| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09998063B2 |
Master controller, servo actuator and servo controlling system
A servo actuator controlling system includes a master controller and a number of servo actuators coupled to at least one interface of the master controller. The master controller includes a master MCU and a number of interfaces connected to the master MCU via a first bus. Each servo actuator includes a servo MCU, a first interface coupled to the servo MCU via a second bus, a second interface coupled the first interface and the serve MCU, a first servo switch connected between the first interface and the servo MCU, and a second servo switch connected between the second interface and the servo MCU. The first servo switch is set to turn on or off the first interface and the second servo switch is set to turn on or off the second interface. |
| US09998062B2 |
Axial flux permanent magnet machine
An axial flux permanent magnet machine including a pair of axially spaced first components. A second component positioned axially between and equidistant from the first components. Either the pair of first components or the second component is arranged to rotate about a shaft. A translation mechanism coupled to each of the first components. The translation mechanism configured to translate the first components axially away from the second component. Also a method of controlling an axial flux permanent magnet machine. |
| US09998060B2 |
System and method for capacitor fault energy interruption in adjustable speed drives
An adjustable speed drive (ASD) circuit includes a rectifier bridge to convert an AC power input to a DC power, a DC link coupled to the rectifier bridge to receive the DC power, a DC link capacitor bank comprising at least first and second capacitors connected to the DC link, each capacitor having a capacitor voltage thereacross, and a protection circuit including a detection circuit configured to detect a short circuit on one or more of the first and second capacitors of the DC link capacitor bank and generate an action signal upon detection of a short circuit on one or more of the first and second capacitors of the DC link capacitor bank. The ASD circuit also includes an action circuit in operable communication with the detection circuit and configured to cause a short circuit across the DC link upon receiving the action signal from the detection circuit. |
| US09998056B2 |
Power conversion device for electric vehicle
A power conversion device includes a main battery, an auxiliary battery, an inverter circuit, a high-voltage wiring, a smoothing capacitor, a main wiring, a subsidiary wiring, a DC-DC converter and a controller. The DC-DC converter is connected to a high-potential wire of the main wiring, a low-potential wire of the main wiring, a high-potential wire of the subsidiary wiring, a low-potential wire of the subsidiary wiring, the high-potential wire of the high-voltage wiring and the low-potential wire of the high-voltage wiring. The controller is connected to the auxiliary battery and the DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is configured to supply a power stored in the smoothing capacitor to the controller through the DC-DC converter such that the controller drives the inverter circuit and that the power stored in the smoothing capacitor is supplied to the motor through the inverter circuit, when a collision of the vehicle is detected. |
| US09998053B2 |
System and method for improved motor drive tuning
An improved system for controlling operation of a motor with a motor drive is disclosed. The motor drive includes a control module having an inner control loop operable to generate a torque reference signal and a load observer operable to generate an estimate of the torque present on the motor. The torque estimate is summed with the torque reference signal to generate a modified torque reference. The bandwidth of the load observer is set wide enough to generate the estimated torque over a desired operating range of the motor. The control module may also include a low pass filter and at least one tracking notch filter. The low pass filter suppresses vibrations at high frequencies, and the tracking notch filter suppresses resonances present at frequencies above the bandwidth of the load observer and within the pass band of the low pass filter. |
| US09998052B2 |
Rotary electric machine control device
The magnetic pole position of a rotary electric machine is electrically derived accurately by reducing a voltage error due to a dead time while suppressing the influence on the operation efficiency of the rotary electric machine. A control device performs dead-time compensation, and performs current feedback control in a d-q-axis vector coordinate system using a magnetic pole position computed on the basis of an induced voltage produced by rotation of a rotor or on the basis of a response component to a high-frequency observation signal applied to the rotary electric machine. In the case where the rotary electric machine is controlled by deciding current commands Id*, Iq* in the d-q-axis vector coordinate system, the rotary electric machine control device controls the rotary electric machine such that the magnitude of an armature current Ia becomes equal to or more than a lower-limit current Ia_min prescribed in advance. |
| US09998049B2 |
Inverter control device and air conditioner
An inverter control device includes an inverter main circuit, a current detector, a voltage detector that detects a DC voltage between DC bus lines, and an inverter control unit that generates PWM signals to perform on/off control of a plurality of semiconductor switching elements respectively with a DC current and a DC voltage. The unit sets a carrier period of PWM signals to be 1/N times a calculation period in which the PWM signals are generated, performs detection of a DC current detected by the current detector in a 1/2 calculation period immediately before a calculation start timing for generating PWM signals, calculates an output voltage vector based on the detected DC current, and reflects PWM signals generated from the output voltage vector in one calculation period from a 1/2 calculation period after the calculation start timing to 3/2 control calculation periods after the same. |
| US09998043B2 |
Rotary machine controller
An estimation unit estimates a q-axis induced-voltage estimation value and estimation torque of a PM motor. An adder adds a torque command and a first command together. The first command is calculated at a first command generation unit based on the estimation torque. A further adder adds a q-axis voltage command and a second command together. The second command is calculated at a second command generation unit based on the q-axis induced-voltage estimation value. The first and second command generation units compensate a control delay in a current control system including a current control unit and an estimation delay in the estimation unit for the estimation torque and an estimation induced voltage of the PM motor, and thereby a lack of the q-axis voltage command in a high frequency range is compensated, reducing a torque ripple effectively over a wide range of speed up to a high speed range. |
| US09998042B2 |
Torque disturbance cancellation for a motor
A circuit may be configured to adjust a correction signal for each phase of an electric motor based on a rotational position of a spindle of the electric motor, generate a distorted waveform based on the correction signal, and drive the electric motor in response to the distorted waveform. In some examples, back electromotive force (BEMF) may be determined in order to adjust a motor drive waveform, which may reduce or eliminate motor vibrations. A motor drive signal may be pre-warped (i.e. distorted) such that when the correctional signal and drive signals are combined, there is a reduction in acoustic emissions or motor vibrations. Other parameters, such as cogging torque, may be measured to reduce motor vibration and acoustic emissions. |
| US09998041B1 |
System and method for using and controlling permanent magnet AC motor in place of triac-controlled PSC motor
A system and method for controlling a speed of a permanent magnet AC motor (38) based on a delay angle of a triac-controlled AC voltage signal (66) from a triac (34). A simulated load (54) connected to the triac (34) enables a load current and creates the signal (66). A first detector (48) detects a zero-crossing point of the AC voltage signal, and a second detector (50) detects a subsequent turn-on instance of the triac (34). A speed command generator (52) measures an interval between the zero-crossing point and the subsequent turn-on instance, and converts the delay angle to a speed command for controlling the speed of the motor (38). The simulated load (54) may include resistors (70) having a resistance which causes the load current to be below a holding current rating of the triac (34), thereby causing the triac (34) to turn off after the interval has been measured. |
| US09998040B2 |
Motor driver of motor for valve timing control of internal combustion engine
A motor driver for driving a motor in a valve timing controller of an internal combustion engine, including an Electronic Driver Unit (EDU) that, upon receiving a target rotation cycle as the instructed rotation cycle, instructs a rotation controller to (i) calculate a duty value of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal for driving the motor based on an instructed rotation cycle and an actual rotation cycle and (ii) output a calculation result of the duty value to a motor drive unit, with the rotation controller outputting, to the motor drive unit, an instruction signal that rotates the motor forward along an actual rotation direction, when the calculation result takes a positive value as a duty ratio of the PWM signal, establishing an accurate motor rotation speed control together with an improved responsiveness. |
| US09998039B2 |
Drive control system for vehicle
A drive control system includes a battery, a direct current/direct current converter, a first motor, a second motor, and a controller. The battery is a direct-current power supply. The direct current/direct current converter is connected to the battery. The first motor is connected to the direct current/direct current converter, and drives one of a front wheel and a rear wheel. The second motor is connected to the battery, and drives the other one of the front wheel and the rear wheel, which is different from the wheel that the first motor drives. The controller controls step-up operation of the direct current/direct current converter, and executes intermittent step-up control. When a required driving force of a vehicle changes during a stop of the direct current/direct current converter through the intermittent step-up control, the second motor outputs an amount of change in the required driving force. |
| US09998036B2 |
Device for generating a movement, motor comprising said device and use of the latter
A device for generating a movement is provided. The device has at least one magnet and a material that is arranged in the proximity of the magnet or in the magnet. The magnet exerts an attractive force on the material. The attractive force of the magnet is weakened by thermal action on at least one region of the material. The material is preferably not in superconductive state during the thermal action. Preferably, the material also has paramagnetic properties prior to the thermal action but diamagnetic properties after the thermal action. Also preferably, the device generates a circular movement. |
| US09998035B2 |
Resonant energy harvester, aircraft component comprising the resonant energy harvester and an aircraft comprising the resonant energy harvester or the aircraft component
An energy harvester for an aircraft comprises a first portion, a movable element and a kinetic-to-electric-energy-converter. The first portion includes a charge collecting device having an electrical permittivity different to that of air. The charge collecting device is configured to be exposed to an air flow. The movable element is configured to be driven by the charge of the charge collecting device, and the kinetic-to-electric-energy-converter is configured to generate energy by the movement of the movable element. |
| US09998034B2 |
Energy conversion device using liquid
The present invention relates to an energy conversion device using a liquid and, more specifically, to a method and a device for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy by applying an opposite phenomenon to an electrowetting phenomenon. The contact surface with liquid is being changed within a pair of electrodes, and the resulting change in the contact surface with liquid is being utilized for generating electrical energy. The device can be simplified and the manufacturing cost thereof is being reduced, furthermore it is effective in implementing an energy conversion device that is less faulty, by preventing channel blocking phenomenon and not requiring a lubricating layer or an electrode complicatedly patterned on a channel. Besides, it is advantageous in that a flexible device can be realized and a large area application is facilitated by simplifying the device structure. |
| US09998030B2 |
Converter lifetime improvement method for doubly fed induction generator
The present techniques include methods and systems for operating converter to maintain a lifespan of the converter. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the converter may be increased such that stress may be reduced on the bond wires of the converter. More specifically, embodiments involve calculating the aging parameters for certain operating conditions of the converter operating in a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode and determining whether the MPPT operation results in aging the converter to a point which reduces the converter lifespan below a desired lifespan. If the MPPT operation reduces the converter lifespan below the desired lifespan, the frequency of the converter may be increased such that the converter may be controlled to operate at a percentage of MPPT. Thus, in some embodiments, power output may be optimized with respect to maintaining a desired lifespan of the converter. |
| US09998026B2 |
Techniques for assessing condition of leds and power supply
Techniques are disclosed for assessing the conditions of LEDs and power supplies of solid state lighting systems. The techniques can be used, for example, to measure the capacitance of an output capacitor C in a switch-mode power supply (SMPS), and to measure the condition of the LEDs being driven by that power supply. In some cases, this assessment can be implemented in a lighting controller that controls the lighting system, which may be configured to simultaneously determine C and the conditions of LEDs. In one example case, the techniques can be implemented, for instance, in a micro-controller operating the lighting system. A lighting system implementing the techniques can be periodically assessed so as to provide real-time diagnostic capability. Numerous example embodiments of SMPS LED lighting systems will be apparent in light of this disclosure. |
| US09998025B1 |
Nuclear instrumentation system high voltage power supply
A high voltage power supply comprising a Line Powered Switcher module for converting a mains powered alternating current input to a direct current output and a High Voltage Switcher module for raising the voltage level of the direct current output. Both modules are independent switched mode power supplies and the high voltage power supply includes ripple, overcurrent and overvoltage protection as well as protection against electromagnetic interference. |
| US09998021B2 |
Forced zero voltage switching flyback converter
A flyback converter implements a Forced Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) timing control by detecting a positive current excursion of the secondary winding current as the synchronous rectifier turn off trigger. The synchronous rectifier switch is turned on near the end of the switching cycle or the on duration is extended to develop a current ripple on the secondary winding current. The control circuit of the flyback converter detects a positive current excursion on the secondary winding current to turn off the synchronous rectifier and to start the next switching cycle. At this point, the voltage across the primary switch has been discharged and the primary switch can be turned on with zero drain-to-source voltage. In other embodiments, zero voltage switching for the off-transition of the primary switch is realized by coupling a capacitor across the primary switch or by coupling a capacitor across the primary winding, or both. |
| US09998020B2 |
Method and apparatus for efficient switching in semi-resonant power converters
A voltage converter includes a power stage, a passive circuit, a synchronous rectification (SR) switch component, and a control circuit. The passive circuit couples the power stage to an output node of the voltage converter, and is switchably coupled to ground by the SR switch component. The SR switch component includes a plurality of SR switches, which are independently controllable. The control circuit determines which of the SR switches are to be activated/enabled, and only uses those SR switches in its variable switching of the voltage converter. The determination of which SR switches are to be activated/enabled is based upon an estimate of the output current for the voltage converter. By using more SR switches when the voltage converter is fully loaded, and fewer SR switches when it is lightly loaded, the power loss of the SR switch component is minimized and the voltage converter is more power efficient. |
| US09998019B2 |
DC-DC converter, and solar power controller and mobile body using same
A DC-DC converter includes a transformer, a switching circuit provided on the primary side of the transformer, and a rectifier circuit provided on the secondary side of the transformer. The rectifier circuit includes a first rectifier part that is serially connected body of a first transistor and a second transistor having a first electrode connected to a second electrode of the first transistor. The first and second transistors each include a parasitic diode connected forward between the second and first electrode, and the withstanding voltage between the first and second electrodes of the first transistor is higher than the withstanding voltage between the first and second electrodes of the second transistor. |
| US09998016B2 |
AC/DC converter with neutral voltage lift capacitor
Some embodiments are directed to an AC/DC converter comprising a first AC terminal for connection to a first AC circuit terminal, a neutral line terminal for connection to a neutral AC circuit terminal, a common node, a first AC side active bridge coupled between the first AC terminal and the common node, and a neutral voltage lift capacitor coupled between the neutral line terminal and the common node. The converter comprises first and second DC terminals, and a capacitor between the first and second terminals. A DC-side active bridge is coupled between the first and second terminals. An inductor is coupled between switchable nodes of the first AC side active bridge and the DC side active bridge. A controller is arranged to control the first AC side active bridge and the DC-side active bridge so to alternate voltage across the first AC terminal and the neutral line terminal. |
| US09998009B1 |
Switch mode power supply supporting both a bi-directional converter of a first configuration and that of a second configuration
A switch mode power supply (SMPS) with control scheme selection for high-voltage configuration and low-voltage configuration of the SMPS. The SMPS operates in at least a charge state or a release state. The SMPS has a mode control module receiving a mode setting signal indicative of the configuration of the SMPS and a state indication signal indicative of the state of the SMPS. The SMPS selects a boost control module or a buck control module to control the SMPS according to the mode setting signal and the state indication signal. |
| US09998006B2 |
DC-DC converter with complementarily driven switching elements
A DC-DC converter includes n number of first series circuits each including an inductor and a switching element and a second series circuit in which n number of rectifier elements are connected in series with a same rectification direction. When n=2, one end of the second series circuit is connected to a node between an inductor and a switching element in the first series circuit and the other end of the second series circuit is connected to one end of a smoothing capacitor and one end of a load. A node between an inductor and a switching element is connected to a node between the rectifier elements via a capacitor. The odd-numbered switching element and the even-numbered switching element in the order of connection to the second series circuit are complementarily driven. |
| US09998002B2 |
Differential charge pump
A DC-to-DC voltage converter comprising a differential charge pump that utilizes a differential clocking scheme to reduce output electrical noise by partial cancellation of charge pump glitches (voltage transients), and a corresponding method of operating a differential charge pump. The differential charge pump can be characterized as having at least two charge pump sections that initiate charge pumping in opposite phases of a clock signal to transfer (pump) charge to storage capacitors. The differential charge pump is particularly well suited for implementation in integrated circuit chips requiring negative and/or positive voltages, and multiples of such voltages, based on a single input voltage. |
| US09997997B2 |
Power system based on current source
A regulated current-fed power system employs power branching units connected in series. Each power branching unit includes a plurality of parallel-redundant converter groups connected in series with each other within a current path for the regulated current. Each parallel-redundant converter group includes at least two direct current (DC)/DC converters connected in parallel with each other, each sharing the power load. A protection device connected in series with each DC/DC converter disconnects the respective DC/DC converter from the regulated current when the respective DC/DC converter short circuits, with the remaining DC/DC converter(s) then receiving more of the power load. An active clamp connected in parallel with all of the DC/DC converters within a parallel-redundant converter group temporarily sinks a portion of the regulated current when one of the DC/DC converters fails in a short-circuit condition. The active clamp shunts the regulated current around all DC/DC converters within the parallel-redundant converter group converters fail in a short-circuit condition. |
| US09997996B1 |
Power converter system and method for operating a power converter system
Techniques for operating a power converter system that includes an LLC resonant converter and a non-inverting buckboost converter that is located in front of the LLC resonant converter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the output voltage of a non-inverting buckboost converter is regulated in response to the input voltage and the output voltage of an LLC resonant converter in order to maintain a desired ratio between the input voltage and the output voltage of the LLC resonant converter. For example, the ratio between the input voltage and the output voltage of the LLC resonant converter is controlled to a desired ratio that matches the turns ratio of the LLC resonant converter's transformer and that may also match (as a second order effect) the ratio of Lr to Lm. |
| US09997993B1 |
Single-phase bridgeless insulated power factor adjustment circuit
A single-phase bridgeless insulated power factor adjustment circuit includes an EMI filter module, low-frequency switching diode module, two switches and two insulated voltage transformation modules. The EMI filter module is coupled to an AC power. The low-frequency switching diode module is coupled to the EMI filter module. The two switches are coupled to the low-frequency switching diode module. The two insulated voltage transformation modules are coupled to one of the two switches. With the low-frequency switching diode module being in first ON state, one of the two switches turns on, and one of the two insulated voltage transformation modules turns on. With the low-frequency switching diode module being in second ON state, the other switch turns on, and the other insulated voltage transformation module turns on. Hence, the circuit is unlikely to fail, but features simple circuitry, incurs low costs, be compact, and achieves high conversion efficiency. |
| US09997990B2 |
Conversion apparatus, equipment, and control method
The conversion apparatus includes a conversion module having a plurality of phases, each having a converter capable of performing voltage conversion of discharging electric power of a power source and a sensor detecting phase current flowing in the converter, and in which the phases are electrically connected in parallel, and a controller which controls each converter with a control signal based on a predetermined duty ratio. The controller includes a first determination unit which determines a basic duty ratio common to all of the plurality of phases, a second determination unit which determines a correction duty ratio for correcting the basic duty ratio at each of the converters, and a generation unit which generates a control signal based on the basic duty ratio and the correction duty ratio. The second determination unit determines the correction duty ratio, and sets an upper or lower limit value of the correction duty ratio. |
| US09997984B2 |
Driving apparatus
A driving apparatus (101) is provided with: a first base part (110); a second base part (120); an elastic part (210) configured to couple the first base part with the second base part; a coil (300) disposed on the first base part; a first magnet (710) disposed on one side of the coil; a second magnet (720) disposed on an opposite side of the first magnet as viewed from the coil; a first middle yoke (810) provided on a surface of the first magnet opposed to the coil; and a second middle yoke (820) provided on a surface of the second magnet opposed to the coil. In particular, the first magnet is smaller than the second magnet. The first middle yoke is located closer to the coil than the second middle yoke is. |
| US09997983B2 |
Multiple winding design for single or polyphase electric motors with a cage type rotor
An electric motor, with a cage type rotor, of single or polyphase design having a multiple winding design in a single stator core. Where the primary winding and secondary winding having a magnetically and electric circuit configured alignment, that is a 0° difference in the respective magnetic alignments or the electric circuitry alignments. Yet completely separate and isolated from one another, electrically and physically. Wherein the prime operative function is configured in a series resonant and a parallel resonant circuit, using capacitors to produce a phase shift in the secondary winding. With the ability to be reconfigured to a secondary operative function, identical to the original winding and in all of its original operative designed functions. |
| US09997979B1 |
Magnetic kinetic propulsion motor apparatus and method
A magnetic kinetic propulsion motor apparatus and method includes a shaft with a first two ended rotational blade attached at a midpoint of the two ended rotational blade to the shaft. A proximity magnetic sensor is connected at both ends of the two ended rotational blade. A stationary housing surrounds the shaft and the first two ended rotational blade. Several self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets are connected to the stationary housing and a proximity switch is connected with each of the self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets. An electronic ignition distributor is connected to each proximity switch connected with the self-aligning repulsion electro-magnets and a battery is connected to the electronic ignition distributor. A generator is connected to the shaft, the electronic ignition distributor and the battery where in response to the proximity magnetic sensor on the ends of the first two ended rotational blade detecting a proximity switch connected with a self-aligning repulsion electro-magnet the electronic ignition distributer sends power to the self-aligning repulsion electro-magnet which generates repulsive magnetic force on the proximity magnetic sensor at the ends of the first two ended rotational blade. |
| US09997973B2 |
Motor housing
The invention relates to a motor housing for an electric motor with a stator as well as to an electric motor with a housing, whereby at least one multifunctional opening is arranged in the lower housing section and whereby electronics can be arranged in the housing, characterized in that, in order to cool the electronics, the multifunctional opening has a baffle by means of which an air flow can be directed towards the electronics, and, as an alternative, it has an offset on the side facing the upper housing section in order to mechanically connect the stator to the lower housing section. |
| US09997971B2 |
Electrical machine
An electric motor including a casing; a cap coupled to the casing to form a housing of the electric motor; a stator, including a plurality of poles and a three-phase winding, each phase having one end, housed in the housing; a rotor inserted in the housing and rotatably constrained to it; a control printed circuit board connected to the stator; the outside of the housing including a seat for the printed circuit board in communication with the inside of the housing by means of at least one hole; the printed circuit board is housed in the seat and the electric motor includes a rigid system for sealed connection between the printed circuit board and the winding at the hole. |
| US09997960B2 |
Misalignment insensitive wireless power transfer with cylindrical, spherical and conical transmitter and receiver elements
Wireless power transfer systems including wireless transmitter and receivers, which are insensitive to misalignment, are provided. A wireless power transfer system can include a first conductive loop that has cylindrical, conical, or spherical symmetry. The wireless power transfer system can further include a second conductive loop that is formed around the first conductive loop, and can also share the same type of symmetry as the first conductive loop. The wireless transfer system can be a wearable device or an implantable device. |
| US09997955B1 |
Multi-input uninterruptible power system
A multi-input uninterruptible power system (UPS) includes a primary power circuit, a secondary power circuit, and a diode circuit. The primary power circuit and the secondary power circuit include rectifiers that convert AC power into DC power. A diode circuit is electrically coupled between the secondary power circuit and an internal bus of the multi-input UPS. The diode circuit prevents backflow of power into the secondary power circuit when electrical power is received from a primary power source electrically coupled to the primary power circuit and allows electrical power from a secondary power source electrically coupled to the secondary power circuit to flow to the internal bus when electrical power is not being received from the primary power source. An outlet of the multi-input UPS electrically coupled to the internal bus is electrically coupled to a group of electrical loads of multiple groups of electrical loads in a data center. |
| US09997954B2 |
Power storage system and power storage method
A power storage system includes: a first storage battery that is configured to be supplied with power generated by a power generation element performing environmental power generation and to supply power to an external load apparatus; a second storage battery that is configured to have a capacity larger than a capacity of the first storage battery, and to supply power to the external load apparatus; a first switch unit that performs switching between an electrical connection state and disconnection state between the first storage battery and the second storage battery; and a first changeover unit that compares a voltage of the first storage battery with a first threshold voltage which is equal to or higher than a voltage causing the external load apparatus to be operated, and controls the first switch unit according to a comparison result. |
| US09997947B2 |
Offset current implementation for battery charger
A transport refrigeration unit (TRU) battery charging system includes a programmable transport refrigeration system (TRS) Controller, a TRU battery and a programmable battery charger (BC) programmed to transfer electrical current to the TRU battery via a predetermined current path through the programmable TRS Controller in response to a value of offset current drawn from the TRU battery by the programmable TRS Controller and subsequently communicated to the programmable BC by the programmable TRS Controller. The programmable TRU battery charger allows for a dynamic load characterization of the programmable IRS Controller and accessory loads based on programmable TRU battery charger internal shunt current measurements and programmable TRS Controller internal shunt current measurements to allow the programmable TRU battery charger to function properly with all intended modes of operation. |
| US09997941B2 |
Charging and discharging system and method, and photovoltaic power generation system
A charging and discharging system, a charging and discharging method, and a photovoltaic power generation system are provided. The charging and discharging system includes: a unidirectional converter, a unidirectional switch, an energy storage device and a controller; where an input terminal of the unidirectional converter is connected to an output terminal of a photovoltaic device of a photovoltaic power generation system to which the charging and discharging system is applied, and an output terminal of the unidirectional converter is connected to an input terminal of the energy storage device; the unidirectional switch is connected between an output terminal of the energy storage device and an input terminal of a bidirectional inverter of the photovoltaic power generation system to which the charging and discharging system is applied; the controller is connected to the unidirectional converter, the unidirectional switch, the energy storage device and the bidirectional inverter. |
| US09997940B2 |
Smart power bank system for efficient energy transfer
In general, techniques are disclosed for efficiently transferring power from a portable power bank to an electronic device. More particularly, a disclosed power bank incorporates a switching mechanism capable of routing battery voltage (novel) or a stepped-up voltage (e.g., from a boost regulator) directly to a common portion of an output connector. In addition, electronic devices as described herein also incorporate a switching mechanism to allow them to accept direct battery output (novel) or a stepped-up voltage at a common portion of the device's connector (e.g., a USB connector). When used in combination, the disclosed portable power bank can transfer power to the electronic device with no more than half the loss attributable to voltage conversion operations of the prior art. |
| US09997939B2 |
Hub
A hub electrically connected to an electronic equipment and at least a portable device located in external environment is provided. The hub includes a first connector, at least a second connector, and a first DC/DC converter. The first connector is electrically connected to the electronic equipment, the second connector is electrically connected to the portable device. Data transmission between the portable device and the electronic equipment mutually is via the signal transmission line, the first connector, and the second connector. An input terminal of the first DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the electronic equipment, and an output terminal of the first DC/DC converter is electrically connected to the portable device, the first DC/DC converter is applied to output stable voltage to the portable device. |
| US09997932B2 |
Charge cabinet and storage device thereof
A storage device includes a base and a plurality of wire management modules. The wire management module includes a partition and a positioning assembly. The partition is disposed to the base and has a supporting surface and a wire management groove. The wire management groove is located at the supporting surface for accommodating a wire. The positioning assembly includes a first positioning member, a second positioning member and an assembling member. The first positioning member is disposed to the partition. The second positioning member is connected to the assembling member. The assembling member is assembled together with the partition. The second positioning member is rotatable around the edge of the second positioning member as a rotation axis in relation to the assembling member to be at either a fastening position or a releasing position. The partitions and the base jointly form a plurality of accommodation spaces. |
| US09997931B2 |
Device for balancing the charge of the elements of a power battery
A device for balancing charge of an electric power storage device including: a plurality of electrical storage elements connected in series including at least two current limiting DC/DC converters each including: an input configured to be connected to terminals of a respective storage element; an output configured to be connected to an electrical network having a voltage controlled at a lower level than the voltage at the terminals of the storage device; a transformation law of following type: Vout=K1*Ve−f(I) for I<=1 lim, in which Vout is potential difference at the output, K1 is a constant, Ve is potential difference at the input, f(I) is an affine function of current I delivered at the output, and 1 lim is current limitation of the converter. |
| US09997923B2 |
Grid synchronisation
The invention relates to a grid synchronizer for connecting an AC output of a power converter to the AC grid mains. In one aspect the invention provides a grid synchronizer comprising an inverter controller to control an AC output of the inverter, the controller including a receiver to receive grid data from a grid sensor location remote from said inverter. In another aspect we describe techniques for rapid removal of charge from a control terminal of a power switching device such as a MOSFET, IGBT or Thyristor using a particular driver circuit. |
| US09997920B2 |
System and method for islanding detection and prevention in distributed generation
Various examples are directed to systems and methods for detecting an islanding condition at an inverter configured to couple a distributed generation system to an electrical grid network. A controller may determine a command frequency and a command frequency variation. The controller may determine that the command frequency variation indicates a potential islanding condition and send to the inverter an instruction to disconnect the distributed generation system from the electrical grid network. When the distributed generation system is disconnected from the electrical grid network, the controller may determine whether the grid network is valid. |
| US09997918B1 |
Systems and method for HVDC transmission
A system and method are provided for enabling multi-functional support of an extant synchronous alternating current (AC) grid. At least one extant electricity source and at least one extant electricity sink are connected by two or more high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission circuits connected in turn in series with each other with at least one pair of HVDC circuits interconnected through an intervening high-voltage AC (HVAC) point of interconnection. One or more of the HVDC transmission circuits includes a 2-terminal or a multi-terminal transmission link. A 2-terminal HVDC circuit is dedicated to connecting with the electricity sources and sinks. |
| US09997910B2 |
Power supply circuit, and method for controlling the same
A power supply circuit according to an embodiment has a plurality of voltage sources, a switch circuit that switches between a state in which the plurality of voltage sources are connected in series and a state in which the plurality of voltage sources are connected in parallel, and a voltage control circuit that boosts an input voltage. The switch circuit connects the plurality of voltage sources in series, supplies an output of the plurality of serially connected voltage sources to an output node of the voltage control circuit, thereafter connects the plurality of voltage sources in parallel, and supplies outputs of the plurality of parallel-connected voltage sources to the voltage control circuit. The voltage control circuit boosts voltages of the plurality of parallel-connected voltage sources. |
| US09997908B2 |
Circuit for a voltage power optimiser
A controller protection circuit for a voltage power optimizer. The circuit having: a first terminal for connecting to a first end of a winding in the voltage power optimizer; a second terminal for connecting to a second end of the winding in the voltage power optimizer; and a thyristor. The controller protection circuit also includes a thyristor gate control circuit. The thyristor gate control circuit is configured to: set the gate control signal such that the thyristor is configured to conduct in response to a potential difference between the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of the thyristor; and set the gate control signal such that the thyristor is configured not to conduct in response to a signal received from a voltage controller. The thyristor gate control circuit includes a normally-on switch having a conduction channel and a control terminal; and a photovoltaic isolator configured to set the gate control signal such that the thyristor is configured not to conduct in response to a signal received from a voltage controller. |
| US09997907B2 |
Device for protection against electrostatic discharges
An electronic device includes first and second terminals with an electronic circuit coupled there between. The electronic circuit includes a protection circuit and a resistive-capacitive circuit. The resistive-capacitive circuit triggers the protection circuit to protect against electrostatic discharges in the presence of a current pulse between the first and second terminals. A control circuit is configured to slow down a discharge from the resistive-capacitive circuit when the protection circuit is triggered. |
| US09997906B1 |
Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device comprises first and second electrode layers and a PTC material layer laminated therebetween. The PTC material layer has a resistivity less than 0.05 Ω·cm and comprises a polymer matrix, a conductive ceramic filler and a carbon-containing conductive filler. The polymer matrix comprises a fluoropolymer having a melting point higher than 150° C. and comprises 50-60% by volume of the PTC material layer. The conductive ceramic filler having a resistivity less than 500μΩ·cm is dispersed in the polymer matrix and comprises 40-45% by volume of the PTC material layer. The carbon-containing conductive filler is dispersed in the polymer matrix and comprises 0.5-5% by volume of the PTC material layer. At 25° C., a ratio of a hold current to an area of the over-current protection device is 0.21-0.3 A/mm2, and a ratio of an endurable power to the area of the over-current protection device is 4.8-7.2 W/mm2. |
| US09997902B2 |
Overcurrent protection circuit and switching power apparatus using the same
An overcurrent protection circuit includes a voltage monitoring part configured to monitor an output voltage generated from a periodic switching operation of a switching output stage or a feedback voltage corresponding to the output voltage, a current monitoring part configured to monitor whether a current flowing through the switching output stage is under an overcurrent condition, and a protection operation part configured to perform an overcurrent protection operation in response to monitoring results of both the voltage monitoring part and the current monitoring part. |
| US09997901B2 |
Method and switch for automatically cutting off high temperature and high current by using metal-insulator transition (MIT) device
A method of automatically cutting off high temperature and high current, includes calculating an FET voltage applied to an FET (Field Effect Transistor), based on a resistance of a CTS (Critical Temperature Switch) and a reference resistance, comparing the FET voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and setting the FET to an ON state when the FET voltage is higher than the threshold voltage and setting the FET to an OFF state when the FET voltage is lower than the threshold voltage. The CTS is a switch including an MIT (Metal-Insulator Transition) device. The MIT device has a metallic property only in a predetermined temperature range. |
| US09997897B2 |
Quick connect and disconnect cable junction box
The present disclosure provides a quick connect and disconnect cable junction box, including: a box body, insulators, copper busbars, connection wires, T-shaped cable terminals, linear adapters, and an insulation spacer. The insulators, the copper busbars, the connection wires, and the T-shaped cable terminals are positioned inside the box body. The linear adapter includes a conductive rod, an insulation layer, a quick engagement connector, and a housing. One end of each of three linear adapters is electrically connected to the T-shaped cable terminal inside the box body. The three linear adapters, three T-shaped cable terminals, three connection wires, and three copper busbars form a three-phase electrical path. During operation, the three copper busbars are correspondingly connected to three phase lines of an incoming cable of a ring main unit; and the three linear adapters are engaged with quick connectors of three bypass cable connectors via the quick engagement connectors thereof. |
| US09997894B2 |
Spark plug having a resistor element
A spark plug includes a cylindrical metallic shell having a ground electrode at a forward end of the cylindrical metallic shell, a cylindrical insulator held in the metallic shell, a center electrode disposed in the insulator, a resistor element disposed in the insulator and having a forward end located rearward of a rear end of the center electrode, a forward-end-side electrically conductive seal layer disposed in the insulator to be located between the center electrode and the resistor element, and a rear-end-side electrically conductive seal layer disposed in the insulator to be located rearward of the resistor element. The forward end of the resistor element is located forward of the rear end of the metallic shell, and the rear end of the resistor element is located rearward of the rear end of the metallic shell. |
| US09997892B2 |
Passivation of VCSEL sidewalls
A semiconductor structure configured for use in a VCSEL or RCLED. The semiconductor structure includes an oxidizing layer constructed from materials that can be oxidized during a lithographic process so as to create an oxide aperture. The semiconductor structure further includes a number of layers near the oxidizing layer. A passivation material is disposed on the layers near the oxidizing layer. The passivation material is configured to inhibit oxidation of the layers. |
| US09997887B1 |
Optical phase-sensitive amplifier with fiber bragg grating phase shifter
Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) may be used to perform phase adjustment for optimal phase-sensitive amplification. Specifically, FBGs may be used between the idler stage and the amplification stage of an optical phase-sensitive amplifier for phase shifting or tuning. The phase shifting or tuning may be applied to at least one of an input optical signal, an idler signal, and an optical pump. A feedback control loop may be used in the phase-sensitive optical amplifier with respect to an output optical signal for optimal phase adjustment. |
| US09997885B2 |
Method and device for producing a cable and cable produced by the method
