| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09049801B2 |
Internal frame optimized for stiffness and heat transfer
A thin portable electronic device with a display is described. The components of the electronic device can be arranged in stacked layers within an external housing where each of the stacked layers is located at a different height relative to the thickness of the device. One of the stacked layers can be internal metal frame. The internal metal frame can be configured to act as a heat spreader for heat generating components located in layers adjacent to the internal frame. Further, the internal metal frame can be configured to add to the overall structural stiffness of the device. In addition, the internal metal frame can be configured to provide attachment points for device components, such as the display, so that the device components can be coupled to the external housing via the internal metal frame. |
| US09049800B2 |
Immersion server, immersion server drawer, and rack-mountable immersion server drawer-based cabinet
An information handling system includes: an immersion server drawer (ISD) having: an impervious enclosure which holds a volume of dielectric cooling liquid within/at the enclosure bottom. The ISD is configured with dimensions that enable insertion of liquid-cooled servers within the enclosure bottom. A plurality of liquid-cooled servers can be placed in a side-by-side configuration along one dimension of the ISD, with one or more heat dissipating components of the servers being placed below a surface layer of the cooling liquid. Submerged components of the immersion server are liquid-cooled, while the other heat generating components above the liquid surface are air cooled by rising vapor generated by boiling and vaporization of the cooling liquid. The ISD is placed in an ISD cabinet, which is configured with an upper condenser that allows for multi-phase cooling of the electronic devices placed within the immersion server drawer. The ISD cabinet can be rack-mountable. |
| US09049791B2 |
Terminations and couplings between chips and substrates
A method of attaching a chip to the substrate with an outer layer consisting of via pillars embedded in a dielectric such as solder mask, with ends of the via pillars flush with said dielectric, the method consisting of optionally removing an organic varnish, positioning a chip having legs terminated with solder bumps in contact with exposed ends of the via pillars, and applying heat to melt the solder bumps and to wet the ends of the vias with solder. |
| US09049785B2 |
Mounting device for expansion card
A mounting device includes a chassis and a mounting member. The chassis includes a rear plate, a side plate connected to the rear plate, and a bracket located on the rear plate. The bracket includes a top wall and a mounting piece. The mounting member includes a pressing plate and a mounting plate. The mounting piece defines a mounting hole. The mounting member is located between the side plate and the mounting piece. A first end of the mounting plate is secured to the side plate. A second end of the mounting plate is engaged in the mounting hole. The pressing plate and the top wall are configured for sandwiching a mounting tab of an expansion card. The mounting plate is elastically deformable to press the pressing plate towards the top wall. |
| US09049784B2 |
Flexible display including a flexible display panel having an opening
A flexible display includes: a display panel which is flexible; and a flexible circuit board which is disposed on a side of the display panel and includes an integrated circuit element provided on a surface thereof and an opening portion. The opening portion is in a shape extending in a second direction vertical to a first direction which is parallel to the side of the display panel to which the flexible circuit board is connected, and the integrated circuit element and the opening portion are arranged in the first direction. |
| US09049777B2 |
EMI shielded thermoset article
A conductive thermoset material is provided that provides shielding against electromagnetic radiation. The conductive thermoset material includes an intermixed conductive material dispersed essentially throughout. An antisettling additive is present in the conductive thermoset material to support dispersion, optionally, homogenous dispersion of the conductive material in the resin. The conductive thermoset material is formable into one or more articles. The articles may be transportable and resistant to significant conductivity changes by contact with other surfaces. |
| US09049776B2 |
Latching module for housing of portable electronic device
A latching module for latching two housings together includes a rotary member, a compression spring, an elastic sheet, and a magnetic member. The rotary member is attached to one housing, and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral surface. The first surface defines a first receiving hole and a curved groove. The second surface defines a second receiving hole communicating with the first receiving hole. A latching projection extends from the peripheral surface. The compression spring is received in the second receiving hole. The elastic sheet is attached to the peripheral surface. The magnetic member is received in the curved groove. The magnetic member is attracted by another magnet to rotate the latching projection into a latch in another housing. |
| US09049767B2 |
Electronic censer with control system having wind force sensor to regulate light emitting state thereof
An exemplary electronic censer with control system includes a main body, an LED disposed on the main body and a control system mounted on the main body. The control system includes a driver received in the main body, a wind force sensor exposed out of the main body and a controlling unit electrically connecting the driver. The wind force sensor measures a wind force therearound and samples a wind force signal S corresponding to the measured wind force to the controlling unit. The controlling unit analyzes the wind force signal S and thereby delivers instructions to the driver to regulate a light emitting state of the LED. A method for controlling the electronic censer with control system is also provided. |
| US09049765B1 |
Systems and methods for converting alternating current to drive light-emitting diodes
A system and method for converting alternating current from at least two types of electronic ballasts for fluorescent bulbs into direct current for an array of LEDs. The device is assembled such that it can fit into existing fluorescent bulb fixtures. Alternating current from a contemplated electronic ballast can have one of two peak-to-peak voltages and the circuitry of the device will convert either alternating current into approximately the same direct current. In doing so, the array of LEDs is illuminated providing an LED alternative to fluorescent light bulbs. |
| US09049760B2 |
PFC LED driver having a flicker control mechanism
A PFC LED driver having a flicker control mechanism, including: a bridge rectifier, used to generate a full-wave-rectified line input voltage according to an AC power; a single stage PFC constant average current converter, coupled with the bridge rectifier and used for forcing an input current to track the full-wave-rectified line input voltage and regulating an average value of an output current at a first preset value; and a current ripple reducing unit, in series with an LED module to form a load for the output current to flow through, wherein the current ripple reducing unit has a negative feedback control mechanism for forcing a peak of the output current approach an average value of the output current. |
| US09049758B2 |
Multiple-filament tungsten-halogen lighting system having managed tungsten redeposition
Described embodiments include a tungsten-halogen lighting system and a method. A described system includes a sealed glass envelope containing a halogen gas. The system includes at least two tungsten filaments enclosed within the glass envelope. Each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments is configured to generate light in response to a flow of electric current. The system includes a controller circuit configured to manage the at least two tungsten filaments in response to a tungsten filament management schedule. The tungsten filament management schedule includes controlling tungsten redeposition by the halogen regenerative cycle on each tungsten filament of the at least two tungsten filaments. |
| US09049757B2 |
Light source selection
The invention relates to selecting a light source from a plurality of light sources, particularly to the selecting of a light source by pointing to it with a light source selection device. An embodiment of the invention relates to a light source selection device (10) comprising—at least one photosensor (36, 38, 40) with a field of view (20, 22, 24), wherein light (26, 28, 30) from one or more light sources (32, 34) may be received by the photosensor within the field of view, and—a photosensor output signal processing unit (42) being adapted to select one or more light sources by processing the light received by each photosensor. The present invention may be for example used to select appliances or devices or objects provided with the ability to transmit coded light in the ultra violet, visible or infra red spectra, for example lights, climate, curtains, kitchenware, etc. |
| US09049756B2 |
Intelligent lighting control system and network comprising multiple-channel photo sensor
Multiple control modules (14, 16, 18) provide various power control functions including occupancy sensing, ambient light level sensing, manual touch switch (push button) preset stations, light dimming and power control relay switching. The control modules (14, 16, 18) are interconnected in a conventional four-wire local area network for executing different power control functions in response to remote wireless commands as well as preset manual switch commands at the wall box level. The local area network (12) supplies DC operating power and communicates programming command and control module status information signals to all network control modules (14, 16, 18). One or more control modules (14, 16, 18) include an infrared signal sensor, a laser signal sensor, a signal decoder, a data microcontroller, a parameter lookup table and multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LED diodes are used individually or in combination, in one or more colors and blink rate, to indicate the programming mode, or provide sensor feedback, or indicate device status, according to information contained in a command signal transmitted by a remote programming unit (58). |
| US09049750B2 |
Honeycomb structure body
A honeycomb structure body is comprised of a honeycomb body, a pair of electrodes, a pair of electrode terminals and one or more slit sections. The honeycomb body is comprised of a cell formation section and an outer skin section. The outer skin section has a cylindrical shape and covers the cell formation section. The electrodes are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer skin section so that the electrodes face with to each other in a radial direction of the honeycomb structure body. Each electrode terminal is formed in an electrode terminal formation section on the corresponding electrode. One or more the slit sections are formed in at least one of an electrode terminal formation section and a circumferential outside section of the electrode terminal formation section. |
| US09049743B1 |
System for streaming using mobile devices and servers
A method and apparatus in which multiple Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless data transmissions are simultaneously provided between a wireless device and a server, including providing multiple antennas, multiple T/R units, multiple processors and multiple I/O ports on the wireless device. The method includes receiving multiple IP data packets on the I/O ports at substantially the same time, and sending multiple data packets from the wireless device to the server, whereby the transmission rate between the wireless device and the server is increased. |
| US09049742B2 |
Method for forming wireless communication groups
An method for forming wireless communications groups applied in a wireless communications system includes selecting g coordinators from n wireless communications devices around a base station, allocating remaining (n−g) wireless communications devices of the n wireless communications devices to the g coordinators to form g wireless communications groups, reselecting a coordinator from each wireless communications group to generate g updated coordinators, and allocating remaining (n−g) wireless communications devices of the n wireless communications devices to the g updated coordinators to form g updated wireless communications groups. |
| US09049741B2 |
Mobile WLAN gateway
A technique for operating a mobile station as wireless local-area network [“WLAN”] gateway. A gateway application sets up (3-0) a WLAN base station capable of communicating with WLAN terminals over a WLAN network; creates a network identifier (3-2, 3-4) for the WLAN base station; assigns (3-8, 3-10) an IP address for the WLAN terminals; resolves domain name service [“DNS”] queries (3-12 . . . 3-18) in cooperation with an external DNS service system; assigns a port number protocols supported by the gateway application; and tunnels internet traffic (3-30 . . . 3-36) between the WLAN terminals and an internet host over the broadband connection. The memory further comprises a media server application for sharing content among the one or more WLAN terminals. The gateway application may redirect (6-22) a first HTTP page request (6-24) from the WLAN terminals to a start page of the media server application. |
| US09049740B1 |
Methods and systems for relaying signals
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes at least one passive reflective device having an elongated configuration defining a long axis and comprising a material configured to reflect radio signals. The UAV also includes a control system configured to control the UAV along a flight path that orients the at least one passive reflective device such that the long axis remains substantially tangential to an ellipsoid whose foci are at two points between which radio communication is desired. |
| US09049738B2 |
Sectorized scheduling method for the high speed uplink packet access service and the system thereof
A sectorized scheduling method for the high speed uplink packet access service is provided in the present invention, the method comprises: obtaining the current sector load of each sector and the current high speed uplink packet access service HSUPA mobile station load of each sector, and the maximal allowable sector load of each sector; obtaining the rest available sector load based on the maximal allowable load and the current sector load, performing load assignment for each sector based on the rest available sector load and the distribution of HSUPA mobile station in various sectors. A sector based scheduling system for the high speed uplink packet access service is also provided in the present invention. The present invention correctly associates the HSUPA UE load and the sector load, solves the problem of the larger overload or the larger underload, and improves the HSUPA throughput by several times. |
| US09049737B2 |
Multiplexing and demultiplexing radio channels
In one embodiment, a method and apparatus of multiplexing and demultiplexing radio channels includes receiving data through at least one multicast media channel available for use in an Internet Protocol Interoperability and Communications System (IPICS) comprising multiple communication endpoints linkable to a Land Mobile Radio (LMR) in the IPICS; channel mapping the at least one multicast media channel to multiple media channels of the LMR; receiving an audio signal through the at least one multicast media channel; controlling access to the LMR by applying communication access control policies based on the received data upon reception of the audio signal; and operatively linking the LMR to a specified endpoint through the at least one multicast media channel based on the communication access control policies. |
| US09049729B2 |
Random access channel preamble selection
The present invention provides a method of selecting a random access preamble in a radio communication system operable at least on a physical layer and a medium access control layer. Random access preambles are divided into at least two groups, the groups depending on at least one of the following: radio conditions and a size of a message to be transmitted by user equipment. The method comprising: (a) the medium access control layer selecting one of the preamble groups; (b) the medium access control layer randomly selecting one random access preamble within the selected group; (c) the medium access control layer signalling the selected random access preamble to the physical layer; and (d) the physical layer generating and transmitting the generated random access preamble. |
| US09049727B2 |
Macro user equipment initiated evolved inter-cell interference coordination mechanism through private femtocells
In one embodiment, a wireless base station, receives a random access preamble from a wireless device that is not authorized to utilize the wireless base station, the random access preamble indicating that the wireless device suffers interference from the wireless base station. The wireless base station sends a random access response to the wireless device; receives an interference stress message from the wireless device; and reduces interference for the wireless device. |
| US09049725B1 |
Method and system of using an indicator signal that indicates when an access channel is occupied
A spread spectrum communication system includes a base station that is able to transmit wireless signals that are spread by any of a plurality of orthogonal spreading codes and receive wireless signals that mobile stations transmit in an access channel. One of the orthogonal spreading codes is reserved as an indicator code that the base station uses to indicate when the access channel is occupied by a transmission from a mobile station. When the base station detects a transmission in the access channel, the base station estimates a completion time when the transmission will be completed and transmits an indicator signal spread with the indicator code until the completion time is reached. Before a mobile station transmits a message in the access channel, the mobile station determines whether the access channel is occupied by determining whether the base station is transmitting the indicator signal. |
| US09049724B2 |
Dynamic special subframe allocation
A base station transmits a message to wireless devices in connected mode. The message comprises an initial subframe allocation bitmap indicating an initial plurality of subframes including an initial plurality of special subframes. After an increase in the number of wireless devices or traffic load by an amount greater than a load value, the base station transmits a second message. The second message comprises an updated subframe allocation bitmap indicating a second plurality of subframes including an updated plurality of special subframes. The updated plurality of special subframes includes a smaller number of special subframes than the initial plurality of special subframes. |
| US09049720B2 |
Method and apparatus for simultaneously performing frequency resource sensing and data transmission in a wireless communication system
In order to simultaneously perform frequency resource sensing and data transmission, a pico base station (BS) within the coverage of a macro BS may determine the number of antennas for frequency band sensing and/or the number of antennas for data transmission and reception from among a plurality of antennas of the pico BS. The pico BS may also determine the duration of the frequency band sensing in a radio frame. The pico BS could then perform frequency band sensing, for the determined duration, or data transmission and reception according to the determined number of antennas for frequency band sensing and/or the determined number of antennas for data transmission. The duration of frequency band sensing and the number of antennas for frequency band sensing and data transmission may be determined based on the data throughput of the pico BS. |
| US09049713B2 |
Radio communication apparatus, radio communication system and radio communication method
A radio communication apparatus selectively performs one of a first transmission method using for data transmission a radio resource which is assigned by a radio communication apparatus and which can be used on a contention basis by a plurality of radio communication apparatus and a second transmission method involving random access. Alternatively, the radio communication apparatus selectively performs one of the first transmission method and a third transmission method involving a request made to the radio communication apparatus to assign a radio resource for data transmission. |
| US09049712B2 |
Method and apparatus for search space configuration for enhanced physical downlink control channel
In one embodiment, the method of configuring a common search space (CSS) for at least one user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system with at least a first type of physical downlink control channel includes broadcasting at least one parameter of a common search space (CSS), none of the parameters being the number of orthogonal frequency-division multiplex (OFDM) symbols. In one embodiment, a method of configuring a default user equipment-specific search space (USS) for a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system with at least a first type of physical downlink control channel includes broadcasting at least one parameter of the default USS, none of the parameters being based on an identifier of the UE. The broadcasting may occur before UE-specific signaling. In one embodiment, a method of configuring or reconfiguring the USS may include transmitting at least one parameter of the USS with UE-specific signaling. |
| US09049709B2 |
Base station device, terminal device, transmission method, and reception method
A base station device causing no decrease in system throughput and guaranteeing the reception quality at a terminal when a DCI directed toward the terminal is mapped to a PDCCH region and an R-PDCCH region. A search space setting unit (103) sets a search space having a plurality of allocation candidates, in both regions. An allocation unit (106) allocates control information to a resource in one allocation candidate in the search space. The ratio of the number of allocation candidates in the R-PDCCH region to the number of allocation candidates in the PDCCH region in the search space for a terminal using DM-RS in the R-PDCCH region is equal to or greater than the ratio of the number of allocation candidates in the R-PDCCH region to the number of allocation candidates in the PDCCH region in the search space for a terminal using CRS in the R-PDCCH region. |
| US09049701B2 |
Modulation and coding scheme selection method for a specific absorption rate compliant communication device
Transmission of data from a portable communication device to a base station via a radio frequency signal uses a plurality of modulation and coding schemes and a protocol that has recurring frames. Each frame has a plurality of transmission slots, different numbers of which can be used to transmit data. When it is desired to transmit data, a higher rate than was used previously, an attempt is made to increase the number transmission slots being used. If doing so, produces a transmission results in a specific absorption rate limit being exceeded, then the modulation and coding scheme is changed to one having a greater data coding rate. The power level and the number transmission slots then are set so that the data transmission does not exceed the specific absorption rate limit. The data is then transmitted by the portable communication device. |
| US09049699B2 |
Wireless backhaul
A method and system for providing wireless backhaul in a wireless radio access network having an overall allocated access bandwidth for access communication, the system including a radio access base station designed for out-of-band backhaul, the base station including an access transceiver communicating over an allocated frequency channel within the overall allocated access bandwidth, and an in-band backhaul unit coupled to the access base station including means for in-band communication of backhaul of the access base station. |
| US09049698B2 |
Method of enhanced connection recovery and cell selection
An enhanced connection recovery upon lost RRC connection due to radio link failure (RLF) or handover failure (HOF) is proposed. A UE first establishes an RRC connection in a source cell in a mobile communication network. Later on, the UE detects a failure event and starts an RRC reestablishment procedure in a target cell to restore the RRC connection. In a first novel aspect, a fast RLF process is applied to reduce the outage time in the serving cell. In a second novel aspect, an enhanced cell selection mechanism based on cell prioritization information is applied to reduce the outage time in the target cell. In one embodiment, multi-RAT registration is used to steer cell selection. |
| US09049690B2 |
Communication system, wireless communication terminal, communication method, wireless communication method, wireless communication apparatus and control method thereof
A communication system includes a call control server that receives a call request containing preference information of the outgoing call side, calls the incoming call side and transmits call request reception information containing information indicating that the call request has been received and the preference information to a message transmission server in order to convey the received call request to the incoming call side. The message transmission server receives the call request reception information transmitted from the call control server and transmits an activation message for activating communication with the outgoing call side containing the preference information contained in the call request reception information, based on the received call request reception information, to the incoming call side. |
| US09049689B2 |
Controlling cell activation in a radio communication network
A radio communication network (1) comprises at least a radio base station (10) serving an active cell (15) and a radio base station (20, 30, 40) having a passive cell (25, 35, 45) and does not transmit any cell-defining information for the passive cell (25, 35, 45). User equipment (100) receives random access enabling information applicable to the passive cell (25, 35, 45) from the radio base station (10) serving the active cell (15). The user equipment (100) uses this information for compiling and transmitting a random access to the radio base station (20, 30, 40) of the passive cell (25, 35, 45). Upon reception of the random access, the radio base station (20, 30, 40) activates its passive cell (25, 35, 45) and starts transmission of cell-defining information for the now activated cell (25, 35, 45) to assist user equipment (10) in finding the cell (25, 35, 45) for radio communication service. |
| US09049684B2 |
Gateway device, base station, mobile management server, and communication method
A gateway device connects a base station to a core network. The gateway device has a communication unit that receives, from a mobile management server in the core network, a key that cancels ciphering that was set in an NAS message that was received from a terminal that is subordinate to the base station. |
| US09049682B2 |
Method and apparatus for idle mode operation for M2M communication
Provided are an operating method for machine to machine (M2M) communication and an apparatus using the method. In an idle mode, an M2M device receives a paging message from a base station. The paging message comprises a network connection type and a start offset. The network connection type indicates a resource allocation for a ranging request. The start offset indicates an offset at which to start monitoring the ranging resource for the ranging request. |
| US09049678B2 |
Indoor personal relay
The embodiments herein disclose an indoor personal relay which has a wireless interface with the BS, which is effective in both cost and technology terms. The indoor personal relay, as disclosed herein is an estimate and forward relay. The relay 101 as disclosed herein does not perform any additional channel decoding/encoding on the data that it receives from the UE or BS. Embodiments disclosed herein enable the relevant UEs to have a high SINR link with the relay. This, in turn, translates to a better effective link quality between the UE and BS and higher indoor rates, which otherwise may have been not as good as a consequence of poor direct link between the UE and the BS. This relay is effectively transparent to the UE. The deployment of relays also implies minimal impact on UE IOT. |
| US09049676B2 |
Enhanced spatial modulation
A method of spatial modulation and associated transmission apparatus, receiver apparatus, computer program product and system for identifying a transmitter element within a transmission array of at least two transmitter elements, wherein a signal is transmitted by one active transmitter element at a time over a channel to a receiver. Power is allocated to the transmitter elements, wherein the power is allocated differently between at least two transmitter elements. The transmitted data is received at the receiver. The location of the active transmitter element is detected using knowledge of the power allocated to the transmitter elements. |
| US09049675B2 |
Method and device for power control of high speed dedicated physical control channel
The present invention provides a method and a device for power control of a High Speed Dedicated Physical Control Channel (HS-DPCCH). If a User Equipment (UE) is in a soft handover state and configured to a multi-flow transmission mode, the UE obtains a first HS-DPCCH power offset and an HS-DPCCH adjustment step size that are corresponding to each cell group in all cell groups of the UE. The UE determines a second HS-DPCCH power offset of the cell group according to the HS-DPCCH adjustment step size and the first HS-DPCCH power offset. The UE adjusts current transmit power of the HS-DPCCH according to the second HS-DPCCH power offset of the cell group. |
| US09049668B2 |
D2D relays as an underlay in LTE uplink
A method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for wireless communication are provided. The apparatus obtains at least one of a pathloss measurement to a base station or a maximum tolerable interference to the base station, determines a maximum transmission power for an access link to a user equipment (UE) based on the at least one of the pathloss measurement or the maximum tolerable interference to the base station, and communicates on the access link to the UE at a transmission power less than the determined maximum transmission power. |
| US09049667B2 |
Transmission power control on a wireless communication device for a plurality of regulated bands or component carriers
A wireless communication device is configured for performing uplink transmission power control. The wireless communication device includes a processor and instructions stored in memory. The wireless communication device performs uplink transmission power control for multiple regulated frequency bands or component carriers. The wireless communication device determines a total transmission power for at least one component carrier and allocates transmission power to at least one antenna. |
| US09049661B2 |
Methods and apparatus to reduce power consumption for HARQ decoding
Certain aspects of the present disclosure may help reduce power consumption by allowing a UE to remain in a low power state by not attempting to decode ACK/NACK transmissions after receiving a positive acknowledgement (ACK). |
| US09049655B2 |
Method of performing uplink synchronization in wireless communication system
A method of performing uplink synchronization in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a random access preamble which is randomly selected from a set of random access preambles, receiving a random access response, the random access response comprising a random access preamble identifier corresponding to the random access preamble and a time alignment value for uplink synchronization, starting a time alignment timer after applying the time alignment value, starting a contention resolution timer after receiving the random access response, wherein contention resolution is not successful when the contention resolution timer is expired, and stopping the time alignment timer when the contention resolution timer is expired. |
| US09049654B2 |
OFDM-based multiple access method and communication device controlling the same
An OFDM-based multiple access method and a communication device controlling the same are provided. The OFDM-based multiple access method includes transmitting a predetermined synchronization control signal to many and unspecified terminals, and receiving a test message from the terminals in response to the synchronization control signal; classifying the terminals that receive the test message in a first unit time from a predetermined reference time after the transmission of the synchronization control signal into a first group, and classifying the terminals that receive the test message in a certain n-th unit time from the reference time into an n-th group; allocating use permission time of sub-channels to the groups; and the terminals transmitting/receiving data through partial occupation of the sub-channels and symbols at a time allocated to the corresponding groups. |
| US09049653B2 |
Handover in core-edge separation technology in wireless communications
In one embodiment of the invention, a method for wireless communication includes receiving a packet destined to a destination node at a first egress router. The destination node is supported by a second egress router. A destination address of the packet is the first egress router. The received packet is redirected to the second egress router. |
| US09049652B2 |
Method and system for controlling access and utilization of femtocells via a network based service
Aspects of a method and system for controlling access and utilization of femtocells via a network based service are provided. In this regard, a femtocell management entity communicatively coupled to a network and operable to manage one or more femtocells may be accessed via an end-user communication device. In this manner, the femtocell(s) may be managed via the end-user device such as one of the cellular enabled communication devices. The femtocell management entity may enable establishing one or more SLAs between the femtocell(s) and the cellular enabled communication device(s). The SLA(s) may enable the cellular enabled communication device(s) to establish one or more cellular communication channels with the femtocell(s). The SLA(s) may determine when the cellular communication channels may be established. The SLA(s) may determine how a femtocell owner/operator may be compensated for providing cellular service. The femtocell(s) may be accessed utilizing Internet Protocol. |
| US09049649B2 |
Configuring consumption of service for electronic devices
One embodiment of a method for configuring consumption of service includes identifying a service to be consumed by a user, identifying a plurality of bearer technologies across which at least one electronic device can access the service, selecting one of the plurality of bearer technologies for use in configuring the at least one electronic device, and configuring the at least one electronic device for the service using one of a plurality of management frameworks according to the selected bearer technology. |
| US09049640B2 |
Encoded information reading terminal with wireless path selection capability
A portable encoded information reading (EIR) terminal for incorporation in a data collection system can comprise a terminal module communicatively coupled to a wireless interface module via a wired interface. The terminal module can include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and an encoded information reading (EIR) device. The wireless interface module can include a microcontroller, a memory, and at least one wireless communication interface. The wireless interface module can establish one or more wireless links with one or more peer EIR terminals, to join a wireless network which is collectively formed by the peer EIR terminals. The wireless interface module can receive or transmit beacons containing at least an identifier of a path selection protocol which is used for unicast, multicast and broadcast frame transmission within the wireless network. |
| US09049639B1 |
Method and system for user-requested vertical handoff
While a mobile node is engaged in a communication session via a first air interface channel, the user of the mobile node requests a vertical handoff. In response to the user's handoff request, the mobile node goes into a dormant mode to release the first air interface channel. The mobile node then acquires a second air interface channel, which may have a higher data rate than the first air interface channel, and continues the communication session via the second air interface channel. The mobile node may also determine that a vertical handoff may be available, e.g., by checking a preferred roaming list (PRL), and then indicate to the user that a vertical handoff may be available. |
| US09049632B1 |
Idle mode handoff transfer of network access information
Systems, methods, and software for providing network access information to a wireless communication device are provided herein. In one example, method of operating a communication system is provided. The method includes communicating with a wireless communication device over a long-term evolution (LTE) wireless communication link provided by a first wireless access node, detecting a handoff from the first wireless access node to a second wireless access node for the wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is in an idle mode of operation, and responsive to the handoff, transferring network access information for a non-LTE network to the wireless communication device. |
| US09049631B2 |
Usage based radio access technology selection
Systems, methods, and apparatus that select a radio access technology based on a usage history are presented herein. A recording component can record, based on a first use of a wireless communication network, information identifying a radio access technology associated with the first use. A selection component can select, in response to receiving a request for a second use of the wireless communication network, the radio access technology for the second use based on the information. A transfer component can determine whether a request for a handover is based on a wireless service coverage. Further, the transfer component can determine whether a request for a reselection is based on the wireless service coverage. Moreover, the selection component can select another radio access technology for the second use in response to the request being based on the wireless service coverage. |
| US09049630B2 |
Facilitating baton handover in multi-carrier TD-SCDMA communications systems
Handover processes in multi-carrier carrier time division-synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems include a two-step handover process. When handover of a user equipment is warranted, a hard handover is performed within a source cell of the system from a first frequency to a second frequency. A baton handover is then performed from the second frequency at the source cell to the second frequency at a target cell. In another aspect, a user equipment receives an assignment of an uplink time slot at a target cell that was selected to prevent the uplink time slot from being proximal to a downlink time slot of a source cell. The user equipment then performs the inter-frequency baton handover using the uplink time slot. |
| US09049627B2 |
Handover and neighbor management for mobile relay nodes
Some embodiments provide a mobile relay node, RN, (16) with complete and valid neighbor cell information. The RN (16) requests this information from a donor base station (12) upon detecting a defined condition characteristically indicating that movement of the RN (16) has rendered previously obtained neighbor cell information incomplete or invalid. The RN (16) may generate the request to identify cells (18) currently neighboring the mobile cell (20). The donor base station (12) may then provide the RN (16) information that more specifically pertains to the mobile cell's neighbors, rather than generally pertaining to the donor cell's neighbors. Other embodiments compensate for the RN's incomplete or invalid neighbor cell information. These embodiments permit the RN (16) to identify a target cell (18) with a non-unique cell identifier in a handover message sent to the donor base station (12). The donor base station (12) resolves this non-unique identifier and replaces it with the corresponding unique identifier for sending the message towards the target cell (18). |
| US09049612B2 |
Adaptive R99 and HS PS (high speed packet-switched) link diversity for coverage and capacity enhancement of circuit-switched calls
Adaptive link diversity is employed for enhanced coverage and capacity during user data communication in a UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Specifically, current radio conditions associated with the user data are monitored and analyzed. Moreover, a switching and/or concurrent transport mechanism is implemented for communication between a NodeB and UE (User Equipment), when the current radio conditions change beyond a predefined level. In particular, a CS (Circuit Switched) over HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) connection is reconfigured to an R99 (Release 99) CS connection, or a concurrent R99 CS connection is provided along with the CS over HSPA connection, when detected that radio conditions have degraded beyond a predefined threshold. In one aspect, the selection between switching to a new transport mechanism and, adding a concurrent transport mechanism is based on an analysis and/or operator defined conditions. |
| US09049609B1 |
Dynamic management of retry time period based on past lack of support for providing a service
A method and corresponding system for managing how long a UE will wait before attempting to be served by a RAN, such as before the UE searches for coverage of the RAN and determines whether the RAN supports providing a particular service. The method may apply in a scenario where the RAN is normally configured to provide the particular service but from time to time may lack support for providing that service. As disclosed, a network entity may evaluate past instances of the RAN lacking support for providing the service, and may thereby estimate a typical (e.g., average) duration for such lack of support. Based on that estimate, the network entity may then provide the UE with an indication of how long the UE should wait before the UE attempts to be served by the RAN, and the UE may responsively wait for that time period. |
| US09049604B2 |
Communication system, method of detecting hole area, base station apparatus, and mobile station apparatus
A method of detecting a hole area to be generated in a cover area of a communication system which includes a plurality of base station apparatuses and mobile station apparatuses, includes: measuring received powers from the plurality of base station apparatuses at the mobile station apparatuses, and, based on the received power from the other base station apparatus among a plurality of base station apparatuses other than the base station apparatus which covers a cell in which the mobile station apparatuses are positioned, detecting a hole area to be generated when a signal output from the base station apparatus is stopped. |
| US09049603B2 |
Wireless station, determination apparatus, wireless communication system, determination method, and storage medium
[Problem] To provide a wireless station, a determination apparatus, a wireless communication system, a determination method, and a storage medium which can carry out appropriate interference causing control in a secondary system adaptively to an actual environment with no change in a configuration of a primary system.[Means to solve the problem] A wireless station includes a determination means to determine at least one monitoring station measuring a wireless signal, which is transmitted by the wireless station and which causes interference to another system, out of plural wireless stations of a wireless communication system to which the wireless station belongs. |
| US09049601B2 |
Base station apparatus, mobile station apparatus, distributed antenna wireless communications system, pilot channel generation method, synchronization channel generation method, and antenna selection method
The present invention is to provide base station apparatuses and mobile station apparatuses suitable for a configuration of a distributed wireless communications system, configure the distributed wireless communications system, and provide a pilot channel generation method and synchronization generation method suitable for the distributed wireless communications system. Provided are a control signal generating section 13 which generates a plurality of mutually different first pilot signals and a second pilot signal based on control data input from the core network apparatus CN constituting the distributed wireless communications system, combines the first pilot signals and the second pilot signal, and thereby generates specific pilot channels for each of radio access unit apparatuses, and a transmitting section 10 that transmits the specific pilot channels respectively to the radio access unit apparatuses. |
| US09049600B2 |
Mobile terminal and operation control method thereof
Discussed is a mobile terminal, including a touch screen configured to display visual information, a camera unit configured to detect user's gaze information and a controller configured to execute an application in response to a user input, wherein an execution screen of the application is displayed on the touch screen, detect the user's gaze information, and stop displaying the execution screen of the application based on an elapsed time from when the user's gaze information is not detected, wherein the elapsed time is varied based on a type of the application. |
| US09049590B1 |
Communication usage control for a group of users
In a communication system, a control server determines a first quota for a rating group to grant communication usage on a per-user basis and indicates the first quota to a network element. The network element grants communication usage to the users in the rating group based on the first quota. A user communication device receives a user input indicating a user priority and transfers the user priority to the network element. The network element transfers the user priority to the control server. The control server processes the user priority to determine a second quota for the rating group. The network element receives the second quota and grants subsequent communication usage to the users in the rating group based on the second quota. |
| US09049589B2 |
Dynamically adjusting a data usage plan based on data usage statistics
Embodiments automatically adjust one or more terms of a data usage plan of a user to reduce network transfer costs for the user. Data usage statistics representing network data consumption by at least one computing device of the user are received or collected. The data usage plan is compared with the data usage statistics (e.g., to estimate any excess network transfer costs), and the data usage plan is adjusted accordingly and based on other data usage plans or adjustments that are available. |
| US09049588B2 |
Communicating data in a predefined transmission mode
Traffic data is communicated between a wireless device and a core network control node in a predefined transmission mode in which traffic data is communicated in a control channel for carrying control messages. |
| US09049587B2 |
Communication apparatus, control method therefor, program, and storage medium
Even when multiple providing apparatuses joined in a network are activated as providing apparatuses, a new apparatus can be added to the network without degrading the network security or the ease of use of the providing apparatuses, a apparatus activates an operation as a providing apparatus of a communication-parameter in accordance with the a state notification of an operation as a providing apparatus of a communication-parameter, which is received from another communication apparatus. |
| US09049586B2 |
Location determination for calls within a femtocell
When a call is placed within a femtocell area of coverage, the location of the femtocell is used as the location of the mobile device. The location of the femtocell is stored in the network, and if the call is placed through the femtocell, the location of the femtocell is used to determine the location of the mobile device. |
| US09049585B1 |
Method of providing additional information to emergency services about emergency locator beacons
