Photocells; Circuits And Apparatus Patents (Class 250/200)
  • Patent number: 9219240
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an organic image sensor and an associated method. By inserting an inorganic protective layer between an electrode and an organic photo active region of the image sensor, the organic photo active region is protected from moisture, oxygen or following process damage. The inorganic protective layers also help to suppress the leakage in the dark. In some embodiments, the organic image sensor comprises a first electrode, an organic photoelectrical conversion structure disposed over the first electrode and a second electrode disposed over the organic photoelectrical conversion structure. The organic image sensor further comprises a first protective structure covering a top surface and a sidewall of the organic photoelectrical conversion structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Wei Liang, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Patent number: 9153710
    Abstract: A solar power system may include a combiner module, one or more rows of solar panels connected to the combiner module, and one or more wiring circuits connecting the one or more rows of solar panels to the combiner module. Each circuit may include an inter-module wiring arrangement that connects individual solar panels to each other in series, and a return wiring arrangement that connects the inter-module wiring arrangement to the combiner module. Each inter-module wiring arrangement may be arranged such that at least some solar panels are wired to other solar panels in the same row in a substantially alternating manner, such that non-adjacent solar panels in the same row are wired directly in series to each other. This arrangement may reduce the total length of harness wires needed to connect the one or more panel rows to the combiner box, as compared with conventional wiring schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventor: Rahul Natwar Goyal
  • Patent number: 9147790
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for receiving and converting incident radiation into DC current. The method begins with selection of an antenna having a terminal tip with a sharp edge. The antenna is layered with a substrate and a first coating. A first electrode and a metallic/mCNT antenna are layered on the first coating, and a plasmonic layer is then added. A gap is formed which is bounded on one side by the terminal ends of the plasmonic layer and the first coating, and a second electrode and a second coating on the other. The second electrode is layered upon the second coating which is layered upon the substrate. A set of AC currents is induced along the length of the antenna. The method then calculates whether or not the induced AC currents are large enough to create voltages for field emission. If the voltages are large enough, then a forward bias and a reverse bias are initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Scitech Associates Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul H. Cutler
  • Patent number: 9093581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optoelectronic device layer structures, light emitting devices, and detectors based upon heterostructures formed between hexagonal boron nitride (hNB) and III nitrides, and more particularly, to heterojunction devices capable of emitting and detecting photons in the ultraviolet (UV) and extremely ultraviolet (RUV) spectral range. The present invention also relates to neutron detectors based on epitaxially grown hBN thin films (or epitaxial layers) and hBN stacked thin films (or epitaxial layers) to satisfy the thickness required for capturing all incoming neutrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Texas Tech University System
    Inventors: Hongxing Jiang, Sashikanth Majety, Rajendra Dahal, Jing Li, Jingyu Lin
  • Publication number: 20150129743
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for pillar array photo detectors. In one example, among others, a photo detection system includes an array of substantially aligned photo sensitive nanorods extending between first and second electrodes, and a plurality of resistance monitoring circuits coupled at different positions about the circumference of the electrodes. In another example, a photo detector includes first and second electrodes, and an array of substantially aligned photo sensitive nanorods extending between the substantially parallel electrodes. Light passing through an electrode excites electrons in the photo sensitive nanorods that are illuminated by the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jinhui Song, Chengming Jiang
  • Publication number: 20150122018
    Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing altimeters in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve recalibrating a biometric monitoring device altimeter based on location data; using altimeter data as an aid to gesture recognition; and/or using altimeter data to manage an airplane mode of a biometric monitoring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Shelten Gee Jao Yuen
  • Publication number: 20150108326
    Abstract: An opto-sensitive device, a pixel configured for use in an opto-sensitive device, and a method of operating an opto-sensitive device are disclosed. The opto-sensitive device illustratively includes a capacitor stacked on top of a photodetector, thereby improving the fill factor of the opto-sensitive device. Transparent properties of the capacitor for a wavelength of interest ensure that the incident light is completely or mostly absorbed only within the photodetector and not within the capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Milos Davidovic, Wolfgang Gaberl, Robert Swoboda
  • Publication number: 20150108327
    Abstract: A device includes a first region, a multiplication region, a second region, and an absorption region. The first region is associated with a first terminal, and the second region is associated with a second terminal. The first region is separated from the second region by the multiplication region. The absorption region is disposed on the multiplication region and associated with a third terminal. A multiplication region electric field is independently controllable with respect to an absorption region electric field, based on the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Zhihong Huang, Marco Fiorentino, Charles M. Santori, Zhen Peng, Di Liang, Raymond G. Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 8986550
    Abstract: A method and a modular system for performing a sterilizing treatment of ballast waters (12) onboard of a ship (10), for reducing and/or removing the contents of invasive living micro-organisms. A water loading pump (13) and a water preliminary filtering stage (14) are operatively connected to a plurality of ballast water storing tanks (11); a UV sterilizing apparatus (18) for the ballast water is submerged into the ballast water in each water storing tank (11), and is operatively connected to a local control unit (QE). Each UV sterilizing apparatus (18) comprises a UV radiation source (28). The ballast water (12) inside each storing tank (11) is recirculated although the UV radiation source (28), for a required time and mixed with the ballast water inside the water storage tank (11) to enable the living micro-organisms to be substantially reduced or eliminated, during the navigation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Artes Ingegneria S.p.A.