A method is for producing a cable which comprises a conductor and a barrel. The conductor has individual wires and is enclosed, at least in portions, by a piece of insulation. The conductor is heated and a crimping process is carried out for electrically contacting the barrel with the conductor. The barrel is pressed together with the heated conductor during the crimping process in such a way that the conductor is initially compressed on a first axial sub-portion of the conductor and subsequently the compression of the conductor is spread to a larger second axial sub-portion. |
| US09997883B1 |
Apparatuses and methods for reducing risk of binding between two connectors during decoupling of the two connectors
In an example, a first connector is associated with a first component and a second connector is attached to a cable that is subjected to a pulling force to effect decoupling, and an example apparatus for reducing risk of binding between the two connectors during decoupling of the two connectors includes a bracket that is rigidly affixed to the first component and that supports the first connector so as to enable the first connector to automatically align with the pulling force. An example method for reducing risk of binding between the two connectors during decoupling of the two connectors includes securing a bracket to the first component, and the bracket includes a pivot bracket. The method also includes aligning the first connector with the pulling force via one or more of translational or rotational movement of the pivot bracket. |
| US09997880B1 |
Adapter device
An adapter device includes a base body, a fastening assembly and a circuit module. The base body opens a plurality of openings corresponding to a plurality of connection ports with different specifications. The fastening assembly is mounted to the base body. The circuit module is assembled to the base body. The circuit module includes a circuit board and at least one connecting cable. The circuit board is assembled in the base body. The circuit board is equipped with the plurality of the connection ports with the different specifications. The at least one connecting cable is received in the base body and the fastening assembly. One end of the at least one connecting cable is electrically connected with the circuit board. The other end of the at least one connecting cable is equipped with a plug docking with at least one insertion port of a tablet electronic device. |
| US09997879B2 |
Cable connector assembly with dual ports
An electrical connector assembly includes a housing shroud enclosing the respective first and second connectors spaced and distinct from each other with the corresponding ports exposed outside of the housing shroud. A cable is connected to the first connector and the second connector respectively and extends out of the housing shroud opposite to the mating ports. The first connector is fixed within the housing shroud while the second connector is disposed in the housing shroud in a floating manner wherein the second connector is equipped with a rubber ring transversely confronting the housing shroud for obtaining the floating effect. |
| US09997877B2 |
Receptacle with non-conductive retaining pin
Panel mount electrical receptacles having a panel mount housing for securing the receptacle to a panel wall, one or more electrical connectors for electrical connections, and one or more non-conductive retaining pin that secures each electrical connector to the panel mount housing are provided. |
| US09997876B2 |
Sealed accessories for electronic devices
Accessories for an electronic device are sealed and include a connector having a deformable seal positioned on it such that when the connector is mated to the electronic device a liquid-tight seal is formed between the accessory and the electronic device. The accessories have functions that are useful in moist, wet and/or dirty environments. |
| US09997872B2 |
Cable connector assembly having aligned solder tails for connecting to resistor
A cable connector assembly (300) includes: a cable end connector (100) including an insulative support (21), plural contacts (22) insert molded with the insulative support, and a front insulative body (10) mounted to the insulative support, the plural contacts including a pair of USB 2.0 signal contacts (220), plural power contacts (221), plural ground contacts (222), and a detection contact (223), the plural power contacts having a solder tail (2211), plural ground contacts having a solder tail (2221), the detection contact having a solder tail (2230); and a cable (200) including a plurality of wires (201) directly connected to each of the two USB 2.0 signal contacts, one of the power contacts, and one of the ground contacts, respectively. |
| US09997866B1 |
Waterproof connector
A waterproof connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals integrally molded to the insulating housing, a metal shell and a waterproof housing. A rear of the insulating housing opens a penetrating groove. Each of the plurality of the terminals has a fastening portion, a contact portion and a soldering portion. The metal shell surrounds the insulating housing. The waterproof housing is integrally molded outside the metal shell by a liquid silicone rubber technology. The waterproof housing includes a main portion surrounding outside the metal shell, and a partition portion integrally molded in the penetrating groove, so that the partition portion fills in and effectively seals up intervals among rear ends of the fastening portions and the insulating housing. The waterproof housing has multiple sealing rings of which each surrounds a periphery of a front end of the waterproof housing. |
| US09997863B2 |
Connector
Retainers (37) are exposed on an outer surface of the sub-housing (30) and are displaceable between a locking state for retaining terminal fittings (34) inserted into a sub-housing (30) and a separated state for allowing the terminal fittings (34) to be withdrawn from the sub-housing (30). A frame (10) is formed with a holding portion (20) configured to hold the sub-housing (30) by being locked to the outer surface of the sub-housing (30) and openings (24) expose the retainers (37) with the sub-housing (30) held in the holding portion (20). |
| US09997851B1 |
Power connectors with fusible regions
Example implementations relate to a power connector. For example, an implementation of a power connector includes a circuit board contact to insert into a circuit board, a pluggable power input contact to removably plug into a power distribution system of an electronic system external to the circuit board, and a conductive body connecting the pluggable power input contact and the circuit board contact. The conductive body may be narrowed to a fusible region between the pluggable power input contact and the circuit board contact. |
| US09997850B2 |
Electronic device including connector
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a circuit board including multiple lands arranged on a surface, and an electrical receptacle including multiple contacts electrically connected to the multiple lands, the electrical receptacle being installed on the circuit board, where at least two contacts are connected to at least one land among the multiple lands. |
| US09997845B2 |
Embedded symmetric multiple axis antenna system with isolation among the multiple axes
The present disclosure pertains to a rotationally triply symmetric three axis magnetic antenna system having substantial isolation among the three axes, including a three axis skew orthogonal magnetic antenna system and device utilizing the antenna system. The antenna system comprising three substantially identical magnetic antenna elements disposed symmetrically about a reference point such that the magnetic axes from the three antenna elements are orthogonal to one another in direction and do not intersect one another. The three antenna elements are positioned in a substantial cross coupling null from one another to minimize cross coupling. The arrangement yields packaging efficiency for compact electronic devices. A 1, 1, diameter embodiment is disclosed. A location system utilizing the antenna system is disclosed. Methods for producing the antenna are disclosed. A moldable triple coil holder for the antenna system is described. |
| US09997844B2 |
Contactless millimeter wave coupler, an electronic apparatus and a connector cable
In one example, a contactless millimeter wave coupler comprises a metallic plate. The contactless millimeter wave coupler further comprises a crossed slot arranged in the metallic plate. The contactless millimeter wave coupler further comprises an antenna arrangement mounted beneath the crossed slot. The antenna arrangement comprises a first linearly polarized antenna and a second linearly polarized antenna arranged in a cross configuration relative to each other. The contactless millimeter wave coupler further comprises a wave guiding layer of dielectric material arranged above the antenna arrangement in alignment with the crossed slot and the antenna arrangement. |
| US09997834B1 |
Antenna device and communication terminal apparatus
An antenna device includes a base including a planar conductor disposed thereon, and a coil antenna. The coil antenna includes a coil conductor wound around a magnetic core. The coil antenna is arranged such that a coil opening of the coil conductor is closed to an edge of the planar conductor. A current passing through the coil conductor induces a current in the planar conductor. Thus, a first magnetic flux occurs in the coil antenna, and a second magnetic flux occurs in the planar conductor. Therefore, a third magnetic flux occurs in an area of the planar conductor. Accordingly, the antenna device achieves a small footprint, a small-sized communication terminal apparatus and a desired communication distance. |
| US09997832B2 |
Collinear dipole antenna and communication device thereof
A collinear dipole antenna includes first and second radiators. The first radiator includes a first arm and at least one second arm including first and second branches, and the second radiator includes a third arm and at least one fourth arm including third and fourth branches. The first and third branches have negative current phases and meandering shapes, and the first and third arms and the second and fourth branches have positive current phases. Widths of the first and third arms gradually increase to a maximum width and gradually decrease after the maximum width is reached. Widths of the second and fourth branches gradually increase to the maximum width and gradually decrease after the maximum width is reached. |
| US09997827B2 |
Wideband array antenna and manufacturing methods
A base block of a flare antenna may be made by: forming a ground plane on a base insulating layer; forming an intermediate insulating layer over the ground plane; patterning radiating and shorting traces on the intermediate insulating layer; forming a top insulating layer over the radiating and shorting traces; forming a top metallization layer; connecting the top metallization layer to the ground plane with vias passing through the intermediate insulating layer; and forming a via that contacts the radiating trace and passes through the ground plane and is not in electrical contact with the top metallization layer or the ground plane. |
| US09997825B2 |
Modular small cell architecture
A wireless communication system is provided. The system includes a common module, is shaped as a sector of a cylinder and has a power supply. A sector radio module is coupled to the power supply and includes an access radio and an access antenna. The access antenna is configured to serve a sector of not more than 180°, and is also shaped as a sector of a cylinder. |
| US09997824B2 |
Method and system to minimize radiation exposure from mobile phones and devices
Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the head, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments increase and maintain operational distance between the user and the broadcast device to reduce signal absorption. Embodiments enforce the operational distance with physical barriers preventing the distance from being reduced. Thus maintaining a minimum distance between the user and the transmitter may have a dramatic practical effect. |
| US09997820B2 |
Enhanced hybrid-tee coupler
An enhanced hybrid-tee coupler (“EHT-coupler”), the EHT-coupler is described. The EHT-coupler includes a first waveguide, second waveguide, third waveguide, and fourth waveguide. The first waveguide defines a first port and the second waveguide defines a second port. Similarly, the third waveguide defines a fourth port and the fourth waveguide defines a fourth port. The first, second, third, and fourth waveguides meet in a single common junction and the first waveguide and second waveguide are collinear. The third waveguide forms an E-plane junction with both the first waveguide and the second waveguide and the fourth waveguide forms an H-plane junction with both the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The EHT-coupler also includes a first impedance matching element positioned in the common junction where the first impedance matching element includes a base and a tip. |
| US09997819B2 |
Transmission medium and method for facilitating propagation of electromagnetic waves via a core
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a transmission medium for propagating electromagnetic waves. The transmission medium can include a core for propagating electromagnetic waves guided by the core without an electrical return path, a rigid material surrounding the core, wherein an inner surface of the rigid material is separated from an outer surface of the core, and a conductive layer disposed on the rigid material. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09997816B2 |
Micro-hybrid battery module for a vehicle
The present disclosure relates to micro-hybrid battery modules that include at least one battery cell having a titanate-based oxide anode active material with spinel structure and a high voltage spinel (LiMn2−xMxO4) cathode active material. The battery module may be configured to couple to an energy storage unit to enable the module to be used in start-stop applications. |
| US09997813B2 |
Lithium air battery
Provided is a lithium air battery in which a catalyst layer of a cathode contacting an electrolyte and using oxygen in the air as an active material is coupled to a membrane through which lithium ions pass, such that even though charge and discharge of the battery is repeated, the catalyst layer may not be detached, and a microporous polyolefin-based film is applied to the battery, such that a water-based electrolyte solvent may be prevented from being evaporated, thereby preventing performance deterioration due to repetition of the charge and discharge of the lithium air battery, and extending life span. |
| US09997808B2 |
Liquid metal alloy energy storage device
An energy storage device configured to exchange energy with an external device includes a container having walls, a lid covering the container and having a safety pressure valve, a negative electrode disposed away from the walls of the container, a positive electrode in contact with at least a portion of the walls of the container, and an electrolyte contacting the negative electrode and the positive electrode at respective electrode/electrolyte interfaces. The negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte include separate liquid materials within the container at an operating temperature of the battery. |
| US09997804B2 |
Electrolyte for lithium secondary battery and lithium secondary battery including the same
An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery and a lithium secondary battery including the same are provided. The electrolyte includes a non-aqueous organic solvent, lithium salt, and an additive that is either a dicarboxylic acid anhydride and a halogenated ethylene carbonate or a diglycolic acid anhydride and a halogenated ethylene carbonate. |
| US09997799B2 |
High solubility iron hexacyanides
Stable solutions comprising high concentrations of charged coordination complexes, including iron hexacyanides are described, as are methods of preparing and using same in chemical energy storage systems, including flow battery systems. The use of these compositions allows energy storage densities at levels unavailable by other iron hexacyanide systems. |
| US09997797B2 |
Electrochemical reaction unit and fuel cell stack
An electrochemical reaction unit which includes a unit cell including an electrolyte layer, a cathode, and an anode facing each other in a first direction; a current collector disposed on a cathode side of the unit cell; and an electrically conductive porous bonding layer. A bonding region contains a block portion and an electrical conductivity securing portion. The block portion has a pore having a diameter that is 20% or more than the thickness of the bonding region in the first direction. The block portion extends inward from one of opposite ends in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the bonding region, and reaches and contains the pore satisfying the pore requirement. The electrical conductivity securing portion is located toward the other end of the bonding region and has a smaller average diameter of pores than the block portion. |
| US09997796B2 |
Fuel cell system and operating method of fuel cell system
The present invention provides a system for a fuel cell vehicle, capable of preventing an unnecessary error in calculating high potential avoidance power to calculate power for high potential avoidance with high accuracy. A fuel cell system 100 includes: a fuel cell 20 that receives the supply of reactant gas to generate power; a secondary battery 50 for storing part of the power generated by the fuel cell 20; calculation means 60 which, when surplus power for high potential avoidance is added to the output voltage of the fuel cell 20 to avoid a high potential, calculates high potential avoidance voltage to avoid the high potential by feedback control based on a deviation between power generation voltage of the fuel cell 20 and high potential avoidance target voltage; determination means 70 for determining whether the operating state of the fuel cell 20 corresponds to a prohibition condition A to prohibit updating of an integral term of the feedback control or a permission condition; and feedback control condition deciding means 80 for stopping the updating of the integral term when the operating state corresponds to the prohibition condition A or updating the integral term when the operating state corresponds to the permission condition. |
| US09997790B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell is provided which comprises a plurality of manifolds at a first end and a second end of the fuel cell and a separator having passages between the first and the second ends of the fuel cell. In particular, the fuel cell includes a nozzle disposed between at least one of the plurality of manifolds and the passages and having an inlet into which a material is introduced from the at least one of the plurality of manifolds and an outlet from which the introduced material is discharged to the passages. |
| US09997787B2 |
Electrode assembly comprising fiber-shaped structures
The present invention relates to an electrode assembly comprising fiber-shaped structures. The electrode assembly for a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first electrode including a plurality of first fiber-shaped structures extending in a first direction; a second electrode including a plurality of second fiber-shaped structures which extend in a second direction other than the first direction, and the polarities of which are different from the polarities of the first structures; and a first separator film interposed between the first structures and the second structures which intersect with each other, so as to separate the first structures and the second structures from each other. |
| US09997785B2 |
Nanoplate-nanotube composites, methods for production thereof and products obtained therefrom
Compositions and methods of producing discrete nanotubes and nanoplates and a method for their production. The discrete nanotube/nanoplate compositions are useful in fabricated articles to provide superior mechanical and electrical performance. They are also useful as catalysts and catalyst supports for chemical reactions. |
| US09997784B2 |
Lithium ion battery anode containing silicon nanowires grown in situ in pores of graphene foam and production process
A process for producing an anode layer, comprising: (a) dispersing catalyst metal-coated Si particles, graphene sheets, and an optional blowing agent in a liquid medium to form a graphene/Si dispersion; (b) dispensing and depositing the dispersion onto a supporting substrate to form a wet layer and removing the liquid medium from the wet layer to form a dried layer of graphene/Si mixture material; and (c) exposing the dried layer to a high temperature environment, from 300° C. to 2,000° C., to induce volatile gas molecules from graphene sheets or to activate the blowing agent for producing the graphene foam and, concurrently, to enable a catalyst metal-catalyzed growth of multiple Si nanowires emanated from Si particles as a feed material in pores of the foam to form the anode layer; wherein the Si nanowires have a diameter of 5-100 nm and a length-to-diameter aspect ratio of at least 5. |
| US09997782B2 |
Bisphenol-based resin, electrode, lead storage battery, production methods for these, and resin composition
An electrode includes an electrode layer including an electrode active material or a raw material of an electrode active material and a bisphenol-based resin, and a current collector supporting the electrode layer. The bisphenol-based resin is obtained by a reaction of (a) a bisphenol-based compound, (b) at least one selected from the group consisting of aminobenzenesulfonic acids and aminobenzenesulfonic acid derivatives, and (c) at least one selected from the group consisting of formaldehyde and formaldehyde derivatives, wherein a content of a structural unit that is obtained by the reaction of the component (a), the component (b) and the component (c) and also has a benzoxazine ring is 15 mass % or less. A production method for the electrode is also disclosed. |
| US09997781B2 |
Transition metal-metaphosphate anode active material, method of preparing the same, and lithium secondary battery or hybrid capacitor including the anode active material
Provided is an anode active material including a transition metal-metaphosphate of Chemical Formula 1: M(PO3)2 |
| US09997779B2 |
Anode active material for lithium-ion batteries
In at least one embodiment, a rechargeable battery is provided comprising an anode having an active material including MSb2O4 having a purity level of greater than 93 percent by weight, wherein M is a metal. The metal may have an oxidation state of 2+ and may include transition metals and/or alkali-earth metals. The anode active material may be synthesized using metal acetates or metal oxides. The synthesis may include heating at a first temperature to remove oxygen and water and reacting at a second temperature to form the MSb2O4 structure, which may be a spinel crystal structure. |
| US09997769B2 |
Graphite power for negative electrode active material of lithium-ion secondary battery
A graphite powder, preferably including scale-like particles, which satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2), wherein e(0.5) represents the initial charge-discharge efficiency of a coin cell fabricated from an electrode (work electrode) produced by compressing an electrode material employing graphite powder as an active material under a pressure of 0.5 t/cm2, a lithium metal counter electrode, a separator and an electrolytic solution; and e(3) represents the initial charge-discharge efficiency of a coin cell fabricated from an electrode (work electrode) produced by compressing an electrode material employing graphite powder as an active material under a pressure of 3 t/cm2, a lithium metal counter electrode, a separator and an electrolytic solution: e(3)(%)−e(0.5)(%)≥1, formula (1): e(3)(%)>85. formula (2): Also disclosed is a method of producing the graphite powder; a graphite material for a battery electrode; an electrode for a lithium ion; and a lithium-ion secondary battery. |
| US09997764B2 |
Processes for treating graphite and graphite materials
The present invention provides a novel non-exfoliated graphite powder containing highly oriented grain aggregates (HOGA) having a new morphology and surface chemistry, methods for the production of such graphite powders as well as products containing such novel graphite particles. |
| US09997759B2 |
Battery wiring module
A battery wiring module is to be combined with a battery module including a plurality of battery cells stacked in a state of being alternatively reversed so that a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are adjoined between the adjacent battery cells. The battery wiring module is provided with a plurality of linear conductors which are arranged at an interval, a plurality of bus bars which are arranged at an interval along to at least one side of the plurality of linear conductors so that each of the plurality of bus bars electrically connects the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal adjacent to each other, andan insulation resin part including both a covering part for covering an outer periphery of the plurality of linear conductors and a bus bar connection part. |
| US09997758B2 |
Battery module having bus bar assembly and battery pack comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a battery module including a unit module assembly including unit modules, each of which includes a plurality of battery cells or a plurality of cell assemblies, each of which includes two or more battery cells, as unit cells, the unit modules being arranged while being adjacent to each other, each of the unit modules having electrode terminals arranged at one side thereof, a battery disconnect unit (BDU) arranged at one side of the unit module assembly, the battery disconnect unit having terminal connection parts arranged at the same side as the electrode terminals, a module case in which the unit modules of the unit module assembly are mounted, the electrode terminals of the unit modules being exposed through the module case, and a bus bar assembly including a cover plate mounted on the electrode terminals of the unit modules at the module case, the cover plate being formed of an insulative material, and two more bus bars mounted to the cover plate. |
| US09997751B2 |
Battery case for mobile device
An improved battery case adapted to removably receive, protect and provide power to a mobile device is provided. The case includes a base configured to house a rechargeable battery, a user detachable back face cover capable of providing aesthetic modularity to the consumer and manufacturing advantages, and a bumper that is constructed to include a rigid inner frame or skeleton that includes an outwardly extending rib that is molded on either side with an outer softer and more elastic layer that extends over the face of the mobile device. The bumper can be molded as an integral part of the case or be removably attached to a component of the case. |
| US09997750B2 |
Battery adapter with flex circuit and silicone spring
A battery adapter (100) and method (800) of making the same. The battery adapter (100) includes a resilient tray (102) that defines a receiving area (104) for one or more batteries (106) and includes one or more resilient sidewalls (108) of a resilient material configured to be compressed by the batteries (106). The battery adapter (100) further includes a flexible circuit (132) wrapped around at least a portion of an exterior of the resilient tray (102) over the resilient sidewalls (108). The flexible circuit (132) includes a first set of one or more contacts (138) disposed on the exterior of the resilient tray (102) to deliver power to an associated device (150) and a second set of one or more contacts (136) electrically coupled with the first set of contacts (138). The second set of contacts (136) is disposed on an interior of the resilient sidewalls (108) in the battery receiving area (104). |
| US09997745B2 |
Battery pack
Provided is a battery pack capable of improving volumetric efficiency while reducing the thickness of the entire battery. The battery pack is configured by laminating a plurality of film-sheathed batteries (10) each including power generating element (11) and film sheath material (12) in which internal space (13) is formed for housing power generating element (11) along with an electrolyte. Power generating element (11) includes main surfaces (11a) that are positioned on both sides in a lamination direction, and side surfaces (11b) that are adjacent to main surfaces (11a). Film sheath material (12) includes housing part (14) that is provided with main surface covering sections (14a) for covering main surfaces (11a) and side surface covering sections (14b) for covering side surfaces (11b), main surface covering sections (14a) and side surface covering sections (14b) forming internal space (13), and sealing parts (15) that protrude from side surface covering sections (14b) to seal internal space (13). In one film sheath material, sealing parts 15 are bonded to side surface covering sections (14b) of the other film sheath material that is adjacent to the one film sheath material in the lamination direction. |
| US09997741B2 |
Method of manufacturing organic light emitting display apparatus
A method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display includes a first mask process forming an active layer of a TFT and a refractive layer on a substrate, forming a DBR layer covering the active and refractive layers, a second mask process forming a gate electrode and a first electrode unit on the DBR layer, forming an interlayer insulation layer covering the gate electrode and the first electrode unit, a third mask process forming contact holes in the interlayer insulation layer and the DBR layer exposing portions of the active layer and a hole exposing the first electrode unit, a fourth mask process forming source and drain electrodes on the interlayer insulation layer that contact the active layer via the contact holes, and forming a pixel electrode from the first electrode unit, and a fifth mask process forming a pixel definition layer exposing the pixel electrode. |
| US09997737B2 |
Display device
A structure including a first resin layer and a second resin layer sandwiching a self-light emitting element layer, a first stopper layer, a first resin sacrificial layer and a first glass substrate which are stacked on the first resin layer on the opposite side of the self-light emitting element layer, and a second glass substrate stacked on the second resin layer is prepared. The first glass substrate is peeled off from the first resin sacrificial layer by irradiating the first glass substrate with a laser beam. The first resin sacrificial layer is decomposed by a chemical reaction using a gas. The first stopper layer has a resistance to the chemical reaction, and the first resin sacrificial layer is removed while leaving the first stopper layer in a step of decomposing the first resin sacrificial layer. |
| US09997734B2 |
Organic light emitting display device
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a light emitting display device comprising a plurality of subpixels, the plurality of subpixels including at least a first subpixel and a second subpixel. The light emitting display device includes a common layer shared by a first light emitting diode of the first subpixel and a second light emitting diode of the second subpixel, the common layer disposed between a first anode electrode and a first cathode electrode of the first subpixel and between a second anode electrode and a second cathode electrode of the second subpixel, and an auxiliary electrode disposed on a different layer from the common layer, the first anode electrode, the first cathode electrode, the second anode electrode, and the second cathode electrode, the auxiliary electrode connected to the common layer through a contact hole. |
| US09997733B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device including: a first electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; a first emission unit and a second emission unit between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a first charge generation layer between the first emission unit and the second emission unit; wherein the first emission unit includes a first emission layer and a first inorganic buffer layer, and the second emission unit includes a second emission layer and a second inorganic buffer layer. |
| US09997731B2 |
Light-emitting component
A light emitting component is disclosed. In an embodiment a light-emitting device includes at least one active layer stack configured to generate light, a first electrode electrically contacting the at least one active layer stack, a second electrode electrically contacting the at least one active layer stack and at least one light-emitting face for emitting light. The device further includes a first contact structure electrically conductively connected to the first electrode and a second contact structure electrically conductively connected to the second electrode, wherein the first contact structure laterally surrounds a major part of the at least one light-emitting face and a major part of the second contact structure, and wherein the second contact structure laterally surrounds a major part of the at least one light-emitting face. |
| US09997728B2 |
Organometallic compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
An organometallic compound may be represented by one selected from the group of Formulae 5 to 8: |
| US09997726B2 |
Dibenzothiophene-containing materials in phosphorescent light emitting diodes
An organic light emitting device that includes an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer that includes an organic compound selected from and at least one emissive dopant. The emissive dopant can be one of a variety of organometallic iridium complexes. |
| US09997723B2 |
Organic electroluminescent compound and an organic electroluminescent device comprising the same
The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescent compound and an organic electroluminescent device comprising the same. By using the organic electroluminescent compound according to the present invention, it is possible to produce an organic electroluminescent device having low driving voltage, excellent current and power efficiencies, and noticeably improved driving lifespan. |
| US09997719B2 |
Material for organic electroluminescence device and organic electroluminescence device
A material for organic electroluminescence device including a specific compound having a specific group in the central skeleton and an organic electroluminescence device including an organic thin film layer between an anode and a cathode. The organic thin film layer includes a light emitting layer and at least one layer of the organic thin film layer includes the material for organic electroluminescence device. The organic electroluminescence device has a long lifetime and the material for organic electroluminescence device realizes such a device. |
| US09997717B2 |
Organic electroluminescence device and electronic device
An object of the invention is to provide a high-performance organic electroluminescence device and an electronic device including the organic electroluminescence device. An organic electroluminescence device includes an anode, a cathode and an emitting layer, in which the emitting layer includes a first compound and a second compound, the first compound is a delayed fluorescent compound, and the second compound is represented by a formula (2) below. |
| US09997716B2 |
Organic electroluminescent materials and devices
Novel organic compounds containing triphenylene and triazine moieties are described. These compounds are expected to improve device performance when they are used in organic electroluminescent devices. |
| US09997713B2 |
Organic light-emitting device
An organic light-emitting device including a compound represented by Formula 1 below: wherein description of Formula 1 above is specified in the detailed description. |
| US09997712B2 |
Organic electroluminescent materials and devices
The present disclosure provides novel compounds containing dibenzo[fg,op]tetracene and larger all-benzenoid moiety that can be used as hosts for phosphorescent emitters providing low-voltage, high-efficiency and high-stability devices. |
| US09997705B2 |
Porous SiOx materials for improvement in SiOx switching device performances
A porous memory device, such as a memory or a switch, may provide a top and bottom electrodes with a memory material layer (e.g. SiOx) positioned between the electrodes. The memory material layer may provide a nanoporous structure. In some embodiments, the nanoporous structure may be formed electrochemically, such as from anodic etching. Electroformation of a filament through the memory material layer may occur internally through the layer rather than at an edge at extremely low electro-forming voltages. The porous memory device may also provide multi-bit storage, high on-off ratios, long high-temperature lifetime, excellent cycling endurance, fast switching, and lower power consumption. |
| US09997703B2 |
Resistive memory device having field enhanced features
A resistive memory device includes a bottom electrode and a top electrode sandwiching a switching layer. The device also includes a field enhancement (FE) feature that extends from the bottom electrode either into the switching layer or is covered by switching layer and that is to enhance an electric field generated by the two electrodes to thereby confine a switching area of the device at the FE feature. The device further includes a planar interlayer dielectric surrounding the device, for supporting the top electrode. A method of making a resistive memory device, employing in-situ vacuum deposition of all layers, is also provided. |
| US09997701B2 |
Resistive memory architectures with multiple memory cells per access device
A resistive memory structure, for example, phase change memory structure, includes one access device and two or more resistive memory cells. Each memory cell is coupled to a rectifying device to prevent parallel leak current from flowing through non-selected memory cells. In an array of resistive memory bit structures, resistive memory cells from different memory bit structures are stacked and share rectifying devices. |
| US09997698B2 |
Storage element and storage apparatus
A storage element includes a layer structure including a storage layer having a direction of magnetization which changes according to information, a magnetization fixed layer having a fixed direction of magnetization, and an intermediate layer disposed therebetween, which intermediate layer contains a nonmagnetic material. The magnetization fixed layer has at least two ferromagnetic layers having a direction of magnetization tilted from a direction perpendicular to a film surface, which are laminated and magnetically coupled interposing a coupling layer therebetween. This configuration may effectively prevent divergence of magnetization reversal time due to directions of magnetization of the storage layer and the magnetization fixed layer being substantially parallel or antiparallel, reduce write errors, and enable writing operation in a short time. |
| US09997697B2 |
Magnetic sidewalls for write lines in field-induced MRAM and methods of manufacturing them
In one embodiment, there is provided a non-volatile magnetic memory cell. The non-volatile magnetic memory cell comprises a switchable magnetic element; and a word line and a bit line to energize the switchable magnetic element; wherein at least one of the word line and the bit line comprises a magnetic sidewall that is discontinuous. |
| US09997692B2 |
Thermoelectric materials
Disclosed is an article having: a porous thermally insulating material, an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. Also disclosed is a method of forming an article by: providing a porous thermally insulating material, coating an electrically conductive coating on the thermally insulating material, and coating a thermoelectric coating on the electrically conductive coating. The articles may be useful in thermoelectric devices. |
| US09997691B2 |
3D integrated thermoelectric generator operating in an out-of-plane heat flux configuration with internal voids and heat conduction paths conditioning vias
Dices of integrated Z-device structures on a substrate wafer of a 3D integrated thermo-electric generator (iTEG) may be stacked in a tri-dimensional heterogeneous integration mode, without or with interposer wafer dices, in coherent thermal coupling among them. Through silicon vias (TSVs) holes through the thickness of the semiconductor crystal of substrate of the dices of integrated Z-device structures in geometrical projection correspondence with valley bottom metal junction contacts, and through silicon vias (TSVs) holes through the thickness of the semiconductor crystal of interposer dices, in geometrical projection correspondence with the hill-top metal junction contacts of the coupled Z-device structures, have a copper or other good heat conductor filler, form low thermal resistance heat conduction paths through the stacked Z-device structures. Thermoelectrically generated current is gathered from every integrated Z-device of a multi-tier iTEG operating in an out-of-plane heat flux configuration. |
| US09997687B2 |
Light-emitting device
A light-emitting device comprising: a supportive substrate; a transparent layer formed on the supportive substrate, and the transparent layer comprising conductive metal oxide material; a light-emitting stacked layer comprising an active layer formed on the transparent layer; and an etching-stop layer formed between the light-emitting stacked layer and the supportive substrate and contacting the transparent layer, wherein a thickness of the etching-stop layer is thicker than that of the transparent layer. |
| US09997685B2 |
Light-emitting device
Light emitting device includes structure protruding from a side of a surface of second conductive semiconductor layer of LED chip toward a side of a surface of second conductor portion of mounting substrate to contact the surface of second conductor portion, and is positioned to extend around an outer periphery of second electrode. First electrode and a first conductor portion are joined to each other by first joint portion, and second joint portion joining second electrode and second conductor portion to each other fills a space surrounded by second electrode, protruding structure, and second conductor portion. Protruding structure is disposed to extend around the outer periphery of second electrode to surround second joint portion in planar view. A part of mounting substrate overlapping protruding structure in planar view is either identical in height to or lower than a part of second conductor portion joined to second joint portion. |
| US09997684B2 |
Pre-rotated overmoulded bidirectional spreading lens for stretched leadframe architecture
A method for manufacturing a solid state light-emitting device (LED) lighting apparatus includes forming a leadframe assembly with a group of leadframes connected in series by folded interconnects, mounting LEDs on the leadframes, disposing optical elements about the LEDs, and stretching the leadframe assembly so the interconnects unfold to space apart the LEDs. Disposing the optical elements includes orienting the optical elements so the optical elements provide a predetermined light pattern after stretching the leadframe assembly. |
| US09997681B2 |
Lens and light emitting diode package including same
One embodiment relates to a lens comprising: a lower end portion having an incident surface to which light is incident; and an upper end portion having an emitting surface allowing the light having passed through the incident surface to pass therethrough, wherein the ratio of an incidence angle and an emission angle on a first plane and/or the ratio of an incidence angle and an emission angle on a second plane is smaller than the ratio of an incidence angle and an emission angle on a third plane, the incidence angle is an angle of the light incident to the incident surface with respect to a center axis, the emission angle is an angle of the light emitted from the emitting surface with respect to the center axis, each of the first to third planes is a plane passing the center axis and is parallel to a first direction, the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane, the third plane is positioned between the first plane and the second plane, the center axis passes the center of the lens and is parallel to the first direction, and the first direction is a direction facing the lower end portion from the upper end portion. |
| US09997680B2 |
Light emitting device having first and second resin layers
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a light emitting element provided on the substrate, a first resin layer provided on the substrate to directly cover the light emitting element having a first side surface and a second side surface, and the first side surface and the second side surface differ from each other in inclination angle with respect to the substrate, and a second resin layer provided so as to surround side surfaces of the first resin layer. |
| US09997676B2 |
Light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting device includes a wavelength conversion layer, at least one light emitting unit and a reflective protecting element. The wavelength conversion layer has an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to each other. The light emitting unit has two electrode pads located on the same side of the light emitting unit. The light emitting unit is disposed on the upper surface of the wavelength conversion layer and exposes the two electrode pads. The reflective protecting element encapsulates at least a portion of the light emitting unit and a portion of the wavelength conversion layer, and exposes the two electrode pads of the light emitting unit. |
| US09997674B2 |
Optical cavity including a light emitting device and wavelength converting material
Embodiments of the invention include a semiconductor light emitting diode attached to a substrate. A first region of wavelength converting material is disposed on the substrate. The wavelength converting material is configured to absorb light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting diode and emit light at a different wavelength. In the first region, the wavelength converting material coats an entire surface of the substrate. The substrate is disposed proximate a bottom surface of an optical cavity. A second region of wavelength converting material is disposed proximate a top surface of the optical cavity. |
| US09997673B2 |
Light emitting diode for surface mount technology, method of manufacturing the same, and method of manufacturing light emitting diode module
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a substrate, a first semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, an active layer disposed on the first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer disposed on the active layer, a first conductive layer disposed on a portion of the second semiconductor layer, a second conductive layer disposed on the second semiconductor layer, and an insulation layer including a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer, and overlapping the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer, and the second conductive layer, in which the insulation layer has a first region having different thicknesses and a second region having a substantially constant thickness. |
| US09997668B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes a substrate, a first reflective layer disposed on the substrate and including first openings, a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer grown in and extending from the first openings and connected on the first reflective layer, a second reflective layer disposed on the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and including second openings having lower surfaces disposed to be spaced apart from upper surfaces of the first openings, and a plurality of light-emitting nanostructures including nanocores extending from the second openings and formed of a first conductivity-type semiconductor material, and active layers and second conductivity-type semiconductor layers sequentially disposed on the nanocores. |
| US09997659B2 |
Group-IV solar cell structure using group-IV or III-V heterostructures
Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers. |