An emergency locating communications device that includes an emergency locator beacon that transmits emergency signals at 406 MHz and a SEND commercial satellite transmitter and receiver is provided. The communications device can be identified for both 406 MHz originator and SEND capable emergency locator device to an emergency services provider by sending a first message to the emergency services provider including a unique identity number of the 406 MHz transmitter of the device and. sending a second message to the emergency services providing including an International Mobile Equipment Identity number of the SEND transmitter of the device. The second message further includes at least a portion of the unique identity number of the 406 MHz transmitter of said device such that the emergency services provider can process the first and second messages to identify both the 406 MHz transmitter and the SEND transmitter of said emergency locator device. |
| US09049584B2 |
Method and system for transmitting data using automated voice when data transmission fails during an emergency call
A vehicle communication system enables one or more processors to receive indication that an emergency event has taken place from an emergency detection sensor position throughout the vehicle. An emergency condition detection signal may be automatically sent by a detection sensor, or manually sent by a vehicle occupant pushing an emergency assistance button. The processor may receive vehicle parameter data indicating one or more vehicle parameters including, but not limited to, vehicle global position coordinates. The processor may transmit a communication to an emergency response center that an emergency has been indicated at the vehicle. The vehicle parameter data may be transmitted to the emergency response center using a data transmission signal. If the data transmission signal has failed transmission after several attempts, the processor may convert at least a portion of the vehicle parameter data to speech signals and communicate the speech signals to the emergency response center. |
| US09049579B2 |
Method and apparatus for setting terminal connection control information in a mobile communication system
Provided a method and an apparatus for setting control information of a user equipment in a wireless communication system. The method and the apparatus determine control information for network access of the user equipment, allows the network access according to the control information to provide a network service to the user equipment. The wireless communication system can uniformly maintain a service quality for a plurality of UEs. |
| US09049578B2 |
Profile based discovery engine configurations for neighborhood aware wi-fi networks
Methods, devices, and computer program products for transmitting and receiving discovery and paging messages in a wireless communication device are described herein. In one aspect, a wireless apparatus operable in a wireless communication system includes a discovery engine configured to communicate with a wireless network based on a profile, the profile having defined use parameters, the discovery engine being configured to receive an input from an application indicating a selection of a profile, the discovery engine further configured to receive one or more attributes from the application and configure the profile using the one or more attributes, the attributes containing information to configure the profile to perform certain functions as defined by the application. |
| US09049577B2 |
Methods and devices for distributing content to an electronic device
Methods and devices for distributing and receiving content are provided. In one example aspect, a method comprises: receiving a command on a first electronic device to output content at an output device associated with a second electronic device; and in response to receiving the command to output content at the output device associated with the second electronic device: providing content access information from the first electronic device to the second electronic device, and adjusting a security state on the second electronic device. |
| US09049569B2 |
Prohibiting mobile forwarding
An incoming message and an indication of a sender-specified destination for the incoming message are received. In addition, a determination is made as to whether a mobile telephone number is known by the sender to be associated with the sender-specified destination. If a mobile telephone number is known by the sender to be associated with the sender-specified destination, a first message that is based on the incoming message is sent to the mobile telephone number. Furthermore, a second message is sent to the mobile telephone number that indicates that the first message was sent to the mobile telephone number based on a determination that the mobile telephone number is known by the sender to be associated with the sender-specified destination. |
| US09049568B2 |
User terminal and wireless item-based credit card authorization servers, systems, methods and computer program products
Credit card transaction authorization is performed using ad-hoc, short-range wireless links to obtain item identification information from items that include ad-hoc short range wireless link transmitters and that are carried by a user who is associated with a prospective credit card transaction. Authorization information for the prospective credit card transaction is generated based on the item identification information that was obtained. Location information for a wireless terminal that is associated with the user and/or Internet Protocol (IP) address information for a transaction terminal that is associated with the transaction may also be used. Related systems, devices and computer program products are also described. |
| US09049566B2 |
Method and device for receiving MBMS by a UE in carrier aggregation
The disclosure discloses a method and device for receiving an MBMS by a UE in carrier aggregation, including that: a User Equipment (UE) with MBMS capability determines all Component Carriers (CC) that can be received by the UE at the UE's geographic location; the UE determines an MBMS-bearing CC in the all CCs; and the UE receives the MBMS from the MBMS-bearing CC. By the disclosure, the problem of incapability of the UE to receive the MBMS from the CC due to the network side not knowing the requirement of the UE for receiving the MBMS can be solved. |
| US09049562B2 |
HSS fault recovery for non-3GPP access
A method for restoring faulty subscriber-related data in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) network including a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and a 3GPP AAA server, be characterized by comprising the following steps performed at the 3GPP AAA server: receiving an indicator from the HSS, the indicator identifying one or more subscribers having the faulty subscriber-related data stored in the HSS; and for an interaction with an access from a non-3GPP network, if the access corresponding to one of the identified subscribers, instructing the HSS to restore the faulty subscriber-related data for one or all of the identified subscribers. |
| US09049561B2 |
System and method for distributing track information in a consist
A system for communicating track information within a consist having at least a first and second locomotive may include a first transceiver associated with the first locomotive and configured to receive the track information from a remote transceiver. The system may include a communication link connecting the first locomotive with the second locomotive and a communication controller associated with the first locomotive. The communication controller may be configured to identify a lead locomotive and send a signal to the lead locomotive indicating that the track information is fully received from the remote transceiver. The communication controller may be configured to, if the lead locomotive is a locomotive other than the first locomotive, send the track information to the lead locomotive via the communication link, and if the lead locomotive is the first locomotive, send at least a portion of the track information to the second locomotive via the communication link. |
| US09049560B2 |
Providing wireless transmitter almanac information to a mobile station based on expected contribution to future navigation operation
Examples disclosed herein may relate to transmitting almanac information associated with a subset of wireless transmitters to a mobile station. The subset of wireless transmitters may be determined, at least in part, by determining expected contributions of one or more wireless transmitters to a future navigation operation for the mobile station. |
| US09049557B2 |
Language setting method for mobile terminal and mobile terminal
The disclosure discloses a language setting method for mobile terminal and mobile terminal, wherein the method includes: the mobile terminal acquires the language used by the current location of the mobile terminal; and the mobile terminal sets the acquired language as the current default language of the mobile terminal. The disclosure achieves the effect of improving the user experience. |
| US09049554B2 |
Dynamic prioritization of label downloads
Map labels are dynamically downloaded to a wireless communication device for efficiently labelling a map displayed on the device. A method of dynamically downloading map labels to a wireless communications device includes steps of determining a size of label data for an area of interest and dynamically downloading the label data for the area of interest based on the size of the label data. Optionally, map labels can be dynamically downloaded based on a label prioritization scheme that takes into account the current position of the device. Optionally, the size of the label data can be determined from a map data index. |
| US09049553B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining a wireless device's location after shutdown
A wireless data processing device is described which periodically exits an unpowered state and transmits location data. For example, one embodiment of a wireless data processing device comprises: power circuitry for maintaining the wireless data processing device in a powered or unpowered state, the power circuitry causing the wireless data processing device to enter into an unpowered state responsive to user input; a timer to periodically power up the wireless device or portion thereof in response to reaching a predetermined time; a location services module determining a current location of the wireless data processing device using one or more specified location determination techniques; a transmit thread transmitting the current location of the wireless device over one or more specified communication channels; and the power circuitry powering down the wireless data processing device a second time after the current location has been transmitted. |
| US09049547B2 |
Displaying place-related content on a mobile device
A computer-implemented method of presenting place-related content on a computing device entails, in response to receiving input identifying a place, obtaining place-related content for the place from a place database that stores place-related data related to each one of a plurality of places and presenting the place-related content from the place database in a consolidated place-specific view. This technology provides a place-centric view that presents a consolidated view of place-related content for a selected place. |
| US09049541B2 |
Method for the automatic management of terminal-dependent information
A method for the automatic management of terminal-dependent information in a wireless communication system including the detection of the unique identity for the terminal that the subscriber is currently using; adaptation of information for the type of terminal detected; and presentation of the adapted information on the said terminal. |
| US09049538B2 |
Mobile communication devices, cellular access stations, and operation management methods for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications
A mobile communication device configured for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications is provided. In the mobile communication device, a wireless module performs wireless transmissions and receptions to and from a service network, and a controller module receives a message with a Slot Cycle Index (SCI) only for the M2M communications from the service network via the wireless module and instructs the wireless module to monitor a paging channel according to the SCI only for the M2M communications. |
| US09049537B2 |
Discovering and connecting wireless devices without discoverability
Pairing among computing devices is achieved without any of the device entering discoverable mode. An inquiring device obtains a list of MAC addresses and transmits connection requests using the MAC addresses. Any device within reception distance that has the same MAC address would respond to the request. Upon receiving the response, the two devices would pair up. A beacon may be used to store MAC addresses and related data. Computing devices may send inquiries to the beacon and receive in return MAC addresses corresponding to the inquiry. The devices may then transmit pairing requests using these MAC addresses. |
| US09049535B2 |
Recording a voice message in response to termination of a push-to-talk session
Voice messaging services are used to provide messages for recipients associated with terminated network-based instant connect communication sessions. A first device engages in a communication session with a second device. The communication session between the two devices terminates and the first device records locally a voice message addressed to the second device. The message may be stored on the first device and transmitted to the second device after another communication session is established between the two devices. Alternately, the voice message may be transmitted to a message server and forwarded to the second device at a later time. |
| US09049533B2 |
Audio system phase equalization
A method is provided for optimizing acoustic localization at one or more listening positions in a listening environment such as, but not limited to, a vehicle passenger compartment. The method includes generating a sound field with a group of loudspeakers assigned to at least one of the listening positions, the group of loudspeakers including first and second loudspeakers, where each loudspeaker is connected to a respective audio channel; calculating filter coefficients for a phase equalization filter; configuring a phase response for the phase equalization filter such that binaural phase difference (Δφmn) at the at least one of the listening positions or a mean binaural phase difference (mΔφmn) averaged over the listening positions is reduced in a predefined frequency range; and filtering the audio channel connected to the second loudspeaker with the phase equalization filter. |
| US09049531B2 |
Method for dubbing microphone signals of a sound recording having a plurality of microphones
In order to compensate tonal changes arising from a multi-path propagation of sound portions during the mixing of multi microphone audio recordings as far as possible it is suggested to form spectral values of respectively overlapping time frames of samples of each a first microphone signal (100) and a second microphone signal (101). The spectral values (300) of the first microphone signal (100) are distributed with formation of spectral values (311) of a first sum signal to the spectral values (301) of a second microphone signal (101) in a first summing level (310), whereat a dynamic correction of the spectral values (300, 301) of one of the two microphone signals (100, 101) occurs. Spectral values (399) of a result signal are formed out of the spectral values (311) of the first sum signal which are subject to an inverse Fourier-transformation and a block junction (FIG. 3). |
| US09049530B2 |
Multiple channel audio system supporting data channel replacement
An audio processing system is disclosed. The audio processing system may include a processor and a transmitter and may allow a surround sound system to utilize the transmission bandwidth efficiently by adaptively transmitting a supplementary data from a secondary source in addition to the audio signals of a primary source. The processor may determine a first number of channels available for audio in the transmitter and a second number of channels available in a remote receiver that is capable of receiving the audio. The processor may cause a secondary source to adaptively communicate a combination of data from a plurality of supplementary sources in some of a plurality of channels of the audio based upon the first number of channels and the second number of channels. |
| US09049525B2 |
Hearing aid system and method of fitting a hearing aid system
A hearing aid system (100) comprises a hearing aid (102) and an external device (101). The hearing aid (102) has link means for providing a wireless link with the external device (101), memory means for storing a hearing aid variable and signal processing means for initiating the logging in response to a trigger signal received from the external device (101) The external device (102) has link means (107) for providing the wireless link with the hearing aid (102), an input transducer (103) for providing an electrical audio signal, memory means (105) for storing a sample of the electrical audio signal, user input means (106) and signal processing means (104) configured for initiating the recording of the electrical audio signal sample and for initiating the transmission of the trigger signal to the hearing aid (102) in response to an activation of the user input means (106). The invention further provides a method of fitting a hearing aid system (100). |
| US09049517B2 |
Transmission line loudspeaker
A loudspeaker including an acoustic waveguide includes an enclosure, an acoustic transmission line formed within the enclosure, and a plurality of acoustic transducers contained within the enclosure and disposed along a length of the acoustic transmission line. Each acoustic transducer is configured to emit acoustic energy directly into the acoustic transmission line at two separated locations along the length of the acoustic transmission line. |
| US09049516B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlling distribution of spatial sound energy
A spatial sound energy (SSE) distribution control apparatus calculates filter coefficients for controlling distribution of the sound energy of an input signal, in consideration of a sound energy ratio between a reduction region for reducing transmission of a sound energy emitted through an array speaker and a concentration region for concentrating transmission of the sound energy and also in consideration of a sound energy efficiency of the concentration region. Also, the SSE distribution control apparatus determines an array size of a speaker in a case where the sound energy ratio is maximized, according to frequency variation of the input signal. |
| US09049515B2 |
Wireless communication device
A wearable wireless communication device is provided, including a behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure housing wireless communication electronics, a main electronics enclosure mount engaging the behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure, an ear mount fitting the main electronics enclosure mount, and a decorative mount including a speaker. The decorative mount attaches to the ear mount which is configured to fit over an ear of a wearer. Signals are transmitted from the main electronics enclosure to the main electronics enclosure mount, to the ear mount, and to the speaker in the decorative mount. Audio from the speaker is provided to the ear of the user. Pierced ear and non-pierced ear versions are provided, wherein the ear mount for the non-pierced ear version includes a clip that clips to the wearer's ear lobe. The pierced ear version includes a conductive post that passes through a piercing in the wearer's ear. |
| US09049512B1 |
Eyewear accommodating headset
A headset may comprise at least one ear cup and an ear cup shaper configurable into at least two configurations. When the ear cup shaper is configured in a first of the configurations, the ear cup is shaped to contact the temple of a wearer of the headset. When the adjustable ear cup shaper is configured in a second of the configurations, the ear cup is shaped to accommodate the temple piece of a pair of eyeglasses of a wearer of the headset. The ear cup may comprise a filler material such as foam, and the adjustable ear cup shaper when configured in the second of the configurations may create a depression in the foam. The adjustable ear cup shaper may comprise a strap and/or a plunger. |
| US09049507B2 |
Efficient electronics module
An efficient electronics package comprising an integrated circuit, a transistor case packaging, a power supply, an actuation segment and a sensor segment, wherein engagement of the integrated circuit causes the actuation segment to be activated. The integrated circuit may be engaged, for example, by a level-hold trigger or the sensor segment. |
| US09049505B2 |
Electronic device with loudspeaker
An electronic device includes an upper cover, a bottom cover, and at least one loudspeaker. The upper cover includes a top wall and a first sidewall perpendicular to the top wall, and the first sidewall defines a number of first sound holes. The bottom cover includes at least one chamber opening toward the top wall. The chamber includes a second sidewall and a third sidewall opposite to the second sidewall. The second sidewall defines a number of second sound holes aligned with the respectively first sound holes. The loudspeaker is received in the chamber and includes a front portion facing the second sidewall and an opposite rear portion. The front portion and the second sidewall cooperatively form a front chamber in communication with the first and the second sound holes, and the rear portion and the third sidewall cooperatively form a back chamber. |
| US09049503B2 |
Method and system for beamforming using a microphone array
A system (10) for beamforming using a microphone array, the system (10) comprising: a beamformer consisting of two parallel adaptive filters (12, 13), a first adaptive filter (12) having low speech distortion (LS) and a second adaptive filter (13) having high noise suppression (SNR); and a controller (14) to determine a weight (θ) to adjust a percentage of combining the adaptive filters (12, 13) and to apply the weight to the adaptive filters (12, 13) for an output (15) of the beamformer. |
| US09049500B2 |
Fiber optic terminals, systems, and methods for network service management
Fiber optic terminals, systems, and methods for providing differentiated network services to subscribers of a fiber optic network are disclosed. In certain embodiments, fiber optic terminals and methods are disclosed for providing more than one network service to subscribers supported by the same fiber optic terminal. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided comprising a first optical path connected to a first network-side optical fiber providing a first network service to a first subscriber-side optical fiber. The fiber optic terminal also comprises a second optical path connected to a second network-side optical fiber providing a second network service differentiated from the first network service to a second subscriber-side optical fiber. In this manner, differentiated network services can be provided to subscribers supported by the fiber optic terminal by configuring connections of the subscribers to either the first optical path or second optical path in the fiber optic terminal. |
| US09049499B2 |
Patch field documentation and revision systems
A communication network device and corresponding patch field system are disclosed. The device includes a port module, ports, and an appliqué attached to a face of the port module. The appliqué includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive pads. A patch cord connects the device with an intelligent patch panel. The patch cord contains at least one system wire. The patch panel is adapted to measure a resistance associated with each port via the system wire. An open circuit indicates that no patch cord is attached to the port, a resistance within a first range indicates that the patch cord is attached only to the port of the intelligent patch panel, and a resistance within a second range less than the first range indicates that the patch cord connects the intelligent patch panel and the device. |
| US09049498B2 |
Method and system for realizing interaction of embedded data in multimedia
Techniques for realizing interactive information through multimedia are described to solve the problem in the prior art that a server can-not be accessed directly through a multimedia advertisement in multimedia. One embodiment of the techniques includes: a user terminal configured to parse and play the multimedia file to obtain the interactive information in the multimedia file. The user terminal accesses the server upon the trigger of the interactive information by the user. The techniques can be used to access the server through the interactive information in multimedia, and enables the transaction with the server more convenient and quickly. |
| US09049496B2 |
Media source identification
A server machine and a first device (e.g., a television) are configured to access a stream of media (e.g., a broadcast channel) from a media source (e.g., a broadcaster). The server machine generates a representation (e.g., a fingerprint) of the stream of media and stores the representation. The first device plays the stream of media (e.g., for a user) and generates an analog signal based on the stream of media. A second device (e.g., a mobile device of the user) is configured to receive the analog signal and generate a representation of the analog signal. The second device provides the representation of the analog signal to the server machine, which may compare the representation of the stream of media to the representation of the analog signal. Based on the comparison, the server machine may provide an identifier of the media source to the second device. |
| US09049490B2 |
Image display apparatus and control method thereof
The present disclosure relates to an image display apparatus, and more particularly, an image display apparatus capable of displaying screen information. The image display apparatus includes a display configured to display screen information, an interface configured to receive an input signal with respect to the display, and a controller configured to display a menu item for controlling the screen information, wherein the display outputs the screen information on an inner region of rounded corners of the display, and wherein the controller decides a shape of the menu item to be displayed on a point where the input signal has been received, in response to the reception of the input signal. |
| US09049488B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying and interacting with interaction opportunities associated with media content
Methods to present video and purchasing function content embedded in the video in a single user interface. The user interface may be configured to allow the user watching the video to take an action with respect to the video content, which may include items for purchase, and to allow the user to both watch the video content, and select the item for purchase in one transaction step. In other embodiments, the video content is segmented such that a user is provided the ability to select one or more objects in the video. In other embodiments, the user interface provides a dynamic message such as a “call to action” to a user. The call to action may be timed with the video and/or with the user viewing selections in order to urge a user to take a pre-determined action such as purchase a product, make a donation, and the like. |
| US09049483B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for parental control synchronization with mobile media devices
Systems and methods are operable to enforce parental controls at a mobile media device. An exemplary embodiment establishes a communication link between the mobile media device and a local media device, receives parental control setting information from the local media device at the mobile media device, receives at least one media content event and rating information associated with the received media content event at the mobile media device, compares at the mobile media device the rating information associated with the received at least one media content event with the parental control setting information received from the local media device, and prevents presentation of the at least one media content event by the mobile media device if the rating information associated with the received media content event violates the parental control setting information. |
| US09049473B1 |
Method and system of processing multiple playback streams via a single playback channel
A system and method for processing multiple streams over a single playback channel includes a receiving device and a tuner module having a first tuner and a second tuner. The first tuner has a first device node within the receiving device associated therewith. The second tuner has a second device node within the receiving device associated therewith. A multiplexer has a playback device module associated therewith. A tuner driver configures the playback device module for a first multiplexer channel and a second multiplexer channel. The tuner module communicates a first tuner signal and a second tuner signal to the receiving device. The playback device communicates first data signals from the first tuner through the first multiplexer channel to a first destination. The playback device communicates second data signals from the second tuner through the second multiplexer channel to a second destination. |
| US09049471B2 |
Personal video recorder for inserting a stored advertisement into a displayed broadcast stream
A personal video recorder is provided for displaying a targeted advertisement on a display in conjunction with displaying of a broadcast stream on the display. A viewer profile of a viewer of the display is defined based on signals received by a controller indicating usage of a viewer control interface by the viewer, for example based on viewer reactions to a broadcast stream or to an advertisement. A targeted advertisement is selected from stored advertisements based on the viewer profile of the viewer of the display. The targeted advertisement is displayed on the display. The viewer profile is updated based on subsequent signals received by the controller indicating usage of the viewer control interface. The signals indicate viewer reactions, for example, a viewer reaction to a broadcast stream or a viewer reaction to an advertisement or a viewer purchase. |
| US09049469B2 |
Encryption and decryption of visible codes for real time augmented reality views
A method of decrypting an encrypted message. The method comprises storing a wearer decryption code in a memory of a wearable mobile device having a head-worn augmented display which generates an augmented reality view for a wearer of the wearable mobile device, capturing using the wearable mobile device a video sequence including at least one frame imaging a visible code using an image sensor of the wearable mobile device, processing the video sequence to identify the visible code, decrypting the visible code using the wearer decryption code to create an decrypted content, and presenting the decrypted content on top of at least some of the visible code in the augmented reality view. |
| US09049465B2 |
Media sharing apparatus and method
The media sharing apparatus includes a terminal information management unit for, when a media playing terminal is connected thereto, requesting profile information from the connected media playing terminal and managing profile information received from the media playing terminal. A media information management unit determines based on the profile information whether to convert media data to be provided to the media playing terminal, and ascertains media conversion information suitable for a type of the media playing terminal. A media conversion unit converts the media data into data suitable for the type of the media playing terminal depending on a result of the determination. A data processing unit provides either media data suitable for the type of the media playing terminal among pieces of pre-stored media data, or media data converted by the media conversion unit, to the media playing terminal. |
| US09049463B2 |
Data distribution utilizing unique read parameters in a dispersed storage system
A method begins by storing, in response to storage requests, a single encoded copy of broadcast data as a plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The broadcast data is encoded in accordance with an error coding dispersal storage function to produce the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues by receiving a playback requests for the broadcast data. The method continues for each of the plurality of playback requests by retrieving, based on the error coding dispersal storage function, a unique combination of encoded data slices and sending the unique combination of encoded data slices to a requesting entity corresponding to one of the playback requests. |
| US09049462B2 |
Image decoding method, image coding method, image decoding apparatus, image coding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus
The image decoding method includes: determining a context for use in a current block to be processed, from among a plurality of contexts; and performing arithmetic decoding on a bit sequence corresponding to the current block, using the determined context, wherein in the determining: the context is determined under a condition that control parameters of neighboring blocks of the current block are used, when the signal type is a first type, the neighboring blocks being a left block and an upper block of the current block; and the context is determined under a condition that the control parameter of the upper block is not used, when the signal type is a second type, and the second type is “inter_pred_flag”. |
| US09049458B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video, and method and apparatus for decoding video
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for encoding a video, and a method and apparatus for decoding a video, in which neighboring pixels used to perform intra prediction on a current block to be encoded are filtered and intra prediction is performed by using the filtered neighboring pixels. |
| US09049455B2 |
Image coding method of coding a current picture with prediction using one or both of a first reference picture list including a first current reference picture for a current block and a second reference picture list including a second current reference picture for the current block
An image coding method includes: adding, to a candidate list, a first adjacent motion vector as a candidate for a predicted motion vector to be used for coding the current motion vector; selecting the predicted motion vector from the candidate list; and coding the current motion vector, wherein in the adding, the first adjacent motion vector indicating a position in a first reference picture included in a first reference picture list is added to the candidate list for the current motion vector indicating a position in a second reference picture included in a second reference picture list. |
| US09049454B2 |
High efficiency low complexity interpolation filters
Embodiments for high efficiency low complexity interpolation filters for High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) are disclosed herein, specifically novel techniques for a video compression system. In order to estimate and compensate sub-pel displacements, the image signal on these sub-pel positions is generated by an interpolation process. In HEVC, sub-pel pixel interpolation is performed using filters. As described herein, the filter may have, for example, eight taps to determine the sub-pel pixel values for sub-pel pixel positions, such as half-pel and quarter-pel positions. The taps weight the integer pixels with coefficient values to generate the sub-pel signals. Different coefficients may produce different compression performance in signal distortion and noise. |
| US09049453B2 |
Image encoding apparatus and method based on intensity of edge information
In an encoding process of a moving image, a macro block as a unit of encoding is further divided into a plurality of DCT blocks or integer conversion blocks to detect an edge of each of the DCT blocks or the integer conversion blocks. Quantization control of the macro block is performed according to detected edge information. |
| US09049451B2 |
Region-based processing of predicted pixels
A method for decoding a compressed video data sequence containing one or more coded pixel blocks. The compressed video sequence is buffered. Prediction information for each of the coded pixel blocks is reviewed. One or more groups of coded pixel blocks are formed based on the reviewed prediction information such that the coded pixel blocks within a given group have similar prediction dependencies and/or at least do not depend on a reconstructed pixel within a group of received pixel blocks to enable parallel decoding. The formed groups are scheduled for processing and subsequently decoded to produce a decoded video data sequence. |
| US09049450B2 |
Method and apparatus for encoding video based on internal bit depth increment, and method and apparatus for decoding video based on internal bit depth increment
A method of encoding a video based on a bit depth increment, the method including: determining a scaling method so that a dynamic range, which is based on a bit depth of a restored image decreased by de-scaling that is performed to decrease the bit depth increment, is identical to a dynamic range based on a bit depth of an input image, and generating an internal image having the bit depth increment by applying the scaling method to pixel values of the input image; and determining and encoding coding units having a tree structure, for each maximum coding unit of the internal image having the bit depth increment. |
| US09049444B2 |
Mode dependent scanning of coefficients of a block of video data
This disclosure describes apparatuses and methods of encoding coefficients associated with a block of video data. In one example, a method may comprise selecting a scan order for the coefficients based on an intra coding mode used to predict the block of video data and a transform block size used in transforming the block of video data, and generating a syntax element to communicate the selected scan order for the block of video data. |
| US09049440B2 |
Independent viewer tailoring of same media source content via a common 2D-3D display
Techniques are described herein for supporting independent viewer tailoring of same media source content via a common 2D-3D display. A first independently controllable version of video content is caused to be delivered to a first region of a screen. A second independently controllable version of the video content is caused to be delivered to a second region of the screen. The first region and the second region overlap at least in part. For example, the first and second independently controllable versions may be simultaneously displayed such that the first independently controllable version is displayed for a first viewer but not for a second viewer and such that the second independently controllable version may be displayed for the second viewer but not for the first viewer. |
| US09049438B2 |
Stereopsis display device and driving method thereof
A stereoscopic image display device and a driving method thereof are disclosed. According to one aspect, the device includes a scan driver and a data driver configured to transmit scan signals and data signals to scan lines and data lines respectively, a light emission driver configured to transmit light emission control signals to light emission control lines, and a display unit divided into pixel areas including pixel lines. A controller is configured to control the drivers, generate a left-eye and right-eye image data signals, and supply the generated signals to the data driver. The light emission driver includes light emitting circuits configured to sequentially transmit light emission control signals that are equivalent to each other to light emission control lines of the corresponding pixel area. |
| US09049437B2 |
Solid state illuminator for stereoscopic display
A solid state illuminator for a stereoscopic display includes a first solid state light source, a wavelength conversion color wheel, an actuator, a multi-band filter, and an optical module. The first solid state light source provides a first light beam with a first wavelength. The wavelength conversion color wheel includes a first transmission segment and a reflection segment. The first light beam passes through the first transmission segment and is converted into a second light beam with a second wavelength, and is reflected by the first reflection segment and is converted into a third light beam with the second wavelength. The multi-band filter transmits a portion of each of the second light beam and the third light beam, and reflects another portion thereof. The wavelength ranges of these two portions are not overlapped. The optical module guides light beams to the multi-band filter. |
| US09049436B2 |
Three dimensional image display device using binocular parallax
A three dimensional image display device includes a liquid crystal display panel assembly which includes a first pixel and a second pixel disposed adjacent to each other in a vertical direction. The first pixel comprises a first subpixel and a second subpixel disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, and the second pixel includes a third subpixel and a fourth subpixel which are disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The first subpixel and the third subpixel, or the second subpixel and the fourth subpixel display black in a three dimensional (3D) display mode and display a normal image in a two dimensional (2D) display mode. |
| US09049435B2 |
Image providing apparatus and image providing method based on user's location
An image providing apparatus includes: a user location acquisition unit which acquires locations of users; a barrier adjustment unit which adjusts at least one of a space between a display and a barrier screen, a size of a barrier slot, and a left/right movement amount of the barrier slot at least based on a user's location of at least one of the users; an image generation unit which generates an image of which a view point region is adjusted, by the barrier adjustment unit, to the user's location; and an image output unit which outputs the generated image on a display. |
| US09049434B2 |
3D imaging device and 3D imaging method
A 3D imaging device determines during imaging whether the captured images will be viewed three-dimensionally without causing fatigue while simulating actual human perception. In a 3D imaging device, a warning unit provides a warning to a photographer indicating that the captured images of the scene to be imaged will not be perceived as a 3D video having an appropriate 3D effect when a control unit determines that the captured images will not be perceived as such an appropriate 3D video. The 3D imaging device is prevented from obtaining an inappropriate 3D image (3D video). |
| US09049433B1 |
High-speed railroad inspection using coordinated 3D cameras
To emulate the 3D visual acuity of an individual track-walker, matched pairs of cameras (which simulate our human eyes) are mounted on a moving vehicle above the tracks. The cameras are mounted both transversely and longitudinally, to create 3D images in two orthogonal orientations, which helps to eliminate visual voids. The location and orientation of each pair of cameras is determined by its specific task, in the present case: (i) to examine each left or right rail for anomalies (two pairs), and (ii) to examine every tie for damage (at least one pair). The camera pairs enable measurements such as defect depth and track width variations. The images are compressed in real time for local storage or high-speed transmission for remote display. The basic arrangement of cameras can be amplified or modified as necessary to circumstances. |
| US09049427B2 |
Playback device, playback method, and program for identifying a stream
The present invention relates to a playback device, a playback method, and a program, which enable a 3D content to be played by determining which stream of a basic stream and an extended stream is a left image stream in the event of displaying a 3D image for example. In the event that the value of view_type is 0, of the data stored in a DPB 151, data obtained by decoding a Base view video packet which is identified by PID=0 is output to an L video plane generating unit 161. The value 0 of the vie and w_type represents that a Base view video stream is an L view stream. In this case, data obtained by decoding a Dependent view video packet which is identified by a PID other than 0 is output to an R video plane generating unit 162. The present invention can be applied to a playback device compatible with the BD-ROM standard. |
| US09049421B2 |
System and method for using pattern vectors for video and image coding and decoding
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method of using pattern vectors for image coding and decoding. The method comprises converting a block of image data into a set of transform coefficients, quantizing the transform coefficients such that a number of the coefficients become zero, constructing a single entity or bit vector indicating which coefficients are non-zero, coding the single entity or bit vector as an integer using an adaptive, semi-adaptive or non-adaptive arithmetic coder, coding the values of the coefficients in any fixed order, using an adaptive, semi-adaptive or non-adaptive arithmetic coder, or some other coder, and coding all coefficients except the zero coefficients. The system and method of decoding data relate to the corresponding hardware and process steps performed by the decoder when decoding a bitstream coded as described herein. |
| US09049420B1 |
Relative quality score for video transcoding
A relative quality score is provided that takes into account properties of an encoded version of a source video. For example, one such quality score calculates a difference of higher and lower quality transcoded versions of the source video, and computes quality metrics for each to evaluate how similar the transcoded versions are to the source video. A relative quality score quantifying the quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version is computed. The relative quality score is adjusted based on a measurement of the quality of the source video. If the relative quality score for the video indicates a sufficient quality improvement of the high-quality version over the low-quality version, various actions are taken, such as retaining the high-quality version, and making the high-quality version available to users, e.g. via a video viewing user interface. |
| US09049419B2 |
Image album creation
A method for creating an image album includes selecting a subset of images from a source set and creating a plurality of image albums by arranging the subset of images over one or more pages. Each image album is evaluated by a penalty detection unit to generate a penalty score which is a measure of the aesthetic quality of an image album. One or more of the image albums having the lowest penalty scores are presented to the user. A system for arranging a number of images into an image album is also provided. |
| US09049416B2 |
System and method for constructing scene clip, and record medium thereof
A system and method for constructing a scene clip, and a non-statutory record medium thereof are provided. The system includes media supply equipment, a metadata server, a scene server, and an end device. The media supply equipment is used for providing media data. The metadata server is used for providing scene time information corresponding to playback scenes of the media data. A first end device acquires the media data and the scene time information, and extracts, according to capture time information input when playing the media data, at least one piece of target scene time from each piece of the scene time information. The scene server acquires the media data and the target scene time, and according to an alignment result of the target scene time and each piece of the scene time information, extracts local scene clips from the media data to form a piece of media division data. |
| US09049411B2 |
Camera arrays incorporating 3×3 imager configurations
Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. An imaging device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes at least one imager array, and each imager in the array comprises a plurality of light sensing elements and a lens stack including at least one lens surface, where the lens stack is configured to form an image on the light sensing elements, control circuitry configured to capture images formed on the light sensing elements of each of the imagers, and a super-resolution processing module configured to generate at least one higher resolution super-resolved image using a plurality of the captured images. |
| US09049409B2 |
Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes: a display module formed to output image information to one surface thereof; a window covering one surface of the display module; and a bonding member formed on an upper surface of the display module to bond the window to the display module, wherein the bonding member extends from the upper surface of the display module to one point of a rear surface the display module through a lateral surface of the display module to integrally fix a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and a backlight module installed in the display module, and the display module is disposed between a rear surface of the window and a case forming the exterior of a terminal body. |
