the inspection of a target object. The system may include a gamma radiation source, a gamma detector and an image processor coupled to the gamma detector. When the inspection system is operating in a first active mode for imaging a target object, the gamma radiation source directs radiation at a target object, the radiation passes through the target object, and the image processor images the target object based on an output of the gamma detector. When the dual-mode system is operating in a second passive mode for imaging a target object, the target object is scanned by a neutron detector for radiation that is emitted by the target object, the emitted radiation from the target object is detected by the neutron detector and an indicator indicates the presence of the emitted radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Verbinski, Dan Madson
  • Patent number: 7335888
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for nuclear medicine imaging in which the imaging platform is attached directly to the detectors for nuclear imaging to allow for minimal constant distance between the detector(s) and the object to be imaged. As the detector moves around the object to be imaged to capture different angular views of the object, the imaging platform is rotated in a compensatory manner to maintain a its long axis perpendicular to gravity during movement of the detector. An advantage of this configuration over prior systems is the ability to obtain multiple angular projections while the distance between the detector and the object being imaged is maintained at a minimum, but the danger of detector-object collision is minimized and the necessity for orbital path calibration to preserve precision of detector movement and distance is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Jay Wagenaar, Grant Albert, Alexander Hans Vija, Darrell Dennis Burckhardt, Jinhun Joung
  • Patent number: 7335889
    Abstract: Point source responses of pinhole apertures in a non-uniform grid mask used to spatially calibrate a gamma camera can be modeled as a two-dimensional Gaussian model function. Pinhole data from each pinhole location are added together to generate a complete Gaussian model of the flood image from the mask. The Gaussian model then is subjected to global and PMT-based pattern matching with an actual input flood image obtained using the mask, to obtain a transformed Gaussian model that is more accurately aligned with actual pinhole locations of the mask. The transformed Gaussian model then can be used in a peak detection process for calibration images, which are used to develop LC coefficients for the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Xiaorong Wang, Ronald E. Malmin
  • Patent number: 7335890
    Abstract: An atomic particle detection assembly includes at least one atomic particle detector positioned within a first chamber having a first operating pressure. The assembly also includes at least one junction apparatus coupled to the at least one atomic particle detector. The at least one junction apparatus includes at least one wall that at least partially defines a second chamber having a second operating pressure. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure and the at least one junction apparatus facilitates maintaining a predetermined pressure difference between the first chamber and the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Kari Utterback
  • Patent number: 7335891
    Abstract: A sensing element or detector activated by radiation comprising a first scintillator activated by gamma radiation; and a neutron sensing layer comprising a second scintillator activated by neutron radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Albert Kniss, Alok Mani Srivastava, Steven Jude Duclos, Thomas Francis McNulty, Sergio Paulo Martins Loureiro, Lucas Lemar Clarke, Kent Charles Burr, Adrian Ivan, Thomas Robert Anderson
  • Patent number: 7335892
    Abstract: An energy cell, employed as a passive energy source or a detector for sensing high energy photons, takes advantage of the differing electrical properties of metals to produce an induced electromagnetic force charge when exposed to dosages of high energy photons such as x-ray or gamma rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Williford
  • Patent number: 7335893
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for automatically aligning a beam of charged particles with an aperture. Thereby, a defocusing is introduced and a signal calculated based on an image shift is applied to a deflection unit. Further, a method for correction of astigmatism is provided. Thereby, the sharpness is evaluated for a set of frames generated whilst varying the signals to a stigmator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel Limited
    Inventor: Asher Pearl
  • Patent number: 7335894
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a charged particle unit for deflecting and energy-selecting charged particles of a charged particle beam. Thereby, a double-focusing sector unit for deflecting and focusing the charged particle beam and an energy-filter forming a potential is provided, whereby charged particles of the charged particles beam are redirected at the potential-saddle depending on the energy of the charged articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ICT Integrated Circuit Testing Gesselschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Frosien, Stefan Lanio, Gerald Schoenecker, Alan D. Brodie, David A. Crewe
  • Patent number: 7335895
    Abstract: A micro-electrical system, such as a lens stack for use in a scanning electron microscope, analysis tool, etc., comprises recesses and/or serrations that increase the surface path breakdown, thereby increasing reliability and enabling high voltage operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Novelx, Inc.
