Patents Issued in January 19, 2010
  • Patent number: 7649121
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing halogenated hydrocarbon compounds with an inorganic fluoride (e.g., germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4)) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Isotopes Inc.
    Inventor: Bamidele Omotowa
  • Patent number: 7649122
    Abstract: A process for alkylation of an alkylatable aromatic compound to produce a monoalkylated aromatic compound, comprising the steps of (a) contacting at least one the alkylatable aromatic compound and at least one the alkylating agent with at least one molecular sieve catalyst under suitable alkylation or transalkylation conditions in at least one reaction zone, to produce at least one effluent which comprises the monoalkylated aromatic compound, wherein the suitable alkylation or transalkylation conditions comprise a water content being in a range from about 1 wppm to about 10 wt. % based on the combined weight of the alkylatable aromatic compound and the alkylating agent; and (b) maintaining the water content in the reaction zone; wherein the cycle length of the molecular sieve catalyst operated inside the range of the water content is greater than the cycle length of the molecular sieve catalyst operated outside the range of the water content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobile Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Clark, Vijay Nanda
  • Patent number: 7649123
    Abstract: A process for the oligomerization of propylene is disclosed wherein a tungstated zirconia catalyst prepared as a distillation structure is used in a reaction distillation zone under conditions of temperature and pressure to concurrently react the propylene to produce oligomers thereof and separate the oligomer products from unreacted propylene by fractional distillation in a distillation column reactor. Compared to the prior art tubular or plug flow reactors, lower temperatures and pressures are used to produce higher conversions and selectivities to preferred isomeric forms useful for preparing neo acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Catalytic Distillation Technologies, ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Keenan, Ramzi Y. Saleh, James C. Vartuli, Robert C. Lemon, Jean W. Beeckman, Christopher C. Boyer, Mitchell E. Loescher
  • Patent number: 7649124
    Abstract: Provided is a process for adsorptive separation of p-xylene from an aromatic hydrocarbon mixture comprising other isomers of xylene, and a device used therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a separation process employing simulated moving bed (SMB) adsorptive chromatography, characterized by subjecting the extracts eluted from a plurality of adsorption chambers arranged in parallel, to a crystallizer for additional separation, thereby improving productivity, and a device used therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Total Petrochemicals Co, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Suk Lee, Nam-Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 7649125
    Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of an insult in an absorbent article. An electrical property of the article is measured and either a proportional difference or a rate of change of the electrical property is determined. The proportional difference or the rate of change is compared to a difference indicator value and a rate indicator value, respectively, to determine the presence of an insult in the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Ales, III, Andrew Long, Meghan E. Collins, Shawn J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7649126
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 6111333 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6111333, to the plants of soybean 6111333, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6111333 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6111333 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6111333, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6111333 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6111333 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 7649127
    Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 6135319 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6135319, to the plants of soybean 6135319, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6135319 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6135319 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6135319, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6135319 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6135319 with another soybean cultivar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Stine Seed Farm, Inc., Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: William H. Eby
  • Patent number: 7649128
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D4521369. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D4521369. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D4521369 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D4521369 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Leitz
  • Patent number: 7649129
    Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 4305498. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 4305498. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 4305498 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 4305498 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Horejsi, Mark Erickson
  • Patent number: 7649130
    Abstract: An integrated circuit produced from non-monocrystalline semiconductors, including a plurality of transistors, all of the transistors being of the same type, and at least two timer signal inputs, wherein the timer signals fed to the different inputs are temporally non-overlapping signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Spirkl, Gunter Schmid
