Patents Issued in February 14, 2013
  • Publication number: 20130039073
    Abstract: A reflector with an alignment recess is provided. The reflector has a recess portion that receives the base of a light emitting diode. At least a portion of an outer periphery of the base of the light emitting diode is adjacent at least portions of the recess portion of the reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Gary Eugene SCHAEFER, Hristea MIHALCEA
  • Publication number: 20130039074
    Abstract: A luminaire is provided for being configured to be installed at a fixed location. The luminaire includes an enclosure defining a cavity therein and having a surface. The luminaire may include a plurality of apertures disposed on the surface and configured to allow air to flow there through, wherein there exists a height differential between one aperture and another aperture. The luminaire may further include a semiconductor light source assembly for being received in the cavity, wherein light emitting surface of the semiconductor light source assembly is exposed to the air flowing through the enclosure, and wherein convective air flow takes place due to height differential between two apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Yi Ding
  • Publication number: 20130039075
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a framing system for shaping a light beam. The framing system comprises a frame support comprising a number of shutter blades surrounding said light beam and a number of actuators adapted to move said shutter blades in and out of said light beam. The shutter blades form a merged pile, where part of a first shutter blade is in placed over a part of a second shutter blade and where another part is placed below a part of a third shutter blade. A first actuator rotates at least one of said shutter blades in relation to a first rotational point and a second actuator moves the first rotational point in relation to said light beam. The present invention relates further to a method of shaping a light beam comprising the steps of rotating a shutter blade around a first rotation point using a first actuator and moving the first rotation point in relation to the light beam using a second actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: MARTIN PROFESSIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Carsten Dalsgaard, Morten Grønberg
  • Publication number: 20130039076
    Abstract: A dimmer wheel which is formed to absorb large amounts of light and to disperse the light that is absorbed. The dimmer wheel has a bottom surface that is irregular, and a reflective material in that bottom surface to scatter the light. A light absorbing material also receives some of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: PRODUCTION RESOURCE GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: James Bornhorst
  • Publication number: 20130039077
    Abstract: Light directing film is disclosed. The light directing film includes a first structured major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first structured major surface includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Each unitary discrete structure includes a light directing portion that is primarily for directing light and includes a plurality of first side facets. Each first side facet makes an angle with the plane of the light directing film in a range from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees. Each light directing portion also includes a first base that is defined by the plurality of first side facets and has a first minimum dimension. Each light directing portion also has a first maximum height. Each unitary discrete structure also includes a bonding portion that is primarily for bonding the light directing film to a surface. The bonding portion is disposed on and between the plurality of first side facets and includes a plurality of second side facets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: William F. Edmonds, Vivian W. Jones, Keith M. Kotchick, Tri D. Pham, John F. Van Derlofske, III
  • Publication number: 20130039078
    Abstract: Embodiments are about light emitting devices array. The light emitting device array according to embodiments may include a printed circuit board including a base layer, a first protection layer which is in contact with at least one surface of the base layer, an insulating layer disposed on the base layer, and a conduction layer disposed on the insulating layer and a light emitting device package mounted on the conduction layer, wherein the base layer includes iron (Fe).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Sangwoo Lee, Jiun Kong, Il Seo, Hongboem Jin, Dongwook Park
  • Publication number: 20130039079
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a traveling light track that satisfies the need for easily relocating a hanging swag light to multiple positions. A traveling light track having features of the present invention comprises an elongated cylindrical shaped tube with a slotted channel suspended from a ceiling, inside of which the actual light chain would be mounted via a swag hook. Thus, sliding the swag hook along the length of the cylindrical tube could relocate the swag light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: TOM LUTZKE
  • Publication number: 20130039080
    Abstract: A automotive headlamp apparatus is configured such that, when there is a forward vehicle positioned in a predetermined first area, a control unit controls a shading unit so as to generate a single additional light distribution pattern selected from multiple additional light distribution patterns such that exposure of the forward vehicle to illumination is shielded, and when there is a forward vehicle positioned in a predetermined second area, the control unit controls the shading unit so as to generate a single additional light distribution pattern selected from multiple additional light distribution patterns, and controls a driving unit so as to swivel the optical axis of a lamp unit, such that the forward vehicle is not exposed to illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masashi YAMAZAKI, Atsushi TODA