| US09997657B2 |
Barrier assembly
An assembly that includes a barrier film interposed between a first polymeric film substrate and a first major surface of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer is provided. The first polymeric film substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is, in some embodiments, up to 50 parts per million per Kelvin. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a second major surface opposite the first major surface that is disposed on a second polymeric film substrate. The second polymeric film substrate is typically resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the second polymeric film substrate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is at least 40 parts per million per Kelvin higher than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light. |
| US09997656B2 |
Photodetector cell and solar panel with dual metal contacts and related methods
A photodetector cell may include a substrate, and a first contact carried by the substrate and having a first work function value. The photodetector cell may include a second contact carried by the substrate and having a second work function value different from the first work function value, and a semiconductor wire carried by the substrate and having a third work function value between the first and second work function values. The semiconductor wire may be coupled between the first and second contacts and comprising a photodiode junction. |
| US09997655B1 |
Solution process for silver-containing chalcogenide layer deposition
A method of preparing a Ag2ZnSn(S,Se)4 compound, including dissolving selenourea (SeC(NH2)2) in an aprotic solvent, and dissolving a silver salt, a zinc salt, and a tin salt in the aprotic solvent with the selenourea to form a metal solution; and coating the metal solution onto a substrate to form an Ag2ZnSn(S,Se)4 compound layer on the substrate. |
| US09997653B2 |
Back-contact solar cell and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing a back-contact solar cell, comprising the steps of: (i) preparing a semiconductor substrate comprising an n-layer and a p-layer at the back side of the semiconductor substrate; (ii) applying a conductive paste on both the n-layer and the p-layer, wherein the conductive paste comprises a silver (Ag) powder, a palladium (Pd) powder, an additional metal powder selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), boron (B) and a mixture thereof, a glass frit, and an organic medium; and (iii) firing the applied conductive paste. |
| US09997650B2 |
Solar cell, manufacturing method thereof, and solar cell module
A solar cell includes: a first-conductivity-type semiconductor substrate that includes an impurity diffusion layer on one surface side, which is a light receiving surface side, the impurity diffusion layer having a second-conductivity-type impurity element diffused therein; a plurality of linear light-receiving-surface-side electrodes that are a paste electrode that has a multi-layered structure, is formed by multi-layer printing of an electrode material paste on the one surface side, and is electrically connected to the impurity diffusion layer and that extend in parallel in a specific direction in a plane direction of the semiconductor substrate; and a back-surface-side electrode that is formed on another surface side of the semiconductor substrate. In the light-receiving-surface-side electrodes, the light-receiving-surface-side electrodes get smaller in width as they get closer in a width direction of the light-receiving-surface-side electrodes to a specific reference position. |
| US09997647B2 |
Solar cells and manufacturing method thereof
A solar cell and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate, an emitter region positioned at one surface of the substrate, a first insulating layer including a lower layer positioned on the emitter region and an upper layer positioned on the lower layer, and a first electrode which is formed of a first conductive paste and is electrically connected to the emitter region. The first insulating layer includes a plurality of first contact holes, and a portion of the first electrode is filled in the plurality of first contact holes. |
| US09997643B2 |
Diode structure
A diode structure includes a rectangular first doping region, and a second doping region surrounds the first doping region wherein the first doping region and the second doping region are separated by a first isolation structure. A third doping region surrounds the second doping region wherein the second doping region and the third doping region are separated by a second isolation structure. The first isolation structure, the second doping region, the second isolation structure and the third doping region are arranged in a quadruple concentric rectangular ring surrounding the first doping region. |
| US09997639B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device including a transistor including a gate electrode formed over a substrate, a gate insulating film covering the gate electrode, a multilayer film overlapping with the gate electrode with the gate insulating film provided therebetween, and a pair of electrodes in contact with the multilayer film, a first oxide insulating film covering the transistor, and a second oxide insulating film formed over the first oxide insulating film, the multilayer film includes an oxide semiconductor film and an oxide film containing In or Ga, the oxide semiconductor film has an amorphous structure or a microcrystalline structure, the first oxide insulating film is an oxide insulating film through which oxygen is permeated, and the second oxide insulating film is an oxide insulating film containing more oxygen than that in the stoichiometric composition. |
| US09997636B2 |
Fabricating method of optical sensing device
An optical sensing device includes a thin film transistor disposed on a substrate, an optical sensor, a planar layer, and an organic light emitting diode. The optical sensor includes a metal electrode disposed on a gate dielectric layer of the thin film transistor and connecting to a drain electrode of the thin film transistor, an optical sensing layer disposed on the metal electrode, and a first transparent electrode disposed on the optical sensing layer. The planar layer covers at least a part of the thin film transistor and the optical sensor. The organic light emitting diode is disposed on the planar layer. The anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the organic light emitting diode are electrically coupled to a gate line and a data line respectively. |
| US09997634B2 |
TFT backplane and manufacturing method thereof
The invention provides a TFT backplane structure and manufacturing method thereof. The TFT backplane structure uses the three-layered structure, from bottom up, dielectric layer (41), SiNx layer (42), and SiO2 layer (43), for the gate insulating layer (4) corresponding to the location of the TFT (T), to enhance the TFT reliability; uses a double-layered gate insulating layer (4), from bottom up, the dielectric layer (41), and at least a portion of SiNx layer (42), at the location corresponding to the storage capacitor (C), or a single-layered gate insulating layer (4), i.e., the dielectric layer (4), at the location corresponding to the storage capacitor (C), the dielectric constant can be increased, the distance between the two storage capacitor electrode plates is reduced, resulting in reducing the capacitor area and improve aperture ratio on the premise of storage capacitance performance. |
| US09997633B2 |
Semiconductor devices, FinFET devices and methods of forming the same
Semiconductor devices, FinFET devices and methods of forming the same are disclosed. One of the semiconductor devices includes a substrate and a gate over the substrate. Besides, the gate include a first portion, a second portion overlying the first portion and a third portion overlying the second portion, and the critical dimension of the second portion is smaller than each of the critical dimension of the first portion and the critical dimension of the third portion. |
| US09997630B2 |
Charge carrier transport facilitated by strain
A semiconductor structure and formation thereof. The semiconductor structure has a first semiconductor layer with a first lattice structure and a second epitaxial semiconductor layer that is lattice-matched with the first semiconductor layer. At least two source/drain regions, which have a second lattice structure, penetrate the second semiconductor layer and contact the first semiconductor layer. A portion of the second semiconductor layer is between the source/drain regions and has a degree of uniaxial strain that is based, at least in part, on a difference between the first lattice structure and the second lattice structure. |
| US09997627B2 |
Vertical channel oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes: a channel layer surrounded by a source layer; a first dielectric layer around the source layer; a gate layer around the channel layer and on the source layer; a first oxide semiconductor layer between the gate layer and the channel layer; a second oxide semiconductor layer between the gate layer and the drain layer; a second gate dielectric layer between the second oxide semiconductor layer and the drain layer; a drain layer on the gate layer and around the channel layer; and a second dielectric layer around the drain layer. |
| US09997626B2 |
NLDMOS device and method for manufacturing the same
An NLDMOS device that includes a drift region, a P well, and a first PTOP layer and a second PTOP layer formed on the drift region, wherein the first PTOP layer has the same lateral size with the second PTOP layer, the first PTOP layer is spaced from the second PTOP layer in the longitudinal direction and located on the bottom of the second PTOP layer, with the depth of the first PTOP layer less than or equal to that of the bottom of the P well. The present invention also discloses a method for manufacturing the NLDMOS device. |
| US09997621B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
Reduction of power consumption of a semiconductor device is aimed. The semiconductor device includes a cell region where a vertical power MOSFET is formed and an intermediate region surrounding the cell region. In each of the cell region and the intermediate region, a plurality of p-type column regions and a plurality of n-type column regions are alternately formed. The n-type column region arranged in the cell region has a defect region formed therein, whereas the n-type column region arranged in the intermediate region does not have the defect region. A defect density in the n-type column region arranged in the cell region is larger than that in the n-type column region arranged in the intermediate region. |
| US09997609B2 |
Implantation formed metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contacts
A method of forming a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) contact, a transistor including the MIS contact, and the MIS contact are described. The method includes etching an opening for formation of the contact, the opening extending to an upper surface of a semiconductor region. The method also includes implanting metal ions at a selected depth within the upper surface of the semiconductor region and converting the upper surface of the semiconductor region to a metal oxide insulating layer. The method further includes forming a metal layer on the insulating layer. |
| US09997608B2 |
Transistor device with segmented contact layer
Disclosed is a transistor device. The transistor device includes a plurality of device cells each having an active device region integrated in a semiconductor body and electrically connected to a contact layer. The contact layer includes a plurality of layer sections separated from each other by a separation layer. A resistivity of the separation layer is at least 100 times the resistivity of the layer sections. |
| US09997605B2 |
LDMOS device and its manufacturing method
The present invention discloses an LDMOS device, whose drift region is composed of a first drift region and a second drift region, the first drift region being composed of an ion implantation region formed in a selected region of the silicon substrate; the second drift region, composed of the doped polysilicon formed on the surface of the silicon substrate, is superimposed on the first drift region, with the drain region formed in the second drift region. With the second drift region of the present invention, the thickness of the entire drift region can be increased, and thus the parasitic resistance of the entire drift region can be reduced, the linear current of the device can be effectively increased, and the on-resistance of the device can be effectively reduced; the device of the present invention can also maintain a high breakdown voltage and lower process cost. The present invention further discloses a method for manufacturing the LDMOS device. |
| US09997603B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, an interlayer insulating film electrically insulating a gate electrode and a source electrode has a structure in which a BPSG film and a NSG film are sequentially stacked. Further, the interlayer insulating film has a structure in which the BPSG film, the NSG film, and a SiN film are sequentially stacked, or a structure in which the BPSG film, the SiN film, and the NSG film are sequentially stacked. Such a structure enables the reliability of the semiconductor device in which a pin-shaped electrode is bonded by solder to be improved. |
| US09997602B2 |
Semiconductor device with transistor cells and enhancement cells with delayed control signals
A semiconductor device includes transistor cells and enhancement cells. Each transistor cell includes a body zone that forms a first pn junction with a drift structure. The transistor cells may form, in the body zones, inversion channels when a first control signal exceeds a first threshold. The inversion channels form part of a connection between the drift structure and a first load electrode. A delay unit generates a second control signal which trailing edge is delayed with respect to a trailing edge of the first control signal. The enhancement cells form inversion layers in the drift structure when the second control signal falls below a second threshold lower than the first threshold. The inversion layers are effective as minority charge carrier emitters. |
| US09997596B2 |
Tunneling field-effect transistor with a plurality of nano-wires and fabrication method thereof
A tunneling field-effect transistor may be provided that includes: a substrate; a source which is formed on the substrate and into which p+ type impurity ion is injected; a drain which is formed on the substrate and into which n+ type impurity ion is injected; a plurality of vertically stacked nanowire channels which are formed on the substrate; a gate insulation layer which is formed on the plurality of nanowire channels; and a gate which is formed on the gate insulation layer. As a result, it is possible to generate a higher driving current without changing the length of the gate and the area of the channel (degree of integration). |
| US09997593B2 |
Power trench MOSFET with improved unclamped inductive switching (UIS) performance and preparation method thereof
A trench type power semiconductor device with improved breakdown voltage and UIS performance and a method for preparation the device are disclosed. The trench type power semiconductor device includes a first contact hole formed in a mesa in the active area and a second contact hole formed in a mesa in an active to termination intermediate area, where the first contact hole is deeper and wider than the second contact hole. The method comprises the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate, etching an epitaxial layer, depositing a conductive material, depositing an insulation passivation layer and etching through the insulation passivation layer. |
| US09997591B2 |
Capacitor and a semiconductor device including the same
A semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and capacitor electrically connected to the substrate. The capacitor includes a lower electrode, a dielectric layer disposed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode disposed on the dielectric layer. The upper electrode includes a first electrode on the dielectric layer and a second electrode on the first electrode, such that the first electrode is disposed between the dielectric layer and the second electrode. The first electrode contains metal oxynitride having a formula of MxOyNz, in which an atomic ratio (y/x) of oxygen (O) to metallic element (M) is a value in the range from 0.5 to 2. |
| US09997589B2 |
Display device
A display device according to the invention includes: a first substrate that includes a flexible substrate, is segmented into a display area and a non-display area outside the display area, and includes a thin film transistor and an electroluminescent light-emitting element formed on the display area of the flexible substrate; and an IC chip that is bonded on the non-display area of the first substrate via an anisotropic conductive film, wherein the first substrate includes, between the flexible substrate and the anisotropic conductive film, at least one or more support layers whose plan view shape is larger than that of the IC chip and whose hardness is higher than that of the flexible substrate, and the IC chip is located inside the at least one or more support layers in a plan view. |
| US09997586B2 |
Electro-luminescence display apparatus
Described herein is an electroluminescence display apparatus comprising: at least one quad-type pixel circuit unit comprising a plurality of sub-pixel circuit units; at least one gate line disposed between the plurality of sub-pixel circuit units and extending along a first direction; at least one first data line group comprising a first pair of data lines disposed at both sides of the at least one pixel circuit unit and extending along a second direction; at least one second data line group comprising a second pair of data lines disposed between the sub-pixel circuit units and extending along the second direction; and at least one common line and at least one anode line disposed between the first pair of data lines of the first data line group and disposed along the first direction, the at least one gate line crosses with the at least one first data line group and the at least one second data line group. |
| US09997573B2 |
Nanostructures for color-by-white OLED devices
The present disclosure describes nano-structured light extraction color filter laminates, and articles and methods of using nanostructured light extraction color filter laminates for the fabrication of an OLED including a nanostructure, using lamination techniques. Nanostructured OLED devices can exhibit enhanced light extraction efficiency. The methods involve transfer and/or replication of a film, layer, or coating in order to form a nanostructured surface that is in optical contact with the emitting surface of an OLED in, for example, a top emitting or a bottom emitting active matrix OLED (TE-AMOLED or BE-AMOLED) device. The articles having enhanced light extraction efficiency can be of particular use in color-by-white (CBW) OLED displays, which use white-light spectrum OLEDs with a color filter array. |
| US09997572B2 |
Display device having a light scattering structure
The reflecting layer is formed on a white pixel PW and chromatic color pixels PR, PG, and PB. The semitransparent reflecting layer is formed on the white pixel PW and the chromatic color pixels PR, PG, and PB. The semitransparent reflecting layer and the intermediate layer in the white pixel PW constitute the light scattering structure. According to this display device, it is possible to obtain an advantage of a micro-cavity structure and an advantage of the white pixel while suppressing an increase in manufacturing cost. |
| US09997570B2 |
Resistive memory with varying dopant concentration in select transistor channel
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device according to one embodiment includes: a first wiring extending in a first direction as a longitudinal direction thereof; a second wiring extending in a second direction as a longitudinal direction thereof, the second direction intersecting with the first direction; a memory cell disposed at an intersection portion of the first wiring and the second wiring, the memory cell including a variable resistive element; a select transistor having one end connected to the second wiring; and a third wiring connected to the other end of the select transistor. A semiconductor layer included in the select transistor has a first impurity concentration at the second end. An impurity concentration of the semiconductor layer decrease to a second impurity concentration from the first impurity concentration as approaching to the first end from the second end. |
| US09997568B2 |
Semiconductor device
The invention provides a semiconductor device which is non-volatile, easily manufactured, and can be additionally written. A semiconductor device of the invention includes a plurality of transistors, a conductive layer which functions as a source wiring or a drain wiring of the transistors, and a memory element which overlaps one of the plurality of transistors, and a conductive layer which functions as an antenna. The memory element includes a first conductive layer, an organic compound layer and a phase change layer, and a second conductive layer stacked in this order. The conductive layer which functions as an antenna and a conductive layer which functions as a source wiring or a drain wiring of the plurality of transistors are provided on the same layer. |
| US09997560B2 |
Display substrate, method for fabricating the same and display device
A display substrate, a method for fabricating the same and a display device are disclosed. The display substrate includes: a base substrate and a plurality of pixel sets disposed on the base substrate, each of the pixel sets comprising: four first sub-pixels (21), four second sub-pixels (22), four third sub-pixels (23) and four fourth sub-pixels (24), sub-pixels of each of the pixel-sets are arranged into a 4><4 matrix; among four pixel rows of each of the pixel sets, a first sub-pixel (21), a second sub-pixel (22), a third sub-pixel (23) and a fourth sub-pixel (24) are sequentially arranged in one of the pixel rows, a second sub-pixel (22), a third sub-pixel (23), a fourth sub-pixel (24) and a first sub-pixel (21) are sequentially arranged in one of the pixel rows, a fourth sub-pixel (24), a first sub-pixel (21), a second sub-pixel (22) and a third sub-pixel (23) are sequentially arranged in one of the pixel rows, and a third sub-pixel (23), a fourth sub-pixel (24), a first sub-pixel (21) and a second sub-pixel (22) are sequentially arranged in one of the pixel rows. The display substrate improves the display quality of the displayed images. |
| US09997559B2 |
Optoelectronic semiconductor component
An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a first functional region having an active zone provided for generating radiation or for receiving radiation, and a second functional region, which is suitable for contributing to the driving of the first functional region. The first functional region and the second functional region are integrated on the same carrier substrate. |
| US09997557B2 |
Radiation detector fabrication
The present approach relates to the fabrication of radiation detectors. In certain embodiments, additive manufacture techniques, such as 3D metallic printing techniques are employed to fabricate one or more parts of a detector. In an example of one such printing embodiment, amorphous silicon may be initially disposed onto a substrate and a laser may be employed to melt some or all of the amorphous silicon so as to form crystalline silicon circuitry of a light imager panel. Such printing techniques may also be employed to fabricate other aspects of a radiation detector, such as a scintillator layer. |
| US09997555B2 |
Fabrication method for digital etching of nanometer-scale level structures
A device includes a surface profile optical element, including a substrate and a plurality of bi-layer stacks on the substrate. Each bi-layer stack of the plurality of bi-layer stacks includes a plurality of bi-layers. Each bi-layer of the plurality of bi-layers includes an etch-stop layer and a bulk layer. The etch stop layer includes an etch stop layer index of refraction. The bulk layer includes a bulk layer index of refraction. A ratio of the etch stop layer index of retraction and the bulk layer index of refraction is between 0.75 and 1.25. |
| US09997549B2 |
Image sensor with solar cell function and electronic device thereof
A unit pixel element that acts as an image sensor or a solar cell according to the present invention comprises a photo detector that drives a photocurrent flow, induced by light incident onto the gate, along the channel between the source and the drain; a first switch that is wired and switched on or switched off between the source terminal of the photo detector and the first solar cell bus; and a second switch that is wired and switched on or switched off between the gate terminal of the photo detector and the second solar cell bus, and features a function of light energy harvesting and high-efficiency photoelectric conversion that generates and supplies effective electric power. |
| US09997546B2 |
Array substrate, display panel, and display device
The invention discloses an array substrate, a display panel, and a display device, where at least one control capacitor is added to a pixel zone, and the control capacitor has a first electrode at a fixed potential, and a second electrode at the same potential as a node between two adjacent transistors, so that when an active gate scan signal is stopped from being loaded on a gate line, the potential of the second electrode of the control capacitor is controlled to be kept at the potential of data signal loaded on a data line, to thereby lower the difference in voltage between the source and the drain of a transistor associated with the second electrode of the control capacitor so as to keep the potential at a connection point of the transistor with a storage capacitor to be the potential of a data signal loaded on the data line. |
| US09997544B2 |
Contact window structure, pixel structure and method for manufacturing thereof
The present disclosure provides a contact window structure. In the contact window structure, a first insulating layer, having a first opening, is positioned on a first metal layer, wherein the first opening exposes a part of the first metal layer. A second metal layer covers the first opening and contacts with the first metal layer via the first opening. A second insulating layer, having a second opening, is positioned on the first insulating layer, wherein the second opening exposes a part of the second layer and the first insulating layer. The projection area of the second opening on the first metal layer covers the projection area of the first opening on the first metal layer. A pixel structure containing the contact window structure and a manufacturing method thereof are also provided herein. |
| US09997543B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
There has been a case where peeling occurs if an internal stress of a wiring of a TFT is strong. In particular, the internal stress of a gate electrode largely influences a stress that a semiconductor film receives, and there has been a case where the internal stress becomes a cause of reduction in electric characteristics of a TFT depending on the internal stress. According to the present invention, an impurity element is introduced into a wiring, or both the introduction of an impurity element and heat treatment are performed, whereby the wiring can be controlled to have a desired internal stress. It is effective that the present invention is particularly applied to a gate electrode. Further, it is possible that the introduction of an impurity element and the heat treatment are conducted to only a desired region to conduct control to attain a desired internal stress. |
| US09997540B2 |
Structure and method for compressively strained silicon germanium fins for pFET devices and tensily strained silicon fins for nFET devices
A method of forming a semiconductor structure that includes a tensily strained silicon fin extending upwards from a first portion of a substrate and in an nFET device region, and a SiGe fin structure extending upwards from a second portion of the substrate and in a pFET device region. In accordance with the present application, the SiGe fin structure comprises, from bottom to top, a lower SiGe fin that is relaxed and an upper SiGe fin, wherein the upper SiGe fin is compressively strained and has a germanium content that is greater than a germanium content of the lower SiGe fin. |
| US09997538B2 |
Semiconductor device including channel structure
A semiconductor device includes a stacked structure disposed on a semiconductor substrate. The stacked structure includes interlayer insulating layers and gate electrodes, alternately stacked. Separation patterns are disposed to penetrate the stacked structure. A channel structure is disposed between the separation patterns. The channel structure includes a horizontal portion interposed between the stacked structure and the semiconductor substrate while being in contact with the semiconductor substrate and includes vertical portions extending from the horizontal portion in a vertical direction and penetrating the stacked structure. A lower structure is interposed between the horizontal portion and the separation patterns. A dielectric structure is interposed between the vertical portions and the stacked structure and extends between the horizontal portion and the stacked structure. |
| US09997537B2 |
Semiconductor devices including gate insulation layers on channel materials and methods of forming the same
Semiconductor devices are provided. A semiconductor device includes a stack of alternating insulation layers and gate electrodes. The semiconductor device includes a channel material in a channel recess in the stack. The semiconductor device includes a charge storage structure on the channel material, in the channel recess. Moreover, the semiconductor device includes a gate insulation layer on the channel material. The gate insulation layer undercuts a portion of the channel material. Related methods of forming semiconductor devices are also provided. |
| US09997535B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor memory device comprises: control gate electrodes stacked above a substrate; a semiconductor layer that extends in a first direction above the substrate and faces the control gate electrodes; and a gate insulating layer provided between these control gate electrode and semiconductor layer. The gate insulating layer comprises: a first insulating layer covering a side surface of the semiconductor layer; a charge accumulation layer covering a side surface of this first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer including a metal oxide and covering a side surface of this charge accumulation layer. The charge accumulation layer has: a first portion facing the control gate electrode; and a second portion facing a region between control gate electrodes adjacent in the first direction and including more oxygen than the first portion. |
| US09997534B2 |
Vertical memory devices
A vertical memory device includes a substrate, a channel on the substrate, extending in a vertical direction with respect to a top surface of the substrate, and including a protrusion at a lower portion of the channel, the protrusion extending in a parallel direction with respect to the top surface of the substrate, a semiconductor pattern connecting the protrusion and the substrate, and gate lines stacked and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the gate lines on the protrusion and the semiconductor pattern and surrounding the channel. |
| US09997529B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment comprises: when three directions intersecting each other are assumed to be first through third directions, and two directions intersecting each other in a plane extending in the first and second directions are assumed to be fourth and fifth directions, a memory cell array including: a conductive layer stacked in the third direction above a semiconductor substrate and having a first region; and a first columnar body penetrating the first region of the conductive layer in the third direction and including a semiconductor film, the first columnar body having a cross-section along the first and second directions in which, at a first position which is a certain position in the third direction, a length in the fourth direction is shorter than a length in the fifth direction. |
| US09997527B1 |
Method for manufacturing embedded non-volatile memory
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a logic well and a high voltage well are respectively formed in second and third regions of a substrate. A first device structure and a second device structure are formed on a first region of the substrate, third and fourth device structures are respectively formed on the logic well and the high voltage well. A first word line Vt, a source side junction, and a second word line Vt are formed adjacent to the first device structure, between the first device structure and the second device structure, and adjacent to the second device structure. The fourth device structure is removed. A source line junction is formed in the source side junction. The third device structure is removed. First word line and second word lines are respectively formed on the first word line Vt and the second word line Vt. |
| US09997525B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device may include a first conductive pattern having a line portion and a pad portion connected to the line portion on a substrate, a gate insulating pattern and a second conductive pattern sequentially stacked on the substrate, and a capping layer disposed on the first and second conductive patterns. A first trench is defined in an upper portion of the substrate adjacent to one side of the second conductive pattern, and the capping layer at least partially fills the first trench. |
| US09997519B1 |
Dual channel structures with multiple threshold voltages
A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes depositing a first work function metal layer in nanosheet channel stacks for first and second CMOS structure each including a first nanosheet channel stack for an nFET and a second nanosheet channel stack for a pFET. The method also includes patterning to remove the first work function metal layer surrounding nanosheet channels in the first nanosheet channel stack of the first CMOS structure and nanosheet channels in the second nanosheet channel stack of the second CMOS structure. The method further includes depositing a second work function metal layer to surround the nanosheet channels in the first nanosheet channel stack of the first CMOS structure and the nanosheet channels in the second nanosheet channel stack of the second CMOS structure. The first CMOS structure has a first threshold voltage and the second CMOS structure has a second threshold voltage. |
| US09997518B2 |
Low resistive electrode for an extendable high-k metal gate stack
In one embodiment, a method of making a semiconductor device includes: forming a substrate; forming an nFET transistor and a pFET transistor on the substrate; wherein forming the nFET transistor comprises first depositing several first layers in and along the inner sidewalls of a trench on the substrate, then depositing a conductive metal comprising cobalt on the several first layers; wherein forming the pFET transistor comprises first depositing several second layers in and along the inner sidewalls of a trench on the substrate, then depositing a conductive metal comprising cobalt on the several second layers. |
| US09997515B2 |
Semiconductor devices with trench gate structures in a semiconductor body with hexagonal crystal lattice
A semiconductor device includes trench gate structures in a semiconductor body with hexagonal crystal lattice. A mean surface plane of a first surface is tilted to a <1-100> crystal direction by an off-axis angle, wherein an absolute value of the off-axis angle is in a range from 2 degree to 12 degree. The trench gate structures extend oriented along the <1-100> crystal direction. Portions of the semiconductor body between neighboring trench gate structures form transistor mesas. Sidewalls of the transistor mesas deviate from a normal to the mean surface plane by not more than 5 degree. |
| US09997514B2 |
Driver circuit, method of manufacturing the driver circuit, and display device including the driver circuit
Provided are a driver circuit which suppresses damage of a semiconductor element due to ESD in a manufacturing process, a method of manufacturing the driver circuit. Further provided are a driver circuit provided with a protection circuit with low leakage current, and a method of manufacturing the driver circuit. By providing a protection circuit in a driver circuit to be electrically connected to a semiconductor element in the driver circuit, and by forming, at the same time, a transistor which serves as the semiconductor element in the driver circuit and a transistor included in the protection circuit in the driver circuit, damage of the semiconductor element due to ESD is suppressed in the process of manufacturing the driver circuit. Further, by using an oxide semiconductor film for the transistor included in the protection circuit in the driver circuit, leakage current in the protection circuit is reduced. |
| US09997508B2 |
Integrated photo detector, method of making the same
An integrated photo detector with enhanced electrostatic discharge damage (ESD) protection. The integrated photo detector includes a first photodiode formed in the SOI substrate and associated with a first p-electrode and a first n-electrode. Additionally, the integrated photo detector includes a second photodiode formed in the SOI substrate associated with a second p-electrode and a second n-electrode forming a capacitance no larger than a few femto Faradays. Moreover, the integrated photo detector includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed respectively on the SOI substrate. The first/second electrode is respectively connected to the first p/n-electrode via a first/second metallic layer patterned with a reduced width from the first/second electrode to the first p/n-electrode and connected to the second p/n-electrode via a first/second metallic wire to make a parallel coupling between the first photodiode and the second photodiode with an ESD threshold of about 100V. |
| US09997507B2 |
Semiconductor assembly and method of manufacture
A monolithically integrated semiconductor assembly is presented. The semiconductor assembly includes a substrate including silicon (Si), and gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor device is fabricated on the substrate. The semiconductor assembly further includes at least one transient voltage suppressor (TVS) structure fabricated in or on the substrate, wherein the TVS structure is in electrical contact with the GaN semiconductor device. The TVS structure is configured to operate in a punch-through mode, an avalanche mode, or combinations thereof, when an applied voltage across the GaN semiconductor device is greater than a threshold voltage. Methods of making a monolithically integrated semiconductor assembly are also presented. |
| US09997505B2 |
Lighting device, backlight module and illumination module
Various examples of a lighting device, backlight module and illumination module are described. A lighting device includes a carrier component, an LED chip, a thermistor, and a plurality of metal wires. The carrier component includes a plurality of electrodes. The LED chip and the thermistor are disposed on the carrier component and electrically coupled to each other. The plurality of metal wires form a circuit with the plurality of electrodes, the LED chip, and the thermistor. The thermistor has dimensions in chip-level scale when viewed from the top of the lighting device. A backlight module includes the aforementioned lighting device. An illumination module includes the aforementioned lighting device and a driver which is electrically coupled to the lighting device. |
| US09997503B2 |
Composite substrate and light emitting device
The composite substrate includes: a lead frame including one or more pairs of support leads, each of the one or more pairs of support leads including a first support lead and a second support lead; and one or more packages supported by first and second support leads and including a resin molded body. The resin molded body includes: a first outer side surface; a second outer side surface; a third outer side surface; a fourth outer side surface; a front surface; a first recess; a second recess; a third recess disposed at a bottom surface of the first recess; and a fourth recess disposed at a bottom surface of the second recess. The first support lead is fitted into the first recess and the third recess, and the second support lead is fitted into the second recess and the fourth recess. |
| US09997501B2 |
Micro-transfer-printed light-emitting diode device
A compound light-emitting diode (LED) device includes a semiconductor substrate having an active electronic circuit formed in or on the semiconductor substrate. Two or more electrically conductive circuit connection pads are formed in or on the semiconductor substrate and are electrically connected to the active electronic circuit. One or more micro-transfer printed LEDs each have at least two LED electrodes or connection pads and a fractured LED tether. An adhesive layer is disposed between the semiconductor substrate and each LED to adhere the semiconductor substrate to the LED. Two or more electrical conductors electrically connect one of the electrodes or LED connection pads to one of the circuit connection pads. |
| US09997500B1 |
Common-source packaging structure
A common-source type package structure is provided in the present invention. In the package structure, an integrated component body is configured a common-source pin region, a first arrangement region and a second arrangement region. The second and first arrangement regions are spaced apart from each other. A first MOSFET die and a second MOSFET are respectively located at the first and second arrangement region respectively, and have a top surface, a source electrode pad and a gate electrode pad. The source electrode pad and the gate electrode pad are exposed to the top surface and spaced apart from each other. A common-source connection element is connected to the source electrode pad and the common-source pin region. A gate connection element is connected to the gate electrode pad and a gate pin region of the integrated component body. |
| US09997497B2 |
Through silicon via structure
A device includes a through substrate via (TSV) extending through a device substrate. The TSV includes a first conductive material having a sidewall, a protruding end of the TSV protruding from a second side of the device substrate. A liner covers the sidewall of the first conductive material from a below the top surface of the protruding end of the TSV to an opposite end of the TSV. A passivation layer is disposed over the second side of the device substrate and over a portion of the liner disposed on the protruding end of the TSV, the passivation layer having a stair-step surface extending away from the TSV. A conductive interface layer is disposed over the passivation layer, the sidewall of the first conductive material, and the top surface of the protruding end of the TSV. A second conductive material is disposed over the first conductive material. |
| US09997495B2 |
Non-contacting inductive interconnects
A non-contacting inductive interconnect of a three-dimensional integrated circuit includes a first silicon substrate having a first inductive loop. A first layer of high permeability material is deposited on the first silicon substrate that has the first inductive loop forming a first high permeability structure. The circuit further includes a second silicon substrate having a second inductive loop. A magnetic coupling is formed between the first inductive loop and the second inductive loop. The first high permeability structure can enhance the magnetic coupling between the first inductive loop and the second inductive loop. In some embodiments, a second layer of the high permeability material is deposited on the second silicon substrate that has the second inductive loop forming a second high permeability structure. The first high permeability structure and the second high permeability structure can form a magnetic circuit coupling the first inductive loop and the second inductive loop. |
| US09997492B2 |
Optically-masked microelectronic packages and methods for the fabrication thereof
Microelectronic packages and methods for fabricating microelectronic packages having optical mask layers are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes building redistribution layers over the frontside of a semiconductor die. The redistribution layers includes a body of dielectric material in which a plurality of interconnect lines are formed. An optical mask layer is formed over the frontside of the semiconductor die and at least a portion of the redistribution layers. The optical mask layer has an opacity greater than the opacity of the body of dielectric material and blocks or obscures visual observation of an interior portion of the microelectronic package through the redistribution layers. |
| US09997490B2 |
Window clamp
A wire bonding machine window clamp assembly. The assembly includes a support plate adapted to support a leadframe strip. The assembly also includes a frame structure defining a central clamp opening adapted to expose a portion of the leadframe strip. The frame structure includes at least one elongate frame member having a first surface portion adapted to engage a top surface of the leadframe strip and a second surface portion adapted to engage upper surfaces of integrated circuit (“IC”) component stacks mounted on the leadframe strip. |
| US09997489B2 |
Coated bond wires for die packages and methods of manufacturing said coated bond wires
A bond wire having a metal core, a dielectric layer, and a ground connectable metallization, wherein the bond wire has one or more vapor barrier coatings. Further, the present invention relates to a die package with at least one bond wire according to the invention. |
| US09997488B2 |
Copper-based alloy wire and methods for manufaturing the same
A copper-based alloy wire made of a material selected from the group consisting of a copper-gold alloy, a copper-palladium alloy and a copper-gold-palladium alloy is provided. The alloy wire has a polycrystalline structure of a face-centered cubic lattice and consists of a plurality of equi-axial grains. The quantity of grains having annealing twins is 10 percent or more of the total quantity of the grains of the copper-based alloy wire. |
| US09997481B2 |
Semiconductor package with stacked semiconductor chips
A semiconductor package includes a build-up structure; a semiconductor disposed on the build-up structure in a flip-chip manner and having a plurality of bumps penetrating therethrough; an electronic element disposed on the semiconductor chip; and an encapsulant formed on the build-up structure and encapsulating the semiconductor chip and the electronic element, thereby improving the product yield and the overall heat dissipating efficiency. |
| US09997480B2 |
Method of forming a semiconductor device including strain reduced structure
A method of forming a device includes forming conductive pads on a semiconductor die. The conductive pads include a first conductive pad having a first width on a first region of the semiconductor die; and a second conductive pad having a second width on a second region of the semiconductor die. The method includes forming bonding pads on a substrate. The bonding pads include a third bonding pad having a third width on a third region of the substrate; and a fourth bonding pad having a fourth width on a fourth region of the substrate. The method further includes forming a conductive material coupled between the first conductive pad and the third bonding pad, and between the second conductive pad and the fourth bonding pad. A ratio A of the first width to the third width is different from a ratio B of the second width to the fourth width. |