    Inventors: James Spallas, Lawrence Muray
  • Patent number: 7335896
    Abstract: An emitter for an ion source, such as a liquid metal alloy ion source (LMAIS). The emitter includes a binary alloy PrSi as a source material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ICT, Integrated Circuit Testing Gesellschaft fur Halbleiterpruftechnik mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pilz, Lothar Bischoff
  • Patent number: 7335897
    Abstract: A new method and system for desorption ionization is described and applied to the ionization of various compounds, including peptides and proteins present on metal, polymer, and mineral surfaces. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is carried out by directing charged droplets and/or ions of a liquid onto the surface to be analyzed. The impact of the charged particles on the surface produces gaseous ions of material originally present on the surface. The resulting mass spectra are similar to normal ESI mass spectra in that they show mainly singly or multiply charged molecular ions of the analytes. The DESI phenomenon was observed both in the case of conductive and insulator surfaces and for compounds ranging from nonpolar small molecules such as lycopene, the alkaloid coniceine, and small drugs, through polar compounds such as peptides and proteins. Changes in the solution that is sprayed can be used to selectively ionize particular compounds, including those in biological matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Zoltán Takáts, Bogdan Gologan, Justin Michael Wiseman, Robert Graham Cooks
  • Patent number: 7335898
    Abstract: A new and improved confocal fluorescence microscope is presented. The new microscope has significant advantages relative to existing implementations of microscope confocal imagers. In common with previous confocal imagers the instant invention has the advantages relative to conventional wide-field and confocal fluorescence imagers, however it addresses the drawbacks of confocal technology in terms of cost and complexity, and provides significant savings in both due to the simplicity of the components and the elimination of the need of, in particular, spatial filters such as pinholes or slits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Niagara Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Donders, Carlos Zarate, Pavel A. Fomitchov
  • Patent number: 7335899
    Abstract: The invention relates to An X-ray exposure indicator device comprising a solid X-ray sensitive material that upon X-ray exposure undergoes a chromatic change, wherein the exposure indicator device does not significantly change color when subjected to UV or visible radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas N. Blanton, Mridula Nair, Joseph F. Bringley
  • Patent number: 7335900
    Abstract: A device for generating radiation or a source based on a discharge includes a cathode and an anode. The cathode and anode material are supplied in fluid state. The material forms a plasma pinch when the device is in use. Optionally, nozzles may be used to supply the material. The cathode and/or anode may form a flat surface. The trajectories of the material may be elongated. A laser may be used to cause the discharge more easily. The laser may be directed on the anode of cathode or on a separate material located in between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Konstantin Nikolaevitch Koshelev, Vladimir Vitalevitch Ivanov, Evgenii Dmitreevitch Korob, Givi Georgievitch Zukavishvili, Robert Rafilevitch Gayazov, Vladimir Mihailovitch Krivtsun
  • Patent number: 7335901
    Abstract: A light delivery device (10) having a light source (12) and a variable aperture unit (18) is temporarily connected by a light guide (24; 24, 26) to a radiometer (38) for detecting irradiance of the delivered light. The light delivery device has a memory (30) for storing irradiance levels. The light delivery device is calibrated by adjusting the aperture to each of a series of predetermined settings, obtaining from the radiometer a corresponding series of delivered light irradiance levels measured thereby, storing the irradiance levels and aperture settings in memory, and applying a best fit algorithm to the irradiance measurements and aperture settings. Thereafter, a desired irradiance level can be set by selecting the best fit aperture setting. Output intensity levels may be measured at the same time as the irradiance levels and used to compensate for light source degradation when setting a desired irradiance level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: EXFO Photonic Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Kayser, Graeme Rice, Xuming Zhang
  • Patent number: 7335902
    Abstract: A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4?-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hanford Nuclear Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Rengarajan Soundararajan
  • Patent number: 7335903
    Abstract: A detachable bill acceptor mounting arrangement includes a face panel of a vending machine, the face panel having two protruding locating plates at two sides and an angled guide groove at each protruding locating plate, and a bill acceptor formed of a lower unit and an upper unit, the lower unit having two recessed locating portions detachably coupled to the protruding locating plates of the face panel and two pair of stub guide rods insertable into the angled guide grooves to secure the lower unit to the face panel, the upper unit having two flat pivot rods detachably coupled to a respective pivot hole on the lower unit and two hooks releasably hooked in a respective retaining slot on the lower unit to lock the upper unit to the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: International Currency Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Ya-Huei Yang, Wei-Jr Chen
  • Patent number: 7335904