    Inventors: Pasquale Punzo, Giuseppe Balzano
  • Publication number: 20150076343
    Abstract: An ion manipulation method and device to prevent loss of ions is disclosed. The device includes a pair of surfaces. An inner array of electrodes is coupled to the surfaces. A RF voltage and a DC voltage are alternately applied to the inner array of electrodes. The applied RF voltage is alternately positive and negative so that immediately adjacent or nearest neighbor RF applied electrodes are supplied with RF signals that are approximately 180 degrees out of phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Aleksey Tolmachev, Richard D. Smith, Yehia M. Ibrahim, Gordon A. Anderson, Erin M. Baker
  • Patent number: 8980982
    Abstract: A plastic packaging component is provided that is formed of a resin containing an electromagnetic spectrally detectable additive mixed with the resin. The resin formed into a plastic packaging component of an aerosol package lid, an aerosol spray button, an aerosol spray tube, a trigger sprayer, an integrated lid-sprayer, a grease cartridge, a grease cap, plastic fiber toweling, a packaging strap, a pail lid, a jar cap, or a brush. A process for detecting a displaced packaging component in an organic production stream is provided that includes adding to a resin an electromagnetically detectable additive intermixed with the resin and forming the additive loaded resin into the plastic packaging component. The production stream is then scanned for the detectable signal of the additive. Upon detecting the additive, an alarm signal is provided that the production stream contains the displaced packaging component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Martin, William A. Price, II, John Gregory Bruce, Darylnn Phillips Jordan, Craig Martin Stearns
  • Publication number: 20150060650
    Abstract: An optical-microwave-quantum transducer can include a first nanophotonic slab and a second nanophotonic slab. Each of the first and second nanophotonic slabs can include an optical region and a superconducting region. The first nanophotonic slab can include a pair of torsional beams anchored to a substrate to allow relative rotation between the first and second nanophotonic slabs about an axis of rotation. The optical-microwave-quantum transducer can include a gap between the optical region of the first and second nanophotonic slabs that forms an optical cavity in response to an optical signal, wherein the optical cavity can induce mechanical oscillation of the first nanophotonic slab about the axis of rotation. The mechanical oscillation can induce electrical modulation on a superconducting cavity coupled to the superconducting regions of the first and second nanophotonic slabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: JAE I. PARK
  • Patent number: 8957489
    Abstract: A component assembly including a carrier element including a first contact face and a semiconductor component disposed on the carrier element, wherein the semiconductor component includes a second contact face. The component assembly further includes a contact-making bonding wire, wherein one end of the contact-making bonding wire is connected to the first contact face and a second end of the contact-making bonding wire is connected to the second contact face. The component assembly includes a flow stop bonding wire positioned on the second contact face, wherein the flow stop bonding wire defines on the second contact face a first zone and a second zone. An encapsulation material is applied from the first zone to the first contact face so as to define an encapsulation for the flow stop bonding wire, wherein the flow stop bonding wire prevents an uncontrolled flow of the encapsulation material into the second zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Roman Angerer
  • Patent number: 8942481
    Abstract: Disclose embodiments include an image processor for feature detection comprising a single non-planar chip containing a plurality of integrated sensing and processing resources across two or more layers adapted to capture image frames and extract image features. In a particular embodiment, the non-planar chip is a three dimensional CMOS integrated circuit (3D CMOS IC) with vertical distribution of sensing and processing resources across two or more vertical integrated circuit layers. The 3D CMOS IC implements two or more feature detectors in a single chip by reusing a plurality of circuits employed for gradient and keypoint detection. Feature detectors include a scale invariant feature transform detector (SIFT), a Harris-based feature detector, and a Hessian-based feature detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignees: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Universidad de Sevilla
    Inventors: Manuel Suárez Cambre, Víctor Manuel Brea Sánchez, Fernando Rafael Pardo Seco, Ángel Rodríguez Vázquez, Ricardo Carmona Galán
  • Publication number: 20150015252
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and kits for detecting the presence of, the amount of or the concentration of a substantially non-emitting metal in a sample by a) providing a sensitizer to a chelator of the substantially non-emitting metal thereby creating a sensitized-metal complex; b) adding an unsensitized chelate, and c) detecting a signal from the unsensitized chelate. The substantially non-emitting metal may be gadolinium and may exist in complex with a chelator. The unsensitized chelate may be terbium (Tb) or europium (Eu), and the detecting a signal may be performed by fluorescence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Stewart Russell, Edward A. Fisher, Youssef Zaim Wadghiri, Ryan Casey