  • Publication number: 20130039081
    Abstract: A retractable navigation light mounts through a surface of an aquatic vehicle such as a boat. The navigation light, in the retracted position, is substantially flush with the surface to which it is mounted, thereby reducing clutter and tripping issues. The illuminated portion of the retractable navigation light, in the extended position, is elevated sufficiently as to position the light(s) above any obstruction such as a trolling motor. The illuminated portion locks in the extended position so as to not retract as the boat pounds against waves and unlocks with the push of a button when it is desired to retract the navigation lights. In some embodiments, the extension shaft on which the illuminated portion is mounted is sufficiently sturdy as to provide a safety handle should one slip on the deck of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: R & D SHED, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Czipri, Bernd Czipri
  • Publication number: 20130039082
    Abstract: A vehicle light, which may be a third brake light, includes an insertion portion for inserting in a recess of a vehicle component and a contact portion for placing the brake light on an edge of the recess. The contact portion protrudes at least in sections past the side of the insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion has at least one catch element designed for catching the brake light on the vehicle component. The insertion portion further has at least one locking element for sliding the at least one catch element in the direction of the contact portion. The locking element is implemented as a lever. The method can be used for installing such a vehicle light, in particular a brake light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Walter FLEISCHER, Richard FEDER, Joerg MEICHSNER, Birger OSWALD
  • Publication number: 20130039083
    Abstract: A logo device for a vehicle is disclosed. The logo device comprises a first shell including a transparent region forming a logo pattern and a nontransparent region and a second shell connected with the first shell. The first shell and the second shell form a sealed cavity therebetween. A bottom plate is disposed in the sealed cavity, and a light guide plate disposed between the bottom plate and the first shell. The light guide plate includes one or more grooves disposed thereon. A circuit board is disposed between the bottom plate and the second shell, including a plurality of illuminating elements thereon. The one or more grooves on the light guide plate receives the plurality of illuminating elements. The light guide plate is configured to direct at least a part of the light generated by the illuminating element toward the transparent region of the first shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Qing GONG, Bo WU, Yilin ZHONG, Xinxin SONG, Jinqiu WANG, Junming BAI, Jun DAI, Fengwu SU, Ditian LUO
  • Publication number: 20130039084
    Abstract: The present invention provides: semiconductor-type light sources; a fixed reflector having reflection surfaces; movable reflectors having reflection surfaces; a solenoid; and a driving force transmission mechanism. The driving force transmission mechanism is made of: a rack that is elastically deformable; and pinions. A height H1 of a respective one of gear portions at each end part of the rack is greater in comparison with a height H2 of a respective one of gear portions at an intermediate part of the rack. As a result, the present invention is capable of maintaining a load between the rack and a respective one of the pinions at its required minimum level, and is capable of maintaining positional precision in stop location of the movable reflectors at high precision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Toshiya ABE
  • Publication number: 20130039085
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting device is provided in such a manner that a reflector and a light source are incorporated in a lamp room made of a housing and a front lens. The light source is disposed so that an emission direction of light from a light emission surface of the light source crosses an optical axis of the front lens. The reflector is disposed on one side with respect to a surface on which the light source is to be disposed, the reflector being configured with a curved portion that is adapted to reflect the light from the light source to a side of the front lens. A coloring member is disposed so as to be adjacent to at least a part of the periphery of the light emission surface of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Kazunori Iwasaki, Kei Onoma
  • Publication number: 20130039086
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headlamp for vehicles with a housing, which provides a light module containing a light source, a reflector assigned to the light source, a lens located in front of the reflector and a shutter located between the lens and the reflector whereas in an area above the shutter a diffuser lens element for scattering a light beam emitted directly by the light source shall be located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
    Inventors: Björn Dreßler, Ronny Letzin
  • Publication number: 20130039087
    Abstract: An optical device for a motor vehicle comprising a surface light source emitting light rays in a first direction, wherein it comprises an optical system including first deflecting optical means that are at least locally remote from the surface light source and deflecting the light rays emitted in the first direction, in a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO VISION
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Gasquet, Pierre Albou, Christophe Dubosc, Antoine De Lamberterie, Marc Brassier, Vincent Godbillon, Vanesa Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20130039088