| US09997479B1 |
Method for manufacturing redistribution layer
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate having a top surface is provided. A top metal layer is formed in the top surface. A first passivation layer is formed to cover the top metal layer and the top surface. The first passivation layer has a via hole exposing a portion of the top metal layer. A redistribution layer is formed to cover the first passivation layer, the portion of the top metal layer, and a side surface of the via hole. The redistribution layer includes an overhang structure over the via hole. An etching process is performed on the redistribution layer to remove the overhang structure and a portion of the redistribution layer to expose a portion of the first passivation layer. A second passivation layer is formed to cover the redistribution layer and the portion of the first passivation layer. |
| US09997477B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor package
A semiconductor package and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor package includes: a substrate having a plurality of conductive lands and a plurality of bonding pads surrounding the conductive lands formed on a surface thereof; a plurality of passive devices mounted on the conductive lands; an insulation layer formed on the surface and having a portion of the passive devices embedded therein; a semiconductor chip mounted on a top surface of the insulation layer; a plurality of bonding wires electrically connecting the semiconductor chip and the bonding pads; an encapsulant formed on the surface of the substrate to encapsulate the insulation layer, the bonding wires and the semiconductor chip, wherein a region of the semiconductor chip projected onto the substrate covers a portion of an outermost one of the passive devices. Therefore, the mounting density of the passive devices is improved. |
| US09997475B2 |
Monolithic integration of III-V cells for powering memory erasure devices
A method for making a photovoltaic device is provided that includes the steps of providing a silicon substrate having a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (“CMOS”); bonding a first layer of silicon oxide to a second layer of silicon oxide wherein the bonded layers are deposited on the silicon substrate; and forming a III-V photovoltaic cell on a side of the bonded silicon oxide layers opposite the silicon substrate, wherein when the III-V photovoltaic cell is exposed to radiation, the III-V photovoltaic cell generates a current that powers a memory erasure device to cause an alteration of a memory state of a memory cell in an integrated circuit. |
| US09997474B2 |
Wiring board and semiconductor device
A wiring board includes a first insulating layer made of a single layer of non-photosensitive resin including a reinforcing member, a center position of the reinforcing member being positioned on a side toward a first surface with respect to a center of the first insulating layer in a thickness direction; a layered structure of a wiring layer and an insulating layer, stacked on the first surface of the first insulating layer; a through wiring provided to penetrate the first insulating layer, the through wiring and the first insulating layer forming a first concave portion at a second surface of the first insulating layer, in which the second end surface of the through wiring is exposed; and a pad for external connection formed at the second surface of the first insulating layer at a position corresponding to the through wiring and having a second concave portion. |
| US09997467B2 |
Semiconductor packages and methods of forming the same
Semiconductor packages and methods of forming the same are disclosed. Embodiments include forming a first recess in a first substrate, wherein a first area of an opening of the first recess is larger than a second area of a bottom of the first recess. The embodiments also include forming a first device, wherein a third area of a top end of the first device is larger than a fourth area of a bottom end of the first device. The embodiments also include placing the first device into the first recess, wherein the bottom end of the first device faces the bottom of the first recess, and bonding a sidewall of the first device to a sidewall of the first recess. |
| US09997465B1 |
Semiconductor package structure
Semiconductor package structures are provided. A semiconductor package structure includes a chip, a molding material surrounding the chip, a through-via extending from a first surface to a second surface of the molding material, a first re-distribution layer (RDL) wire disposed on the second surface of the molding material and coupled to the through-via, and a second RDL wire disposed on the second surface of the molding material and parallel to the first RDL wire. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. A portion of the second RDL wire across the through-via has a first segment with a first width and a second segment with a second width different from the first width. |
| US09997464B2 |
Dummy features in redistribution layers (RDLS) and methods of forming same
An embodiment device includes an integrated circuit die and a first metallization pattern over the integrated circuit die. The first metallization pattern includes a first dummy pattern having a first hole extending through a first conductive region. The device further includes a second metallization pattern over the first metallization pattern. The second metallization pattern includes a second dummy pattern having a second hole extending through a second conductive region. The second hole is arranged projectively overlapping a portion of the first hole and a portion of the first conductive region. |
| US09997463B2 |
Modular interconnects for gate-all-around transistors
A modular interconnect structure facilitates building complex, yet compact, integrated circuits from vertical GAA FETs. The modular interconnect structure includes annular metal contacts to the transistor terminals, sectors of stacked discs extending radially outward from the vertical nanowires, and vias in the form of rods. Extension tabs mounted onto the radial sector interconnects permit signals to fan out from each transistor terminal. Adjacent interconnects are linked by linear segments. Unlike conventional integrated circuits, the modular interconnects as described herein are formed at the same time as the transistors. Vertical GAA NAND and NOR gates provide building blocks for creating all types of logic gates to carry out any desired Boolean logic function. Stacked vertical GAA FETs are made possible by the modular interconnect structure. The modular interconnect structure permits a variety of specialized vertical GAA devices to be integrated on a silicon substrate using standard CMOS processes. |
| US09997458B2 |
Method for manufacturing germamde interconnect structures and corresponding interconnect structures
Method for forming an interconnect structure, comprising the steps of: forming a recessed structure in a dielectric material on a substrate; at least partially filling said recessed structure with a metal chosen from the group consisting of copper, nickel and cobalt; introducing the substrate in a CVD reactor; bringing the substrate in the CVD reactor to a soak temperature and subsequently performing a soak treatment by supplying a germanium precursor gas to the CVD reactor at the soak temperature, thereby substantially completely converting the metal in the recessed structure to a germanide. |
| US09997457B2 |
Cobalt based interconnects and methods of fabrication thereof
An embodiment includes a metal interconnect structure, comprising: a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate; an opening in the dielectric layer, wherein the opening has sidewalls and exposes a conductive region of at least one of the substrate and an interconnect line; an adhesive layer, comprising manganese, disposed over the conductive region and on the sidewalls; and a fill material, comprising cobalt, within the opening and on a surface of the adhesion layer. Other embodiments are described herein. |
| US09997453B2 |
Antifuse having comb-like top electrode
Antifuse structures are provided for use in applications such as field programmable gate arrays and programmable read-only memories. High aspect ratio channels within an antifuse dielectric layer are used to form antifuse electrode projections. The projections are configured to enhance the electric field across the antifuse structures, thereby facilitating dielectric breakdown. The antifuse structures can enable low-voltage programming. |
| US09997451B2 |
Semiconductor device including a porous dielectric layer, and method of forming the semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a porous dielectric layer formed on an interconnect layer and including a recessed portion, a conductive layer formed in the recessed portion, and a conformal cap layer formed on the porous dielectric layer and on the conductive layer in the recessed portion, an upper surface of the porous dielectric layer being exposed through a gap in the conformal cap layer. Porous dielectric material is protected by back-filled pore fillers or leave-in porogens from process integration such as chemical mechanical polishing (CMP). The pore fillers or porogens are removed after CMP and Cap process to achieve low capacitance. A self-aligned cap protects the conductor metal from exposing the severe conditions during the pore filler or porogen removal process. |
| US09997450B2 |
Wiring substrate and semiconductor device
A wiring substrate includes a first connection terminal and a protective insulation layer. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to a wiring layer by a via wiring and projects upward from an upper surface of an insulation layer. The protective insulation layer is located on the upper surface of the insulation layer to contact and cover a portion of a side surface of the first connection terminal. The first connection terminal includes a lower portion that is continuous with the via wiring and an upper portion that is continuous with the lower portion. The lower portion is smaller in crystal grain size than the upper portion. The lower portion and the upper portion are formed from the same metal material. The side surface of the lower portion has a higher roughness degree than the side surface of the upper portion. |
| US09997445B2 |
Substrate interconnections for packaged semiconductor device
A “universal” substrate for a semiconductor device is formed of a non-conductive substrate material. A uniform array of conductive pillars is formed in the substrate material. The pillars extend from a top surface of the substrate material to a bottom surface of the substrate material. A die flag may be formed on the top surface of the substrate material. Pillars underneath the die flag are connected to pillars beyond a perimeter of the die flag with wires. Power and ground rings may be formed by connecting rows of pillars that surround the die flag. |
| US09997441B2 |
Support member, wiring substrate, method for manufacturing wiring substrate, and method for manufacturing semiconductor package
A wiring substrate includes a support member, and a wiring member formed on one side of the support member. The support member includes metal foils and at least one resin layer alternately layered, so that one of the metal foils is provided as a first outermost layer on the one side of the support member and another one of the metal foils is provided as a second outermost layer on another side of the support member. The first outermost layer includes thick and thin foils that are peelably adhered. The thick foil contacts the at least one resin layer. One surface of the thin foil faces an outer side of the support member. The wiring member includes wiring layers and an insulating layer alternately layered on the thin foil. The number of the metal foils and the number of the wiring layers are the same. |
| US09997439B2 |
Method for fabricating an advanced routable quad flat no-lead package
An improved leadframe assembly for use in a quad flat no lead (QFN) package is described along with a method of fabricating both the leadframe assembly and the QFN package. The leadframe assembly comprises an etch-stop layer formed on a topside of a substrate and a routing layer (or trace) formed on a topside of the etch-stop layer. The etch-stop layer prevents etching of an underside of the routing trace and the leadframe assembly may also comprise a top plating layer formed on a topside of the routing layer and which prevents etching of the topside of the routing trace. |
| US09997431B2 |
Electronic device provided with a thermal dissipation member
An electronic device includes a support and a component in the form of an integrated circuit chip having a rear face mounted above a front face of the support and a front face opposite its rear face. A block is provided for at least partially encapsulating the component above the front face of the support. The device also includes at least one thermal dissipation member having a flexible sheet having at least two portions folded onto one another while forming at least one fold between them, these portions facing one another at least partly. |
| US09997427B2 |
Display panel with dam structure
A display panel includes a first inorganic capping layer (INOCL) in a non-displaying area (AND) of a substrate, a first electrode in the AND formed on the first INOCL, an organic capping layer (OCL) on the substrate overlapping at least a portion of the first electrode, and a first dam structure in the AND positioned between a first lateral surface of the substrate and the OCL in top view. A first distance H is between the top surfaces of the first INOCL and the OCL in a normal direction of the substrate. The first dam structure has a first maximum dam height Hdam and a dam width Wdam. A second distance Lsr is a minimum distance from a third lateral surface of the first dam structure to a second lateral surface of the first electrode, wherein H, Lsr, Hdam and Wdam conform to the equation: H×(0.1870−Wdam/(2.46×Lsr))≤Hdam≤H×(0.9548−Wdam/(44.26×Lsr)). |
| US09997426B2 |
Thermally enhanced semiconductor package with thermal additive and process for making the same
The present disclosure relates to a thermally enhanced semiconductor package, which includes a module substrate, a thinned flip chip die over the substrate, a first mold compound component, and a thermally enhanced mold compound component. The first mold compound component resides over the module substrate, surrounds the thinned flip chip die, and extends above an upper surface of the thinned flip chip die to form a cavity over the upper surface of the thinned flip chip die. The thermally enhanced mold compound component includes a lower portion filling a lower region of the cavity and residing over the upper surface of the thinned flip chip die, and an upper portion filling an upper region of the cavity and residing over the lower portion. A first average thermal conductivity of the lower portion is at least 1.2 times greater than a second average thermal conductivity of the upper portion. |
| US09997425B2 |
Layered benzocyclobutene interconnected circuit and method of manufacturing same
An integrated circuit includes stacked benzocyclobutene layers and a circuit geometry comprising conductive electric traces and interconnects on and/or extending through the BCB layers. A first said BCB layer formed and partially cured state. A top surface masked with photoresist, and after exposure, etched selectively form through vias at locations corresponding to conductive interconnects of the circuit geometry associated with said first BCB layer. A further mask coating is applied and after exposure, conductive metal is deposited to infill vias and form the electric traces of the circuit geometry. Subsequent BCB layers are then likewise formed, etched masked and coated in the same manner. |
| US09997424B2 |
Method of forming a temporary test structure for device fabrication
A method of forming a temporary test structure for device fabrication is provided. The method allows for electrically testing conductive interconnects during controlled collapse chip connections (C4) fabrication and/or through-silicon vias (TSVs) during interposer fabrication. The method includes providing a substrate containing a plurality of electrically conductive interconnects extending vertically to top surface of the substrate. A temporary test structure is formed to connect the plurality of interconnects for electrical testing. Electrical testing is performed on the substrate by probing at different test locations on the temporary test structure. All or part of the temporary test structure is removed so as not to affect product performance. The temporary test structure can contain electrical test pads which provide a way to make temporary connections to small interconnect landings or features at extreme tight pitch to fan them out to testable pads sizes and pitches. |
| US09997423B2 |
Semiconductor wafer and method of concurrently testing circuits formed thereon
A semiconductor wafer has an array of integrated circuit dies formed on it. Each die is enclosed by a respective seal ring. Each die has a group of bond pads and test pads coupled to the bond pads. A test pad region is formed on the wafer. The test pad region has probe pads and common electrical interconnects that selectively electrically couple each of the probe pads to a bond pad on each of the dies. The common electrical interconnects in the test pad region reduce the possibility of probe damage to the integrated circuits and allow the dies to be tested concurrently before being cut from the wafer. |
| US09997422B2 |
Systems and methods for frequency modulation of radiofrequency power supply for controlling plasma instability
A wafer is positioned on a wafer support apparatus beneath an electrode such that a plasma generation region exists between the wafer and the electrode. Radiofrequency signals of a first signal frequency are supplied to the plasma generation region to generate a plasma within the plasma generation region. Formation of a plasma instability is detected within the plasma based on supply of the radiofrequency signals of the first signal frequency. After detecting formation of the plasma instability, radiofrequency signals of a second signal frequency are supplied to the plasma generation region in lieu of the radiofrequency signals of the first signal frequency to generate the plasma. The second signal frequency is greater than the first signal frequency and is set to cause a reduction in ion energy within the plasma and a corresponding reduction in secondary electron emission from the wafer caused by ion interaction with the wafer. |
| US09997418B2 |
Dual liner silicide
A method for fabricating a dual silicide device includes growing source and drain (S/D) regions for an N-type device, forming a protection layer over a gate structure and the S/D regions of the N-type device and growing S/D regions for a P-type device. A first dielectric layer is conformally deposited and portions removed to expose the S/D regions. Exposed S/D regions for the P-type device are silicided to form a liner. A second dielectric layer is conformally deposited. A dielectric fill is formed over the second dielectric layer. Contact holes are opened through the second dielectric layer to expose the liner for the P-type device and expose the protection layer for the N-type device. The S/D regions for the N-type device are exposed by opening the protection layer. Exposed S/D regions adjacent to the gate structure are silicided to form a liner for the N-type device. Contacts are formed. |
| US09997415B2 |
Formation of nickel silicon and nickel germanium structure at staggered times
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, first and second metals, and a second semiconductor material. The substrate includes a first semiconductor material and has first and second substrate portions. The first metal is reacted with the first substrate portion of the substrate. The second semiconductor material is above the second substrate portion of the substrate and is different from the first semiconductor material. The second metal is reacted with the second semiconductor material. |
| US09997414B2 |
Ge/SiGe-channel and III-V-channel transistors on the same die
Techniques are disclosed for forming Ge/SiGe-channel and III-V-channel transistors on the same die. The techniques include depositing a pseudo-substrate of Ge/SiGe or III-V material on a Si or insulator substrate. The pseudo-substrate can then be patterned into fins and a subset of the fins can be replaced by the other of Ge/SiGe or III-V material. The Ge/SiGe fins can be used for p-MOS transistors and the III-V material fins can be used for n-MOS transistors, and both sets of fins can be used for CMOS devices, for example. In some instances, only the channel region of the subset of fins are replaced during, for example, a replacement gate process. In some instances, some or all of the fins may be formed into or replaced by one or more nanowires or nanoribbons. |
| US09997413B1 |
Stacked vertical devices
A semiconductor structure containing a plurality of stacked vertical field effect transistor (FETs) is provided. After forming a first vertical FET of a first conductivity type at a lower portion of a semiconductor fin, a second vertical FET of a second conductivity type is formed on top of the first vertical FET. The second conductivity type can be opposite to, or the same as, the first conductivity type. A source/drain region of the first vertical FET is electrically connected to a source/drain region of the second vertical FET by a conductive strip structure. |
| US09997412B1 |
Methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming on a substrate gate electrodes extending in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction, forming capping patterns on the gate electrodes, forming interlayer dielectric layer filling spaces between adjacent gate electrodes, forming a hardmask on the interlayer dielectric layer with an opening selectively exposing second to fourth capping patterns, using the hardmask as an etch mask to form holes in the interlayer dielectric layer between the second and third gate electrodes and between the third and fourth gate electrodes, forming a barrier layer and a conductive layer in the holes, performing a first planarization to expose the hardmask, performing a second planarization to expose a portion of the barrier layer covering the second to fourth capping patterns, and performing a third planarization to completely expose the first to fourth capping patterns. |
| US09997411B2 |
Formation of metal resistor and e-fuse
Embodiments of present disclosure provide methods of forming a resistor. One such method can include forming a first transistor structure and a second transistor structure on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the first transistor structure includes a dummy gate thereon; forming a mask on the first transistor structure; forming a metal gate on the second transistor structure; removing the mask, after the forming of the metal gate, to expose the first transistor structure; and siliciding a top portion of the dummy gate of the first transistor structure to yield a resistor. |
| US09997408B2 |
Method of optimizing wire RC for device performance and reliability
A method of tailoring BEOL RC parametrics to improve chip performance. According to the method, an integrated circuit design on an integrated circuit chip is analyzed. The analysis comprises calculating Vmax for vias and metal lines in the integrated circuit design over a range of sizes for the vias and the metal lines. Predicted use voltage for applications on the integrated circuit chip is determined. The size or the location of at least one of the vias and the metal lines is tailored based on performance parameters of the integrated circuit chip. |
| US09997406B2 |
Columnar interconnects and method of making them
Disclosed herein is an interconnect structure, including: a dielectric material layer having a cavity having a height, width and length within a dielectric material layer wherein the width is less than or equal to about 100 nanometers and the height to width ratio is less than or equal to about 2.5; a diffusion barrier liner layer disposed in the cavity on the dielectric material; an optional crystallization seed layer disposed on the diffusion barrier liner layer; and a conductive material disposed on the crystallization seed layer when present and filling the opening. When the crystallization seed layer is not present the conductive material is disposed on the diffusion barrier liner. |
| US09997405B2 |
Feature fill with nucleation inhibition
Described herein are methods of filling features with tungsten, and related systems and apparatus, involving inhibition of tungsten nucleation. In some embodiments, the methods involve selective inhibition along a feature profile. Methods of selectively inhibiting tungsten nucleation can include exposing the feature to a direct or remote plasma. Pre-inhibition and post-inhibition treatments are used to modulate the inhibition effect, facilitating feature fill using inhibition across a wide process window. The methods described herein can be used to fill vertical features, such as in tungsten vias, and horizontal features, such as vertical NAND (VNAND) wordlines. The methods may be used for both conformal fill and bottom-up/inside-out fill. Examples of applications include logic and memory contact fill, DRAM buried wordline fill, vertically integrated memory gate and wordline fill, and 3-D integration using through-silicon vias. |
| US09997403B2 |
Metal layer tip to tip short
Techniques relate to forming an integrated circuit. Trench contacts are formed on top of at least one source and drain of an intermediate structure. An interlayer dielectric is formed on top of the intermediate structure. A trench is cut through the interlayer dielectric, through at least one of the trench contacts, down to a shallow trench isolation area. The trench is filled with a filling material. Upper contacts are formed on top of the trench contacts in the interlayer dielectric. A first metal layer pattern is patterned such that a separation is formed by a filling material width of the filling material. First metal layers are formed according to the first metal layer pattern, where tips of the first metal layers are aligned to the filling material that fills the trench, such that the tips of the first metal layers are separated by the filling material width. |
| US09997401B2 |
Method for forming a via profile of interconnect structure of semiconductor device structure
A method for forming the semiconductor device structure is provided. The method includes forming a first metal layer over a substrate and forming a dielectric layer over the first metal layer. The method includes forming an antireflection layer over the dielectric layer, forming a hard mask layer over the antireflection layer and forming a patterned photoresist layer over the hard mask layer. The method includes etching a portion of the antireflection layer by performing a first etching process and etching through the antireflection layer and etching a portion of the dielectric layer by performing a second etching process. The method includes etching through the dielectric layer by performing a third etching process to form a via portion on the first metal layer. The via portion includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the slope of the first sidewall is different from that of the second sidewall. |
| US09997399B2 |
Method for transferring semiconductor structure
A method for transferring a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes: coating an adhesive layer onto a carrier substrate; disposing the semiconductor structure onto the adhesive layer, in which the adhesive layer includes an adhesive component and an surfactant component after the disposing, the semiconductor structure includes a body and a bottom electrode, and the bottom electrode is disposed between the body and the adhesive layer after the disposing; irradiating a first electromagnetic wave to the adhesive layer to reduce adhesion pressure of the adhesive layer to the semiconductor structure while the semiconductor structure remains on the adhesive layer, in which the carrier substrate, the semiconductor structure, and the bottom electrode have a pass band in between ultraviolet to infrared; and transferring the semiconductor structure from the adhesive layer to a receiving substrate after the adhesion pressure of the adhesive layer is reduced. |
| US09997392B2 |
Wafer processing method
In a wafer processing method, the back side of a wafer is attached to an adhesive tape supported at its peripheral portion by an annular frame having an inside opening. The wafer is set in the inside opening, thereby supporting the wafer through the adhesive tape to the annular frame. The wafer is held on a chuck table with the front side of the wafer facing the upper surface of the chuck table. A laser beam is applied through the adhesive tape and the back side of the wafer in an area corresponding to each division line, thereby forming a plurality of shield tunnels arranged along each division line. Each shield tunnel extends from the front side of the wafer to the back side thereof, each shield tunnel being composed of a fine hole and an amorphous region formed around the fine hole for shielding the fine hole. |
| US09997391B2 |
Lift off process for chip scale package solid state devices on engineered substrate
A method of processing an engineered substrate structure includes providing an engineered substrate structure including a polycrystalline substrate and an engineered layer encapsulating the polycrystalline substrate, forming a sacrificial layer coupled to the engineered layer, joining a solid state device structure to the sacrificial layer, forming one or more channels in the solid state device structure by removing one or more portions of the solid state device structure to expose one or more portions of the sacrificial layer, flowing an etching chemical through the one or more channels to the one or more exposed portions of the sacrificial layer, and dissolving the sacrificial layer by interaction between the etching chemical and the sacrificial layer, thereby separating the engineered substrate structure from the solid state device structure. |
| US09997388B2 |
Substrate container with purge ports
A breather assembly mounted to the purge port of a substrate carrier for coupling with a tool port. In various embodiments, the breather assembly comprises a grommet that presents either a planar or a concave mounting face for coupling to the tool port. In one embodiment, the grommet is of a “solid compliant” construction, wherein the mounting face complies with the mouth of the tool port without substantially changing shape. In other embodiments, the grommet is of a “flexible compliant” construction, wherein the grommet changes shape when engaged with the tool port. The grommet can be configured so that the force (pressure-area product) exerted in the direction towards the tool port is greater than the force exerted in the direction away from the tool port, thereby enhancing the seal between the grommet and the tool port. |
| US09997387B2 |
Purge device, purge system, purge method, and control method in purge system
A purge device configured to purge the inside of a storage container storing a product with purge gas includes a plurality of placing units, each configured to place the storage container thereon, a plurality of supply pipes configured to supply purge gas to the storage container placed on the corresponding placing unit, a main pipe connected to the supply pipes and configured to supply the purge gas to the supply pipes, and an MFC configured to adjust the flow rate of the purge gas in the main pipe. |
| US09997382B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
In a substrate processing apparatus, an outer edge portion of a substrate in a horizontal state is supported from below by an annular substrate supporting part, and a lower surface facing part having a facing surface facing a lower surface of the substrate is provided inside the substrate supporting part. A gas ejection nozzle for ejecting heated gas toward the lower surface is provided in the lower surface facing part, and the substrate is heated by the heated gas when an upper surface of the rotating substrate is processed with a processing liquid ejected from an upper nozzle. Further, a lower nozzle is provided in the lower surface facing part, to thereby perform a processing on the lower surface with a processing liquid. Since the gas ejection nozzle protrudes from the facing surface, a flow of the processing liquid into the gas ejection nozzle can be suppressed during the processing. |
| US09997379B2 |
Method and apparatus for wafer wet processing
A gas dispenser in a process module for wet processing of wafer-shaped articles is substantially smaller than the article to be processed and is movable laterally of the article as it dispenses inert gas above the article. |
| US09997378B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and substrate processing method
In a substrate processing apparatus, with an internal space of a chamber brought into a pressurized atmosphere, an etching process is performed by continuously supplying a first processing liquid onto an upper surface of a substrate while rotating the substrate. It is thereby possible to suppress vaporization of the first processing liquid on the substrate and further suppress a decrease in the temperature of the substrate due to the heat of vaporization as it goes from a center portion of the substrate toward a peripheral portion thereof as compared with under normal pressure. As a result, it is possible to improve the uniformity in the temperature of the upper surface of the substrate during the etching process using the first processing liquid and improve the uniformity of etching over the entire upper surface of the substrate. |
| US09997377B2 |
Methods of forming configurable microchannels in package structures
Methods of forming a microelectronic packaging structure and associated structures formed thereby are described. Those methods and structures may include forming a sacrificial microchannel material on a device, forming an overmold material on the sacrificial microchannel material, and vaporizing the sacrificial microchannel material to form microchannel structures in the overmold that are conformal to the surfaces of the device. |
| US09997374B2 |
Etching method
An etching method performed by an etching apparatus includes a first process of causing a first high-frequency power supply to output a first high-frequency power with a first frequency and causing a second high-frequency power supply to output a second high-frequency power with a second frequency lower than the first frequency in a cryogenic environment where the temperature of a wafer is −35° C. or lower, to generate plasma from a hydrogen-containing gas and a fluorine-containing gas and to etch, with the plasma, a multi-layer film of silicon dioxide and silicon nitride and a single-layer film of silicon dioxide that are formed on the wafer; and a second process of stopping the output of the second high-frequency power supply. The first process and the second process are repeated multiple times, and the first process is shorter in time than the second process. |
| US09997373B2 |
Technique to deposit sidewall passivation for high aspect ratio cylinder etch
Various embodiments herein relate to methods, apparatus and systems for forming a recessed feature in dielectric material on a semiconductor substrate. Separate etching and deposition operations are employed in a cyclic manner. Each etching operation partially etches the feature. Each deposition operation forms a protective coating on the sidewalls of the feature to prevent lateral etch of the dielectric material during the etching operations. The protective coating may be deposited using methods that result in formation of the protective coating along substantially the entire length of the sidewalls. The protective coating may be deposited using particular reactants having low sticking coefficients in some embodiments. The protective coating may also be deposited using particular reaction mechanisms that result in substantially complete sidewall coating. In some cases the protective coating is deposited using plasma assisted atomic layer deposition or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition. |
| US09997370B2 |
Electronic apparatus, manufacturing method thereof, oscillator, electronic appliance, and mobile unit
An electronic apparatus according to the invention includes a substrate, a side wall that is disposed directly on the substrate or via an insulation film and forms a hollow, a functional element that is disposed within the hollow, a first layer that is disposed on the side wall so as to cover the hollow and has a first through hole that communicates with the hollow, a second layer that is disposed on the first layer so as to cover the hollow and has a second through hole that has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first through hole and at least partially overlaps the first through hole as viewed in plan view, and a third layer that is disposed on the second layer so as to seal at least the second through hole. |
| US09997366B2 |
Silicon oxide silicon nitride stack ion-assisted etch
A method for ion-assisted etching a stack of alternating silicon oxide and silicon nitride layers in an etch chamber is provided. An etch gas comprising a fluorine component, helium, and a fluorohydrocarbon or hydrocarbon is flowed into the etch chamber. The gas is formed into an in-situ plasma in the etch chamber. A bias of about 10 to about 100 volts is provided to accelerate helium ions to the stack and activate a surface of the stack to form an activated surface for ion-assisted etching, wherein the in-situ plasma etches the activated surface of the stack. |
| US09997365B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, heat treatment apparatus, and storage medium
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: loading a substrate into a process container after dry-etching a portion of a silicon film formed in a recess on the substrate; performing etching to partially or entirely remove the silicon film remaining on a side wall inside the recess by supplying an etching gas selected from a hydrogen bromide gas and a hydrogen iodide gas into the process container of a vacuum atmosphere while heating the substrate; subsequently forming a silicon film inside the recess; and heating the substrate to increase a grain size of the silicon film. |
| US09997353B1 |
Silicon composite substrates
A composite substrate includes a single crystal silicon layer on a glass or glass ceramic layer on a support layer can be used to form GaN layer without cracks. The glass or glass ceramic layer can have a set point and/or strain point below the deposition temperature of GaN, which can assist in releasing stress in the deposited GaN layer. Additionally, the composite substrate can be exposed to a heated and dry hydrogen ambient to reduce an oxide layer between the silicon layer and the glass or glass ceramic layer, to allow the formation of free standing GaN layer. |
| US09997348B2 |
Wafer stress control and topography compensation
A method of forming a semiconductor wafer includes generating a stress topography model of a semiconductor wafer with a plurality of desired structures in a desired layout. The method also includes determining a topography and calculating a compensation pattern based upon the topography, wherein the compensation pattern balances wafer topography. The method also includes patterning a semiconductor front side with the plurality of desired microstructures in the desired layout. The method also includes patterning the semiconductor back side with a compensation block mask corresponding to the compensation pattern. |
| US09997344B2 |
Methods and devices for generating double emulsions
The present disclosure describes devices and methods capable of generating multi-phase emulsions, including double emulsion droplets in a gas phase. The present disclosure also describes interfaces for coupling a multi-phase emulsion droplet source to an analytical instrument such as a mass spectrometer. The present disclosure further describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for using the devices and interfaces described to perform analysis, including mass spectrometry. The present disclosure also describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for generating and using multi-phase emulsions to perform analysis. |
| US09997343B2 |
Mass analyser and method of mass analysis
An electrostatic ion trap for mass analysis includes a first array of electrodes and a second array of electrodes, spaced from the first array of electrode. The first and second arrays of electrodes may be planar arrays formed by parallel strip electrodes or by concentric, circular or part-circular electrically conductive rings. The electrodes of the arrays are supplied with substantially the same pattern of voltage whereby the distribution of electrical potential in the space between the arrays is such as to reflect ions isochronously in a flight direction causing them to undergo periodic, oscillatory motion in the space, focused substantially mid-way between the arrays. Amplifier circuitry is used to detect image current having frequency components related to the mass-to-charge ratio of ions undergoing the periodic, oscillatory motion. |
| US09997341B2 |
Unknown identification using collision cross section
A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising experimentally determining or measuring one or more first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and one or more mass or mass to charge ratios of one or more analyte ions, generating a first list of possible candidate compounds which correspond to said one or more analyte ions on the basis of the one or more determined or measured masses or mass to charge ratios, and calculating, estimating or determining one or more second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters of at least some of the candidate compounds in the first list. The method further comprises a step of either: (i) generating a second reduced list of possible candidate compounds by filtering or removing candidate compounds from the first list if the difference between said one or more experimentally determined or measured first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and the one or more calculated, estimated or determined second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters is greater than a predetermined amount; and/or (ii) reducing a likelihood value associated with one or more possible candidate compounds in the first list if the difference between said one or more experimentally determined or measured first ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or first ion mobility parameters and the one or more calculated, estimated or determined second ion mobility values, collision cross sections or interaction cross sections collision cross sections or second ion mobility parameters is greater than a predetermined amount. |
| US09997337B2 |
Plasma processing method and plasma processing apparatus
The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus and a dry etching method for etching a multilayered film structure having steps with high accuracy. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a vacuum reactor, a lower electrode placed within a processing chamber of the vacuum reactor and having a wafer to be etched mounted on the upper surface thereof, bias supplying units and for supplying high frequency power for forming a bias potential to the lower electrode, a gas supply means for feeding reactive gas into the processing chamber, an electric field supplying means through for supplying a magnetic field for generating plasma in the processing chamber, and a control unit for controlling the distribution of ion energy in the plasma being incident on the wafer via the high frequency power. |
| US09997333B2 |
Sub-pulsing during a state
A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal. |
| US09997331B1 |
Charged-particle beam microscopy
A charged-particle beam microscope includes a charged-particle beam source to generate a charged-particle beam. A stage is provided to hold a sample in the path of the charged-particle beam. Beam optics are provided to illuminate the sample with the charged-particle beam. One or more detectors are provided to detect radiation emanating from the sample as a result of the illumination. A controller may control one or more of the beam optics, stage, and detectors to generate an image of the sample based on the detected radiation. |
| US09997327B1 |
Liner tube and electron microscope
There is provided a liner tube capable of reducing the effects of magnetic field variations on an electron beam. The liner tube (10) is disposed inside the electron optical column (2) of an electron microscope (100). The interior of the tube (10) forms a path for the electron beam (EB). The liner tube (10) has a first cylindrical member (110) that is made of copper, gold, silver, or an alloy consisting principally of one of these metals. |
| US09997323B2 |
Composite carbon nanotube structure
A composite carbon nanotube structure comprises a first carbon nanotube structure and a second carbon nanotube structure. The first carbon nanotube structure includes a number of first carbon nanotubes extending substantially along the same direction and joined end-to-end by van der Waals force. The second carbon nanotube structure includes a number of second carbon nanotubes extending from a surface of the first carbon nanotube structure. |
| US09997318B2 |
Relay with a controller
The disclosure relates to a relay having a relay contact, having an electrical connection terminal at which an electrical variable can be tapped off, a control connection for receiving a control signal for opening the relay contact, and a controller. The controller is configured to respond to the reception of the control signal by sensing a change of amplitude of the electrical variable and to open the electrical relay contact with a time delay when a rising amplitude of the electrical variable is sensed, in order to reduce an electrical loading on the relay contact. The controller is further configured to respond to the reception of the control signal by opening in a first disconnection process, to sense the amplitude of the electrical variable, to close the relay contact when the rising amplitude is sensed and to open it again, with a time delay, in a second disconnection process. |
| US09997311B2 |
Motorized vacuum circuit breaker assembly
A vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) assembly includes a single motor configured to rotate at least one rotor, a VCB having a breaking mechanism configured to control current flow through the VCB and a first electromagnetic clutch configured to selectively engage the at least one rotor with the breaking mechanism to charge the breaking mechanism. The VCB assembly also includes an undercarriage configured to support the VCB assembly and to move the VCB assembly from a first position to a second position and a second electromagnetic clutch configured to selectively engage the at least one rotor with the undercarriage to drive the undercarriage. |
| US09997308B2 |
Low-travel key mechanism for an input device
A key mechanism for an electronic device includes a switch housing and a hinged structure. As one example, the hinged structure can be a butterfly hinge. The switch housing includes switch pin retaining mechanisms on opposing sides of the switch housing. The hinged structure includes two separate wings that are positioned adjacent to each other such that a cavity is formed between the two wings. The two wings are coupled together by coupling elements. The wings of the hinged structure can include switch housing pins on each arm of the wing that extend into the cavity and couple to the switch pin retaining mechanisms in the switch housing. Various configurations of switch pin retaining mechanisms and switch housing pins can be used to attach the hinged structure to the switch housing. |
| US09997305B2 |
Laser processing of fabric for electronic devices