| US09049408B2 |
Color space appearance model video processor
A method of color processing determines whether a pixel color is within at least one range of predetermined colors corresponding to a viewer expected color. If so, the method altering the pixel color to better approximate the viewer expected color. For detection of skin tones determining whether the pixel color is within a range of predetermined colors includes discounting an illuminant of the pixel color. The viewer expected colors are preferably skin tone, grass green and sky blue. The saturation level of grass green and sky blue are enhanced and that of skin tones are suppressed. The saturation s is limited based upon lightness J and hue h to convert to an allowable RGB color format range. |
| US09049406B2 |
Methods, systems, and products for alternate audio sources
Audio and video signals are synchronized for pleasing presentation of content. As content is streamed to a device, an audio portion may lag or lead a video portion. Spoken words, for example, are out of synch with the lip movements. Video time stamps are synchronized to audio time stamps to ensure streaming content is pleasing. |
| US09049405B2 |
Soft proofing system
A soft proof system includes a display module and a manager. The display module displays a visual representation of a print product, and a color array expressing a tolerance range of a color component of the visual representation and a target color within the range. Via the manager, a visualization function produces the visual representation and the color array according to a soft proof array. A tolerance selection function, associated with the display module, enables selection of the tolerance range for at least a portion of the print product, wherein the selection is expressed on the display in the visual representation and in the color array. |
| US09049401B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing digital multimedia broadcast service using an external device and a digital TV
An apparatus and a method for providing a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) service using a digital TeleVision (TV) and an external device are provided. It is determined whether a received broadcast channel supports a Multi Mode Service (MMS), and if so, one of subchannels included in the broadcast channel is set to a main channel. The digital TV reproduces a broadcast signal via the main channel, and broadcast signals of subchannels excluding the main channel are transmitted to at least one external device in communication with the digital TV. |
| US09049400B2 |
Image processing apparatus, and image processing method and program
When an electronic document is to be generated from an image of a document, reproduction of both an appearance of the document image and a logical structure is difficult because of format limitations imposed on the electronic document. According to the present invention, from among column arrangements allowed by the specifications of the electronic document, a column arrangement is selected by using which the positions of character areas in an input image and the logical structure analyzed from the input image can be most appropriately reproduced, and is used to generate an electronic document. |
| US09049398B1 |
Synchronizing physical and electronic copies of media using electronic bookmarks
Described herein are techniques for synchronizing reading locations of electronic copies of a print medium with page numbers associated with physical copies of the print medium. A page number is derived from an image of a page of a physical copy of the print medium, and the image is captured by an electronic bookmark or electronic device in proximity to the physical copy of the print medium. The page number or image is provided to a synchronization service which synchronizes the page number with one or more reading locations or other page numbers. |
| US09049395B2 |
Processing circuit for an X-ray sensor
A processing circuit for an X-ray sensor for collecting at least a first pixel information of a first pixel and a second pixel information of a second pixel is provided. The processing circuit comprises an amplifier (112), a feedback loop (113) and a first collecting device (111). It is provided a compensation for a non-linearity in the pixels or in the pixel circuits (100, 200) by applying an inverse non-linearity (125) in the periphery of the X-ray sensor. A processing circuit (110) may provide a copy of a pixel voltage and/or of a pixel charge. In the case of pixel charge a non-linear characteristic of a pixel capacitance may be compensated. |
| US09049392B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a layout in which one sharing unit includes an array of photodiodes of 2 pixels by 4×n pixels (where, n is a positive integer), respectively, in horizontal and vertical directions. |
| US09049386B1 |
Systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-overlay DVE
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for causing a stunt switcher to run a bug-overlay digital video effect (DVE). In one aspect, a method involves (i) selecting a first log-entry from a traffic log, wherein the first log-entry corresponds to a bug-overlay DVE stored in the stunt switcher, and to a start time; (ii) selecting a second log-entry from the traffic log, wherein the second log-entry corresponds to a video component (VC) and the start time; (iii) causing the VC to start being channeled through the stunt switcher proximate the start time; (iv) making a determination that a threshold time-period has passed since the start time; and (v) responsive to making the determination that the threshold time-period has passed since the start time, causing the stunt switcher to run the stored bug-overlay DVE, thereby overlaying a bug on the VC as the VC is being channeled through the stunt switcher. |
| US09049381B2 |
Systems and methods for normalizing image data captured by camera arrays
Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. An imaging device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes at least one imager array, and each imager in the array comprises a plurality of light sensing elements and a lens stack including at least one lens surface, where the lens stack is configured to form an image on the light sensing elements, control circuitry configured to capture images formed on the light sensing elements of each of the imagers, and a super-resolution processing module configured to generate at least one higher resolution super-resolved image using a plurality of the captured images. |
| US09049376B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program
There is provided an information processing apparatus including an emission unit for emitting a projection image onto a subject, which is to be photographed, so as to allow the subject to perform a predetermined operation, a recognizing unit for recognizing operation performed by the subject, and an execution unit for executing a predetermined processing according to the operation of the subject that is recognized by the recognizing unit. |
| US09049375B2 |
Optical unit with shake correcting function
An optical unit may include a fixed body; a movable module which holds an optical element; a swing support point which swingably supports the movable module; a shake correction drive mechanism which swings the movable module with the swing support point as a swing center around two axial lines intersecting an optical axis direction of the optical element between an outer peripheral face of the movable module and the fixed body; a first photo reflector provided between a bottom part of the movable module and the fixed body at a position superposing on one of the two axial lines and that detects displacement of the movable module; and a second photo reflector provided between the bottom part of the movable module and the fixed body at a position superposing on the other of the two axial lines and that detects displacement of the movable module. |
| US09049373B2 |
Image capturing apparatus and method for capturing images of objects
A method captures images of objects using an image capturing apparatus. The method obtains x-coordinate values, y-coordinate values, and z-coordinate values of the accelerations of a camera device sensed by a gravity sensor in a default time interval, calculates three-dimensional coordinate differences according to the obtained x-coordinate, y-coordinate, and z-coordinate values, and determines whether the three-dimensional coordinate differences are less than corresponding predefined thresholds. If at least one coordinate difference is not less than a corresponding predefined threshold, the method delays a period of time to obtain the x-coordinate, y-coordinate, and the z-coordinate values in a next default time interval. If all the three-dimensional coordinate differences are less than the corresponding predefined thresholds, the method controls the camera device to capture images of the subject object. |
| US09049367B2 |
Systems and methods for synthesizing higher resolution images using images captured by camera arrays
A camera array, an imaging device and/or a method for capturing image that employ a plurality of imagers fabricated on a substrate is provided. Each imager includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. Each imager may be associated with an optical element fabricated using a wafer level optics (WLO) technology. |
| US09049359B2 |
Camera body
A camera body, to which a lens unit configured to form an optical image of a subject is attachable, comprises a body mount to which the lens unit is attachable, an imaging element configured to convert the optical image of the subject into an electrical signal, and a shutter unit. The shutter unit is disposed between the body mount and the imaging element and provided so that an optical path can be blocked between the lens unit and the imaging element. The shutter unit is configured to be in an open state while the lens unit is removed from the body mount. |
| US09049356B2 |
Image processing method, image processing apparatus and image processing program
The image processing apparatus includes an image inputting part configured to acquire a captured image produced by an image pickup system including an optical system and an image sensor, a filter producing part configured to produce an image restoration filter, and a restoration processing part configured to perform an image restoration process on the captured image by using the image restoration filter to produce a restored image. The filter producing part is configured to set amplification factors for respective frequency components in the image restoration filter according to a frequency characteristic of an alias signal that may be generated in the image sensor. |
| US09049352B2 |
Pool monitor systems and methods
Cameras can be used to detect if unauthorized visitors enter pool areas. Cameras can send alerts to remote computing devices regarding unauthorized pool entry. Several embodiments include using a camera to take an image of a pool area, sending the image from the camera to a remote computing device, displaying the image on the remote computing device, and using the remote computing device to select a detection zone. Some embodiments include ignoring certain portions of the camera's field of view in response to detection zone selections. |
| US09049350B2 |
Imaging apparatus that transmits media data to reception apparatus, method of processing information, and storage medium
An imaging apparatus connected to another imaging apparatus and a reception apparatus via a network. A reception section receives a transmission request requesting transmission of first video data photographed by the imaging apparatus to the reception apparatus, from the reception apparatus. A determination section determines, based on processing load on the imaging apparatus, a distribution capacity of the imaging apparatus, or conditions of the network, whether or not the imaging apparatus is to execute transmission processing for transmitting the first video data to the reception apparatus. An acquisition section acquires, in a case where the determination section has determined that the imaging apparatus is not to execute the transmission processing, a transmission destination to which a request for acquiring second video data photographed by said another imaging apparatus is to be transmitted. |
| US09049349B2 |
System and method for video recording and retention in a network
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a video frame from an encoder associated with a first camera that is coupled to a network; appending the video frame to a data block; associating a parity block to the video frame; evaluating whether the data block is full; and communicating the data block to a second camera in the network. In other embodiments, the method can include receiving additional video frames from the encoder; appending the additional video frames to a plurality of data blocks; and aligning particular sizes of the plurality of data blocks to a plurality of corresponding disk write sizes. |
| US09049340B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting site bandwidth, conferencing terminal, and media control server
A method and an apparatus for adjusting site bandwidth, a conferencing terminal, and a media control server are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining the number of streams at a multi-screen site, and assigning bandwidth to each stream according to preset total bandwidth of multiple streams, maximum bandwidth of a single stream, and a preset bandwidth assignment method; and obtaining a conference joining state of each stream, and adjusting bandwidth of each stream according to the conference joining state of each stream. The apparatus includes an assigning module, an obtaining module, and a first adjusting module. Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic adjustment of bandwidth resources of each stream according to the actual condition of a conference, so that bandwidth resources of each site are fully utilized. |
| US09049338B2 |
Interactive video collaboration framework
A system for providing interactive collaboration between a plurality of users. The system includes a profile respository for storing a priority level for each of said plurality of users and providing addresses for accessing each of said plurality of users. A media content server indexes audio and video data within the system. A data server stores the audio and video data at locations identified by indexing data located at the media content server. An acquisition processor provides audio and video data streams to requesting ones of the plurality of users. Audio and video data streams are located based on indexing data within the media content server and accessed according to a priority level for each requesting user. A communication processor controls bidirectional communication between requesting users according to the priority level for each requesting user. |
| US09049337B2 |
Mobile communication terminal for providing radio frequency identification service interworking with video telephony and method thereof
A mobile communication terminal for providing a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) service interworking with video telephony and a method thereof are provided. The mobile communication system includes a first mobile communication terminal for generating RFID service information by using RFID tag information and for transmitting the generated information to a second mobile communication terminal, and the second mobile communication terminal for parsing the RFID service information received from the first mobile communication terminal and for outputting the parsed RFID service information. |
| US09049336B2 |
Auto-detect method for detecting image format and playback method applying the same
An auto-detect method for detecting a single-frame image format is provided. A single-frame image is divided into a plurality of macro-blocks. Each of the macro-blocks is divided into a plurality of sub-blocks. A meta-block is allocated in each of the sub-blocks. A pixel luminance sum characteristic value for each of the meta-blocks is calculated. A first confidence between a left half and a right half of the single-frame image is calculated according to the pixel luminance sum characteristic values. A second confidence between an upper half and a lower hap of the single-frame image is calculated according to the pixel luminance sum characteristic values. A format of the single-frame image is determined according to the pixel luminance sum characteristic values, and the first and second confidences of the single-frame image. |
| US09049332B2 |
Management apparatus, management method and network system
A management apparatus obtains setting information from a replacement target device. Thereafter, it designates a distribution mode for distributing the setting information to a new device. If a replace mode is designated as the distribution mode, the management apparatus distributes the setting information to the new device and issues a power-off request to the replacement target device. The replacement target device that received the power-off request turns off its own power. The new device that received the setting information reflects the setting information in the new device in accordance with the designated distribution mode. |
| US09049326B2 |
Multifunction device with scanner unit offset from recording sheet tray
A multifunction device including an image recording unit and a scanner unit is provided. The scanner unit includes an image readable plane. The image recording unit includes a first tray, a conveyer path to convey the recording sheet in a first orientation, and a second tray, which is formed along an edge of an opening formed on the front face, and in which the recording sheet having been conveyed in the conveyer path is disposed. The recording sheet in a maximum conveyable size for the conveyer path is disposed to occupy a discharge area in the second tray. A downstream end of the discharge area along a second orientation is in a displaced and downstream position with respect to a downstream end of an image readable area of the image readable plane along the second orientation for a first distance. |
| US09049321B2 |
Image forming apparatus in which time taken to return from sleep state is reduced, method of controlling image forming apparatus, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus in which time taken before a screen is displayed after return from sleep is reduced. Image data to be displayed on an LCD touch panel after the image forming apparatus returns from a power saving state to a normal state is generated when the image forming apparatus shifts from the normal state to the power saving state. The generated image data is stored in a memory. When the image forming apparatus returns from the power saving state to the normal state, the LCD touch panel is caused to display an image represented by the image data stored in the memory. |
| US09049318B2 |
Portable hand-held device for displaying oriented images
A portable hand-held device is provided having a network interface for sharing images between the device and a network, an image display for displaying the shared images, an orientation sensor for sensing an orientation of the device, and a processor for processing the displayed images based on the sensed device orientation and outputting the processed images to the image display. |
| US09049315B2 |
Method, system and computer-usable medium for ranking networked rendering devices with visual cues
A method, system and computer-usable medium for ranking a networked rendering device with one or more or a set of visual cues. A client device can be configured with a rendering application in order to select and transmit a rendering job along with one or more job criteria to a back end system. Each network rendering device having one or more print capabilities can be evaluated based on the job criteria in order to generate an ‘overall ranking’ utilizing the back end system. Sorting the rendering devices based on the ‘overall ranking’ can generate a ranked list. Such ranked list can be displayed in a user interface associated with the client device based on a set of visual cues in order to permit a user to select a best-fit rendering device in a simple and efficient manner. |
| US09049314B2 |
Dynamically and customizably managing data in compliance with privacy and security standards
Systems and methods for managing data in compliance with privacy, security and/or retention standards in business industries. A dynamic and customizable archival and retrieval system allows for information and documentation to be placed and made available in the system. The document type and identifying information for that document type are described. Definitions are established for the documents being managed, the data identifying the documents, and the retention policies for the documents. The documents are associated with the identifying data for a particular set of records. A single point of entry is provided for external and/or internal requests, and/or a single point of exit is provided for transmissions of information, wherein the transmissions to requestors include information that is individually approved. Moreover, digital authorizations and consents for retrieval from external data sources may be utilized. |
| US09049313B2 |
Image forming apparatus that controls image formation condition
An image forming apparatus includes: a receiving unit configured to receive reflection light emitted by a light emitting unit, and output a detection signal corresponding to an amount of received reflection light; a detection unit configured to output, as an output signal, a signal corresponding to a difference between a value that corresponds to an amount of reflection light from a first position at which a detection image having one or more lines in a direction different from a movement direction is formed and a value that corresponds to an amount of reflection light from a second position different from the first position; and a control unit configured to control an image formation condition related to density of an image to be formed, based on a peak value of the output signal. |
| US09049311B2 |
Automated voice call transcription and data record integration
An application may provide a communication session platform for a first participant to communicate to a second recipient in a service provider capacity. For instance a doctor, lawyer or other service provider may initiate a call application on a their user device and the device may transmit a communication session request to another user device of a patient or client, via the call application. The application may also provide transmitting a consent request to the client user device requesting consent to a term described by a pre-recorded content segment and receiving a confirmation message from the client user device agreeing to the consent request, and bridging the communication session between the client user device and the service provide user device. |
| US09049308B2 |
Communication terminal device having registration determining unit
A communication terminal device is capable of communicating with an external terminal device and an external information supplying device. The communication terminal device includes a receiving unit for receiving origination information from the external terminal device; a registration information storage unit for storing a destination of information transmission to the external terminal device as destination information; a searching unit for determining whether information for identifying the origination information exists in information in the external information supplying device; a destination information analyzing unit for retrieving retrieved information as the information for identifying the origination information from the information in the external information supplying device according to a determination result of the searching unit; and a destination registration unit for storing the retrieved information in the registration information storage unit according to the determination result of the searching unit. |
| US09049303B2 |
Automatic pairing of a telephone peripheral unit and an interface unit
System for audio communication comprising: a peripheral unit and an interface unit, wherein the peripheral unit comprises a microphone and a speaker, and the peripheral unit is connectable to a telephone via the interface unit, the interface unit having a unique interface unit device address, and the peripheral unit having a unique peripheral unit device address, wherein the peripheral unit and the interface unit are mutually connectable via a wireless communication link for audio communication and via a detachable wired communication link for auxiliary data, and wherein the system further comprises automatic pairing routine for pairing the peripheral unit and the interface unit to establish the wireless communication link. |
| US09049295B1 |
Intelligent interactive voice response system for processing customer communications
A method and apparatus of processing multiple user call records via an IVR call processing application is disclosed. One example method may include receiving a call from a user device, obtaining first user information from a user account stored in a user databank. The first information may be associated with a first call record established during a first previously received call from the user device. The method may also include establishing a first confidence level based on the first user information and obtaining second user information from the user account stored in the user databank. The second user information may be associated with a second call record established during a second previously received call from the user device. The method may also include establishing a second confidence level based on the second user information and transmitting an offer to the user device based on the first confidence level and second confidence level. |
| US09049292B2 |
Authentication to facilitate communication with roaming devices
In an embodiment, a mobile device that is configured to receive calls on a first telephone network via a first telephone number is configured to receive calls on a second telephone network via a second telephone number. A subscriber interface module (SIM) is installed into the mobile device enabling the mobile device to communicate with the second telephone network. A username, password, and telephone number for the second network are obtained. The mobile device registers the username, password, telephone number for the first network and telephone number for the second network with the first telephone network. A telephone call is received from the first telephone network and a personal identification code is employed to verify the registration. |
| US09049291B2 |
Intelligent tagging for multimedia call recording purposes using continuous metadata
A method of indexing recordings of contact center communication sessions is described. The method allows for a recording to be indexed with metadata reflecting a time-varying characteristic of one or more of the parties of the communications session, e.g. the mood of a caller, the current location of a caller. The indexing of recordings with such information allows for more granular search of recordings, in order to find particular call conditions. This can be useful from the point of view of education and training of new call center operatives, and for assessment of call center performance. |
| US09049290B2 |
Interaction detection between web-enabled and call-related features
A method is provided for detecting interactions between call-related and web-enabled features. In some embodiments, communication application components are configured to transmit an indication to a feature interaction detector every time a feature is invoked by the user. When the interaction detector receives an indication that a feature is being invoked, it compares the invoked feature against features that have previously been invoked (or executed) and determines whether the invoked feature interacts with any of the features that have been previously executed. |
| US09049288B2 |
Telephone functions for computers
An enhanced telephone emulation computer system including a minidialer program for controlling a computer to add telephony functions which can be invoked from whatever active program is currently controlling the computer. The minidialer program controls the computer to alter its processing depending upon the context existing at the time when a mouse click or hot key combination event is detected indicating the user wishes to invoke a telephony function. The minidialer program determines whether the user has highlighted any text or numbers in the active window of the application currently controlling the computer and whether the highlighted material is a name or a phone number, and if a name, whether the name is stored with a phone number in a phone book or file maintained on the computer. Processing and telephony menu options displayed as available also depend upon whether the user is or is not on the phone at the time the mouse click or hot key event occurs. In some embodiments, if the user has highlighted a URL, a browser will be launched and the web page corresponding to the URL will be opened. |
| US09049285B2 |
Synchronization of client application data between POTS telephone and content portal through PSTN
Methods, Plain Old Telephone System (POTS) phones, and computer program products are provided for synchronizing client application data, such as names and associated telephone numbers in a phone book, between the POTS phone and a content portal through a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A dial-up data communication connection is established between the POTS phone and the content portal through the PSTN. A determination is made at the content portal that the POTS phone is associated with client application data in the portal database of the content portal. Client application data is synchronized between the POTS phone and the portal database in response to the determined association between the POTS phone and client application data in the portal database. |
| US09049280B2 |
Display unit and electronic apparatus including display unit
A display unit includes: a display panel; a pair of side frames extending along side surfaces of the display panel respectively; a back cover that is mounted to the side frames and covers a back surface of the display panel; a front cover that is mounted to the pair of side frames, covers a periphery of a front surface of the display panel and holds a outer periphery of the display panel with the back cover; an upper positioning portion that is formed at an upper end of each of the pair of side frames and extends along an upper surface of the display panel; and a lower positioning portion that is formed at a lower end of each of the pair of side frames and extends along a lower surface of the display panel. |
| US09049276B2 |
Method and system for providing network analysis of a hybrid telephony network
An approach is provided for analyzing a hybrid telephony network. A plurality of nodes within a network is polled for configuration information, wherein the nodes are configured to establish packetized voice sessions. The configuration information is correlated. A view of the nodes and associated circuits is presented to a user for configuring one or more of the nodes based on the correlation. |
| US09049274B2 |
System and method for automatic call scheduling
A computer system for connecting a user to a scheduled call, including a processor in communication with non-volatile memory and code for receiving a user phone number where the user may be contacted and information allowing access to the user's calendar or email, code for accessing the user's calendar or email and identifying the scheduled call in the user's calendar or email, the scheduled call having information including at least a scheduled call number and a scheduled call time, code for placing a call to the scheduled call number before the scheduled call time, code for placing a call to the user at the user phone number before the scheduled call time, code for confirming the user has answered the call to the user, and code for connecting the call to the user to the call to the scheduled call number. |
| US09049261B2 |
Prioritized management and presentation of notifications
A computing device is described that receives an indication of a notification, and determines a priority level associated with the notification. The computing device determines, based at least in part on the priority level, content of the notification. Responsive to receiving an indication of a gesture detected at an input device, the computing device outputs, for display, a notification center graphical user interface that includes a graphical indication of the notification including the content of the notification. |
| US09049260B2 |
Integrating social-networking information
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a message associated with a user at an information exchange system. At least one correspondent associated with the user may be determined, based on the message. A social connection between the user and the at least one correspondent may be assessed with respect to a social-networking system. The information exchange system may provide an interface for display to the user, the interface comprising information associated with the message. If the social connection is confirmed, the interface may include social-networking information associated with the at least one correspondent. Otherwise, the interface may provide functionality to create a social connection between the user and the at least one correspondent with respect to the social-networking system. |
| US09049259B2 |
System and method for dynamically providing visual action or activity news feed
The method of presenting and accessing visual, video, stream media or multimedia actions and activities feeds is described. A method includes monitoring, tracking, capturing & recording each user's sequences of a plurality of actions and activities with associate data and metadata from one or more sources based on one or more preferences, privacy settings and filtering of action or activity types, storing and processing each user's said plurality of actions and activities in a database in image frame(s), video, streaming media or multimedia data format with contextual, relevant and location & position specific one or more actions or activities items & associate data and metadata, generating visual, video, stream media or multimedia actions and activities feeds for one or more actions or activities for one or more determined receiving users based on one or more filters, preferences and privacy settings of sender(s) and/or receiver(s), dynamically presenting said visual or video actions and activities feeds from one or more sources or senders to one or more determined receiving or viewing users based on one or more filters, preferences and privacy settings of sender(s) and/or receiver(s), allowing viewing user to select, search, match, load, download, edit, filter, access, process and play, forward, backward, pause, stop said visual or video actions and activities feeds based on one or more preferences and settings, dynamically presenting current image frame(s), video, stream or multimedia data position specific or action or activity item(s) video clip specific one or more contextual, associate and relevant action or activity item(s) with associate data and metadata and allowing user to dynamically access said one or more presented dynamic, contextual, associate and relevant action or activity item(s) and associate data and metadata. |
| US09049256B1 |
Fabric switchover for systems with control plane and fabric plane on same board
A network device includes a first and a second control board, with each control board having a separate control plane and fabric plane. The network device is configured to establish an active control plane on the first control board and an active fabric plane on the second control board. The network device is configured to establish a standby fabric plane on the first control board and a standby control plane on the second control board. The network device is configured to detect a failure on the first control board or the second control board and switch the status of the control plane on the second control board from standby to active, when the failure is on the first control board, and switches the status of the fabric plane on the first control board from standby to active when the failure is on the second control board. |
| US09049254B2 |
Control method, apparatus and system
The present invention discloses a control method, an apparatus, and a system. In the embodiments of the present invention, a control command is encapsulated into a network data packet to be sent to a remote network driver interface specification (RNDIS) device, and the encapsulated network data packet is sent to the RNDIS device to control the RNDIS device. In the conventional network architecture, a user device can directly send a network data packet to an RNDIS device. Therefore, with this solution, a control command can be transmitted to the RNDIS device without adding a new control interface. Compared with the solution that requires adding a new interface and installing an additional driver program in the prior art, this solution reduces application complexity and has no special requirement for the RNDIS device, which is commonly applicable and easy to implement. |
| US09049252B2 |
Efficient name management for named data networking in datacenter networks
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of efficient name management for named data networking in datacenter networks. In various examples, efficient name management for named data networking in datacenter networks may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms. |
| US09049249B2 |
Techniques for inferring an organizational hierarchy from a social graph
A method, system and article of manufacture for determining a global hierarchy of an entity by computing subjective coherence strength between nodes of first members of a social network service, computing objective entanglement strength between nodes of second members of the social network service, using subjective coherence strength and objective entanglement strength, compute the pairwise latent relationship probabilities between different ones of the nodes of the social network service, and using the pairwise relationship probabilities, compute the global hierarchy relationship. |
| US09049233B2 |
MPLS segment-routing
MPLS segment routing is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first core router generates a first data structure that maps first portcodes to respective identities of first neighbor routers or respective first links, wherein the first portcodes identify respective first ports of the first core router, and wherein the first ports are coupled to the first neighbor routers, respectively, via the first links, respectively. The first core router generates and transmits a first link-state packet, wherein the first link-state packet comprises an identity of the first core router and the first data structure. |
| US09049229B2 |
Evaluation of DNS pre-registration data to predict future DNS traffic
Methods and systems analyze historical NXD traffic to predict future DNS traffic. In one embodiment, a system may count NXD responses generated by an Authoritative DNS server during a particular time period and calculate the variance in NXD traffic for domains over time. The system may then generate a coefficient of variance (CoV) value for each domain observed. Finally, the system may predict positive domain traffic based upon the calculated CoV data. In other embodiments, the system may also base the prediction on the classification of domains as “original” domains or “re-registered” domains. In another embodiment, the system may also base the prediction on the “size” of name servers. Additionally, or alternatively, the system may determine the number of unique name servers for a domain and base the prediction on the number of unique name servers for a particular domain name. |
| US09049226B1 |
Defending against a cyber attack via asset overlay mapping
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for defending against a cyber attack via asset overlay mapping are provided herein. A method includes determining which of multiple systems within an organization stores each of multiple assets, determining at least one relationship present between the multiple assets across the multiple systems of the organization, and identifying, upon an attack of a first system of the multiple systems within the organization, one or more additional systems of the multiple systems vulnerable to the attack based on at least one relationship between one or more of the multiple assets stored on the first system to one or more of the multiple assets stored on one or more additional systems. |
| US09049225B2 |
Method and system for detecting unauthorized wireless access points using clock skews
Identifying valid wireless access points based on clock skews. A computing device receives plurality of frames, each including a corresponding timestamp, from a wireless access point. The computing device calculates transmit and receive offsets based on transmit and receive times of the plurality of frames, and also calculates differences between the transmit and receive offsets. The computing device also calculates a clock skew of a clock at the wireless access point based on a slope of the differences. The client computing device determines whether the wireless access point is an authorized wireless access point or an unauthorized wireless access point based on comparing the calculated clock skew with one or more known baseline clock skews of one or more authorized wireless access points. |
| US09049224B2 |
System and method for detecting behavior anomaly in information access
A system and method for identifying anomalies in information requests. The information requests are modeled into a plurality of basic elements and association among the basic elements are tracked. The association of one information request is compared with a plurality of bitmap tables and counters representing a baseline information from a historical behavior information. If the association of this information request differs from the baseline information, an alert is issued. The system responds dynamically to changing baselines in assessment of which behaviors constitute an anomaly. |
| US09049223B2 |
System and method for remote security management of a user terminal via a trusted user platform
A user system includes terminal equipment configured to receive and send data through a communication network; a terminal security support system removably insertable in, and configured to cooperate with, the terminal equipment; and a trusted user platform for the terminal equipment. The trusted user platform includes an information protection system configured to implement security functionalities, configuration instances for the information protection system, and a trusted communication agent configured to provide a safe communication between the terminal security support system and a remote management centre through the terminal equipment to allow the information protection system to be remotely configured from the remote management centre. The terminal security support system includes an integrated circuit card and/or a memory card which wholly supports the trusted user platform, and the terminal equipment is configured to send data to be subjected to security control to, and to receive security-controlled data from, the trusted user platform. |
| US09049222B1 |
Preventing cross-site scripting in web-based e-mail
Cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in a Web browser that may lead to malware execution on a computing device are reduced. The specific vulnerabilities arise from HTML-based e-mails using e-mail service providers (e.g., Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo) that have unknown or malformed HTML elements and Javascripts. These unknown elements may execute in a browser and cause harm to the computing device. To prevent this, the e-mail is parsed to create a DOM tree. The DOM tree is filtered using a normal element filter. The modified DOM tree is filtered a second time using a script analyzer filter to isolate potentially harmful HTML and Javascript elements. These elements are then emulated to determine which of them are in fact malicious. These malicious elements are then prevented from executing, for example, by preventing the e-mail recipient from opening the e-mail in the browser. |
| US09049214B1 |
Sharing memory among mobile devices
A method, system, and/or computer program product enables the sharing of memory among mobile devices. Copies of a same hard key holder are installed in all mobile devices from a user-defined group of mobile devices. The hard key holder controls memory sharing between a master mobile device and a slave mobile device. A memory appropriation request is sent from the master mobile device to the slave mobile device. In response to the slave mobile device receiving the memory appropriation request, an unused sector of the memory in the first slave mobile device is reserved for use by the master mobile device. Upon storing of data sent from the master mobile device, a message is sent from the slave mobile device to the master mobile device describing how much room is still available for the master mobile device to use. |
| US09049212B2 |
Method, system, and computer program product for prefetching sync data and for edge caching sync data on a cellular device
The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for prefetching sync data and for edge caching on a cellular device (e.g., a cell phone). The method for prefetching sync data comprises: providing unprocessed sync data at a first location; downloading the unprocessed sync data from the first location to a second location over a first network; processing the unprocessed sync data at the second location to provide preprocessed sync data; storing the preprocessed sync data in a cache; receiving a sync request from a mobile device; and immediately providing at least a portion of the preprocessed sync data stored in the cache to the mobile device. |
| US09049210B2 |
Data communication
A method of establishing a communications session for communication of data with respect to at least two user devices in a data communications network. A client-server connection request is received from at least one of the at least two user devices. Call party details of a telephone call are received. The telephone call involves at least a first telephony user device and a second telephony user device. The call party details include a first identity associated with the first telephony user device and a second identity associated with the second telephony user device. At least one of the first and second identities comprises a telephone dialing number. A separate communications session is established on the basis of the first and second identities received in the call party details. |
| US09049207B2 |
Asset detection system
A pluggable asset detection engine is used to identify devices within a network. The pluggable asset detection engine includes a set of pluggable discovery sensors and is adapted to identify particular address information of a particular computing device within a network, using a first pluggable discovery sensor in the set of discovery sensors, and send an identification of the particular address information of the particular computing device to an asset management system for inclusion of the particular address information in an asset repository managed by the asset management system. |
| US09049202B2 |
Embedding user equipment information within third party registration messages
A method, information processing system, and wireless communications system for providing dynamic information associated with at least one of a wireless device and a network to at least one application server. The method includes receiving a registration message (604) associated with a wireless device (106). A service profile (220) associated with the wireless device (106) is retrieved from a register (212). The service profile (220) is determined to indicate dynamic information associated with at least one of a wireless device (106) and a network requested by at least one application server (218) associated with the wireless device (106). A third-party registration message that includes at least the dynamic information requested by the at least one application serve (218) is generated (612). The third-party registration message is sent (614) to the at least one application server (218). |
| US09049199B2 |
Dynamic cache selection method and system
Node, computer software and method for selecting a resource that is available at multiple caches connected in a communication network. The method includes receiving from a user a request for the resource; identifying one or more caches of the multiple caches that store the resource; determining a total cost associated with a path between the user and each cache of the one or more caches storing the resource, the total cost including a static cost [Cf] that reflects a topology of the communication network and a dynamic cost [Δ] which is indicative of changing conditions of the communication network; and selecting one cache from the one or more caches that store the resource based on a lowest total cost of the one cache. |