  • Patent number: 8927915
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method for intercepting a rocket body during boost phase. A sensor is arranged to detect thermal emission in a range that is characteristic of a firing rocket body. The image detected by the sensor is applied to an analog-to-digital converter for digitization and application to a computer that includes a routine for separating the modulated photon energy of the detected image from the substantially unmodulated photon energy that characterizes rocket body emissions. The unmodulated photon energy, signature of the rocket body, may be utilized by a fire control system for tracking, targeting and aiming munitions at the firing rocket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Frank O. Clark
  • Publication number: 20140377891
    Abstract: A charged particle beam irradiation apparatus, which irradiates a substrate with a charged particle beam, includes a capacitance sensor and an optical sensor configured to measure a surface position of the substrate, a storage unit configured to store respective measurement values of the surface position of the substrate measured by the optical sensor and the capacitance sensor, and a calculation unit configured to obtain surface position data of the substrate, in which the calculation unit obtains a correction amount by using respective measurement values of the surface position measured by the capacitance sensor and the optical sensor in a region within a scribe line formed on the substrate, which are stored in the stored unit, and applies the correction amount to the measurement value of the surface position measured by the capacitance sensor, to obtain the surface position data of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Go Tsuchiya, Wataru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8916945
    Abstract: Prepared is an n? type semiconductor substrate 1 having a first principal surface 1a and a second principal surface 1b opposed to each other, and having a p+ type semiconductor region 3 formed on the first principal surface 1a side. At least a region opposed to the p+ type semiconductor region 3 in the second principal surface 1b of the n? type semiconductor substrate 1 is irradiated with a pulsed laser beam to form an irregular asperity 10. After formation of the irregular asperity 10, an accumulation layer 11 with an impurity concentration higher than that of the n? type semiconductor substrate 1 is formed on the second principal surface 1b side of the n type semiconductor substrate 1. After formation of the accumulation layer 11, the n? type semiconductor substrate 1 is subjected to a thermal treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Akira Sakamoto, Takashi Iida, Koei Yamamoto, Kazuhisa Yamamura, Terumasa Nagano
  • Publication number: 20140346317
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a touch screen panel includes forming first sensing electrodes on a first substrate, forming second sensing electrodes on a second substrate, and forming a photosensitive layer on the first sensing electrodes. The photosensitive layer is patterned to form photosensitive spacers spaced apart from one another in a first direction. The first substrate and the second substrate are joined together. The photosensitive spacers maintain a substantially constant space between the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes in a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sun-Haeng CHO
  • Publication number: 20140346318
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assembling a circuit carrier with a housing component and furthermore to an optical unit for emitting and/or receiving radiation that is fabricated using this particular method of assembling and aligning the circuit carrier with the housing component. The method comprises the following steps: providing said circuit carrier, wherein on said circuit carrier there is arranged at least one electronic component, and providing said housing component having at least one first opening; aligning said circuit carrier in a way that said electronic component is aligned with respect to said first opening in the housing component, wherein the electronic component is directly used as a fiducial for its own position on the circuit carrier; fixing the circuit carrier at the housing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: CEDES SAFETY & AUTOMATION AG
    Inventors: Martin Hardegger, Henry Schulze
  • Publication number: 20140332660
    Abstract: A collimator for a detector, much like a 2D anti-scatter collimator of a computed tomography system, this system places a 2D collimator (1) between the object (2) and the detector (3). This system uses the 2D collimator in the place of a lens in a camera body, it is used to gather scattered photons (4), so the source (5) of the electromagnetic spectrum is not required to be placed in alignment with the 2D collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Brook Aaron Seaton
  • Patent number: 8877067
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment using an UV AOP. The invention combines an UV AOP (11) applied to a water containing a free chlorine species (8) with a chemical post treatment (14), a quenching. The quenching (14) is applied to said water (9) after the UV AOP (11) able to reduce a remaining content of said free chlorine species in said water (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Cosima Sichel