An electronic device such as a cover for a portable device or other electronic equipment may have circuitry mounted in a housing. The housing may be formed from layers of material such as fabric and polymer layers. The circuitry of the electronic device may include components mounted on a printed circuit. The components may include movable components such as keys in a keyboard. A fabric layer may overlap the keys. Border regions of the fabric layer that surround each key may be characterized by a stiffness. To ensure that the keys or other movable components in the device exhibit satisfactory stiffness levels, the keys can be tested and selected border regions or other fabric layer portions may be laser ablated or otherwise processed to locally reduce fabric layer stiffness. |
| US09997304B2 |
Uniform illumination of keys
Systems and methods for providing illumination to illuminable portions of keys associated with a keyboard are described. A key includes a light guide positioned below a keycap. The light guide includes one or more sidewalls that exhibit high internal reflection. In many examples, light guide sidewalls are formed with one or more prisms. |
| US09997302B2 |
Electrical component having an electrically conductive central element
An electrical component may include an electrically conductive element and electrical insulation that at least partially surrounds the element and without contact. A heat pipe may be surrounded by the insulation at least at one end and may partially protrude from the insulation, wherein the part of the heat pipe protruding from the insulation protrudes closer to the central element than the insulation. |
| US09997297B2 |
Multilayer electronic component
A multilayer electronic component includes an element body having internal electrode layers and dielectric layers. These are substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis and are alternately laminated along a third axis direction. Side surfaces oppositely facing in the first axis direction are respectively equipped with an insulating layer. End surfaces facing each other in the second axis direction are respectively equipped with an external electrode. End portions in the first axis direction of the internal electrode layers are recessed from end portions in the first axis direction of the dielectric layers to an inner side along the first axis direction. The retraction distances are varied at a predetermined range in each layer of the internal electrode layers. |
| US09997296B2 |
Multilayer ceramic electronic component and method of manufacturing the same
A multilayer ceramic electronic component includes a ceramic body having a stacked plurality of dielectric layers and first and second end portions and a plurality of lateral surfaces. A plurality of internal electrodes stacked in the ceramic body face each other with respective dielectric layers interposed therebetween and exposed to first and second lateral surfaces of the ceramic body opposing each other through respective lead portions thereof. At least two first external electrodes and at least two second external electrodes are provided on the first and second lateral surfaces to be connected to the respective lead portions, respectively. An insulation layer is provided on the first and second lateral surfaces of the ceramic body except for the first and second external electrodes. |
| US09997294B2 |
Electronic component and circuit board having the same
An electronic component includes a body including a dielectric material and an internal electrode embedded in the dielectric material, an external electrode disposed on the body and connected to the internal electrode, and a conductive adhesive connected to the external electrode. The external electrode and the conductive adhesive include a conductive resin. A circuit board includes the electronic component. |
| US09997291B2 |
Wireless power supply apparatus, filter unit and power supply apparatus for robot using the filter unit
A wireless power supply apparatus includes a power reception coil, an actual load and an auxiliary load. The power reception coil functions as a repeater for receiving electric power in a non-contact manner by magnetic resonance with a power transmission coil to which electric power is supplied from a power supply unit and relaying transfer of the electric power from the power transmission coil. The actual load is connected to the power reception coil and is powered by the electric power received by the power reception coil. The auxiliary load is inserted parallel to the power reception coil and the actual load and forms a closed circuit with the power reception coil when supply of the electric power to the actual load is interrupted to be in an open state. |
| US09997288B2 |
Electronic component
An electronic component includes a body and a coil. The body includes first to fourth insulator layers composed of an anisotropic magnetic material, an internal magnetic circuit composed of an isotropic magnetic material and an external magnetic circuit composed of an isotropic magnetic material. The second and third insulator layers cover an upper surface and a lower surface of the coil from a z-axis direction. The internal magnetic circuit and the external magnetic circuit are adjacent to each other in a direction orthogonal to the z-axis direction. In addition, a direction of easy magnetization of the anisotropic magnetic material used in the first to fourth insulator layers is orthogonal to the z-axis direction. |
| US09997287B2 |
Electromagnetic solenoids having controlled reluctance
An apparatus includes a housing, a solenoid coil disposed within the housing, a pole member, and an armature configured to move from a first position to a second position when the solenoid coil is energized. A contact surface of the armature is spaced apart from a contact surface of the pole member by a first distance when the armature is in the first position, and a second distance when the armature is in the second position. The housing, the pole member and the armature collectively define a flux path characterized by a first reluctance when the armature is in the first position and a second reluctance when the armature is in the second position. The difference between the first reluctance and the second reluctance is less than about thirty percent of the value of the first reluctance. |
| US09997285B2 |
Transformation enabled nitride magnets absent rare earths and a process of making the same
A process for producing an ordered martensitic iron nitride powder that is suitable for use as a permanent magnetic material is provided. The process includes fabricating an iron alloy powder having a desired composition and uniformity; nitriding the iron alloy powder by contacting the material with a nitrogen source in a fluidized bed reactor to produce a nitride iron powder; transforming the nitride iron powder to a disordered martensitic phase; annealing the disordered martensitic phase to an ordered martensitic phase; and separating the ordered martensitic phase from the iron nitride powder to yield an ordered martensitic iron nitride powder. |
| US09997281B2 |
Chip resistor and method for manufacturing the same
A chip resistor includes an upper electrode provided on a substrate, a resistor element connected to the upper electrode, and a side electrode connected to the upper electrode. The side electrode, arranged on a side surface of the substrate, has two portions overlapping with the obverse surface and reverse surface of the substrate, respectively. An intermediate electrode covers the side electrode, and an external electrode covers the intermediate electrode. A first protective layer is disposed between the upper electrode and the intermediate electrode, and held in contact with the upper electrode and the side electrode. The first protective layer is more resistant to sulfurization than the upper electrode. A second protective layer is disposed between the first protective layer and intermediate electrode, and held in contact with the first protective layer, side electrode and intermediate electrode. |
| US09997277B1 |
Indefectible cable and manufacturing process thereof
An indefectible cable comprises a cable jacket with cable cores arranged in an inner cavity thereof and a metal ring sleeved on an outer wall thereof. Both ends of the cable jacket are fixedly connected with an anti-extrusion device respectively, through which the cable cores are led out from through-holes. The anti-extrusion device has a metal housing with plastic lining. With the arrangement of a buffer device, the externally applied pressure on the cable is relieved to reduce the damage thereof. |
| US09997275B2 |
Electrical cable with a drain wire
An electrical cable includes a cable jacket surrounding a cable interior. At least one electrical cable conductor is disposed in the cable interior and has an insulating sheath. A cable shield shields the cable interior. At least one electrically conductive drain wire associated with the cable shield is disposed in the cable interior in electrical contact with the cable shield. The at least one drain wire includes a ferromagnetic material. |
| US09997274B2 |
Insulating thermally conductive resin composition
An insulating thermally conductive resin composition (10) includes a matrix resin (1) and insulators (2). The insulators (2) are dispersed in the matrix resin and have electrical insulation. The insulating thermally conductive resin composition further includes a thermally conductive phase (3) which has a hither thermal conductivity than the matrix resin and thermally connects the insulators with each other. The thermally conductive phase (3) is composed of an organic substance. The thermally conductive phase that thermally connects the insulators is composed of the organic substance, so that the resultant insulating thermally conductive resin composition has electrical insulation while having improved thermal conductivity. |
| US09997272B2 |
Modular supramolecular approach for co-crystallization of donors and acceptors into ordered networks
Organic charge-transfer (CT) co-crystals in a mixed stack system are disclosed, wherein a donor molecule (D) and an acceptor molecule (A) occupy alternating positions (DADADA) along the CT axis. A platform is provided which amplifies the molecular recognition of donors and acceptors and produces co-crystals at ambient conditions, wherein the platform comprises (i) a molecular design of the first constituent (α-complement), (ii) a molecular design of the second compound (β-complement), and (iii) a solvent system that promotes co-crystallization. |
| US09997269B2 |
Methods of tracing regions of interest, radiographic apparatuses, methods of controlling the radiographic apparatuses, and radiography methods
A radiographic apparatus may comprise: a radiation irradiating module configured to irradiate radiation to an object; and/or a processing module configured to automatically set a part of a region to which the radiation irradiating module is able to irradiate the radiation, to a region of interest, and further configured to determine at least one of a radiation irradiation position and a radiation irradiation zone of the radiation irradiating module based on the region of interest. |
| US09997268B2 |
EUV-mirror, optical system with EUV-mirror and associated operating method
An EUV mirror (1000) has a mirror element which forms a mirror surface of the mirror. The mirror element has a substrate (1020) and a multilayer arrangement (1030) applied on the substrate and having a reflective effect with respect to radiation from the extreme ultraviolet range (EUV). The multilayer arrangement has a multiplicity of layer pairs having alternate layers composed of a high refractive index layer material and a low refractive index layer material, has an active layer (1040) arranged between a radiation entrance surface and the substrate and consisting of a piezoelectrically active layer material, the layer thickness (z) of which active layer can be altered by the action of an electric field, and has an electrode arrangement to generate the electric field acting on the active layer. |
| US09997266B2 |
Protective device and laser raman safety inspection apparatus comprising the same
Embodiments of the present invention provide a protective device including a sliding door and a housing, together forming a closed space, wherein, a guide rail is provided on the housing, and the sliding door is slidable along the guide rail to open or close the closed space. In addition, embodiments of the present invention also provide a laser Raman safety inspection apparatus including the abovementioned protective device. |
| US09997263B2 |
Method of determining the value of a parameter representative of the operability of a nuclear reactor, determining system, computer and corresponding medium
A method involving periodic implementation, during the same operating cycle of the reactor, the method including following steps of: a) calculating, from measurements provided by sensors present in the reactor, the three-dimensional distribution of the local power in the core, b) simulating at least one accidental transient occurrence of power applied to the calculated three-dimensional distribution of local power, c) identifying, using thermomechanical calculations, at least one rod which is the most likely to be subject to a fracture of the cladding thereof during the simulated transient occurrence of power, and d) determining, using thermomechanical calculations on the rod identified, the value of the parameter which is representative of the operability of the reactor. |
| US09997262B2 |
Integral reactor pressure vessel tube sheet
A thermal control system for a reactor pressure vessel comprises a plate having a substantially circular shape that is attached to a wall of the reactor pressure vessel. The plate divides the reactor pressure vessel into an upper reactor pressure vessel region and a lower reactor pressure vessel region. Additionally, the plate is configured to provide a thermal barrier between a pressurized volume located within the upper reactor pressure vessel region and primary coolant located within the lower reactor pressure vessel region. One or more plenums provide a passageway for a plurality of heat transfer tubes to pass through the wall of the reactor pressure vessel. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are connected to the plate. |
| US09997261B2 |
Systems and methods for forming and maintaining a high performance FRC
Systems and methods that facilitate the formation and maintenance of new High Performance Field Reversed Configurations (FRCs). An FRC system for the High Performance FRC (HPF) includes a central confinement vessel surrounded by two diametrically opposed reversed-field-theta-pinch formation sections and, beyond the formation sections, two divertor chambers to control neutral density and impurity contamination. A magnetic system includes a series of quasi-dc coils axially positioned along the FRC system components, quasi-dc mirror coils between the confinement chamber and the adjacent formation sections, and mirror plugs between the formation sections and the divertors. The formation sections include modular pulsed power formation systems that enable FRCs to be formed in-situ and then accelerated and injected (=static formation) or formed and accelerated simultaneously (=dynamic formation). The FRC system further includes neutral atom beam injectors, a pellet injector, gettering systems, axial plasma guns and flux surface biasing electrodes. |
| US09997253B1 |
Non-volatile memory array with memory gate line and source line scrambling
A memory device includes a memory array arranged in rows and columns. The memory array may have at least four non-volatile memory (NVM) cells coupled in the same column of the memory array, in which each NVM cell may include a memory gate. The first and second NVM cells of the at least four NVM cells may share a first source region, and the third and fourth NVM cells may share a second source region. The memory gates of the first and second NVM cells may not be electrically coupled with one another, and the first and second source regions may not be electrically coupled with one another. Each of the first and second source regions may be electrically coupled with at least another source region of the same column in the memory array. |
| US09997248B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of operating the same
Provided herein may be a semiconductor memory device and a method of operating the same. The semiconductor memory device may include a memory cell array including a plurality of memory blocks, each including dummy cells coupled to dummy word lines and normal memory cells coupled to normal word lines, and a peripheral circuit configured to perform an erase operation on a memory block selected from among the plurality of memory blocks. The semiconductor memory device may include control logic configured to control the peripheral circuit so that a pre-program voltage pulse is applied both to the dummy word lines and to the normal word lines, and dummy word line voltages to be applied to the dummy word lines may be respectively controlled while an erase voltage is applied to a common source line of the selected memory block. |
| US09997247B2 |
Memory devices having source lines directly coupled to body regions and methods
Memory devices, memory cell strings and methods of operating memory devices are shown. Configurations described include directly coupling an elongated body region to a source line. Configurations and methods shown should provide a reliable bias to a body region for memory operations such as erasing. |
| US09997242B2 |
Method, system and device for non-volatile memory device state detection
Disclosed are methods, systems and devices for operation of non-volatile memory devices. In one aspect, a sense circuit may enable a determination of a current impedance state of a non-volatile memory element while avoiding an unintentional change in the state of the non-volatile memory element. |
| US09997240B2 |
Lifetime mixed level non-volatile memory system
A controller for managing at least one MLC non-volatile memory module and at least one SLC non-volatile memory module. The flash controller is adapted to determine if a range of addresses listed by an entry and mapped to said at least one MLC non-volatile memory module fails a data integrity test. In the event of such a failure, the controller remaps said entry to an equivalent range of addresses of said at least one SLC non-volatile memory module. The flash controller is further adapted to determine which of the blocks in the MLC and SLC non-volatile memory modules are accessed most frequently and allocating those blocks that receive frequent writes to the SLC non-volatile memory module and those blocks that receive infrequent writes to the MLC non-volatile memory module. |
| US09997238B2 |
Sense amplifier circuits and methods of operation
A sense amplifier circuit includes: a data line; a sense amplifier output node; a keeper circuit; a logic gate; a noise threshold circuit; and an inverter. The keeper circuit includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in series and coupled between a first power node and the data line. A gate node of the first transistor is coupled to the sense amplifier output node. The logic gate has an input connected to the bit line and an output connected to the sense amplifier output node. The noise threshold circuit includes: a third transistor and a fourth transistor connected in series between a second power node and the sense amplifier output node; and an inverter connected between a gate node of the third transistor and the sense amplifier output node. |
| US09997237B2 |
10-transistor non-volatile static random-access memory using a single non-volatile memory element and method of operation thereof
A memory including an array of nvRAM cells and method of operating the same, where each nvRAM cell includes a volatile charge storage circuit, and a nonvolatile charge storage circuit including a solitary non-volatile memory (NVM) device, a first transistor coupled to the NVM device through which data is coupled to the volatile charge storage circuit, a second transistor coupled to the NVM device through which a compliment of the data is coupled to the volatile charge storage circuit and a third transistor through which the NVM device is coupled to a positive voltage supply line (VCCT). In one embodiment, the first transistor is coupled to a first node of the NVM device, the second transistor is coupled to a second node of the NVM device and the third transistor is coupled between the first node and VCCT. Other embodiments are also disclosed. |
| US09997234B1 |
Semiconductor devices
A semiconductor device includes a control signal generation circuit and an input/output (I/O) control circuit. The control signal generation circuit generates first and second read control signals and first and second write control signals. One of the first and second read control signals and one of the first and second write control signals is selectively enabled according to a combination of first and second addresses for selecting a first I/O line or a second I/O line. The I/O control circuit outputs read data loaded on first and second internal I/O lines through any one of the first and second I/O lines in response to the first and second read control signals. In addition, the I/O control circuit outputs input data through any one of the first and second I/O lines in response to the first and second write control signals. |
| US09997226B2 |
Techniques to modulate spin orbit spin transfer torques for magnetization manipulation
In one embodiment, a SO-STT device has a non-symmetric device geometry. The device may be fabricated to have a non-symmetric magnetic pattern by tilting a shaped magnetic pattern (e.g., an ellipse, diamond, rectangle, etc. shaped magnetic pattern) such that the pattern's main (long and short) axes are tilted with respected to an in-plane current direction. Alternatively, the non-symmetric device geometry may be produced by locating the magnetic pattern away from the center of a current injection line. The non-symmetric may permit switching absent application of an external magnetic field. A SO-STT device with non-symmetric device geometry, or another type of SO-STT device, may further integrate an additional semiconductor, insulator or metal layer into the device's multilayer stack. By integrating the additional semiconductor, insulator or metal layer, a significant reduction of SO-STT switching current density may be achieved. Depending on the embodiment, the additional semiconductor, insulator or metal layer may be disposed adjacent to the FM layer, or within the FM layer, among other possibilities. |
| US09997223B2 |
Semiconductor device including metal-oxide-semiconductor disposed in a column decoder region
A semiconductor device may be provided. The semiconductor device may include a first power line located in a memory cell array region. The semiconductor device may include a second power line located in a column decoder region. The semiconductor device may include a third power line formed in a layer different from the first power line and the second power line, configured to couple the first power line to the second power line. The semiconductor device may include a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor located below the third power line. |
| US09997222B1 |
Semiconductor devices
A semiconductor device includes a flag signal generation circuit and a power-down signal generation circuit. The flag signal generation circuit generates a flag signal which is enabled in response to an operational frequency information signal. The power-down signal generation circuit generates a power-down signal for controlling input of a command in response to the flag signal and a clock enablement signal. A point of time that the power-down signal is generated is adjusted in response to the flag signal. |
| US09997219B2 |
Memory macro and method of operating the same
A memory macro includes a first set of memory cells, a second set of memory cells, a third set of memory cells, a set of retention circuits and a set of conductive lines. The second set of memory cells arranged in a first row arranged in a second direction. The third set of memory cells arranged in a first column arranged in a first direction. The set of retention circuits is configured to supply a second voltage value of a second supply voltage to the first set of memory cells during a sleep operational mode. The set of retention circuits is responsive to a set of control signals, and arranged in a second column arranged in the first direction. The set of conductive lines extend in the second direction, and coupled to the set of retention circuits and the voltage supply node of the first set of memory cells. |
| US09997217B1 |
Write assist circuitry
Various implementations described herein are directed to an integrated circuit having core circuitry with an array of memory cells arranged in columns. The integrated circuit may include write assist circuitry having a column selector that accesses the memory cells via a bitline coupled to each of the columns. The write assist circuitry may include a first node that couples the column selector to a discharge circuit and a feedback circuit. The write assist circuitry may include a second node that couples a trigger circuit to the discharge circuit and the feedback circuit. The trigger circuit enables the discharge circuit, discharges the second node, and is disabled after discharging the second node. The discharge circuit discharges the first node, and the feedback circuit tracks the first node and disables the discharge circuit. |
| US09997212B1 |
Accessing data in memory
The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to accessing data in memory. One example method comprises storing data associated with a first operation in a first sense amplifier responsive to receiving a request to perform a second operation, and performing the second operation associated with a row of memory cells while the data associated with the first operation is being stored in the first sense amplifier. |
| US09997210B2 |
Data register for radiation hard applications
A circuit comprises a data storage element that includes a sampling stage configured to sample a data value, the sampling stage comprising a plurality of p-type devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of p-type devices is non-collinear relative to the other p-type devices, a plurality of n-type devices, wherein at least one of the plurality of n-type devices is non-collinear relative to the other n-type devices, a feedback stage configured to maintain the data value sampled by the sampling stage. |
| US09997199B2 |
Immersive virtual reality production and playback for storytelling content
Methods for digital content production and playback of an immersive stereographic video work provide or enhance interactivity of immersive entertainment using various different playback and production techniques. “Immersive stereographic” may refer to virtual reality, augmented reality, or both. The methods may be implemented using specialized equipment for immersive stereographic playback or production. Aspects of the methods may be encoded as instructions in a computer memory, executable by one or more processors of the equipment to perform the aspects. |
| US09997196B2 |
Retiming media presentations
A novel method for retiming a portion of a media content (e.g., audio data, video data, audio and video data, etc.) in a media-editing application is provided. The media editing application includes a user interface for defining a range in order to select a portion of the media content. The media editing application performs retiming by applying a speed effect to the portion of the media content selected by the defined range. For a faster speed effect, the media editing application retimes the selected portion of the media content by sampling the media content at a faster rate. For a slower speed effect, the media editing application retimes the selected portion of the media content by sampling the content at a slower rate. |
| US09997194B1 |
Partial updates for shingled magnetic recording devices
Technologies are provided for partially updating shingled magnetic recording (SMR) zones in SMR storage devices. An SMR storage device can receive and process a command to update a write pointer for an SMR zone to point to an arbitrary write position within the SMR zone. A partial SMR zone update command can be received and processed to modify part of the data stored in the SMR zone. A write position within the SMR zone where data to be modified is stored can be identified. Data stored in the SMR zone following the identified write position can be read to a temporary location and modified. A write pointer for the SMR zone can be updated to point to the identified write position. The modified data can then be written to the SMR zone, starting at the write position identified by the write pointer, or to another SMR zone of the storage device. |
| US09997193B1 |
Selective index writing prior to unthreading a magnetic recording tape
A drive-implemented method according to one embodiment includes determining that unthreading of a tape is to be performed, and in response to the determination that the unthreading of the tape is to be performed, determining whether to write an index on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. In response to a determination to write the index on the tape, the index is written on the tape prior to unthreading the tape. The tape is then unthreaded. |
| US09997191B2 |
Moving cartridge between library strings
A library manager to determine a relay-point library string when a particular cartridge (specific cartridge) is moved to an empty drive (target drive) for mounting. A method for determining a relay-point library string includes: receiving a command to mount a cartridge in a library string located on one side of the relay-point library string; searching for the target drive among library strings, and finding the target drive in a library string on the other side of an interposed relay-point library string relative to the library string in which the specific cartridge is located; selecting a relay-point library string based on predetermined conditions to move the specific cartridge using shuttle connections to the found target drive; and searching to determine whether or there is a newly available drive in a relay-point library string other than the selected relay-point library string before the selected cartridge reaches the selected relay-point library string. |
| US09997188B2 |
Information processing device, information recording medium, information processing method, and program
A configuration for preventing a recording error when a data recording process is performed on both lands and grooves of an optical disc is realized. An information processing device includes a data processing unit configured to control a data recording process on both lands and grooves of an optical disc. The data processing unit performs a process of detecting or matching positions at which data recording states of grooves or lands on both sides adjacent to a data recording target land or groove match when data are recorded on the lands or the grooves. The data processing unit performs, for example, a dummy data recording process or a skipping process as the process of matching the data recording states of the grooves or the lands on both sides adjacent to the data recording target land or groove. |
| US09997187B2 |
Optical information recording apparatus and method
An optical information recording apparatus and method thereof for recording information in a holographic medium. The apparatus includes a laser source which generates a reference beam and a signal beam to record the information in the holographic medium, a sensor which detects a vibrational amplitude over a time period applied to the optical information processing apparatus for recording the information, an operational circuit which calculates from the vibrational amplitude at least one statistical measure of the vibrational amplitude; and a processor programmed to control a recording mode such that the processor evaluates the calculated statistical measure to determine continuation of a recording operation to the holographic medium. |
| US09997186B1 |
Data storage device using performance margin to back off fly height
A data storage device is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, wherein the head comprises a fly height actuator configured to control a fly height of the head over the disk. A plurality of host read commands are received from a host, and a performance metric associated with accessing the disk to execute the host read commands is measured. When the performance metric indicates the data storage device is operating with a performance margin, the fly height actuator is controlled to increase the fly height of the head over the disk, wherein the performance metric consists of at least one of a throughput of the host read commands and a power consumption of the data storage device. |
| US09997180B1 |
Hybrid dielectric gap liner and magnetic shield liner
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a transducer structure. The transducer structure has a lower shield and an upper shield above the lower shield, the upper and lower shields providing magnetic shielding. A current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor is positioned between the upper and lower shields. An electrical lead layer is positioned between the sensor and one of the shields. The electrical lead layer is in electrical communication with the sensor. A spacer layer is positioned between the electrical lead layer and the one of the shields. A conductivity of the electrical lead layer is higher than a conductivity of the spacer layer. One or both of the shields has at least one laminate pair comprising a magnetically permeable layer and a harder layer, where the harder layer has a mechanical hardness that is higher than a mechanical hardness of the magnetically permeable layer. |
| US09997177B2 |
Magnetic writer having convex trailing surface pole and conformal write gap
A magnetic write apparatus has a media-facing surface (MFS), a pole, a write gap, a top shield and coil(s). The pole includes a yoke and a pole tip. The pole tip includes a bottom, a top wider than the bottom and first and second sides. The pole tip has a height between the top and the bottom. At least part of the top of the pole tip is convex in a cross-track direction between the first and second sides such that the height at the MFS is larger between the first and second sides than at the first and second sides. The height increases in a yoke direction perpendicular to the MFS. The write gap is adjacent to and conformal with the top of the pole at the MFS and is between part of the top shield and the pole. The top shield is concave at the MFS. |
| US09997176B1 |
Activating a magnetic writer to recover from read errors due to reader instability
A recording medium is written to using an energy source that heats the medium during the writing. A read error in a sector is determined when reading via a read transducer. While traversing a part of the recording medium that includes data, a write coil is activated before attempting to re-read the sector. The energy source does not heat the recording medium sufficiently to change a state of the data during the activation of the write coil. The activation of the write coil removes a magnetic instability of the read transducer. |
| US09997174B2 |
Method and device for voice activity detection
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, disclosed is a method and an apparatus for voice activity detection (VAD). The VAD comprises creating a signal indicative of a primary VAD decision and determining hangover addition. The determination on hangover addition is made in dependence of a short term activity measure and/or a long term activity measure. A signal indicative of a final VAD decision is then created. |
| US09997171B2 |
Multi-band signal processor for digital audio signals
A method includes: processing the digital audio input signal to generate M delayed digital audio signal samples; converting the delayed digital audio signal samples to frequency domain representation in N number of frequency bands to compute respective signal spectrum values; determining respective signal level estimates; computing respective frequency domain gain coefficients based on the respective signal level estimates and band gain laws; transforming the frequency domain gain coefficients to time domain representation to produce M time-varying filter coefficients of a processing filter; convolving the M delayed digital audio signal samples with the time-varying filter coefficients to produce the processed digital output signal; and updating the delayed digital audio signal samples in accordance with a sample-by-sample or a predetermined block rate; wherein two of the signal spectrum values for at least two of the frequency bands are updated at different rates; and wherein M and N are positive integer numbers. |
| US09997169B2 |
Image-based techniques for audio content
A method includes receiving, at a device from a first media device, audio data and image information indicating vibrations of an object. The vibrations are caused by sound in vicinity of the object. The method includes generating audio information based on the image information. The method includes filtering the audio data based on the audio information to generate audio content associated with the first media device. The method further includes transmitting the audio content from the device to a second media device. |
| US09997164B2 |
Methods and systems for interactive rendering of object based audio
Methods for generating an object based audio program which is renderable in a personalizable manner, e.g., to provide an immersive, perception of audio content of the program. Other embodiments include steps of delivering (e.g., broadcasting), decoding, and/or rendering such a program. Rendering of audio objects indicated by the program may provide an immersive experience. The audio content of the program may be indicative of multiple object channels (e.g., object channels indicative of user-selectable and user-configurable objects, and typically also a default set of objects which will be rendered in the absence of a selection by a user) and a bed of speaker channels. Another aspect is an audio processing unit (e.g., encoder or decoder) configured to perform, or which includes a buffer memory which stores at least one frame (or other segment) of an object based audio program (or bitstream thereof) generated in accordance with, any embodiment of the method. |
| US09997160B2 |
Systems and methods for dynamic download of embedded voice components
Systems and methods for dynamic download of embedded voice components are disclosed. One embodiment may be configured to receive an application via a wireless communication, where the application comprises a speech recognition component, receive the voice command from a user, and analyze the speech recognition component to determine a translation action to perform, based on the voice command. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the translation action includes downloading a vocabulary from a first remote computing device, the vocabulary may be downloaded from the first remote computing device to utilize the vocabulary to translate the voice command. In some embodiments, in response to determining that the translation action includes communicating the voice command to a second remote computing device, the voice command may be sent to the second remote computing device and receive a translated version of the voice command. |
| US09997159B2 |
Method and apparatus for recognizing speech by lip reading
A dictation device includes: an audio input device configured to receive a voice utterance including a plurality of words; a video input device configured to receive video of lip motion during the voice utterance; a memory portion; a controller configured according to instructions in the memory portion to generate first data packets including an audio stream representative of the voice utterance and a video stream representative of the lip motion; and a transceiver for sending the first data packets to a server end device and receiving second data packets including combined dictation based upon the audio stream and the video stream from the server end device. In the combined dictation, first dictation generated based upon the audio stream has been corrected by second dictation generated based upon the video stream. |
| US09997154B2 |
System and method for prosodically modified unit selection databases
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices to improve the quality of synthetic speech generation. A system selects speech units from a speech unit database, the speech units corresponding to text to be converted to speech. The system identifies a desired prosodic curve of speech produced from the selected speech units, and also identifies an actual prosodic curve of the speech units. The selected speech units are modified such that a new prosodic curve of the modified speech units matches the desired prosodic curve. The system stores the modified speech units into the speech unit database for use in generating future speech, thereby increasing the prosodic coverage of the database with the expectation of improving the output quality. |
| US09997148B2 |
Apparatus and method of sound modulation using touch screen with pressure sensor
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method of generating a sound by using a touch screen. A sound modulation apparatus according to the present invention includes: a sensor information input unit configured to receive sensing information on a position, at which a touch input of a user is applied to the screen, and pressure according to the touch input applied to the screen; and a sound modulation unit configured to set a tone frequency and volume of a sound to be output, and set the tone frequency according to the position, to which the touch input of the user is applied, and set the volume according to a size of the pressure according to the touch input. |
| US09997145B1 |
Hammer pick
A hammer pick that provides a musician the ability to strum a string instrument with a pick and smoothly switch to striking the strings of the instrument with a hammer. A pick and a hammer are coupled in the device such that the musician can pluck or strike the strings by repositioning a hand holding the hammer pick. The pick is held in a pick holder that connects to the hammer by a spring and an adjustable post. The musician plucks with the pick between a thumb and index finger and slightly rotates the hand allowing the hammer to strike one or more strings to produce a different tone from the instrument. |
| US09997143B2 |
Capo
A capo for use with a stringed instrument, said capo comprising: an upper arm member including an upper handle having a dimension W2, an upper connection part, and a string press bar with an attached upper pad for engaging the strings of a stringed instrument, the string press bar having a dimension W4, W4 being greater than W2; a lower arm member including a lower handle at one end, a securing bar to engage a neck of a stringed instrument at a second end, and a lower connection part between the one end and the second end, the upper connection part connected to the lower connection part; and a spring disposed between said upper arm member and said lower arm member, said spring biasing the string press bar and the securing bar toward each other. |
| US09997142B2 |
Guitar saddle adjustment tool
Certain embodiments of the present invention are directed to a device for shaping and/or adjusting the shape and/or height of a guitar saddle. The present invention allows for the radius and/or height of the guitar saddle to be shaped and adjusted accurately using dial indicators coupled to mechanical positioning apparatus that provide for positioning of a saddle or saddle material for removal of a prescribed amount of material from the top of the guitar saddle while maintaining the radius. |
| US09997140B2 |
Control method, information processing device and recording medium
A control method executed by a processor included in an information processing device includes receiving a content; extracting one or more keywords of the content from the content; acquiring information in which an identifier identifying a target object, image information on the target object, and one or more keywords of the target object are associated; calculating a position of the target object on a camera image, based on the image information, when the target object is included in the camera image; calculating a display position of an image relating to the content, based on the position of the target object, when the one or more keywords of the content and the one or more keywords of the target object have a correspondence relationship; and displaying the image relating to the content on a screen, in a state of being superimposed onto the camera image, at the display position. |
| US09997139B2 |
Method of controlling an output voltage, output voltage controlling apparatus for performing the method and display apparatus having the output voltage controlling apparatus
A method of controlling an output voltage of an apparatus is provided. The method includes comparing an input voltage of the apparatus with a reference voltage, activating the output voltage when the input voltage is greater than or equal to the reference voltage, comparing the input voltage with a first low limit voltage or a first high limit voltage, comparing a first elapse time with a reference time when the input voltage is less than or equal to the first low limit voltage, comparing a second elapse time with the reference time when the input voltage is greater than or equal to the first high limit voltage, and deactivating the output voltage when the first elapse time or the second elapse time is longer than or equal to the reference time. |
| US09997137B2 |
Content-based statistics for ambient light sensing
An electronic display includes a display side and an ambient light sensor configured to measure received light received through the display side. The electronic display also includes multiple pixels located between the display side and the ambient light sensor. The multiple pixels are configured to emit display light through the display side. |
| US09997134B2 |
Chromatic Calibration of an HDR display using 3D octree forests
Methods and systems for calibrating devices reproducing high dimensional data, such as calibrating High Dynamic Range (HDR) displays that reproduce chromatic data. Methods include mapping input data into calibrated data using calibration information retrieved from spatial data structures that encode a calibration function. The calibration function may be represented by any multidimensional scattered data interpolation methods such as Thin-Plate Splines. To efficiently represent and access the calibration information in runtime, the calibration function is recursively sampled based on guidance dataset. In an embodiment, an HDR display may be adaptively calibrated using a dynamic color guidance dataset and dynamic spatial data structures. |
| US09997130B2 |
Display apparatus for displaying additional information on transparent display region
A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes: a display panel unit which comprises a first panel region corresponding to an opaque display region, and a second panel region corresponding to a transparent display region, a panel driving unit which drives the first panel region and the second panel region independently, and a controller which controls to display a main image on the opaque display region and display an additional image on the transparent display region. |
| US09997127B2 |
Digital-to-analog converter and source driving circuit
A digital-to-analog converter includes a first input end for reversely receiving a digital signal, a second input end for receiving multiple reference voltages arranged in a best order, wherein the best order is determined by reordering an initial order several times, multiple first switches coupled to each other stage by stage like a tree for selecting one of the reference voltages to be a first selection result, multiple second switches coupled in series for selecting one of the reference voltages to be a second selection result. |
| US09997124B2 |
GOA circuits and liquid crystal devices