    Abstract: The present invention includes an illuminated sports board having a deck equipped with a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs, which are mounted to the deck in a distinct ornamental pattern. The LEDs are in electrical connection with an energy source, such as a rechargeable battery in a removable battery pack. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery is mounted into the deck in a removable pack which can be charged without removing it from the deck. A microcontroller may be incorporated which provides for the selective illumination of the light emitting devices, and which may pulse, flicker, or create other aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Rezwan Khan
  • Publication number: 20130039089
    Abstract: An optical display element (10) made up of selectively illuminatable concentric rings (14) is provided, in which the rings (14) are obtained by the light exit surface (20) of a respective optical waveguide body (18). Each optical waveguide body (18) has a light entry surface (22) which couples light in from an associated light source (24) which is adapted to be selectively activated. The light entry surface (22), as related to the common axis (12), has a larger radial extent than the light exit surface (20). Further, the optical waveguide bodies (18) have directly radially adjacent light-blocking side surfaces (30). Owing to this configuration, it is solely the optical waveguide bodies (18) which determine the geometry of the concentric rings (14). Since the optical waveguide bodies (18) can be manufactured with high precision, the intended close tolerances are obtained. In this way, radial distances between the rings (14) of only approximately 0.2 mm or less can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Joachim Korherr, Harald Koehnlein
  • Publication number: 20130039090
    Abstract: A variety of illumination devices are disclosed that are configured to manipulate light provided by one or more light-emitting elements (LEEs). In general, embodiments of the illumination devices feature one or more optical couplers that redirect illumination from the LEEs to a reflector which then directs the light into a range of angles. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a second reflector that reflects at least some of the light from the first reflector. In certain embodiments, the illumination device includes a light guide that guides light from the collector to the first reflector. The components of the illumination device can be configured to provide illumination devices that can provide a variety of intensity distributions. Such illumination devices can be configured to provide light for particular lighting applications, including office lighting, task lighting, cabinet lighting, garage lighting, wall wash, stack lighting, and downlighting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Wilson Dau, Robert C. Gardner, George Lerman, Louis Lerman, Christopher H. Lowery, Brian D. Ogonowsky, George E. Smith, Ingo Speier, Robert V. Steele, Jacqueline Teng, Allan Brent York
  • Publication number: 20130039091
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light guide plate including a first surface and a second surface, opposite to the first surface, having a recess formed toward the first surface, and a light emitting device array disposed in the recess, the light emitting device array including a plurality of light emitting device packages and a board, on which the light emitting device packages are disposed. The light emitting device packages include first light emitting device packages to emit first light in the recess in a first direction, second light emitting device packages to emit second light in the recess in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and third light emitting device packages to emit third light having light output different from at least one of the first light and/or the second light in the recess in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jungki CHOI
  • Publication number: 20130039092
    Abstract: Display apparatuses are provided. The display apparatus includes a light source package generating light, a circuit board including a recessed region in which the light source package is disposed, a display panel displaying images, and a light guide plate directing the light generated from the light source package onto the display panel. The light guide plate includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of sidewall surfaces. One of the sidewall surfaces of the light guide plate is a light incident surface on which the light from the light source package is irradiated. A distance between the light source package and the light incident surface is less than a width of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: JOO-WOAN CHO, Hyun-Hua Song, Eui Jeong Kang, Seongsik Choi
  • Publication number: 20130039093
    Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light guide plate having at least five sides. There is a first side. A second side is parallel to and equal in length to the first side. A third side is perpendicular to the first and second sides. A fourth side is parallel to and shorter in length than the third side. There is at least one oblique side connecting the fourth side to the first or second side. The backlight assembly additionally includes a light source unit disposed the fourth side and the oblique side of the light guide plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: MIN-YOUNG SONG, Jae-Joong Kwon, Seui-Gi Kim, Hyun-Chui Bae, Si-Joon Song, Sang-Chul Byun, Dong-Hyeon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130039094