  • Publication number: 20140319317
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a photo-sensor comprising: an optically transparent substrate; an electrode pair; and a photoactive film with electrical polarization located between the optically transparent substrate and the electrode pair, wherein the optically transparent substrate is configured to transmit incident radiation received by the optically transparent substrate to the photoactive film and wherein the electrode pair is configured to receive charge carriers generated by the photoactive film in response to the transmitted incident radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
    Inventors: Szu Cheng Lai, Kui Yao, Yi Fan Chen, Yee Fun Lim
  • Patent number: 8872672
    Abstract: A traffic signal system with dual light sources includes a signal displaying module, an ambient light module and a supplementary light module. The ambient light from environment is assembled by the ambient light module for generating a first light beam. A second light beam is provided by the supplementary light module disposed near the ground for easy maintaining and avoiding danger. The supplementary light module includes a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor senses the brightness of the first light beam passing through the signal displaying module and generates a photosensitive signal. The brightness of the second light beam is regulated by the control circuit according to the photosensitive signal. The brightness of the first light beam is supplied by regulating the brightness of the second light beam, so the signal displaying module has high-brightness light source and achieves the energy conservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Allen Jong-Woei Whang, Yi-Yung Chen, Horng-Ching Hsiao, Jiun-Shi Liu, Nai-Lun Ku
  • Publication number: 20140312248
    Abstract: Identifying marks are often used for authentication and tracking purposes with various types of articles, but they can sometimes be subject to replication or removal by an outside entity, such as a person or group having malicious intent. Carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials can be used to form identifying marks that are not visible to the naked eye, thereby making the marks more difficult for an outside entity to tamper with. Various articles can include an identifying mark that is not visible to the naked eye, the identifying mark containing a nanomaterial that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes with a registered distribution of chiralities. The registered distribution of chiralities can be further tailored to increase the level of security provided by the mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. BECK, Hilary S. LACKRITZ, Jonathan W. WARD
  • Publication number: 20140306094
    Abstract: A photoreception device includes: a substrate; a photoreceptor element including a photoreceptor portion upon an upper surface thereof and a lower surface thereof is mounted upon the substrate; and an insulating resin mass that contains a flat upper surface and an opening that exposes the photoreceptor portion of the photoreceptor element, that is formed upon the substrate to be thicker than thickness of the photoreceptor element, and that adheres closely against side surfaces of the photoreceptor element, the side surfaces surrounding the photoreceptor element. The insulating resin mass contains a step portion that is provided to a height between the flat upper surface thereof and the upper surface of the photoreceptor portion; and the step portion extends parallel to at least one pair of mutually opposed side surfaces of the photoreceptor element, at a periphery of the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Takahiro Ebisui
  • Publication number: 20140306125
    Abstract: A method for determining at least one parameter related to a system is disclosed, wherein the at least one parameter depends on at least one relaxation time of the system. The system is excited by a first series of electromagnetic excitation pulses, exhibiting a first defined time gap between consecutive excitation pulses. The response of the system to the first series of excitation pulses is integrated uninterruptedly over time, thus generating a first response signal. Likewise, by uninterrupted integration over time of at least one second response of the system, a second response-signal is generated. The at least one parameter is determined taking into account the first response-signal and the at least one second response-signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: PreSens - Precision Sensing GmbH
    Inventor: Gregor Liebsch
  • Publication number: 20140299741
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a graphene film; a first arrangement of quantum dots of a first type located in contact with the graphene film as a first monolayer; a second arrangement of quantum dots of a second type located in contact with the graphene film as a second monolayer; an input voltage source connected to an end of the graphene film; and an output voltage probe connected to the graphene film between the first arrangement of quantum dots and the second arrangement of quantum dots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Colli
  • Publication number: 20140299766