  • Patent number: 7649131
    Abstract: A wind instrument stand includes a base and a holding unit. The base includes a front support frame and a rear support frame. The holding unit includes a support rod rotatably mounted on the front support frame, two holding members pivotally mounted on the support rod respectively, and two torsion springs each biased between the support rod and the respective holding member. Thus, when the neck of the saxophone is placed between the holding members, the holding members are pivoted and moved toward each other by the weight of the saxophone to clamp the neck of the saxophone, so that the neck of the saxophone is clamped between the holding members exactly and stably to prevent the saxophone from being detached from the holding members due to an accidental vibration or hit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Tsung-Yao Yu
  • Patent number: 7649132
    Abstract: Snare drum assemblies, including assemblies with flexible snare anchors, and associated methods are described. A drum assembly in accordance with one embodiment includes a set of snare strands, each having a first end and a second end, a first, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands toward the first ends, and a second, flexible snare anchor connected directly to the snare strands towards the second ends. The snare anchors can be flexible between a first shape and a second shape different than the first shape when attaching the snare anchors to a drum. The first and second snare anchors can have generally flat, uniform shapes when not under tension, and can have a relatively thin profile (e.g., thickness) to provide for contact between the snare strands and a drum head in one or more orientations. In further particular embodiments, the drum head against which the snare assembly is positioned need not include snare beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Greg Nickel
  • Patent number: 7649133
    Abstract: The striking member for use with a percussion instrument is a vibration-inducing and flexing variation of a conventional unitary or one-piece drum stick, drum mallet or the like. The striking member includes a stick having opposed first and second ends, and a hollow shell having an opening formed through a lower end thereof. The first end of the stick is adapted for grasping by the user, and the second end is inserted through the opening, into an open interior region of the hollow shell. The hollow shell is secured to the stick, and flexes when striking a surface, such as a drum, for example. An elastic material may further be received within the hollow shell, and may at least partially fill the open interior region thereof in order to provide further elastic properties for the head of the striking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: James A. Lento
  • Patent number: 7649134
    Abstract: In displaying a music score by using a computer, there is provided a function for matching an in-music position being updated in a computer with an in-music position being played. According to the in-music position, display update is controlled. Space of music score display is divided into several partitions. The timing of updating each partition is defined as the moment when the in-music position in the computer has arrived at the position in the page obtained by predetermined function from the position of the page divided and the partitions are successively updated. Thus, it is possible to realize smooth display update capable of displaying the preceding partition and holding the display with a sufficient width before and after the position being played. Here, a plurality of timing input means are provided for matching the in-music position required here, so that a trace shift in the lower level can be corrected by means having a higher-level reliability when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Seiji Kashioka
  • Patent number: 7649135
    Abstract: A device for synthesizing sound having sinusoidal components includes a selector for selecting a limited number of the sinusoidal components from each of a number of frequency bands using a perceptual relevance value. The device further includes a synthesizer for synthesizing the selected sinusoidal components only. The frequency bands may be ERB based. The perceptual relevance value may involve the amplitude of the respective sinusoidal component, and/or the envelope of the respective channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Johannes Gerrits, Arnoldus Werner Johannnes Oomen, Marc Klein Middelink, Marek Szczerba
  • Patent number: 7649136
    Abstract: A music reproducing system includes a musical instrument for reproducing a music tune on the basis of the MIDI music data, a sound reproducer for reproducing a music tune and/or narration from audio data codes and a server computer for distributing programs, MIDI files and audio files to the musical instrument and sound reproducer, and a program contains plural music tunes and narration; while a program is being reproduced in collaboration between the musical instrument and the sound reproducer, the audio data codes are converted to an audio signal expressing the narration through the sound reproducer, and the music tunes are reproduced on the basis of the MIDI files through the musical instrument; and the duration data codes of audio file are supplied to the musical instrument so as to make the musical instrument and the sound reproducer synchronized with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Haruki Uehara
  • Patent number: 7649137