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to patterned gradient polymer films and methods for making the same, and more particularly to patterned gradient optical films that have regions that include variations in optical properties such as refractive index, haze, transmission, clarity, or a combination thereof. The variation in optical properties can occur across a transverse plane of the film as well as through a thickness direction of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Fei Lu, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20130039095
    Abstract: This invention relates to lighting apparatuses, and more particularly to a lighting apparatus which can dissipate heat from a lighting emitting module and an electronic module, reduce weight, and enables easy partial replacement and service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jaeduck LEE, Jinwoo PARK, Seoyoung JEONG
  • Publication number: 20130039096
    Abstract: An electrical power generating system based on a photovoltaic cell array comprises means for monitoring the output of the array in order to determine whether the output is sufficient to sustain supply to a connected power network. The output of the array is monitored by sensing the voltage across a resistor connected across the array output. The array is connected to the network when a predetermined threshold is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Alan Meredith-Jones, Stephen Turner
  • Publication number: 20130039097
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus capable of suppressing adverse effects of noise caused by crossing of wiring patterns on a wiring board mounting the apparatus thereon. The apparatus includes a transformer, a switching element connected to the transformer, a feedback rectification circuit, and a control circuit operable to control the switching element in response to a DC voltage from the feedback rectification circuit. A first wiring pattern electrically connecting the feedback rectification circuit and the control circuit is formed in one of two surface regions of the wiring board separated by an imaginary line running through a junction of the first wiring pattern and the feedback rectification circuit and a junction of the first wiring pattern and the control circuit, and a second wiring pattern electrically connecting the control circuit and the switching element is formed outside an area enclosed by the imaginary line and the first wiring pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunori Watanabe, Tsuneo Maebara
  • Publication number: 20130039098
    Abstract: An offline AC-DC converter circuits including an overvoltage detection module, a current limiting module, a PWM module and a switch control module coupled to the above modules. The overvoltage detection module, the current limiting module and the PWM module share a common input terminal. The sampled current signal and the sampled voltage signal are provided at the common input terminal by way of time-division multiplexing. With the time-multiplexed terminal, overvoltage detection for the output voltage is performed during the period when the power transistor is cut off and a current through the power transistor is detected during the period when the power transistor conducts. The two signals are input by way of time-division multiplexing, which are not affected by each other. Accordingly, overvoltage in the output voltage can be precisely detected without additional terminals, and thus the overvoltage can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HANGZHOU SILAN MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HANGZHOU SILAN MICROELECTRONICS CO., L
  • Publication number: 20130039099
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for LCL resonant converter control utilizing Asymmetric Voltage Cancellation is described. The methods to determine the optimal trajectory of the control variables are discussed. Practical implementations of sensing load parameters are included. Simple PI, PID and fuzzy logic controllers are included with AVC for achieving good transient response characteristics with output current regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Utah State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hunter Wu, Kylee Devro Sealy, Bryan Thomas Sharp, Aaron Gilchrist
  • Publication number: 20130039100
    Abstract: A power converter for effectively reducing switching noise is provided. The power converter comprises a capacitor 111; switching devices Q11a and Q11b connected to the capacitor 111 in parallel; and a controller 105 that controls each switching device individually to perform switching operations. Each of the switching devices Q11a and Q11b forms a closed circuit together with the capacitor 111. The controller 105 controls the switching devices Q11a and Q11b to perform switching operations of switching ON or OFF at different timings such that at least two closed circuits including the switching devices Q11a and Q11b mutually cancel ringing voltages occurring therein, each ringing voltage occurring due to the switching operations performed by a corresponding switching device and having a frequency defined by an inductance of a corresponding closed circuit and an output capacity of a switching device included in the corresponding closed circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Shun Kazama, Masaki Tagome, Makoto Kitabatake
  • Publication number: 20130039101
    Abstract: A switching power supply apparatus including an AC-to-DC conversion circuit, a hysteretic relay and a relay control circuit is provided. The AC-to-DC conversion circuit includes a current limit resistor, and the current limit resistor is configured to suppress an inrush current generated during the AC-to-DC conversion circuit converts an AC input voltage into a DC output voltage. The hysteretic relay is coupled with the current limit resistor in parallel. The relay control circuit is coupled to the AC-to-DC conversion circuit and the hysteretic relay, and configured to control the hysteretic relay to turn on in response to one of an over drive pulse signal and a holding modulation signal when the DC output voltage reaches to a predetermined value, so as to bypass the current limit resistor, wherein an enabling time of the over drive pulse signal is different from that of the holding modulation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FSP TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Hua-Ming Lu, Kuo-Fan Lin