    Abstract: An ion manipulation method and device is disclosed. The device includes a pair of substantially parallel surfaces. An array of inner electrodes is contained within, and extends substantially along the length of, each parallel surface. The device includes a first outer array of electrodes and a second outer array of electrodes. Each outer array of electrodes is positioned on either side of the inner electrodes, and is contained within and extends substantially along the length of each parallel surface. A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes by applying the DC voltages to each electrode. Ions either move between the parallel surfaces within an ion confinement area or along paths in the direction of the electric field, or can be trapped in the ion confinement area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Gordon A. Anderson, Richard D. Smith, Yehia M. Ibrahim, Erin M. Baker
  • Publication number: 20140291479
    Abstract: The invention relates to quantum dot and photodetector technology, and more particularly, to quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) and focal plane array. The invention further relates to devices and methods for the enhancement of the photocurrent of quantum dot infrared photodetectors in focal plane arrays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Xuejun Lu, Guiru Gu, Puminun Vasinajindakaw
  • Publication number: 20140291550
    Abstract: A flow cytometer system for algal cells includes a flow cell having an interrogation region, a long wavelength illuminator for illuminating algal cells entering the interrogation region, and a short wavelength illuminator for exciting fluorescence within the algal cells. The system also includes one or more photodetectors for measuring the fluorescence, and a data acquisition system that detects the illuminated algal cells in the interrogation region. The data acquisition system controls the illuminators to provide specific timing and intensity conditions for stimulating to fluorescence, and acquires data from the one or more photodetectors to provide information of the algal cells. The system analyzes data at high speeds to allow it to sort cells based on fluorescence and scattering data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ralph Jimenez, Richard Erickson
  • Patent number: 8849599
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for extracting of solar cell parameters. After illuminating the solar cell by different simulated solar luminosity with different illumination intensity, measured current and measured voltages of the solar cell are acquired and the series resistance of the solar cell is extracted based on the measured current and measured voltages. The root mean square error (RMSE) is used to determine the series resistance of the solar cell. Therefore, the parameters of the solar cell are extracted without presuming current-voltage functional form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Sheng-Fu Horng, Ming-Kun Lee, Jen-Chung Wang, Hsin-Fei Meng
  • Publication number: 20140263944
    Abstract: A light sensing device includes a substrate, a light sensing area on the substrate, and a light shielding layer over the substrate. The light shielding layer does not cover the light sensing area. At least one outgassing hole is formed through the light shielding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsung-Han Tsai, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Shiu-Ko JangJian, Chi-Cherng Jeng
  • Publication number: 20140264025
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for converting light having a first wavelength to a light having a second wavelength is provided. The apparatus includes an interband light detector configured to detect light with the first wavelength, a light emitting device configured to emit light with the second wavelength, and a connector connecting the light detector to the light emitting device. In another aspect, an apparatus includes an absorber layer configured to absorb light having a first wavelength, a barrier and trap layer adjacent the absorber layer, an injector layer adjacent the barrier and trap layer, and an emitting device configured to emit light having a second wavelength. In a further aspect, a method is provided and includes absorbing an input light having a first wavelength, converting the first wavelength to a second wavelength different in size than the first wavelength, and emitting an output light having the second wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hooman Mohseni
  • Publication number: 20140263945
    Abstract: A field effect transistor photodetector that can operate in room temperature includes a source electrode, a drain electrode, a channel to allow an electric current to flow between the drain and source electrodes, and a gate electrode to receive a bias voltage for controlling the current in the channel. The photodetector includes a light-absorbing material that absorbs light and traps electric charges. The light-absorbing material is configured to generate one or more charges upon absorbing light having a wavelength within a specified range and to hold the one or more charges. The one or more charges held in the light-absorbing material reduces the current flowing through the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jinsong Huang, Yongbo Yuan
  • Publication number: 20140239151
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a display device including a mechanical indicator, a reference photodetector, a measurement photodetector, and an opaque shroud. The opaque shroud is connected to the mechanical indicator to variably cover the measurement photodetector based on a position of the mechanical indicator. The opaque shroud does not cover the reference photodetector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ROSEMOUNT INC.