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a signal processing apparatus, including: extraction means for extracting a feature quantity indicative of characteristics of sounds represented by a sound signal, the sounds including different tones from within a 12-tone equal temperament and being arranged in an order of a musical scale based on a reference sound having a predetermined tone; and root decision means for receiving the feature quantity and deciding whether the reference sound is a root of a first chord of the arranged sounds, the decision being based on the feature quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7649138
    Abstract: A quickly attachable electric generator device for producing electric power from surfaces of hot or cold pipes. The invention provides a thermoelectric unit which includes a pedestal comprised of a material with high thermal conductivity on which a thermoelectric module is located. The pedestal includes a heat transfer element made to conform to a hot or cold cylindrical surface. The module also includes a module-to-air heat transfer element and the thermoelectric module is compressed between the air-to-module element and the pedestal. This element is referred to as a heat sink when energy is extracted from a hot surface and is referred to as a heat source when energy is flowing from the air and a cold surface. In preferred embodiments the heat transfer element is a thin flexible heat conductor that conforms to the hot or cold surface of various shapes and serves as a heat transfer conduit to transfer heat to or from a rigid portion of the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan David Hiller, John Claude Bass
  • Patent number: 7649139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric element in which a thin film of p-type thermoelectric material and a thin film of n-type thermoelectric material, which are formed on an electrically insulating substrate, are electrically connected, in which the p-type thermoelectric material and the n-type thermoelectric material are selected from specific complex oxides with a positive Seebeck coefficient and specific complex oxides with a negative Seebeck coefficient, respectively. The present invention also provides a thermoelectric module using the thermoelectric element(s) and a thermoelectric conversion method. In the thermoelectric element of the present invention, since a p-type thermoelectric material and an n-type thermoelectric material are formed into a thin film on an electrically insulating substrate, the thermoelectric element of the invention can be formed on substrates having various shapes, thereby providing thermoelectric elements having various shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Mihara, Ryoji Funahashi, Jun Akedo, Sou Baba, Masashi Mikami
  • Patent number: 7649140
    Abstract: A photovoltaic module comprising: (i) three or more substrates (1, 2, 3) arranged in a closed-spaced parallel relationship to one another, the substrates comprising: a center substrate (2) having first and second faces; a first outer substrate (1) having an inner and outer face, wherein the inner face and the first face of the center substrate are juxtaposed; and a second outer substrate (3) having an inner and outer face, wherein the inner face and the second face of the center substrate are juxtaposed, (ii) front photovoltaic devices (A, B, C) are formed between the first outer substrate (1) and the first face of the center substrate (2), (iii) connecting and/or dividing method (11) are placed between at least one pair of the front devices, and (iv) rear photovoltaic devices (D, E) are formed between the second outer substrate (3) and the second face of the center substrate (2), characterized by: (v) the front and rear photovoltaic devices are offset in such a way that connecting and dividing methods (11) o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dyesol Ltd.
    Inventors: Igor Lvovich Skrabin, Michael J. Sundman, Gavin Edmund Tulloch, George Phani, Sylvia Medlyn Tulloch
  • Patent number: 7649141
    Abstract: A thin emitter wrap-through solar cell and method for making a thin emitter wrap-through solar cell. The cell preferably includes a silicon wafer substrate having a thickness of less than 280 microns. The p-type area on the back side of the cell is minimized, which maximizes the collector area and reduces or eliminates stress due to passivation of the p-type area, which is required for conventional solar cells. The efficiency of the cell of the present invention peaks for a much smaller thickness than that for conventional cells. Thus thin wafers of inexpensive, lower quality silicon may be used without a significant efficiency penalty, providing a large cost advantage over other solar cell configurations. Vias through the substrate, which connect emitter layers on the front and back surfaces of the substrate, may consist of holes which are doped, or alternatively may be solid doped channels formed by migration of a solvent, which preferably contains a dopant, caused by a gradient-driven process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Advent Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell R. Schmit, James M. Gee
  • Patent number: 7649142
    Abstract: A cable for high speed data communications and methods for manufacturing such cable are disclosed, the cable including a first inner conductor enclosed by a first dielectric layer and a second inner conductor enclosed by a second dielectric layer. The cable also includes conductive shield material wrapped in a rotational direction at a rate along and about the longitudinal axis around the inner conductors and the dielectric layers, including overlapped wraps of the conductive shield material along and about the longitudinal axis, the conductive shield material having a variable width. Transmitting signals on the cable including transmitting a balanced signal characterized by a frequency in the range of 7-9 gigahertz on the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce R. Archambeault, Moises Cases, Samuel R. Connor, Daniel N. de Araujo, Bhyrav M. Mutnury
  • Patent number: 7649143