  • Publication number: 20130039102
    Abstract: A voltage boosting circuit includes a first inductor, a first switch, a second inductor, a second switch, a first clamping diode, and a first energy storing element. When the first switch and the second switch conduct, the first and second inductors are able to store energy of a power source signal. When the first switch is not conducting and the second switch conducts, the first inductor is able to release energy to the first energy storing element. When the first switch conducts and the second switch is not conducting, the second inductor and the first energy storing element are able to release energy to a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicants: LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORP., SILITEK ELECTRONIC (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHING-MING LAI
  • Publication number: 20130039103
    Abstract: A power-converting apparatus, such as a power module, may include a base plate (16), a first direct current (DC) bus and a second DC bus (22, 24). A power semiconductor component (18, 20) may be electrically coupled to one of the buses, and may be disposed on a substrate (12, 14) physically coupled to the base plate. The power semiconductor component may be made from a high-temperature, wide bandgap material, and the substrate may be exposed to a heat flux based on an operational temperature of the power semiconductor component. At least a first capacitor (50) may be coupled across the first and second DC buses, and at least second and third capacitors (52) may be respectively coupled across respective ones of the first and second buses and an alternating current (AC) return path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: JOSEPH LUCIAN SMOLENSKI, MICHAEL SCHUTTEN, ELADIO CLEMENTE DELGADO, RICHARD ALFRED BEAUPRE
  • Publication number: 20130039104
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to Bidirectional Multimode Power Converter which employs a high frequency dynamically varying amplitude modulation and voltage steering method to convert the source AC or DC voltages to output AC or DC voltages, with programmable output voltage levels, output voltage frequency and duration. The inrush current control, turning off the idle converter, line voltage brown out protection, soft start, high pre-charge voltage generation, soft shut down of converter, dimming operation modes are inherent characteristics of the Bidirectional Multimode power converter. The Bidirectional Multimode Power Converters of the present invention facilitates bidirectional conversion and coupling multiple bidirectional sources and or loads. The Bidirectional Multimode Power Converter of the present invention supports local and remote control for changing operational characteristics of the converter on demand or on a programmed time of the day for a specified duration of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: VISWA N. SHARMA
  • Publication number: 20130039105
    Abstract: A filter circuit is employed to filter undesirable harmonics in a multi-phase AC input and provide damping for oscillations associated with the filter circuit. The filter circuit includes a damping circuit connected between phases of the multi-phase AC input. The damping circuit including a rectifier for rectifying harmonics in the multi-phase AC input and a single damping resistor connected across the rectifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Thomas A. Duclos, Duane A. James
  • Publication number: 20130039106
    Abstract: A static energy supply unit has an energy store 4-connected to an ac supply network by a power converter. A unit controller for the static energy supply unit includes an amplitude controller, a phase controller and a frequency controller. These measure and record characteristics of the supply network and provide output signals indicative of the voltage characteristics for an operating condition of the supply network. A signal generator for generating a simulated output voltage signal for each phase of the ac supply network is provided. A comparator is used to compare the simulated output voltage signal for each phase and a measured voltage for a corresponding phase of the supply network. The controller controls the operation of the power converter to vary the amount of power that is supplied to the supply network from the energy store 4-based on the comparison of the simulated output voltage signal(s) and the measured ac voltage(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: CONVERTEAM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Eric Anthony Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130039107
    Abstract: A discharge circuit for discharging a capacitor disposed in a power conversion circuit. The discharge circuit includes: a conduction path connecting the power conversion circuit and input terminals; plural resistors disposed in the conduction path, dividing voltage difference between voltage at the input terminal and reference voltage; a connection path connecting a pair of conduction paths; a switch disposed in the connection path, which opens and closes the connection path, the switch being controlled electrically; and a control unit that controls the switch to be opened or closed, the control unit controls the switch to be closed in order to make a closed loop circuit including the capacitor and the connection path. The connection path is disposed between the pair of conduction paths to include at least one resistor of the plurality of resistors in the closed loop circuit when the switch is closed by the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi FUKUTA