    Abstract: A process for reading a radiation image out of a radiation image storage panel which has a phosphor layer comprising columnar crystals of europium activated cesium halide stimulable phosphor in which a radiation image is recorded, is performed by the steps of: exposing the storage panel to stimulating light in a stimulating energy of 2 to 10 J/m2; photoelectrically collecting a stimulated emission given off from the storage panel; and converting the collected emission into a radiation image in the form of a series of electric image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Nakashima, Yuichi Hosoi, Munetaka Kato
  • Patent number: 7335905
    Abstract: Corrective image data obtained by reading a stimulable phosphor sheet which is uniformly irradiated with a radiation are masked, and added and averaged into reference data. The ratio between the reference data and the corrective image data is generated as sensitivity correcting data. Desired radiation image information is then read from the stimulable phosphor sheet, corrected by the sensitivity correcting data, and outputted to an external image processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Yasuda, Eiichi Kanagawa
  • Patent number: 7335906
    Abstract: A phase change memory device has a semiconductor substrate; a plurality of cell arrays stacked above the substrate, each cell array having a matrix of memory cells for storing resistance values as data determined by phase change of the cells, bit lines each commonly connecting one ends of plural cells arranged along a first direction of the matrix and word lines each commonly connecting the other ends of plural cells arranged along a second direction of the matrix; a read/write circuit formed on the substrate as underlying the cell arrays; first and second vertical wirings disposed outside of first and second boundaries of a cell layout region in the first direction to connect the bit lines to the read/write circuit; and third vertical wirings disposed outside of one of third and fourth boundaries of the cell layout region in the second direction to connect the word lines to the read/write circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Haruki Toda
  • Patent number: 7335907
    Abstract: A phase change memory device is provided which is constituted by memory cells using memory elements and select transistors and having high heat resistance to be capable of an operation at 140 degrees or higher. As a device configuration, a recording layer of which, of Zn—Ge—Te, content of Zn, Cd or the like is 20 atom percent or more, content of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ge and Sb is less than 40 atom percent, and content of Te is 40 atom percent or more is used. It is thereby possible to implement the memory device usable for an application which may be performed at a high temperature such as an in-vehicle use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyasu Terao, Norikatsu Takaura, Kenzo Kurotsuchi, Hideyuki Matsuoka, Tsuyoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7335908
    Abstract: A resonant tunneling diode, and other one dimensional electronic, photonic structures, and electromechanical MEMS devices, are formed as a heterostructure in a nanowhisker by forming length segments of the whisker with different materials having different band gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: QuNano AB
    Inventors: Lars Ivar Samuelson, Bjorn Jonas Ohlsson
  • Patent number: 7335909
    Abstract: A quantum computing structure comprising a superconducting phase-charge qubit, wherein the superconducting phase-charge qubit comprises a superconducting loop with at least one Josephson junction. The quantum computing structure also comprises a first mechanism for controlling a charge of the superconducting phase-charge qubit and a second mechanism for detecting a charge of the superconducting phase-charge qubit, wherein the first mechanism and the second mechanism are each capacitively connected to the superconducting phase-charge qubit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: D-Wave Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Mohammad H. S. Amin, Jeremy P. Hilton, Geordie Rose
  • Patent number: 7335910
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thin film transistor having a high mobility and having fewer fluctuations in the mobility or threshold voltage characteristics. A non-single-crystal semiconductor thin film having a thickness of less than 50 nm and disposed on an insulating substrate is irradiated with laser light having an inverse-peak-patterned light intensity distribution to grow crystals unidirectionally in a lateral direction. Thus, band-like crystal grains having a dimension in a crystal growth direction, which is longer than a width, are arranged adjacent to each other in a width direction to form a crystal grain array. A source region and a drain region of a TFT are formed so that a current flows in the crystal growth direction in an area including a plurality of crystal grains of this crystal grain array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced LCD Technologies Development Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Kato, Masakiyo Matsumura, Yoshiaki Nakazaki
  • Patent number: 7335911
    Abstract: By providing appropriate TFT structures arranged in various circuits of the semiconductor device in response to the functions required by the circuits, it is made possible to improve the operating performances and the reliability of a semiconductor device, reduce power consumption as well as realizing reduced manufacturing cost and increase in yield by lessening the number of processing steps. An LDD region of a TFT is formed to have a concentration gradient of an impurity element for controlling conductivity which becomes higher as the distance from a drain region decreases. In order to form such an LDD region having a concentration gradient of an impurity element, the present invention uses a method in which a gate electrode having a taper portion is provided to thereby dope an ionized impurity element for controlling conductivity accelerated in the electric field so that it penetrates through the gate electrode and a gate insulating film into a semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Hideomi Suzawa, Koji Ono, Yasuyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 7335912