    Abstract: A wired-circuit-board assembly sheet is provided having removable portions that are easily removable without any generation of metal powder. The wired-circuit-board assembly sheet comprises a plurality of suspension boards with circuits, distinguishing marks for distinguishing defectiveness of the suspension boards with circuits, and a supporting sheet for supporting the suspension boards with circuits and the distinguishing marks, wherein openings are formed in the supporting sheet, and removable portions which are to be removed when the suspension boards with circuits are judged defective are located in the openings and also supported by the supporting sheet via joint portions formed of resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Ohsawa, Kouji Kataoka, Yoshihiko Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7649144
    Abstract: The connection structure between wired circuit boards connects a first wired circuit board and a second wired circuit board. The first wired circuit board includes a metal supporting layer, a first insulating layer formed on the metal supporting layer, and a first conductive pattern formed on the first insulating layer and having a first terminal portion. The metal supporting layer is arranged so as not to be opposed to the first terminal portion in a thickness direction. The first terminal portion and the first insulating layer opposed to the first terminal portion in a thickness direction are folded back into a curved shape. The second wired circuit board includes a second insulating layer, and a second conductive pattern formed on the second insulating layer and having a second terminal portion. The first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are electrically connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Honjo
  • Patent number: 7649145
    Abstract: Photolithography patterned spring contacts are disclosed. The spring contacts may be fabricated using thin film processing techniques. A substrate, such as a silicon wafer or a carrier substrate is provided. At least one layer of a metal or alloy film may be deposited on the substrate or on at least one intervening release layer and patterned to form metal traces. A stressable material, exhibiting an at least partially tensile stress state, may be deposited on the metal traces in a localized region. A portion of the substrate or a portion of the intervening release layer underneath the metal traces may be removed by etching, causing the metal traces to curl upward resulting in the spring contacts. The spring contacts may be used as compliant electrical contacts for electrical devices, such as integrated circuits or carrier substrates. The compliant electrical contacts may also be used for probe cards to test other electrical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Warren M. Farnworth
  • Patent number: 7649146
    Abstract: Stacked receptacles in a connector that each provide side-by-side differential signal contacts, are attached to a circuit board without additional width to accommodate multiple layers of differential signals by using connector wafer inserts that rotate the side-by-side positioned differential signal contacts to front-to-back contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Hazelton P. Avery, Patrick R. Casher, Richard A. Nelson, Kent E. Regnier
  • Patent number: 7649147
    Abstract: An off-circuit tap changer device which includes a spring-biased moving contact that is operable to independent flex and roll. The moving contact includes one or more rings which are independently spring biased to a moving contact support. The device also includes a single rod with locking elongated ribs to mate with a sleeve of the moving contact support. The circulating circuit includes X stationary contacts. The resiliency via the spring-biasing and the rolling of the ring minimizes, if not prevents, surface wearing of the moving contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Riming Xiao
  • Patent number: 7649148
    Abstract: A motor driven appliance timer utilizing a cam program disk and snap action switches is provided. The motor may be externally energized, or may be energized based on integrated electronics within the appliance timer. Rotation of the program disk by a user to allow selection of a desired appliance cycle is accommodated by a clutch subassembly that allows bidirectional rotation of the program disk without requiring that the user pull or push the control shaft before rotating the program disk. The timer of the present invention may utilize either impulse or constant drive mechanisms to rotate the program disk. The use of snap action switches minimizes the possibility of tack weld failures due to switch teasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: James E. Pearson, Robert J. Van der Linde, Thomas J. Davern
  • Patent number: 7649149
    Abstract: Method for maintenance of high-voltage switchgear/fuses in an installation, which method is performed while the switchgear/installation is under operation/voltage. It is further provided a device for carrying out the method, which device includes screening plates 20A-C, which screening plates are provided with maneuvring means 22 and 25, fastening means 23 and 24 for fastening of the screening plates to the switchgear cell/installation and means for disconnecting the switch 27, 28A-B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Trondheim Energiverk Nett AS
    Inventors: Per Steinar Mikkelsen, Geir Solum
  • Patent number: 7649150