| US09049196B1 |
Method for distributed RDSMS
Methods for processing streaming data records are provided that include facilities for defining and naming multiple input and output data streams using relational processing definitions and abstractions similar to those found in relational database management systems (RDBMS) and embodied as a set of communicating stream processing nodes. The result is a Distributed Data Stream Management System (DDSMS) which is also a kind of Relational Data Stream Management System (RDSMS). The former comprises a set of Relational Data Stream Management System (RDSMS) nodes, whereas the latter might contain only a single RDSMS node. |
| US09049194B2 |
Methods and systems for internet security via virtual software
A method for providing internet security via multiple user authorization in virtual software. Each of two users are provided with a non-transitory tangible storage medium. The first user inputs the storage medium into a local computer. If the first user is granted authorization by a second user, the first user can download at least one additional non-browser based application module into virtual memory of his local computer. |
| US09049181B2 |
Network key update system, a server, a network key update method and a recording medium
In order to reduce the frequency with which communication occurs when updating a network key is reduced and minimize the deterioration in performance due to updating without relying on a key tree, a server is provided with an address key allocation unit which generates identifiers for identifying clients by the combination of addresses on a plurality of address spaces and allocates address keys to respective addresses included in the generated identifier, and a network key ciphering unit which generates a network key update key which cannot be generated from the address keys allocated to a client to be disconnected, ciphers a new network key using the network key update key, and delivers the new network key to the clients. |
| US09049180B2 |
Method for providing a signal output on the basis of a main file and at least one secondary file, and motor vehicle
In order to provide additional functionalities in an infotainment system of a motor vehicle, a method for providing a signal output, in which a main file is transmitted that refers to secondary files and indicates an identifier related to each secondary file. The identifier can be calculated upon receipt of the main file (for example in the motor vehicle) for a secondary file already provided in the motor vehicle and compared with the identifier contained in the main file. Thus, the secondary file does not need to be downloaded every time, but can be provided in a buffer memory. The identifier shows if the secondary file provided is the most recent version thereof. |
| US09049179B2 |
Mobile network traffic coordination across multiple applications
Systems and methods for mobile network traffic coordination across multiple applications are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a distributed proxy and cache system, including, a local proxy on a mobile device for intercepting a data request made via a mobile device, and a proxy server coupled to the mobile device and a content server to which the data request is directed. One embodiment includes, delaying transfer of a first data transfer request initiated by a first application until another data transfer request initiated by a second application is detected on the mobile device and transferring, the first data transfer request of the first application and the other data transfer request of the second application a single transfer operation over the network. |
| US09049178B2 |
User interface to facilitate exchanging files among processor-based devices
A first processor-based device (PBD), such as a personal computer functioning as a host and containing digital media files, may share a selected file with a second PBD. Media file-sharing may be facilitated by an automated technique including graphical user interfaces (GUIs). In one embodiment, when a device user wishes to transfer a file to another device, the user hovers the file over a particular desktop icon and drops it, causing it to be automatically transmitted to a corresponding destination. Optionally, in response to hovering, a software program automatically generates a GUI indicating potential destinations. The user then selects a destination, and the system automatically transfers the file to that destination. In another embodiment, media sharing can be initiated from a digital appliance, such as a digital picture frame, and a file can be sent to another PBD, such as another digital picture frame via an intermediary PBD. |
| US09049176B2 |
File sharing via link generation
Users specify that a file set comprising their files, folders, or other content owned by the users should be made accessible via a link, such as a uniform resource locator (URL). The system which stores and provides access to the files accordingly creates a link that specifies the file set to be made accessible. The users may distribute the link to recipients with whom the file set is to be shared, and the distribution may be performed in any manner that the users choose. |
| US09049172B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing security in an intranet network
A method and an apparatus for providing security in an intranet network are disclosed. For example, the method receives a packet at a customer edge router, and applies an inbound access control list by the customer edge router to the packet if the packet is destined to a server in a protected server group, wherein said protected server group identifies one or more servers within the intranet network to be protected. The method applies an outbound access control list by the customer edge router to the packet if the packet is from a server in the protected server group. |
| US09049171B2 |
System and method for interlocking a host and a gateway
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes exchanging a session descriptor associated with a network connection and an application on a host, correlating the session descriptor with a network policy, and applying the network policy to the network connection. In alternative embodiments, the session descriptor may be exchanged through an out-of-band communication channel or an in-band communication channel. |
| US09049168B2 |
Home sensor data gathering for neighbor notification purposes
In a computer-implemented method of generating event notifications, in-home data is received. The in-home data and environment data (e.g., weather, law enforcement, etc.) is generated by, or based on information generated by, a device located at a residence of an individual, and is analyzed to determine whether it is indicative of an event that should be reported to one or more neighboring residences and/or businesses. If the data is indicative of such an event, a notification is generated and transmitted to the relevant residences and/or businesses. |
| US09049164B2 |
Dynamic message retrieval by subdividing a message queue into sub-queues
Exemplary embodiments provide methods and systems for dynamically changing a message retrieval scheme during runtime in a client/server electronic messaging system in which the server executes a message retrieval component and incoming messages received from the client is stored in a message queue. Aspects of the exemplary embodiment include accessing messaging business rules from a memory by a message retrieval component at runtime, wherein the messaging business rules define a primary retrieval scheme and a secondary retrieval scheme, and wherein a value provided for each of the primary retrieval scheme and the secondary retrieval scheme are selected from a combination of different message retrieval types including: First In First Out (FIFO), Last In First Out (LIFO), and random. The message retrieval component subdivides the message queue into sub-queues based on at least one of a message quantity limit and a message received time limit specified in the business rules. Each of the sub-queues is then accessed using the value of the secondary retrieval scheme; and messages from each of the sub-queues are retrieved using the value of the primary retrieval scheme. |
| US09049156B2 |
Frame structure for a multi-hop wireless system
A wireless network includes a base station which can serve terminals directly, or via multi-hop transmission paths via relay stations. The base station transmits a downlink sub-frame which includes a first set of frame control information and a second set of frame control information. The second set of frame control information occupies a different position within the downlink sub-frame compared to the first set of frame control information. A relay station is able to transmit a downlink sub-frame to a terminal, or another relay station, while still being able to receive a set of frame control at a different time during the downlink sub-frame. The invention is especially useful in a wireless network in which the downlink transmissions of a base station and a relay station are synchronized to one another and where the downlink transmissions of a base station and relay station occupy the same, or similar, frequency bearer. |
| US09049141B2 |
User-controlled network video management
A process and system for user-controlled configuration of an Internet protocol network. The user may supply input for generating a network configuration profile, which includes a number of classes of service (COSs) for prioritizing network traffic, including video transmission. A quality of service (QOS) may be measured and compared with a COS for video transmission. Depending on the measured QOS, a network alert may be issued and a priority of packets associated with the COS for video transmission may be increased. |
| US09049140B2 |
Backbone network with policy driven routing
A source device obtains a data packet that includes both a destination address and a payload. The source device selects an exit point address of multiple exit point addresses corresponding to the destination address based on one or more policies. The source device encapsulates the data packet with a header that includes the selected exit point address, and the encapsulated data packet is provided to the backbone network. The encapsulated data packet is routed through the backbone network based on the exit point address, and an edge router of the backbone network identifies an interface of the edge router that corresponds to the exit point address. The header is removed from the encapsulated data packet, and the data packet is added to a buffer of the interface for routing to one or more other devices outside of the backbone network. |
| US09049138B2 |
Method, device and system for implementing multicast forwarding in extended VLAN bridge
The disclosure provides a method, a device, and a system for implementing multicast forwarding in an Extended VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) Bridge (EVB), wherein the method includes: the EVB controlling bridge receives a multicast frame and acquires a multicast address from the multicast frame; inquires on a master port and an identifier (ID) of a subgroup corresponding to the multicast address from a first preset mapping table; forwards, when the ID of the corresponding subgroup is an Multicast Identifier (MCID), the multicast frame carrying the MCID to a corresponding Port Extender (PE) assembly via the master port; and the PE assembly distributes the multicast frame to a User Equipment (UE) according to a correspondence between the MCID carried in the multicast frame and a downlink port of the PE assembly. |
| US09049137B1 |
Hash based ECMP load balancing with non-power-of-2 port group sizes
The invention is directed to optimizing load balancing for equal cost multiple path (ECMP) network routing by improving the load balancing of network data traffic across multiple equal cost next hop egress network links that have the same next hop routing cost. At least one of the various embodiments may enable improve load balancing of egress network links by programming network routing tables and conducting diagnostic processes and testing to determine if a programmed network routing table optimally load balances the outgoing the network data traffic among the equal cost next hop egress network links. If an embodiment determines that a programmed network routing table is load balancing less effectively than desired, it may re-program the network routing table(s). |
| US09049129B2 |
Node monitoring apparatus, node monitoring method, and computer readable medium
There is provided a node monitoring apparatus including: a node identification unit that identifies a function of a node present in a network; a parameter setting unit that sets a parameter for monitoring processing on the node in accordance with the function identified by the function identification unit; and a node monitoring unit that performs the monitoring processing on each of the nodes based on the parameter set by the parameter setting unit. |
| US09049123B2 |
Determining policy follow-up action based on user-specified codes
A system, method and computer program product for determining policy follow-up action based on user-specified codes are set forth. When determining policy follow up action based upon user specified codes, a policy system receives function templates for permissible actions on a given resource type; each function template is annotated with indications of success and failure; the policy system performs an action on the resource; the policy system receives a status indication (or exception); the status indication is compared against the annotated function template; and, the policy system determines its next action based on that comparison. |
| US09049119B2 |
Dynamically configurable mobile device and cellular phones with functions
A wireless communication and control system including a wireless device. There is a central server for storing communication protocols and control protocols and communicating the communication protocols and selectively communicating the control protocols between the wireless device and the central server. A communication protocol configures the system for communication and control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of intelligent appliance controllers. Alternately the control protocols configure the system as one of a selection of Internet terminals. The wireless device is any hand-held communication device, such as a hand-held computing device, wireless telephone, or cellular phone. The primary mode may switch from local office to a public carrier loop. This switching may be automatic or per specific instruction and preferences stored on a Server or in the CT/MD. |
| US09049115B2 |
Enabling virtual workloads using overlay technologies to interoperate with physical network services
A solution is provided to enable cloud service provider customers/users to offer physical network services to virtualized workloads that use overlay technologies, such as a Virtual Extensible Local Area Network (VXLAN). For a virtual workload that uses an overlay technology, an identifier is received of a logical network to which the virtual workload connects and a policy for the logical network. Based on the identifier of the logical network and the policy, a gateway is configured to connect traffic for the virtual workload on the logical network to a particular virtual local area network (VLAN) interface of the physical network service equipment on which the policy is configured. |
| US09049113B1 |
Systems and methods for primitive sequence capture and retransmission in a network device
Method and systems for a network device are provided. The method includes receiving configuration data having a primitive sequence comprising a first primitive and a second primitive at a first clock rate at a port of the network device; writing the configuration data into a smoothing module of the port at the first clock rate; reading the configuration data out of the smoothing module at a second clock rate; allowing a primitive to be inserted or deleted in the smoothing module to prevent smoothing module underflows or overflow; regenerating the primitive sequence at the second clock rate; and transmitting the regenerated primitive sequence to the destination port. |
| US09049112B2 |
Flow control for reliable message passing
A message flow controller limits a process from passing a new message in a reliable message passing layer from a source node to at least one destination node while a total number of in-flight messages for the process meets a first level limit. The message flow controller limits the new message from passing from the source node to a particular destination node from among a plurality of destination nodes while a total number of in-flight messages to the particular destination node meets a second level limit. Responsive to the total number of in-flight messages to the particular destination node not meeting the second level limit, the message flow controller only sends a new packet from among at least one packet for the new message to the particular destination node while a total number of in-flight packets for the new message is less than a third level limit. |
| US09049110B2 |
Method and apparatus for coordinating the system robustness
The present invention discloses a method for coordinating system robustness. The method comprises: a system robustness detecting and coordinating module receives the state data of a system, and judges the type of the state-related data received; when the type of the state-related data received is determined as a performance-related data, the system robustness detecting and coordinating module analyzes the performance-related data; when the type of the state-related data received is determined as a fault-related data, the system robustness detecting and coordinating module invokes an automatic repairing module to analyze the fault-related data received; under the circumstance that the analysis result of the system robustness detecting and coordinating module or the automatic repairing module is that an automatic adjustment is needed to be performed, the type of the automatic adjustment which is needed to be performed is judged, and a corresponding module is invoked to perform adjustment. In addition, the present invention also discloses an apparatus for coordinating the system robustness. The level of the automatic management and maintenance of the mobile communication system can be improved effectively and the maintenance cost can be reduced effectively by using the present invention. |
| US09049106B2 |
Multipath virtual router redundancy
Providing gateway redundancy is disclosed. On each of a master and a standby gateway a single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is associated with a plurality of subscriber subnets. On each gateway, the respective single IP routing redundancy protocol instance is used to provide gateway redundancy for the plurality of subscriber subnets. |
| US09049105B1 |
Systems and methods for tracking and managing event records associated with network incidents
One or more event records associated with incidents that may occur in a network may be created and stored in an event sequence with other related event records. Whether the event records are related may be determined based at least in part on a dependency between network elements associated with the incidents. The one or more event records may be executed by event handlers to create additional event records, which may also be stored in an event sequence with related event records. A user may request event sequences for display at a user device. Event sequences may be processed to provide at least a portion of the sequences based at least in part on user-specific information. A user may interact with and/or respond to event records in the network. Such interactions or responses may also be stored as event records in an event sequence. |
| US09049101B2 |
Cluster monitor, method for monitoring a cluster, and computer-readable recording medium
A cluster monitor (10) controls activation of a business application program and a monitoring agent in a cluster system (300) that includes a plurality of servers. The cluster monitor (10) includes a business server identifying unit (21) that identifies a server on which the business application program is operating among the servers, and an agent server selecting unit (22) that selects a server for activating the monitoring agent from among the servers based on the identified server. |
| US09049099B2 |
Label distribution protocol advertisement of services provided by application nodes
An application node advertises service(s), using a label distribution protocol, that it offers to other network nodes and a corresponding label to use to identify these services(s). For example, a Targeted Label Distribution Protocol (tLDP) session may be established between a packet switching device and the application node providing these services to communicate the advertisement. Packets are encapsulated and sent from a service node (e.g., packet switching device) with the corresponding label to have one or more advertised services applied to the packet by an application node (e.g., a packet switching device and/or computing platform such as a Cisco ASR 1000). |
| US09049098B2 |
Discovery of services provided by application nodes in a network
An application node advertises service(s), using a routing protocol, that it offers to other network nodes. For example, the routing protocol used to advertise service(s) in a Service Provider Network is typically an link-state, Interior Gateway Protocol (IGP), such as, but not limited to, Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS) or Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). Packets are encapsulated and sent from a service node (e.g., packet switching device) using one or more advertised services applied to a packet by an application node (e.g., a packet switching device and/or computing platform such as a Cisco ASR 1000). |
| US09049096B2 |
Data routing via lower layers in a communication system
Techniques for routing data via lower layer paths through lower layers of a protocol stack are described. A lower layer path may be composed of a flow for packets, a link at a link layer, and a channel at a physical layer. A packet may be received from an application. A most preferred lower layer path for the packet may be selected from among at least one available lower layer path. The available lower layer path(s) may be arranged in an order of preference based on treatment of packets (e.g., best effort or QoS), protocols used at the link layer, channel types at the physical layer, and/or other factors. The packet may be sent via the selected lower layer path. A highest precedence lower layer path for the packet may be set up (e.g., in parallel) if this path is not among the at least one available lower layer path. |
| US09049092B2 |
Data transmission system including encoder and a clock recovery system for display device, data transmission method for display device and display device
A data transmission system for a display device, which is an mBnB encoding system encoding a signal of m (m is a natural number) bits into a signal of n (n is a natural number and n>m) bits on the basis of a certain translation table to be transmitted thereafter, the system including: an output driver of outputting a gray scale voltage in accordance with the data decoded at a receiver side, in which in the translation table, a bit pattern with a larger data change index from among 2n pieces of bit patterns of the n bits of the data is assigned to a bit pattern with a larger amplitude of the gray scale voltage from among 2m pieces of bit patterns of the m bits of the data. |
| US09049089B2 |
Radio communication device and constellation control method
A base station is provided for receiving an acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signal, including a transmitting unit configured to transmit a control signal using one or a plurality of CCE(s). The base station also includes a receiving unit configured to receive an ACK/NACK signal, the ACK/NACK signal being multiplied by an orthogonal sequence, by a sequence defined by a cyclic shift, and by either a first value or a second value, wherein the first value rotates a constellation of the ACK/NACK signal by 0 degrees and the second value rotates the constellation of the ACK/NACK signal by N degrees, which is different from 0 degrees. |
| US09049088B2 |
Carrier and sampling frequency offsets estimation method and associated apparatus applied to multi-carrier communication system
An offset estimation apparatus for a multi-carrier communication system is provided. The offset estimation apparatus includes an FFT unit configured to transform a reception signal and to generate multiple symbols, a conjugate multiplier configured to receive and conjugate multiply two consecutive symbols corresponding to predetermined subcarrier indices to generate multiple correlating complex numbers, a powering unit configured to raise the correlating complex numbers by a received exponent to generate multiple powered correlating complex numbers, and a calculation unit configured to estimate a frequency offset according to the powered correlating complex numbers. |
| US09049084B1 |
Utilizing an offset QPSK signal to transmit two digital symbols
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media, for facilitating transmission of offset QPSK signals indicating two digital symbols. In some embodiments, a first digital symbol of a first digital information unit and a first digital symbol of a second digital information unit are used to identify a first signal attribute associated with a sine wave and a second signal attributed associated with a cosine wave. Thereafter, an offset QPSK signal is generated using the first signal attribute in association with the sine wave and the second signal attribute in association with the cosine wave to encode both the first digital symbol and the second digital symbol within the offset QPSK signal. |
| US09049079B2 |
Optimizing software configuration values using CMDB
A method, device, system, and program able to automatically optimize configuration values in software constituting an integrated system. The integrated system introduction support device collects from a configuration management database (CMDB) software configuration values related to other integrated systems sharing interactive aspects with the software constituting the target integrated system, and generates a regression model of configuration values having a high correlation among the collected software configuration values. When configuration values in a predetermined software program constituting the integrated system have been specified by the user, the integrated system introduction support device applies the specified configuration values to the regression model, and calculates an optimum value for the other software programs constituting the integrated system. |
| US09049078B2 |
NOC-oriented control of a demand coordination network
An apparatus, including a plurality of devices, a network operations center (NOC), and a plurality of control nodes. Each of the plurality of devices consumes a portion of the resource when turned on, and performs a corresponding function within an acceptable operational margin by cycling on and off. The NOC is disposed external to the facility, and generates a plurality of run time schedules that coordinates run times for the each of the plurality of devices to control the peak demand of the resource. Each of the plurality of control nodes is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of devices. The plurality of control nodes transmits sensor data and device status to the NOC via the demand coordination network for generation of the plurality of run time schedules, and executes selected ones of the run time schedules to cycle the plurality of devices on and off. |
| US09049071B2 |
System and method for controlling configuration settings for mobile communication devices and services
A method for implementing policy settings in a user device comprising a plurality of applications, wherein the policy settings comprise at least one application policy setting for managing at least one of the plurality of applications and at least one client policy setting for managing the user device, the method comprising determining a set of policy settings for the user device, providing an update of the policy settings and causing implementation of the policy settings by the user device, to control management of the at least one of the plurality of applications and management of the user device. |
| US09049065B2 |
Removal of ICI/ISI errors in frequency domain channel estimation for wireless repeaters
A method for estimating a feedback channel for a wireless repeater using frequency domain channel estimation estimates an error correction term using a most recent channel estimate and cancels the error correction term from a current block of the receive signal. Then, the feedback channel is estimated using frequency domain channel estimation and using a current block of the pilot signal and the corrected block of the receive signal. A channel estimate error term may also be estimated and subtracted directly from the channel estimate. |
| US09049060B2 |
Co-channel dual polarized microwave device and method for receiving receive signal
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a co-channel dual polarized microwave device and a method. Frame synchronization is performed on a first receive signal processed by cross polarization interference cancellation and phase noise immunization is performed on the first receive signal processed by frame synchronization. Frame synchronization is performed on a second receive signal not processed by cross polarization interference cancellation and phase noise immunization is performed on the second receive signal processed by frame synchronization. The first receive signal processed by phase noise immunization and the second receive signal processed by phase noise immunization are selectively received according to a frame synchronization state signal and a signal quality signal. Delay alignment is performed on a selectively received signal according to the frame synchronization state signal to implement lossless switching in a selective receiving process. |
| US09049058B2 |
Fine step blended modulation communications
A communication device is configured to perform symbol mapping of bits to generate modulation symbols using one or more modulations. The device may employ a blended modulation composed of bit labels or symbols having different numbers of bits per symbol and different modulations. For example, the device may symbol map bit labels/symbols having first number of bits per symbol to first modulation, and the device may symbol map labels/symbols having second number of bits per symbol to second modulation. The device may be configured to perform forward error correction (FEC) or error correction code (ECC) and coding of information bits to generate coded bits that subsequently undergo symbol mapping. The device may be configured to operate based on different operational modes based on substantially uniform steps of rates, or bits per symbol, and energy per bit or symbol to noise spectral density ratio (Eb/N0 or Es/N0). |
| US09049046B2 |
System and method for offloading data in a communication system
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes communicating an in-band message packet from a first network element; receiving a response to the in-band message from a second network element, the response contains tunnel identification binding data that identifies a tunnel on a backhaul link on which traffic from a user equipment can flow; and receiving instructions from the second network element to offload a received data packet from the backhaul link. In particular instances, the in-band message is set to loopback when the in-band message is sent from the first network element. In other embodiments, the tunnel identification binding data is provided in the payload of the in-band message when the in-band message is sent from the first network element. In other examples, the method can include receiving an assigned Internet protocol (IP) address of the user equipment in the response to the in-band message. |
| US09049045B2 |
Peer-to-peer forwarding for packet-switched traffic
One of the embodiments is directed to establishing peer-to-peer tunnels between clients in a mobility domain. Normally, clients attached to a network having access nodes connected to a central controller transfer all traffic through the central controller via tunnels between the access node and the central controller. A mobility manager operating in the controller tracks access nodes connected to the controller, and clients connected to those access nodes. When the mobility controller recognizes traffic passing between clients in its mobility domain that is eligible for peer-to-peer forwarding, it instructs the access nodes supporting the clients to establish a peer-to-peer tunnel between the nodes, and direct the client traffic through this peer-to-peer tunnel. The peer-to-peer tunnel may be session based, or may be aged. Eligibility of traffic for peer-to-peer tunnels may be controlled by rules, such as limiting peer-to-peer tunnels by source or destination, by port or protocol, and the like. |
| US09049043B2 |
Method and device for reducing the electrical consumption of an ethernet interface
The present invention relates to a method for reducing the electricity consumption of an Ethernet interface involving switching to a low power mode when no activity is detected on the physical layer thereof for a first predetermined duration (T_L1_INACTIVE). The method is characterized in that the interface also switches to a low power mode when no activity is detected on the MAC layer thereof for a second predetermined duration (T_L2L). |
| US09049040B2 |
System and a method for remotely using electrical devices
A controller device (209) is enabled to provide a virtual user interface of an electrical device (201) to be remotely used and to generate control messages (241) for controlling the electrical device by providing the controller device with a proxy (211) of the electrical device. The proxy is a movable software package which can be used for representing the electrical device in the controller device. The proxy can be configured to have a limited time-to-live in the controller device and/or a surrounding system may have been arranged to send to the controller device a proxy removal message when the corresponding electrical device is leaving the system or a data transfer connection to it has otherwise been lost. Therefore, a sufficiently up-to-date awareness of the electrical devices and a capability of remotely using them can be maintained in the controller device. |
| US09049030B1 |
Methods and apparatus for efficient multicast
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a core network node configured to associate with a native multicast group a first client device that is associated with a first virtual local area network (VLAN) and operatively coupled to the core network node via a first access network node and an aggregation network node. The core network node can associate with the native multicast group a second client device that is associated with a second VLAN and operatively coupled to the core network node via a second access network node and the aggregation network node. The core network node can define a multicast VLAN including the first VLAN and the second VLAN based on the native multicast group. The core network node can receive a multicast data unit associated with the native multicast group and can also define a single instance of the multicast data unit for the multicast VLAN. |
| US09049025B1 |
Method of decrypting encrypted information for unsecure phone
A server receives encrypted information for an intended recipient. The server determines, based on recipient information, whether the recipient's device is able to decrypt the encrypted information. If so, the encrypted information is provided to the device. Upon determining that the device is unable to decrypt the encrypted information, the server sends a notification message to the device. The notification message indicates that the encrypted message has been received. In response to the notification message, the server receives a response from the device. If the device is successfully authenticated, based on the response, the server decrypts the encrypted information and provides the decrypted information to the device for presentation to the recipient. |
| US09049024B2 |
Secure key management in conferencing system
A method for managing a conference between two or more parties comprises an identity based authenticated key exchange between a conference management element and each of the two or more parties seeking to participate in the conference. Messages exchanged between the conference management element and the two or more parties are encrypted based on respective identities of recipients of the messages. The method comprises the conference management element receiving from each party a random group key component. The random group key component is computed by each party based on a random number used by the party during the key authentication operation and random key components computed by a subset of others of the two or more parties seeking to participate in the conference. The conference management element sends to each party the random group key components computed by the parties such that each party can compute the same group key. |
| US09049012B2 |
Secured cryptographic communication system
According to an embodiment, a communication apparatus includes a finding unit; a negotiating unit; and a communicating unit. The finding unit is configured to, in response to a request from an application that makes use of key information, find out a key generating device that generates the key information. The negotiating unit is configured to perform a negotiation operation with respect to the key generating device to determine conditions for key information that is to be generated. The communicating unit is configured to receive, from the key generating device, the key information that is generated based on the conditions determined in the negotiation operation, and send the received key information to the application. |
| US09049011B1 |
Secure key storage and distribution
This disclosure describes a distributed, fault-tolerant security system that enables the secure storage and distribution of private keys. In one implementation, the security system includes a plurality of computing resources that independently store private keys provided by publishers and encrypted using a single security system public key. To protect against malicious activity, the security system private key necessary to decrypt the publication private keys is not stored at any of the computing resources. Rather portions, or shares of the security system private key are stored at each of the computing resources within the security system and multiple security systems must communicate and share partial decryptions in order to decrypt the stored private key. |
| US09049006B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for securely transmitting a security parameter to a computing device
Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the secure transmittal of security parameters. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a representation of first data comprising a password is generated at the first computing device as an audio signal. The audio signal is transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device. The password is determined from the audio signal at the second computing device. A key exchange is performed between the first computing device and the second computing device wherein a key is derived at each of the first and second computing devices. In at least one embodiment, one or more security parameters (e.g. one or more public keys) are exchanged between the first and second computing devices, and techniques for securing the exchange of security parameters or authenticating exchanged security parameters are generally disclosed herein. |
| US09049003B2 |
Methods and arrangements in a telecommunication system for sending feedback data and user data on a combined feedback and data channel
A method and an arrangement (400, 600) in a first and second node, respectively, are provided. In a step (220), the first node (110) sends a plurality of resource units in a time period on a combined feedback and data channel. Said plurality of resource units comprises information about feedback data and user data. At least a minimum number of resource units are reserved for allocation by the user data. |
| US09049000B2 |
Real-time packet transforms to avoid re-transmissions
There exists a need to reduce re-transmission delays in real time feeds (such as video) by sending the packet with sufficient repair/recovery information inside the packet container so the relaying stations and/or the receiving devices can fix errors in transmission by perusing the contents of the packet and the repair information, and modify the packet and then relay it. By providing the relaying station the ability to fix the error, retransmission of the packet is avoided along each relay station along the network path from source to destination and also by receiving devices that would otherwise request a re-transmission. This application teaches a method so real time streams (e.g. video) may be more efficiently transported over a CSMA based network. |
| US09048993B2 |
Wireless communication channel blanking
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate blanking on portions of bandwidth, such as a subset of interlaces, utilized by communicating devices that are dominantly interfered by a disparate device in wireless communications networks. The portions of bandwidth can relate to critical data, such as control data, and one or more of the communicating devices can request that the dominantly interfering device blank on one or more of the portions. The communicating devices can subsequently transmit data over the blanked portions free of the dominant interference. Additionally, the dominantly interfering device can request reciprocal blanking from the one or more communicating devices. |
| US09048991B2 |
Method for mapping physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel
A method for mapping a physical hybrid automatic repeat request indicator channel (PHICH) is described. The method for mapping a PHICH includes determining an index of a resource element group transmitting a repetitive pattern of the PHICH, according to a ratio of the number of available resource element groups in a symbol in which the PHICH is transmitted and the number of available resource element groups in a first or second OFDM symbol, and mapping the PHICH to the symbol according to the determined index. In transmitting the PHICH, since efficient mapping is performed considering available resource elements varying with OFDM symbols, repetition of the PHICH does not generate interference between neighbor cell IDs and performance is improved. |
| US09048988B2 |
Transmission signal generation apparatus, transmission signal generation method, reception signal generation apparatus, and reception signal generation method
Multiple-Input and Multiple-Output (MIMO)-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) communication is provided which allows high accuracy estimation of frequency offset, high accuracy estimation of a transmission path fluctuation and high accuracy synchronization/signal detection. Pilot symbol mapping is provided for forming pilot carriers by assigning orthogonal sequences to corresponding subcarriers among OFDM signals which are transmitted at the same time from respective antennas in the time domain. Even when pilot symbols are multiplexed among a plurality of channels (antennas), this allows frequency offset/phase noise to be estimated with high accuracy. |
| US09048986B2 |
Mitigation of lost resource allocation synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved node B (eNodeB)
A method for mitigation of lost resource allocation synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNodeB) during a Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) transmission and/or retransmission process is described. The method includes determining whether resource allocation is out of synchronization between a user equipment (UE) and an evolved Node B (eNodeB) during a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission and/or retransmission process. The method further includes mitigating a loss of resource allocation synchronization between the UE and the eNodeB during the HARQ transmission and/or retransmission process. |
| US09048978B2 |
Clocking scheme for a wireless communication device
The invention relates to a method and a system for generating clock signals in a wireless communication device. The method includes generating an uncorrected reference clock signal, generating at least one frequency correction value corresponding to a frequency error in the uncorrected reference clock signal, and generating at least one radio frequency clock signal based on the uncorrected clock signal and the at least one frequency correction value, for receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals. The method further comprise generating, independently of the at least one radio frequency clock signal, a baseband timing signal based on the uncorrected reference clock signal and the at least one frequency correction value, for clocking base-band signal processing circuits. |
| US09048977B2 |
Receiver terminal driven joint encoder and decoder mode adaptation for SU-MIMO systems
A system, a method and an apparatus are disclosed herein for receiver terminal driven joint encoder and decoder mode adaptation for SU-MIMO transmission. In one embodiment, the system comprises a transmitter that is able to be directed to transmit wireless signals over a multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) system using any of a plurality of encoding modes; and a user terminal having a receiver comprising a decoding module which has a plurality of decoding modes, each of which can be used to decode communications from the transmitter received over a multiple-input, multiple output (MIMO) channel, wherein at least one encoding mode is operable with multiple of the decoding modes. The system also comprises a joint selection module that is operable to select for the MIMO transmission the decoding mode from the plurality of decoding modes and an encoding mode from the plurality of encoding modes to be used by the transmitter on the channel, the selection being based on receiver-dependent criteria corresponding to the decoding mode associated with the encoding mode and channel information, receiver hardware and state, and application-specific constraints. The joint selection module is operable to send information to identify the encoding mode to the transmitter using a feedback channel. |
| US09048975B2 |
Method and apparatus for soft-decision detection in 2×2 MIMO system
A method for detecting soft-decisions in a 2×2 MIMO system includes detecting all candidate symbol vector sets S in which there exist all values of a real part and an imaginary part, and calculating a log-likelihood ratio (LLR) with respect to the candidate symbol vector sets S from LLR ( b k i ) = min s ∈ S ⋂ β i , k - ED ( s ) 2 σ n 2 - min s ∈ S ⋂ β i , k + ED ( s ) 2 σ n 2 . |
| US09048974B2 |
Methods for expanding cross-connect capacity in a ROADM optical network
A reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) transport network comprising a plurality of optical fan-out devices and a first plurality and a second plurality of demultiplexers for locally dropping selected wavelengths; and first plurality and a second plurality of multiplexers for locally adding selected wavelengths, the first and second plurality disposed in a cascaded relationship to enable selective coupling between network degrees. |
| US09048966B2 |
Optical transmission apparatus
An HO ODU signal input to an optical transmission apparatus is disassembled into LO ODUs. LO ODUs specified to form an aggregated ODU are disassembled not into individual LO ODUs but into a unit of an LO ODU group that forms an aggregated ODU. Clock extraction and an alarm process are performed not for the individual LO ODUs but for each aggregated ODU. This eliminates the need for a hardware configuration for performing the clock extraction and the alarm process in units of LO ODUs, leading to saving of hardware resources. |
| US09048964B2 |
Receiver and method for receiving a composite signal
A first signal generator is arranged to generate a first signal. A compensating null code circuit is configured to provide a null code. A multiplexer is capable of multiplexing the first signal and the null code consistent with a predetermined time sequence for expression of the null code in a produced precursor signal. A ranging code generator is arranged for generating a ranging code. A mixer is capable of accepting the ranging code and the precursor signal and outputting a locally generated reference signal. After down-conversion and digitization of the received composite signal, the code correlator can correlate the digital received composite signal to the locally generated reference signal to decode at least a first portion of the received composite signal, while leaving a second portion of the received composite signal undecoded. |