    Abstract: An organic light emitting display including a semiconductor layer formed on a substrate, a first insulating layer formed on the substrate and including a contact hole, an electrode formed on the first insulating layer and coupled to the semiconductor layer through the contact hole, a second insulating layer formed on the first insulating layer and including a via hole, and a pixel electrode formed on the second insulating layer and coupled to the electrode through the via hole. The via hole is formed corresponding to the contact hole, and the via hole has a larger size than the contact hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Moon-Hee Park, Chang-Su Seo, Tae-Wook Kang
  • Patent number: 7335913
    Abstract: An electro-optical device includes a pair of substrates that are disposed to face each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, one substrate of the pair of substrates extending from the other substrate on at least one side in plan view, display electrodes that are provided on one substrate, a circuit unit that is provided on one substrate so as to drive the display electrodes, a plurality of lead wiring lines that are led from one of the sides of wiring lines for driving the circuit unit or the display electrodes to an extending portion extending on the one side of one substrate, and a plurality of external connecting terminals that are correspondingly connected to the plurality of lead wiring lines and are provided on a surface of the extending portion facing the other substrate so as to at least partially overlap the plurality of lead wiring lines in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Masao Murade
  • Patent number: 7335914
    Abstract: Each pixel of a display includes a first thin film transistor whose source is connected to a first power supply terminal, a second thin film transistor which is different in conduction type from the first thin film transistor and whose source and drain are connected to the drain of the first thin film transistor and the first power supply terminal, respectively, an output control switch, and a display element connected in series with the output control switch between a second power supply terminal and the drain of the first thin film transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Shibusawa
  • Patent number: 7335915
    Abstract: A technique for improving the manufacturing yield of an image displaying device is disclosed. A fabrication method of the image displaying device includes the steps of forming on an insulative substrate a plurality of island-like semiconductor layers, forming a gate insulating film on the island-like semiconductor layers, defining more than one contact hole in the gate insulating film, forming a gate electrode on the gate insulator film for causing the island-like semiconductor layer to be in contact with the gate insulator film, forming a source region, a drain region and a channel region interposed therebetween in the island-like semiconductor layer, forming an interlayer dielectric (ILD) film on the gate electrode, forming source/drain electrodes contacted with the source and drain regions and the ILD film, defining a through-hole(s) after formation of the source/drain electrodes, and removing a contact portion of the island-like semiconductor layer and gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Displays, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Toyota, Mutsuko Hatano
  • Patent number: 7335916
    Abstract: A semiconductor light emitting device comprising: a transparent substrate; an electron injection layer of N-type GaN-based semiconductor; an active layer on the electron injection layer; a hole injection layer of P-type GaN-based semiconductor on the active layer; a first electrode structure on the hole injection layer; a second electrode structure on the electron injection layer; and a circuit substrate flip-chip bonded with the electrode structures, wherein the first electrode structure comprises a contact metal structure which is mesh- or island-shaped on the hole injection layer to expose a surface portion of the hole injection layer, and a reflective layer which covers the contact metal structure and the exposed surface portion of the hole injection layer, at least an upper portion of the reflective layer being made of silver (Ag) or aluminum (Al), an area ratio of the contact metal structure to the first electrode structure satisfies a following inequality: 0.4?Apd/Atotal<1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-soo Kim, Jae-hee Cho, Suk-ho Yoon
  • Patent number: 7335917
    Abstract: Provided is a thin film transistor that may be manufactured using Metal Induced Crystallization (MIC) and method for fabricating the same. Also provided is an active matrix flat panel display using the thin film transistor, which may be created by forming a crystallization inducing metal layer below a buffer layer and diffusing the crystallization inducing metal layer. The thin film transistor may include a crystallization inducing metal layer formed on an insulating substrate, a buffer layer formed on the crystallization inducing metal layer, and an active layer formed on the buffer layer and including source/drain regions, and including polycrystalline silicon crystallized by the MIC process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Bon Koo, Sang-Gul Lee