    Abstract: There are provided a sensor which is small, suitable for reflow soldering by automatic cleaning and automatic mounting, can be manufactured in batch, and has a switch function, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and a portable telephone having the sensor built therein. There are provided a sensor having a switch function, the sensor being composed of a first substrate composed of a semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed, a second substrate composed of the semiconductor by which a conducting part of the switch is formed or an insulator by which the conducting part of the switch is formed, and a moving member having conductivity, wherein any of the first substrate and the second substrate has a cavity-shaped portion and the moving member having conductivity is confined by the first substrate and the second substrate, and a manufacturing method of the sensor, and an electronic device having the sensor built therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Nittei Musen Co., Ltd., Gunma Prefecture
    Inventor: Takashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 7649151
    Abstract: A gear-type key switch of a keyboard device of the present invention includes a key top, a holder member, four gears, a spring member, a film circuit board and a supporting plate. The spring member and the holder member are located above the supporting plate and below the key top. The film circuit board is located between the supporting plate and the spring member. The holder member forms four pairs of shafts and the four gears are respectively rotatably assembled to the four pairs of shafts. The key top forms at least four rack supporting members on a bottom thereof. The rack supporting members are respectively parallel to the four gears and engage with the four gears to provide the upward and downward movement of the key top. The gear-type key switch of a keyboard device is simple in structure, with low friction force and decreased height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Baisong Li
  • Patent number: 7649152
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solder ball bonding method and a solder ball bonding apparatus, which can enhance efficiency of bonding processing and in which plural electrodes formed on objects to be bonded are bonded to each other by melting a solder ball. In the present invention, the solder balls are picked up by a pick-up nozzle having a plurality of pick-up openings corresponding to electrode areas on the objects to be bonded and the solder balls are conveyed on the electrode areas. A laser radiating unit disposed independently above the pick-up nozzle is shifted along an arrangement direction of the pick-up openings and a laser beam from the laser radiating unit is irradiated onto the solder ball through a transparent member of the pick-up nozzle and through the pick-up opening of the pick-up nozzle, thereby melting the solder ball on the electrode area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: TDK Corporation, SAE Magnetics (H.K.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shindo, Toru Mizuno, Satoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7649153
    Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method for laser induced breakdown of a material with a pulsed laser beam where the material is characterized by a relationship of fluence breakdown threshold (Fth) versus laser beam pulse width (T) that exhibits an abrupt, rapid, and distinct change or at least a clearly detectable and distinct change in slope at a predetermined laser pulse width value. The method comprises generating a beam of laser pulses in which each pulse has a pulse width equal to or less than the predetermined laser pulse width value. The beam is focused above the surface of a material where laser induced breakdown is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Alan Haight, Peter P. Longo, Daniel Peter Morris, Alfred Wagner
  • Patent number: 7649154
    Abstract: In the case of a method of producing a linear graphic element on a molded body, the molded body is metallically coated and the graphic element is produced by a laser irradiation. The coating is removed by the laser irradiation in the form of dots having the same diameter and the same mutual spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joachim Ripperger, Tilman von Hacht
  • Patent number: 7649155
    Abstract: A method for performing piercing preferentially on a laser beam machine by taking advantage of a capability to change laser machining tools automatically. A laser beam machine is equipped with a device for changing a torch and nozzle automatically. The laser beam machine is equipped with a means of selecting preferential treatment of piercing after nesting data is prepared by a CAM or NC system and performs piercing alone in favor of cutting by changing to a special-purpose piercing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7649156
    Abstract: A laser annealing apparatus is provided, which can simultaneously process a plurality of moving semiconductor devices in an inline manner using one annealing laser. The apparatus may include a laser beam emitting unit, which emits laser beams to target regions of a to-be-processed object. Also included may be a plurality of first nozzles and a plurality of second nozzles, through which gas used for controlling an atmosphere of the target regions of the to-be-processed object is introduced or exhausted. The first and second nozzles may face each other so that the laser beams emitted from the laser beam emitting unit fall therebetween. The apparatus may further include a moving unit, which horizontally moves the to-be-processed object, to which the laser beams are emitted, at approximately the same transport speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Ro Lee
  • Patent number: 7649157