    Inventor: Mark Stephen Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8809924
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an imaging device includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a read-out portion. The photoelectric conversion elements are arranged above a substrate. The read-out portion reads out signal corresponding to charges which are generated from each of the photoelectric conversion elements. Each of the photoelectric conversion elements includes a first electrode that collects the charge, a second electrode that is disposed opposite to the first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer that generates the charges and disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an electron blocking layer that is disposed between the first electrode and the photoelectric conversion layer. Distance between the first electrodes of adjacent photoelectric conversion elements is 250 nm or smaller. Each of the electron blocking layers has a change in surface potential of ?1 to 3 eV from a first face to a second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Suzuki, Kiyohiko Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20140224641
    Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancement of detectable emissions from carbon nanodots or variants thereof by using the techniques of MEF to further enhance carbon nanodot brightness, photostability, and thus, potentially detectability in biological imaging applications by using plasmon supporting materials, such as silver island films and positioning of the carbon nanodots an optimal distance from the plasmon supporting materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: CHRIS D. GEDDES
  • Publication number: 20140209801
    Abstract: A photodetector with a bandwidth-tuned cell structure is provided. The photodetector is fabricated from a semiconductor substrate that is heavily doped with a first dopant. A plurality of adjoining cavities is formed in the semiconductor substrate having shared cell walls. A semiconductor well is formed in each cavity, moderately doped with a second dopant opposite in polarity to the first dopant. A layer of oxide is grown overlying the semiconductor wells and an annealing process is performed. Then, metal pillars are formed that extend into each semiconductor well having a central axis aligned with an optical path. A first electrode is connected to the metal pillar of each cell, and a second electrode connected to the semiconductor substrate. The capacitance between the first and second electrodes decreases in response to forming an increased number of semiconductor wells with a reduced diameter, and forming metal pillars with a reduced diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: VOLEX PLC, APPLIED MICRO CIRCUITS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Subhash Roy, Igor Zhovnirovsky, Sergey Vinogradov
  • Patent number: 8760401
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for determining position and orientation with respect to a display device. In particular, the invention is directed to acquiring an observed image from a display device using a pointing device, and calculating pointing device position and orientation using the acquired observed image and a displayed image on the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Ron Kimmel, Alexander Bronstein, Michael Bronstein
  • Publication number: 20140166904
    Abstract: Efficient fluorescence detection is achieved by optically guiding fluorescence light generated by color centers within a sample to photodetectors outside the sample. A fluorescence detection system may use a sample containing one or more fluorescence color centers that emit fluorescent light when irradiated with excitation light from an optical source. The sample has an index of refraction greater than its surrounding medium. The sample may include one or more output faces and further include at least two opposing faces configured to internally reflect the fluorescent light emitted by the fluorescent color centers, and to optically guide the emitted fluorescent light to the one or more output faces. The fluorescence detection system may include one or more optical detector configured to receive fluorescent light emitted through the one or more output faces, and a microwave source configured to manipulate the electronic spin of the fluorescent color centers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Ronald Walsworth, David Le Sage
  • Publication number: 20140166881
    Abstract: A terahertz wave generating module includes a bidirectional light source which provides a first dual-mode beam in a first direction and a second dual-mode beam in a second direction; a forward lens unit which focuses the first dual-mode beam; a photomixer unit which converts the first dual-mode beam focused by the forward lens unit into a terahertz wave; a backward lens unit which focuses the second dual-mode beam; and a light output unit which uses the second dual-mode beam focused by the backward lens unit as a light signal, wherein the bidirectional light source, the forward lens unit, the photomixer unit, the backward lens unit, and the light output unit are integrated in a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sang-Pil HAN, Kyung Hyun PARK, Namje KIM, Han-Cheol RYU, Jeong Woo PARK, Hyunsung KO, Kiwon MOON