| US09048962B2 |
System and method for dynamic channel changing
A method of receiving signals in an audience response system on a plurality of channels comprises receiving a first number of signals on a first channel during a first period of reception for a first predetermined length of time. The method further comprises transmitting at least one acknowledgment signal. The method further comprises receiving a second number of signals on a second channel during a second period of reception for a second predetermined length of time. The method further comprises transmitting at least one additional acknowledgment signal. The method further comprises comparing the first number of signals to the second number of signals. The method further comprises adjusting a future predetermined length of time for a period of reception on one of the first and second channels based on the comparison. |
| US09048961B2 |
Audio signal processing apparatus
An audio signal processing apparatus performs audio signal process composed of a plurality of channels each having parameters used in the audio signal process. The audio signal processing apparatus has a plurality of channel strips, each being assigned with a channel and being provided with controls for adjusting values of the parameters of the assigned channel, and has a plurality of storing sections having different priorities relative to each other, each storing section being capable of storing a setting indicative of a channel set to a channel strip for assignment thereto. A changing section changes a setting stored in a storing section. A clearing section clears a setting stored in a storing section. An assigning section is activated when a setting stored in one of the plurality of the storing sections is changed by the changing section or cleared by the clearing section, then refers to all of the storing sections that currently store the settings for a channel strip, and assigns a channel to the channel strip according to the setting stored in a storing section having the highest priority among the storing sections referred to by the assigning section. |
| US09048958B2 |
High-speed optical fiber link and a method for communicating optical data signals
An optical communications system and method at least doubles the data rate of the optical fiber link without requiring a redesign of the backplane ASIC. This is made possible in part through the incorporation of at least one gearbox integrated circuit (IC) is incorporated into the system that is compatible with the current ASIC design. The gearbox IC receives N lanes of electrical data signals from the ASIC, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of X Gbps, and outputs N/2 lanes of electrical data signals, with each electrical data signal having a data rate of 2X Gbps. The high-speed optical transceiver module receives the N/2 electrical data signals output from the gearbox IC and produces N/2 respective optical data signals having a data rate of 2X Gbps for transmission over the optical fiber link. |
| US09048956B2 |
Coherent optical receiver device and coherent optical receiving method
In a coherent optical receiver device, the dynamic range considerably decreases in the case of selectively receiving the optical multiplexed signals by means of the wavelength of the local oscillator light, therefore, a coherent optical receiver device according to an exemplary aspect of the invention includes a coherent optical receiver receiving optical multiplexed signals in a lump in which signal light is multiplexed; a variable optical attenuator; a local oscillator connected to the coherent optical receiver; and a first controller controlling the variable optical attenuator by means of a first control signal based on an output signal of the coherent optical receiver; wherein the coherent optical receiver includes a 90-degree hybrid circuit, a photoelectric converter, and an impedance conversion amplifier, and selectively detects the signal light interfering with local oscillation light output by the local oscillator out of the optical multiplexed signals; and the variable optical attenuator is disposed in the optical path of the optical multiplexed signals in a stage preceding the photoelectric converter, inputs the optical multiplexed signals, and outputs them to the coherent optical receiver controlling the intensity of the optical multiplexed signals based on the first control signal. |
| US09048951B2 |
Free space optics photodetector and transceiver
A novel optical detection apparatus is disclosed comprising a plurality of photodetectors and a plurality of transimpedance amplifiers wherein the photodetectors and the amplifiers are electrically connected to each other and are located in close proximity to each other, thus allowing the detecting of high frequency optical signals over a large detection area. Further, logical circuitry is disclosed for processing the signals generated from the photodetectors and for determining the strength of incoming light signals on various portions of the detection area. |
| US09048949B1 |
Controlling transmission power in an IrDA/RC transmitter circuit
An infrared LED of an IrDA transceiver module is usable to transmit IrDA signals as well as RC control signals. When making an IrDA transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with a lower amount of current. When making an RC transmission, the IrDA LED is driven with an increased amount of current such that infrared emissions received by an RC receiver are of adequate power to be received as RC control signals. A current-limiting circuit allows more LED current to flow the longer current is allowed to flow through the IrDA LED. By controlling the durations of infrared bursts in the RC transmission, the average LED current during infrared bursts of RC transmissions is controlled. Using this technique allows the IrDA module to be used to transmit RC signals at different transmission power settings. To reduce power consumption, the minimum transmission power necessary to engage in RC communications is used. |
| US09048927B2 |
Solar powered mobile phone
A solar powered cell phone includes a cell phone main housing including conventional cell phone components including; a rechargeable power storage unit connected to cell phone internal mechanisms; and, at least two solar cell panels connected to the rechargeable power storage unit, wherein at least one of the at least two solar cell panels is movably connected to the main housing and has a first position, being a closed position for storage, and having a second position, being an open position for charging. |
| US09048923B2 |
System and method for wireless device pairing
Embodiments of the present invention include a system and method for wirelessly identifying and validating an electronic device in order to initiate a communication process with another device or a service. In an embodiment, the system includes a portable biometric monitoring device that is identified by a client device or a server for the purpose of initiating a pairing process. In an embodiment, pairing implies pairing the portable device to an online user account with minimal user interaction. After pairing, the portable device and appropriate client devices and servers communicate with little or no user interaction, for example to upload sensor data collected by the portable device. |
| US09048922B2 |
Method and system for allocating bandwidth
For VoIP calls over a communication system in which a remote terminal is requesting to a hub-gateway, bandwidth may be allocated according to a dynamic technique based on the packet rate between an access device and the remote terminal by sending a bandwidth request message from the access device to the hub-gateway or to the remote terminal containing information on bandwidth allocation requirements for a given set of VoIP calls. The hub-gateway or the remote terminal identifies the received messaged information and analyzes the information on bandwidth allocation requirements contained in the messaged information. In addition, the hub-gateway, or the remote terminal, upon necessity, sends a request to the hub-gateway for bandwidth to be allocated in accordance with the analyzed information on bandwidth allocation requirements. |
| US09048912B2 |
Mobile terminal apparatus, radio base station apparatus and communication control method
Provided are a mobile terminal apparatus, a radio base station apparatus and a communication method, capable of orthogonalizing uplink reference signals between plural antennas in MIMO transmission. The mobile terminal apparatus has a reference signal generator (11) for generating DM-RSs using ZC sequences and a cyclic shift section (13) for cyclically shifting the DM-RSs by unit of plural antenna ports (19) to orthogonalize the DM-RSs for the antenna ports (19) between the antenna ports (19), and the cyclically shifted DM-RSs are transmitted via the respective antenna ports (19) to a radio base station apparatus eNB in an uplink. |
| US09048904B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient feedback in a wireless communication system supporting multiple antenna
A method for transmitting channel status information (CSI) via uplink in a wireless communication system includes transmitting a first precoding matrix indicator (PMI) and a second PMI at a subframe. A subsampled codebook for each of a precoding codebook for Rank-1 and a precoding codebook for Rank-2 is determined based on at least the first PMI or the second PMI. In case of the Rank-1 or the Rank-2, a number of elements for the first PMI is 8. |
| US09048898B2 |
Front end module
There is provided a front end module, including an amplification circuit unit amplifying signal, a multistage matching circuit unit connected to an output terminal of the amplification circuit unit, and a switch circuit unit connected to the multistage matching circuit unit, wherein the switch circuit unit includes a series switch circuit and a parallel switch circuit, the parallel switch circuit being connected to a node between a plurality of matching circuits included in the multistage matching circuit unit. |
| US09048897B2 |
Cooperative wireless networks
A cooperative multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) system coordinates spatially distributed network transceiver nodes for communicating with wireless client devices. A MIMO processor pre-codes data for transmission from the network transceiver nodes, wherein the pre-coding comprises subspace coding derived from channel measurements between the network transceiver nodes and the wireless client devices. A network controller coordinates the network transceiver nodes to transmit simultaneous non-interfering channels within a common frequency to the wireless client devices such that each client device receives a subspace-coded transmission from each of the network transceiver nodes. The client devices and/or the network transceiver nodes may be selected based on channel state information and/or measured channel quality. |
| US09048892B2 |
MIMO system with multiple spatial multiplexing modes
A MIMO system supports multiple spatial multiplexing modes for improved performance and greater flexibility. These modes may include (1) a single-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams on orthogonal spatial channels to a single receiver, (2) a single-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas to a single receiver without spatial processing at a transmitter, (3) a multi-user steered mode that transmits multiple data streams simultaneously to multiple receivers with spatial processing at a transmitter, and (4) a multi-user non-steered mode that transmits multiple data streams from multiple antennas (co-located or non co-located) without spatial processing at the transmitter(s) to receiver(s) having multiple antennas. For each set of user terminal(s) selected for data transmission on the downlink and/or uplink, a spatial multiplexing mode is selected for the user terminal set from among the multiple spatial multiplexing modes supported by the system. |
| US09048889B1 |
High-speed data communications architecture
The present disclosure provides physical coding sublayer architectures that enable high-speed serial interfaces capable of operating at data rates ranging from 400 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 1 terabit per second (Tbps). A first embodiment relates to an architecture that provides an aggregated physical coding sublayer (PCS) that provides multiple virtual lanes. A second embodiment relates to an architecture that has a channel-based PCS and provides an aggregation layer above the PCS channels. A third embodiment relates to an architecture that, like the second embodiment, has a channel-based PCS and provides an aggregation layer above the PCS channels. However, each channel-based PCS in the third embodiment provides multiple virtual lanes. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |
| US09048884B2 |
Magnetic based short range communications device, system and method
A wireless local area network magnetic communications system comprising a plurality of portable interdependent satellite magnetic transceivers each connected to a respective computer module enclosed in a chassis, wherein a base system containing a magnetic transceiver communicates with the satellite transceivers having associated antennas for transmitting and receiving magnetic signals via a wireless network protocol. |
| US09048877B2 |
Turbo code parallel interleaver and parallel interleaving method thereof
A Turbo code parallel interleaver and a parallel interleaving method are disclosed by the disclosure. The Turbo code parallel interleaver comprises: an interleaving unit, configured to generate a column address for parallel-reading data and a row address of each row of data being row-interleaved, input the column address and the column address after delay to a CB matrix unit, input the row address of each row to a switching output unit, and input the row address of each row after delay to a switching input unit; a switching output unit, configured to receive the data of each row output by the CB matrix unit, perform the inter-row interleaving for the data of each row according to the row address of each row, and input the interleaved data to a parallel MAP unit for the MAP computing; and a switching input unit. |
| US09048876B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for multi-tiered error correction
An error control encoding system produces a codeword from a data word, where the resulting codeword includes the data word and three or more parity segments produced using the data word. The system includes a first encoder to encode the data word in two or more first data segments in order to produce two or more first parity segments, where each of the two or more first data segments includes a respective sequential portion of the data word. The system includes a second encoder to encode the data word in one or more second data segments in order to produce a corresponding one or more second parity segments, where each of the one or more second data segments includes a respective sequential portion of the data word, and each of the one or more second data segments also includes a sequential portion of the data included in a plurality of the two or more first data segments. Further, the system includes a controller configured to provide the two or more first data segments of the data word to the first encoder for encoding and to provide the one or more second data segments of the data word to the second encoder for encoding. |
| US09048875B2 |
Conserving computing resources during error correction
Embodiments of the present disclosure describe device, methods, computer-readable media and system configurations for performing data decoding and error correction. In various embodiments, a plurality of bits of encoded data may be received, e.g., by an iterative decoder. In various embodiments, the iterative decoder may generate a set of m tuples A, each tuple in set A including a symbol comprising a group of bits of the encoded data and a probability associated with the symbol. In various embodiments, the encoded data may be decoded using the set of m tuples. In various embodiments, this may include allocating fewer bits to storage of a probability associated with a first tuple of the set A than are allocated for storage of a probability associated with a second tuple of the set A. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed. |
| US09048874B2 |
Min-sum based hybrid non-binary low density parity check decoder
An apparatus for decoding data includes a variable node processor, a check node processor, and a field transformation circuit. The variable node processor is operable to generate variable node to check node messages and to calculate perceived values based on check node to variable node messages. The check node processor is operable to generate the check node to variable node messages and to calculate checksums based on variable node to check node messages. The variable node processor and the check node processor comprise different Galois fields. The field transformation circuit is operable to transform the variable node to check node messages from a first of the different Galois fields to a second of the Galois fields. |
| US09048871B2 |
LDPC multi-decoder architectures
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with LDPC decoder architectures are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a super-parity-check matrix corresponding to at least a portion of a low density parity check (LDPC) code matrix. The super-parity-check-matrix is configured to operate with nx check node processing elements (NPEs) and ny bit NPEs. The super-parity-check matrix includes a plurality of parity check matrices. Each parity check matrix is configured to operate with x check NPEs and y bit NPEs. The numbers n, x, and y, are selected such that ny codeword bits are processed in the single time unit by a high throughput decoder and y codeword bits are processed in the single time unit by a low throughput decoder. |
| US09048866B2 |
Apparatus and method for checking decoded data, apparatus and method for decoding, and receiving terminal
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for checking decoded data, an apparatus and a method for decoding, and a receiving terminal. The apparatus for checking decoded data includes: an arithmetic unit to perform a check computation on decoded bits output from decoders in every clock cycle to obtain a computation result, where the check computation is performed by: denoting each decoded bit as a polynomial, computing the sum of the polynomials and performing polynomial modular arithmetic on the sum; and an output unit configured to output a check result, where the check result is the sum of the computation results in all the clock cycles during a decoding process. A real-time check computation of decoded data may be realized, so that power consumption may be saved. |
| US09048863B2 |
Pulse density digital-to-analog converter with slope compensation function
A slope compensation module provides slope compensation of a switched-mode power supply using current mode control. This slope compensation function may be provided by a digital slope compensation generator and a pulse density modulated digital-to-analog converter (PDM DAC) having a selectable response mode low pass filter. |
| US09048860B1 |
Successive approximation analog-to-digital conversion
An apparatus relating generally to an analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) is disclosed. In such an apparatus, the ADC is configured for successive approximations. The ADC includes a digital-to-analog converter (“DAC”), a comparator, and a control block. The DAC is coupled to receive a reference input signal and coupled to provide an analog output signal. The analog output signal is capacitively coupled to an analog input node through a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled between the DAC and the comparator to provide capacitive coupling therebetween. The comparator is coupled to the analog input node. The comparator is further coupled to provide a comparator output signal to the control block. The control block is configured for successive approximations to provide a digital output signal to a digital output node. The DAC is coupled to the digital output node to receive the digital output signal as a feedback input signal. |
| US09048853B2 |
Atom cell module, quantum interference device, electronic apparatus, and atom cell magnetic field control method
An atom cell module includes an atom cell in which atoms are enclosed, a heating unit that heats the atom cell by generating heat when a current flows, and a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field inside the atom cell. A magnetic field at a predetermined position inside the atom cell generated by the magnetic field generator includes a magnetic field component in an opposite direction to a magnetic field at the predetermined position generated on the basis of a current flowing through the heating unit. |
| US09048852B2 |
Frequency stabilization of an atomic clock against variations of the C-field
The frequency of an atomic clock may be stabilized against C-field variation by applying a rf magnetic field perpendicular to the C-field to cause a coherent population transfer between Zeeman states that compensates for quadratic frequency shift of transitions of the clock. The cancellation, provided by a feed-forward mechanism, is exact. The invention can be implemented in any atomic clock by including an electrode in the clock generating a magnetic field perpendicular to the C-field, and providing an electronic circuit to send rf signals to the electrode. |
| US09048851B2 |
Spread-spectrum apparatus for voltage regulator
Described is an apparatus for providing spread-spectrum to a clock signal. The apparatus comprises: an oscillator to generate an output clock signal, the oscillator to receive an adjustable reference signal to adjust frequency of the output clock signal; a first circuit to provide a first signal indicative of a center frequency of the output clock signal; a second circuit to generate a switching waveform to provide spread-spectrum for the output clock signal; and a third circuit, coupled to the first and second circuits, to provide the adjustable reference signal according to the first signal and the switching waveform. |
| US09048850B2 |
Frequency synthesizer apparatus and methods for improving capacitor code search accuracy using LSB modulation
A frequency synthesizer is disclosed that includes an oscillator having an output to deliver a signal of a controllable frequency. The oscillator includes a capacitor bank responsive to an N-bit control signal to exhibit a capacitance. The oscillator output frequency is based on the capacitance. Control logic generates the N-bit control signal and determines each bit of the N-bit control signal through a binary search step and a modulation of a least-significant-bit (LSB) of the N-bit control signal. The LSB modulation, combined with the binary search for each bit, results in a higher accuracy frequency estimation. |
| US09048848B2 |
PLL frequency synthesizer with multi-curve VCO implementing closed loop curve searching using charge pump current modulation
A phase-locked loop circuit using a multi-curve voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) having a set of operating curves, each operating curve corresponding to a different frequency range over a control voltage range. The phase-locked loop circuit includes a phase and frequency detector driving a charge pump and a digital control circuit configured to perform a closed loop curve search operation to select one of the operating curves in the multi-curve VCO and to perform a curve tracking operation using the selected operating curve, the selected operating curve being used by the VCO to generate an output signal with an output frequency being equal or close to a target frequency of the phase-locked loop. In one embodiment, the digital control circuit increases the charge pump current above a nominal current value during the closed loop curve search operation and set the charge pump current to the nominal current during the curve tracking operation. |
| US09048844B2 |
Method and system for controlling and stabilising the frequency of a signal generated by a controllable oscillator
A method and a system are described for controlling and stabilizing in time, as temperature changes, the frequency of a signal generated by a controllable oscillator (3), the method includes the steps of: measuring the frequency of the signal generated by the controllable oscillator (3) by using a first signal, whose duration is proportional to the length of a delay line (5) includes at least a first (7) and a second (9) delay line portions arranged in series and having a first (L1) and a second (L2) lengths, respectively; applying a frequency correction to the signal generated by the controllable oscillator (3) if the difference in frequency between the signal and the desired frequency value exceeds a predetermined threshold; providing the first portion of the delay line (5) by coupling a conductive material to a first dielectric material having a first negative gradient of its dielectric constant as a function of temperature; providing the second portion (9) of the delay line (5) by coupling or another conductive material to a second dielectric material having a second negative gradient of its dielectric constant as a function of temperature, the absolute value of the second gradient being greater than that of the first gradient; selecting the second length (L2) of the second delay line portion (9) in a manner such that the relation L2=(L1·ΔR1)/abs(ΔR2) is true, wherein ΔR1 and ΔR2 represent, respectively, a first and a second delay variations introduced by the first (7) and the second (9) line portions, and wherein said first delay variation (ΔR1) is smaller, for each Kelvin degree, than the thermal expansion coefficient of or another conductive material. |
| US09048840B2 |
20V to 250V high current ASIC PIN diode driver
An integrated circuit including a first circuit, a second circuit, a third circuit, a first complementary pair of transistors, and a second complementary pair of transistors. The first circuit may be configured to generate a first input signal in response to a first control input signal. The second circuit may be configured to generate a first output signal and a second output signal in response to the first input signal and a bias signal. The third circuit may be configured to generate the bias signal in response to a bias input signal. The first complementary pair of transistors may be configured to drive a first series output of the integrated circuit in response to the first output signal. The second complementary pair of transistors may be configured to drive a first shunt output of the integrated circuit in response to the second output signal. |
| US09048839B2 |
2-terminal switching device
A two-terminal switching device includes a resistive switching element, a diode, and a resistive circuit. The resistive switching element switches between low and high resistance states based on a switching signal and maintain a switched resistance state until another switching signal is received. The diode is connected to the resistive switching element and blocks the switching signal from being transmitted to an output terminal. The resistive circuit allows the switching signal blocked by the diode to flow to the reference potential. |
| US09048835B2 |
Power supply and image forming apparatus
In a power supply, a synchronous rectification switch rectifies a pulse voltage, and a current-voltage conversion unit converts a current on a voltage-input side of the synchronous rectification switch to a first voltage and converts a current on a voltage-output side of the synchronous rectification switch to a second voltage. A switching unit switches an operation state of the synchronous rectification switch based on a result of a comparison between the first voltage and the second voltage converted by the current-voltage conversion unit. A state holding unit holds an off state after the synchronous rectification switch is turned off by the switching unit. |
| US09048834B2 |
Grouping of physically unclonable functions
A physically unclonable function (PUF) includes a plurality of PUF elements to generate an N-bit PUF signature. For each bit in the N-bit PUF signature, a PUF group of K number of individual PUF elements indicating a single-bit PUF value is used to generate a group bit. The group bits are more repeatable than the individual PUF elements. The value K may be selected such that (K+1)/2 is an odd number. |
| US09048833B2 |
Storage elements for a configurable IC and method and apparatus for accessing data stored in the storage elements
Some embodiments provide a circuit for accessing stored data in a configurable IC that includes several configurable circuits. The IC also includes several storage circuits. Each storage circuit has (1) several storage elements for storing data for the configurable circuits, and (2) output circuitry for outputting data stored in the storage elements. The output circuitry includes a first set of interconnects for receiving at least a first repeating periodic signal and for periodically outputting data from at least two storage elements to the configurable circuits. |
| US09048827B2 |
Flexible logic unit
A flexible logic unit (FLU) is targeted to be primarily, but not exclusively, used as an embedded field programmable gate array (EFPGA). The unit is comprised of a plurality of programmable building block tiles arranged in an array of columns and rows of tiles, and programmed by downloading a bit stream, done tile by tile and column by column, using latches that are sequentially programmed and locked using a lock bit as part of the bit stream provided. A scheme of odd and even clocks prevent latch transparency and ensures that once data has arrived at its destination it is properly locked, not to be unintentionally overwritten. |
| US09048826B2 |
Multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit including a multiple-voltage programmable logic fabric. The programmable logic fabric includes circuits of a first type operating in a first voltage domain and circuits of a second type operating in a second voltage domain. The second voltage domain has a lower supply voltage than the first voltage domain. The integrated circuit further includes downward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain and upward level conversion circuit elements in the programmable logic fabric for driving signals from the second voltage domain to the first voltage domain. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed. |
| US09048825B2 |
Semiconductor device
An object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a latch circuit includes a level shifter and a buffer in which transistors each including a channel region formed in an oxide semiconductor film are connected in series. Thus, data can be held in the latch circuit even when power is not supplied. |
| US09048824B2 |
Programmable equalization with compensated impedance
Described is a chip comprising: a pull-up driver with a first impedance, the pull-up driver coupled to a node; a pull-down driver with a second impedance, the pull-down driver coupled to the node; and an equalizer coupled to the pull-up and pull-down drivers, wherein the equalizer is operable to be trained to deemphasize a signal driven on the node while maintaining the first and second impedances substantially constant. |
| US09048818B2 |
Channel monitoring with plural frequency agile receivers
A system and method to efficiently use a plurality of ‘receivers’ to monitor a larger plurality of ‘sources’ for audio content. Upon identifying that a source is active, one of the plural receivers is assigned to convey the content to a destination. All other receivers are prevented from monitoring that specific source for the duration of its activity, but continue to monitor the remaining sources. ‘Source’ includes any source of information containing audio content. ‘Receiver’ includes any device capable of selectively conveying such content, including physical switches, hardware or software multiplexers, microphones, radio receivers, or any other means of obtaining such content. |
| US09048815B2 |
Method for performing dynamic impedance matching and a communication apparatus thereof
Method for performing dynamic impedance matching and communication apparatus thereof are provided. With respect to an operating band of an impedance matching circuit of a communication device, a first number of times of tuning are performed on a first element of an impedance matching circuit, and a second number of times of tuning are performed on a second element of the impedance matching circuit, wherein the first number is different from the second number. |
| US09048809B2 |
Method of manufacturing switchable filters
Switchable and/or tunable filters and methods of manufacture. The method of forming the filters includes forming at least one piezoelectric filter structure comprising a plurality of electrodes formed on a piezoelectric substrate. The method further includes forming a micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) comprising a MEMS beam formed above the piezoelectric substrate and at a location in which, upon actuation, the MEMS beam shorts the piezoelectric filter structure by contacting at least one of the plurality of electrodes. |
| US09048808B2 |
Sealed crystal oscillator and semiconductor package including the same
A semiconductor package includes a package substrate; an integrated circuit chip formed on one surface of the package substrate; and a sealed quartz oscillator formed on at least one of an inside, one surface, and the other surface of the package substrate, wherein the sealed quartz oscillator includes a substrate, a quartz blank formed on one surface of the substrate, and a sealing cap covering at least one surface of the quartz blank and including metal. |
| US09048805B2 |
Tunable duplexer architecture
A tunable radio frequency (RF) duplexer and duplexing methods are disclosed. The tunable RF duplexer includes a first hybrid coupler, a second hybrid coupler, and an RF filter circuit. The first hybrid coupler is operable to split the RF transmission input signal into first and second RF quadrature hybrid transmission signals (QHTSs). The second hybrid coupler is operable to split the RF receive input signal into first and second RF quadrature hybrid receive signals (QHRSs). The RF filter circuit is operable to pass the first and second RF QHTSs to the second hybrid coupler and to reflect the first and second RF QHRSs back to the second hybrid coupler. Additionally, the second hybrid coupler is configured to combine the first and second RF QHTSs into an RF transmission output signal and to combine the first and second RF QHRSs into an RF receive output signal. |
| US09048798B2 |
Gain control for a hearing aid with a facial movement detector
Methods, systems and devices are provided for controlling a hearing aid. Embodiments include receiving an input audio signal from a microphone. Also, a facial movement indication may be received from a facial movement detector measured contemporaneously with the input audio signal. Additionally, whether a first movement pattern associated with the wearer speaking is a movement match to the facial movement indication may be determined. In this way, a first gain profile may be applied to the input audio signal for generating an augmented audio segment in response to determining the first movement pattern is the movement match to the facial movement indication. Also, a second gain profile may be applied to the input audio signal for generating the augmented audio segment in response to determining the first movement pattern does not match the facial movement indication. Thus, the augmented audio segment may be output. |
| US09048790B1 |
Method and apparatus for power reduction
Aspects of the disclosure provide an audio amplification system. The audio amplification system includes an amplifier configured to amplify an audio signal, and a power supply module external to the amplifier that is configured to provide to the amplifier a supply voltage having a voltage level that is selected from at least two possible voltage levels based on an output volume level for the audio signal. In an example, the amplifier is a Class AB amplifier. |
| US09048788B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising a photoelectric conversion portion
In a semiconductor device, power consumption is reduced. Further, a standby circuit is formed of a few elements, and thus increase in the circuit area of the semiconductor device is prevented. The standby circuit provided in the semiconductor device is formed of only one transistor and voltage supplied to the transistor is switched, whereby output current of the semiconductor device is controlled. As a result, the output current of the semiconductor device in a standby state can be substantially zero, so that the power consumption can be reduced. By using an oxide semiconductor for a semiconductor layer of a transistor, leakage current can be suppressed as low as possible. |
| US09048787B2 |
Combined RF detector and RF attenuator with concurrent outputs
Radio Frequency (RF) signal conditioning circuitry, which includes RF detection circuitry and RF attenuation circuitry is disclosed. The RF detection circuitry receives and detects an RF sample signal to provide an RF detection signal. The RF attenuation circuitry has an attenuation circuitry input, and receives and attenuates the RF sample signal via the attenuation circuitry input to provide an attenuated RF signal. The RF attenuation circuitry presents an attenuation circuitry input impedance at the attenuation circuitry input. The attenuated RF signal and the RF detection signal are provided concurrently. |
| US09048784B2 |
Method for data communication via a voice channel of a wireless communication network using continuous signal modulation
A system and method for data communication over a cellular communications network that allows the transmission of digital data over a voice channel using a vocoder that monitors parameters of a Levinson Durbin recursion and then uses full rate CELP if the monitored prediction error falls to below a predetermined threshold within a pre-selected number of iterations of the recursion. The system and method encode digital data to be transmitted using a continuous signal modulation technique at a selected bit rate and one or more frequencies that are selected such that the resulting modulated carrier signal is processed by the vocoder using full rate CELP as a result of the monitored prediction error. |
| US09048780B2 |
Open Energy System
Disclosed is a portable and compact hybrid power unit for ready to use, plug-in power for nearly any environment. Open Energy System (OES) is self-contained in a durable shell that can be deployed almost anywhere in the world. The OES transforms from a rugged box into an energy generating unit with all equipment assembled and ready to generate power. Pre-assembled solar modules can slide out from the opening sides of the unit along a rolling channel, lock into place and open into a ready-to-generate solar electric array. In addition, the OES is mobile and transportable. It can hitch to a vehicle, be dropped in by helicopter, shipped in or used as a permanent unit. Further, the OES unit is designed to fit 5 to a standard shipping container and can be deployed using various shipping methods. |
| US09048779B2 |
Multi-dimensional positioning of an object
Apparatuses for positioning and moving an object are provided. One apparatus positions/moves the object within a two-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polygon. Another apparatus positions/moves the object within a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex polyhedron. Yet another apparatus separately positions/moves two different attachment points on the object within the bounds of the lateral faces of a three-dimensional space having the shape of a convex prism. |
| US09048778B2 |
Rotor phase/speed estimating device for an AC motor
A rotor phase/speed estimating device includes a high-frequency voltage injection unit, a high-frequency current amplitude detection unit of a fundamental wave component, a correlation signal generation unit, and a rotor phase generation unit. The high-frequency voltage injection unit applies a high-frequency voltage to an AC motor. The high-frequency current amplitude detection unit of a fundamental wave component detects a primary Fourier coefficient equivalent value. The correlation signal generation unit is arranged to generate a correlation signal using the Fourier coefficient equivalent value. The rotor phase generation unit is arranged to generate an estimated value of the rotor phase and an estimated value of a rotor speed using the correlation signal. |
| US09048777B2 |
Apparatus for integrated circuit interface and associated methods
An apparatus includes an integrated circuit (IC) adapted to be powered by a positive supply voltage. The IC includes a charge pump that is adapted to convert the positive supply voltage of the IC to a negative bias voltage. The IC further includes a bidirectional interface circuit. The bidirectional interface circuit includes an amplifier coupled to the negative bias voltage to accommodate a bidirectional input voltage of the IC. The bidirectional interface circuit further includes a comparator coupled to the negative bias voltage to accommodate the bidirectional input voltage of the IC. |
| US09048775B2 |
H-bridge for combined solenoid and piezo injection control
An engine system may include a specified number of individual injectors, and an engine control unit (ECU) having a specified number of pins coupling to the individual injectors. The ECU may include a controller capable of dynamically switching between different multiplexing configurations, with each multiplexing configuration coupling individual injectors across corresponding pairs of pins. Each pin may internally couple to one half of an H-bridge structure, with an injector coupled across two pins thereby completing a full H-bridge structure, providing the flexibility to achieve combined solenoid and Piezo injection control. Specifically, each pin may be internally coupled to a low-side switch and a set of high-side switches, and the switches may be operated according to the dynamically selected multiplexing configuration and the type of injection control to perform any one or more of unipolar solenoid, unipolar Piezo, bipolar solenoid, and bipolar Piezo injection control, depending on the injector type used. |
| US09048771B2 |
Inverter
An inverter includes a warm-up control section and a switching control section. In a state in which an electric motor is not operating, the warm-up control section controls switching elements of an inverter circuit to perform warm-up control, in which direct currents are supplied to the coils of the respective phases of the electric motor, when the temperature of the capacitor is lower than a prescribed temperature. When a warm-up control is switched to a normal operation control, the switching control section sets initial phases of alternating currents such that the relationship between the values of the alternating currents supplied to the coils of the electric motor in the normal operation control matches with the relationship between the values of the direct currents that have been supplied to the corresponding coils of the electric motor in the warm-up control. |
| US09048770B2 |
Synchronous machine starting device
In a synchronous machine starting device, a timing detection unit outputs a first position signal indicating a timing at which a value of an armature voltage passes a prescribed reference level. A feedback operation unit calculates an error of an estimated phase based on the estimated phase, an estimated rotational speed of a rotor, an armature voltage, and an armature current, updates the estimated phase and the estimated rotational speed based on the calculated phase error, and outputs a second position signal indicating the updated estimated phase. A frequency detection unit detects a current rotational speed of the rotor based on the first position signal, as an initial value of the estimated rotational speed. A selector circuit selects the first position signal and the second position signal in this order, and outputs a selected position signal to the power conversion control unit. |
| US09048763B2 |
Control circuit and method for an electric motor, in particular for driving a windshield wiper
The invention relates to a control circuit (3) for an electric motor, in particular for driving a windshield wiper, including a control means (16) comprising an output for controlling the electric motor, the control means being capable of varying the angle of the motor between a given minimum value and maximum value. In particular, the control means (16) comprises an input for receiving a speed set point and is capable of controlling the angular speed of the motor according to the speed set point, the control circuit likewise including a set point means (14) comprising an input for receiving values of the angle of the motor and an output for providing a speed set point to the control means, the set point means (14) being capable of determining the speed set point from a continuous function of the motor angle. The invention likewise relates to a driving mechanism (2) for producing an alternating rotary motion comprising a circuit (3) such as described previously and an electric drive motor (4), as well as to a windshield wiper device (I) including at least one driving mechanism (2) such as described previously and an windshield wiper arm (5) driven by the driving mechanism. |
| US09048762B1 |
Energy harvesting utilizing stress induced phase transformation in ferro-electric piezocrystals
A transducer for generating electrical energy from an expected force includes a single crystal ferroelectric material having a phase transition stress level. Mechanical stress is provided to this crystal at a level approaching the phase transition stress level, such that the expected external force will cause the phase transition. At least two electrodes are joined to the single crystal for receiving electrical energy created by the phase transition. The electrodes can be joined to conditioning and storage circuitry. In further embodiments, the phase transition is induced by an expected temperature change. |
| US09048761B1 |
Energy harvesting device using auxetic materials
An energy harvesting device using auxetic materials includes a first auxetic conductive electrode layer. A second auxetic conductive electrode layer is associated with the first auxetic conductive electrode layer. The auxetic conductive electrode layers have negative Poisson ratios. At least one dielectric elastomer layer is associated in layered orientation between the first and second auxetic conductive electrode layers. |
| US09048758B2 |
Provision of a normal force to electromechanical motor
An electromechanical motor assembly includes a stator, a body to be moved and a stator support. The stator has a plurality of electromechanical actuators for moving the body by repetition of steps ensuring that at least one of the electromechanical actuators is in non-sliding contact with the body at every time. The assembly further includes a force applying arrangement for supplying a normal force (N) between the stator and the stator support by at least one spring arrangement. The spring arrangement has a spring constant in the direction (Z) normal to the surface of the body that is lower than 5% of the ratio between the normal force and the average height uncertainty of the surface of the body. The force applying arrangement includes a lateral fixing plate attached between the stator and the support parallel to the main motion direction (X) and juxtaposed to the surface of the body. |
| US09048757B2 |
Driver circuit and method for controlling a capacitive element
The disclosure pertains to a method of charging or discharging a capacitive element, such as a piezoelectric crystal. The disclosure also pertains to a device that implements charging of a capacitive element according to said method. The device comprises a bipolar buck-boost converter, whereby a capacitive element can be charged with both positive and negative voltages. The discharge of the capacitive element is provided with energy recovery and feedback to the device's power supply. |
| US09048754B2 |
System and method for offsetting the input voltage unbalance in multilevel inverters or the like
The system for offsetting the input voltage unbalance in multilevel inverters or the like comprises a control unit operatively associated with a multilevel inverter for converting direct current into alternate current, the control unit being suitable for piloting the multilevel inverter for generating an output current depending on a reference current, and an equalization unit for equalizing the input voltages of the multilevel inverter having first generation means of a harmonic component of order equal to the reference current, out of phase with respect to the fundamental component of the reference current, detection means of the unbalance of the input voltages to the multilevel inverter, regulation means of the amplitude of the harmonic component depending on the detected unbalance, for offsetting the unbalance. The method for offsetting the unbalance of the input voltages in multilevel inverters or the like comprises a control phase of a multilevel inverter for converting direct current into alternate current, in which the multilevel inverter is piloted for generating an output current depending on a reference current, a generation phase of a harmonic component of order equal to the reference current, out of phase with respect to the fundamental component of the reference current, a detection phase of the unbalance of the input voltages to the multilevel inverter and a regulation phase of the amplitude of the harmonic component depending on the detected unbalance, for offsetting the unbalance. |