A GOA circuit and a liquid crystal device (LCD) are disclosed. The GOA circuit includes a plurality of GOA units and a control module. Each of the cascaded GOA units is configured for charging corresponding horizontal scanning lines within a display area when being driven by a first level clock, a second level clock, a first control clock, and a second control clock. After the horizontal scanning lines are fully charged by the GOA circuit, the control module is configured for resetting the gate driving signals to be at the first level, i.e., the invalid level, via the turn-on pulse signals and the negative-voltage constant-voltage source. |
| US09997116B2 |
Integrated circuit device and electronic device
An integrated circuit device that drives an electro-optical panel using a driving waveform which is set in a plurality of phases includes: a driving voltage generation unit that operates while receiving a supply of a power supply voltage generated by a power supply circuit, and generates a plurality of driving voltages to be applied to a plurality of electrodes in the electro-optical panel in each of a plurality of phases, in accordance with display data; and a power supply control unit that sets current supply capability of the power supply circuit to a first level synchronously with a timing of start of a phase, and sets the current supply capability to a second level, which is lower than the first level. |
| US09997115B2 |
Electrophoretic display apparatus and image processing method thereof
An electrophoretic display apparatus and an image processing method thereof are provided. The electrophoretic display apparatus includes a display panel and a display driver. The display driver is configured to determine whether a plurality of pixel data of an image signal needs to being recoded according to one or more judgment conditions. If so, the pixel data is recoded. The display driver drives the display panel by using a plurality of driving signals having different signal waveforms, so that the display panel displays an image frame according to pixel data without being recoded and the recoded pixel data. |
| US09997114B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A display device includes a display section (11) having a first display surface and a second display surface (S1, S2) facing each other. The display section (11) includes a first display panel (111) disposed on the first display surface (S1) side, and including a plurality of light emitting elements, and a second display panel (112) disposed on the second display surface (S2) side, and including a plurality of light control elements each performing light control for control of transmission or reflection of incident light performing reflective image display utilizing the reflection of the incident light. |
| US09997110B2 |
System and methods for thermal compensation in AMOLED displays
Disclosed is a circuit and technique to determine the temperature of an AMOLED display in order to calibrate programming data signals. The temperature of selected pixels of a plurality of pixels in an AMOLED display is measured via one of several disclosed methods. A thermal sensor for the selected pixels may be used. A measurement of output voltage data may be used to estimate temperature. A finite element analysis model may be used based on consumed power of the selected pixel. The temperature data for the selected pixel is then interpolated to the neighboring non-selected pixels to estimate the temperature of those pixels. |
| US09997109B2 |
Display device with reduced number of transistors and its driving method
A display device including pixel circuit groups containing pixel circuits. The pixel circuit groups each contain: a first transistor whose first terminal is connected to a power source potential line; and a sixth transistor whose control terminal is connected to a first scanning signal line and whose first terminal is connected to an image signal line. The pixel circuit each include: a second transistor whose control terminal is connected to a first node and whose first terminal is connected to a second terminal of the first transistor and a second terminal of the sixth transistor; a third transistor whose first terminal is connected to the first node and whose second terminal is connected to a second terminal of the second transistor; a fourth transistor whose first terminal is connected to the second terminal of the second transistor; and a fifth transistor whose first terminal is connected to the first node. |
| US09997108B1 |
EL display apparatus
An electroluminescent (EL) display apparatus and method are provided. A display screen includes pixels. A pixel circuit of each of pixel includes, in part: a first switch transistor on a path through which current flows from a power line through a driving transistor to an EL device; a second switch transistor to supply an image signal to the driving transistor; and a third switch transistor for initially resetting the pixel circuit before the second switch transistor supplies the image signal. A gate terminal of the first switch transistor is connected to a first gate driver circuit. Gate terminals of the second and third switch transistors are connected to a second gate driver circuit, which includes a second gate signal line connected to both the gate terminal of the second switch transistor of a Nth row and the gate terminal of the third switch transistor of a (N+1)th row. |
| US09997101B2 |
Gate scan circuit, driving method thereof and gate scan cascade circuit
A gate scan circuit is provided, which can include a first and a second control units, a first and second output units, and a first capacitor. The first control unit can control a voltage at a first node based on clock signals and an input signal. The second control unit can control a voltage at a second node based on a clock signal and a power source signal. The first and second output units can output a clock signals or power source signals based on the voltage at the first or second node. The first capacitor can include a first terminal receiving the second power source signal and a second terminal connected to the second node. The gate scan circuit may output two scan signals within one circuit, thereby narrowing the frame. |
| US09997099B2 |
Display device
The inventors found out that in the case of performing a low gray scale display in which a very small amount of current is supplied to a light emitting element, variations in threshold voltages of driving transistors become notable since the gate-source voltage is low. In view of this, the invention provides a display device in which variations in the threshold voltages of the driving transistors are reduced even in the low gray scale display, and a driving method thereof. According to the invention, a gate-source voltage of the driving transistor is set higher in the low gray scale display than that in the high gray scale display. As one mode to achieve this, different power source lines are provided for the low gray scale display and the high gray scale display and their potentials are set to be different. |
| US09997096B2 |
Display apparatus, electronic device including the same, and method of operating the same
A display apparatus, an electronic device including the same, and a method of operating the same are provided. The electronic device includes a display including a first region and a second region, a first driving module configured to generate processing information corresponding to a first image to be displayed in the first region of the display, and a second driving module configured to receive the processing information from the first driving module, and o compensate for a second image to be displayed in the second region of the display, based on the processing information. |
| US09997093B2 |
Image display apparatus and vehicle
An image display apparatus and a vehicle provided with the image display apparatus. The image display apparatus includes a light source unit to emit a laser beam, an optical deflector to deflect the laser beam two-dimensionally, and an intermediate image generator to perform two-dimensional scanning twice in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction with the laser beam deflected by the optical deflector to generate an intermediate image of one frame, where the laser beam deflected by the optical deflector draws two scanning lines. In the image display apparatus, the two scanning lines have two different phases for the two-dimensional scanning for a first time and the two-dimensional scanning for a second time, respectively. In the image display apparatus, the two scanning lines have two different starting points for the two-dimensional scanning for a first time and the two-dimensional scanning for a second time, respectively. |
| US09997090B2 |
Display and labeled article
A display includes a first optical effect layer including a first interface part, the first interface part being provided with recesses or protrusions arranged two-dimensionally at the minimum center-to-center distance in a range of 200 nm to 500 nm, each of the recesses or protrusions having a forward-tapered shape; a reflective material layer covering at least a part of the first interface part; and a second optical effect layer including, at a position of a first portion of the first interface part that is covered with the reflective material layer, a portion that faces the reflective material layer with the first optical effect layer interposed therebetween or faces the first optical effect layer with the reflective material layer interposed therebetween, the second optical effect layer containing at least one of a cholesteric liquid crystal, a pearl pigment and a multilayer interference film. |
| US09997088B2 |
Pelvic model
Devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or simulating various surgical procedures are disclosed. For example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or evaluating physician competency in various surgical procedures or techniques are disclosed. As another example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, simulating, and/or evaluating surgeon competency for a surgical procedure, such as a vaginal hysterectomy, and/or technique are disclosed. |
| US09997087B2 |
Tactical combat casualty care training system for hyper-realistic emergency medical training
The Tactical Combat Casualty Care Trainer For Hyper-Realistic™ Emergency Medical Training (“TCCC”) of the present invention includes a tactical combat training device for the purpose of providing an emergency medical services provider hands-on training. The TCCC includes an artificial human skeleton having specific anatomical features which provide the trainee or provider with appropriate tactile response analogous to a real human patient, thereby increasing the fidelity of training and improving the skills necessary to conduct procedures such as cricothyrotomy, intrasosseous infusion, CPR and other medical services to human patients. The skeleton is covered by a realistic coating that simulates human skin, which adds to the TCCC's training value. The TCCC also includes a removable trachea module and training pucks located at the sternum as well as the left and right proximal humeral heads to simulate the use of infusion-type devices. |
| US09997085B2 |
Comprehension in rapid serial visual presentation
Computer-implemented methods are provided. A method includes determining, by a processor, a cognitive load of a plurality of words included in a rapid serial visual presentation by using at least one metric. The cognitive load is determined on any of a word level and a word sequence level. The method further includes calculating, by the processor, a variable presentation rate for the plurality of words based on the cognitive load. The method also includes controlling, by the processor, a displaying of the plurality of words on a display device in accordance with the calculated variable presentation rate based on a threshold by temporarily reducing the variable presentation rate responsive to the cognitive load being above the threshold. |
| US09997084B2 |
Drumstick control trainer
A drumstick having an attachment to strap it to the thumb of the drummer. The attachment also goes through a hole in the drumstick to allow the stick to freely rotate in its proper plane of motion, allowing the drummer the chance to practice drumming without overly squeezing the drumstick as well as playing the drums with no risk of dropping the drumsticks. |
| US09997083B2 |
Context-aware recommendation system for adaptive learning
One embodiment provides a system comprising at least one learner application module for receiving feedback data from at least one user via at least one electronic device, about information presented to the users by a presenter. The system further comprises at least one sensor for capturing contextual data associated with the users. The system further comprises a recommendation provider for collecting feedback data and contextual data from each learner application module and each sensor, respectively. The recommendation provider determines at least one personalized recommendation for each user based on the collected data and the presented information. |
| US09997081B2 |
Audio demonstration kit
An audio demonstration kit encourages understanding of audio concepts by enabling children to construct and study speaker performance. In a particular example, the audio demonstration kit includes a paper speaker and instructions. The paper speaker includes a backplate, a suspension, and a diaphragm cut from a single sheet of paper. The demonstration kit may feature an amplifier that is configurable to accommodate various hardware additions as a child is ready for more progressively challenging construction. For example, the amplifier of an example allows single and dual mode operation, as well as drives a rotary motor and is coordinated with a strobe light. The amplifier of an example is synchronized with the strobe light and a moveable platform to create the impression of that jiggling figures attached to the table are dancing. Interfaces with smart phone, recording, and other technologies further enhances and encourages the learning experience. |
| US09997080B1 |
Decentralized air traffic management system for unmanned aerial vehicles
An unmanned aircraft system includes an aircraft control system that enables the safe operation of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles in the same airspace, through the use of a decentralized air traffic management system. The decentralized air traffic management system is robust against loss of communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and does not require a centralized ground control system to coordinate the vehicles. |
| US09997077B2 |
Vehicle operation assistance
Embodiments, systems, and techniques for vehicle operation assistance are provided herein. Vehicle operation assistance may be provided by monitoring characteristics of an occupant of a vehicle and determining an emergency status for the occupant based on characteristics of the occupant, transmitting a request for help based on the emergency status indicating the occupant of the vehicle is experiencing an emergency, receiving a “follow me” request from a potential leader vehicle, enabling follower mode such that vehicle is a follower vehicle and the potential leader vehicle is a leader vehicle, establishing a connection with the leader vehicle and receiving navigation instructions from the leader vehicle based on the vehicle being in follower mode, generating driving action commands based on navigation instructions, and executing respective driving action commands in an autonomous fashion based on the vehicle being in follower mode. |
| US09997075B2 |
Road shoulder-detecting system and transportation vehicle for mining
To provide a road shoulder-detecting system which can accurately measure the orientation of a vehicle relative to a road shoulder and the distance to the road shoulder. The present invention includes road shoulder-detecting units to scan a road surface in front of a vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle and detect a road shoulder located on the road surface and a road shoulder-measuring device to measure the orientation of the vehicle relative to the road shoulder detected by the road shoulder-detecting units and the distance to the road shoulder; and the two road shoulder-detecting units are installed on the traveling direction side of the vehicle. The two road shoulder-detecting units are installed in a higher position than the upper ends of front wheels. |
| US09997074B2 |
Display apparatus and vehicle having the same
A display apparatus in a vehicle, the display apparatus including a sensor configured to acquire vehicle periphery information; a wireless processor configured to transmit and receive information on a virtual traffic signal to and from another vehicle; a display; and a processor configured to detect another vehicle having a possibility of intersection from the vehicle periphery information, generate the virtual traffic signal based on a position relationship between the vehicle and the other vehicle, and display the generated virtual traffic signal on the display. |
| US09997073B2 |
Vehicle alert apparatus
An alert ECU acquires intersection information representing a situation of an intersection (target intersection) where a host vehicle will enter. The alert ECU excludes the leftward and rightward orientations from assistance-target orientations when the target intersection is grade separated, when a traffic light is installed at the target intersection, when a median strip is installed in the target intersection along the host vehicle traveling direction, or when a stop sign is not installed at the target intersection. As a result, an alert to a driver for a target vehicle is inhibited when the target vehicle is approaching the host vehicle from an orientation in which it is estimated that the target vehicle cannot collide with the host vehicle and when the target vehicle is approaching the host vehicle from an orientation in which it is estimated that the target vehicle will not collide with the host vehicle for regulatory reasons. |
| US09997070B1 |
Use of software configurable luminaire in parking application
A plurality of networked lighting devices are deployed in a parking garage. The lighting devices each have a display, a controllable general illumination light source, and an occupancy sensor. When a user enters the parking garage in a vehicle, the display of lighting devices outputs directional arrows and communicates with other lighting devices to direct the user to a vacant parking space (e.g., displays green). In response to detecting that the vehicle has parked in a parking space, the display output is adjusted (e.g., displays red) and the general illumination light source is changed to a different lighting state. Hence, when the user pulls into the parking space, illumination lighting is activated to a brighter setting. The illumination lighting is adjusted to the brighter setting as the user approaches other lighting devices, for example, when approaching an elevator or later re-approaches the vehicle to provide a feeling of safety. |
| US09997062B2 |
Systems and methods for limiting remote-control device mode changes
Various embodiments provide a systems and methods for a remote-control device to limit changes from one mode to a plurality of different modes. In response to a particular button press, sequence of button activations, time-dependent button presses and/or other type of input being entered on the remote-control device indicative of a command to limit mode changes, remote-control device prevents changing from one mode to a plurality of different modes until another command or input is received to allow such mode changes. The plurality of modes which the remote-control device is prevented changing to or changing from may be selectable by the user. |
| US09997059B2 |
Data collection system
A data collection system includes a plurality of sensor modules each provided with a sensor unit, and a data collecting device. The data collecting device (200) is provided with: a clock output unit (201) which outputs a clock signal; an enable signal output unit (202) which outputs to a prescribed sensor module (100) an enable signal at intervals equal to or greater than the number of clock signals corresponding to the number of sensor modules (100); a counter (203) which counts the number of clock signals; and a sensor signal input unit (205) into which data output by the sensor modules (100) is input via a bus line, and which records said data in association with the count value. Using the clock signal as a trigger, each sensor module (100) functions as a shift register feeding the enable signal to the subsequent stage sensor module (100), and each sensor module (100) outputs output data from the sensor unit (110) in said sensor module (100) to the sensor signal input unit (205) only when the enable signal has been fed to said sensor module (100). |
| US09997058B2 |
Smart-home multi-functional hazard detector providing location-specific feature configuration
A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time. |
| US09997057B2 |
Vehicle emergency system
Described herein is an emergency system with rear camera and sensor to report emergencies and accidents that occur to the vehicle to which the system is installed. The device includes various sensors, detectors, and communication elements to signal a triggering condition to an emergency services provider. |
| US09997052B1 |
Cell phone recovery device
The cell phone recovery device is configured for use with a personal data device. The cell phone recovery device establishes a wireless communication link between the cell phone recovery device and the personal data device The cell phone recovery device to monitors the span of the distance between the cell phone recovery device and the personal data device. Should the span of the distance between the cell phone recovery device and the personal data device exceed a previously determined threshold, the cell phone recovery device generates an audible alarm. The cell phone recovery device comprises a first logic module and a first communication module. The first communication module is electrically connected to the first logic module. The first communication module establishes and maintains the wireless communication link between the cell phone recovery device and the personal data device. |
| US09997049B2 |
Equipment life span monitoring system and method
A monitoring system and method monitor one or more operational conditions of first equipment during operation of the first equipment and predict a life span of the first equipment based on the one or more operational conditions. The life span that is predicted differs from a designated life span of the first equipment that is determined prior to operation of the first equipment. The system and method can create or modify schedules for repair or replacement of other equipment to include repair or replacement of the first equipment based on the life span that is predicted. |
| US09997048B2 |
Power failure monitoring device of digital protection relay
Embodiments of a power failure monitoring device of a digital protection relay capable of preventing a relay operation error and a data loss by determining a power failure when an electric power voltage being detected is dropped to be equal to or less than a prestored power failure reference voltage to enable a controller to perform a power failure preparation operation are provided. |
| US09997044B2 |
Method, computer program, and system for monitoring a being
A method, computer program, and system for monitoring a person in a structure having a first room and a second room. The system includes motion sensors and accelerometers to determine states and activities within the states, respectively. No visual images of any type are used to monitor the person. The person does not need to wear any type of equipment or component or necklace or bracelet or special clothing with any type of equipment or component in order to be monitored by the system. |
| US09997043B2 |
Comprehensive system and method of universal real-time linking of real objects to a machine, network, internet, or software service
Methods of connecting or linking real objects to machines or the virtual world in real time utilizing a device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a wireless tag attached to an object in communication with an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or watch, monitors and updates the position of a wireless tag locally and on a machine/network/cloud. Methods of using a wireless tag in safety, loss/theft prevention, healthcare, tracking, advertising and marketing, education, games, finance, payment, and athletic are disclosed. In another embodiment, methods of providing an application programming interface and/or a software development kit based on the devices are provided, allowing software developers the ability to create their own programs or applications on top of the disclosed system is disclosed. Methods of allowing developers to distribute and/or monetize applications developed through the application programming interface and/or a software development kit are also disclosed. |
| US09997041B2 |
Non-contact alarm volume reduction
A method and apparatus for providing a caregiver the capability of modifying the tone and volume of an audible alarm for a medical device based on non-contact methods. |
| US09997039B1 |
Personal monitoring and notification systems
A web portal communicates with a variety of information sources that produce monitoring data. Information sources are configurable to user preferences and are trainable to detect patterns of sensory input. The information sources transmit the monitoring data to a central server that receives the data and traverses one or more logical rule sets to determine whether the inputted data violates policies and rules set by the user. The policies and rules define the level of monitoring desired and an appropriate response in the evaluation of the monitoring data against the rules. Based on an evaluation of the rules, the central server then generates outputs in the form of communication to the user via a variety of communication mediums and devices. |
| US09997036B2 |
Power outlet cameras
A security system can can be configured to mount to a power outlet. The security system can include a detection system comprising a camera, motion detector, speaker, microphone, and a pair of electrical prongs arranged and configured to protrude into the power outlet to receive power for the detection system. The security system can also include a remote computing device communicatively coupled to the detection system. |
| US09997035B1 |
Acoustic security system and method
A security system includes a transducer within a monitored space responsive to audio signals therein. An analog-to-digital converter couples the transducer to the input of a digital signal processor. Time-staggered digital samples are stored, and are each multiplied by the current sample in a corresponding series of multipliers, and accumulated in a like series of accumulators. Accumulated sums, generated by the series of accumulators during known, undisturbed periods, are stored. During active monitoring, the processor compares currently generated accumulated sums to the previously stored accumulated sums generated during undisturbed periods. The processor creates an alarm signal when current values for the accumulated sums do not correspond to accumulated sums previously stored during undisturbed periods. |
| US09997033B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring use of rail on a footpath
A safety rail monitoring system, and associated methods of operation, for monitoring use of a safety rail that borders a footpath to help prevent injuries while the user traverses the footpath. The safety system includes a sensor system for detecting the presence of a user on the footpath and the presence of a contact by the user on the safety rail. A sensor observation system in communication with the sensor system receives signals indicating whether the user is present on the footpath and whether the user is holding on to the safety rail. If the user is not holding on to the safety rail, the sensor observation system generates an alert signal to the user to remind the user to hold the safety rail. In some embodiments, the safety system may include a barrier that prevents the user from continuing along the footpath without contacting the safety rail. |
| US09997029B2 |
Dual sensor controllers for automated teller machines
Apparatus and methods for a sensor system are provided. The system may be configured to detect a dispensing of cash from an automated teller machine (“ATM”). The system may be configured to orient one or more sensors to capture a first information stream that includes the dispensing of cash. The system may be configured to detect a retraction of cash by the ATM. The system may orient one or more sensors to capture a second information stream that includes the retraction. The system may be configured to determine an estimate of cash collected by an ATM customer. The estimate may be based on a comparison of the first information stream and the second information stream. |
| US09997022B2 |
Secondary game
In various embodiments, a secondary player may make a bet that pays based on aggregate data from multiple games of primary players. |
| US09997021B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a feature game
A gaming machine configured to provide a play of a game, the gaming machine comprising a symbol selector for selecting a) a plurality of backgrounds from a set of backgrounds for display at respective ones of a plurality of display positions, the set of backgrounds including winning backgrounds and non-winning backgrounds, and b) a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display at respective ones of said plurality of display positions, the selected symbols being displayed at each display position overlaid upon a selected background. The gaming machine also comprises an outcome evaluator for determining when a trigger event occurs, said trigger event being defined when at least two winning backgrounds of said plurality of backgrounds are selected for display adjacent to each other. The plurality of symbols and said plurality of backgrounds are selected independently of each other and wherein the set of backgrounds is such that at least one outcome of the game includes a display position at which a symbol is overlaid upon a non-winning background. |
| US09997017B2 |
Method and system for retrofitting existing gaming machines to track gaming activity
A gaming machine system and method for retrofitting the gaming machines to track activity of users. The gaming machine system includes gaming machines in communication with a server with a database. The gaming machines each include a cash ticket reader and a cash ticket printer. The gaming machines retrofitted with software that adapts the cash ticket reader and the cash ticket printer to additionally read and print tracking tickets. The cash tickets include a cash value and the tracking tickets include a code representative of a user. |
| US09997015B2 |
Coordinating game events between a stationary wagering game machine and a portable machine
A set of one or more processor units detects occurrence of a first game event during a wagering game presented at a stationary wagering game machine. In response to detecting the occurrence of the first game event, the set of one or more processor units presents a second game event at a portable machine. In addition, a control input may be received at the portable machine. The portable machine communicates an indication of the control input, which causes occurrence of a third game event at the stationary wagering game machine. |
| US09997011B2 |
Gaming system and method for offering simultaneous play of multiple games
Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed. |
| US09997006B2 |
Treatment system and method for ingestible product dispensing system and method
A computationally implemented system and method that is designed to, but is not limited to: electronically directing at least one second automated treatment occurrence of the at least one automated device to treat at least a portion of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment other than removing material from the automated ingestible product preparation equipment including other than removing the at least one first substance, other than removing the first ingestible product, and other than removing other materials associated with preparation of the at least one first ingestible product prior to at least one second operation occurrence of the automated ingestible product dispensing equipment, the at least one second operation occurrence electronically initiated via electronically receiving first input associated with a particular individual living being. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure. |
| US09997005B1 |
Soft touch resin and transaction card comprising the same
Apparatuses and methods are provided for manufacturing a transaction card. The disclosed apparatuses and methods may be used to form a transaction card frame configured to house a data storage component. The card frame may be formed of a resin mixture comprising a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The card frame may also have a Shore D hardness in the range of 20-80. |
| US09997002B2 |
Key fob with sliding lock status indicator
A lock button status indicator for use with a key fob having depressable lock and unlock buttons for remotely activating a locking/unlocking mechanism communicating with a door, such as a vehicle door. The lock button status indicator has a cross member extending over the lock button in a first position and extending over the unlock button in a second position. Apparatus is provided for allowing the lock button status indicator to be manually moved back and forth between the first position and the second position. Apparatus is provided for releasably retaining the lock button status indicator member in either the first or second position. |
| US09996998B2 |
Adaptive advisory engine and methods to predict preferential activities available at a region associated with lodging
Various embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and wearable computing devices for identifying activities and/or destinations of relative importance. More specifically, a system, a device and a method provide to predict activities (e.g., preferential activities) available at a geographic region association with lodging and to adaptively generate advisory data. In one or more embodiments, a method can include accessing traveler profile data associated with a user, identifying data representing a portion of traveler attributes associated with a geographic region including lodging for the user, and receiving data indicative of locality-related characteristics. The method also includes predicting a first activity as a function of a locality-related characteristic and a travel attribute, and generating customized advisory data configured to engage in an activity. |
| US09996995B2 |
Door-lock control method
A door-lock control method adopted by a door-lock device and a computer program is present. The method comprises: broadcasting a connecting message in a WPAN at the door-lock device; controlling a mobile device to establish a connection with the door-lock device via the WPAN when receiving the connecting message at the computer program; sending an unlocking command via the connection at the computer; and unlocking a door-lock thereon when receiving the unlocking command at the door-lock device. This application can omit the operations which the householder needs to do manually on the mobile device or the door-lock device, and effectively improves the convenience of use and reduces the waiting time of completing unlocking the door-lock. |
| US09996989B2 |
Event tracking for vehicles
Embodiments for tracking vehicle events by capturing data from a vehicle component by a processor. Sensory instrumentation associated with the vehicle component is initialized to provide data to a repository when one of the vehicle events occurs. The data in the repository is analyzed to extrapolate the vehicle event to determine a condition of the vehicle. |
| US09996986B2 |
Sensor offset calibration using map information
Systems, processes, and techniques for calibrating an onboard sensor of a vehicle are presented here. The vehicle has a control system that is capable of performing at least some of the tasks related to the calibration procedure. An exemplary methodology collects vehicle status data and obtains navigation map data during operation of the vehicle. A current calibration factor is calculated for the onboard sensor, based on the collected vehicle status data and the obtained navigation map data. More specifically, the vehicle status and navigation map data can be used to determine when the current conditions are suitable for performing calibration. When the current conditions are satisfactory, the calibration factor is calculated. Thereafter, the onboard sensor can be calibrated in response to the current calibration factor. |
| US09996984B2 |
Focus control for virtual objects in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) displays
Embodiments described herein include an optical system, and associated method and computer program product. The optical system comprises one or more display devices, and one or more computer processors configured to transmit display signals comprising at least one virtual object for updating imagery displayed by the display devices, and to selectively defocus a focus of the virtual object. |
| US09996980B1 |
Augmented reality for providing vehicle functionality through virtual features
The disclosure includes embodiments for providing a virtual feature to a vehicle including an augmented reality (“AR”) headset and an AR glove. A method according to some embodiments includes causing the AR headset to display the virtual object which includes a three-dimensional image of a control element operable to control the virtual feature. The method includes monitoring a motion of the AR glove relative to a space in a real-world that appears to the driver to be occupied by the three-dimensional image of the control element when the driver views the space through the AR headset. The method includes providing, using the AR glove, haptic feedback so that the driver feels the control element upon touching the space that appears to include the control element. The method includes providing the virtual feature in accordance with the motion of the AR glove relative to the control element. |
| US09996975B2 |
Interactive multi-rider virtual reality ride system
A virtual reality ride system includes a platform having at least one seat, a first headset, a second headset, and one or more rendering processors. The first and second headsets each have a motion-sensing unit and a display unit configured to display animated video. The one or more processors are configured to render a first animated video of a virtual environment from a perspective based on the physical location and orientation of the first headset, and to render a second animated video of the virtual environment from a perspective based on the physical location and orientation of the second headset. |
| US09996973B2 |
Augmented reality objects based on biometric feedback
Technologies are generally described for refining virtual objects output within an augmented reality environment. In one example, a method includes determining, by a system comprising a processor, first response data representative of a first response to a first set of object data associated with a simulation of an interaction between a first virtual object and a second virtual object. The method also includes modifying at least one object of the first set of object data to create a second set of object data associated with another simulation of the interaction between the first virtual object and the second virtual object. Further, the method includes outputting data representative of the first virtual object, the second virtual object, and the second set of object data. |
| US09996971B2 |
System providing companion images
A method for presenting radiographic images of a subject obtains, from the same radiographic image capture, at least a first image and a second image, wherein the at least first and second images differ in presentation. The method associates the at least first and second images as companion images according to one or more entered instructions. There is displayed at least a first executable data link that relates to a first storage location of the first image and a second executable data link that relates to a second storage location of the second image. In response to an operator selection of either of or both of the first and second executable data links, the method displays either the corresponding first or second image, or both companion images. |
| US09996970B2 |
Audio-based 3D point cloud generation and analysis
In a system and method for inspecting a property, a microphone receives one or more audio waves propagating from a structure. One or more processors generate a 3D point cloud based on the received audio waves, analyzed the generated 3D point cloud to identify features of a surface or subsurface of the structure, and generate an estimate of a condition of the surface or subsurface. |
| US09996967B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method
An image processing apparatus generates intermediate volume data from a plurality of volume data segments obtained as time passes so as to implement high-speed volume data. A medical imaging apparatus that includes the image processing apparatus, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, an image processing method, and a medical image generation method are disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a displacement vector generator configured to detect corresponding voxels between reference volume data and target volume data that has been acquired at intervals of a predetermined time period, and to generate a displacement vector between the corresponding voxels; and an intermediate volume data generator configured to generate at least one piece of intermediate volume data between the reference volume data and the target volume data by using the generated displacement vector. |
| US09996966B2 |
Ray tracing method and apparatus
A ray tracing method includes determining whether acceleration structure traversal data of a previous ray similar to a received ray is stored in a traversal cache, and reading the stored acceleration structure traversal data, and performing image rendering based on the read acceleration structure traversal data, based on a result of the determining. |
| US09996965B1 |
Template based text and graphics with dynamic duration
An automated animated title sequence mechanism including a system and methods for template based text and graphics that can render the animated title sequence where the duration of the sequence dynamically fits an arbitrary or predetermined timeline. The automated animated title sequence includes a title template document to store a complete description of an animated title sequence. The title template document is composed of a timeline, animated text and graphics, data and instructions for playback of the animated text and graphics over the course of the timeline. |
| US09996963B2 |
Devices, frameworks and methodologies for enabling user-driven determination of body size and shape information and utilisation of such information across a networked environment
A scanning booth with a user interface. The interface receives user identification or registration data and provides instructional prompts for the user to assume various predefined positions, stances and postures. Image data of each pose is captured using scanning devices in the booth. A three dimensional avatar is generated based on the mapping or morphing of image data to a generic avatar model. Data from the generated model is transmitted to a server where it is stored in a database for later account application in, for example, garment sizing, display or fitting, or health monitoring. |
| US09996960B2 |
Augmented reality system and method
An augmented reality system and method include: building a first point cloud coordinate system at a first physical location and a second point cloud coordinate system at a second physical location according to depth information of first physical content and second physical content respectively; creating first virtual content based on the first point cloud coordinate system; determining at least one plane in the first point cloud coordinate system; determining at least one plane point in the at least one plane; computing coordinate variance of the at least one plane point from the first point cloud coordinate system to the second point cloud coordinate system; calculating a location of the first virtual content in the second point cloud coordinate system according to the coordinate variance to create corresponding second virtual content on the location; and displaying the second physical content and virtual content at the second physical location. |
| US09996959B2 |
Systems and methods to display rendered images
A computer-implemented method to display a rendered image is described. A base image is obtained. A rendered image is obtained. The rendered image is matched to a location on the base image. The rendered image is overlaid onto the base image at the location to generate a set of layered images. The set of layered images is displayed. |
| US09996956B1 |
Generating graphical indicators of various data for linked parallel presentation
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for generating graphical indicators of various data for parallel presentation. Example methods include determining a set of data with first data and second data for a first segment and a second segment, determining a first ranking using the first data, where the first segment is ranked in a first position and the second segment is ranked in a second position, generating a first discrete visualization with a first graphical indicator for the first segment in a first location and a second graphical indicator for the second segment in a second location. Example methods may include determining a second ranking using the second data, where the first segment is ranked in the second position and the second segment is ranked in the first position, generating a second discrete visualization with a first graphical indicator and a second graphical indicator in the same respective locations. |
| US09996954B2 |
Methods and systems for dynamic display of a trace of a physiological parameter
Methods and systems are presented for displaying physiological information with a physiological monitor. A physiological parameter, for example oxygen saturation, is computed from a received physiological signal, for example a PPG signal. At least one metric associated with the received physiological signal is determined, for example a statistical measure of uncertainty associated with the determined physiological parameter. Display parameters are determined, for example a width parameter, based on the metrics and a trace of the computed physiological parameter for a subject is displayed. In some embodiments, the width of the displayed trace may be varied based on the width parameter. In some embodiments, additional or alternative characteristics of the displayed trace may be varied based on respective display parameters. The variations in characteristics of the displayed trace may provide dynamic graphical representations of, for example, the uncertainty associated with determined values of the physiological parameter. |
| US09996944B2 |
Systems and methods for mapping an environment
A method for mapping an environment by an electronic device is described. The method includes obtaining a set of sensor measurements. The method also includes determining a set of voxel occupancy probability distributions respectively corresponding to a set of voxels based on the set of sensor measurements. Each of the voxel occupancy probability distributions represents a probability of occupancy of a voxel over a range of occupation densities. The range includes partial occupation densities. |
| US09996942B2 |
Sub-pixel alignment of inspection to design