    Abstract: A chuck table for use in a laser beam processing machine, having a workpiece holding area for holding a workpiece, wherein the workpiece holding area is similar in shape to the workpiece and smaller in size than the workpiece, and a buffer groove is formed in such a manner that it surrounds the workpiece holding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7649158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a furnace (10) for heating preforms (20), of the type that comprises a preform-heating tunnel (12). According to the invention, the tunnel consists of a heating module (18) comprising vertical walls (14, 16) between which the preforms (20) travel. Moreover, at least one wall (16) of the module (18) is provided with at least one heating means (32) which is mounted to supports (34) such that it can move transversely and means (40) for adjusting the transverse position of the heating means (32) comprising at least one member (42) for controlling the movement of the heating means (32) between at least two indexed positions. The invention is characterized in that the control member (42) comprises an indexing boss (54) which can deform elastically such as to fit inside the complementary indexing notches (56, 58) on the corresponding support (34) at proximal and distal positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Christophe Doudement
  • Patent number: 7649159
    Abstract: The present invention provides technology that uniformly heats and melts a plurality of solder material arranged in a plurality of locations on a board, and uniformly solders a plurality of parts to the board that are arranged in a plurality of locations on the board. A soldering apparatus includes an induction coil having a length in the longitudinal direction that is longer than the length of the board. An inner space having a size sufficient to arrange the board therein is maintained inside the induction coil. The board supporting the parts and the solder material will be positioned in the approximate center of the inner space of the induction coil. An alternating current will flow through the induction coil in this state. An alternating magnetic field will be generated in the inner space of the induction coil. Magnetic fluxes will substantially uniformly pass through the inner space of the induction coil along the longitudinal direction of the induction coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Hirata Corporation, Nihon Den-Netsu Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanari Matsuura, Masahiro Koizumi, Masaya Tsuruta, Tomoyuki Kubota, Yoshiyuki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7649160
    Abstract: A new way of mixing instrumental and digital means is described for the general field of wave front sensing. The present invention describes the use, the definition and the utility of digital operators, called digital wave front operators (DWFO) or digital lenses (DL), specifically designed for the digital processing of wave fronts defined in amplitude and phase. DWFO are of particular interest for correcting undesired wave front deformations induced by instrumental defects or experimental errors. DWFO may be defined using a mathematical model, e.g. a polynomial function, which involves coefficients. The present invention describes automated and semi-automated procedures for calibrating or adjusting the values of these coefficients. These procedures are based on the fitting of mathematical models on reference data extracted from specific regions of a wave front called reference areas, which are characterized by the fact that specimen contributions are a priori known in reference areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Lyncee Tec S.A.
    Inventors: Tristan Colomb, Etienne Cuche, Nicolas Aspert, Jonas Kuehn, Pierre Marquet, Christian Depeursinge, Frédéric Montfort, Florian Charriere, Anca Marian, Sébastien Bourquin, Yves Emery, Silvain Herminjard
  • Patent number: 7649161
    Abstract: A light source having a first mixing chamber, a light pipe structure, and a controller is disclosed. The first mixing chamber includes a first plurality of LEDs, the first mixing chamber having a first transparent window through which light from the first plurality of LEDs exits the first mixing chamber. The light pipe structure has a first end optically coupled to the window such that light from the first plurality of LEDs enters the first end and a second end through which the light exits. The controller determines the power that is applied to the first plurality of LEDs and includes a photodetector optically coupled to the second end of the light pipe structure. The photodetector generates signals indicative of an intensity of light generated by the LEDs, the controller causing the LEDs to be powered such that the signal matches a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies ECBU IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kean Loo Keh, Lig Yi Yong, Yoke Peng Boay
  • Patent number: 7649162
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an optical feedback control unit for determining an optical output by a feedback control, an optical communication system, a feedback control method, and a recording medium for recording a program. According to the present invention, even when used in the system to which a plurality of nodes are connected, the unstable system may become stable by the proper feedback control without being affected by the optical level change according to the polarized variation or the loss variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventors: Takefumi Oguma, Hiroki Rikiyama, Koji Asahi
  • Patent number: 7649163
    Abstract: An extension line of a tube axis of a photomultiplier tube is shifted from the center of gravity position of a front surface of a housing, which allows a space to be formed at an opposite side in the housing. A signal processing board is arranged in this space, and a high-voltage generating circuit board is fixed on the extension line of the tube axis, and thus the interior space of a housing can be effectively used. Since the signal processing board can be made adjacent to a tube wall of the photomultiplier tube, even when the length in a tube axis direction of the signal processing board is long, it becomes possible to house the same in the housing. Therefore, it becomes possible to achieve miniaturization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventor: Takanori Nakaya