| US09048752B2 |
Off-line power converter and integrated circuit suitable for use in same
An off-line power converter includes an integrated circuit power factor controller including a multi-function input terminal, a drive terminal for providing a drive signal to a gate of a drive transistor, a processing circuit coupled to the multi-function input terminal and, based on a signal received from the multi-function input terminal, providing at least one current signal representative of a current conducted in the off-line power converter, and at least one voltage signal representative of a voltage provided to a load, and a controller for providing the drive signal selectively in response to the at least one current signal and the at least one voltage signal. |
| US09048751B2 |
Power supply circuit with ripple compensation
A power-supply circuit includes: a rectification circuit to output a rectified voltage obtained by rectifying an AC voltage; an inductor to be applied with the rectified voltage; a transistor to increase an inductor current when turned on; a diode to output the inductor current when the transistor is turned off; a capacitor to generate a DC voltage; a detection circuit to detect the inductor current; and a switching control circuit to perform switching of the transistor, when the detected current is smaller than a reference current, and stop switching of the transistor when the detected current is larger than the reference current, the target level corresponding to a level at which the diode is turned on when the rectified voltage rises, when the diode is turned on, the inductor and the capacitor respectively having inductance and capacitance values for allowing the inductor current larger than the reference current to flow. |
| US09048749B2 |
Power supply, power control method for controlling a standby mode, and display apparatus having the same
A power supply, a power control method and a display apparatus having the same, for controlling a standby mode, are provided. The power supply of an electronic apparatus includes: a rectifier configured to rectify a current of alternating current (AC) power input as input power, into a direct current (DC); a power factor correction (PFC) circuit configured to correct a power factor of a DC voltage converted by the rectifier; a switching circuit configured to convert the DC voltage output by the PFC circuit into a predetermined operating voltage and a standby voltage and supply the operating voltage and the standby voltage to the electronic apparatus; and an output controller configured to control the PFC circuit and the switching circuit to convert the DC voltage into the predetermined operating voltage and standby voltage by the switching circuit and supply the operating voltage and the standby voltage to the electronic apparatus. |
| US09048745B2 |
Starting up a DC/DC converter having a high-frequency transformer
During startup of a DC/DC converter having a high-frequency transformer whose primary winding is supplied with current from an input-side DC link via an inverter bridge having pulsed switches and whose secondary winding is used to charge an output-side DC link via a rectifier bridge. The switches of the inverter bridge are operated to load the output-side DC link, in a manner that deviates from a normal operation of the switches in order to limit the currents that flow in the DC/DC converter during startup of the DC/DC converter. Particularly, the switches of the inverter bridge are operated during startup of the DC/DC converter at a pulse width that is fixed during each of a limited number of stages of the startup, and have a duty cycle that is not more than 5 percent during each of the stages of the startup. |
| US09048743B2 |
Controlling an adapter transformer voltage
An adapter for electrical power that includes a rectifier coupled to a transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The secondary coil includes a first end tap, a second end tap, and a center tap. A first switch is coupled between the first end tap and a primary side ground. A second switch is coupled between the second end tap and the primary side ground. A controller is coupled to the first switch and to the second switch so that during one or more intervals, the first switch and the second switch are alternately open and closed a predetermined number of times, wherein the initial switch closed each interval alternates between the first switch and the second switch, and after the predetermined number of times, both the first switch and the second switch are opened for a predetermined time period. |
| US09048736B2 |
Power adaptor with power-saving mechanism
A power adaptor includes an inverter, a feedback circuit, a detecting unit, and an adjusting unit. The inverter is configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage according to a power conversion ratio and adjust the power conversion ratio according to a feedback voltage. The feedback circuit is configured to provide the feedback voltage by voltage-dividing the output voltage according to a specific ratio. The detecting unit is configured to detect a load of an output end of the power adaptor. The adjusting is configured to adjust the specific ratio according to the loading variation of the load. |
| US09048734B2 |
Negative current protection system for low side switching converter FET
A negative current protection system for a low side switching converter FET, for use with a switching converter arranged to operate high and low side FETs connected to an output inductor to produce an output voltage. The negative current protection system includes a current sensing circuit which produces an output Vcs that varies with the current in the high side FET, a negative current threshold generator which produces a threshold signal −Ith which represents the maximum negative current to which the low side FET is to be subjected, and a comparison circuit arranged to compare the valley portion of Vcs and -Ith and to set a flag if Vcs<−Ith at a predetermined time in the switching cycle—typically after the converter's blanking time. When the flag is set, the system preferably responds by adjusting the operation of the switching FETs to reduce the negative current. |
| US09048730B2 |
Switched mode power supply and a method for operating a switched mode power supply
A switched mode power supply provides a reduction of switching losses and increased efficiency. The switched mode power supply includes a first switch coupled to an input terminal configured to receive an input voltage, a second switch, an inductor and an output capacitor. The first switch and the second switch are coupled together at a node, the inductor is coupled between the node and an output terminal, and the output capacitor is coupled to the output terminal. The switched mode power supply further includes a transformer coupled between a control input of the first switch and the node and a pulse generator connected to a control input of the second switch. Further, the transformer includes at most two windings, in particular a primary winding and a secondary winding which are not directly connected to each other. |
| US09048728B2 |
Switch pairs between resistor network and high/low DC converter comparator input
Two hysteresis levels, a high level and a low level, may be used to set a period (and the switching frequency) of the output voltage of a DC-DC converter, as well as the output ripple of the converter. These two thresholds may be changed using pairs of switches. By controlling the sequence and the duration of the on-time of the switches, spectral spurs in the output can be controlled and the amplitude and the frequency band of interest can be reduced. Additional spur reduction may be possible by randomizing the control of the switches. |
| US09048726B1 |
Power system having repetitive control in symmetric sequences with harmonics cancellation
A control system for a power drive section of a three-phase system is disclosed. The control system comprises a positive sequence channel, a negative sequence channel, and a zero sequence channel. The positive sequence channel processes positive sequence error signals, the negative sequence channel processes negative sequence error signals, and the zero sequence channel processes zero sequence error signals. Each sequence channel includes a harmonic repetitive controller, a repetitive controller compensator, and a fundamental frequency controller configured to operate in parallel with the harmonic repetitive controller and repetitive controller compensator. Both the repetitive controller compensator of the negative sequence channel and the repetitive controller compensator of the positive sequence channel are configured with the same, first frequency response. The repetitive controller compensator of the zero sequence channel is configured with a second frequency response that is different from the first frequency response. |
| US09048722B2 |
Current equalizing busbar
The present application discloses a current equalizing busbar for a converter comprising: a direct current busbar connected to a DC terminal of the converter and positive terminals and negative terminals of respective power modules; and an alternate current busbar connected to AC terminals of the respective power modules and a load; wherein, when the converter operates, a sum of an inductance caused by the DC busbar between the DC terminal and a positive terminal or a negative terminal of a power module and an inductance caused by the AC busbar between the load and an AC terminal of the power module is equal to a sum of an inductance caused by the DC busbar between the DC terminal and positive terminals or negative terminals of other power modules and an inductance caused by the AC busbar between the load and AC terminals of said other power modules. |
| US09048715B2 |
Rotor of motor, method of producing the rotor, inner rotor-type brushless motor and method of producing the motor
The rotor of the present invention is capable of improving magnetic characteristics, general versatility and ease of assembly. The rotor comprises: a rotor shaft; a ring-shaped rotor magnet being disposed coaxially with the rotor shaft; and a non-magnetic cover covering an outer circumference of the rotor magnet. The rotor magnet and the cover are integral-molded with molding resin in a state where an outer circumference of the cover is exposed and both end parts and an inner circumference of the rotor magnet are covered with the molding resin. |
| US09048713B2 |
Electric power steering system and method for checking initial driving thereof
Provided are an electric power steering system and a method for checking an initial driving thereof, in which no additional redischarging and charging time is required by simultaneously determining a freezing of a safety switch and/or a safety switch off of a sub MCU, which monitors a state of a main MCU, thereby shortening initial driving time of the electric power steering system. The electric power steering system includes: a power supply; a motor configured to generate steering auxiliary power; a safety switch provided between the power supply and the motor and configured to control supply of power; a main MCU configured to control an operation of the safety switch; and a sub MCU configured to monitor a state of the main MCU. The main MCU applies an on driving signal to the safety switch, receives front and rear stage voltages of the safety switch, and determines that the safety switch has been frozen and/or a safety switch off function of the sub MCU has failed, when there is no potential difference between the received front and rear stage voltages. |
| US09048711B2 |
Field structure of an electrical machine
A field structure of an electrical machine includes a plurality of field slots. Each field slot extends from a first surface of the field structure into the body of the field structure. Each filed slot also has a T-shaped cross-sectional area dimensioned to accommodate a magnet pole assembly comprising a corresponding cross-sectional area. |
| US09048710B2 |
Electric machine module cooling system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide an electric machine module. The module can include a housing, which can define a machine cavity. In some embodiments, an electric machine can be positioned within the machine cavity. In some embodiments, the electric machine can include a stator assembly including potted stator end turns. An end turn member can be positioned within the machine cavity and can include a radially inward flange and a radially outward flange axially extending from a central region. The end turn member is configured and arranged so that the flanges are substantially adjacent the stator end turns. The end turn member can include at least one second member aperture disposed through a portion of the central region. |
| US09048704B2 |
Stator manufacturing method
A stator structure which enables coils to be fitted over teeth while the circularity of the stator core and the parallelism between the end surfaces of the stator core are maintained. A stator structure is provided with: a stator core which is formed by stacking steel plates and which comprises a yoke and teeth; and coils which are fitted over the teeth so as to surround the teeth. A cut is formed only in one part of the yoke, and the cut is opened. Opening the cut allows the coils to be fitted over the teeth while the circularity of the stator core and the parallelism between the end surfaces of the stator core are maintained. |
| US09048701B2 |
Passive magnetic bearings for rotating equipment including induction machines
Permanent magnet bearings are incorporated into rotating equipment, such as induction machines, in addition to active magnetic or lubricated primary shaft support bearings. The passive magnetic bearings incorporate permanent magnets that generate directionally oriented magnetic fields of selective intensity. The magnetic field directions are aligned with a desired shaft support bearing preload direction and intensity, for example to exert axial thrust or radial preloads on the support bearings. A plurality of magnetic bearings may be oriented in opposed relationship with neutral or offsetting resultant forces. The passive magnetic force preload may be utilized to offset rotor vertical weight during induction startup or stopping cycles. Passive magnetic force preload may be applied to lubricated bearings to assure their operational stability. The passive magnetic bearings can also absorb radial or axial thrust forces imparted on the rotor shaft during induction machine operation, that may reduce machine operational noise, and energy consumption. |
| US09048700B2 |
Motor assembly with integrated cooling means and enclosed compartment for electronic circuitry
A motor assembly includes a structural unit for mounting a motor, for mounting and enclosing electronic circuitry, and for providing a corridor for air to flow and cool the motor and/or the electronic circuitry. The motor assembly includes a substantially water-resistant motor that rotationally drives a fan for cooling the motor and/or rotationally drives a propeller for providing propulsion to watercraft. The electronic circuitry of the motor assembly receives and transmits instructions to a command post by way of electronic signals and distributes power to the motor. The structural unit seals the circuitry from the surrounding environment. |
| US09048697B2 |
Intelligent process interface and substation automation system
This specification discloses an intelligent and digitalized process level interface which is referred to herein as an Intelligent Process Interface (IPI). The input of the IPI includes both analog and digital channels and therefore the IPI can be used for substations in transition or retrofit stages with both conventional and non-conventional primary devices. The IPI acts not only as a digitalized interface, but also as an intelligent supervisory and control unit for switching functions. The architecture of the IPI is flexible and allows for the functionality to be distributed to several devices. |
| US09048696B2 |
Transmission-guard system and method for an inductive power supply
A transmission-guard is disclosed for preventing an inductive power outlet from transmitting power in the absence of an inductive power receiver. A transmission lock is associated with an inductive power outlet and a transmission key is associated with an inductive power receiver. The transmission lock is configured to prevent a primary inductor from connecting to the power supply unless triggered by a release signal via the transmission key. |
| US09048694B2 |
DC connection scheme for windfarm with internal MVDC collection grid
Connection schemes for offshore power generation with an internal collection grid include a power generation system which includes a plurality of generator-rectifier subsystems. The scheme further includes a medium voltage DC (MVDC) collection network with positive pole cables and negative pole cables connected to the DC outputs of the generator-rectifier subsystems. At least one offshore substation includes a positive bus bar and a negative bus bar correspondingly connected to the positive pole cables and negative pole cables of the MVDC collection network and a plurality of main DC-DC converters. Each main DC-DC converter includes multiple modules connected to the MVDC bus bars and each module has a positive and a negative output such that the modules' outputs are serially connected to one another. The schemes may also include a high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission system connected to the modules' outputs and at least one DC/AC converter at an onshore substation. |
| US09048692B2 |
Controlled converter architecture with prioritized electricity supply
The present invention relates to a power converter architecture and its operation principle that supplies an electric load with a controlled direct voltage from both a local direct current electricity source as well as an alternating current (AC) mains with maximum power conversion efficiency. For the case that the local electricity source can not provide enough electricity to the local load it is additionally supplied with electricity from the AC mains. In other case electricity is also feed into the AC grid when a local source can provide more electricity than needed to supply local loads. |
| US09048691B2 |
Converters
A converter, and in particular a current source converter, including a bridge having an AC terminal for each of one or more AC lines, and first and second DC terminals. A converter arm is connected between each respective AC terminal and the first DC terminal, and between each respective AC terminal and the second DC terminal. Each converter arm includes a first power semiconductor switching device capable of being turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ by gate control and having a recovery time. The converter is adapted to be operated in one or more inverting modes. |
| US09048690B2 |
In-vehicle power supply apparatus
Provided is an in-vehicle power supply apparatus which supplies power to both a high-power load such as an actuator, and the CPU for controlling the high-lower load, and which is capable of preventing reduction in voltage of the CPU even when voltage of the in-vehicle power supply is momentarily reduced due to power consumption of the high-power load, and which include an auxiliary power supply having its capacity reduced so as to enable reduction of the size of the power supply apparatus. The in-vehicle power supply apparatus for supplying a power to both a power load, and a CPU for controlling the power load comprises: a first distribution line for distributing, to the power load, the power supplied from an in-vehicle power supply through a bus; a second distribution line for distributing, to the CPU, the power supplied from the in-vehicle power supply through the bus; an auxiliary power supply, connected to the second distribution line, for supplying the power to the CPU when a voltage is reduced in the bus; and a backward flow prevention section for preventing a charge stored in the auxiliary power supply from flowing into the bus. |
| US09048680B2 |
Electricity distribution system
The invention provides an electricity distribution system, which can keep a voltage to ground low, and can commonly detect abnormity, such as an electrical leak etc. produced in AC and DC feed lines. An AC-DC converter 21 is installed between the AC feed line (branch electrical circuit Lb) of a single phase three wire system for supplying the power to AC devices 41, and the DC feed line (main electrical circuit Ld) of a three wire system for supplying the power to DC devices. The DC feed line comprises a neutral wire N commonly connected to a neutral wire N of the AC feed line within the AC-DC converter 21, a positive voltage wire L+ having a positive electrical potential to an electrical potential of its neutral wire N, and a negative voltage wire L− having a negative electrical potential to the electrical potential of its neutral wire N. A voltage of +150 [V] is applied to the positive voltage wire L+, and a voltage of −150 [V] is applied to the negative voltage wire L−. |
| US09048679B2 |
Maximized battery capacity charge based on equilibrium charging
The present disclosure provides for repeatedly charging a rechargeable battery during a single charging session to a steady state voltage to attain a higher charge capacity of the rechargeable battery than a charge capacity of the rechargeable battery existing prior to the rechargeable battery being charged to the steady state voltage. The higher charge capacity is attained without exceeding a maximum allowable charge threshold of the rechargeable battery. |
| US09048678B2 |
Electricity distribution system and electricity distribution method
An electricity distribution system includes an electricity supply control unit that receives information on power consumption, estimates the current and the future power consumption, and controls the supply of electricity to the electric device; an information display unit that displays information on a power use situation of an electric device electrically connected with the electricity supply control unit; and a battery server that accumulates power, in which the electricity supply control unit communicates the information on the power consumption with a new electric device when the new electric device is electrically connected, and when the amount of available power is exceeded by supplying electricity to the electric device, does not supply electricity to the electric device, makes the information display unit display that the amount of available power is exceeded by supplying electricity to the information display unit, and determines whether to use the power accumulated in the battery server. |
| US09048677B2 |
Semiconductor device for protecting secondary battery, battery pack, and electronic device using same
A battery pack includes a secondary battery, a discharge-control transistor, a charge-control transistor connected in series with the discharge-control transistor between a negative power source terminal of the secondary battery and a terminal of a load or a negative power source terminal of a charger, and a battery protection semiconductor device including a detection circuit that detects at least one of excessively charged, excessive discharging, overcurrent, short-circuit, and overheating states of the secondary battery, a control circuit that turns on and off the discharge-control transistor and the charge-control transistor, and a charge prevention circuit that prevents the secondary battery from being charged by turning off the charge-control transistor when a voltage of the secondary battery is not greater than a predetermined low-voltage criterial voltage variable by trimming a portion of the charge prevention circuit. The charge prevention circuit includes first and second inverter circuits. |
| US09048675B2 |
Charging circuit for capacitor
A charging circuit for a capacitor includes a current mirror module including a first branch circuit, a second branch circuit and a third branch circuit for supplying a plurality of output currents respectively, a switching module coupled to the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit for determining a conducting condition of the switching module according to the plurality of output currents from the first branch circuit and the second branch circuit, and an active loading circuit coupled to the third branch circuit and the switching module for adjusting a current passing through the active loading circuit according to the conducting condition of the switching module. The capacitor has one end coupled to the first branch circuit and the switching module to process a charging operation according to the output current of the first branch circuit. |
| US09048673B2 |
Connector with embedded charging integrated circuits
A connector with embedded charging integrated circuits mainly has an insulating housing, an insulating base, a plurality of connecting terminals, a PCB, a charging IC, and a plurality of forwarding terminals. A tongue portion extends outward from one side of the insulating housing, a plurality of terminal slots are disposed in the tongue portion. The connecting terminals, the forwarding terminals and the charging IC electrically connect with the PCB. The insulating base is to carry the PCB, and the connecting terminals are accommodated in the terminal slots while the insulating base assembles with the insulating housing. While the connector receives electrical energy provided by the motherboard of an external device, the charging current provided by the motherboard is transmitted to the charging IC through the forwarding terminals, the charging current processed and improved by the charging IC is output via the connecting terminals to speed up the charging. |
| US09048664B2 |
Estimating loss rates of links in smart grids
An apparatus and article of manufacture for estimating loss rates of links in a smart grid include identifying end-to-end passage rates from a source to each of multiple receiver and/or load meters in a smart grid, and estimating a loss in at least one link of the grid by identifying the sparsest solution of link loss rates that matches the end-to-end passage rates. Also, a system includes a memory, a processor coupled thereto, and software modules executing on the processor, including a monitoring module for monitoring power flow of receiver and/or load meters in a smart grid, a measurement collector module for collecting measurements to compute end-to-end passage rates from a source to each receiver and/or load meter, and a processing module for estimating a loss in a link of the grid by identifying the sparsest solution of link loss rates matching the end-to-end passage rates. |
| US09048662B2 |
DC power surge protector
A DC surge protection circuit for protecting hardware from surges. During operation when no surge condition is present, the circuit passes signals from an input to an output through an inductance. When a surge is present, the circuit conducts a portion of the surge through at least one diode and diverts the surge to a ground node. A gas tube begins to conduct a portion of the surge above a first voltage level after the at least one diode first begins to conduct. A first MOV begins to conduct a portion of the surge above a second voltage level after the gas tube begins to conduct. The circuit may include a status portion. The circuit may be within an enclosure for plug-in to a motherboard or within an enclosure of an in-line connector for connection with a cable. The circuit may be configured to attach directly to a frame. |
| US09048661B2 |
Battery protection circuits
An overvoltage battery protection circuit includes a voltage comparator configured to compare a scaled version of a voltage with a voltage reference and indicate an overvoltage condition when the scaled voltage exceeds the voltage reference. The voltage comparator is powered by a first voltage domain. The circuit further includes a first transistor coupled to an output of the voltage comparator and configured to turn on when the voltage comparator indicates the overvoltage condition and generate an overvoltage signal for at least one external device. The circuit further includes a second transistor coupled to the overvoltage signal and configured to turn on when the overvoltage signal is asserted and force the overvoltage signal to remain asserted independent of the first voltage domain. The first and second transistors are powered by a second voltage domain. |
| US09048658B2 |
Resistive switching for non volatile memory device using an integrated breakdown element
A method of suppressing propagation of leakage current in an array of switching devices. The method includes providing a dielectric breakdown element integrally and serially connected to a switching element within each of the switching device. A read voltage (for example) is applied to a selected cell. The propagation of leakage current is suppressed by each of the dielectric breakdown element in unselected cells in the array. The read voltage is sufficient to cause breakdown in the selected cells but insufficient to cause breakdown in the serially connected, unselected cells in a specific embodiment. Methods to fabricate of such devices and to program, to erase and to read the device are provided. |
| US09048656B2 |
Circuit interrupter including supervisory function for protective function and hardware circuit repetitive test function
A circuit interrupter for a power circuit includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, and a trip circuit cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The trip circuit includes a number of hardware circuits having a processor with a number of routines. The routines provide a number of protective functions structured to detect a number of faults of the power circuit, a number of repetitive test functions for the number of hardware circuits, and a supervisory function cooperating with the number of repetitive test functions. The supervisory function is structured to prevent availability of protection by the number of protective functions from falling below a predetermined threshold as a result of a plurality of intermittent error conditions of the number of hardware circuits. |
| US09048653B2 |
Systems for joining insulated conductors
Systems and methods for heaters used in treating a subsurface formation are described herein. Certain embodiments relate to systems for insulated conductors used in heater elements. More particularly, fittings for splicing together insulated conductors and/or insulated conductors to other conductors are described. |
| US09048650B2 |
AC adapter unit, storage tray for an AC adapter, and electronic device unit
An AC adapter unit has an AC adapter that includes an AC adapter block and a DC cable, and a storage tray that stores the AC-adapter. The connector-side cable part of the DC cable is stored in the storage tray on-the left-side part of the AC adapter block. The connector-side cable part has a bundled-part with a figure-8 shape when seen from the top opening side of the storage tray. The-long axis of this bundled part is parallel to the long axis of the AC adapter block. |
| US09048647B2 |
Magnetic wall cover system
A magnetic wall cover system that includes an inner cover made at least partially of a ferrous material. The inner cover has an outer alignment surface. The magnetic wall cover system also has an outer cover that has an inner alignment surface. The outer cover is adapted to be removably mounted on the inner cover such that the inner alignment surface is in engaging relationship to the outer alignment surface when the outer cover is mounted over the inner cover. The magnetic wall cover system also includes at least one magnet disposed on the outer cover. The magnet is adapted to form a magnetic attraction between the magnet and the ferrous material of the inner cover. |
| US09048646B2 |
Gangable electrical box extender
An electrical box extender includes a rectangular tube having a first pair of opposing sides and a second pair of opposing sides. The first pair of opposing sides and the second pair of opposing sides form a perimeter configured to fit within a single-gang electrical box. The electrical box extender also includes a set of flanges extending laterally from a front edge of the first pair of opposing sides. The set of flanges includes a male interlocking flange and a female interlocking flange. The male interlocking flange is configured to attach to another female interlocking flange of a substantially identical electrical box extender. |
| US09048645B1 |
Electrical box assembly with siding block and while-in-use cover
A weatherproof while-in-use electrical box assembly adapted for use on buildings that include a siding exterior or that will be finished with siding. The weatherproof electrical box assembly includes an electrical box with an integral siding block and a cover assembly adapted to receive large electrical plugs. The integral siding block provides a channel around the electrical box for accommodating siding. The channel enables the electrical box assembly to channel water to the bottom of the box and exterior of the siding where it will drip harmlessly to the ground. The cover assembly includes cord openings that enable closing of the cover plate while electrical cords are connected to electrical outlets within the electrical box. Cord inserts are provided for closing the cord openings when they are not in use. The tamperproof cover includes an arm adapted to accept a padlock for securing the cover to the electrical box. |
| US09048644B1 |
Electrical box assembly with siding block and while-in-use collapsible cover
An electrical box assembly including an electrical box with an integral siding block and a collapsible cover assembly. The collapsible cover assembly includes a frame member and a while-in-use cover plate. The cover assembly includes cord openings that enable closing of the cover plate while electrical cords are connected to electrical outlets within the electrical box. When desired, the cover assembly may be collapsed upon the electrical box to lower the profile of the electrical box assembly in order to limit the distance the assembly extends from the wall. |
| US09048643B2 |
Box for storing a multi socket extension and cables while in use
A box made of plastic or any other rigid material that is designed to store a multi-socket extension and excess cables. The box includes a frame, top cover, bottom cover, and inner tray. The covers are installed over the frame using sliding tracks. The inner tray is installed in the frame and serves as a partition between the box's upper part and lower part. First, the inner tray is installed in the frame. The bottom cover is then assembled. The multi-socket extension is placed on the inner tray. The excess cables are now placed inside the box preferably in the space beneath the inner tray and the box is closed with the top cover. |
| US09048640B2 |
Electrical box and sleeve assembly
An assembly includes a box and a removable sleeve that is engageble with the box and with a wall substrate to secure tight contact between the wall substrate and the box structure, irrespective of the thickness of the wall substrate. The sleeve is configured to be coupled to an electrical device having a corresponding configuration for insertion in the box. |
| US09048639B2 |
Devices configured to cooperatively measure properties of a power transmission system
Described embodiments include a system and an apparatus. A described system includes a stationary device configured to be electrically coupled to a transmission line of a power transmission system and remain at a fixed location during a test measurement of the power transmission system. The system includes a mobile device configured to travel on the transmission line. The stationary device and the mobile device are further configured to cooperatively measure properties of the power transmission system. |
| US09048635B2 |
Spark plug with laser keyhole weld attaching ground electrode to shell
A spark plug has a metal shell, an insulator, a center electrode, and a ground electrode. One or more firing tips can be attached to the center electrode, to the ground electrode, or to both electrodes. The metal shell and ground electrode are attached together by way of one or more laser keyhole welds at an interface of the shell and electrode. Before the laser keyhole welds, resistance welding can be executed for a temporary attachment. |
| US09048632B1 |
Ultrafast laser apparatus
A laser apparatus includes a fiber oscillator. In another aspect, an Ytterbium (Yb) doped fiber is employed. Another aspect provides an unamplified laser pulse emitted from an Yb fiber oscillator having a repetition rate less than 5 MHz and a pulse energy greater than 100 nJ. In still an additional aspect, a flexible Yb fiber has a length greater than 1 m which is capable of being looped with an outside loop diameter less than 150 mm. Another aspect provides for a fiber oscillator with passive optical fiber lengths of at least 10 meters, and more preferably more than 100 meters while having repetition rates less than 4 MHz. |
| US09048630B2 |
Semiconductor laser diode
A semiconductor laser diode includes a substrate. A semiconductor layer sequence on the substrate has at least one active layer designed for generating laser light that is emitted along an emission direction during operation. At least one filter layer has a main extension plane that is parallel to a main extension plane of the active layer and that is designed to scatter and/or absorb light that propagates in the semiconductor layer sequence and/or the substrate in addition to the laser light. |
| US09048625B2 |
Normal dispersion frequency comb
Normal group velocity dispersion mode-locked optical frequency combs are provided on-chip. On-chip coherent frequency comb generation includes pulses showing temporal durations of about 74 fs. Pump detuning and bandpass filtering are provided for stabilizing and shaping the pulses from normal group velocity dispersion microresonators. |
| US09048624B2 |
Semiconductor laser element and laser beam deflecting device
According to a finite difference between inverse numbers of arrangement periods (a1 and a2) in first and second periodic structures, when seen in a thickness direction of a semiconductor laser element, at least two laser beams that form a predetermined angle (δθ) with respect to a lengthwise direction of a first driving electrode (E2) are generated in the semiconductor laser element, one of the laser beams is set to be totally reflected in a light emission end surface, and a refractive angle (θ3) of the other laser beam is set to be less than 90 degrees. |
| US09048621B2 |
Method and system for pumping of an optical resonator
A method of pumping an optical resonator includes directing light generated by a pumping light at the optical resonator, exciting a propagating surface state of the optical resonator at an interface of the optical resonator, and changing a propagating frequency of the light proximate the interface, where the changed frequency corresponds to a propagation frequency of the surface state. The optical resonator includes a photonic crystal and a material, where the interface is formed between the photonic crystal and the material. |
| US09048617B2 |
Metal vapor circulating system
A system for circulating an alkali vapor to operate as, for example, a gain medium in a diode pumped alkali laser. The system includes a pump configured to pump a buffer gas to a metal source. A source heat exchanger heats the alkali metal source to produce a metal vapor that flows with the buffer gas. An action chamber receives the metal vapor and buffer gas combination and contains the combination while the metal vapor performs its required functions. The metal vapor and buffer combination continue to flow to a metal vapor trap and heat exchanger that cools the metal vapor and buffer gas combination. The metal vapor trap collects alkali metal condensate as the combination cools. The diffuser transport channel provides an inflow of clean buffer gas to the pump. The pump provides a circulating gas flow through the closed loop system. |
| US09048614B2 |
Method and system for avoiding package induced failure in swept semiconductor source
Dry oxygen, dry air, or other gases such as ozone are hermetically sealed within the package of the external cavity laser or ASE swept source to avoid packaging-induced failure or PLF. PIF due to hydrocarbon breakdown at optical interfaces with high power densities is believed to occur at the SLED and/or SOA facets as well as the tunable Fabry-Perot reflector/filter elements and/or output fiber. Because the laser is an external cavity tunable laser and the configuration of the ASE swept sources, the power output can be low while the internal power at surfaces can be high leading to PIF at output powers much lower than the 50 mW. |
| US09048611B2 |
Wavelength conversion device and image display device
The present application discloses a wavelength conversion device. The wavelength conversion device includes a light source for generating excitation light, a laser medium for generating fundamental light from the excitation light, a resonator mirror for forming a resonator for the fundamental light in cooperation with the laser medium, and a wavelength convertor for converting wavelength from the fundamental light into harmonic light. The wavelength convertor includes a first end surface inclined by an angle θ from a surface orthogonal to an optical axis of the resonator and a second end surface parallel to the first end surface. |
| US09048609B2 |
Laser emitter module and laser detecting system to which the laser emitter module is applied
A laser emitter module may include a first laser emitter configured to output first laser beam having a first radiation angle by receiving first input laser beam and a second laser emitter configured to output second laser beam having a radiation angle different from the first radiation angle by receiving second input laser beam having a width different from that of the first input laser beam. The first and second laser emitters output the first and second laser beam together. |
| US09048603B2 |
Current diverter ring
The current diverter rings and bearing isolators serve to dissipate an electrical charge from a rotating piece of equipment to ground, such as from a motor shaft to a motor housing. One embodiment of the current diverter is substantially arc shaped with a plurality of radial channels extending there through. A conductive assembly may be positioned in each radial channel such that a contact portion of the conductive assembly is positioned adjacent a shaft passing through the center of the current diverter ring. The arc-shaped body may be particularly useful during installation over certain existing shafts. |
| US09048601B2 |
Connector
A connector is mateable with a mating connector along a first direction. The mating connector has a mating contact portion. The connector comprises a housing and a contact. The housing has a holding portion and a stop portion. The contact has a held portion, a pressed portion and a contact point. The held portion is held by the holding portion. The pressed portion is provided between the held portion and the contact point. The contact point is located between the held portion and the pressed portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The contact point is brought into contact with the mating contact portion and moved in the second direction under a mated state of the connector with the mating connector. The pressed portion is pressed against the stop portion when the contact point is brought into contact with the mating contact portion. |
| US09048598B2 |
Low voltage power receptacle for modular electrical systems
A low voltage power receptacle assembly is provided for use in a modular electrical system. The receptacle assembly includes a housing that defines an internal cavity for receiving and protecting various high and low voltage electrical components, and for providing convenient access to low voltage power outlets associated therewith. The receptacle assembly houses at least two electrical bus bars that are spaced apart and that conduct line voltage received from a relatively high voltage power input. A low voltage transformer has at least two electrical contacts for engaging the electrical bus bars, and is operable to convert the line voltage to a lower output voltage at the power outlets. An isolator body has a non-conductive wall positioned between the electrical bus bars to maintain electrical isolation thereof. |
| US09048597B2 |
Structures for securing printed circuit connectors
Printed circuit substrates may be formed from rigid printed circuit material or flexible sheets of polymer. Printed circuit substrates may have conductive traces. Integrated circuits, touch sensor electrode structure, sensors, and other components may be mounted to the conductive traces. Connectors such as board-to-board connectors may be used to couple printed circuit substrates together. To hold the connectors together and to provide electromagnetic shielding, printed circuits and connectors may be surrounded by printed circuit connector securing structures. The printed circuit connector securing structures may have one or more strips of conductive fabric tape wrapped around the connectors. Metal stiffening members may be attached to opposing ends of the strip of conductive tape to facilitate removal of the tape for rework or repair. An additional strip of tape may be used to help secure the wrapped conductive tape. The additional strip may have a tab to facilitate removal. |
| US09048594B2 |
Dual SIM card connector
A dual SIM card tray and an electrical connector device are disclosed. The electrical connector device comprises a tray and a connector module. The dual SIM card tray has a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove, which are positioned at two opposing sides, for respectively loading a mini-SIM card and a micro-SIM card, and has a first window communicated with the first receiving groove and a second window communicated with the second receiving groove. The first window and the second window are arranged in a lengthwise direction of the tray, so that conductive pads of the two SIM cards are exposed toward the same side. The connector module includes first and second connectors and an outer shell. |
| US09048593B2 |
Electronic card connector
An electronic card connector comprises an insulating body defining a bottom surface and a top surface opposite to the bottom surface, and a plurality of terminals contained in the insulating body. Each terminal comprises a base comprising a main portion, a spring portion extending from the base, a contact portion extending from the spring portion to outside of the insulating body, a first soldering portion recessed in a first end of the base and a second soldering portion separated from the first soldering portion. The first soldering portion and the main portion form a slit therebetween. |
| US09048592B2 |
Circuit board assembly, electronic device having the same, and lifting and lowering apparatus thereof
A circuit board assembly is provided. The circuit board assembly includes: a first circuit board; a second circuit board; a bracket for supporting the second circuit board; and an interconnect apparatus for a connection and a disconnection of the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the interconnect apparatus includes a first connector disposed on the first circuit board and a second connector disposed on the second circuit board (one is a male connector and the other is a female connector). The circuit board assembly includes a lifting and lowering apparatus for vertically lifting or lowering the bracket so that after the connection the second connector is vertically disconnected from the first connector and after the disconnection the second connector is vertically connected to the first connector. An electronic device having the circuit board assembly is further provided. |
| US09048590B2 |
Connecting apparatus for transmitting high-voltage current in the motor vehicle sector
A connecting apparatus for transmitting high-voltage current in a motor vehicle has a first connector (4), a second connector (6) and a shielding housing (12). The first connector (4) has at least one housing arrangement (20) with a first insulating housing (21) with at least one first contact (18) that is connected electrically to an internal conductor (16) of a cable (14), and has a shielding arrangement (28) connected to a shield (30) of the cable (14). The shielding arrangement (28) is connected to the shielding housing (12) by a shielding part (32). The second connection element (6) has at least one second housing arrangement (41) with a second insulating housing part (42) and at least one second contact (46) connected to a current line element. The shielding part (32) is a shielding sleeve (34) with a spring ring (36). |
| US09048588B2 |