  • Publication number: 20130039108
    Abstract: A capacitor discharger applied to a power conversion system including a DC voltage source, a power conversion circuit having a pair of input terminals via which the DC voltage source is electrically connected to the power conversion circuit, and a capacitor electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. The capacitor discharger includes a first series connection of resistive elements and a second series connection of resistive elements. In the capacitor discharger, a parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements is electrically connected between the pair of input terminals of the power conversion circuit. This can ensure a discharge path for discharging the capacitor even in the presence of an abnormality in a portion of the parallel connection of the first and second series connections of resistive elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori WATANABE, Tsuneo Maebara
  • Publication number: 20130039109
    Abstract: A method for comparing content addressable memory (CAM) elements is disclosed. Binary values are stored in a pair of CAM elements. A comparison value is provided to a group of comparators, the comparison value based on the binary value stored in the pair of CAM elements. A match value is provided to the group of comparators, the match value corresponding to a binary value pair to be compared with the binary value stored in the pair of CAM elements. A positive match result value is output from a selected group of comparators via an output line in response to the comparison value matching the match value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Ganesh Venkataramanan, Michael G. Butler, James Vinh
  • Publication number: 20130039110
    Abstract: Memory device and method for fabricating a memory device on two layers of a semiconductor wafer. An example device includes bit lines and word lines fabricated at one layer of a semiconductor wafer and re-writable nonvolatile memory cells that include a two-terminal access device with a bidirectional voltage-current characteristics for positive and negative voltages applied at the terminals. Additionally, a drive circuit electrically coupled to the memory cells and configured to program the memory cells is fabricated at another layer of the semiconductor wafer. Another example embodiment includes a memory device where a plurality of memory arrays are fabricated at one layer of a semiconductor wafer and a plurality of drive circuits electrically coupled to the memory cells and configured to read the memory cells are fabricated at a second layer of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Chung H. Lam, Jing Li, Kailash Gopalakrishnan
  • Publication number: 20130039111
    Abstract: A multi-plane circuit structure has at least a first circuit plane and a second circuit plane, and each circuit plane has a plurality of row wire segments, a plurality of column wire segments, and a plurality of crosspoint devices formed at intersections of the row wire segments and the column wire segments. The row and column wire segments have a segment length for forming a preselected number of crosspoint devices thereon. Each row wire segment in the second circuit plane is connected to a row wire segment in the first circuit plane with no offset in a row direction and in a column direction, and each column wire segment in the second circuit plane is connected to a column wire segment in the first circuit plane with an offset length in both the row direction and the column direction. The offset length corresponds to half of the preselected number of crosspoint devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick Perner
  • Publication number: 20130039112
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device of a stacked structure type having a control chip and a plurality of controlled chips, wherein the control chip allocates different I/O sets to the respective controlled chips and processes the I/O sets within the same access cycle, the controlled chip close to the control chip and positioned to a lower position in the stacked structure has I/O penetrating through substrate vias connected to penetrating through interconnections. The penetrating through interconnections are extended to an upper one of the controlled chips that not use the penetrating through interconnections and, as a result, all of the penetrating through interconnections have the same lengths as each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
    Inventor: ELPIDA MEMORY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130039113
    Abstract: A DRAM memory device includes at least one memory cell including a transistor having a first electrode, a second electrode and a control electrode. A capacitor is coupled to the first electrode. At least one electrically conductive line is coupled to the second electrode and at least one second electrically conductive line is coupled to the control electrode. The electrically conductive lines are located between the transistor and the capacitor. The capacitor can be provided above a fifth metal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES 2) SAS
    Inventors: Sébastien Cremer, Frédérìc Lalanne, Marc Vernet
  • Publication number: 20130039114
    Abstract: A writing circuit includes storage to store writing data to be written to an OTP macro; a controller to apply a first signal that causes the OTP macro to execute writing of the writing data, and apply a second signal that causes the OTP macro to execute reading of data the OTP macro stores; and a comparator to compare the data read from the OTP macro in response to the second signal with the data stored in the storage and output a comparison result, wherein the controller ends a process associated with the writing data if the comparison result indicates a match, and applies the first and second signals again if the comparison result indicates a mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Takahisa HIRAIDE