  • Patent number: 8754775
    Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne T. Holcombe
  • Publication number: 20140158859
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes a transparent conductive film, a conductive film, and a photoelectric conversion layer and an electron-blocking layer disposed between the transparent conductive film and the conductive film. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a condensed polycyclic hydrocarbon which contains at least 5 benzene rings, of which a total number of rings is 7 or more and which contains no carbonyl group. The electron-blocking layer includes a compound A having a residue after removal of at least one group of Ra1 to Ra9 from a compound represented by general formula (A) and having a glass transition point (Tg) of 200° C. or more. The photoelectric conversion element exhibits high photoelectric conversion efficiency and low dark current characteristics even after heating treatment, and can be manufactured with high productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji FUKUZAKI, Kimiatsu NOMURA
  • Publication number: 20140145063
    Abstract: Provided is a laser sensor assembly and a method of controlling the laser sensor assembly. A laser sensor assembly includes a supporting unit; a rotary shaft unit formed onto the supporting unit, wherein the rotary shaft unit is rotatable, and has at least one bent portion to form a certain angle with respect to a rotational axis of the rotary shaft unit; and a laser sensor unit coupled with the bent part of the rotary shaft unit to form a certain angle with respect to the rotational axis of the rotary shaft unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG TECHWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bae-Jin KIM, Minsu KIM
  • Publication number: 20140138550
    Abstract: An “intelligent” UV curing assembly is disclosed. The “intelligent” assembly permits automated monitoring of performance parameters, part lifetime, and inventory control of internal parts. The “intelligent” assembly includes an on lamp microprocessor. The on lamp microprocessor may be configured to recognize the internal parts, record accumulated working time of each part, and sample and process data from the plurality of “intelligent” sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: FUSION UV SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Yixin Yang, William E. Johnson, III, Pradyumna Kumar Swain, Michael Kenneth West, Charles Hudson Wood, David Xu, Darrin Leonhardt, Mahmood Gharagozloo
  • Patent number: 8731414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical receiver (1) for receiving alternating-light data signals and for storing electrical energy obtained from extraneous light, having a photodiode (2) for receiving light, which comprises extraneous light and an alternating-light data signal component with a higher frequency in comparison to the extraneous light, and for converting the light into a photocurrent (IP) which comprises a data signal current (IN) and an extraneous light current (IF) said receiver additionally comprises a coupling unit (3) for coupling in and separating the data signal current generated by the optical alternating-light data signal component from the extraneous light current generated by the extraneous light, an amplifying unit (4) for amplifying the data signal current and an energy storage unit (5) which is charged by the extraneous light current (IF) and which includes a circuit for increasing voltage, wherein the energy charged in the energy storage unit (5) is used for at least partially
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Mechaless Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Rolf Melcher, Uwe Hill
  • Patent number: 8729444
    Abstract: A photovoltaic system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are electrically connected to a string or to multiple parallel-connected strings and form a PV generator. The first string end forms the negative pole of the photovoltaic generator, and the second string end forms the positive pole. A voltage reduction device is provided with the aid of which the potential of the negative pole is lowered to ground. Advantages with regard to the insulation class of the connecting cable used are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Adensis GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Beck
  • Publication number: 20140117858
    Abstract: A method of estimating the occurrence of midnight on a given day comprises the steps of determining the average night length (NLAVE) by averaging the night lengths (NL) between a night starting time (NST) as determined by a photosensor and a night ending time (NET) determined by a photosensor for each of a plurality of days, and estimating midnight to occur at the time that is one half of the average night length (NLAVE) after the night starting time (NST) for the given day. This estimate of midnight to control the operation of lights or other equipment without the need for clocks or constant power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Donald H. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8711125
    Abstract: A coordinate locating apparatus for locating at least one touch point on a plane and the method thereof are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiuling Zhu, Chenjung Tsai