Connecting apparatus for transmitting high-voltage current in the motor vehicle sector
A connecting apparatus for transmitting high-voltage current in a motor vehicle has a first connection element (4), a second connection element (6), a shielding housing (12) and fasteners (8, 10). The first connection element (4) has a housing (20) having a first insulating housing (21), a first contact (18) connected electrically to an internal conductor (16) of a cable (14), and a shielding arrangement (28) connected to a shield (30) of the cable (14). The shielding arrangement (28) is connected to the shielding housing (12) by a shielding part (32). The second connection element (6) has a second housing (41) having a second insulating housing part (42) with a second contact element (46) connected to a current line element. A weak-current contact arrangement creates a control circuit, and has a ring contact (52) and two spring contacts (60, 62). |
| US09048577B2 |
Lever connector with waterproofing
A lever connector includes a first connector housing, a second connector housing that includes a distal fitting portion to which a distal end of the first connector housing is fittedly connected, and is attached to a connector attaching plate in a state of inserting the second connector housing through a connector attaching hole of the connector attaching plate, a lever pivotally that is equipped on the first connector housing and fits the first connector housing into the second connector housing by a pivoting operation of the lever, and a grommet that is mounted on the first connector housing and ensures a waterproofing property of an inside of the first connector housing. The lever includes a lever body and an operation plate. The grommet includes an operation plate a tubular portion. |
| US09048574B2 |
Spring lock connector
A spring lock connector includes a female connector (F) with a lock arm (27) capable of releasing locking by lifting up the spring. Left and right protection walls (18) are arranged at opposite left and right sides of the lock arm (27). Left and right resilient pieces (28) extend in forward and backward directions between the lock arm (27) and the protection walls (18) for coupling the lock arm (27) to the protection walls (18). Left and right displacement preventing walls (20) are provided at an interval narrower than the protection walls 18 below the protection walls (18). A rear part of the lock arm (27) is fit into a clearance between the both displacement preventing walls (20) together with the resilient pieces (28) when the lock arm (27) is unlocked, thereby preventing lateral displacements of the lock arm (27). |
| US09048572B2 |
Connector connecting bolt, connector and connector assembly
A bolt (10) includes a flange (14) that bulges radially out near a head (12) at one axial end. The flange (14) contacts a second connector (60) at a proper connection to prevent further tightening. A stepped recess (16) is located between the head (12) and a screw portion (13), and is recessed sufficiently to fracture when an excessive tightening torque is applied. A retaining groove (18) is located between the stepped recess (16) and the screw portion (13) and is recessed radially inwardly and receives a retaining ring (80) for preventing detachment of the bolt (10) from a first connector (40) by contacting the first connector (40) before connection. Seal grooves (15) are located between the stepped recess (16) and the flange (14) for receiving seals (30) to be held in close contact with the first connector (40) in a liquid-tight manner at the time of proper connection. |
| US09048571B2 |
Grounding device for welders
A magnetic grounding clamp for portable yet secure connection of a welder grounding lead to any grounding body including irregular-shaped objects such as pipes and metal cylinders. The grounding electrode generally comprises conductive body having a protruding elongate neck, opposing-protruding legs, and a pivoting foot assembly having a disk-like magnet attached distally at the end of each leg. A length-adjustable tungsten grounding electrode protrudes downward from the end of the elongate neck. The body has a tail section with an adjustable spacer protruding therefrom. The spacer see-saws the body about the foot assemblies to maintain the grounding electrode in direct contact with whatever earth structure the cupped magnets are affixed to, thereby ensuring a firm ground contact and reliable ground path for the welder grounding lead. |
| US09048570B2 |
Zero no-load USB power supply and a method for controlling the power consumption of a USB power supply
A USB socket having a receptacle that comprises first electrical connectors for receiving a USB plug having second electrical connectors that are configured for mating with the first electrical connectors further comprises at least an ejector. The ejector is electrically connected to a control unit for receiving a control signal. The ejector further having a pusher for pushing an inserted USB plug in the direction out of the receptacle to a position where the first electrical connectors are disconnected from the second electrical connectors. The pusher may be configured for activation of a push action as a consequence of receiving the control signal from the control unit. |
| US09048569B2 |
Wire-to-board connector assembly and board-end connector thereof
The instant disclosure relates to a wire-to-board connector assembly including a board-end connector and a wire-end connector. The board-end connector has a first insulative housing, a pair of restricting components and a pair of elastic elements. The first insulative housing has a transverse portion and a pair of side walls. The pair of restricting components is movably assembled to the pair of side walls, and has a suppressing portion, respectively. The wire-end connector has a second insulative housing and a plurality of wires. Two sides of the second housing have a wing portion and a blocking bump located above the wing portion, respectively. When the wire-end connector is assembled to the board-end connector, the wing portion is located under the suppressing portion, and the blocking bump is disposed before the front end of the suppressing portion so as to limit the displacement of the wire-end connector. |
| US09048568B2 |
Easy-pull male network connector
An easy-pull network connector includes a male connector body providing a resilient clip lockable to a mating female network connector, a protective jacket surrounding the male connector body, a bracket located at one end of the male connector body remote from the resilient clip, a pivotable hook pivotally mounted at the bracket and hooked on the resilient clip and biasable to release or press the resilient clip when the protective jacket is moved forwards or backwards relative to the male connector body. Thus, when the user pulls the protective jacket backward to press the resilient clip, the easy-pull network connector is disengaged from the mating female network connector. |
| US09048565B2 |
Adapter apparatus with deflectable element socket contacts
An adapter apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of openings defined therethrough. Further, a deflectable element socket contact is provided in each of the openings. When a conductive male pin is positioned in contact between first and second deflectable elements of the deflectable element socket contact, at least a portion of the first and second deflectable elements are caused to deflect within first and second deflection regions, respectively, of the defined opening. |
| US09048559B2 |
Power outlet with jack safety shield device
An electrical receptacle with a baffle latching mechanism can prevent an electroshock accident by keeping the baffle and baffle latching mechanism from moving. A baffle latching mechanism for an electrical receptacle, comprises a rectilinear baffle latch comprising a first side perpendicular to a second side, a positioning groove between a first end and a second end of the first side, a platform at the bottom of the positioning groove, and a positioning convex pin projecting from the second side of the baffle latch. |
| US09048557B2 |
Memory cards and electronic machines
Provided is a memory card. The memory card includes interconnection terminals for electric connection with an external electronic machine. The interconnection terminals may be spaced from the front side of the memory card by a distance greater than the lengths of the interconnection terminals. Alternatively, the memory card may include other interconnection terminals between its front side and the former interconnection terminals. The former and latter interconnection terminals may be used for electric connection with different kinds of electronic machines. |
| US09048556B2 |
Electric contact pin and socket for electrical parts
A electric contact pin which can certainly contact a plunger with a contact spring and ensure smooth operation (vertical motion) of the plunger. The present invention can execute electrical tests of the electrical parts accurately. The electric contact pin according to the present invention contacts an eccentrical portion of an open coil portion provided for the contact spring capable of easily deforming in a radial direction with a conductive portion of the plunger. Consequently, the conductive portion of the plunger is elastically pinched between the eccentrical portion of the open coil portion and the closed coil portion. The eccentrical portion of the open coil portion and the closed coil portion are contact with the conductive portion of the plunger at any time. |
| US09048554B2 |
Electrical connector for use with a circuit board
An electrical connector for use with a circuit board including an insulating housing used to be fixed to a circuit board, a plurality of signal contacts arranged on the insulating housing along a longitudinal direction of the same, at least one ground contact provided in an arrangement of the signal contacts on the insulating housing, and a conductive shell member provided for covering partially a portion of the insulating housing and to be connected with a grounding portion of the circuit board, wherein the conductive shell member has a ground connecting reed-like portion formed thereon so as to correspond to the ground contact and both of the ground connecting reed-like portion of the conductive shell member and the ground contact are connected by means of soldering with the grounding portion of the circuit board. |
| US09048549B2 |
Wire connecting device for connecting fiber-core conductor
A wire connecting device for connecting a fiber-core conductor configured by stranding a plurality of fiber-core conductive wires. The wire connecting device includes a vis having a rod-shape pin and a head extending outwardly from the pin. A plate-shape terminal connects with the vis by inserting the pin in an opening. The head matches up with an overlap portion of the terminal so that the fiber-core conductor is clamped between the head and the overlap portion of the terminal connect electrically the fiber-core conductor and the terminal. The conductor passes over and contacts an end portion of the pin. The pin and the inner surface of the opening are curved surfaces to eliminate sharp corners. |
| US09048545B2 |
Enhanced high efficiency 3G/4G/LTE antennas, devices and associated processes
Embodiments of the invention provide several antenna designs that exhibit both high bandwidth and efficiency, such as for operation in one or more bands, such as but not limited to operation in 3G, 4G, LTE bands. A first aspect of the invention concerns the form factor of the enhanced antenna; a second aspect of the invention concerns the ease with which the enhanced antenna is manufactured; and a third aspect concerns the superior performance exhibited by the enhanced antenna across one or more bandwidths. |
| US09048544B2 |
Reflectarray antenna system
The reflectarray includes a plurality of cells integrated in a PCB and externally illuminated by an input signal from a feeding source at a frequency fi, and an output signal is reflected, where each cell of the reflectarray is an AIA formed by a passive radiating element connected to an active circuit, which can be either an oscillator, or a push-push oscillator or a SOM, where the passive radiating circuit is placed on a reflective surface forming a side of the reflectarray and the active circuit is placed on the reverse side, the active circuit producing an output signal with a frequency related to the input frequency fi and the oscillation frequency fosc of said active circuit. This phase relationship is determined by an output phase variation, which is controlled by electronic means integrated in the reflectarray system, which allows an output phase variation interval even higher than 180°. |
| US09048541B2 |
Inverted E antenna with capacitance loading for use with an implantable medical device
The device includes radio frequency (RF) communication components installed within a case of the device and an antenna with an inverted E shape mounted within a header of the device. The antenna has three branches extending from a main horizontal arm: a capacitive branch connecting one end of the main arm to the case via a capacitive load; an RF signal feed branch connecting a middle portion of the main arm to the internal RF components of the device via a feedthrough; and an inductive branch connecting the opposing (far) end of the main arm to the case to provide a shunt to ground. The E-shaped configuration and the provision of capacitive loading allows for cancellation of inductance to bring the antenna into resonance and to provide optimal radiation efficiency as well as to provide for impedance with no reactive component. |
| US09048529B2 |
Resonator structure in small-sized radio devices
A resonator structure of an electric apparatus, wherein the resonator structure is configured to interact with a radio frequency signal. The resonator structure includes a dielectric resonator element configured to resonate as a response to the radio frequency signal for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic energy wirelessly, and a conductive grounding structure magnetically coupled with the dielectric resonator element and configured to resonate with the dielectric resonator element. The conductive grounding structure includes at least a portion of the casing of the electric apparatus. |
| US09048524B2 |
Method and apparatus for compensating for phase shift in a communication device
Various embodiments of methods and apparatus' for compensating for a phase shift on a communication device are described herein. In an embodiment, an antenna of a communication device is tuned based on a characteristic of the communication device, thereby causing a phase shift of a signal that is to be transmitted via the antenna. A property of the signal at the antenna after the phase shift is measured. The phase shift is compensated for based on the measured property. |
| US09048523B2 |
RF mems crosspoint switch and crosspoint switch matrix comprising RF mems crosspoint switches
The RF MEMS crosspoint switch comprising a first transmission line and a second transmission line that crosses the first transmission line; the first transmission line comprises two spaced-apart transmission line portions, and a switch element that permanently electrically connects the two spaced-apart transmission line portions; the second transmission line crosses the first transmission line between the two spaced-apart transmission line portions; the RF MEMS crosspoint switch further comprises actuation means for actuating the switch element at least between a first position, in which the switch element is electrically connecting the two spaced-apart transmission line portions of the first transmission line and the first and second transmission lines are electrically disconnected, and a second position, in which the switch element is electrically connecting the two spaced-apart transmission line portions of the first transmission line and is also electrically connecting the two transmission lines together. |
| US09048520B1 |
Quick-release waveguide flange clamp
A quick-release clamp that is placed over a pair of waveguide flanges and then locked into place. The device eliminates the need for laborious removal and reinstallation of numerous small nuts and bolts from the waveguide flanges, which are a time consuming component of every maintenance job done on the waveguides. The device consists of a formed clamp that conforms the to the shape and size of a particular waveguide flange pair. The clamp is hinged in one corner and has a securing mechanism in the opposite corner. The inside of the clamp has gaskets than ensure a tight secure fit for the clamp. In this way, a variety of waveguide flanges can be opened and sealed quickly and easily. |
| US09048517B2 |
Battery cooling duct
Disclosed herein is a battery cooling duct. The duct includes a suction portion disposed between a rear seat and a floor panel of a vehicle, an inlet of the suction portion fluidly communicating with an interior of the vehicle to suction interior air. An extension portion is formed by extending an outlet side of the suction portion to a rear of the vehicle, e.g. a trunk, between the rear seat and the floor panel, and defines a passageway configured to allow the interior air to pass therethrough. A discharge portion extends from an outlet of the extension portion to the rear of the vehicle, and discharges the interior air passed through the extension portion, through an outlet of the discharge portion to the battery of the vehicle. |
| US09048514B2 |
Replacement battery indicator on a battery powered device
A method is provided for presenting battery degradation of a rechargeable battery to a user of an electronic device. The method comprising the following steps. An initial capacity and a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery are obtained. The battery degradation is determined as a proportion of a difference between the initial capacity and the remaining capacity to the initial capacity. The battery degradation is visually displayed on a display of the electronic device as a battery gauge. A system to implement the method is also provided. |
| US09048513B2 |
Hybrid battery system
An energy transformer for a battery system is disclosed. The energy transformer includes a plurality of DC/DC converters each having a first and a second input and a first and a second output. The first output of a first of the DC/DC converters is connected to a first output of the energy transformer and the second output of a last of the DC/DC converters is connected to a second output of the energy transformer. The first and second inputs are designed for connecting a battery module. The DC/DC converters are connected in series on the output side. The energy transformer has a plurality of first diodes each of which have an anode connected to the first input of one of the DC/DC converters and a cathode connected to the second input of another DC/DC converter so that the DC/DC converters are connected in series on the input side and via a second diode having an anode connected to the first input of the first of the DC/DC converters and a cathode connected to the first output of the energy transformer. |
| US09048511B2 |
Air electrode for metal-air battery and metal-air battery provided with same
An air electrode for a metal-air battery includes an air electrode catalyst and an electrically conductive material, and the air electrode catalyst contains a layered double hydroxide. Discharge capacity can be improved by incorporating the air electrode of this invention in a metal-air battery. |
| US09048510B2 |
Electrode assembly, battery cell, manufacturing method of electrode assembly, and manufacturing method of battery cell
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly, the method including: preparing an electrode laminate including at least one negative electrode, at least one positive electrode, and at least one separation film; generating a separation film assembly by bonding remaining portions of the separation film positioned in regions not corresponding to shapes of the negative electrode and the positive electrode; and cutting the separation film assembly so as to correspond to the shapes of the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and an electrode assembly manufactured by the method. |
| US09048506B2 |
Secondary battery and manufacturing method thereof
There are a secondary battery having a pouch-type outer casing and a manufacturing method thereof. In one embodiment, a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an outer casing. The electrode assembly has positive and negative electrode plates, a separator interposed therebetween, and positive and negative electrode tabs having one ends respectively connected to the positive and negative electrode plates. The outer casing accommodates the electrode assembly so that the other ends of the positive and negative electrode tabs are extracted from a first side to the exterior thereof. The outer casing has a sealing portion sealed at least twice. The sealing portion is primarily sealed to be fractured under a predetermined internal pressure of the outer casing. After the aging of a battery, the sealing portion is fractured under the predetermined internal pressure, thereby exhausting internal gas. After the exhaustion of the internal gas, the sealing portion is secondarily sealed. |
| US09048497B2 |
Metal fluoride compositions for self formed batteries
The described invention provides self-forming compositions as positive electrode materials. The described invention further provides electrode compositions related to an electrochemical energy storage cell comprising a metal, a glass former and lithium fluoride. |
| US09048496B2 |
Surface treatment of electrochemically active materials for rechargeable cells
Provided herein are methods for processing electrochemically active materials and resulting active material structures for use in rechargeable batteries. The resulting active materials structures include carbon containing coatings that partially or completely cover the surface of the active material structures. In a typical embodiment, the method includes providing a solution of carbon containing precursor in a solvent, dispersing electrochemically active material in the solution to form a mixture, removing the solvent from the mixture to form electrochemically active material coated with the carbon containing precursor, and heating the electrochemically active material coated with the carbon containing precursor in an inert atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to at least partially convert the carbon containing precursor into a carbon coating. Also provided are an electrochemically active material prepared according to the methods described herein, as well as an electrode and a rechargeable electrochemical cell, each containing such electrochemically active material. |
| US09048489B2 |
Electrode assembly and lithium secondary battery using the same
An electrode assembly and a lithium secondary battery including the same. Heat generation of the electrode tabs is reduced by providing the electrode tabs at the outermost parts of the electrode assembly. An insulation member is attached at the boundary of the electrode tabs and the respective electrode plates. An insulation member is also attached to the uncoated portions formed on the outer circumference of the electrode assembly, thereby preventing internal short circuits either between an uncoated portion and an active material layer or between the uncoated portions. The electrode assembly can be used in pouch, rectangular and cylindrical lithium secondary batteries to prevent an internal short circuit within the batteries. |
| US09048488B2 |
Pasted zinc electrode for rechargeable nickel-zinc batteries
Active material for a negative electrode of a rechargeable zinc alkaline electrochemical cell is made with zinc metal particles coated with tin and/or lead. The zinc particles may be coated by adding lead and tin salts to a slurry containing zinc particles, a thickening agent and water. The remaining zinc electrode constituents such as zinc oxide (ZnO), bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), a dispersing agent, and a binding agent such as Teflon are then added. The resulting slurry/paste has a stable viscosity and is easy to work with during manufacture of the zinc electrode. Further, the zinc electrode is much less prone to gassing when cobalt is present in the electrolyte. Cells manufactured from electrodes produced in accordance with this invention exhibit much less hydrogen gassing, by as much as 60-80%, than conventional cells. The cycle life and shelf life of the cells is also enhanced, as the zinc conductive matrix remains intact and shelf discharge is reduced. |
| US09048480B2 |
Anion exchange polymer electrolytes
Anion exchange polymer electrolytes that include guanidinium functionalized polymers may be used as membranes and binders for electrocatalysts in preparation of anodes for electrochemical cells such as solid alkaline fuel cells. |
| US09048479B2 |
Tri-block copolymer and electrolyte membrane made from the same
Provided are a tri-block copolymer and an electrolyte membrane prepared therefrom. The tri-block copolymer has a structure of polar moiety-containing copolymer block/non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block/polar moiety-containing copolymer block, or non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block/polar moiety-containing copolymer block/non-polar moiety-containing copolymer block, and is useful for an electrolyte membrane for fuel cells. The electrolyte membrane for fuel cells prepared from the tri-block copolymer exhibits superior dimensional stability and excellent fuel cell performance. |
| US09048478B2 |
Polymer electrolyte membrane based on polyazole
Proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane based on a polyazole salt of an inorganic or organic acid which is doped with an acid as electrolyte, wherein the polyazole salt of the organic or inorganic acid has a lower solubility in the acid used as electrolyte than the polyazole salt of the acid used as electrolyte, a process for producing the inventive proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane, a membrane-electrode assembly comprising at least two electrochemically active electrodes which are separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane is a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane according to the invention, and a fuel cell comprising at least one membrane-electrode assembly according to the invention. |
| US09048477B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack having increased resistance against external impact by increasing a coupling strength between a bare cell and a case, resulting in increased reliability and quality. The battery pack includes a bare cell, a circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell, a frame case surrounding the bare cell and including a channel groove arranged at a region facing the bare cell, a coupling reinforcement portion arranged in the channel groove to couple the frame case to the bare cell and a metal label attached to side surfaces of the bare cell. |
| US09048474B2 |
Fuel cell system and method for controlling same
Disclosed is a fuel cell system which comprises a power generation means that includes a plurality of fuel cells that are connectable to one another in series or in parallel through connecting terminals, a fuel gas supply conduit through which fuel electrodes of all or part of the fuel cells are connected in series and an oxidant gas supply conduit through which air electrodes of all or part of the fuel cells are connected in series; a switching means that switches an electric connection condition between the connecting terminals and connecting means of an external load device; a fuel gas supply means that supplies the fuel gas supply conduit with a fuel gas and an oxidant gas supply means that supplies the oxidant gas supply conduit with an oxidant gas; a load detecting means that detects a load of the external load device; and a control means that selects, based on an already derived relation between overall electric power output curves corresponding to the number of the fuel cells that are mutually connected and an operation temperature zone, one of the power output curves in accordance with an input from the load detecting means and selects the number of mutually connected fuel cells that brings about the highest voltage of the fuel cells thereby to control the switching means, the fuel gas supply means and the oxidant gas supply means. |
| US09048473B2 |
Vehicular power source unit
Provided is a vehicular power source unit having an external electric power supply controlling element (94) configured to control the operation of a heater (16) and a recharger (22) operated by an electric power supplied from a commercial power source (70) via an external power source connector (25) according to a terminal voltage and temperature of a fuel cell (10) detected by a fuel cell state detecting element (91) and a state of a battery (20) detected by a battery state detecting element (92) when a fuel cell vehicle is halted, the supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell (10) by a fuel cell controlling element (93) is stopped and the external power source connector (25) is connected to the commercial power source (70). |
| US09048467B2 |
Fuel cell system with energy-efficient reactant recycling
The invention relates to a fuel cell system with at least one fuel cell for electrochemical conversion of two reactants. The fuel cell has two electrode areas, having a first supply line for supplying a first reactant to a first electrode area, and an outlet line, for emission of residual gas from the first electrode area. The residual gas has an electrochemically unconsumed portion of the first reactant, a recirculation element, for feeding the residual gas from the outlet line into the first supply line, and an outlet valve in order to emit the residual gas into an area surrounding the fuel cell system. The invention provides for the fuel cell system to have a monitoring unit in order to control the outlet valve. In particular, the monitoring unit opens the outlet valve when the energy required to feed the residual gas by the recirculation element exceeds an energy potential of the first reactant which is present in the residual gas. |
| US09048465B2 |
Bipolar plate for a fuel cell comprising a by-passed serpentine flow path for oxidant gas; a cooling plate for a fuel cell comprising a by-passed serpentine flow path for coolant fluid; fuel cell comprising such plates and uses thereof
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate having flow channels for oxidant gas; said flow channels for oxidant gas comprising one or more grooves each representing a serpentine path; wherein each said serpentine path independently comprises N consecutive legs L1, L2, . . . LN; connected to each other by N−1 consecutive turn sections, T1, T2, . . . TN-1; wherein each leg L1, L2, . . . LN-1 being lengthwise separated from its consecutive leg L2, L3, . . . LN by a wall section, W1, W2, . . . WN-1; wherein each turn section representing a 180° change of flow direction of oxidant gas; wherein N is an odd integer of 3 or more; and wherein one or more of the wall sections W1, W2, . . . WN-1 independently comprise one or more by-pass channels for allowing oxidant gas to flow via a short cut from one leg Lx to its consecutive leg Lx+1; 1≦x≦N−1; thereby by passing a part of the leg Lx and a part of the leg Lx+1. Furthermore, a cooling plate having a similar design is provided. The bipolar plate as well as the cooling plate provide for more efficient supply of fluids over the surface of the plate. |
| US09048463B2 |
Pouch-cell battery arrangement and corresponding production method and use
A pouch-cell battery arrangement has a shrink sleeve covering (50), that surrounds the pouch (22) at least in places in an interlocking manner. |
| US09048458B2 |
Method of fabricating pixel structure for organic light-emitting display
A method of fabricating a pixel structure for an organic light-emitting display (OLED) is disclosed. A substrate having at least a sub-pixel region is provided. An auxiliary electrode layer and an insulating layer are formed on the substrate in the sub-pixel region, wherein the insulating layer has an opening to expose the auxiliary electrode layer. A lower electrode layer, an organic light emission layer, and an upper electrode layer are formed on the substrate, wherein the organic light emission layer fills the opening in the insulating layer. Another opening is formed in the upper electrode layer and the organic light emission layer directly on the opening in the insulating layer by performing a laser process, such that the upper electrode layer and the auxiliary electrode layer are welded together through the opening in the upper electrode layer and the organic light emission layer. |
| US09048454B2 |
Organic light emitting display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display apparatus includes pixel electrodes formed on a substrate for respective pixels. Auxiliary electrodes are formed on at least parts of the periphery of the pixel electrodes. A first organic function layer is formed on the substrate and covers the pixel electrodes and the auxiliary electrodes. An emissive layer is formed on the first organic function layer for the respective pixels. A second organic function layer is formed on the substrate and covers the emissive layer. A cathode electrode is formed on the entire substrate and faces the pixel electrodes and covers the second organic function layer. Secondary cathode electrodes are formed, on at least parts of the auxiliary electrodes, in contact with the cathode electrode through a contact hole. |
| US09048448B2 |
Organic electroluminescence element and method of manufacturing thereof
An organic EL element comprises: an anode; a cathode; a functional layer including at least a light-emitting layer; a hole injection layer disposed between the anode and the functional layer; and a bank. The hole injection layer contains tungsten oxide. Tungsten atoms constituting the tungsten oxide include both tungsten atoms with a valence of six and tungsten atoms with a valence less than six. The hole injection layer includes a crystal of the tungsten oxide. A particle diameter of the crystal is on an order of nanometers. The hole injection layer has a recessed portion whose inner side surface has an upper edge that is one of (i) aligned with part of a lower edge of the bank, the part being in contact with the light-emitting layer, and (ii) in contact with a bottom surface of the bank. |
| US09048444B2 |
Flexible display device and method of fabricating the same
A flexible display device includes a display panel including a plastic substrate where an organic light emitting diode and a thin film transistor are formed; a circuit portion applying a power signal and a data signal, which are supplied from an external portion, to the display panel; and a support member coupled to the plastic substrate, wherein the display panel and the circuit portion are bent around the support member. |
| US09048443B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a bottom member, a display panel, a top member and a groove region. The display panel is disposed on the bottom member, and includes an organic layer. The top member is disposed on the display panel. The groove region is formed by removing at least one of the top member or the bottom member at a bending region of the display device. |
| US09048441B2 |
Organometallic complex, and light-emitting element and light-emitting device using the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide an organometallic complex that can emit phosphorescence. In the following general formula (G1), X represents —O— or —N(R10)—. R1 to R9 each represent any of hydrogen, an alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyloxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a halogen group, a haloalkyl group, and an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. In addition, R10 represents any of an alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an acyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and a heteroaryl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms. Moreover, M represents an element belonging to Group 9 or 10. |
| US09048439B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, electronic device, and lighting device comprising a metal complex having a metal-oxygen bond and an aromatic ligand
A light-emitting element which emits light with high luminance and can be driven at low voltage. The light-emitting element includes n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) EL layers between an anode and a cathode, and includes a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer between an m-th (m is a natural number, 1≦m≦n−1) EL layer from the anode and an (m+1)th EL layer. The first layer functions as a charge-generation region, has hole-transport properties, and contains an acceptor substance. The third layer has electron-transport properties and contains an alkali metal or the like. The second layer formed of a metal complex having a metal-oxygen bond and an aromatic ligand is provided between the first and third layers, whereby an injection barrier at the time of injecting electrons generated in the first layer into the m-th EL layer through the third layer can be lowered. |
| US09048437B2 |
Organic compound for organic electroluminescent device
The present invention discloses a novel organic compound is represented by the following formula(A), the organic EL device employing the compound as blue emitting layer can lower driving voltage, prolong half-lifetime and increase the efficiency. Wherein m represent an integer of 0 to 8, n represent an integer of 0 to 10, p represent an integer of 0 to 7, HAr represent a hydrogen, a halide, a cyanine group, a substituted or unsusbstituted heteroaryl group system having 5 to 6 aromatic ring atoms, R1 to R4 are identical or different. R1 to R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. |
| US09048431B2 |
Electronic devices employing aligned organic polymers
The devices can be fabricated by a method that permits active polymer chains to be polymerized on the surface of an electrode such that the active polymer chains are aligned with one another. The active polymer chains can also be covalently linked to a second electrode so the active polymer chains are located in an active layer of the device. The polymerization method can be paused and resumed at any point in the polymerization so nanoparticles can be added into the active layer. Additionally, the polymerization method allows that active polymer chains to be polymerized so they include junctions such as p-n junctions and Schottky junctions. |
| US09048430B2 |
Non-halogenated etchant and method of manufacturing a display substrate using the non-halogenated etchant
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a non-halogenated etchant for etching an indium oxide layer and a method of manufacturing a display substrate using the non-halogenated etchant, the non-halogenated etchant including nitric acid, sulfuric acid, a corrosion inhibitor including ammonium, a cyclic amine-based compound, and water. |
| US09048421B2 |
Variable resistance memory device and methods of forming the same
Variable resistance memory devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. The devices may include an additional barrier layer that is a portion of a variable resistance layer and that is formed before forming a horizontal electrode layer. Due to the presence of the additional barrier layer, it may be possible to cure loss or damage of the variable resistance layer. |
| US09048417B2 |
Magnetic memory device
A magnetic memory device is provided. The magnetic memory device includes a first vertical magnetic layer and a second vertical magnetic layer on a substrate, a tunnel barrier layer between the first vertical magnetic layer and the second vertical magnetic layer, and an exchange-coupling layer between a first sub-layer of the first vertical magnetic layer and a second sub-layer of the first vertical magnetic layer. |
| US09048415B2 |
Memory cells including top electrodes comprising metal silicide, apparatuses including such cells, and related methods
Memory cells (e.g., CBRAM cells) include an ion source material over an active material and an electrode comprising metal silicide over the ion source material. The ion source material may include at least one of a chalcogenide material and a metal. Apparatuses, such as systems and devices, include a plurality of such memory cells. Memory cells include an adhesion material of metal silicide between a ion source material and an electrode of elemental metal. Methods of forming a memory cell include forming a first electrode, forming an active material, forming an ion source material, and forming a second electrode including metal silicide over the metal ion source material. Methods of adhering a material including copper and a material including tungsten include forming a tungsten silicide material over a material including copper and treating the materials. |
| US09048413B2 |
Semiconductor magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) device and manufacturing method thereof
The present disclosure describes a semiconductor MRAM device and a manufacturing method. The device reduces magnetic field induction “interference” (disturbance) phenomenon between adjacent magnetic tunnel junctions when data is written and read. This semiconductor MRAM device comprises a magnetic tunnel junction unit and a magnetic shielding material layer covering the sidewalls of the magnetic tunnel junction unit. The method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises: forming a magnetic tunnel junction unit, depositing an isolation dielectric layer to cover the top and the sidewall of the magnetic tunnel junction unit, and depositing a magnetic shielding material layer on the isolation dielectric layer. |
| US09048411B2 |
Multilayers having reduced perpendicular demagnetizing field using moment dilution for spintronic applications
A magnetic element is disclosed that has a composite free layer with a FM1/moment diluting/FM2 configuration wherein FM1 and FM2 are magnetic layers made of one or more of Co, Fe, Ni, and B and the moment diluting layer is used to reduce the perpendicular demagnetizing field. As a result, lower resistance x area product and higher thermal stability are realized when perpendicular surface anisotropy dominates shape anisotropy to give a magnetization perpendicular to the planes of the FM1, FM2 layers. The moment diluting layer may be a non-magnetic metal like Ta or a CoFe alloy with a doped non-magnetic metal. A perpendicular Hk enhancing layer interfaces with the FM2 layer and may be an oxide to increase the perpendicular anisotropy field in the FM2 layer. A method for forming the magnetic element is also provided. |
| US09048407B2 |
Mounting method for semiconductor light emitter using resist with openings of different sizes
The present invention is a method for mounting, on a ceramic substrate (9), an LED chip (1), in which an upper surface of a positive electrode (6) is in a higher position than an upper surface of a negative electrode (5). The method includes the steps of: (i) laminating resist (16) on the negative electrode (5) and the positive electrode (6) and forming openings (16a and 16b) in the resist (16); (ii) forming bumps (11 and 12) in the respective openings (16a and 16b); (iii) removing the resist (16); and (iv) bonding bumps (11 and 12) to the ceramic substrate (9). A cross-sectional area of the opening (16a) is larger than a cross-sectional area of the opening (16b). |
| US09048399B2 |
Light emitting device
Disclosed is a white light emitting device including a semiconductor light emitting element configured to emit near ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength ranging from 380 to 410 nm, a first phosphor layer and a second phosphor layer. The first phosphor layer contains a blue-emitting phosphor configured to emit blue light by the near ultraviolet light, and a red-emitting phosphor activated by trivalent europium and configured to emit red light by the near ultraviolet light. The second phosphor layer contains a green-emitting phosphor configured to emit green light by the near ultraviolet light. The semiconductor light emitting element, the first phosphor layer and the second phosphor layer are laminated in this order to emit white light. |
| US09048396B2 |
LED package with encapsulant having planar surfaces
LED packages are disclosed that are compact and efficiently emit light, and can comprise encapsulants with planar surfaces that refract and/or reflect light within the package encapsulant. The packages can comprise a submount with one or more LEDs, and a blanket conversion material layer on the LEDs and the submount. The encapsulant can be on the submount, over the LEDs, and light reflected within the encapsulant will reach the conversion material, where it is absorbed and emitted omnidirectionally. Reflected light can now escape the encapsulant, allowing for efficient emission and a broader emission profile, when compared to conventional packages with hemispheric encapsulants or lenses. In certain embodiments, the LED package provides a higher chip area to LED package area ratio. By using an encapsulant with planar surfaces, the LED package can provide unique dimensional relationships between the various features and the LED package ratios, enabling more flexibility with different applications. |
| US09048395B2 |
Light emitting device package, lighting module and lighting system
Disclosed are a light emitting device package and a lighting system. The light emitting device package includes a semiconductor light emitting device, a first encapsulant over the semiconductor light emitting device, and a second encapsulant having a refractive index greater than a refractive index of the first encapsulant over the first encapsulant. |
| US09048392B2 |
Light emitting device array assemblies and related methods
Light emitting device (LED) array assemblies and related methods are provided. An LED array assembly can include a primary substrate with an array of light emitting devices disposed on the primary substrate. The LED array assembly can also include a secondary substrate comprising at least one or more grooves. The primary substrate can be positioned on the secondary substrate with the grooves facing the primary substrate. |
| US09048383B2 |
Light-emitting diode chip and method for producing a light-emitting diode chip
The invention relates to a light-emitting diode chip, comprising an n-type semiconductor layer (3), a p-type semiconductor layer (4), an active region (2) between the n-type semiconductor layer (3) and the p-type semiconductor layer (4), a lateral surface (14), which limits the n-type semiconductor layer (3), the p-type semiconductor layer (4) and the active region (2) in a lateral direction, and a doped region (1), in which a dopant is introduced into a semiconductor material of the light-emitting diode chip, and/or comprising a neutralized region (1), wherein the doped region (1) and/or the neutralized region (1) are formed at the lateral surface (14) at least in the region of the active region, and the light-emitting diode chip is intended to emit incoherent electromagnetic radiation during operation. |
| US09048382B2 |
Thermoelectric generator, method for producing a thermoelectric material, motor vehicle and method for producing a thermoelectric generator
A thermoelectric material contains fibers and a method for producing a thermoelectric material uses fibers. The fibers, in this case, in particular, perform the function of influencing thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, tensile strength and/or extensibility of the thermoelectric material. The thermoelectric material is used, in particular, in thermoelectric generators which are used, for example, in motor vehicles for converting thermal energy from the exhaust gas into electrical energy. |
| US09048375B2 |
Iron pyrite thin films from molecular inks
Systems and methods are provided for fabricating pyrite thin films from molecular inks. A process is provided that comprises dissolving simple iron-bearing and sulfur-bearing molecules in an appropriate solvent and then depositing the solution onto an appropriate substrate using one of several methods (roll-to-roll coating, spraying, spin coating, etc.), resulting in a solid film consisting of the molecules. These molecular precursor films are then heated to 200-600° C. in the presence of sulfur-bearing gases (e.g., S2, H2S) to convert the molecular films into films of crystalline iron pyrite (FeS2). |
| US09048367B2 |
Multichip package structure for generating a symmetrical and uniform light-blending source
A multichip package structure for generating a symmetrical and uniform light-blending source includes a substrate unit, a light-emitting unit and a package unit. The substrate unit includes a substrate body and at least one bridging conductive layer disposed on the top surface of the substrate body. The light-emitting unit includes at least two first light-emitting elements diagonally disposed on the substrate body and electrically connected to the substrate body and at least two second light-emitting elements diagonally disposed on the substrate body and electrically connected to the substrate body. The package unit includes at least two first light-transmitting package bodies respectively covering the at least two first light-emitting elements and at least two second light-transmitting package bodies respectively covering the at least two second light-emitting elements. |