  • Publication number: 20130039115
    Abstract: The field programmable read-only memory device comprises a memory cell having a switching element for storing bit information. The switching element provides a switchable electrical connection between word line and a bit line and comprises a static body and a moveable connecting element. The switchable electrical connection is non-volatile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Meinolf Blawat, Holger Kropp
  • Publication number: 20130039116
    Abstract: A bit cell of the PROM-device comprises a carbon nanotube having a tilted portion comprising a free end and a fixed portion which is to the reference node. The carbon nanotube comprises a structural defect between the fixed and the tilted portion which causes the carbon nanotube to tilt such that the free end is electrically connected to either the storage electrode or an opposite release electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Holger Kropp, Meinolf Blawat
  • Publication number: 20130039117
    Abstract: An electrical fuse (eFuse) bit cell includes a program transistor, a read transistor, and an eFuse. The program transistor has a first program terminal, a second program terminal, and a third program terminal. The read transistor has a first read terminal, a second read terminal, and a third read terminal. The eFuse has a first end and a second end. The first end, the first program terminal, and the second read terminal are coupled together. The read transistor is configured to be off and the program transistor is configured to be on when the eFuse bit cell is in a program mode. The program transistor is configured to be off and the read transistor is configured to be on when the eFuse bit cell is in a read mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung-Chieh LIN, Wei-Li LIAO, Kuoyuan (Peter) HSU
  • Publication number: 20130039118
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell, first and second voltage generating circuits generating first and second voltages, and a control circuit. A memory element and a diode included in the memory cell are connected in series between first and second lines. The first voltage has no temperature dependence, and the second voltage has a temperature dependence opposite to that of a forward voltage of the diode. The control circuit detects a resistance state of the memory element in accordance with a change in current flowing in the memory cell in a state where the first/second voltage is applied to the first/second in a read operation of the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: ELPIDA MEMORY INC.
    Inventor: Elpida Memory Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130039119
    Abstract: A system and method to read and write data at a memory cell that includes multiple non-volatile memories is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a memory device includes a plurality of memory cells. At least one of the memory cells includes a first non-volatile memory including a first resistive memory element and a second multi-port non-volatile memory including a second resistive memory element. Each of the first non-volatile memory and the second non-volatile memory is accessible via multiple ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: QUALCOMM Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130039120
    Abstract: A static RAM includes: a plurality of word lines; a plurality of pairs of local bit lines; a plurality of memory cells arranged in correspondence with intersections of the plurality of pairs of local bit lines and the plurality of word lines; a capacitance shared circuit arranged for each of the plurality of pairs of local bit lines; a common connection line connecting the plurality of capacitance shared circuits; and a pair of global bit lines connected to the plurality of pairs of local bit lines, wherein the capacitance shared circuit includes two N-channel transistors connected between the pair of local bit lines and the common connection line corresponding to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU SEMICONDUCTOR LIMITED
    Inventor: Shinichi MORIWAKI
  • Publication number: 20130039121
    Abstract: A magneto-resistance memory device includes a first pinned layer having a first magnetic polarity regardless of current applied to the first pinned layer, a first tunnel insulating layer arranged on the first pinned layer, a first free layer arranged on the first tunnel insulating layer and having a magnetic polarity that changes in response to current of a first amount, a second pinned layer coupled to the first free layer and having the first magnetic polarity regardless of current applied to the first pinned layer, a second tunnel insulating layer arranged on the second pinned layer, a second free layer arranged on the second tunnel insulating layer and having a magnetic polarity that changes in response to current of a second amount, wherein the second amount is smaller than the first amount, and a connection layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Seung Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130039122
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive random access memory includes a memory cell line in which memory cells are formed and write bit lines. The memory cell line 1 includes a magnetic recording layer, magnetization fixed layers, reference layers, spacer layers, and nMOS transistors. The spacer layer and the reference layer are located between the magnetization fixed layer and the magnetization fixed layer). The magnetization fixed layers have a magnetization fixed to a direction opposite to that of a magnetization of the magnetization fixed layers. The reference layers also have a fixed magnetization direction. The nMOS transistor is provided between the write bit line and the magnetization fixed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazumasa SUZUKI