  • Patent number: 7649164
    Abstract: Method and systems related to obstructing a first predefined portion of at least one defined wavelength of light incident upon a first photo-detector array; and detecting the at least one defined wavelength of light with a photo-detector in a second photo-detector array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Searete, LLC
    Inventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7649165
    Abstract: An apparatus including: a photodiode including: a first conductivity substrate; a second conductivity PD-well on the substrate's first surface side; and a first conductivity collection well inside the PD-well; a modulation transistor including: a second conductivity TR-well connected with the PD-well, and a junction depth shallower than that of the PD-well; a first conductivity modulation well inside the TR-well, and connected with the collection well; a second conductivity source inside the modulation well, and including a region contacting the first surface; a gate electrode in a region partially covering the modulation well and enclosing the source; a gate insulation layer between the gate and the first surface; and a second conductivity drain partially sandwiching the gate and opposing the source, and including a region contacting the first surface; and a transfer transistor connected to modulation transistors in pixels between the source and a connected source line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yorito Sakano, Sanae Nishida, Kazunobu Kuwazawa, Tetsuo Tatsuda
  • Patent number: 7649166
    Abstract: An imaging device. In one embodiment, the imaging device includes a plurality of first electrode strips in parallel to each other along a first direction x, wherein each first electrode strip has an elongated body with a first surface and an opposite, second surface and a thickness n1. The imaging device also includes a plurality of second electrode strips in parallel to each other along a second direction y that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction x, wherein each second electrode strip has an elongated body with a first surface and an opposite, second surface and a thickness n2. The plurality of second electrode strips are positioned apart from the plurality of first electrode strips along a third direction z that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction x and the second direction y such that the plurality of first electrode strips and the plurality of second electrode strips are crossing each other accordingly to form a corresponding number of crossing points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Boyang Liu, Seng-Tiong Ho
  • Patent number: 7649167
    Abstract: A rotary encoder for determining the rotation of an object to be measured includes a shaft that is coupled to the rotation of the object to be measured, as well as at least one bearing in which the shaft is rotationally mounted. The rotary encoder also has a rotary-transducer base member having a bearing fixation region at which the bearing is fixed in position, at least one depression area being formed continuously with a defined depth on the rotary-transducer base member along the periphery of the bearing fixation region such that it surrounds at least half the periphery of the bearing fixation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakamura, Masato Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7649168
    Abstract: In a triple slit optical encoder, a first grating and a third grating are formed on separate members, and values of a first effective width W1 and a first pitch p1 of an optical pattern on the first grating, and a third effective width W3 and a third pitch p3 of an optical pattern on the third grating are set to values such that a periodic signal having the amplitude effective for detection of a relative displacement of a scale is achieved based on periodicity of the self-image, refractive indices of substances of substances and/or spaces interposed in the optical path from a bare LED up to a photodetector, and the thickness of those substances and/or spaces in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane on which the second grating is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Hane, Eiji Yamamoto, Yoshimi Kuroda, Iwao Komazaki
  • Patent number: 7649169
    Abstract: Resolution of thin beds made by a natural gamma ray logging tool is improved using a relation between the width of the response and the bed thickness. The peak gamma ray of the bed is determined using another relation between the measured gamma ray response and the bed thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Pingjun Guo
  • Patent number: 7649170
    Abstract: A dual-polarity mass spectrometer includes an ion source, a negative ion mass analyzer, and a positive ion mass analyzer to measure both the negative and positive ion spectra of a sample material simultaneously. The ion source includes a sample surface on which the sample material is positioned, the sample material providing positive ions and negative ions when excited by a laser beam or an energetic particle stream. A first extraction electrode is connected to a voltage higher than the sample surface to attract the negative ions from the sample electrode. A second extraction electrode is connected to a voltage lower than the sample surface to attract the positive ions from the sample electrode. The negative and positive ions are analyzed simultaneously by the negative ion mass analyzer and the positive ion mass analyzer, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Academia Sinica
    Inventors: Yi-Sheng Wang, Chung-Hsuan Chen, Shang-Ting Tsai, Chiu Wen Chen