| US09048366B2 |
Methods for forming optoelectronic devices including heterojunction
Embodiments generally relate to optoelectronic semiconductor devices such as photovoltaic cells. In one aspect, a method for forming a device includes forming an absorber layer made of gallium arsenide (GaAs) and having one type of doping, and forming an emitter layer made of a different material and having a higher bandgap than the absorber layer. An intermediate layer can be formed between emitter and absorber layers. A heterojunction and p-n junction are formed between the emitter layer and the absorber layer, where the p-n junction is formed at least partially within the different material at a location offset from the heterojunction. A majority of the absorber layer can be outside of a depletion region formed by the p-n junction. The p-n junction causes a voltage to be generated in the cell in response to the cell being exposed to light at a front side. |
| US09048365B2 |
Tunable light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode device includes a base substrate including a plurality of quantum well layers, a first electrode on one side of the plurality of quantum well layers, and a second electrode on an opposite side of the plurality of quantum well layers. The device includes a tensile-stressing layer formed on the base substrate and having a thickness and chemical composition configured to generate a first tensile stress in the base substrate, the first compressive stress selected to cause the base substrate to have a predetermined band-gap. |
| US09048363B2 |
Elemental semiconductor material contact for high indium content InGaN light emitting diodes
A vertical stack including a p-doped GaN portion, a multi-quantum-well including indium gallium nitride layers, and an n-doped transparent conductive material portion is formed on an insulator substrate. A dielectric material liner is formed around the vertical stack, and is patterned to physically expose a surface of the p-doped GaN portion. A selective low temperature epitaxy process is employed to deposit a semiconductor material including at least one elemental semiconductor material on the physically exposed surfaces of the p-doped GaN portion, thereby forming an elemental semiconductor material portion. The selective low temperature epitaxy process can be performed at a temperature lower than 600° C., thereby limiting diffusion of materials within the multi-quantum well and avoiding segregation of indium within the multi-quantum well. The light-emitting diode can generate a radiation of a wide range including blue and green lights in the visible wavelength range. |
| US09048359B2 |
Solar cell module and manufacturing method thereof
A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells arranged next to one another in a first direction orthogonal to a second direction. The solar cells each include a lower conductive layer, an upper conductive layer, and a power generating layer. Adjacent solar cells include edge portions overlapped and electrically connected with each other. Each of the solar cells further includes end processed regions at both ends thereof and a main power generating region in a middle portion thereof. The end processed regions prevent a short-circuit between the upper conductive layer and the lower conductive layer. The main power generating region performs photoelectric conversion. The edge portion of one of the adjacent solar cells overlaps from above with the edge portion of the other one of the adjacent solar cells within a range of the main power generating region of the other one of the adjacent solar cells. |
| US09048358B2 |
Photovoltaic device
The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof. |
| US09048357B2 |
Semiconductor structure, device comprising such a structure, and method for producing a semiconductor structure
A semi-conducting structure, configured to receive an electromagnetic radiation and to transform the electromagnetic radiation into an electric signal, including: a first zone and a second zone of a same conductivity type and of same elements; a barrier zone, provided between the first and second zones, for acting as a barrier to majority carriers of the first and second zones on a barrier thickness, the barrier zone having its lowest bandgap energy defining a barrier proportion; and a first interface zone configured to interface the first zone and the barrier zone on a first interface thickness, the first interface zone including a composition of elements which is varied from a proportion corresponding to that of the first material to the barrier proportion, the first interface thickness being at least equal to half the barrier thickness. |
| US09048336B2 |
Reduced threshold voltage-width dependency in transistors comprising high-k metal gate electrode structures
Performance and/or uniformity of sophisticated transistors may be enhanced by incorporating a carbon species in the active regions of the transistors prior to forming complex high-k metal gate electrode structures. For example, a carbon species may be incorporated by ion implantation into the active region of a P-channel transistor and an N-channel transistor after selectively forming a threshold adjusted semiconductor material for the P-channel transistor, while the active region of the N-channel transistor is still masked. |
| US09048334B2 |
Metal gate structure
A metal gate structure comprises a metal layer partially filling a trench of the metal gate structure. The metal layer comprises a first metal sidewall, a second metal sidewall and a metal bottom layer. By employing an uneven protection layer during an etching back process, the thickness of the first metal sidewall is less than the thickness of the metal bottom layer and the thickness of the second metal sidewall is less than the thickness of the metal bottom layer. The thin sidewalls allow extra space for subsequent metal-fill processes. |
| US09048329B2 |
Integrated circuit memory devices having vertical transistor arrays therein and methods of forming same
An integrated circuit device includes a transistor array having a vertical stack of independently controllable gate electrodes therein. A first semiconductor channel region is provided, which extends on a first sidewall of the vertical stack of independently controllable gate electrodes. A first electrically insulating layer is also provided, which extends between the first semiconductor channel region and the first sidewall of the vertical stack of independently controllable gate electrodes. Source and drain regions are provided, which are electrically coupled to first and second ends of the first semiconductor channel region, respectively. |
| US09048325B2 |
Display device having an oxide semiconductor transistor
An object is to reduce parasitic capacitance of a signal line included in a liquid crystal display device. A transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is used as a transistor provided in each pixel. Note that the oxide semiconductor layer is an oxide semiconductor layer which is highly purified by thoroughly removing impurities (hydrogen, water, or the like) which become electron suppliers (donors). Thus, the amount of leakage current (off-state current) can be reduced when the transistor is off. Therefore, a voltage applied to a liquid crystal element can be held without providing a capacitor in each pixel. In addition, a capacitor wiring extending to a pixel portion of the liquid crystal display device can be eliminated. Therefore, parasitic capacitance in a region where the signal line and the capacitor wiring intersect with each other can be eliminated. |
| US09048322B2 |
Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a base substrate, a data line disposed on the base substrate, a gate line crossing the data line, a first insulation layer disposed on the base substrate, an active pattern disposed on the first insulation layer and comprising a channel comprising an oxide semiconductor, a source electrode connected to the channel, and a drain electrode connected to the channel, a second insulation layer disposed on the active pattern, and contacting to the source electrode and the drain electrode, a gate electrode disposed on the second insulation layer, and overlapping with the channel, a passivation layer disposed on the gate electrode and the second insulation layer, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain electrode through a first contact hole formed through the passivation layer and the second insulation layer. |
| US09048319B2 |
Thin film device and manufacturing method thereof
With a TFT using an oxide semiconductor film, there is such an issue that oxygen deficit is generated in a surface region of the oxide semiconductor film after performing plasma etching of a source/drain electrode, thereby increasing the off-current. Provided is a TFT which includes: a gate electrode on an insulating substrate; a gate insulating film on the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film containing indium on the gate insulating film; and a source/drain electrode on the oxide semiconductor film. Further, the peak position derived from an indium 3d orbital in the XPS spectrum of a surface layer in a part of the oxide semiconductor film where the source/drain electrode is not superimposed is shifted towards a high energy side than the peak position derived from the indium 3d orbital in the XPS spectrum of an oxide semiconductor region existing in a lower part of the surface layer. |
| US09048313B2 |
Semiconductor device that can maintain high voltage while lowering on-state resistance
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of gate electrodes including a part extended in a first direction in a plane parallel with the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a second semiconductor layer including a plurality of first conductive type pillars and second conductive type second pillars that are disposed on the first semiconductor layer, extending in the first direction in the plane parallel with the semiconductor substrate and in a third direction intersecting with a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and arranged adjacent to each other in an alternate manner. |
| US09048310B2 |
Graphene switching device having tunable barrier
According to example embodiments, a graphene switching devices having a tunable barrier includes a semiconductor substrate that includes a first well doped with an impurity, a first electrode on a first area of the semiconductor substrate, an insulation layer on a second area of the semiconductor substrate, a graphene layer on the insulation layer and extending onto the semiconductor substrate toward the first electrode, a second electrode on the graphene layer and insulation layer, a gate insulation layer on the graphene layer, and a gate electrode on the gate insulation layer. The first area and the second area of the semiconductor substrate may be spaced apart from each other. The graphene layer is spaced apart from the first electrode. A lower portion of the graphene layer may contact the first well. The first well is configured to form an energy barrier between the graphene layer and the first electrode. |
| US09048308B2 |
Regenerative building block and diode bridge rectifier and methods
A rectifier building block has four electrodes: source, drain, gate and probe. The main current flows between the source and drain electrodes. The gate voltage controls the conductivity of a narrow channel under a MOS gate and can switch the RBB between OFF and ON states. Used in pairs, the RBB can be configured as a three terminal half-bridge rectifier which exhibits better than ideal diode performance, similar to synchronous rectifiers but without the need for control circuits. N-type and P-type pairs can be configured as a full bridge rectifier. Other combinations are possible to create a variety of devices. |
| US09048306B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming open cavity in TSV interposer to contain semiconductor die in WLCSMP
A semiconductor device is made by mounting a semiconductor wafer to a temporary carrier. A plurality of TSV is formed through the wafer. A cavity is formed partially through the wafer. A first semiconductor die is mounted to a second semiconductor die. The first and second die are mounted to the wafer such that the first die is disposed over the wafer and electrically connected to the TSV and the second die is disposed within the cavity. An encapsulant is deposited over the wafer and first and second die. A portion of the encapsulant is removed to expose a first surface of the first die. A portion of the wafer is removed to expose the TSV and a surface of the second die. The remaining portion of the wafer operates as a TSV interposer for the first and second die. An interconnect structure is formed over the TSV interposer. |
| US09048305B2 |
High electron mobility transistors with minimized performance effects of microcracks in the channel layers
In HEMTs based on III-nitrides epitaxial films or GaAs, AlGaAs and InGaAs epitaxial films, unwanted microcracks are often formed in the composite epitaxial layers in the channel region during fabrication and operation. These microcracks are caused by strain or stresses due to lattice mismatch and thermal expansion coefficient differences between materials and substrate's. Those microcracks will bring about an increase in source to drain resistance and lead to performance and reliability degradation of the HEMTs and the MMICs containing them. The present invention provides HEMTs with minimized effects of the unwanted microcracks by aligning the channel region long axis to a certain direction so that the channel region long axis forms a right angle with axis of at least one type of the microcracks. |
| US09048299B2 |
Patterning approach to reduce via to via minimum spacing
A method for patterning vias in a chip comprises forming a photomask layer including a gap on a patterned hardmask layer including a plurality of trenches and in contact with a uniform layer on a substrate, wherein the gap overlaps with two or more of the trenches. The method further comprises exposing a portion of the uniform layer under the gap using a photo exposure process, etching the exposed portion of the uniform layer with the photomask layer to obtain a plurality of vias extended partially through the substrate, and further etching the vias to obtain corresponding through-substrate vias. Another method comprises patterning a plurality of vias in a plurality of trenches of a hardmask layer on a substrate using a single photo exposure step and a photomask comprising a single gap that overlaps with the trenches. |
| US09048294B2 |
Methods for depositing manganese and manganese nitrides
Described are manganese-containing films, as well as methods for providing the manganese-containing films. Doping manganese-containing films with Co, Mn, Ru, Ta, Al, Mg, Cr, Nb, Ti or V allows for enhanced copper barrier properties of the manganese-containing films. Also described are methods of providing films with a first layer comprising manganese silicate and a second layer comprising a manganese-containing film. |
| US09048291B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having multi-layered interconnect structure
Disclosed is a semiconductor device provided with an active element in a multilayer interconnect layer and decreased in a chip area. A second interconnect layer is provided over a first interconnect layer. A first interlayer insulating layer is provided in the first interconnect layer. A semiconductor layer is provided in a second interconnect layer and in contact with the first interlayer insulating layer. A gate insulating film is provided over the semiconductor layer. A gate electrode is provided over the gate insulating film. At least two first vias are provided in the first interconnect layer and in contact by way of upper ends thereof with the semiconductor layer. |
| US09048289B2 |
Formation of thin layers of semiconductor materials
There is disclosed a method of forming layers of either GaAs or germanium materials such as SiGe. The germanium material, for example, may be epitaxially grown on a GaAs surface. Layer transfer is used to transfer the germanium material, along with some residual GaAs, to a receiver substrate. The residual GaAs may be then removed by selective etching, with the boundary between the GaAs and the germanium material providing an etch stop. |
| US09048288B2 |
Method for treating a part made from a decomposable semiconductor material
The present disclosure provides methods for treating a part made from a decomposable semiconductor material, and particularly, methods for detaching a surface film from the rest of such part. According to the provided methods, a burst or pulse of light particles of short duration and very high intensity is applied to the part in order to selectively heat, under substantially adiabatic conditions, an area of the part located at a predefined depth from the surface to a temperature higher than the decomposition temperature of the material, and subsequently a surface film is detached from the rest of the part at the heated area. In preferred embodiments, the decomposable semiconductor material comprises Ga, or comprises AlxGayIn1-x-yN, where 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1 and x+y≦1. |
| US09048286B2 |
Substrate for integrated circuit and method for forming the same
The present invention relates to substrates for ICs and method for forming the same. The method comprises the steps of: forming a hard mask layer on the bulk silicon material; etching the hard mask layer and the bulk silicon material to form a first part for shallow trench isolation of at least one trench; forming a dielectric film on the sidewall of the at least one trench; further etching the bulk silicon material to deepen the at least one trench so as to form a second part of the at least one trench; completely oxidizing or nitridizing parts of the bulk silicon material which are between the second parts of the trenches, and parts of the bulk silicon material which are between the second parts of the trenches and side surfaces of the bulk silicon substrate; filling dielectric materials in the first and second parts of the at least one trench; and removing the hard mask layer. |
| US09048283B2 |
Hybrid bonding systems and methods for semiconductor wafers
Hybrid bonding systems and methods for semiconductor wafers are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hybrid bonding system for semiconductor wafers includes a chamber and a plurality of sub-chambers disposed within the chamber. A robotics handler is disposed within the chamber that is adapted to move a plurality of semiconductor wafers within the chamber between the plurality of sub-chambers. The plurality of sub-chambers includes a first sub-chamber adapted to remove a protection layer from the plurality of semiconductor wafers, and a second sub-chamber adapted to activate top surfaces of the plurality of semiconductor wafers prior to hybrid bonding the plurality of semiconductor wafers together. The plurality of sub-chambers also includes a third sub-chamber adapted to align the plurality of semiconductor wafers and hybrid bond the plurality of semiconductor wafers together. |
| US09048276B2 |
Matched coefficient of thermal expansion for an electrostatic chuck
An apparatus and method are provided for selecting materials for forming an electrostatic clamp. The electrostatic clamp has a backing plate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the backing plate provides structural support and rigidity to the electrostatic clamp. The electrostatic clamp further has a clamping plate having a clamping surface associated with contact with a workpiece, wherein the clamping plate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion associated therewith. The clamping plate is bonded, attached or grown to the backing plate, wherein minimal deflection of the clamping plate is evident across a predetermined temperature range. The first coefficient of thermal expansion and second coefficient of thermal expansion, for example, are substantially similar, and vary by no greater than a factor of three. |
| US09048273B2 |
Substrate conveying container opening/closing device, lid opening/closing device and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus
A substrate conveying container opening/closing device includes an elevator carriage provided in a substrate transfer area and configured to be moved up and down by an elevator mechanism, a cover member for opening and closing an opening of a wall, a seal member for sealing a gap between the cover member and the periphery of the opening, a lid detaching/attaching mechanism provided in the cover member and configured to detach and attach the lid, a guide unit provided in the elevator carriage and configured to guide the cover member upward so that the cover member can advance from a retracting position toward the wall, a guideway provided in the wall to extend in a direction perpendicular to a seal surface of the opening, and a rotating body provided in the cover member and configured to roll downward along the guideway as the elevator carriage is moved downward. |
| US09048268B2 |
Method and equipment for removing photoresist residue after dry etch
A method for removing photoresist residue includes etching a photoresist layer disposed over a front side of a semiconductor substrate during fabrication of a semiconductor device, and exposing at least one of the front side and the back side of the semiconductor substrate to an atmosphere comprising active oxygen. The method further includes cleaning at least one of the front side and the back side of the semiconductor substrate with a cleaning fluid. |
| US09048265B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device comprising oxide semiconductor layer
A transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, which has stable electric characteristics is provided. A transistor including an oxide semiconductor film, which has excellent on-state characteristics is also provided. A semiconductor device in which an oxide semiconductor film having low resistance is formed and the resistance of a channel region of the oxide semiconductor film is increased. Note that an oxide semiconductor film is subjected to a process for reducing the resistance to have low resistance. The process for reducing the resistance of the oxide semiconductor film may be a laser process or heat treatment at a temperature higher than or equal to 450° C. and lower than or equal to 740° C., for example. A process for increasing the resistance of the channel region of the oxide semiconductor film having low resistance may be performed by plasma oxidation or implantation of oxygen ions, for example. |
| US09048263B2 |
Manufacturing method of non-volatile memory
A non-volatile memory and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. In this method, a first oxide layer having a protrusion is formed on a substrate. A pair of doped regions is formed in the substrate at two sides of the protrusion. A pair of charge storage spacers is formed on the sidewalls of the protrusion. A second oxide layer is formed on the first oxide layer and the pair of charge storage spacers. A conductive layer is formed on the second oxide layer, wherein the conductive layer is located completely on the top of the pair of charge storage spacers. |
| US09048261B2 |
Fabrication of field-effect transistors with atomic layer doping
Field effect transistors fabricated using atomic layer doping processes are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of an atomic layer doping method, a semiconducting surface and a dopant gas mixture are prepared. Further, a dopant layer is grown on the semiconducting surface by applying the dopant gas mixture to the semiconducting surface under a pressure that is less than 500 Torr and a temperature that is between 300° C. and 750° C. The dopant layer includes at least 4×1020 active dopant atoms per cm3 that react with atoms on the semiconducting surface such that the reacted atoms increase the conductivity of the semiconducting surface. |
| US09048254B2 |
Semiconductor structure having a metal gate with side wall spacers
A method of forming a semiconductor structure having a metal gate. Firstly, a semiconductor substrate is provided. Subsequently, at least a gate structure is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Afterwards, a spacer structure is formed to surround the gate structure. Then, an interlayer dielectric is formed. Afterwards, a planarization process is performed for the interlayer dielectric. Then, a portion of the sacrificial layer is removed to form an initial etching depth, such that an opening is formed to expose a portion of the spacer structure. The portion of the spacer structure exposed to the opening is removed so as to broaden the opening. Afterwards, remove the sacrificial layer completely via the opening. Finally, a gate conductive layer is formed to fill the opening. |
| US09048253B2 |
Method of manufacturing strained source/drain structures
An integrated circuit device and method for manufacturing the integrated circuit device is disclosed. The disclosed method provides improved control over a surface proximity and tip depth of an integrated circuit device. In an embodiment, the method achieves improved control by forming a doped region and a lightly doped source and drain (LDD) region in a source and drain region of the device. The doped region is implanted with a dopant type opposite to the LDD region. |
| US09048249B2 |
Integrated circuit chip with high speed input and output pins directly coupled to common node
An integrated circuit (IC) including a high-speed signal input pin, a common node, a high-speed signal output pin, and a core circuit is provided. The high-speed signal input pin and the high-speed signal output pin are disposed on a package of the IC. The common node and the core circuit are disposed in the IC. The common node is directly and electrically coupled to the high-speed signal input pin. The high-speed signal output pin is directly and electrically coupled to the common node. A high-speed signal input terminal of the core circuit is directly and electrically coupled to the common node. |
| US09048244B2 |
Method for manufacturing a marked single-crystalline substrate and semiconductor device with marking
A method for manufacturing a marked single-crystalline substrate comprises providing a single-crystalline substrate comprising a first material, the single-crystalline substrate having a surface area; forming a marking structure on the surface area of the single-crystalline substrate, wherein the marking structure comprises a first semiconductor material; and depositing a semiconductor layer on the marking structure and at least partially on the surface area of the single-crystalline substrate, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises the second semiconductor material, and wherein the marking structure is buried under the second semiconductor material. |
| US09048240B2 |
Anisotropic conductive film and electronic device including the same
An electronic device includes an anisotropic conductive film as a connection material, the anisotropic conductive film being formed from an anisotropic conductive film-forming composition. The anisotropic conductive film-forming composition includes a polycyclic aromatic ring-containing epoxy resin, a fluorene epoxy resin, nano silica and conductive particles. |
| US09048237B2 |
Electronic device including a nonvolatile memory structure having an antifuse component
An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell, wherein the nonvolatile memory cell can include a substrate, an access transistor, a read transistor, and an antifuse component. Each of the access and read transistors can include source/drain regions at least partly within the substrate, a gate dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and a gate electrode overlying the gate dielectric layer. An antifuse component can include a first electrode lying at least partly within the substrate, an antifuse dielectric layer overlying the substrate, and a second electrode overlying the antifuse dielectric layer. The second electrode of the antifuse component can be coupled to one of the source/drain regions of the access transistor and to the gate electrode of the read transistor. In an embodiment, the antifuse component can be in the form of a transistor structure. The electronic device can be formed using a single polysilicon process. |
| US09048235B2 |
Stack package and method of manufacturing stack package
A stack package includes a first semiconductor chip having a plurality of first pads, and a second semiconductor chip stacked on the first semiconductor chip and having a plurality of second pads corresponding to the first pads respectively, the second pads connected to the corresponding first pads. The first and second pads are arranged such that the first and second pads overlap with each other even after the first and second semiconductor chips are rotated relative to each other by a predetermined angle. |
| US09048232B2 |
Package with integrated pre-match circuit and harmonic suppression
A package is connected at a first side to a printed circuit board and with a die fixed to it on a second side opposite to the first side. The package has an integrated pre-match circuit to provide an impedance match for a signal to be sent to a circuit external to the package. The signal has a predetermined main frequency component. The pre-match circuit has a pair of transmission lines and a pair of stubs on a predetermined layer of the package and connected to the pair of transmission lines. The pair of stubs have a length such as to form a short circuit for an harmonic frequency of the main frequency component in the signal. |
| US09048231B2 |
3D packages and methods for forming the same
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a semiconductor device and methods of forming a semiconductor device. An embodiment is a method of forming a semiconductor device, the method comprising forming a conductive pad in a first substrate, forming an interconnecting structure over the conductive pad and the first substrate, the interconnecting structure comprising a plurality of metal layers disposed in a plurality of dielectric layers, bonding a die to a first side of the interconnecting structure, and etching the first substrate from a second side of the interconnecting structure, the etching exposing a portion of the conductive pad. |
| US09048228B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system with side solderable leads and method of manufacture thereof
A system and method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: a leadframe having a side solderable lead with a half-etched lead portion and a lead top side; a mold body directly on the leadframe and the side solderable lead, the lead top side of the side solderable lead exposed from the mold body; a mold groove in the mold body and in a portion of the side solderable lead for exposing a lead protrusion of the side solderable lead on an upper perimeter side of the mold body; and the half-etched lead portion exposed from a lower perimeter side of the mold body. |
| US09048227B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a metal substrate, semiconductor elements, wires, a control terminal, a main electrode terminal, a control substrate, a cover, a sealing resin, a case, and an insulator. The metal substrate includes a metal plate, an insulating layer formed on the top surface of the metal plate, and electrode patterns provided on the insulating layer. The semiconductor elements are secured to different ones of the electrode patterns by solder. The sealing resin seals the components within the case, such as the semiconductor elements. The insulator covers a portion of the surface of the insulating layer and at least a portion of the edge of each electrode pattern. |
| US09048226B2 |
Chip assembly and chip assembling method
A chip assembly includes a PCB and a chip positioned on the PCB. The PCB includes a number of first bonding pads. Each bonding pad includes two first soldering balls formed thereon. The chip includes a number of second bonding pads each corresponding to a first bonding pad. Each second bonding pad includes a second soldering ball. The two first soldering balls of a first bonding pad are electrically connected to the second soldering ball of a corresponding second bonding pad via two bonding wires. |
| US09048225B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate. A through hole extends through the semiconductor substrate. A first insulating layer covers an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate and includes an opening in communication with the through hole. An insulating film covers wall surfaces of the through hole and the opening. A through electrode is formed in the through hole and the opening. A first connection terminal includes an electroless plating metal layer formed on an end surface of the through electrode and an end surface of the insulating film. The first connection terminal has a larger diameter than the through electrode. A wiring pattern is laminated on a lower surface of the semiconductor substrate. An electrode pad is connected to the wiring pattern. The through electrode is connected to the wiring pattern. |
| US09048212B2 |
Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and methods of manufacturing capacitors
Semiconductor devices, methods of manufacture thereof, and methods of manufacturing capacitors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a capacitor over a workpiece. The capacitor includes a bottom electrode, a capacitor dielectric disposed over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed over the capacitor dielectric. A portion of the bottom electrode and a portion of the top electrode are removed proximate edges of the capacitor dielectric. |
| US09048206B2 |
Organic electroluminescence display panel and method of manufacturing thereof
An organic EL display panel has a transistor array substrate, an inter-layer insulation film, pixel electrodes, an organic EL layer, and a common electrode. The transistor array substrate has drive units, including TFT elements. The inter-layer insulation film covers the transistor array substrate, and has contact holes corresponding to the drive units. The pixel electrodes on the inter-layer insulation film correspond to the drive units, and are electrically connected thereto via the contact holes. The organic EL layer covers regions where the pixel electrodes are and are not disposed. The common electrode covers the entire organic EL layer. Organic EL layer regions corresponding to the contact holes of the inter-layer insulation film and between neighboring pixel electrodes have greater electrical resistance than other regions. |
| US09048204B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device
An organic electroluminescent display device is disclosed which includes: a lower substrate including a first substrate defined into red, green and blue sub-pixel regions, first and second switching elements formed in the red and green sub-pixel regions, first and second anodes each connected to the first and second switching elements, and a first organic light emission layer entirely formed on the first substrate provided with the first and second anodes; and an upper substrate including a second substrate, red and green color filter layers formed on the second substrate corresponding to the red and green sub-pixel regions, a third switching element formed on the second substrate corresponding to the blue sub-pixel region, a third anode connected to the third switching element, and a second organic light emission layer entirely formed on the second substrate provided with the red and green color filter layers and the third anode. |
| US09048195B2 |
Polishing fluid and polishing method
Provided is a polishing fluid that has a fast polishing rate, and can selectively suppress polishing of layers including polysilicon or modified polysilicon during the chemical mechanical polishing in the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuits, and a polishing method using the same. A polishing fluid used for the chemical mechanical polishing in which each of the components represented by the following (1) and (2) is included, the pH is 1.5 to 5.0, and a polishing workpiece can be polished in a range of a ratio represented by RR (other)/RR (p-Si) when the polishing rate of the first layer is RR (p-Si), and the polishing rate of the second layer is RR (other) of 1.5 to 200. (1) Colloidal silica particles (2) At least one inorganic phosphate compound selected from phosphoric acid, pyrophosphoric acid, and polyphosphoric acid. |
| US09048194B2 |
Method for selectively modifying spacing between pitch multiplied structures
Methods for circuit material processing are provided. In at least one such method, a substrate is provided with a plurality of overlying spacers. The spacers have substantially straight inner sidewalls and curved outer sidewalls. An augmentation material is formed on the plurality of spacers such that the inner or the outer sidewalls of the spacers are selectively expanded. The augmentation material can bridge the upper portions of pairs of neighboring inner sidewalls to limit deposition between the inner sidewalls. The augmentation material is selectively etched to form a pattern of augmented spacers having a desired augmentation of the inner or outer sidewalls. The pattern of augmented spacers can then be transferred to the substrate through a series of selective etches such that features formed in the substrate achieve a desired pitch. |
| US09048193B2 |
Method of forming a step pattern structure
A method of forming a multi-floor step pattern structure includes forming a stacked structure having alternating insulating interlayers and sacrificial layers on a substrate. A first photoresist pattern is formed on the stacked structure. A first preliminary step pattern structure is formed by etching portions of the stacked structure using the first photoresist pattern as an etching mask. A passivation layer pattern is formed on upper surfaces of the first photoresist pattern and the first preliminary step pattern structure. A second photoresist pattern is formed by removing a side wall portion of the first photoresist pattern exposed by the passivation layer pattern. A second preliminary step pattern structure is formed by etching exposed insulating interlayers and underlying sacrificial layers using the second photoresist pattern as an etching mask. The above steps may be repeated on the second preliminary step pattern structure to form the multi-floor step pattern structure. |
| US09048192B2 |
Method of forming a pattern
A method of forming a pattern includes forming a mask pattern on a substrate; etching the substrate by deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and by using the mask pattern as an etch mask; partially removing the mask pattern to expose a portion of an upper surface of the substrate; and etching the exposed portion of the upper surface of the substrate. In the method, when a pattern is formed by DRIE, an upper portion of the pattern does not protrude or scarcely protrudes, and scallops of a sidewall of the pattern are smooth, and thus a conformal material layer may be easily formed on a surface of the pattern. |
| US09048190B2 |
Methods and apparatus for processing substrates using an ion shield
Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate are provided. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate having a first layer may include disposing a substrate atop a substrate support in a lower processing volume of a process chamber beneath an ion shield having a bias power applied thereto, the ion shield comprising a substantially flat member supported parallel to the substrate support, and a plurality of apertures formed through the flat member, wherein the ratio of the aperture diameter to the thickness flat member ranges from about 10:1-1:10; flowing a process gas into an upper processing volume above the ion shield; forming a plasma from the process gas within the upper processing volume; treating the first layer with neutral radicals that pass through the ion shield; and heating the substrate to a temperature of up to about 550 degrees Celsius while treating the first layer. |
| US09048187B2 |
Epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation, and semiconductor device using the same
Disclosed are an epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation containing (A) an epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) an inorganic filler material, (D) a hydrocarbon compound having structures of formula (1) and formula (2), and (E) a hydrocarbon compound having an ester group; and a semiconductor device including a semiconductor element encapsulated with the epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation. CH2—CH2 (1) CH═CH (2) |
| US09048176B2 |
Nonvolatile storage device
According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a nonvolatile storage device. The device includes a plurality of first conductive layers each extending in a first direction, a plurality of second conductive layers each extending in a second direction and spaced from the first layers, and memory cells each provided between the first layers and the second layers and including a rectifying element including a semiconductor layer, and a variable resistance element stacked with the rectifying element. The method includes a film formation step, a heating step and a patterning step. The film formation step is configured to form a rectifying element material film including an amorphous semiconductor film. The heating step is configured to heat the rectifying element material film. The patterning step is configured to form the rectifying element including the semiconductor layer by patterning the rectifying element material film after the heating step. |
| US09048175B2 |
Diffusion-agent composition for forming an impurity-diffusing agent layer on a semiconductor substrate
A diffusion-agent composition including a borate ester (A); a polyhydric alcohol (B) represented by general formula (1); and an alkoxysilane compound (C). In general formula (1), k represents an integer from 0 to 3, m represents an integer of 1 or more, and R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a C1-5 alkyl group, or a C1-5 hydroxyalkyl group. When there are a plurality of R2s and R3s, the plurality of R2s and R3s may be the same as or different from one another. When k is 2 or more, the plurality of R2s and R3s always include at least one or more hydroxyl groups or C1-5 hydroxyalkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R4 and R5 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group. |
| US09048174B2 |
Compound semiconductor device having gallium nitride gate structures
The present disclosure provides a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure includes a buffer layer on a substrate, an graded aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) layer disposed on the buffer layer, a gallium nitride (GaN) layer disposed on the graded AlGaN layer, a second AlGaN layer disposed on the GaN layer and a gate stack disposed on the second AlGaN layer. The gate stack includes one or more of a III-V compound p-doped layer, a III-V compound n-doped layer, an aluminum nitride (AlN) layer between the III-V compound p-doped and n-doped layers, and a metal layer formed over the p-doped, AlN, and n-doped layers. A dielectric layer can also underlie the metal layer. |
| US09048173B2 |
Dual phase gallium nitride material formation on (100) silicon
A method for selective formation of a dual phase gallium nitride material on a (100) silicon substrate. The method includes forming a blanket layer of dielectric material on a surface of a (100) silicon substrate. The blanket layer of dielectric material is then patterned forming a plurality of patterned dielectric material structures on silicon substrate. An etch is employed that selectively removes exposed portions of the silicon substrate. The etch forms openings within the silicon substrate that expose a surface of the silicon substrate having a (111) crystal plane. A contiguous AlN buffer layer is then formed on exposed surfaces of each patterned dielectric material structure and on exposed surfaces of the silicon substrate. A dual phase gallium nitride material is then formed on a portion of the contiguous AlN buffer layer and surrounding each sidewall of each patterned dielectric material structure. |
| US09048170B2 |
Method of fabricating optical devices using laser treatment
A method for forming optical devices. The method includes providing a gallium nitride substrate member having a crystalline surface region and a backside region. The method also includes subjecting the backside region to a laser scribing process to form a plurality of scribe regions on the backside region and forming a metallization material overlying the backside region including the plurality of scribe regions. The method removes at least one optical device using at least one of the scribe regions. |
| US09048152B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and focus detection method
The image pickup apparatus includes an image sensor photoelectrically converting paired object images formed by light fluxes from mutually different pupil areas of an image capturing optical system, a signal producing part producing, by using output from each of plural pixel lines in a focus detection area in the image sensor, paired image signals corresponding to the paired object images for each pixel line, a calculating part calculating a defocus amount by using the paired image signals produced for each pixel line. The calculating part shifts the paired image signals relatively, produce first correlation data showing change of a correlation value of the paired image signals according to their relative shift amount, adds the first correlation data produced for the respective plural pixel lines to produce second correlation data, and calculates the defocus amount from the second correlation data. |
| US09048144B2 |
Display device
With an increase in the definition of a display device, the number of pixels is increased, and thus the numbers of gate lines and signal lines are increased. Due to the increase in the numbers of gate lines and signal lines, it is difficult to mount an IC chip having a driver circuit for driving the gate and signal lines by bonding or the like, which causes an increase in manufacturing costs. A pixel portion and a driver circuit for driving the pixel portion are formed over one substrate. At least a part of the driver circuit is formed using an inverted staggered thin film transistor in which an oxide semiconductor is used. The driver circuit as well as the pixel portion is provided over the same substrate, whereby manufacturing costs are reduced. |
| US09048143B2 |
Defect-resistant thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate; a gate line disposed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer disposed on the gate line; a semiconductor disposed on the gate insulating layer; a data line disposed on the semiconductor and including a source electrode; a drain electrode disposed on the semiconductor and facing the source electrode; a first electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; a protection electrode disposed on the data line; a passivation layer disposed on the first electrode and the protection electrode; and a second electrode disposed on the passivation layer, wherein the protection electrode comprises the same material as the first electrode. |
| US09048137B2 |
Scalable gate logic non-volatile memory cells and arrays
Scalable Gate Logic Non-Volatile Memory (SGLNVM) devices fabricated with the conventional CMOS process is disclosed. Floating gates of SGLNVM with the minimal length and width of the logic gate devices form floating gate Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor. The floating gates with the minimal gate length extend over silicon active areas to capacitively couple control gates embedded in silicon substrate (well) through an insulation dielectric. The embedded control gate is formed by a shallow semiconductor type opposite to the type of the silicon substrate or well. Plurality of SGLNVM devices are configured into a NOR-type flash array where a pair of SGLNVM devices share a common source electrode connected to a common ground line with two drain electrodes connected to two separate bitlines. The pairs of the NOR-type SGLNVM cells are physically separated and electrically isolated by dummy floating gates to minimize cell sizes. |
| US09048123B2 |
Interdigitated finFETs
A semiconductor device includes a first fin rising out of a semiconductor base. It further includes a second fin rising out of the semiconductor base. The second fin is substantially parallel to the first fin that forms a span between the first fin and the second fin. A first dielectric layer is deposited on exposed surfaces of a first gate body area of the first fin, a second gate body area of the second fin, and an adjacent surface of the semiconductor base that defines the span between the first and second gate body areas. A gate electrode layer is sandwiched between the first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer. The semiconductor device includes a third fin interdigitated between the first fin and the second fin within the span. Exposed surfaces of the gate body area of the third fin are in contact with the second dielectric layer. |