Methods and systems for determining a position of output generated by an inspection subsystem in design data space are provided. In general, some embodiments described herein are configured for substantially accurately aligning inspection subsystem output generated for a specimen to a design for the specimen despite deformation of the design in the inspection subsystem output. In addition, some embodiments are configured for generating and/or using alignment targets that can be shared across multiple specimens of the same layer and design rule for alignment of inspection subsystem output generated for a specimen to a design for the specimen. |
| US09996933B2 |
Methods and apparatus for outlier detection and correction of structured light depth maps
Systems and methods for correcting errors in a depth map generated by a structured light system are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes dividing a depth map into segments and calculating a density distribution of the depth values for each segment. The method includes detecting error (or “outlier”) values by determining the depth values that fall outside of a range of depth values, the range of depth values representative of the highest density depth values for a given segment. The method includes detecting error values in the depth map as a whole based on the density distribution values for each segment. |
| US09996932B2 |
Method and system for multi-lens module alignment
The disclosure provides a method and a system for multi-lens module alignment, adapted to perform alignment on a multi-lens module having at least a first lens and a second lens during its manufacturing stage, where the method includes the following steps. A calibration object is first captured by using the first lens and the second lens to accordingly generate intrinsic parameters and external parameters of the first lens and the second lens, where the external parameters of the first lens and the second lens are associated with a common reference coordinate system. A target object is next captured by using the first lens and the second lens, and captured images of the target object are processed by using the intrinsic parameters and the external parameters to generate rectified images. The first lens and the second lens are adjusted and aligned according to the rectified images. |
| US09996922B2 |
Image processing of organs depending on organ intensity characteristics
A method of processing a medical image comprising an organ, the method comprising: obtaining a medical image; automatically estimating one or more organ intensity characteristics in the image, from contents of a region of the image that appears to correspond, at least in part, to at least a portion of the organ; providing a plurality of sets of organ intensity characteristics, each set a different example of possible intensity characteristics of the organ; choosing one of the plurality of sets, that has organ intensity characteristics that provide a better match than one or more other sets to the estimated organ intensity characteristics of the image; setting values of one or more image processing parameters based on the organ intensity characteristics of the chosen set; and automatically processing the image using said values of image processing parameters. |
| US09996915B2 |
Automated forensic artifact reconstruction and replay of captured and recorded display interface streams
Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing user interface validation or diagnostics, and, in particular embodiments, for implementing automated forensic artifact reconstruction and replay of captured and recorded display interface streams. In some embodiments, a computing system might retrieve stream data from a database, the stream data having been captured and recorded by a data stream recording system as display data is being sent from an embedded processor of a graphical user interface (“GUI”) system to a display device, without disturbing the display data being sent. The computing system subsequently parses pixel data from the display data, formats the parsed pixel data, reconstructs one or more display screen images based at least in part on the formatted pixel data, then compares each pixel of each screen image or frame of the reconstructed display screen images with each pixel of a model screen image of each corresponding screen image. |
| US09996913B2 |
Contrast based image fusion
A system for two color image fusion blending co-registered low light level images in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum with thermal infrared images maximizes the information content of the scene by detecting in which of the two image types, IR and visible, there is more structural information and increasing the weight of the pixels in the image type having the most structural information. Additionally, situational awareness is increased by categorizing image information as “scene” or “target” and colorizing the target images to highlight target features when raw IR values are above a predetermined threshold. The system utilizes Red, Green and Blue (RGB) planes to convey different information such that for targets the Red plane is used to colorize regions when raw IR exceeds the predetermined threshold. For scene images, the Green plane provides improved situational awareness due to the above weighted blend of the two image types. |
| US09996911B2 |
Image processing device and related image compression method
An image processing device and a related image compression method are applied to filter the fixed pattern noise of an image. The image compression method includes applying characteristic value calculation to the image along a predetermined direction to generate a series of characteristic values, comparing a pixel matrix of the image with the series of characteristic values, and acquiring a difference matrix according to a comparison result. The foresaid difference matrix can be compressed to indicate as a compression datum of the image. |
| US09996908B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, image processing method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for estimating blur
An image processing apparatus includes an acquirer which acquires a blurred image, and a generator which acquires a blur estimation area of at least a part of the blurred image to generate an estimated blur based on the blur estimation area, and the generator generates the estimated blur by performing iterative calculation processing that repeats correction processing and estimation processing, the correction processing correcting a blur included in information relating to a signal in the blur estimation area to generate information relating to a correction signal, and the estimation processing estimating a blur based on the information relating to the signal and the information relating to the correction signal, and generates, as the information relating to the correction signal, information relating to a plurality of correction signals by using a plurality of different calculation expressions in at least one correction processing during the iterative calculation processing. |
| US09996907B2 |
Image pickup apparatus and image processing method restricting an image stabilization range during a live view operation
An image pickup apparatus includes: an IS unit that corrects blurring during exposure by driving a lens or an image pickup device based on a blur amount detected by a blur detecting unit; an alignment processing section that calculates a correlation value for arbitrary two images among image data of a plural images obtained by consecutive photographing; a combination processing section that aligns and combines image data of the two images based on the correlation value; and a microcomputer that is capable of setting a consecutive photographing combination mode. In a case where the consecutive photographing combination mode is set, the IS unit restricts an image stabilization range during live view. |
| US09996906B2 |
Artefact detection and correction
An artifact detector detects artifacts in a video sequence comprising interpolated frames generated by performing motion estimation. The detector comprises a pixel processor which processes pixel values in first and second input frames of the video sequence to identify respective blocks of pixels representing an image feature. A feature-matching module matches identified blocks in the first input frame with corresponding identified in the second input frame to determine matched block pairs. For each matched block pair, a feature-detector module: (i) identifies a block of an interpolated frame between the first and second input frames corresponding to the matched block pair, and (ii) characterizes the corresponding block of the interpolated frame as an artifact in dependence on a determination of whether said corresponding block does or does not represent the image feature. A corrector module corrects the interpolated frame based on the characterization of the blocks of the interpolated frame. |
| US09996905B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing object visibility for overhead imaging
Systems and methods are provided for enhancing object feature visibility for overhead imaging. In one embodiment, a computing system can obtain information associated with one or more locations of an imaging platform and one or more locations of a solar source. The system can determine one or more positional ranges of the imaging platform relative to the solar source based, at least in part, on such information. The positional ranges can be indicative of positions at which the imaging platform is to obtain image frames depicting at least a portion of a target object. The system can send, to the imaging platform, a set of data indicative of the positional ranges and can receive, from the imaging platform, a set of data indicative of the image frames depicting at least a portion of the target object. The image frames being captured based, at least in part, on the positional ranges. |
| US09996903B2 |
Super-resolution in processing images such as from multi-layer sensors
Pixels of an array capture values for an input image. The captured values correspond to pixel center points of the pixels that captured the values. Additional values about the input image may be further computed from the captured values. These additional values may correspond to additional center points, which can be different from any of the pixel center points. An output image may be constructed from the captured values plus the additional values. These values may be stored together and/or displayed together as the output image. Embodiments are applicable to images such as from multi-layer sensors. Since the output image can be created from a higher total number of values than those captured by the available number of pixels, such image processing can be called super-resolution, and can be applied to image processing within imaging devices, for still pictures, video and motion pictures, and so on. |
| US09996902B2 |
Image upscaling
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for upscaling an image. One of the methods includes upscaling a low resolution image, creating first pixel subsets of the first upscaled image, creating second pixel subsets of a high resolution image, determining, for each subset in the pixel subsets, a value of a property of the pixel subset, determining, for each subset in the pixel subsets, a group of subsets to which the corresponding pixel subset belongs using the value of the property, and determining, for each of the groups of subsets, a filter to apply to each of the first pixel subsets that correspond to the pixel subsets in the group to create a final pixel subset that approximates the corresponding second pixel subset using the first pixel subset, a combination of all of the final pixel subsets representing a second upscaled image. |
| US09996901B2 |
Displaying representative images in a visual mapping system
Embodiments provide systems and methods for generating a street map that includes a position identifier that identifies a location on the street map. The method and system may also generate and display a plurality of images representative of the location of the position identifier. A user may interact with a position identifier or one of several scroll icons to view images of other locations on the street map and/or to obtain driving directions between two locations. |
| US09996899B2 |
Systems and methods for scaling an object
A computer-implemented method for scaling an object is described. Two or more lines are generated on a display of the mobile device. The user is imaged with a camera of the mobile device. The image of the user is displayed on the display of the mobile device. Upon determining the feature of the user aligns with the first of the two or more lines on the display of the mobile device, an image of the user is captured. A number of pixels per unit of distance are determined based at least in part on a number of pixels between a predetermined point on the captured image and the feature of the user, and a predetermined distance between a camera of the mobile device and the first of the two or more lines on the display. |
| US09996898B2 |
Flexible control in resizing of visual displays
A computer processor circuit can be used to receive a resizing request that includes parameters for resizing a user interface containing a plurality of visual elements. In response to the request, the computer processor circuit can access a set of one or more data files specifying: links to binary image data files for the plurality of visual elements; a set of nodes forming a plurality of vector paths for at least one of the plurality of visual elements; and a set of rules defining different image resizing properties for different vector paths of the plurality of vector paths. The computer processor circuit can then create a resized version of the user interface by modifying the plurality of visual elements according to the set of rules and to the parameters for resizing. |
| US09996888B2 |
Obtaining software asset insight by analyzing collected metrics using analytic services
A plurality of software instances deployed in a monitored environment are discovered by a software asset management tool operated by a software asset administrator who is responsible for monitoring software license compliance within the monitored environment. The software asset management tool then collects metrics associated with the plurality of software instances. The collected metrics are then provided to a first analytic service adapted to generate analytic information about the plurality of software instances. Using at least the collected metrics, the analytic service generates analytic information. The analytic information is then obtained from the analytic service. By reviewing the analytic information, the software asset administrator is able to obtain additional insight into the monitored environment that would not otherwise be available to him. |
| US09996884B2 |
Visible insurance
Real-time insurance rates can be generated and presented to a driver—as the rate changes, the change can be shown through an interface. Different factors can be evaluated and based upon a result of the evaluation, the rate can be determined. The determination can be performed locally at a vehicle as well as by an insurance company. A bidding process can be used where different insurance companies supply rates and a user or automated process selects the rate for use—the selected rate is conveyed upon the interface. |
| US09996883B2 |
System for risk mitigation based on road geometry and weather factors
A method is disclosed for mitigating the risks associated with driving by assigning risk values to road segments and using those risk values to select less risky travel routes. Various approaches to helping users mitigate risk are presented. A computing device is configured to generate a database of risk values. That device may receive accident information, geographic information, vehicle information, and other information from one or more data sources and calculate a risk value for the associated road segment. Subsequently, the computing device may provide the associated risk value to other devices. Furthermore, a personal navigation device may receive travel route information and use that information to retrieve risk values for the road segments in the travel route. An insurance company may use this information to determine whether to adjust a quote or premium of an insurance policy. This and other aspects relating to using geographically encoded information to promote and reward risk mitigation are disclosed. |
| US09996881B2 |
Consumer-centered risk analysis and insurance purchasing systems and methods
Systems and methods are provided for insurance risk analysis, insurance policy comparisons, benchmarking, and purchasing. A consumer-focused interview may be used. Conversation-style user interviews may be used, and interviews may be augmented with cognitive techniques. Interview topics may include consumer lifestyle, activities, possessions, and objectives, and other information pertinent to insurable risks. A data import-export engine may be provided to import data from various insurance companies, departments of insurance or data warehouses. Entered, imported, and/or previously stored data may be used to produce one or more of a risk profile report, a risk analysis, a recommended coverage report, a policy download, a gap analysis report, a comparison report of multiple proposals from multiple insurance companies, a policy forms analysis, a policy forms analysis comparison, and/or a benchmark report. Apparatuses and method may include modules for accounting, marketing, communication, consumer and prospect tracking and documentation, and/or insurance and risk management education. |
| US09996878B1 |
In-vehicle infotainment insurance applications
A vehicle is engineered in which a piece of hardware, an in-vehicle display, is installed and through which an insured may interface with various insurance modules. The in-vehicle display presents various pieces of graphical user interface to assist the insured in operating the vehicle depending on driving exigencies and circumstances, so as to improve vehicle technologies. |
| US09996876B1 |
Automated exchange for trading of securities
An automated exchange is provided for trading financial instruments, such as options contracts. The exchange receives a plurality of orders to buy or sell the instruments and stores them in a book memory arranged in order of best price to worst price. The exchange also receives a quotation to purchase or sell a quantity of the instruments at the best price and stores the quotation in the book memory. The orders are traded with the quotation at the best price and when the entirety of the quotation is traded a new quotation is generated and stored in the book memory at a price one or more minimum trading increments worse than the best price. The size of the generated quotation is based on values stored in a quotation table. |
| US09996875B2 |
Online bidding system
A method and computer program product is provided for an online bidding system. The method may include receiving a plurality of bids from a plurality of online bidding communities during a live auction event at one of a primary technology provider and a relying technology provider, wherein the live auction event simultaneously occurs on a physical auction floor and virtually. The method may also include processing the plurality of bids at the primary technology provider. The method may further include providing the processed plurality of bids to a single designated clerking console associated with the primary technology provider for the live auction event. The method may also include receiving an accepted bid from the single designated clerking console. |
| US09996874B2 |
Character personal shopper system
Shopping assistance using an interactive character is provided on a shopping device in a retail store. Input requesting assistance from a character displayed on the shopping device is received on the shopping device. The input is processed. A response is determined based on the input and a character personality profile for the character displayed. The response is generated through the character on the shopping device, providing shopping assistance. |
| US09996873B2 |
Methods, systems and devices for retail website linking and image merging
An e-commerce method involves on-line viewing of a first article through a linking node for virtual merging on another structure. A particular application of the invention is directed to on-line apparel shopping involving a color matching scheme using color codes provided with images to be merged. For example, on-line viewing of one article, such as clothing, on another structure, includes creating an item from image-data corresponding to a colored article selected by an on-line viewer from an on-line viewer site with an image of a colored structure selected by the on-line viewer, and indicating whether the colored article and the colored structure satisfy a color-matching criterion. |
| US09996868B2 |
Methods and apparatus for gifting over a data network
A method for providing a content gift to a gift-receiving terminal is provided. The method includes a gift server communicating with the gift-receiving terminal over a wireless communication link to determine what content is owned by the gift-receiving terminal. The method further includes the gift server generating catalog data including at least one content gift targeted for the gift receiving terminal. Further included in the method is the gift server wirelessly transmitting the catalog data to a gift-giving terminal. Additionally, the method includes the gift server receiving a selection of a content gift from the gift-giving terminal over a wireless communication link. Further included is the gift server facilitating delivery of the selected content gift to the gift-receiving terminal. |
| US09996865B2 |
System and method for transaction automation
A system and method provides a user of a network-based commerce system drag and drop functionality that allows a user to purchase goods from a network-based transaction system through the use of links and images. |
| US09996859B1 |
Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for providing a self-service interface
Provided herein are systems, methods and computer readable media for programmatically generating and/or revising promotion offers for a merchant based on one or more merchant self-service indicators. In providing such functionality, the system can be configured to, for example, facilitate registration and verification of merchant identities, determine promotion content and parameters based on merchant self-service indicators, and monitor and analyze promotion offers for merchants with similar merchant self-service indicators. The system may determine the relative successfulness of a promotion offer for a merchant and/or category of merchant. In some embodiments, the system may be further configured to revise the promotion offer programmatically and/or upon receiving the merchant's approval of the programmatically generated proposed edits to the promotion offer. |
| US09996858B1 |
Adaptive bidding for networked advertising
An adaptive bidder for networked advertising. A bid request is received from an exchange over a network. Each bid request represents the opportunity to bid on an advertising opportunity. A processing time limit is determined based at least in part on a network latency measurement, an exchange reported timeout and a bid response buffer. The network latency measurement may be required to meet a freshness standard. The bid response buffer represents the time allotted for the adaptive bidding system to generate a response based on one or more partial results. The exchange reported timeout value can be included in the bid request, and can vary from bid request to bid request. The execution of one or more tasks is initiated by the adaptive bidding system, and each task can make a partial result available. In some cases, a partial result is a cumulative result. A response is determined from one or more partial results which are available before the processing time limit expires. The response is provided to the exchange. |
| US09996855B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus to generate market segmentation data with anonymous location data
Methods and apparatus are disclosed to determine a consumer classification segment. A disclosed example method involves generating, with a processor, a list of consumer classification segments based on geographic indicators associated with a mobile device, associating, with the processor, the mobile device with a first consumer classification segment of the list of consumer classification segments if the geographic indicators were retrieved while a first application was executed, and associating, with the processor, the mobile device with a second consumer classification segment of the list of consumer classification segments if the geographic indicators were retrieved while a second application was executed. |
| US09996854B2 |
Hierarchical systems, apparatus and methods for displaying context-aware content
The invention provides in some aspects a system for display of context-aware content that includes a server storing context-sensitive data, a player that is persistently or, at least intermittently, coupled to the server, and that is likewise coupled to a plurality of output devices—such as, for example, electronic shelf labels, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, and LCD, LED or other fixed displays. The player responds to the context of each of the plurality of output devices by obtaining from the server data germane to that context, storing that data or content germane to that context generated from that data, and driving that content to that output device for presentation thereon, wherein the player concurrently drives different content to at least two of said output devices. |
| US09996852B2 |
System and method for measuring and improving the efficiency of social media campaigns
A system and method for measuring the efficiency of social media campaigns. The system collects searchable activity data of members of a social network and processes this data locally to extract interaction data happening on the profile page of the social media campaign on the social network. The interaction data is then weighed in accordance with its type. The system may also determine a reach of the campaign and a responsiveness score of a user. The system may also determine an effort score representing a monetary value of the profile page based on the volume of contribution by the owners of the social media campaign. The efficiency score may then be determined based on a relationship between the number of interactions, the weight associated with each interaction, the reach, the responsiveness score, and the effort score. |
| US09996849B2 |
Remote delivery of advertisements
A method and system for customizing a mobile application running on a mobile communication device of a user. In one implementation, the method includes providing the mobile application to the mobile communication device of the user, the mobile application having a generic platform; determining a special interest group (SIG) that is affiliated with the user; and customizing the generic platform of the mobile application based on information specific to the special interest group (SIG) that is affiliated with the user. |
| US09996848B2 |
Communication of reward data between applications
There is provided a scheme of communicating reward data from a first application running on a data processing device (100) to a second application on the data processing device (100) for use by the second application. The method comprises the first application obtaining a reward value in response to a user of the first application completing a predetermined task in the first application. In response to a request from the user to claim a reward, the first application generates and transmits: an instruction to place the second application into an interactive state; and reward data, which is generated on the basis of the reward value, for use by the second application in the interactive state. The passing of the reward value from the first application to the second application occurs within the data processing device (100), with no communication between the data processing device (100) and the backend server (200) via the Internet (400) taking place. |
| US09996847B2 |
Message control system
Embodiments are presented for controlling usage of a communications device, whereby for a given number of messages generated from the device the operator (e.g., a child, person, etc.) has to successfully answer a question before a further batch of messages can be sent. The number of messages that can be sent before a question is to be answered can be configured by a parent. Further, a modifiable data store can be utilized to store questions, from which questions for presentation on the communication device can be sourced. The questions can relate to subject matter the child is studying at school, a standardized test, trivia, provided by a third party. |
| US09996845B2 |
Bidding on users
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes receiving at a server a request from an advertiser to target an ad to users of a computer-implemented social network, the request comprising data representing characteristics of the users that the advertiser desires to target. The method further includes ranking the users based on how similar the users' characteristics are to the received characteristics and an influence score for each user that indicates how influential the user is within the social network. The method also includes scoring the advertiser's request based on a bid from the advertiser for an opportunity to display the ad to one or more of the users and assigning the opportunity to display the ad to the one or more users based on a correlation between a score of the advertiser's request and one or more rankings of the one or more users. |
| US09996843B2 |
Nano-stamp and matched reader for anti-counterfeiting applications
A method and system for reading a security seal having a unique far-field pattern are described. Periodic nano-structure is generated on the surface of a substrate having spacings of hundreds of nanometers, or smaller, and affixed on a product, or generated directly onto the product. A laser beam having a wavelength longer than the periodic spacings directed onto at least a portion of the surface of the substrate at a chosen angle of incidence and a selected azimuthal angle relative to a chosen direction produces a unique far-field pattern that may be imaged by a digital image detector disposed at a chosen distance from the illuminated region, compared with a stored reference, and validated. The nanoscale sub-wavelength patterns can be printed using extreme ultraviolet light and read with readily available visible or ultraviolet light. The security seal contains a pattern that is invisible to the eye and to an optical microscope. Brand protection at different stages of the life-span of a product, from production to purchase is therefore available. |
| US09996841B2 |
Method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment and actions of individuals
A method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment (PPE) and actions of individuals includes the following steps. An article of PPE configured with a smart tag is provided to an individual prior to performance of a task. After the individual performs the task, the article of PPE is processed. Information is retrieved from the smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE. After the performance of the task, the individual's data is read and the individual enters into a designated area. |
| US09996840B2 |
Systems and methods for authenticating goods
An item can be authenticated based on a first, second, third, and fourth identifier, wherein the identifiers are incorporated into various parts of product packaging. In some embodiments, the first, second, and fourth identifiers can be a QR code, a bar code, a serial number, any RFID tag, or a combination thereof, and the third identifier can be an image type, for example, a type of animal, and image location, for example, a quadrant. The identifiers can be scanned or inputted manually by a user. When the four identifiers are authenticated, the product is deemed to be authentic, whereas when the four identifiers are not authenticated, the product is deemed to be counterfeit. In some implementations, a user can authenticate the items using a smart phone, smart phone app, tablet, tablet app, website, web-based application, and/or the like. |
| US09996831B2 |
Mobile wireless payment and access
Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for enabling wireless mobile devices to be automatically detected and used as fare media on vehicles in a transit and/or transportation system. Embodiments include detecting a wireless mobile device and utilizing a unique identifier of the wireless mobile device to track a transit user's entry to and exit from a transit vehicle. Embodiments further include causing the wireless mobile device to display a fare payment indicator, allowing the transit user to use the wireless mobile device to show proof of payment if so solicited by a fare inspector. A corresponding fare can be calculated and paid for in a variety of ways. |
| US09996829B1 |
System for global point-of-sale capabilities
Techniques for enabling transactions via a payment processing service for a merchant that is currently located outside of a particular region that the merchant utilizes the payment processing service for processing card-present transactions is described. A server associated with the payment processing service may receive, from a point-of-sale (POS) system, first payment data to satisfy a cost of a transaction between a customer and the merchant and may determine that the POS system is currently located outside of a region where the merchant utilizes the payment processing service to perform card-present transactions. The server may extract a portion of the first payment data, the portion of the first payment data corresponding to information required for a card-not-present transaction and may facilitate, based at least in part on the portion of the first payment data, a card-not-present transaction, instead of a card-present transaction, to authorize the cost of the transaction. |
| US09996818B1 |
Counting inventory items using image analysis and depth information
Described is a system for counting stacked items using image analysis. In one implementation, an image of an inventory location with stacked items is obtained and processed to determine the number of items stacked at the inventory location. In some instances, the item closest to the camera that obtains the image may be the only item viewable in the image. Using image analysis, such as depth mapping or Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) algorithms, the distance of the item from the camera and the shelf of the inventory location can be determined. Using this information, and known dimension information for the item, a count of the number of items stacked at an inventory location may be determined. |
| US09996817B2 |
Managing requests for in-person transactions
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described that receive, from a device, a request to obtain an amount of physical items from an account, the account defining a total quantity of the physical items able to be obtained from the account, and the account being maintained across multiple locations at which the physical items are stored. The request is transmitted to at least one computer that manages inventory of the physical items for at least one of the multiple locations. Inventory availability information is received from the at least one computer that manages inventory of the physical items, including information regarding availability of the amount of physical items, and availability of a combination of differently-sized subunits of physical items that satisfy the requested amount. The inventory availability information is then transmitted to the device. |
| US09996816B2 |
Devices, system, and method of selecting, displaying, and purchasing favorite drinks of a user within a location-based virtual social networking context
A method of selecting, displaying, and purchasing favorite drinks of a user within a location-based virtual social networking context is disclosed. A mobile computing device of a first user is used to perform a digital check-in to a venue that is within a physical proximity of the first user. After the digital check-in, a digital menu that contains a list of drinks available at the venue is accessed. The digital menu is displayed to the first user via a screen of the mobile computing device. In response to selection from the first user, one or more drinks from the digital menu are designated as preferred drinks of the first user. The first user's preference of the one or more drinks is electronically communicated to another electronic device. |
| US09996815B2 |
Vertical network computing integration, analytics, and automation
Embodiments of the invention can relate to methods, systems, apparatuses directed to integration of computing networks, especially within supply chains, and use of information from these integrated networks to generate analytics. To generate such analytics, an analysis computer or payment processing network may receive purchase data. In various embodiments the purchase data may include a product identifier that is associated with a product or service that is involved in the purchase. Once the purchase transaction with the product identifier is received, consumption of inventory at the merchant or supplier may be tracked. Tracking the consumption of inventory may involve storing and using a relationship between the product identifier and the inventory. |
| US09996813B2 |
Systems and methods for creating and using a hybrid-digital mailbox
A method, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium are provided for populating a calendar. In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving tracking data regarding a delivery item, calculating an expected delivery date for the delivery item, identifying one or more deadlines associated with the delivery item, based on the tracking information, and automatically populating a user's calendar with the expected delivery date and the one or more deadlines. |
| US09996812B2 |
Method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment and actions of individuals
A method for tracking procedures performed on personal protection equipment (PPE) and actions of individuals includes the following steps. An article of PPE configured with a smart tag is provided to an individual prior to performance of a task. After the individual performs the task, the article of PPE is processed. Information is retrieved from the smart tag during at least one of: before, during and after processing the article of PPE. After the performance of the task, the individual's data is read and the individual enters into a designated area. |
| US09996809B2 |
Apparatus and method for tracking and gathering information associated with assets
A method for automatically tracking assets and gathering information associated therewith is disclosed. Such a method includes attaching a tracking beacon to an asset and wirelessly monitoring, with an asset tracking system, a location of the asset using the attached tracking beacon. The method further enables a user to manually input information associated with the asset using an input element (e.g., button, directional switching device, touchscreen, etc.) incorporated into the tracking beacon. The method wirelessly transmits the information from the tracking beacon to the asset tracking system. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein. |
| US09996807B2 |
Multidimensional digital platform for building integration and analysis
A method is provided for qualifying and analyzing business intelligence. At a first part of a data management system receives first, second and third streams of data. The first stream is client provided source data, the second is public source data and the third is data management system internal data previously collected and managed source data in the data management system. The three streams of data are organized into items and their attributes at the data management system. The source data is transformed at a data warehouse where it becomes normalized. Logic is applied to provide multi-dimensional analysis of transformed source data relative to a scale for at least one business intelligence. The data warehouse includes updated data from the multi-dimensional analysis. A user interface communicates with the data management system to create statistical information that illustrates impact over time and value. |
| US09996805B1 |
Systems and methods for automated shipping optimization
Systems and methods for automated shipping optimization are described herein. In some embodiments, items may be loaded into a receptacle. As items are loaded into a receptacle, a imaging device monitors the items in order to determine if a package is inefficiently oriented in a receptacle. If a package is inefficiently oriented in a receptacle, in some embodiments, the imaging device may send instructions to a robotic device to re-orient the inefficiently oriented item. The imaging device and robotic device, in some embodiments, can monitor multiple receptacles. |
| US09996798B2 |
Traffic prediction using real-world transportation data
Systems and techniques for enhancing accuracy of traffic prediction include a system of one or more computers operable to receive a request relating to traffic prediction, compare a first prediction error for a first (moving average) traffic prediction model with a second prediction error for a second (historical average) traffic prediction model, calculated using a historical data set selected from previously recorded traffic data in accordance with a day and time associated with the request, select use of the first model or the second model based on the comparison of prediction errors, and provide an output for use in traffic prediction, wherein the output comes from applying the first traffic prediction model when the first prediction error is less than the second prediction error, and the output comes from applying the second traffic prediction model when the first prediction error is not less than the second prediction error. |
| US09996796B2 |
Distributed activity control systems and methods
A dynamic, distributed directed activity network comprising a directed activity control program specifying tasks to be executed including required individual task inputs and outputs, the required order of task execution, and permitted parallelism in task execution; a plurality of task execution agents, individual of said agents having a set of dynamically changing agent attributes and capable of executing different required tasks in said activity control; a plurality of task execution controllers, each controller associated with one or more of the task execution agents with access to dynamically changing agent attributes; a directed activity controller for communicating with said task execution controllers for directing execution of said activity control program; a communications network capable of supporting communication between said directed activity controller and task execution controllers; and wherein said directed activity controller and task execution controllers communicate via said communication network to execute said directed activity control program using selected task execution agents. |
| US09996793B2 |
Neuromorphic synapses
Method to produce a neuromorphic synapse apparatus comprising a memelement for storing a synaptic weight, and programming logic. The memelement is adapted to exhibit a desired programming characteristic. The programming logic is responsive to a stimulus prompting update of the synaptic weight for generating a programming signal for programming the memelement to update said weight. The programming logic may be responsive to an input signal indicating an input weight-change value ΔWi, and may be adapted to generate a programming signal dependent on the input weight-change value ΔWi. The programming logic is adapted such that the programming signals exploit the programming characteristic of the memelement to provide a desired weight-dependent synaptic update efficacy. |
| US09996789B2 |
Method and apparatus for manufacturing cutaneous information devices
A frangible single-use cutaneous information device is printed on a support sheet captured by an adhesive layer and adhered to the skin by the adhesive layer. A skin safe contrasting printed dye is deposited onto a release paper layer allowing the dye construct to be released from the paper and applied to the skin. A clear coat layer can also be applied before or after the dyes are deposited on the paper to protect the outer layer. A single apparatus to be applied at point of service using variable data make such a device includes a means for receiving a perforated sheet, an electrostatic image forming and transferring device, a member for fusing the image to the perforated sheet, an adhesive applicator positioned to apply adhesive to the image, and a transport and joining structure that transports the perforated protective sheet and joins it to the perforated sheet at a position overlying the adhesive. |
| US09996783B2 |
System and method for quality management utilizing barcode indicators
A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcoded quality indicators, a barcode indicator reader and a product type responsive indication interpreter, each of the barcoded quality indicators including a first barcode including at least one first colorable area, the first barcode being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, at least a second barcode including at least one second colorable area, the second barcode not being machine-readable before exceedance of the at least one time and temperature threshold, a coloring agent located at a first location on the indicator and a coloring agent pathway operative to allow the coloring agent to move, from the first location to the first and second colorable areas simultaneously thereby causing the first barcode to become unreadable and at the same time causing the second barcode to become machine-readable. |
| US09996781B2 |
Selectively optically readable data carrier
The invention relates to a data carrier comprising a storage layer forming a plurality of first surface elements (6). The storage layer (2) has at least one optical characteristic, which is optically anisotropic and which varies spatially between the first surface elements (6). A cover layer (3) over the storage layer (2) forms a plurality of second surface elements (10), each acting as a polarization filter for a predetermined polarization direction. The predetermined polarization direction varies between the second surface elements (10). The storage layer can contain in particular bacteriorhodopsin in the form of a purple membrane. The invention also relates to a method for the production and reading of a data carrier of this type. |
| US09996778B2 |
Methods of storing information using nucleic acids
The present invention relates to methods of storing data using one or more nucleic acids. |
| US09996777B1 |
Image forming system, server, information processing method, and image forming apparatus that decrease paper jam
Provided is an image forming system that reduce a paper jam. The system includes an image forming apparatus and a server to manage the image forming apparatus. A paper jam information receiving part in the server receives paper jam information transmitted from the image forming apparatus. A paper jam information analyzing part analyzes paper jam information. A paper jam information analyzing part generates feed-setting changing information when the feed number of the recording paper in the paper feed source where the paper jam occurred corresponds to a threshold and another paper feed source with same settings of a recording paper is present. Feed-setting changing information is information instructed to change into the respective paper feed source. A feed-setting changing information transmitting part transmits feed-setting changing information to the image forming apparatus. |
| US09996775B2 |
Method for configuring a varnishing unit in a digital printing machine
A method for configuring the further processing of printing substrates in a digital printing machine includes modifying settings for configuring the further processing while the machine is in operation. The settings of the further processing are created by using a configuration program running on a control unit of the digital printing machine. The modified settings have an effect on at least one region to be further processed on the printing substrate and the settings are printed onto the printing substrate so as to be allocated to a corresponding region to be further processed. |
| US09996772B2 |
Detection of objects in images using region-based convolutional neural networks
A transformed image is received. The transformed image includes an other-than-visible light image that has been captured using a transformation device. A region of the transformed image is isolated, the region being less than an entirety of the transformed image. By applying to the region a convolutional Neural Network (CNN) which executes using a processor and a memory, and by processing only the region of the transformed image, an object of interest is detected in the region. Upon detecting, an indication is produced to indicate the presence of the object of interest in the region. |
| US09996768B2 |
Neural network patch aggregation and statistics
Neural network patch aggregation and statistical techniques are described. In one or more implementations, patches are generated from an image, e.g., randomly, and used to train a neural network. An aggregation of outputs of patches processed by the neural network may be used to label an image using an image descriptor, such as to label aesthetics of the image, classify the image, and so on. In another example, the patches may be used by the neural network to calculate statistics describing the patches, such as to describe statistics such as minimum, maximum, median, and average of activations of image characteristics of the individual patches. These statistics may also be used to support a variety of functionality, such as to label the image as described above. |
| US09996766B2 |
Imaging-based methods for detecting and measuring defects in extruded cellular ceramic articles
Imaging-based methods for detecting defects in an extruded cellular ceramic article having a web array are disclosed. The methods may include capturing a digital image of the web array to establish an intensity-based initial web array representation. The methods also may include performing an intensity threshold process on the initial web array representation to define an intensity-based high-resolution web array representation having sub-pixel resolution, and performing piecewise cubic spline fits to define corresponding web skeletons. The method may also include comparing intensities of the high-resolution web array representation along the web skeletons to a threshold intensity to determine the defect locations and sizes. The methods can be applied to determining the size and location of skin defects as well. |
| US09996756B2 |
Detecting risky driving with machine vision
A system for driver risk determination using machine vision includes an interface and one or more processors. The interface is to receive one or more video data streams. The one or more processors is/are to determine, whether a driving behavior risk type appears in one of the one or more video data streams; and in the event that the driving behavior risk type appears in the one of the one or more video data streams, indicate the driver behavior risk type. |
| US09996751B2 |
Method for monitoring a monitored region recorded by a camera
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a monitored region (10) recorded by a camera, wherein a content analysis is performed for a sub-region (20) of the monitored region (10); wherein the sub-region (20) is determined in dependence on one or more parameters; and wherein the determination of the sub-region (20) is performed anew when at least one of the parameters changes during the monitoring. |
| US09996748B2 |
Emitter tracking system
An improved emitter tracking system. In aspects of the present teachings, the presence of a desired emitter may be established by a relatively low-power emitter detection module, before images of the emitter and/or its surroundings are captured with a relatively high-power imaging module. Capturing images of the emitter may be synchronized with flashes of the emitter, to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the captured images. |
| US09996746B1 |
Systems and methods for autonomous perpendicular imaging with a target field of view
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assessment and reporting system may utilize one or more scanning techniques to provide useful assessments and/or reports for structures and other objects. The scanning techniques may be performed in sequence and optionally used to further fine tune each subsequent scan. The system may include shadow elimination, annotation, and/or reduction for the UAV itself and/or other objects. A UAV may be used to determine a pitch of roof of a structure. The pitch of the roof may be used to fine tune subsequent scanning and data capture to capture perpendicular images of target field of views and/or target distances. |
| US09996745B2 |
Blending of agricultural products via hyperspectral imaging and analysis
Provided is a method for blending of agricultural product utilizing hyperspectral imaging. At least one region along a sample of agricultural product is scanned using at least one light source of different wavelengths. Hyperspectral images are generated from the at least one region. A spectral fingerprint for the sample of agricultural product is formed from the hyperspectral images. A plurality of samples of agricultural product is blended based on the spectral fingerprints of the samples according to parameters determined by executing a blending algorithm. |
| US09996736B2 |
Large venue surveillance and reaction systems and methods using dynamically analyzed emotional input
Certain example embodiments relate to large venue surveillance and reaction systems and/or methods that take into account both subjective emotional attributes of persons having relations to the large venues, and objective measures such as, for example, actual or expected wait times, current staffing levels, numbers of customers to be serviced, etc. Pre-programmed scenarios are run in real-time as events stream in over one or more electronic interfaces, with each scenario being implemented as a logic sequence that takes into account at least an aspect of a representation of an inferred emotional state. The scenarios are run to (a) determine whether an incident might be occurring and/or might have occurred, and/or (b) dynamically determine a responsive action to be taken. A complex event processing engine may be used in this regard. The analysis may be used in certain example embodiments to help improve customer satisfaction at the large venue. |
| US09996735B2 |
Facial recognition
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing facial recognition. In one aspect, a method includes accessing a first digital photograph. A first face template is generated for each face detected in the first digital photograph. Second user identifiers that are associated with a first user identifier are determined. A digital photograph index of photographs, user identifiers, and areas in the digital photographs in which a face of a user identified by user identifier is located is accessed. Second user identifiers are selected, and second face templates are generated from the faces of the user the digital photographs. First face templates that match second face templates are identified, and for each first face template that matches a second face template, data is generated specifying the area in the first digital photograph in which the face of the second user is located. |
| US09996728B2 |
System and method for partial fingerprint enrollment and matching using small size fingerprint sensors
A system and a method for enabling a fingerprint registration on a mobile device are provided. The mobile device includes a fingerprint registration unit configured to receive at least one first image of a fingerprint input in a first orientation, receive at least one second image of the fingerprint input in a second orientation, and generate a fingerprint image by stitching the at least one first image with the at least one second image such that the first orientation and the second orientation are substantially perpendicular to each other. |
| US09996724B2 |
Optical fingerprint detection apparatus and display device
An optical fingerprint detection apparatus and a display device are disclosed. The optical fingerprint detection apparatus includes: a light source; a touch panel including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being provided with at least one touch area, the second surface being configured for receiving the light beam emitted from the light source and angled with respect to the first surface by an angle of less than 90 degrees; and a detection unit located outside of the side of the touch panel opposite to the first surface and configured for receiving the light beam reflected by the touch area and emitted from the touch panel and detecting an intensity distribution of the received light beam. |
| US09996722B2 |
Biometric feature identification device and method
A biometric feature identification device includes a substrate, an electrode layer, and a switch and trace layer. The electrode layer is arranged at one side of the substrate and has a plurality of electrodes. The switch and trace layer has a plurality of switches and a plurality of traces. The switches are provided to divide the plurality of electrodes sequentially or dynamically into at least one sensing electrode group and a plurality of deflection electrode groups corresponding thereto. Each sensing electrode group corresponds to at least two deflection electrode groups. Each sensing electrode group has at least one electrode for sensing. Each deflection electrode group has a plurality of electrodes for deflection. |
| US09996713B2 |
Secure smartcard reader
A secure smartcard reader including a smartcard connector and a flexible printed circuit board wrapped around and at least partially surrounding the smartcard connector and at least partially defining a security volume enclosing the smartcard connector, the wrapped flexible printed circuit board defining on an outer-facing surface thereof a plurality of keypad contacts, the wrapped flexible printed circuit board defining electrical conductors connecting the plurality of keypad contacts to connector pads and the wrapped flexible printed circuit board defining a protective anti-tamper mesh protecting the electrical conductors. |
| US09996711B2 |
Asset protection of integrated circuits during transport
An integrated circuit (IC) provisioned for asset protection has a primary circuit portion, such as a microprocessor or system-on-chip, that can be selectively disabled and enabled via an operability control input. The IC includes a secure register to store lock state indicia and unlock criteria, where a signal at the operability control input is responsive to the lock state indicia. In operation, a firmware data store receives and stores firmware code that includes a lock/unlock command, and firmware data that includes an unlock key. An authorization module verifies authenticity of the firmware code. A lock/unlock (LUL) module is operative to write lock state indicia to the secure register based on the lock/unlock command only in response to a positive verification of the authenticity of the firmware code by the authorization module, and to write lock state indicia to the secure register. |
| US09996710B2 |
Security system for electronic device
The combination of an electronic device and a security system therefor. The electronic device has a first component with an upper surface and a second component configured to be moved relative to the first component around a first axis. The security system has a holding system with a first holding assembly and at least one track assembly configured to guide translational movement of the first holding assembly in a path relative to the electronic device in a display position relative to a support at a display location. The at least one track assembly is secured to the support. The first holding assembly is guided from a starting position into a holding position. The first holding assembly in the holding position has a portion that resides over the upper surface of the first component adjacent to the first axis with the electronic device in the display position so as to engage the upper surface to thereby limit upward movement of the first component relative to the support. |
| US09996709B2 |
Secure computer architecture
A secure computer architecture is provided. With this architecture, data is received, in a component of an integrated circuit chip implementing the secure computer architecture, for transmission across a data communication link. The data is converted, by the component, to one or more first fixed length frames. The one or more first fixed length frames are then transmitted, by the component, on the data communication link in a continuous stream of frames. The continuous stream of frames includes one or more second fixed length frames generated when no data is available for inclusion in the frames of the continuous stream. |
| US09996707B2 |
Method and apparatus for destructing compromised devices
The system and method for destroying compromised objects, including electronic devices. The system and method utilizes a barrier separating two reagents that can be rapidly mixed to form a base when desired. The system and method have a barrier configured to be triggered remotely. The barrier comprises an aluminum foil layer. |
| US09996697B2 |
Methods and systems for blocking the installation of an application to improve the functioning of a mobile communications device
Methods and systems are provided for sharing information and improving the functioning of devices by blocking the installation of an application based on an assessment. In the methods and systems disclosed, a server may receive data pertaining to an application from the mobile communications device. The server may process the data from the mobile communications device to determine an assessment of the application, where the assessment is based on an analysis using information shared by sources other than the mobile communications device. The server may then provide the assessment to the mobile communications device. |
| US09996688B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling access to computer applications or data
Solutions for controlling access to computer applications or data are disclosed. For instance, certain systems advantageously secure access to applications and data by not allowing the file to launch if conditions acceptable to opening the file are not met, even when the user or computer has the authority to access the file. In other instances, certain systems advantageously secure access to applications and data by not allowing the file to launch if the user credentials are not validated, even when the conditions acceptable to opening the file are met. |
| US09996685B2 |
Keyboard neutral authentication
A method of performing user authentication including the steps of receiving a password comprising a sequence of characters, accessing one or more alternative keyboard layout definitions, generating one or more additional passwords from applying the alternative keyboard layout definitions to the sequence of characters, and using the received password and the additional passwords in the user authentication process. |
| US09996681B2 |
Mobile device access for medical devices
Methods for controlling a medical device using a software application on a mobile device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request from the software application on the mobile device to open a communications channel for at least one of audio communication or text-based communication, and sending from the server an instruction to the medical device based on the request. The method also includes providing to the software application on the mobile device for display a result of the instruction. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided. |
| US09996680B2 |
Methods and related apparatus for managing access to digital assets
The apparatus disclosed herein, in various aspects, includes a digital asset, and an amulet that comprises an encrypted self-validating string. The amulet may be external to the digital asset. The apparatus may include a manager that cooperates securely with the digital asset and cooperates securely with the amulet to control access to the digital asset as specified by the amulet. In some aspects, the manager cooperates with the digital asset and with the amulet, at least in part, through shared memory in process space. In other aspects, the manager cooperates with the digital asset and with the amulet, at least in part, through a RAM drive in memory, the RAM drive at least partially hidden from an operating system of the computer. In yet other aspects, the manager cooperates with the digital asset and with the amulet, at least in part, through a virtual machine accessible only by said apparatus. The amulet, the manager, and the digital asset are either operably receivable by a computer or are operably received by the computer, in various aspects. Related methods and compositions of matter are also disclosed.This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus, methods, and compositions of matter disclosed herein or to delineate the scope of this disclosure. |
| US09996677B2 |
System and method for obtaining an objective measure of dyspnea
A computer-implemented method for assessing a level of dyspnea in a patient is provided. The method includes measuring physical activity of the patient over a period of time with an activity monitor to gather physical activity data; measuring respiration rate of the patient over the period of time with a respiration rate sensor to gather respiration rate data; administering a questionnaire to gather clinical information of the patient; and executing, on one or more computer processors, one or more computer program modules to determine a dyspnea value for the patient based on the respiration rate data, the physical activity data, and the clinical information of the patient. The dyspnea value is representative of the level of dyspnea in the patient. |
| US09996672B2 |
Systems and methods of treatment using intervention and tasking determination
Devices, systems, and methods for use in managing patient treatments utilizing pharmaceutical or therapeutic compounds. Methods include accessing one or more fields of information relating to any of a patient, physician and drug treatment and relating the one or more fields, or combination thereof, to a particular attribute or outcome. By analyzing the one or more fields of data in relation to the attribute or outcome, the system determines suitability of an intervention(s) and tasks the intervention(s) to one or more entities to facilitate the desired attribute or outcome. In certain aspects, the system facilitates identification of complex relationships and trends between seemingly unrelated fields of information and outputs information for use in an intervention or various other purposes according to the attribute or outcome desired by the user. |
| US09996671B2 |
Method for providing reliable non-invasive diagnostic tests
Method for providing a reliable non-invasive diagnostic test of the presence and/or severity of a disease, and associated software and expert system includes: a. collecting a diagnostic index, called Initial Index, preferably a score, b. calculating the Dispersion Index of the collected Initial Index, c. analyzing the reliability of each data by identifying if at least one data of index collected in step a) is an abnormal, inconsistent and/or a non-homogeneous data, or is responsible for a greater decrease in the Dispersion Index than that observed with other data, d. if a data is an abnormal, inconsistent and/or non-homogeneous data, or a data lowering a Dispersion Index, generating an Event Alert, e. if an Event Alert is generated, calculating new indexes, f. replacing the Initial Index including an abnormal, inconsistent and/or non-homogeneous data or a data affecting the Dispersion Index, with an Alternative, Estimated or a Mixed Index. |
| US09996667B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying patient data
Implementations are directed to providing a user of a mobile device access to patient information and patient physiological data. Actions can include receiving user input, the user input indicating a user command to display a consults screen, in response to the user input, processing user-specific data to determine one or more user-specific patient icon groups, and displaying the consults screen on the mobile device, the consults screen including one or more display regions and one or more patient icon groups, each display region displaying a patient icon group, the patient icon groups including a pending patient icon group. |
| US09996663B2 |
System, method and recording medium for calculating physiological index
A system, a method and a recording medium for calculating a physiological index are provided. The method includes: dividing a physiological data sequence into a plurality of windows; analyzing a data segment in each window to obtain metadata that represents data characteristics of the data segment; updating the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a previous window by using the metadata corresponding to one of the windows to obtain the metadata including the data characteristics of all data segments in the windows up to a current window; and finally, calculating the physiological index by using the updated metadata. |
| US09996662B1 |
Metagenomics-based characterization using genomic and epidemiological comparisons
A method comprises obtaining results of metagenomics sequencing performed on biological samples from respective sample sources, identifying particular ones of the biological samples that are related to a disease, infection or contamination based at least in part on the results of metagenomics sequencing, generating a genomic comparison component comprising hit abundance score vectors for respective ones of the identified samples, generating an epidemiologic comparison component comprising a graph in which nodes corresponding to patients are connected in the graph based at least in part on patient comparative indexes, collectively processing portions of the genomic comparison component with portions of the epidemiologic comparison component to further characterize the disease, infection or contamination, and updating a profile of the disease, infection or contamination based at least in part on the further characterization. |
| US09996649B2 |
On the fly netlist compression in power analysis
A method for analyzing power in a circuit includes identifying equivalent elements in a source netlist representing the circuit. Abstract elements are formed combining the equivalent elements of the source netlist. A reduced netlist is formed, substituting the abstract elements in the reduced netlist for the collective equivalent elements in the source netlist. Metrics or properties associated with equivalent elements of the source netlist are combined and associated, in the reduced netlist, with the abstract elements. The reduced netlist can be analyzed with results equivalent to analyzing the source netlist. |
| US09996647B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for etch profile optimization by reflectance spectra matching and surface kinetic model optimization
Disclosed are methods of optimizing a computer model which relates the etch profile of a feature on a semiconductor substrate to a set of independent input parameters (A), via the use of a plurality of model parameters (B). In some embodiments, the methods may include modifying one or more values of B so as to reduce a metric indicative of the differences between computed reflectance spectra generated from the model and corresponding experimental reflectance spectra with respect to one or more sets of values of A. In some embodiments, calculating the metric may include an operation of projecting the computed and corresponding experimental reflectance spectra onto a reduced-dimensional subspace and calculating the difference between the reflectance spectra as projected onto the subspace. Also disclosed are etch systems implementing such optimized computer models. |
| US09996642B2 |
Method and apparatus for finite analysis pre-processing
A computer-implemented method for finite analysis pre-processing may include (1) receiving a processing request that identifies a geometries within a design space and a finite analysis pre-processing operation to be performed thereon, (2) determining an interface that is common to a first geometry and a second geometry of the geometries, and (3) conducting the finite analysis pre-processing operation on at least the interface between the first geometry and the second geometry previous to concurrently conducting the finite analysis pre-processing operation on an unprocessed portion of the first geometry and an unprocessed portion of the second geometry. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed herein. |
| US09996639B2 |
Topography simulation apparatus, topography simulation method and recording medium
In one embodiment, a topography simulation apparatus includes a division module to divide a calculating area for calculating topography of a substance into cells and express the topography using filled cells and vacant cells, and a calculation module to calculate a filling rate for a target cell based on processing rates for its neighboring cells. The calculation module calculates, based on the processing rates for the neighboring cells, contributing rates of the neighboring cells contributing to the filling rate for the target cell. The calculation module calculates, based on the contributing rates of the neighboring cells, the filling rate for the target cell. One of the contributing rates of the neighboring cells of the target cell depends on whether another neighboring cell of the target cell is a first cell whose filling ratio belongs to first range or a second cell whose filling ratio belongs to second range. |
| US09996636B2 |
Method for forming walls to align 3D objects in 2D environment
Example systems and methods for virtual visualization of a three-dimensional (3D) model of an object in a two-dimensional (2D) environment. The method may include capturing the 2D environment and adding scale and perspective to the 2D environment. Further, a user may select intersection points between ground planes and top planes, join these intersection points with intersecting lines and form walls, thereby converting the 2D environment into a 3D space. Additionally, the method allows the user to extend the wall plane, enabling the user to form a larger 3D space. The user may further add 3D models of objects on the wall plane such that the objects may remain flush with the wall plane. |
| US09996635B2 |
Method of freeform imaging lens
A design method of freeform imaging lens with a wide linear field-of-view (FOV) is provided. A initial freeform imaging lens is developed, and the initial freeform imaging lens includes a first lens surface and an entrance pupil spaced from each other, wherein the FOV of the system 2ω (±ω) is divided into 2k+1 sampling fields with equal interval Δω between each two adjacent sampling fields. Each two adjacent sampling fields are taken as one group. Two constraints are employed to calculate the plurality of data points of the first lens surface to obtain a front surface of the freeform imaging lens. The data points are calculated based on Snell's law, and a curve is obtained through the data points. A back surface is added to approximately keep the previous outgoing direction of rays from the front surface. |
| US09996633B2 |
Device for creating facility display data, facility display system, and program for creating data for facility display
A facility display data creating device is provided. The device includes: a first processing unit that retrieves a first facility information group from a first database; a second processing unit that retrieves a second facility information group from a second database; a third processing unit that determines whether any of facilities indicated by the first facility information group corresponds to any of the facilities indicated by the second facility information group; and a fourth processing unit that creates display data to display facility information by combining and sorting the first and second facility information groups in an order of distance from a predetermined position, and that creates the display data to display the facility information of the corresponding facilities adjacently to each other and independently of the order of distance on condition that the corresponding facilities are determined. |
| US09996631B2 |
Information management and display in web browsers
New ways of presenting information in a web browser are presented wherein documents categorized as belonging to the same web site or application are grouped together and presented in either an first mode where a browser window is open and one of the resources categorized as belonging to the group is displayed, or in a second mode where the group is represented by an icon. |
| US09996628B2 |
Providing audio-activated resource access for user devices based on speaker voiceprint
This disclosure includes, for example, methods and computer systems for providing audio-activated resource access for user devices. The computer systems may store instructions to cause the processor to perform operations, comprising capturing audio at a user device. The operations may also comprise using a speaker recognition system to identify a speaker in the transmitted audio and/or using a speech-to-text converter to identify text in the captured audio. The speaker identity or a condensed version of the speaker identity or other metadata along with the speaker identity may be transmitted to a server system to determine a corresponding speaker identity entry. The operations may also comprise receiving a resource corresponding to the identified speaker entry in the server system. |
| US09996623B1 |
Computer-implemented method of carrying out a search for information available over a network
A computer-implemented method of carrying out an image-based search for information available over a network includes serving to a client computer a web page containing a set of knowledge models in response to a search request message received at a server over the network from the client computer. The knowledge models are interlinked, through a crowd-sourced schema, in a knowledgebase. The web page is structured so that graphically selecting one of the knowledge models in the web page displayed on the client computer causes display of a set of knowledge assets interlinked with the selected knowledge model. |
| US09996620B2 |
Continuous content refinement of topics of user interest
Techniques are disclosed for a user interface that provides active assistance to discover, investigate, refine and save multiple topics of interest, i.e., a topic incubator where user interests are discovered, quickly developed to maturity and preserved. Each topic may have an independent topic interface with independently suggested topics. In each topic interface, users may control topic development by selecting saved topics, dynamically suggested topics and manually entered topics. Suggested topics may be based on saved interests, related interests and/or browsed content. Suggested topics may differ between topic interfaces and may change with topics. Suggested topics may be continuously refined or updated based on existing topics, changed topics, selected suggested topics and selected content. Users control treatment of selected topics individually or as refinements of (combinations with) other topics to create compound topics. Users replace or refine existing topics in existing topic interfaces or branch off topics into additional topic interfaces. |
| US09996618B2 |
Locating relevant content items across multiple disparate content sources
Technologies are described herein for locating relevant content items across multiple disparate content sources. Query parameters are received from a user interface for defining a query for searching a number of content sources located on multiple, disparate content servers. A native search is executed on each of the content servers based on the received query parameters, and query statistics and other data regarding content items in the content sources matching the query parameters are received. The query statistics are aggregated across the content servers and presented in the user interface. The presentation of the query statistics may be broken out by each content source, by each query phrase segmented from the query, and the like. In addition, a preview of a number of content items matching the query parameters is presented based on the data received. |
| US09996616B2 |
Methods and systems for searching, selecting, and displaying content
Methods and systems for identifying and presenting information are described. Search results are received from a search engine. An entity associated with a networked site is selected using a selection criterion. A determination is made as to whether the listing includes a link to the networked site or includes the link to the networked site at a list position that fails to satisfy a first criterion. After determining that the link to the site associated with the entity is not included in the search result listing, or that the link to the site associated with the entity is not at a position in the search result listing that satisfies the first criterion, the search listing is modified by causing the link to the site associated with the entity to appear in a first position in the search listing. The modified search listing is displayed on a user terminal. |
| US09996614B2 |
Method and system for determining relevant text in a web page
Disclosed is a method and computing device that receives a web page and locates text elements in the web page, where each text element includes a set of one or more characters or symbols. For each text element found, the computing device assigns a weight value to the each text element. The computing device then stores the text from the each text element in a relevant text storage if the weight value for the each text element is above a threshold weight or similar in layout or content to elements above the threshold weight. |
| US09996601B2 |
Data synchronization
Technologies are generally described for a data synchronization scheme. In some examples, a method performed under control of a client device may include connecting to a server based at least in part on user account login information; receiving, from the server, a data file stored in connection with the user account; storing the received data file in a local data storage; receiving a request to logout the client device; determining that the client device is disconnected from the server and/or that the data file stored on the local data storage is not synchronized with the data file stored in connection with the user account; and encrypting the data file stored on the local data storage. |
| US09996599B2 |
Using access count of the remote site to optimize file transfer order for asynchronous replication
According to one embodiment, a system includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic causes the processor to receive, at a remote site connected to a production site via a network, an incremental file list from the production site, each incremental file indicated by the incremental file list being either updated or new as determined during a time period between a data image at a previous synchronization (sync) point and a data image at a current sync point. The logic also causes the processor to tally a remote access count of each incremental file on the incremental file list received at the remote site by users at the remote site, record the tallied remote access counts in the incremental file list at the remote site, and transfer the incremental file list including the tallied remote access counts to the production site. |
| US09996597B2 |
Unified mapreduce framework for large-scale data processing
According to some embodiments, a method for processing input data comprises creating a MapReducer object corresponding to a MapReduce environment; and receiving, by a MapReduce interface, a plurality of input parameters comprising the input data; a mapper function; a reducer function; and the MapReducer object; and using the MapReduce interface to process the input data by one or more processors in the MapReduce environment using the mapper function and the reducer function. According to some embodiments, the method further comprises creating a second MapReducer object, wherein the second MapReducer object corresponds to a second MapReduce environment; receiving, by the MapReduce interface, the second MapReducer object in place of the first MapReducer object; and utilizing the MapReduce interface to process the input data by the one or more processors in the second MapReduce environment using the mapper function and the reducer function. |
| US09996595B2 |
Providing full data provenance visualization for versioned datasets
Systems and methods for providing full data provenance visualization for versioned datasets. A method includes receiving selection of a versioned dataset that is within a data pipeline system. The method also includes determining the full data provenance of the selected versioned dataset. The full data provenance may comprise a set of versioned datasets. The method further includes providing for display of a visualization of the full data provenance of the selected versioned dataset. The visualization comprises a graph. The graph comprises a compound node for the selected versioned dataset and for each versioned dataset in the set of versioned datasets. The graph further comprises edges connecting the compounds nodes. Each edge represents a derivation dependency between versions of the versioned datasets represented by the compound nodes connected by the edge. |
| US09996586B2 |
Method and device for searching for contact object, and storage medium
The present disclosure relates to the searching technology field, and discloses a method and a device for searching a contact object, and a storage medium. The method comprises: normalizing a content of a contact field; receiving an input string for contact object searching, wherein the input string comprises any character or a combination of characters; normalizing the input string; searching in the normalized content of the contact field according to the normalized input string to obtain a matching field; and acquiring information of a contact object containing the matching field as a contact searching result. The device comprises a preprocessing module, a receiving module, an input processing module, a searching module and an acquiring module. |
| US09996583B1 |
Differential recursive evaluation of recursive aggregates
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for performing differential recursive evaluation of recursive aggregates. One of the methods includes receiving an original recursive expression that defines tuples belonging to an output relation, wherein the original recursive expression has a recursive aggregation construct, the recursive aggregation construct having a range and a recursive term. An aggregates delta rule is applied to the initial delta expression to generate a final delta expression having an existential term and a gamma term. The existential term is evaluated to generate tuples related by the range and tuples in the delta relation, and the aggregation construct is evaluated using tuples generated by the existential term as the range of the aggregation construct. The output relation is updated including adding to the output relation any tuples newly generated by evaluating the final delta expression. |
| US09996582B2 |
Query tuning in the cloud
Tuning a production database system through the use of a remote mimic. In response to receipt of a query tuning request against a database system, information about that system is obtained and a mimic of the system is set up in a remote system environment. The mimic aims to imitate the database system in all relevant ways with respect to the tuning request. A tuning analysis is then performed on this mimic system such that there is substantially no impact to operations of the original database system. Tuning results are then applied to the original database system. The entire process takes place with little or no human intervention. |
| US09996579B2 |
Fast color searching
Systems and methods are described to quickly search a data store based on one or more n-dimensional colors. The n-dimensional colors in the data store may be converted to interleaved integers and indexed. An n-dimensional color search range may be converted to one or more integer search ranges. A fast color search query may be formulated based on the one or more integer search ranges, and transmitted to the data store for searching. The data store may use the interleaved integer index to quickly compare the integer search ranges to the interleaved integers, and send back one or more colors or object results that matched the desired color range. |
| US09996578B1 |
Method of ensuring near real-time transaction integrity with rollback of committed transaction upon detection of incorrect transaction processing after the commit
An identical request to process a transaction is initiated at multiple nodes or multiple applications, and the results are committed. Subsequent to the commit, indicia regarding the outcome of the processing are compared, and the transaction is rolled back if the comparison indicates that the processing was incorrect. |
| US09996575B2 |
Automated social message stream population
A messaging system automatically populates a stream of messages using only a seed selected by the requesting account holder. In one embodiment, the seed includes the streams of one or more of the “top” accounts of the messaging system. Here, “top” is according to any one of a number of different metrics stored in the messaging system. With knowledge of the seed, the messaging system automatically populates a stream for the requesting account holder, without requiring any other input. As a result, an account holder is provided with a fully functioning stream with very little effort or knowledge required on their part. |
| US09996572B2 |
Partition management in a partitioned, scalable, and available structured storage
Partition management for a scalable, structured storage system is provided. The storage system provides storage represented by one or more tables, each of which includes rows that represent data entities. A table is partitioned into a number of partitions, each partition including a contiguous range of rows. The partitions are served by table servers and managed by a table master. Load distribution information for the table servers and partitions is tracked, and the table master determines to split and/or merge partitions based on the load distribution information. |
| US09996567B2 |
Process and framework for facilitating data sharing using a distributed hypergraph
A knowledge model “overlay” for organizing and analyzing large, dynamic data volumes is implemented as a hypergraph that manifests as a result of a distributed theory-driven data source transformation process. This process maps exponentially growing data into an asymptotically limited information space. Within this space, real-world entities (e.g. people, computers, cities, Earth) and their complex interdependencies (e.g. social networks, connectivity, causal relationships) are represented as attributed hypergraph elements (i.e. both hypervertices and hyperedges). Attributes are represented as state vectors affixed to any hypergraph element. Transformation of source system data into this overlay structure is accomplished with minimal data movement and replication using a universal “pointer” like mechanism that is managed in a decentralized fashion by the respective transformation components. Access to the knowledge overlay is performed via a hypergraph communication protocol encapsulated within a common hypergraph API and accompanying hypergraph toolkit. |
| US09996564B2 |
Managing database object placement on multiple storage devices
A method, information processing system, and computer program storage product optimize the placement of database objects on a multiplicity of storage devices. A set of database objects are placed on a first storage device in a multiplicity of storage devices. Each storage device comprises differing characteristics. A query workload is run on the set of database objects that have been placed on the first storage device. Profiling information associated with the query workload that is running is collected. A subset of database objects is selected from the set of the database objects to be stored on a second storage device. The subset of database objects is stored on the second storage device and all remaining database objects in the set of database objects on the first storage device. |
| US09996557B2 |
Database storage system based on optical disk and method using the system
A database storage system based on optical disk includes a database management system installed on a server, a magnetic disk storage device and an optical disk storage device connecting, via a data connection, to the server. The database management system processes database management and data management in response to data requests and a database is created in the magnetic disk storage device, and includes a field structure generation module, a record index generation module, a storage space allocation module, a storage space status module, a record linkage module, a record split module and a database creation on optical disk module. The integrity of data is maintained during a database backup process. The optical disk containing a subdatabase accepts the management of the database management system to serve as a normal data source. The databases are hierarchically stored using the storage devices. The methods for database backup and restoration are provided. |
| US09996553B1 |
Computer-implemented systems and methods for data management and visualization
Systems and methods are disclosed for data management and visualization. In accordance with one implementation, a method is provided that includes, for example, receiving data from one or more sources, the data being associated with a plurality of locations. The method also includes receiving, based on input from a user, a selection of a set of metrics for scoring each of the plurality of locations and a weight to assign to each metric. In addition, the method includes calculating an overall score for each of the plurality of locations based on the received data, the selected set of metrics, and the weight assigned to each metric. |
| US09996552B2 |
Method for generating a dataset structure for location-based services and method and system for providing location-based services to a mobile device
A method for generating a dataset structure for location-based services includes partitioning a geographical area, including areas of interest, into tiles. The tiles are associated with servers, wherein each of the tiles is associated with at least one server based on a consistent hashing function. For each of the tiles, a first dataset is generated which includes the areas of interest intersecting the tile. The areas of interest of the first dataset are trimmed by edges of the tile or completely contained in the tile. For each of the tiles, a second dataset is generated which includes overflowed parts. Each of the overflowed parts is part of an areas of interest of the first dataset, is trimmed by an edge of the tile and is located outside of the tile. For each of the tiles, the first and second datasets are stored at the server(s) associated to the tile. |
| US09996549B2 |
Method to construct a file system based on aggregated metadata from disparate sources
A system and method for constructing a file system based on aggregated metadata from disparate sources is described. The system scans basic attributes of files in a file system, extended attributes of the files in the file system, and application-specific attributes of files that are managed by corresponding applications in the file system. The system generates an aggregate metadata library for the corresponding files based on the basic attributes, extended attributes, and application-specific attributes and builds a unified file system based on the aggregate metadata library. |